Gail awoke at 4:00am in the morning, trying to shake off the nightmare she had just had. Ever since Tommy Wallace had somehow fallen off Johnson Bridge, her dreams had been plagued with awful things and Lucas. She felt as though her subconscious was trying to tell her something about Lucas; however, part of her did not want her to know and was pushing the information away. She tried to remember what had happened in her dream, but could not. This was becoming exhausting.
Even though she had been given an ultimatum with her paper, she had covered the Tommy Wallace story for Barton and all evidence pointed towards an accident. Gail did not like the similarities between what had happened to Tommy and the previous guy who tried to run for Sheriff against Lucas; however, there was no evidence to suggest Lucas was involved and he was with her on the night of the accident, she still had the bite mark on the bottom of her neck to prove it.
She felt like she was missing something and it was frustrating her. Gail let out a loud sigh and pushed the covers off her. There was no point in laying around doing nothing, so she chose to get up and start preparing for her meeting with Gregory later today.
Caleb was sat in the school yard with Josh. Ever since the meal they had gone to, he had found himself enjoying his friends company more than he used to. Josh's mum was also a Stephen King fan and she had agreed to let Josh read The Gunslinger, when she had found out that Gail had let Caleb read it.
Both Josh and Caleb were reading their books, when Caleb caught a glimpse of white in the corner of his eye. He made an excuse to leave the table and walked towards a secluded tree, where he found Merlyn waiting for him. 'Merly, I told you that we shouldn't meet here...it's not private' he said trying to sound stern, but smiling all the same. He loved seeing his sister no matter where she showed up.
Merlyn smiled back at her brother, 'Caleb why aren't you with Boon?' she asked, 'He's your best friend and you're pushing him away'
Caleb had not thought much about Boon since he started spending more time with Josh. If he was honest he did not much care about what Boon thought at this moment in time, he was having too much fun with Josh. Caleb shrugged, 'I got more in common with Josh Merly, I ain't got the patience to be kicking around a ball or playing hide and seek with Boon no more'
Merlyn shook her head, 'So you just happen to become best friends with the Mayor's son in election month? Caleb use your brain, this is what Lucas wants not you'
Caleb had not thought about the Sheriff's election, he had heard about Tommy Wallace and part of him wondered whether Lucas had gotten rid of the competition; however, he had pushed the thought away and chose not to get involved in an adults business.
Josh had always been his friend, he had never thought of him as the Mayor's son. They had never been best of friends, but he had always got on with Josh. 'Merly you're crazy, me being friends with Josh has nothin' to do with Lucas. Besides, we're just kids...we have nothing to do with the election'
'Caleb, you being friends with Josh and Gail now being friends with his mother make it easier for Lucas to get further in with the Mayor. Don't you see that?'
Caleb had not realised that Gail was friend's with Josh's mother, he had gotten the impression that the first time they met was at the meal. Could this be what Lucas wanted? He shook the thought away, 'Merly you told me not to get involved with anything the other day, isn't that what you're doin' now?' he pointed out.
Merlyn considered the comment for a moment. She knew she was concerning herself with the business of the living, which she should not be; however, all she was doing was observing and it was taking all her will power to not interfere. For instance, she could have told Caleb about what was happening with Gail, she could also have told him that Gail was considering leaving but she did not want to interfere with her cousin's business. Merlyn sighed, 'Fine, but you just be careful Caleb' and with that she vanished.
Caleb shook his head, if it was not his cousin acting strange it was his sister.
Lucas sat behind his desk contemplating what he wanted to do with the remainder of his afternoon. He had already gone through all the reports he needed to and had been on a patrol earlier with Ben, his town appeared to be under control and quiet since Tommy's accident; therefore, there was not much actual work for him to do at the present time.
As Lucas had time to spare he allowed himself to ponder over his relationship with Gail, now that he was satisfied his town had been given the attention it needed from him. Gail had gone back to being distant and had not let him visit her since she had found out about Tommy's 'accident'. He knew she would never be able to tie him to what happened, especially seen as she was his alibi. Lucas smiled when he reflected on his instincts of that night, he had not intended to get Gail involved; however, the visit had turned into his alibi and she would never doubt what she had seen herself.
He was aware that Gail had her suspicions, as she had covered the story. He also knew that due to the amount of wine she had drank with the Mayors wife, she could not remember when she had fallen asleep or what time he had entered her room; therefore, she could not prove he was not in her bed at the time of the 'accident'.
Yes, the whole thing had turned out perfectly. Having someone as highly thought of as Gail Emory rather than Selena being his alibi, that went along way with his townspeople. The Emory's had always been highly thought of in Trinity, for their nobility and honesty with the stories they published in the Trinity Guardian. If anyone tried to link him with Tommy's 'accident', they would never question the honesty of an Emory.
Lucas stood up from his desk and walked to his office door, thinking about Gail had made him want to see her and what Selena had said about his time with her not lasting had bothered him more than he would like to admit. He had given Gail enough space to deal with whatever she needed to, it was time for her to deal with him.
Gail paced impatiently while she waited for Gregory, she had chosen to meet him at the initial spot off the pier where she had taken him on his last visit and he was running late.
She still had not fully made up her mind about what she wanted to do; however, the accident with Tommy Wallace and the bad dreams she was having were making her lean towards leaving Trinity. If she did she was sure Caleb would understand, he might even come with her to Charleston. It would be hard from him at first and he would have to make new friends, but she had no doubt that a new start would be good for her cousin and it would enable him to finally put all the tragedy he had suffered behind him.
There was no way Lucas would just let her take Caleb, she had tried that previously and she wound up finding out she was pregnant. Gail did not believe that Lucas could purposely make her pregnant with a click of his fingers, in fact he was hell bend on trying to convince her that the pregnancy had been destiny. Either way, she did not intend to get in the same state and had been very careful this time around with the protection she had been taking. No, she would not allow herself to be that vulnerable again and she would not force Caleb to come with her if she left, it would have to be his choice.
'You'd make the boy chose between his cousin and his father darlin? That doesn't seem fair, especially when Caleb is finally starting to look towards his future and not the past' Lucas said from behind her, reading her mind. He had finally opened his minds eye when he saw his love pacing back and forth, it was taking all his concentration not to let his anger show at what he had uncovered.
So this was it, Lucas thought, she was considering leaving? He could not have that and he would certainly not let her take his son. Lucas leaned against a tree trying to appear casual and waited for Gail's response.
Gail closed her eyes when she heard Lucas's voice. She had been stupid to think he would not find out about her dilemma, she chose to believe Selena had told him everything, rather than entertaining the fact that he may have read her mind. 'What do you want me to say Lucas? I have to chose between my career or this stupid town...I don't want to leave Caleb, so of course I'm going to give him the option to come with me' she said defensively.
Lucas let out a small laugh, he was still trying to control his anger. 'So your mind is made up, just like that?' he asked. He cursed himself for not listening in to her thoughts sooner, had he not been trying to respect her privacy he could have nipped this train of thought in the bud straight away.
Gail shook her head and she was becoming angry at his intrusion, 'I didn't say my mind was made up Lucas, I'm just considering all my options'
Lucas pushed himself off the tree and walked towards her. 'While considering your options, why don't you think about what's going to happen the good 'ol Doctor when you're not around on the day leave from Juniper that you convinced me to authorise, or Caleb when he realises you didn't include him in your decision. I assume neither know what you're planning darlin' and they won't be happy when you abandon them'
'Abandon them, or you Sheriff?' Gail said taking a few steps closer to Lucas, so their bodies were nearly touching.
Lucas smiled, could she want him to ask her to stay? No, that was not his style, he would never beg for what he wanted. 'There's a lot of people that would miss you if you left Gail, but the trains would always run on time whatever decision you made' he said, choosing to feed her anger. He always got better results when he goaded that side of her.
Gail considered his words and smiled, Selena had said something similar to her the other night. She could feel the anger inside her rising, she felt backed into a corner by him and Gregory. Gail took a deep breath in an attempt to remain calm, then smiled. 'It's good to know where I stand Lucas. If the trains are always going to run smoothly in this town, maybe I should just leave. If nothing will be impacted by my decision, clearly I've been making a mountain out of a mole hill.'
Lucas stood his ground, although he had expected her to back down and took a final step closer so their bodies were touching. 'Clearly you have been darlin', do whatever feels right' he said and inhaled her scent.
Gail bit her lip in an attempt to hold back the urge to kiss him. The man was infuriating and stubborn, but she could not deny that she wanted him. She cursed her body for being so weak and struggling to resist Lucas's temptation. Her whole body ached for him and the anger she felt towards him only made things worse. What she really wanted to do was push him down and straddle him right out in the open, that would make her forget about the stupid decision she was being forced to make.
'So why don't you Miss Emory?' Lucas dared her and took a deep intake of breath, to control his own urges.
Just as Gail was about grab Lucas's chest, she was brought out of her trance by the sound of footsteps.
'Am I interrupting something?' Gregory asked, with a touch of venom in his voice.
Gail held Lucas's gaze for a moment, then stepped back, 'No...' she answered sweetly, '...come on, we have things to discuss' she said and turned away from Lucas.
Ben was sat behind the Sheriff's counter, reading the Charlston Post. He had the same suspicions as Gail regarding Tommy's 'accident' and admired how her story reflected the true mystery, not the cut and dry version of events that the Trinity Guardian had published. Ben respected Gail for not assuming Lucas had nothing to do with the 'accident', even though they were clearly together. She had been in and out of the Sheriff's Station when Lucas was not around, trying to find hole's in the story that Tommy's cousin had told.
Ben felt sorry for Tommy as he had been a good man, he should never have attempted to run against Lucas for Sheriff. Th poor guy showed some ambition and look where it had gotten him.
'It got him where he belonged Deputy' Lucas said from the other side of the counter.
Ben must have been so distracted with his thoughts, as he had not heard the bell above the door ring. He noticed Lucas looked frustrated, Ben did not like being around him when he got like this. 'I know Lucas, he shouldn't have been fishin' so late' Ben said obediently.
Lucas nodded, 'That's right. Go get the car, I want to swing by the school'
Ben looked at Lucas confused, 'What for?' he asked.
Lucas shook his head and shot Ben an unimpressed look, 'Did I ask you to question me Deputy? If you're lucky you'll catch your son before he heads home. Now hurry up'
Ben put the paper down and rushed out back to get the car.
Caleb sat impatiently looking at Josh, they were both waiting for the end of school bell so they could rush off together. Caleb had not decided whether he wanted to go fishing or just go for a wander around the pier.
When the bell rang the children ran out of the classroom and through the entrance to the school. Caleb and Josh were racing each other to see who could get away the quickest, when Caleb caught site of Lucas leaning against the bonnet of Ben's car. Caleb stopped and walked towards him, he had never seen Lucas here for any other reason but to talk to him or Gail and Gail was nowhere to be seen.
Lucas smiled when his sun instinctively stopped what he was doing and came to him, the boy was smart. 'Hey there son, am I interrupting?'
Caleb glanced at Josh who had stopped further down the path, when he had realised Caleb had changed direction. 'No sir, we're just trying to escape as quick as we can' he said with a small smile.
Lucas nodded, he had hated school when he was younger too. 'Why don't you hop in, a car is much faster than running son'
Caleb shook his head, 'I better not, I'm supposed to meet Gail soon then me and Josh are gonna head out'
After seeing Gail stroll off with Gregory, Lucas was on edge. He was so used to getting what he wanted that he had no patience for disobedience. 'Get in the car son.' Lucas said sternly.
Caleb narrowed his eyes, he did not like Lucas's tone and he would not be told what to do. 'And if I don't?' he asked defiantly. He could feel something inside of him started to rise.
Lucas looked down at his son, part of him applauded the boy for this display; however, a bigger part of him wanted to strike him down to show him who was boss. 'Caleb, get in the car. We need to talk about your cousin' he said, raising his voice slightly.
Caleb backed down at the mention of his cousin. Gail was acting strange these days and even though she was making more of an effort to spend time with him, he could tell she was preoccupied and trying to hide something from him. 'You need to take Josh home' Caleb said.
Lucas nodded in agreement and Caleb signalled for Josh to come over.
Gail was sat on the porch swing at the Boarding House waiting for Caleb to return from school, she had initially thought she would sit down with him and explain what choice she had made; however, when she met with Gregory she had told him that she needed more time to decide, as she needed to include Caleb in her decision.
Gregory was not willing to wait, he was an impatient man especially when he felt threatened. Seeing Gail so close to Lucas had clearly put him on edge, which made him try to dominate the situation and force her to make her choice there and then. Gail had stooped to a level that she was not proud o, to convince him to allow her more time and had played towards his affections for her.
Gail had stroked Gregory's thigh and leaned close to him, to make him think she was still interested in him and promised that she would meet up with him later for dinner. In return, he agreed to give her one more night to figure out what she wanted to do. She felt dirty at the thought using her sexuality in this situation to gain more time, maybe Selena was rubbing off on her.
Loris Holt came out of the front door, holding two cups of tea. 'Caleb seems to be running late' she said handing Gail a cup.
Gail checked her watch, it was past 4:30pm. 'I'm sure he's just run off somewhere with his friends. I'll wait a little longer, he know's I'm here'
Loris nodded and headed back inside. Gail had realised how late her cousin was and he usually did not leave her waiting; however, she would not concern Loris with that. She would wait until 5:30pm and if he did not return to the Boarding House, she would go home and get ready for her dinner with Gregory.
Ben had dropped Ben Jr and Josh off home, then Lucas had told him to drive to Sandra Parkers bed and breakfast. Caleb was sat quietly in the back seat of the car, wondering why he was getting taken to a bed and breakfast. When they pulled up, Lucas signalled for Caleb to get out of the car with him.
Caleb walked around to the front of the car and sat on the bonnet with Lucas. 'What do we need to discuss about Gail?' he asked.
Lucas looked towards one of the windows, then back towards Caleb. 'In that room up there, is a man trying to take your cousin away.'
Caleb jumped off the bonnet and faced Lucas, 'What do you mean? Gail wouldn't leave'
Lucas shook his head, 'I'm not going to bore you with the details, but that man is trying to take your cousin away son. What are you going to do about it?' he asked
Caleb narrowed his eyes at Lucas, he did not want his cousin to go not when they had finally mended their relationship. 'What are you gonna do about it? I seen the way you look at her, you wouldn't want her to go...I'm just a boy, I can't do nothin''
Lucas looked towards the window again, 'Son you can do a lot things, you just need to concentrate. I can handle this if you want, but your cousin might not be best pleased if I interfere in family business'
Caleb watched Lucas carefully. Merly had mentioned family business the other day and that he should keep out of it, could this have been what she meant? Caleb was confused, if Gail was thinking of leaving she should have told him. He could not let his cousin go, she was his family and he could not handle losing anyone else. 'What do I need to do?' Caleb asked.
Lucas smiled, 'Come closer and take my hand, you just have to concentrate'
Caleb moved closer to Lucas and took his hand, Ben was still in the drivers seat of the car and could not see what they were doing as Lucas's back was to the windscreen. Caleb took a deep breath and felt something rise within in.
'That's good son...' Lucas whispered and closed his eyes, '...just visualise the man, you'll know who. Concentrate and focus on what you need to happen'
Caleb took another deep breath and visualised a man buttoning up his shirt, the man smoothed his hair in a mirror and smiled at his reflection before leaving the room.
The man's room was situated on the top floor and there were two sets of stairs he had to walk down to get the the ground floor of the house. Caleb pictured the man's expensive leather shoes in his mind, he thought about the laces and how they may not have been tied tight enough. Caleb smiled when he envisioned the left shoe lace coming loose and the man's right foot standing on it, his smile grew wider when he saw the man lose his footing and fall heavily down the stairs. Caleb could hear Miss Parker shouting, then running towards the seemingly lifeless body at the bottom of her stairs.
Lucas opened his eyes and let go of Caleb's hand. Standing up he placed and arm around the boy's shoulder, which prompted Caleb to open his eyes and led him back towards the passenger seat of the car. 'Come on son, it's time to get you to the Boarding House'
Gail was just finishing the last of her tea when she saw Ben pull up in front of the Boarding House and let Caleb out. Caleb ran up to her on the porch and Lucas walked slowly behind him. Ben beeped at her and she waved at him before he drove away.
'You're late' she said turning her attention towards her cousin, who had a strange look about him.
Caleb shrugged, 'It's not as though you needed me for nothin' cous'
Gail did not like the vibe she was getting from him and chose to tread carefully. 'I needed to talk to you Caleb, it was important'
'Was important?' Lucas asked walking up the porch steps casually.
Gail had received a telephone call from Billy five minutes earlier informing her that a man who claimed to know her had been taken to hospital, after sustaining injuries from falling down a flight of stairs. It could only be Gregory, which meant their dinner was off and she may have more time to ponder over her decision. Her instincts were telling her to be mindful of all the accidents that seemed to be occurring recently and she had initially thought Lucas might have had something to do with Gregory's fall; however, it appeared that he had been with Caleb.
Gail turned towards Lucas, 'Yes, was' she said and focussed on Caleb. 'Are you ok?' she asked him.
Caleb walked towards his cousin and gave her a hug, 'I'm fine Gail, I just need to go get a shower' he said and left her on the porch with Lucas.
Gail watched Caleb enter the Boarding House then turned her attention towards Lucas, 'Where did you take him? We had plans.'
Lucas smiled, 'The boy wanted to go for a drive so that's what we did. He mentioned meeting up with you, but I thought you could use some time to yourself seen as you don't like to consider others in your plans.'
Gail shook her head, his attitude was beginning to annoy her. 'It's my life Sheriff, I get to chose what I do' she said and started to walk past him.
Lucas grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him, before she could walk off the porch. 'My Deputy has left me stranded here darlin'' he whispered in her ear, 'Do you mind giving me a ride?'
Gail took a deep intake of breath and tried to stay in control, it was hard to focus when their bodies were touching. 'I'll give you a ride' she said gently pulling free of his grasp and walking towards her car.
Gregory lay in the dim lit hospital room replaying the accident in his mind. He was sure he had tied his shoe lace tight and there was no reason for it to come loose. He was sure he had felt a push which contributed to his fall; however, there was no-one on the stairs with him so he must have imagined it.
He should his head and tried to consider what to do next. Gregory had attempted to call Gail using his mobile phone; however, the nurse had confiscated his phone and told him it was not allowed in the hospital. The place had no wi-fi so he could not check his Email, it appeared that he was stranded in this out dated town with nothing to do.
Gregory's mind turned towards Gail and the decision he was forcing her to make, he knew she hated ultimatums; however, he believed it was for the greater good as she was ruining her career staying in this town and spending time with her again had made him realise that he wanted her to come back to him. She had proven that she could settle for less excitement in this town, there was no reason she could not do the same in Charleston.
Thinking back to the time they spent together made him smile, it appeared the only thing he could do in this hospital was be alone with his thoughts. He hoped Gail would visit him soon, otherwise he was going to die of boredom.
Gail pulled up outside the Trinity Guardian building, as Lucas had told her to bring him here. She reflected on how new the building looked compared to the previous offices where her parents had been trapped in the fire. She pushed thoughts of her parents out of her mind and turned her attention towards Lucas. 'When you said you wanted a ride, I thought you meant to your house or the Sheriff's Station. What are we doing here Lucas?'
Lucas placed a hand on the top of Gail's leg and smiled. 'This isn't that far from the Sheriff's Station and there's someone that wants to have a word with you here'
Gail looked towards the building and saw a grey haired man in a suit waiting at the entrance to the building. She glanced towards Lucas, who just got out of the car and opened her door for her. Gail sighed, this could not be good.
The grey haired man walked towards them and nodded towards Lucas. Gail got out of the car and put on her best smile for the man, once again her curiosity had forced her to play along. The grey haired man smiled and held his hand out to Gail, 'Miss Emory, I've been wanting to meet you ever since you returned to Trinity. I'm Martin, Chief Editor of the Trinity Guardian.'
Gail shook the man's hand, he looked familiar to her. 'Have we met before?' she asked.
Martin's smile grew wider, 'You remember? I met you once when you were a young girl, I worked briefly with your father before he died. Such a tragedy.'
'Yes it was...' Gail said and glanced at Lucas, then back to Martin, '...so, what can I do for you Martin? I'm assuming there's a reason for this introduction?'
'Yes ma'am, I didn't expect you to stick around in our sleepy little town for long but here you are. Seen as you're making a life for yourself here, I want you to come work for me. I'll match whatever the Post is giving you' Martin said confidently.
Gail laughed, of course he was offering her a job when she was deciding whether to stay or leave. This had to be down to Lucas. 'I'm happy with my current employer. I think I'm going to have to decline, but thanks for the offer' she said turning back towards her car.
'Wait' Martin protested and started to follow her.
Gail held her hand up in a gesture to stop. 'I'm not right for your paper Martin, but thank you for the consideration... are you staying or going Sheriff?' she asked.
Lucas shook his head, she certainly was stubborn. He nodded towards Martin and walked to the passenger side of the car. When he got in he turned towards her, 'No, just like that Darlin'?'
Gail laughed, 'I don't need you to find me a job Lucas and I am certainly not going to work for a paper that you clearly have influence with. Now, where do you really want to be dropped off?' she asked.
Lucas smiled, he admired her resilience and unwillingness to accept any help. It was a trait so few in this town had and although it could be infuriating, he respected this part of her. 'Home Darlin'' he said, confident that he could convince her on the ride back to join him for a drink in his house.
-To be continued-