Chapter 17

Meg was drifting awake gradually registering the fact she was not alone and who was beside her when she felt something cold and wet on her hand. Opening her eyes she saw two dark ones watching her with a black and white furry face and the black cold wet nose, which was nuzzling her hand and adding a gentle whine as he realised she was awake. Still watching her he moved back slightly and sat – waiting.

Meg was not sure what for so stayed silent and felt John's arm move against her body and a puzzled "Meg?" coinciding with Shep's short demanding but gentle bark. She shifted so she could look at her soulmate and looked into another set of eyes, the ones she loved and thought she had lost - they were dark and a bit confused. She lost the battle to stifle the giggle, which had grown from the thought of 'talking dog' which had floated into mind, catching her breath she said "Morning, … I think I've got a jealous dog sitting on the floor."

John laughed which was the result of Meg's infectious giggle and the relief that he was not dreaming - she was here with him. He moved the stray hair from her face and gently traced a line down her cheek … yeah definitely here and said in a gentle tone. "No he just wants his walk as I need mine, can you press the buzzer … not the red button. … What's Jackie going to say if she finds you here?"

Meg felt a tingle down her spine from his gentle touch and the tone in his voice and moved and gave him a butterfly kiss then smiling answered his question. "She knows … Simon moved you when you had your nightmare … you asked me to come in beside you. You seemed to relax better that way you don't mind?"

"Oh yes … no … thank you. ..." came out as his mind gradually caught up with events of last night, and the realisation he must have slept the rest of the time undisturbed as well as the joy of her closeness and kiss. "A kiss to wake up to is good too." He added with a smile, which she returned.

There was a knock and apartment door which opened to a bright breezy call. "Morning children!" as a grinning Simon came in continuing as though today was just like any other day; "Jackie says she will do the cooking while you get dressed. … Shep out the way!" Simon handed Meg her robe, which she had left of the back of the sofa, but still carried on talking to Shep who was fussing round his feet. "Shep! I'll step on you! … then he remembered and exclaimed … Oh! of course you need the door opened. We'll get that fixed this morning." And went to the other door and let him out.

Meg slid out of bed slipping the robe, on realising she did not feel embarrassed around Simon which was good because she would need his help with John, she'd smiled then realised she was being watched and explained. "I just realised I thought of you as John and liked it … Simon's going have some interesting mornings." she teased and was surprised when John went slightly red; then realising his embarrassment at his vulnerability she gave him a kiss and a smile with a gentle "See you at breakfast" and went to her room.

She showered and changed then popped into the kitchen to see Jackie only to be gently shooed out with instructions to go and wait with John. She didn't need telling twice so she went back into the apartment expecting to find him and found Simon putting the breakfast things on the dining table. He looked up and smiled saying. "Seconded to the washing up and waiting team"

Meg nodded with a smile letting him carry on, which he did with a wave of his hand in the right direction. "He needed some air so went out after Shep, just follow the path in front of the stable and onto the scrubland rather than the garden. Take this pager and we will call when food is ready the rest of the crowd is calling in so warn him."

Meg took the pager and followed the path slowing as she saw him sitting facing the wooded area waiting for something, and realised he was wearing his tinted glasses again and wondered if he wore them all the time when he was not in the apartment. There was a rustling of leaves and branches which soon parted as Shep bounded out at full speed coming to a sudden halt at John's feet, and stood panting with wagging tail as if asking for more.

John threw a stick which landed only a few feet away, undeterred Shep bounded full pelt past it into the bushes then a few minutes later came rushing out slowed down to pick up the stick then with a cheek bouncy run carried it and gently put it in John's lap. Instead asking for more he looked passed his master tail wagging madly and barked a greeting; then bounded towards her then back to John. Stopping for a moment with a playful bark before coming back to round her up as though she was not walking fast enough.

Meg gave a laugh and realised no one could not creep upon either of them now and then as she got closer and where they could see each other said. "Hi, he's got it down to a fine art."

Shep was still bouncing between the two of them in spite of the shortening distance.

John laughed watching them both, "Yes especially the cocky bit when he picks the stick up … he's only forgotten it once and ended up on my lap at full speed, very wet and muddy. After that Jackie and Simon forbid wet runs."

Shep bounded around them now looking hopefully at the stick on John's lap each time he passed him.

Meg smiled at the picture in her mind and commented. "You two suit each other." There was a bleeping sound and she added. "That's the pager they want us back, everyone is joining us is that all right?"

John knew the reason for the question even if she didn't and explained. "Yes. I'm full of contradictions … sometimes get uneasy with a lot of people around … sometimes I don't like being on my own … other times I only need Shep … I can't seem to win." He paused and knew he needed her help and asked. "After I've taken the brakes off could you help turn me there's a small hole I might get stuck in, then I can carry on. I must get Simon to fill it before it gets bigger. So, you are going to face the hooligans and café while I'm man handled or should that be woman handled..."

She laughed as she manoeuvred him round, finding it surprisingly easy having no previous experience and once he was lined up on the clear path he nodded his thanks and took over coming up beside him she asked slightly apprehensive. "What do you mean hooligans?"

With an air of innocence he said. "Children's club … at the weekends they come in and play games in the back room. We run a sort of computer game swap club, some of the kids cannot afford the games so they play them there, and some who haven't got computers can use them. Others do homework or just come to hang out, there is a small fee and then there's the Internet cafe run like Java web, we have regulars who don't have machines at home so they use it as a base with general gossip over a drink and food."

She was impressed by the idea and exclaimed. "Wow sounds good. Jackie will be with you this afternoon so Paul and I had better learn fast."

"Oh yes!" he said with a laugh then they walked the rest of the way in opened the door to the apartment and they joined the others, Shep rolled on a mat by the door then bounded over to his bowls of drink and food.

Jackie laughingly at Shep and Meg's expression explained. "Over the top way of cleaning his paws I did think of getting John to do it as well but his wheels are a bit big."

John huffed indignantly. "Hey! They are clean I kept to the path, which reminds me. Simon there's a hole that needs filling at the end by the bushes. I could not turn properly so Meg helped."

Simon gave him a mock salute then carried buttering his toast. John gave a very quiet huffy "the staff these days" while manoeuvring carefully.

Meg smiled at the banter and joining the group at the table said. "Paul, I think we've a difficult day ahead John called them hooligans" Jackie laughed, Simon shook his head with a look of mock horror on his face and Paul who'd watched them gave a dramatic sigh. "Oh great! … And there we were on a quiet holiday weekend."

Meg grinned as she sat down; with a slight smile John wheeled himself into position at the table and looking at Paul said innocently. "Fine, I'll take the kids you can be battered by Jackie fair exchange." and slipped the leather gloves off and put the in a pocket on the chair.

Mandy and Jack looked at each other with a smile as they joined them having come through from the other apartment. While Jackie put a plate of food in front of John with a gentle but definite "No way lad after you have shown them the 'ropes', brought back some work and the workmen have gone you areall mine!"

"Damn!" John replied and started eat as the others laughed and then joined him.

oxoxo

It was late afternoon and Meg had left Paul to finish and close up the computer club. Everything had gone smoothly they had been warmly welcomed as helpers or though sympathy was expressed regarding the car breaking down, car horror stories were exchanged with glee. They enjoyed the banter and friendliness of the kids joining in with making a banner for the shop to explain who they were and why the change. As things had slowed down Paul insisted she leave and now she was going to walk through the hotel and grounds to Jackie's apartment, after all she was meant to be staying at the hotel.

She walked into the reception area of the hotel and stopped amazed at the size and beauty of the hotel. The foyer was large with corridors off to other rooms and a large reception desk was in the right hand alcove of the stairway. And what a stairway, it reminded her of a period film set with its wide central curved staircase which split left and right at the first floor, with a wide balcony to the rooms upstairs. Setting the whole thing off was an impressive chandelier with matching crystal lights on the walls.

Her mind drifted imagining ladies in their long dresses sweeping down the stairs ready to go out, their horse and carriages in the courtyard when a gentle "You like our little old home then?" brought her back to the present day.

She gave a soft, "Yes Jack it is so beautiful and large."

He smiled always getting a thrill from the first impressions of their guests and said in a gentle in matter a fact way. "Of course you are seeing the back of the house." He gave a gentle laugh at her reaction and carried on. "Actually this house has two fronts … come on through, the side door which Mandy and I use is the official back door, you know servants entrance."

She laughed at his tone as he said the last words and followed him through the doorway near the reception table. The young lady who sat there smiled hearing the comment and gave a nod of acknowledgement as she answered the phone. Around them was a comfortable welcoming silence broken by the occasional distance noise of people talking as they worked.

As Jack passed a couple of guestrooms he opened the doors so she could look in. The rooms were large and beautifully laid out and said luxury and comfort but not so much it would over whelmed the occupier and commented. "They are the same as upstairs and the third floor, twenty five bedroom suites in total, two large dining rooms, two sitting rooms, small games room and a conservatory, which acts as a day room in the autumn or winter and of course a kitchen. There's a small covered swimming pool round the side by the small lodge. Mandy and I have the servants' rooms near the back door, it means we can come and go without bumping into guests all the time."

Meg was amazed by it all but still curious about his earlier statement. "Why do you say two fronts?"

"Well the original owners needed to face their 'town' hence the driveway and posh front but they also needed to look across the valley and their lands. Let the workers see what a wonderful place it was and there was the competition as well. Keeping one step in front of your neighbours not only in the town but across the valley as well … sort of seeing is knowing your wealth."

Meg laughed as Jack carried on. "On a good day you can still see across the top of the valley, the other house was unfortunately burnt down many years ago … nothing bad just an electrical fault … but there was friendly rivalry between the two families they were cousins. Mixed farming, wood from the mountains and of course guides were needed and trade with outsiders using the rail link further down, all very peaceful just like the valley. There used to be a bridleway right the way across the valley to the other house and town, we are restoring it and hopefully we'll take rides a cross, possibly take the carriage as well at the moment they only go half way or go down the valley."

Meg gazed around, as she followed him from dinning room, sitting room and out into the conservatory then into the garden. She realised that although it kept an old fashioned quaintness a lot of it was fresh and new and asked. "Is it all new? … How long have you been here?" She stopped and looked over the garden it was all on a slight slope, cultivated garden gave way to countryside mixture of small wooded areas with green fields beyond and a small river running down from the mountains, she idly wondered where the river came from and exclaimed. "It's so beautiful."

Jack stayed silent as Meg turned round taking in the view, it was breath taking and as it was clear she could see right across the valley though it was difficult to make out the houses in the town on the opposite side. She guessed you would see the lights at night and knew the sun was adding its own beauty to the mixed colours of autumn as it started its slow decent behind the mountain ridge, which sheltered the valley.

After a moment Jack said. "I expect John will take you to the beauty spots when Jackie gives him the all clear." then answered her earlier question. "Yes, a lot of the things are new it was refurbished last and this year. Come sit over here and I'll give you a quick history lesson."

He led her over to a garden seat before continuing. "Val's company did the downstairs before that we had a local firm do the upstairs and that was our downfall. … They were meant to do it all but went bust and we had a water leak just as they finished work upstairs. It ruined the top two floors, as it was not noticed for twenty-four hours. The insurance company washed their hands of it because the company had failed to keep up their payments. We could not fight it because the bank was calling all our debts. … We had taken a gamble and lost … our combined salaries would not pay for any of it … … So to pay we had to sell the house …a ruined house in fact. We had an offer from a big multi-chain group … a month to accept and get out. If we were lucky we would have been in the empty barn with camp beds … but I doubt they would have let us."

He gave a sad smile remembering the heart ache and then carried on softly. "But our miracle happened … we found John … out of his need for secrecy I found I had five million dollars so with the Bank manger's knowledge I took John's money invested four million in a working account being able to use the interest as necessary and one million for his immediate future which meant securing the hotel as a business.

The bank manager insisted we used Val's firm as they had a good reputation." He smiled as he carried on in a happier tone, "and liked hard luck stories, she did it quickly and sorted out the apartments. One so Jackie and Simon could be on call but have privacy and the other was a large hospital room at first, we could have put panels up afterwards but John liked the feel of space so we kept it. Val never met John or knew his name the work was done by the time he came out of hospital and the hotel plodded along and we opened in February. The rest pays for his treatment as well as Jackie and Simon's wages; Mandy and her brother are his doctors as you can see it's a family business."

Jack paused for a moment and looked back at the beautiful house as he continued his tone of voice showed his feelings. "This house has been in Mandy's family since it was built; my family knew it through the generations and we would have been devastated if we had lost it. The farmland was rented out years ago, so we would have been kicking other families out of their homes to save our own if we tried selling them to raise the money … did not seem right really.

Luckily when John came round he agreed I did the right thing even better he started to invest in the future not only for the hotel and stables but also in the town." Jack smiled at Meg's gentle laugh. "Oh I would have found a way to pay him back if he really insisted … dollar a week out of my pay … granted it was in his best interest to stay with us …he was in the apartment and comfortable."

He gave chuckle. "The best of it was we liked each other even if the conversation was all on our side at the beginning and all he could see was the ceiling. … We had a special projector and monitor so he could read and have a different view … surprising what you can tell from a yes and no button and then later they were words spelt out on a screen. Guess it would have been difficult for him to say no with nowhere to go."

Meg smiled and ran her fingers through her hair brushing it away from her face, last night their chatter had been about her and Paul and their arrival here. Now for the first time she was alone with Jack really realising the enormity of their commitment regardless of the financial rewards and knowing it went deeper with him and with a lot of emotion she said. "Thank you for saving him and looking after him."

Jack looked at Meg with a gentle smile and admitted. "The moment I found him in the van, he became my son … … and luckily Mandy, Jackie and Simon felt the same way…. He's given us a stronger sense of family … It's not been easy for any of us … … it's not about the money though it's helped of course.

He moved on not wanting to dwell on the beginning too much. "We can stay in our family home and I can retire next July/August and help run the riding side of the hotel with Simon. … We choose our guests carefully … mainly from the other side of the Country or Canada … several guests who visited earlier this year are returning to see what it is like in the autumn … walkers, riders as well as the retired which means mixed ages, a nice mixture."

"Is that to protect John?"

"Yes, we are never fully booked just enough to tick over, though that will change as people want to return … most of the guests are wealthy and expect to pay our prices. We take them up into the mountains for a couple of hours or days … roughing it, then they come back to recover or they can go down in the valley for the gentler walks and rides we are close enough for the odd trip into Canada as well, some just come for the peace, quiet and the view.

With John getting more mobile Simon will do more riding and Jackie will find another patient. He's also taken a gamble by buying another carriage for weddings etc and then there's the covered riding area near the paddock. … All his calls are taken at the hotel and past onto him via the computer or Jackie so we don't disturb him but he can make calls out. The bank manager knows he's on a protection scheme and makes sure he deals with his account otherwise the business friends he has are his own and I've a friendly arrangement with the editor to keep John out of the paper but he doesn't know why."

He looked at Meg and gave a gentle laugh. "You know since finding John our crime detection rate has gone up." Meg looked at him puzzled. "The other officers with me that day always look in trunks and backs of vans if they are stopped for any reason and especially accidents and you'd be surprised what people try and hide. Two runaway couples … not at once you understand … one we let go and the other we had to send home with follow up to make sure they were safe till they came of age to leave freely. Otherwise it's the usually things from robberies, unwanted animals etc and word has got around so the bad boys have moved on." He sighed and looked across at the view and admitted. "I still get nightmares about finding him or not finding him at all yet knowing he should be, but they are fewer and farther between now." and ended gently "I understand he had help his last night, how did you find it."

Meg smiled at the last bit and was amazed at her soulmate who was so independent and now needed so much help and yet he managed to give as he had before. He had not hidden himself away to wallow in his misfortune he had fought back and kept an interest in life. ... His mental strength had stayed with him all the way through … his brother had not broken him … and she could understand how comfortable he had felt around Jack and the others as she did now, happy to talk about her feelings. "Good, …finally realising it is true. … I went to say goodnight to him and found the bedroom was too far away so I slept on the sofa … he called out and I went to him, held his hands to stop him hurting himself. With Simon's help we grounded him, and he asked me to stay. So Simon turned him and I slept with John till Shep's cold nose woke me up."

Jack chuckled and said "Of course winning Shep over is half the battle. Simon will always have to turn John during the night and help him, trouble is when he thrashes around he could easily strain his back, as he cannot move his legs. … You never know, now that feeling is coming back he might be able to kick you out of bed … … but that could be months away." He paused and looked at her and said softly, "I'm glad you've turned up … even yesterday evening when we were talking he looked more at peace … even if he doesn't realise it himself yet. … Things may get rough at times and you have not got your family or friends to fall back on … so I want you know that Mandy and I will be here for both of you."

Meg looked at him realising she would not necessarily have Paul around and said. "Thank you and I will remember that."

He nodded and reinforced his words. "I mean it when I say I can be impartial regarding any of them. … I run a police department don't forget. Now go and see him I think he should be waking up now. Go though Jackie's end to make sure it's all right. The entrance is through that archway over there."

They both got up and Jack gave her a hug before she left.

Feeling settled she walked along the pathway through the archway and into the apartment.

Jackie was in an armchair reading a book, a machine on the table beside her was giving a regular bleep just loud enough to be notice; the kettle in the kitchen area was just starting to steam as it comes to the boil.

She looked up and said with a cheeky smile. "Hi Meg. All in one piece?"

Meg gave a chuckle. "Yes thank you, saw Jack and the hotel … how's John?"

Jackie got up and started to make a cup of tea Meg nodded acceptance to the silent offer. "He should be waking soon, the monitor will tell me when, that way I don't have to stand over him just check him occasionally. He has a call button to press as well, if you want to you can go through, he rigged up you're laptop on a side table in the dinning area. There is music on to make sure he wakes up to something rather than silence. He knows where he is when he really wakes, but sometimes it's those moments just before and he thinks he's back in the van or basement and it throws him. … … He's still shaky about you being here, although it's good kind of shaky if you know what I mean. … … No doubt he will be cranky about me when he wakes up so don't worry about it."

Meg laughed and accepted her cup of tea and made her way through to John's apartment, she stopped to look at him sleeping. He looked so relaxed and gorgeous, she remembered him as he had been in the mornings at Ocean Drive and Santa Barbara and thought the grey flecks made him more distinguished.

Smiling as she noted his fringe was as wayward as ever and wondered if it tickled him as he slept, though she liked it that way. Without thinking she moved a step closer towards the bed to brush it back and heard a gentle growl at her feet and saw Shep lying beside the bed his dark eyes watching her. The low rumbling growl came again, it was quiet enough not to wake his master but there was a definite command - 'leave my master alone'.

She accepted it with a smile stepped back then walked towards the dinning area and settled down to check her emails. While waiting for it to come on line and download she wondered if they would hear back from the hotel in Canada about paying for cancellation, the music in the background made her relax and close her eyes.

In her mind she could see a gentle breeze travelling down the hillside through the trees into a valley through the field on through the towns till it met the sea with the waves gently breaking on the shore. She felt a nuzzle on her thigh and looked down to see Shep looking at her with his tail wagging, as soon as he knew he had her attention he ran back towards John then towards the end of the dinning table where he pushed the metal plate with his nose. As the door to the outside opened and he looked back at her then at John.

She smiled and said, "Go on then. I'll watch him … talk about living up to your name." and got up, Shep was off like a shot.

Meg walked over to the sofa smiling at the picture of John getting tangled with the door as it opened inwards; she had thought the push plate would be on the framework as it had been outside. Of course if you were at the table and leant against it, that could be interesting as well as draughty. She resisted the temptation to go over to Ben and hold his hand so found a magazine to look at while also registering the equipment, which had been put up in the hospital end as Jackie called it.

She read the first article and heard John stir, just a movement of his arm as he lay on his side with pillows supporting him so he could not move. She knew Jackie wanted him still till she and Simon could move him so she got up and saw him, still with his eyes closed so not fully awake press the buzzer that was in his hand and heard three bleeps. It was like an instinctive reaction for him and made her think of the weeks he had been unable to move at all, she noticed the clip on the end of a finger, and realised it would be the one hooked up to the monitor in Jackie's apartment. She saw his eyes open and look at her and there was puzzle/surprised voice in his voice as he said "Still here … not a dream then."

She smiled and reassured him. "No not a dream and don't move till Jackie comes, Shep has gone out for a walk."

John relaxed and smiled commenting "Left you on guard … you're honoured … he usually crosses all four legs till Jackie or Simon comes."

Meg could not help laughing at the picture he painted and heard Jackie come through from the other apartment and her bright greeting. "Well sleeping beauty awake then!"

"Yeah wicked stepmother does it again!" Was his quick reply.

"Oh I see and I suppose you want the princess to wake you up with a kiss." Jackie said with a tease as she glanced at both of them, ending with a gentle command. "Not this time sunshine!"

"Damn, should have thought of that earlier Meg!" He replied with a bit of a wince in his voice, which Jackie picked up on immediately.

"Okay where is the pain."

"Middle back and I need the bathroom unless..."

Jackie gently cut in. "No you're a big boy now … so press for Simon and hold on while I get rid of the twinge."

Meg watched fascinated as Jackie, who was wearing trousers, eased the pillows away from John so he was lying face down, and with his face turned to the side so he could breathe. Pulling the blanket down to just below his waist she then knelt up on the board, which was under him, so she straddled him at thigh height. She then started to slowly and gently massage his back, as she got the right spot there came a groan from John.

Just after the gentle whoosh of the door opening there came a teasing exclamation "You rang! …Umm Do you think it wise for me to come in?" Simon looked at Meg with a grin then carried on to explain "It's called a hard bed Meg because it's hard for me to see her this way."

Meg laughed gently then broke into a fit of giggles, which was joined by Jackie who had stopped massaging John.

John exclaimed. "Hell! Simon I know I need the bathroom but you don't have to come dressed like that!"

Simon looked hurt but then his voice gave away the tease. "Oh come on! What do expect me to do wash Jack's cars down in a suit? There are ten of the damn things!" He was wearing waterproof suit, which was wet, he started to peel it off before coming in and carried on. "You really don't want to know where they've been either … Of course I could have gone riding … been longer. …Saw Shep with Jack so I guessed everything was all right in here, did he leave you in charge Meg?"

Meg nodded as John said. "Jackie its okay now and I really need to move … like now Simon!" Jackie got off the bed and wrapped him back up in the blanket.

Simon smiled and moved quickly getting the wheelchair and Jackie came over to Meg. "We'll let the boys deal with it now. Simon, no twisting as he gets up, or in the shower … just a quickie."

There was look of pure innocence which passed between John and Simon as he manoeuvred John into the chair using the hoist and then said with equal innocence "Would not dream of it sweetheart."

Jackie shook her head smiling as she watched them disappear into the bathroom; she collapsed the board and made the bed but left the pillows, sorted out some clothes and put them by the bathroom door. "Give them five minutes and it will sound as though there's a hundred in there."

Smiling Meg went back to her check the emails and found one from the Canadian hotel explaining they could give them another date for a weekend in October if they wanted but needed an answer by eight in the evening. She rang Paul and explained giving him the details so he could reply after checking with Val.

Jackie stopped the CDs and got things together in the kitchen area, glancing over at the nearly silent bathroom in disbelief and again when Simon came out grabbing the clean clothes giving her an oh so innocent smile at the same time.

When they finally emerged Meg had moved over to the sofa and smiled admiring John in his white sweater and jeans, he smiled back at her then at Jackie asking innocently. "Tea ready yet?" Simon ducked back into the bathroom but left the door open this time.

Jackie smiled and teased. "Guess there's a first time for everything … or are you trying to impress a certain young lady!"

"As if … I thought we could have tea in the garden, show Meg."

Jackie took the drinks over to the table making way for John to park himself in his usual spot between two of the sofas then sat next to him as she answered his suggestion. "No John … and Simon will manoeuvre you out when needs be."

Meg was shocked by the suddenly flash of anger, which crossed his face at her words Jackie was not fazed by it and carried explaining. "I can not risk you twisting your back and it's too cold outside your back will stiffen."

John interrupted angrily "Jackie! … Simon can wheel me! … I'll wrap up!"

Jackie answered calmly but firmly. "No! You'll stay in and relax and have a sedative tonight." Understanding where his anger and frustration were coming from and knowing she could not risk the consequences she stood firm. "You know if you are not careful today, tomorrow and Monday you will end up looking at that ceiling for another month! … You don't want it nor do I! … So accept it. … You can stay in here with Meg this evening for a while but sleep alone. Simon will be on the sofa or you'll be monitored up to you which. In the morning we will see what the weather is like and if it is warm you and Simon can take Meg to the garden lunchtime, then we will have a session again in the afternoon and the same for the evening and night."

John looked like thunder as he listened then spat out in full fury, anger and hurt. "Hell! I can't do anything! You're just like …"

"John! Stop!" Simon cut in having finished tiding up and hearing some of the exchange. It was said with a gentle command, which got through to John, who closed his eyes for a couple of minutes trying tune down his emotions regretting his words knowing the last thing he wanted to was to hurt them and have their pity … Meg's pity. He hit out silently at the memories of the basement with the fact everyone here was helping get his life and love back.

Simon quietly sat on the other sofa ready to take control if need be. He knew it would only take something small to send it to the next level and they hadn't had that for a while. He hoped Meg would understand that quietness was the best action a smile could be misunderstood as John flashed back and forth with the emotional flashbacks Jackie's orders had brought on.

Jackie stayed where she was keeping any hurt she felt out of her face, knowing she was in fact in hit distance if things took a turn for the worse, but also knew moving away would send the wrong signals to John and he didn't need that.

John opened his eyes and looked at Jackie and saw Simon had joined them, noted nether looked angry just quietly waiting. He breathed quietly feeling the anger dying as reason took over and knew acceptance was the right thing and why and said softly. "I'm sorry …. I'll be good and wait."

Jackie and Simon nodded knowing the flash was over he was back to being John.

John glanced across at Meg saw her shock said gently and honestly. "Sorry Meg … can't say it won't happen again though." hoping she would understand.

Shaken by the outburst Meg took her cue from the others and nodded her acceptance and understanding. She knew from his tone he was ashamed he'd hit out in such away and she'd seen it.

Jackie handed John his cup of tea and biscuits and he smiled his thanks.

Simon catching his eye said in a tone they both understood. "Its okay." then turned his attention to Meg saying. "Meg, would you and Paul like to come out on one of the gentle valley rides tomorrow afternoon."

Meg answered automatically, "Loved to … though I have not ridden for a couple of years I used to ride a lot at home … I know Paul rode in Australia."

"Good we can take a couple of new ones on a lead see how they like it. If you need clothes we've got some spares at the hotel which we give guests. Paul due back soon?"

"Are you taking Stephen as well?" John interrupted quietly.

"Yes, we'll lead out Blacky and Thor."

Feeling the atmosphere was back to normal Meg guessed that was what Jackie called her volcano erupting … well a rumble anyway. She could understand it; he was feeling as though things were being taken away again just when he wanted to take her out alone, and answered the question. "Yes he was finishing things up and sorting out about the Canadian hotel … they have offered another weekend so he's going to ring Val and deal with it."

She smiled as she remembered the afternoon and carried on. "It was fun in the club, of course everyone was pleased with the news and accepted us, and some of the kids put a sign up so we did not have to keep introducing ourselves or explain … kids and machines were on good behaviour. Oh yes I brought some papers back with me … Patrick wanted an answer by tomorrow if possible if that makes sense."

John remembered about that and answered. "Yes I'll do that now while you finish your mail. Jackie can you grab the phone for me? You could take Sandie out he'd like the change."

"Umm good idea." Simon said and took a couple of biscuits and started to read the paper.

Meg got up and found the papers she had put in her bag then handed them to John who started to look through them. She grabbed a couple of biscuits and went back to her emails got rid of the junk mail and opened the one from Robert; she could not sigh or swear as she was munching a biscuit so froze as she read the email.

Hi Meg

Congratulations! …. A little bird told me that Sunset Sister have one first prize, Sara will be told officially in a couple of days. So it's all hush hush.

I'm out of town at the moment but email will get near immediate response if private just write 'private M' in the information slip and no one else will open it.

So I guess you will be travelling to our neck of the woods again.

If you wish I could act air taxi as I'm travelling to Sunset to see Mandy to finalize a couple of things in the office. Good news about her mother she has decided to accept the place in shelter apartments. You can stay the night before for an early start, family would love to see you again, and I can come back to Seattle at anytime, my business will be finished late morning but more than happy to stay overnight as well if that is what you want.

I understand there will be publicity photos in the morning and no doubt an informal gathering at The Deep in the evening.

The Gallery came second and Bluebell came third (must remember to take flowers back with me). Let me know your wishes.

Hope Paul is not working you too hard, if he is let me know and I will tell Mat, I know he is hankering after an excuse to leave the office for a couple of days.

Robert.

She looked across at John and Simon who had just manoeuvred out of the lounge area hoping this would not start a fresh eruption and said. "Sunset Sisters has won, The Gallery came second, Bluebell which is a florist third. Robert has offered to take me from Seattle, I can stay with him the night before and he'll take me back whatever time I want. I can use commercial flights in and out of Seattle … I'll plead full work load if you want me too."

There was a flash of fear as he looked at her then at Jack who had just come in with Shep and had heard her words and understood John's fears and said gently to him. "You know she has to go, I've done a quick check on Robert he's okay … we can use him as back up for her."

Jack turned to Meg and continued. "If you do stay in Sunset Beach over night come back early morning the less time you are there the better. Think what you've already said about staying … would it sound odd if you rushed away. …. You will have to talk to Ben and his family you must make it as natural as you can … don't clam up on him at all nor do you want to give too much away, same with your family and friends." Jack stopped he noticed her shiver as he mentioned Ben's name and added gently. "All anger has to go … he is an ex-boy friend who is now a friend, don't forget she was a friend of yours as well."

Meg nodded realising the complications of either action and knew going was really the only action and the one she wanted to do.

John sighed he knew deep down she would go … he wanted her family to be complete … they should know she was going to leave because she wanted to and not because of her anger with her father. He had to know that by seeing it in his daughter's face not in a letter or a phone call. He flashed back to his own family and parting and knew the pain would be worse … and he was doing it to her … if only he could … he watched her and knew he did not have a choice … his brother would start poking around if she stayed away.

He saw the love in her eyes as she looked back at him and it gave him the strength he needed to keep his voice steady so it would give her confidence she needed. "Okay, but stay with Robert or your family as much as you can especially if there is do at The Deep."

She gave a slight smile and explained her racing thoughts "It's informal so it can be one drink then go, the photo shot is in the shop. Robert says Mat is looking for a reason to leave the office perhaps they could fly here and see you. … I would like you to meet them; you will rest better understanding why I trust them. ... I'd rather see him face to face and explain and not just as we are flying into Sunset. Paul can write to Mat and make sure our information is kept to a minimum. I'll stay at Sara's and pack a few things, that way I can avoid Dad if he suddenly starts sniffing for information, then use her need for rest as an excuse for staying away till the birth.

The rest of the gang will be there and I can use Robert as an excuse if I need to leave before the evening. I did warn Sara it might only be for the day, so that will be okay." Meg watched both of them waiting knowing she could do it and reasoned the twin had his daughter so would stay away from her.

Jack nodded while looking at John and Meg wondered if they could read each other's mind because it was Jack who answered. "Sounds good I'll give you my special mobile number for Robert and I'll pick him or them up at the airport. I'll take Paul with me for ID … ask them to use a different plane if possible, no doubt Ben knows Robert's plane number and could call it to check flight plans if needs be. I know it sounds paranoid but for the moment let's try and keep it quiet. We'll work out what information you can give your family when they come as Robert will have an up to date picture of the circumstances. Usually in a protection scheme all contact is cut with the old life, this time we have to make an exception so we will have to be very careful and make sure the situation does not snowball out of control."

Meg sat for the moment thinking of what to say back to Robert, she looked up as she heard John's gentle laugh "Difficult on paper isn't it." She nodded.

"What is?" Paul asked from the doorway and being playfully attacked by Shep.

"Shep leave!" John ordered then added jokingly "Survived then?"

"Yes so did you by the looks of things ... Oh here's a rose from your secret admirer." Paul walked over to John who had carefully wheeled himself over to the dinning area to help Meg with the email. John smiled and took the deep yellow rose. "Ah from Mrs Robinson. I'm sorry I missed her, which grandchild was it this week?"

Paul laughed at Meg's puzzled expression. "She came in after you left … car trouble … must be catching. Her grandson is in Japan ... She's in her seventies and knows her way round the computer as good as anyone half her age. She found the web pages about the towns he's going to and been to … then zapped off mail to her daughter in India and all the rest around the world. She wants to check travel information on Monday morning going visiting again. Oh yes Val has marked down the weekend for Canada she'll let me know details when we get back on Tuesday. So what's the action?"

Meg explained. "Sunset Sisters came first and Mat is looking for an excuse to get away and Robert wants to make sure you're not working me too hard. So if you could write to Mat and ask him to fly here with Robert before I have to go then we can introduce them to John and explain everything face to face."

Paul nodded and said slowly thinking things through. "Should work out … and I'll make sure all work information is kept under wraps. Umm I think Mat said Robert was over there this weekend till Tuesday … Can I use your machine?"

Meg smiled at his reaction and at the thought that crossed her mind which she voiced. "After I've sorted out what to say … everything sound so melodramatic. Please see me. Tell no one and destroy all details – Eat the computer."

They all laughed at that one.

Paul went over for a cup of tea and chatted to Jackie while John and Meg sorted out the email.

In the end Meg printed in the heading "As requested … Very Private M."

Hi Robert

Great news pleased for Sara I know she's worked hard. I'm fine but not where I'm meant to be … sounds familiar doesn't it.

I've a big favour to ask you, I need to stay hidden so could you delete mail to and from me past and as you do it … and I need your help when I go home. Reason is good not bad.

I will be asking you to keep a secret from family and friends yours and mine.

If you don't want to do this please tell me now and I will understand. Just keep my work place etc private will be enough I don't want to lose your friendship.

I would like to take you up on your offer of an air taxi in any case. If that is all right with you.

If you are willing to help I would like to explain face to face before I need to travel, you know where I am based, I think you are visiting my bosses friend he is welcome to come.

If you do please come on a different plane, possibly name as well, let me know when perhaps overnight would be best. Will give you contact number on your answer.

Thank you.

Meg

She let John have a look he smiled and nodded she sent it and then after they'd cleared the area Paul sat at the machine to send his mail.

"Private for Matthew only"

Hi Mat

Need a big favour with no questions asked at the moment.

Anything to do with Meg must be destroyed or kept under wraps as though it was a trade secret.

I think our mutual friend is staying with you this weekend we need to see you both as soon as possible. It's really good not bad and nothing illegal just something you will not be able to mention to anyone else.

I know curiosity will get the better of you so see you soon.

Paul

Paul got up and joined the group saying. "Right that's done I should think we will hear in the morning knowing Mat. As you can see we survived the club … in fact its fun. We'll open after the service in the morning and close about half one, if you don't mind Meg."

"No that's fine Simon's offered us a ride with the horses in the afternoon while Jackie's attacking John."

"Umm can see I'm going to get ganged up on." Jackie said with a smile then added. "I'm very gentle really." Then looked round the group and said seriously. "Orders for food as its Saturday."

"Sounds good … what do you mean orders for food?" Paul asked.

John replied "We order from the hotel's menu it's on the unit over there it's one of the joy's of being attached to the hotel the other is they do all the cleaning. I assume they can stay here." John looked over at Jack.

Jack knew exactly who he meant and answered. "Yes we've got spare rooms … so a working meal in progress. … Don't forget it will help if Meg is seen leaving and entering the hotel occasionally, though a Jackie and Meg friendship is a good cover as word gets around. … I'll leave you youngsters to it. Simon, if you want to show Paul the night life Mandy and I will be at home and on call."

"Umm good idea what about it you two." Simon looked at Paul and Jackie who had made their way over to the unit to look at the menu and both nodded acceptance, Jackie added "We will not be late as John needs an early night."

"You need to watch Paul though he likes taking over nightclubs." John said with a wicked smile.

"Only if they are free of charge and come with a profit. Hey! Roast chicken and apple pie Umm too good to miss."

oxoxo

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