Chapter 13

Meg huffed and muttered, "Typical, had to be here out in the sticks, not when we were having an early lunch at home, or near that turning to the town a while back. … Oh no! … Could not wait till we were just across the boarder in Canada either … Hey, that would have been nice! ... Should have known better after this morning..." she ended sukily, as she looked around trying to sort out exactly where they were.

Keeping silent Paul pulled over to the side of the road and shook his head at her mutterings, then got out to deal with the matter. He carefully lifted the bonnet and stood back as smoke and or steam escaped, along with the smell of burning which had come into the car, telling them of trouble just seconds before the splutters of a dying car confirmed it.

He knew they'd had some luck; they were not amongst the hairpin bends up ahead, or on the steep straight incline they had just driven up … they were on the short flat bit in the middle and they had managed to coast into a big lay-by.

Immediately realising things were bad he called back to Meg in a sharp tone to get her attention. "Meg! think you should get out and take a few bags with you just in case, there's a lot of smoke and steam." and stepped away from the front of the car adding. "I know vaguely where we are … I'll ring the Police Station and see what they can do. Insurance people could take some time to get their truck here."

"How do you know who to ring?" Meg asked as she got the bags out while Paul rang. She had recognised 'that' tone of voice and it had stopped her ill-tempered mutterings and made her move and think.

"Simple, I fed in all Police numbers on the route in before we left."

Meg laughed "Oh ye of little faith!" No wonder he had been so cocky earlier.

Paul smiled, glad to see the 'right' Meg back and bantered. "No just careful ... well okay ... I know my luck and Australia was a big ..." and broke off to talk into the phone "Yes I was hoping you could help us, we've broken down on the main road ..." and gave details then listened and smiled at Meg before signing off, then putting the phone away added. "Simple, one phone call and the tow truck will take us down into the town at the head of the valley … it's covered by all insurance companies as it's the only one for miles."

Exasperated Meg exclaimed. "Damn! I was hoping it would be in Canada, then at least we will get there, I bet we never get on this trip. … It's been fated you know that! … First Val not being able to go …then the chaos, and now this."

Paul was surprised by her outburst; she was usually quite calm, a huff occasionally yes, and said gently. "You're not usually this edgy. Jane and Val will cope with the hiccup, a couple of phone calls and emails and everything will be fine. Val may look like a dizzy blonde model but she is really sharp … You know she runs that construction company in her sleep. So no-one will pull the wool over her eyes … anyway she will enjoy herself, a change from bricks and drawings." Then gave a cheeky laugh and carried on. "You should see the expressions of some people when she starts helping out on site! Especially when she strips down, the lads don't say a word of course. Come on let's sit on that log and have some coffee."

Meg's mood brightened and giggled at the thought of Val on a building site, the pair of them could lift her moods, not that she had many down ones, she was extremely happy. If she was honest the hiccup could be easily sorted, it just came at the wrong time, just when her hormones had not quite kicked back in.

Paul watched her as they drank their coffee and said gently "Thought that was last week."

She looked back at him and laughed. "Yeah, be better tomorrow. I guess."

"The Aunts don't let Val near the china dinner set when it's her 'time'." Paul said gently.

Meg giggled then sighed, "Great! Thought I got rid of a Dad … got a brother instead!"

Paul smiled and suggested. "Umm, brothers give you more rope though."

They both laughed.

oxoxo

The tow truck came and they were driven to the garage on the edge of town and waited anxiously for the mechanic to pronounce the verdict, which was guilty but not terminal. It would be ready tomorrow, because they would have to wait for a part to be brought in, but they could borrow a car and stay at a hotel for the night, all part of the service.

They rang the hotel in Canada and got busy tone each time, so they transferred everything from the truck into the borrowed car with instructions about the hotel and drove into town. First impression was a roadside town, residential housing leading to a mixture of shops to businesses leading back into residential. Down the side roads were the mixture of all three, making it bigger than at first sight, but kept the rural feeling, which was nice. They found the car park off a side road; it was large but only half full, and there were signs that a market was held there frequently.

Meg felt her mood lighten and decided to see if she could leave an e-mail to the hotel, rather than waiting at the end of the phone for a reply. So she took her laptop with her to find an Internet cafe or someone who would let her use a connection. She walked beside Paul looking at the buildings, which were mainly fairly old but well kept, and noticed the newer developments were down the side road helping to keep the gentle atmosphere of the place. The September colours were all ready starting to show in the wooded mountainside giving it a glow. There were people around but not the bustle of Sunset Beach or the City, or of a sleepy town just waiting to wake up; more one that was happy with itself.

Paul suddenly stopped and pointed out some interesting shops and businesses down the side road by the bus station. Meg smiled and knew what that meant; so they arranged to meet back at the car in an hour and then they would find the hotel. Spotting a clothes shop selling winter coats, sweatshirts and tracksuits at half price, she popped in and found what she wanted, then asked about an Internet café. She was directed to a computer club café, which was back on the main road and in the direction she had been walking.

Back on the main road she stopped for a moment opposite the farmers hardware store, amazed to see a small stable through the archway along with a horse and trap waiting to be used; and wondered how many people came in like that. Then her eye caught the sign advertising riding trips into the mountain and decided she could come up here to do some on her weekend off, and was sure both her friends would love it as they'd talked about riding in the past. The toot of a horn in the distance brought her back from her daydreaming, checking which way to go she went to find the computer club café.

Oxoxo

It looked like any other café, but some tables had computers on them others were free for snacks and drinks. She put her things down on the nearby table and looking around her mind flitted back to the Java Web and how it was always full. This one was empty of customers and staff; she checked the sign on the door in case she had missed the closed sign. She had not it was open. It didn't feel neglected rather the opposite, everything was clean, tidy and new; then noticed by one wall a wide shelf with a couple of plugins for private laptop use with stools underneath... Just what she wanted.

Feeling as though someone had just popped out for a second, she smiled as she thought of the fiction stories it would make, and walked over to the serving counter on the left hand side of the room. Noticed the ramp, which lead through the archway into a passageway which disappeared off left. And just off the archway was another room, which had larger tables, some computers and shelves of board games. Realised it was bigger than it looked from the outside, and squashed the idea of a body behind the counter, but checked anyway as she looked round for a bell to ring for attention, and hoped the owner would come in soon.

Instead she saw a couple of cakes on the counter just begging for her attention, and decided she would hang around for a few more minutes. She really needed to send the e-mail or get back to Paul and get him to ask at a firm or shop to do it.

Hearing voices from further down the corridor she called out. "Hello!" And hardly recognised her own voice as it came out harsher than she meant it to, and guessed she really needed that coffee.

There was silence for a moment, then a female voice called back. "Just a moment please!" Followed by a quieter but clear, "John, you should get ready Jack will be here in a moment. I will close up for you. Shep! come here!"

A black and white collie bounded into the cafe area, skidding to a stop just in front of Meg, wagging his tail and bright pleading eyes asking for attention.

Meg smiled bent over and stroked his head.

"Sorry about Shep. What would you like I'm afraid we are closing in a few minutes. John has to go for a hospital appointment." The assistant was in her late twenties, tall and slim with short brown hair, her face and voice were happy; she was pretty but not stunning.

Meg realised that was why it was empty, most people would know it would be closing through word and mouth so no need to advertise. "I hope it's nothing serious. I'll forget the coffee and cake and beg the use of the wall plugins for my computer, I need to get in touch with our hotel in Canada, no one is answering their phone. We've broken down and the car will not be ready till tomorrow afternoon."

"It's just a check up. Sorry you've broken down, Yes you can stay, though I can't help you if anything goes wrong that's John's department and Terry's, but he's away. I'm Jackie, white or black coffee and which cake?"

"Oh the one on the right please and white coffee, thank you." She put her computer on the shelf and came back to the counter.

The shop doorbell bell went and a police officer strolled in smiling at Jackie, and nodded at Meg who collected her coffee and cake and went back over to her computer and those plugins.

"Is he ready?" The police officer asked, then exclaimed in a raised serious voice, which was obviously aimed at the person down the passageway out of sight; though his smile showed there was a tease behind the words. "I don't want to have to give myself a parking ticket you know!"

It was met by silence from the passageway; the police officer looked questioningly at Jackie.

"He's a bit slow, having a bad day I think." Jackie then raised her voice and looked towards the archway. "John! Jack's here with the taxi." She smiled as she said it, then turned her attention back to Jack and asked. "Sandy all right now?"

"Yes the vet said it was something he ate. Got it off the hedges on the back road I expect! Just hope he does not try that trick again today ... I was thinking of getting a flashing blue light for him ... You know just in case I have to chase a car on the way to the hospital."

Jackie gave a snort, Jack smiled saying. "Well you never know!"

"Oh come on!" She giggled back.

As Meg looked round at them wondering what they were talking about she caught a glimpse of the horse and trap standing outside. Then turned her attention back to the archway because Shep was now standing, tail wagging furiously while looking hopefully towards the back room, and a slight swishing sound was coming from the passageway rather than someone's footsteps, making her wonder what was making that noise.

"No! Shep you stay with me." Jackie said as she went over and held the dog by its collar while easing and fussing him towards to the counter; once there Shep reluctantly laid down but still kept an eye on the archway.

"Sorry Jackie I've dropped some files and smashed my glasses as well." Was said as the speaker came into sight and stopped dead just their side of the archway. With colour going from his face as he spotted Meg.

Meg felt a violent shiver of hot and cold go through her as she'd heard his voice and turning towards it exclaimed in horror. "Christ! No!"

Jackie and Jack looked on stunned at the shock and anger in her voice along with her loss of colour.

"Meg!" It was an involuntary whispered exclamation from the man in the wheelchair, and ended with an even quieter sigh of "Why now?"

Meg felt as though something had hit her hard in her face and stomach. Her mind racing unaware she was walking towards him; she took in the fact he was in a wheelchair, therefore could not walk, had streaks of grey in his hair, pale but otherwise just as handsome as his twin brother. All the anger she had felt over the loss of Mark and friends, the hurt he had caused her and Ben came boiling up.

As he sat watching her … mesmerised by her as she was by him… she came to a stop to one side of him, but not close enough to reach out and touch him.

She had thought he was dead so could never face her anger and disgust, but he was alive. And found her voice. "You bastard! … You think you can change your name and get away with it!"

"Please Meg … stop." It was said with such gentleness and sadness, which also showed on his face.

She looked at him, her eyes blazing with anger and hate, not letting him continue shouted at him, not loudly but coldly. "Why the hell should I! … So you can sweet talk your way out of what … murders, rape and kidnapping! ... What name did they call you … John! "

Moving her head so she could see and address both the Officer and the person she was shouting at, Meg added. "Well Officer let me introduce you to Derek Evans, he murdered … what was it four or five people including his twin brother's closest friend Mark. …They never did him any harm. … Oh yes, also kidnapped his brother Ben, took his place and then raped me in front of him! Tried to kill him twice and failed."

Looking back at the man in the wheelchair, her voice softer but hard, her eyes still sparkling with anger and hurt, and determined nothing was going to stop her now, asked him. "Do you know how hard it was for us to get over what you did? … …Sorry! I forgot that's how you get your kicks isn't it! …. Well not any more! I want him arrested! Now!" She had raised her voice as she said the last words, expecting movement from the Officer at least.

There was silence and no one moved.

She looked over at Jack who just stayed quiet, it fuelled her anger even more, and as she looked at Jackie she realised they both seemed to look sad rather than angry, as though she was the mad one not Derek. Realising in a flash his charm had spun its evil web she turned back to Derek and got closer to him.

Nothing was going to stop her, so she spat the words out which were against her usual caring nature, making them sound colder and harder than ever to anyone who knew her, to the man who knew her, deceived her. "I'm glad you're hurting! Not fully fit anymore, at least you've felt some pain! In your own prison needing people to help you! Good! … You chained him in a chair and did not feed him properly; He nearly died because of you! I hate you Derek!" Raised her hand and slapped him across his face hard.

The sound of her hand hitting his face resounded round the cafe.

Then it felt as though time slowed down for her.

She thought she saw tears in his eyes even before her hand hit his face; he never ducked away from the blow. His head moved slightly as he took the force of the blow, his eyes stayed on her all the time accepting all her pain and anger. As her hand went across his face continuing through the arch it was stopped by his hand.

She felt the sting of the blow on her hand then up her arm, but also a familiar touch she had not felt in along time, she rejected it in an instant, this was Derek not Ben, her mind was playing tricks. Was shocked back into reality as his hand grabbed hers, not harshly but gently and firmly; then he lifted it towards his face, still keeping eye contact as though he could not look away from her, and tears were running down his face.

She felt panic rush through her. She was going to be held hostage by him and become another victim.

But, suddenly she realised, as he gently kissed the top of her fingers that it was wrong, very wrong he was not going to hurt her. Those eyes were dark deep and familiar, not hostile and evil; and she was engulfed in that familiar feeling of love, security, happiness, that she had missed for so long, and thought could never be hers again.

She felt as though she could not breath, her legs stayed steady but her mind seemed to be in two as she recognised him; her voice now was gentle stunned, as she spoke, not caring whether she made sense. "No!... …You're in Sunset Beach with Maria, Benjy and Sammy, your daughter... … He fell off the cliff into the water! " She pleaded with him. "You cannot be here … … please this is a dream... … You're safe at home where you belong... … Tell me you are! ... Please."

He said nothing, just watched her, his eyes sad, his cheek showing slightly red where her hand had hit it, and the tears had stopped.

As everything came together her voice turned extremely soft and loving, and tears ran down her cheeks. "Oh No! … He could not have survived … you said he was dead… …When … how long, … … Oh no … Not Seattle please..."

He gave the slightest nod, she carried on. "All those months … what did he do to you? … … He took you're memories … I … I've called you Derek... I'm sorry! I don't hate you… The letters... your memories... Oh Ben!.. " She felt as though her mind was going to explode.

He gently held her hand and carried on looking into her face, knowing she was really starting to understand who he was. Then, his heart cracking knowing what he had to do for both their sakes, he spoke quietly slightly unsteadily, "Meg I'm sorry, … you cannot stay, … you've made a break from me, and you love your family too much. … I don't know what's brought you here, but you have to go, and go now!"

His words were like cold water on her mind and knowing how much she wanted him, she put her hand on the side of the wheelchair to steady herself. Her voice cracked as she spoke. "N … No … I cannot leave Ben please don't make me! I've missed you so much!"

His voice was gentle but steady now. "Meg you have to go, … Ben is in Sunset Beach. … I died when I arrived in Seattle … I'm John now. No one can know I am alive not even your parents … Can you live with that! … Think of the lies you will have to tell, … you can't break their trust it will kill you and our love. … It's going to be hard for you to watch him and his family without a hint that I exist. Can you do that, would that be fair on you and your family, and be so difficult if we had children they..."

She looked at him and saw the pain he was in, and knew he did not want to hurt her again. Her mind rushed on with what she wanted to say. 'I have found you only to lose my family or you again. I cannot walk out that door and return to my life. No! I'm going to stay no matter what might happen.' But that didn't come, instead she said with deep love. "I'm staying Ben … forever."

Jack's voice cuts into her thoughts and words. "John we have to go! The specialist is waiting and so is a parking ticket if I'm not carefully."

John smiled and nodded to Jack, then said quietly and seriously to her. "Meg it cannot be like before I cannot walk or travel, Jackie is my nurse and assistant. I want you to go. I fully understand and love you for it, but go now before it is too late. You can find someone else, you know I am safe. … Forgive me for letting him live the life he wants. … It will be so difficult for you if you stay … you will lose everything and I don't want you to do that." He let go of her hand and Meg moved away as he straightened the chair so it faced the doorway out into the street, but did not move the chair any nearer to the door.

Jack opened the door and said firmly. "Jackie, I'll ring if they need to keep him in, otherwise I'll come over to the stables with John. Tell Mandy what's happened. … Meg you should think seriously on what John has just said. It would be dangerous for you back in Sunset Beach if Derek has the slightest hint you know he's not Ben, that danger goes for your family as well. You know his record and has even more to lose now."

Meg looked at Jack and nodded, then stepped back beside Ben and gently took his chin in her hand turning his head so he looked at her, feeling no resistance to her action she looked at him; her voice was firm gentle and very loving as she declared. "Let me say goodbye to Ben, and when you come back I will get to know you John, because I'm not leaving my soulmate. I know I've come home."

He did not resist her at all; he could not, although his mind was shouting 'No' his heart was shouting 'Yes his Soulmate had found him, when he had thought she had gone forever'.

They kissed, gently lovingly - their worlds exploding - till Jack's loud cough brought them back to earth. They moved apart, and Meg stood back from the chair gradually letting the headiness settle; and knew he was really there with her! That against all odds they had found each other, and that, had to mean something.

Jack looked a little sheepish, but his voice was firm as he said. "Sorry. But we must go! Sandy has only one speed when you're a board John and Specialist should not be kept waiting. You've got Jackie's files?" With his headiness and thoughts on the same lines as Meg's but knowing it could not be allowed - John nodded to Jack's question as they were in the bag on the back of the chair and then moved his wheelchair to go out.

Jackie suddenly remembered and called out. "Glasses!"

Jack handed over the spare pair he had with him to John, and seeing Meg's expression change as she suddenly realised that Maria and Benjy had been living with Derek; he guessed what she was thinking and said gently. "Meg, Jackie's Mother can fill you in … understand that Benjy is Derek and Maria's son."

She looked at him horrified and was about to say something, but Jack shook his head and followed John through the doorway.

Still shaking she watched Ben wheel himself beside the carriage and Jack with another man's help lift him in, then collapse the wheelchair which was put on a holder at the back. Her mind was spinning trying hard to accept it all. She squashed the thought of Derek and Maria, and concentrated on Ben who was hurt and needed her love not sympathy. And, he would be the hardest one to convince. That she loved him completely and could accept the split from her family, and it was her free decision. Then vaguely wondered why the carriage when they have cars? Noted he did not look back at her, but she watched them go gently off … the cars giving way to them when needed… Then she turned back into the cafe where Jackie was awaiting.

Jackie came over to her and hugged her; could feel her slight tremor and answered her unasked question. "John doesn't like cars or any other vehicle with an engine, or any place he feels he can not get out of quickly including lifts so everything has to be on the ground floor. … He was in the back of a van, possibly a trunk of a car for a long time, or a small plane." She broke the hug but left her hand on Meg's arm, adding gently. "Meg this is not going to be easy for either of you. Deal with your e-mail then I'll take you to see Mandy; she's my mother and John's shrink come doctor; Jack is my father and he found John. … We'll go to the stables and sit in comfort and explain it all."

Remembering, Meg exclaimed. "Hell! Paul will be waiting in the car park." and gave a strangled laugh then added "Talk about confusion, Paul knew Ben as Peter!" then pleaded. "He has to know Jackie!"

Jackie shook her head in disbelief, then smiled and decided, "I'll drive you to the car park then you follow in the car."

Unsteadily Meg drank her cold coffee and found the information to cancel the hotel booking, knowing they would stay and see this through whichever way it turned. Also she could work with Paul and wait till Ben came round to the idea if necessary.