A Fresh Start
Chapter Two Hundred Fifty
When Richard walks into his office, Kevin is waiting. "Amelia, hold my calls." He says, walking towards his office with Kevin following him. He closes the door as Richard walks around his desk. "So, what's wrong?" Richard asks.
" We've had a couple of inquiries about your accident and the cause for it." Kevin says, walking over to the desk. He sits down without being invited to.
"Okay. The interview we did pretty much answers the public's questions about what happened. That should answer any questions the press have."
"There's a couple of new items that have come up."
"What items?"
"Some of the press is suggesting that perhaps you arranged your accident to cover up another one."
"What other one?"
"Your brothers, a couple of the reports have information that you were attacked after your brother was killed and some are suggesting that perhaps you ordered the attack on your brother."
"Where did these reporters get this information?"
"We're not sure, Sir."
"Well don't you think you should find that out before we go on the offensive?"
"We'll do that Sir, but we should have a strategy in place should anyone question you about this."
"The strategy is to refer them to the interview Holly did last summer. It was all explained in that article."
'That may not be enough, Sir. The press could demand an official investigation into what happened?"
"There were two official investigations. One was done by the SPD and the other by the Justice department in conjunction with NIS. They have a signed confession from the woman responsible for the accidents. She was convicted of treason and sentenced to death and executed in San Cristobel."
"All of which the press can claim you arranged. We need to have an independent investigator look over the evidence and make his own conclusions."
"No! This should be enough and I will not let my family be harassed by the press. If reporters ask about this refer them to the article and the official investigations that have already been done. Is there anything else?"
"You will be at the rally on Saturday?"
"I will be there, but I will not be able to stay long afterward. I have to be at Rj's game."
"The Lions and Kiwana's are having there monthly breakfast next Wednesday and we should attend."
"Have we been invited?"
"It's open to the public."
"Alright, I'll attend, anything else?"
"No, thank you Sir."
For a moment after Kevin left, Richard sits at his desk. He's trying to decide on whether to call Julie and warn her about the potential of reporters contacting her about Matt's accident. Reaching for the phone, he dials her cell. After a couple rings, she picks up. "Hello."
"Julie, its Richard." He says, sitting back in his chair.
"Oh, hi. I wasn't expecting a call so soon." She says, sitting back in her chair.
"I know. But I needed to give you a heads up of sorts."
"Alright, is there a problem?"
"There could be. After you left my campaign manager called."
"Okay." She says, not sure why he's calling her about that.
"He wanted to let me know that there are a couple reporters snooping around Matt's accident and mine."
"Okay."
"I wanted to let you know so that you would be prepared if they should contact you, and maybe you could speak with your kids."
"They would actually speak with the kids, or try to?"
"Most will not, but some will speak with anyone they think will give them a story."
"What kind of story are they looking for?"
Sighing, he turns to the window. "They are suggesting that I ordered Matt's accident and then staged my own to throw suspicion off myself."
"That's nuts."
"We both know it is, but they are looking for a story. And this is just the beginning of what may happen before this campaign is over. I want you to be prepared."
"Thank you and I'll make sure the kids are protected."
"Good and please let me know if anything happens."
"I will." She says, sitting up. "I'll call after the holiday about dinner."
"That will be fine." He says, sitting up as well.
"Again thank you for calling."
"You're welcome."
"Bye."
"Good-bye." He says, and they hang up.
When Rhett is brought inside from the yard, he walks into his cell and then turns to the officer that brought him in and says. "I want to speak with officer that arrested me."
"He's out on patrol."
'"Then get me a detective, someone that can speak to the DA." Rhett says,
"I'll inform one of the detectives on duty." The guard says, turning away. Thirty minutes later, the guard returns. "Stand up and walk forward." He says, taking out his handcuffs. Rhett does as he's told, putting his hand through the opening in the bars so the guard could put cuffs on him. He steps back as the guard unlocks the door. The guard moves back and says. "Come forward." Rhett leaves the cell and waits as the door closes before the guard takes his arm, leading him down the hallway past Jeremiah's cell. Rhett ignores him as they pass.
Another ten minutes pass before a detective walks into the interrogation room."Mr. Rossi." He says, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from him. Rhett looks up. "You wanted to speak with a detective. I'm Detective Santos."
"I want to make a deal."
"I can't..."
"I know Jeremiah wants Sam back in the fold. He's determined to make it happen. He became obsessed when he came back from her wedding."'
"Sam who?"
"The woman I was ordered to kidnap, the mayor's wife. Her brother ordered me to kidnap her if I got the chance."
"Why?"
"He never really said but he was furious that her husband had him removed from their reception. He feels that her husband has corrupted her and he resents the fact that she allowed the Mexican father to marry her."
"That Mexican is my father." Detective Santos says, looking at Rhett.
"Jeremiah also hated the fact that Sam was interfering in the Owens case. He believes she's thumbing her nose at him and he won't stand for that."
"Before we go any further, have you spoken with your attorney?"
"I'm waiving my right to speak with my attorney."
"You realize that anything you say can be used against you in a court of law?"
"I'll take whatever consequences in Sam's kidnapping. He also resents her attitude towards their father and the community he's established for us. He believes it's his duty to bring her back to us."
"What were the details of the kidnapping?"
"He ordered me to watch her and if the opportunity arose to take her."
"What were you supposes to do with her?"
"Take her back to compound. And if anything or anyone got in the way I was to alleviate that problem as well."
"So he specifically told you to kill anyone who tried to stop you from taking Mrs. O'Neill?"
"Not in so many words, but the message was implied and clearly made."
"Do you know anything about his other crimes?"
"No, I was never involved with that. His father promised that I would be the one to marry Sam. He promised it years ago, before Sam left the organization."
"Why now? It sounds like Mrs. O'Neill's father and her brother have considered her a threat to them for many years, why would they wait for until now to make their move to bring her back into the fold as you say?"
"I'm not sure why. I just know that Jeremiah is determined to bring her back to the community and will do whatever he must to accomplish it. Can I get a deal?"
Detective Santos looks at Rhett for a moment. "I need you to write down everything you've told me and anything else you can think of. I'll take it to the DA. It will be up to him if he offers you a deal." He says, laying the pad and pen he brought into the room before him. Rhett picks it up and starts writing as Detective Santos stands up. "I will be back in a few moments."
When he returns, Rhett has finished writing out his statement. "Did you speak to the DA?"
"He's in court right now, but I will speak to him as soon as I can. I'm going to have a the guard return you to your cell. Before we do that, I need you to sign this statement, waiving your right to attorney and acknowledge that you were giving the opportunity to speak with an attorney before making this statement." Detective Santos says, laying a piece of paper in front of him. Picking up the pen, Rhett signs the waiver. "The guard will be in a few moments." Detective Santos says, taking the waiver. He leaves as Rhett sits back.
William pulls up to Cedars. Getting out, he closes the door to his car as Ava walks up to him. Turning to her, he slip his arm around her. "Sorry, I'm running late."
"It's alright, we still have time. Did something come up at work?"
"I got caught on a call." He says, as they walk towards the hospital. "When is Emma's assembly?"
"One thirty." She says, as they walk into hospital. "We should be finished in enough time to get there."
"This is just a check up, nothing major is being done?"
"It's only a check up." She says, as he pushes the button for the elevator.
When the doors open they both let the car empty and then he steps back and lets her get on first. He pushes the button for Dr. Sedgwick's office and then moves over beside her. The car goes up one floor and then stops, a doctor and nurse get on with them. When they stop at Dr. Sedgwick's floor, William follows her out of the elevator. They walk down the hall to her office and he holds the door for her. She goes to sit down as he lets them know that she's arrived. An hour later, they are walking out of Dr. Sedgwick's office. "Do we have time to eat?" She asks, as he pushes the button for the elevator.
"We'll make time." He replies, as they wait for elevator. "Did you talk to your Dad?"
"No, I'll call him after Emma's assembly." She says, as he nods.
After they finish eating, they leave for Emma's assembly. They arrive about five minutes before the assembly starts. Emma is sitting next to William. When she sees Ava and William, she leans over to Will. "Ava and William are here." She says, as he looks out into the audience.
Seeing them, he waves. Both Ava and William wave back. Richard sees Will wave at someone and he looks around. Spotting Ava and William, he stands up and motions to them. They make their way over to them, sitting down beside them, as the principal steps up to the podium.
An hour later the assembly is over. Emma and William find William, Ava, Richard and Cassie. "Hi, Uncle William." Will says, hugging him.
William hugs him back. "Congratulations, perfect attendance and "A" honor roll. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, but I still think it's unfair that Emma didn't get perfect attendance."
"I missed a week." Emma says, looking at him.
"But it's because of your Mom."
"Emma, congratulations of the "A" honor roll and first place for the school spelling bee." Cassie says.
"Thank you, Ms. Cassie."
"And Rj you made the "A/B" honor roll that's wonderful." William says. "I'm proud of both of you."
"Thank you Uncle William. Mom, can I go talk to Jackson?"
"Sure." Cassie says, as Rj leaves them. Richard watches him walk over to a woman and Jackson. The woman is only a few months younger than Cassie, but she looks years older.
'"Is that one of Rj's friends?" William asks.
"Ummm, yes. They play on the same football team." Richard says, turning his attention to William.
"And Jackson's father punched Richard at practice one night and since then Jackson and Rj have been friends." Cassie says.
"He punched you!" Ava says, looking at Richard.
"Jackson actually tackled Rj during practice with a little more enthusiasm than the coach or I felt was necessary. The coach benched him and his father didn't like it. He started mouthing off, saying things about Rj and myself. I asked him to stop and he confronted me and then he punched me, which got him banned from the games and ball park for life. The next day at school, Jackson approached Rj and apologized for tackling him so hard and for his father punching me and they've been friends ever since." Richard says, as Cassie looks at him. "What?" He asks, catching her look.
"I didn't know that."
"Rj asked me what I thought about him being friends with him. It seems like his father is quite demanding on Jackson and Rj wanted to be his friend."
"You have a good boy." Ava says, looking at Rj and Jackson as they walk up.
"I know." Cassie says, looking at them. "So, are you, Emma and Ava coming to Reva's for Thanksgiving?" She asks, turning her attention to William.
"Yes." Ava says, as Will comes up. He and Emma have been playing with some of their friends.
"Mommy." Will asks. Cassie turns to him. "Can Emma come to home with us so we can ride Lady Tammy?" He asks.
"I don't know. I don't care if she does, but it's up to Ava and your Uncle William." She says, looking at them. "You all are more than welcome to come out to the farm tonight." She says.
"Actually, I've still got stuff to do before tomorrow and we have some last minute things to pick up at the market before we head home." Ava says.
"That's fine. You'll be able to play with Emma tomorrow at your Aunt Reva's." Cassie says, looking at William.
"But we won't be able to ride Lady Tammy at Aunt Reva's." Will says, looking at her.
"We'll do this." William says, kneeling in front of Will. "I'll bring Emma out to the farm this weekend and you can go riding then." He says. "Will that work?"
"I guess." Will replies grudgingly.
"We do need to go. The market will close early for the holiday." Ava says, as William stands up.
"We'll see all of you tomorrow then." Richard says, as Ava looks around for Emma.
"I'll find her." Will says, running away from them.
"Walk, Will." Cassie says, as she shakes her head. "He has one speed I think."
"Reminds me of myself at that age." Richard says. "I was always running in the palace and most of the time I got into trouble."
"You never told me that." Cassie says, as he slips his arm around her, pulling her to him.
"I had to keep some things secret." He says, teasing her.
She leans up and kisses him. "We need to go too. The boys have their chores and I have some cooking to do."
They gather up the kids and walk out of the school together. When they reach William's car, they stop. Hugging each other, they say good-bye and then Richard and Cassie leave with the boys.
Sam is in the kitchen when Jeffrey comes in from getting some wood for the fire. Taking the wood over to the stove, he returns to close the door, locking it behind him as he says. "I think we'll be getting some snow soon, maybe this weekend. It's really cold out there."
He walks into the kitchen as Sam pulls out a chocolate pie. When he sees the pie, he reaches out and she slaps his hand away. "That's for tomorrow so stay out of it." He walks around the counter and puts his arms around her, slipping his hands under her sweater. "Jeffrey!" She cries, pulling back. "Your hands are like ice."
"I told you it's cold outside. Maybe you could warm me up."
"Go stand by the fire." She says, pulling his hands out from under her sweater.
"Come on, you don't want to warm me up?" He says, kissing the side of her neck.
"I've got work to do." She says, turning for the stove.
"I can't convince..." She looks at him and he smiles, kissing her quickly, he leaves the kitchen. Going into the living room, he turns the TV on to ESPN and says. "Did you call Megan?"
"I forgot." She says, reaching for her phone as she stirs the pasta.
"Thank you." He says, with a cocky smile.
"Don't get too self-satisfied." She says, as she waits for Megan to pick up.
After a couple rings, Megan picks up the phone as she takes stuff out of the bags from the market. "Hello." She says, putting the dishes in the fridge.
"Meg, its me." Sam says, pulling out a cutting board.
"What's up?"
"I meant to call you earlier but it's been slightly crazy over here." She says, glancing at Jeffrey and seeing his smile.
"Is something up?"
"Nothing serious, I wanted to know what your plans were for tomorrow?"
"Umm, I was going to fix dinner for me and boys. Why?"
"No one's coming..."
"If you're asking about Frank, no he's not coming over."
"You could do..."
"Drop it Sam, he's not a part of my life."
"Maybe...
"Sam!"
"Alright, so you're not having anyone over, so come with Jeffrey and I to Reva's."
"To Reva's, she doesn't even know me."
"That doesn't matter, come with us. It'll be us, Reva and Josh, Richard and Cassie and their kids, probably William and Ava with Emma and Billy with his girlfriend will likely be there."
"You're going to spend tomorrow with Josh and Reva. I thought Josh didn't want..."
"Things have changed. Anyway, there's no reason for you no to go with us."
"She said it was alright that I come."
"I wouldn't've invited you if she didn't say it was okay. So we'll see you tomorrow." Sam asks, getting a knife from the drawer.
"Alright, if you're sure it's not going to be an issue."
"No it's going to be fine. Do you want us to pick you up?"
"No, I'll come by your house and we'll follow you. When are you leaving?"
"Probably around ten."
"We'll be there." She says. They are about to hang up when Megan says. "Wait Sam, what am I supposes to bring?"
"Whatever you want, or you don't have to bring anything."
"I'm not going over there empty handed."
"Well, you could make your double fudge brownies."
"You suggested that because you want the brownies."
"Well they are world famous."
"They are not. I'll figure something out and I'll see you tomorrow." She says, as Sam smiles.
"We'll see you then." Sam says, getting the veggies from fridge. She hangs up as she sets them on the counter.
"So she's coming?" Jeffrey asks, glancing at her.
"Yes."
"What was that about the world famous double fudge brownies?"
"You just want the chocolate." She says, looking at him as he smiles.
Marah looks around her empty apartment before she closes the door behind her. The taxi is waiting for her. She walks down the hall and pushes the button for the elevator. Adam had left the week before. She was still in shock over what happened. How he could use her that way, she didn't comprehend. She was ready to get back to the US. The driver takes her suitcase as she walks up to the cab. He puts it into the trunk as she gets into the cab. When he gets into the cab, she says. "The airport please." She says, settling back in the seat as the driver puts the cab in gear and pulls away from curb.
After a few blocks he says. "Are you going home for the holidays?" He glances in the mirror.
"Yes." She says and says nothing else.
The cab driver lets the silence fill the cab as they drive through the city. When they reach the airport, he pulls up to the gate and gets out. Getting her luggage out for her, he says. "Have a safe trip ma'am?"
"Thank you." Marah says, pulling up the handle on the suitcase and turns for the gate. A little more than an hour later, she's settling into her seat in first class.
Reva is at the stove when Josh comes downstairs. "Did you get any sleep last night? I woke up around two and you weren't in bed."
"I've got a few hours. Is the turkey ready?"
"I'm going to check it as soon as I get some coffee." He says, reaching for a cup from the cupboard. He turns to her, watching her. " Why don't you go lay down?"
"I've still got things to do."
"You're exhausted. Everyone will be here within a few hours. Go take a short nap." He says, putting his coffee down.
"There are things..."
"An hour or two will not hurt." He says, taking the pot holders away from her. "I'm going to check the turkey, go lay down and I'll wake you up in a couple hours.
A little while later, Josh walks into their bedroom. Reva is still asleep when he comes in. For a moment, he stands beside the bed, watching her sleep. Leaning down, he gently touches her shoulder and shakes her. Slowly she wakes up. Looking up, she smiles. "Hi." She says, softly.
"Hi, do you feel better now that you've gotten some sleep?"
"Yes." She says, reaching up to wipe the sleep from her eyes. "What time is it?"
"Umm, about nine."
She sits up pushing the covers back. "Why did you let me sleep so long? Everyone is going to be her in an hour."
"You were tired and it's going to be a long day." He says, stepping back as she gets up.
She stops and looks at him and asks. "You're going to be okay today, aren't you?"
"I'll be fine. I have no problem with Jeffrey and Sam being here today. They're family." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
"You're sure about that?" She asks, as he steps back.
"Yes."
"Alright, I'm taking a shower before I come downstairs."
'"Alright." He says, turning to go.
"Josh." She says, looking at him. He stops and turns back to her. "I love you."
"I love you too." He says, smiling as she walks away. He leaves the room.
Reva's only been downstairs about twenty minutes when Richard, Cassie and the boys pull up outside. Josh is in the living room when they pull up. The TV's on and tuned to ESPN for their coverage of college football. "Richard and Cassie are here." He says, getting up as Reva looks up from fudge she's making.
"Can you get the door?" She asks, as he walks over to it.
Opening the door, he steps out onto the front porch as they all get out. Richard helps Cassie with the food as the boys run for the house. "Boys, wait." Cassie calls, getting out a bag of stuff.
"Let them go." Richard says, as he takes the bag from her. "Go on inside, I can get the things from the car."
"I can carry a bag of food." She says, as he looks at her. Sighing, she walks away shaking her head.
"Good morning, Cassie." Josh says, as she walks by.
"Good morning." She walks into the house as Reva is hugging Will. "Good morning Reva." She says, pulling off her coat. She hangs it up and then continues into the kitchen.
"You're looking good little sister." Reva says, hugging her.
"I'm looking good because my husband will not let me do anything." Cassie says, as Richard walks in carrying a couple bags. Josh closes the door behind them and then follows him inside.
"I'm only taking care of you." He says, putting the bags on the counter next to Reva.
"I'm pregnant, not helpless." Cassie says, looking at him.
"Being pregnant means not having to do everything, especially when I'm around to help you. I caught her this morning trying to move the couch."
"I dropped my earring and it fell behind the couch. And I'm able to get things from behind the couch."
"And what if you fell or pulled something." Richard walks up to her. "I'm only taking care of you and her." He says, laying his hand on her stomach.
"I hate it when you're practical."
"You love it when I'm practical." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
"Hey Richard, I'm smoking the turkey in the shed, want to come check on it with me." Josh says.
"Sure, do you...?"
"Go hang out in Josh's man cave..."
"I don't have a man cave. It's the shed and it's a lot warmer than standing around outside while the turkey smokes." Josh says, as Richard slips his coat back on.
"Always some excuse." Reva says, nodding towards the door as the boys come through, running.
Cassie reaches out to stop them. "If you want to play do something you can do inside, no running."
"Can we go outside?" Rj asks.
"Yes." She says, smiling as they run for the door.
"Walk, both of you." She says, as they stop.
"Are you okay?" Reva asks.
"I'm fine." Cassie says, looking at her.
"The hormones are getting to you." Reva says, smiling.
"It's not funny. And it's not the hormones, he's driving me nuts." Cassie says, looking at Reva.
"Richard?"
"No Alan, of course Richard. He won't let me do anything."
"He's protective, you know that. He loves you and he wants to protect both of you and he's likely worried about both of you."
"I know all of that." Cassie says sighing.
"Little Sister, he's protecting you."
"I know. I'm just not helpless." Cassie says, sitting down at the bar.
Reva walks over to her. "I know you're not helpless and he knows you're not helpless. Most likely he's scared and I'm pretty sure you're scared too." She says, taking Cassie's hand.
Cassie looks at her for a moment and then looks away. "I know he's worried and I'm worried too, but I'm not going to do anything to jeopardize her." She says, laying a hand on her stomach.
"He knows that sweetie." She says, walking away from her. She goes over to the stove. Picking up a spoon, she stirs the potatoes she's boiling for mashed potatoes.
"I'll be right back." Cassie says, getting up.
"Alright." Reva says, as she finishes with the potatoes.
Cassie walks outside. Shivering, she pulls her coat around her. The boys are running through the yard, and for a moment she listens to their laughter. Turning for the shed, she walks across the yard. Josh and Richard are standing around the smoker, talking when she walks up. "Cassie." Josh says, looking up. Richard turns around.
"Can I talk to you?" She asks, walking over to him.
"Sure." Richard says, as she looks at Josh.
"I'll go inside." He says, leaving the shed.
"What's wrong?" Richard asks, as she slips her arms around him.
"Nothing." She says, laying her head on his shoulder. He holds her for a few moments before she says. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" He asks, still holding her.
She steps back and looks at him. " I was a little irritated at you because you wouldn't let me do anything."
"I'm a little overprotective I know that. I just..."
"...want to protect me and her, and that's why you're doing what you've been doing. And I appreciate it."
"I know you're not helpless and that you're only pregnant."
"But you're going to keep helping me and protecting me." She says, looking at him.
"Yes." He says, caressing her cheek.
"Good, I'll try to understand that and accept that you're only worried as long as you realize that I will never do anything that will jeopardize her."
"I already know that." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
"Good." She says, stepping back from his kiss. "Are you coming inside?"
"I might as well. I don't know anything about smoking a turkey." He says, slipping his arm around her.
As they round the corner of the shed, Jeffrey and Sam pull up with Megan and her boys, followed by Ava and William with Emma. Emma, and Megan's boys run off to join Rj and Will in the front yard as the grown ups say "Hello."
The men shake hands while the ladies hug each other as well as the men. Sam is stepping back from hugging William when Reva calls out. "You guys going to come in, or stay out there all day."
"We're coming in." Cassie says, as everyone turns for the house.
When they get inside, the guys go into the living room while the ladies go to the kitchen. Reva's finishing up the stuffing when Sam says. "I can't believe how cold it is."
"I know." Ava says, pulling the rolls out of the oven.
"Jeffrey said something about us getting our first snow for the season." Sam says, as she stirs her macaroni salad.
"The kids will be excited about that." Megan says.
"I think my boys are already making plans for the days off from school they'll have."
"Will they let them out for the first snow fall." Megan asks.
"It really depends on how bad it is."
"Is the first snow usually bad?" Megan asks, leaning against the counter.
"Usually not." Josh says, walking into the kitchen. "We're going out to check on the turkey, I need a platter." He says, turning to Reva.
"That one will be fine." She says, handing Josh a platter. He leaves with Richard, Jeffrey, and William going out behind him.