Chapter 51

Now the crisis was contained, everyone knew it wasn't truly over there was the quieter bustle of people sorting out what to do, where to sleep etc. Meg pottered around with the others and found she dropped back into the old routine of quick visual checks as John lay sleeping as she had in the early days and found her mixed emotions of shock, fear, sadness and a little 'why now' settle down.

With the food laid out on the table everyone drifted over and between mouthfuls food, quieter introductions were made along with questions and speculation about what might have happened between the twins, which lead to the wish the phone would ring. All eyes turned to it and when it didn't and the silence stayed till Paul decided to break it and growing tension by encouraging Val to talk about her day with the lawyers and accountants.

She told them heatedly she was not going to pay lawyers what little money she had chasing her so called family through the courts for years; she would keep the money herself and walk away them all.

With sympathy they gently teased her as she tried to get herself out of the hole she'd just dug regarding lawyers, because they all knew Tony was a very good and kind lawyer. In the end the only way she could stop them was to explain everything and that Tony had written very strong legal letters stating she was not liable for any debts incurred now or in the future regarding the firm and family. Also that she was entitled to pay and commission due to the day she'd been booted out, and that it was up the nephew whether the firm sank or swam from now on not her. He'd forcefully stated that the house she'd been evicted from last night was left to her in the Aunt's Will that had no doubt started all this trouble and the nephew had no claim on it whatsoever as he'd told them. With regarding the firm the most positive thing they had managed to get was a commitment that all the staff would be paid by the end of the week but that was only after Tony reminded them of the clause she had put in her workers contracts. She ended with a smiling plea aimed at Meg for a roof over their heads till she and Paul could sort something out.

They all knew the answer was yes so a smile and nod was all that was needed and then Val asked Paul about his day. That remark brought a grin from those 'in the know' as Paul gave a cough and put on a look of pure innocence and then related his and John's plans for their future emphasising her part in the role of interior decorator.

Val's laugh of delight was interrupted by the hotel phone ringing which brought the tension back into the room. Mandy went across and picked it up and listened for a short moment then said quickly. "Robert, we know John's brother has died … … John held him … … his heart went out of rhythm, we have corrected it and he's now asleep. Everyone including Paul and Val are here, they had trouble with both firms and are homeless … … … I believe Mat's on his way over from Boston with lawyers. I'll put you on the speaker and we can all hear you." She flicked the switch and Robert's voice echoed across their part of the room.

"Thanks Mandy, that explains why I can't raise Mat I need him back here if it's possible. It's not good news I'm afraid … Mr Evans was murdered and I need your advice Jack."

There were gasps from everyone and Meg felt a shiver run down her spine, Jack had voiced the possibility of an accident as they chatted but no one had thought of murder.

Jack look round the group resting on the only 'stranger' Bob's co-worker who had flown with John on the day of the accident and knew there was a need for silence where John was concerned but not why Jack said quietly to him, "We'll explain later" he nodded acceptance and Jack turned his attention back to the phone call and said. "Robert just go through it as it happened starting from Meg ringing you about John."

"Right. Luckily Meg rang on the emergency phone I've ditched that one and this is the first time I've called, Okay"

Jack had the inkling of why guessed it would come out later and said. "Fine, I take it you are on another emergency phone."

"Yes I was going to ring Meg to transfer numbers; it was starting to give me trouble … back to what I've done. … I rang Sue just now and told her I'm staying here for a few days, they will no doubt check it along with everything else I've done or doing, then I made this call.

Back to the beginning, as soon as I finished Meg's call I used the office phone and rang Ben's cell phone because I knew he always kept it on and with him but got no nothing. So rang The Gallery and got Annie apparently Maria and Tess left her in charge … Maria was out with Ricardo and Tess left early saying something about Tim. She was in charge of both places and said Ben was at home with Sammy. I decided to ring Ocean Drive and got the answer phone … left a message that I needed to confirm a business transaction within the next half hour told him not to leave as I would be round. Time wise regarding calls possibly five minutes then I left Mandy in charge of the office."

Jack cut in gently. "Real transaction."

"Yes and I've rung them back to withdraw our offer because of his death, I think the police are likely to follow it up."

"Because of the answer machine call?" Jack asked knowing what was coming but needed clarification.

"Yes and the fact I was the first civilian apart from Maria on the scene. Got no motive but if they start digging … well you know how things surface and can look different after the fact. Back to the car journey, it took me a while to get to Ocean Drive because of ordinary traffic and the police cars buzzing around … I followed the Coroner Car actually not a nice feeling once I twigged where it was going."

Robert paused for a moment to stop himself emotionally dropping back into what had happened and then carried on keeping a matter fact tone. "I parked up the road from the house and got out the car, police were putting yellow tape across the road and starting house to house questions Jude's car was already there along with other officers. One stopped me and Jude came up the drive to see why I was there, Ricardo came and joined us. He was deeply shocked as you can imagine. I explained why I was there and asked what had happened. Jude explained that Ben had been shot in the heart … death within seconds possibly a minute … though they have not pinned down the time yet. I'm sorry about using Ben's name Meg but I need to keep thinking that way."

Meg said shakily. "That's all right Robert thank you for looking."

Robert carried on. "Jude did not mind telling me all this so that could be a good sign. They don't know about motive, as nothing in the house appears to have been disturbed or taken and Sammy was in her cot. Hopefully she slept through the whole thing. Apparently Ben did not show any signs of flight or fight and there were no reports of a shot being fired in that area so a silencer must have been used.

Apparently Maria was with Ricardo at Carmen's when Tess rang asking if they knew where Tim and Abby were. Tess could not get in, misplaced her key but also a worry that Tim might have changed locks on her. Something about an argument between them that morning. She had tried the Shock Wave and was told he was not expected till tomorrow so she tried his cell phone and got nothing he usually has it on when out and about. Then she thought about Tim meeting Ben and thought of contacting Maria for support, they decided to meet up at Ocean Drive. Maria and Ricardo left immediately and when they got there found Ben's body in the lounge area the glass doors out to the decking slightly opened. Tess got there a few minutes later. Ricardo called it in immediately while Maria went to look for and after Sammy. Ricardo did his best to stop possible witnesses leaving the beach leaving Tess to get Maria and Sammy outside and consol them."

Robert paused for a moment, Jack said gently. "Go on in your own time."

"The lack of disturbance brings a possibility that Tim and Abby might have walked in on something so they are being looked for. Some roughnecks were at The Deep when Ben was on duty day before yesterday and did not like being thrown out so Jude is checking all possibilities. Ricardo will be looking after the family rather than the case but no doubt will have some hand in it. Not too sure where Antonio is … they think he's gone on a closed retreat … seems to have been a bit of a rush as he was due to take a service in a couple of days.

Meg I'm sorry I can't talk to your parents yet I've got to wait till it is on the news, but I will reassure them that you have been told. Jude asked me to contact you that's why I can make this call. Jack have I covered everything."

Thinking it over Jack said slowly "Yes, and I understand your fears but as you say your transaction and reason for calling are real, the emergency phone to here is the first one you've made from it. Give us the number just in case we need it, you've always had the hotel number just not used it so that should cover you're using now say Meg's phone was off and you needed immediate contact with someone not an answer machine if they ask. You were quite happy giving them the information so I think they will only check if they run out of other possibilities. I'm assuming there was no one in the office when Meg originally rang you."

"No Mandy was in the other office at the time and would not have heard it, I've sent her home early she knows about the death but can be trusted to keep quiet. But to he honest the news must be round already with the police cars and everything outside his house."

"Yes, that was just formality really and the fact Jude is talking to you is good. How long have you thought about this deal with Ben? Past records available?"

Robert gave a short laugh. "Actually the deal was going to be with Mat that's why I've been trying to get hold of him then I decided to use it as an excuse for contacting Ben. After all we are business men who meet every so often but not drinking buddies, my ringing after him on just the off chance could have sounded weird."

Jack pondered for a moment then said. "That's okay, keep to the truth that your first thought was out of touch and you decided to try Ben as he is like minded and finically sound. Mat's flying in to see Paul in a while so I'll explain everything to him and I expect he will call in on you. Might be useful to have him around as back up or sounding board, just in case medical records show Mr Evans is Derek, of course that will depend on two things whether Tyus put it in Ben's records and if they check them and Derek's eyes. They've no reason to doubt Derek died falling off that cliff and I can't see why they should check them as they know what killed Ben. What do you think about time of death?"

"I doubt if they can pin point it to the exact second I mean the warmth of his body will tell them it was this afternoon I guess we will have to wait till they do the tests. I was wondering if my phone call might have scared the killer of and that was why nothing or child was taken."

Jack let out his breath, knowing what that kind of thinking could lead Robert to and said. "Possibly but don't dwell on it. Okay you lie low, act as a friend and let the answers come to you rather than push the officers or family. We'll just have to hope that Tim and Abby have just gone off for the rest of the day."

Robert sighed. "Oh I nearly forgot. Meg. There's a video sent by next day delivery so you should get it in the morning … it's a family one, last bit was taken yesterday. It's of Sammy and Ben, she's toddling and laughing on the beach but it does show people nearby perhaps I should have it back in case people can be recognised as paying them too much attention."

Meg felt tears come and nothing came when she tried to speak so Jack said "We'll keep it here for now Robert if there is a description of a suspect then we can have a look see if anyone is around. Thanks for the warning though we'll make sure someone is around when John watches it."

"Fine. You know Jack in spite of what he's done it should not have happened like this."

Jack said gently. "You were starting to like the lad."

Robert gave a gentle laugh. "Yes he was doing well. Talk to you in the morning and tell John I'm sorry for his loss."

"I will, let's have that number."

Robert gave the number and then rung off and everyone was left to their own thoughts, the only sound was the heart monitor at a steady rate and then a rustle as Shep stretched and jumped down and ran over to Meg giving a little bark before bounced back to the bed and sitting waiting expectantly.

Meg looked across at Bob who nodded; they both got up and walked across to the bed. Bob checking the monitor and Meg sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed her hand against John's face as she called his name. "John"

He stirred and slowly opened his eyes.

Meg said gently "Hi sleepyhead feeling better."

"Yes thank you" Meg noticed his manner and eyes change as he gradually remembered, and then the sadness in his voice as he said while watching Bob finishing his checks. "He's dead isn't he?"

Meg said softly. "Yes … I'm sorry."

John shifted so he could sit up leaning against the extra pillow Bob slipped in behind him and held her hand as he said softly. "I suddenly found myself in Ocean Drive with my brother collapsing; I caught him and held him as he died. I could feel his regret and fear for his children but not why."

Jack came by the bed and said gently knowing he needed the truth. "Your brother was shot in the heart at Ocean Drive, he would have died if not instantly then within a minute must have felt the shock but very little pain."

John looked at Jack shocked and whispered. "Maria?"

Jack reassured him gently. "She and Ricardo found him, Samantha and Benjy are safe."

John sighed and closed his eyes for a moment then looked at Bob then Mandy "Can I move around?"

Bob nodded and Mandy smiled saying "Yes but we'd rather you stay in the wheelchair for rest of the evening and move around slowly tomorrow as we sort things out."

Bob added gently but insistently. "You need to be monitored for 24 hours so I'll attach you to a portable box it will only make a noise if there is a drastic change. The printout will be on the machine by the bed. I'll give you something tonight if you need it."

John nodded the said softly "Thank you for coming" then with a sigh carried on, "I need the bathroom and food."

Simon came over to help John and the group drifted over to lounge area making sure there was food available for him when he came back. Meg watched anxiously as he came out the bathroom, she could see the sadness written all over him knowing that Simon would have filled in all the details.

As Simon wheeled him in beside her John gave her a sad smile and said gently. "Sorry for the scare."

She looked at him realising it was said for everyone else benefit as well as her own and there were the signs of the shield he wore when she first knew him in Sunset Beach. The face that said 'life goes on I'm not really hurting' and she wondered if he was feeling guilty because he was hurting at the loss of his brother. She took his hand and said gently knowing she spoke for the others as well, hoping he would understand he did not need to hide his pain from them. "It's okay now you're awake and back with us. We are all sorry for your loss John and understand the pain you are in."

He sighed nodded and accepted the cup of tea and plate of food then slowly began to eat, she knew he did not taste any of it or really know what he was doing it was something his body told him he needed. Her own feelings were so mixed now they knew the truth, his must be worse so she sat silently beside him she feeling their son settle as well.

A few moments later Jackie came over from the kitchen area and interrupted her thoughts. "Meg, you've got email from Sara."

She felt a rush of nerves and started to move John's soft but firm "I'll come with you." made her pause, she looked at him then decided not to stop him she knew that tone in spite of the sadness it held and so did Simon because he was already moving to make sure John could be moved without spilling any food or drink.

They settled round the dining table and Meg smiled sadly as she read the subject matter of the mail.

Bad news but not family – John needs to be with you.

As she opened the mail she realised the others had kept away giving them privacy, she would let them read it later they needed to know as well. Her emotions did a flutter and she hoped that John would not be too hurt by her family's pain.

Sis

I hope Robert has managed to tell you and you are with John, I'm sure he will give you a shoulder to cry on. I could not trust myself to actually tell you on the phone having just heard.

Though there were rumours that something bad had happened at Ocean Drive … we know better than to trust rumours. … But now our fears have been confirmed on the news.

I'm sorry Meg if you don't know.

Ben's dead he was shot this afternoon at Ocean Drive, the rest of his family are safe and were not involved.

I still cannot believe it.

I thought by writing I would not ramble or cry but thoughts are flying perhaps if I gave you the details it would help. Who the hell am I kidding?

The news says nothing was taken or disturbed; it was one shot to the heart no other injuries. … So what does that mean he just stood and took it? … Sorry.

Sammy was in her cot upstairs they think she must have been asleep … I hope she was … that points to a silencer being used … no one else on the beach seems to have heard it either. … They are appealing for people who were on that part of beach to come forward. … It was such a beautiful day …

Meg I cannot stop thinking about Sammy's loss that she will never remember him … they were so good together.

I saw them yesterday on the beach only a few people around and he was playing with her and she was calling 'dada' then with a giggle she let go of the box she was holding onto for support and with wobbly toddle toddled towards him falling into his waiting arms hands. … Her giggle infectious and his was pure happiness as they carried on playing.

I've never heard that giggle before certainly not when Maria or the others were around perhaps it was just when they were together, … or could it be just me and my memories at the moment … I stayed in the shadows not wanting to interrupt that very special moment … they were so happy together. I had to move on because of the twins.

Does happiness last Sis?

They are following up the idea that the drunks who were thrown out of The Deep last time Ben was on duty might be involved they were heard making threats. They gave descriptions and pictures taken off cameras at the club so hopefully they will be found soon.

How Ben was found … Maria and Ricardo found him that must have been awful.

They had been round Carmen's … guess Maria was trying to get Ricardo and Carmen to see sense … some hope … Tess rang worried that she could not raise Tim and Abby needed them back home, lost the key or something about argument so needed company if he was round Ben's. … Safety in numbers perhaps … It's known that neither men switch their phones off when with the children, Ricardo could not raise Ben so they decided to meet immediately back at Ocean Drive.

They found him in the lounge area … Maria found Sammy upstairs in the cot … Ricardo called it in and tried to stop people leaving the beach Tess arrived couple o minutes later …

They must have thought of kidnapping till they found Sammy then kidnapping or robbery gone wrong. Thank goodness she was safe.

There is a call out for Tim and Abby to get in touch; they were seen on the beach walking in that direction … it was not uncommon for the four of them to join up if they met on the beach.

Hopefully Tim has just called in then decided to take Abby out for the day, no doubt they will be pulled over and given the bad news … anything else would be too much to think about.

Everyone is in shock. They showed pictures of The Deep closed with a sign outside and the house cordoned off. That was creepy.

I've only had two words with Mum and Dad then the bell went at their house but they are in deep shock through the bond with Benjy and Sammy … think it's the fact Sammy was in the house and he loves ... loved his children so much. Will talk with them later no doubt.

No I have not forgotten Maria either but that is adult love and something very different. Knowing how I feel about Casey I can't even start to understand how Maria will be feeling especially as she lost Ben once before and now this ...

Oh Meg … Benjy will be in such a state over this … he's so young to go through it all again.

Casey is in shock even though the friendship was not so close as it used to be … the gang of friends are coming round in a while so I must go.

Memories good and bad will be talked about … where Ben is … was concerned are always joined.

As for you as you read this … you must be in turmoil even though you have moved on to another love ... Yours with Ben was something special for the time it lasted.

Remember I love you sis! … We all do … would give you hugs if we could.

Sorry got to go babies are crying and I need to hug them.

Love and tears

Sara.

Will give you update as soon as possible.

Meg wiped the tears away feeling his hands on her shoulders and she looked round to see his tears and pain. She moved around so they could come together in an awkward hug, because he stayed in his chair and she with her baby bump. But she felt the warmth of his love and hoped he could feel hers, she felt him break away with a gentle kiss on her cheek then a quiet. "I need to move and you need to answer it … tell her she can ring you on your cell phone. I'll make sure I'm quiet at the time."

She smiled at his concern for her and her family and knew he was hiding his own pain in it and said softly. "Okay, thank you."

She turned back to the machine and began a reply.

Sis

Robert told me the bad news - my mind is spinning and shed some tears - John is with me thank goodness.

Your mail helped me feel that you and others are close, memories with friends sound good, if they are still around give them my love – guess they know it's always there especially now.

Give Casey a hug for me and tell him to remember the good times there were so many.

You've got my cell phone in case of dire emergencies well you or Dad can use it if needs be otherwise use email.

We are not alone as Jack and Mandy are with us - they send sympathy.

Love you

Meg

She sent it with a gentle sigh wishing she could tell them the truth but knowing it would do little good at the moment.

She then walked beside John as Simon pushed him back to the others in the lounge area she looked at Jack and gave a nod of permission to read the mail and said "It's the same as Robert told us but Tim and Abbey are still missing do you want any more food John?"

"No thank you. I expect Tim's been found by now Meg. Jack I think we should let things lie they've got enough to contend with." John's voice was calm and steady

Meg looked at him thinking over his words and suddenly realised what he was referring to as Jack nodded his understanding, she said softly but with feeling. "You promised!"

John turned to her and she saw deep sadness in his eyes and felt the tenderness of his touch as he said gently "I know I said he would be buried as Derek … but think of the children Meg Samantha will never remember him but Benjy knows him as a loving father … the truth will only bring heartbreak and possibly break the family up even further … Maria kept the secret not only because she loved Derek but also to give the children a safe and loving home.

In the end he provided that and would have carried on doing so, he is dead nothing can undo that. The only thing that would come out is my existence is pain. Perhaps we will tell them the truth sometime in the future away from the glare of the press but at the moment let it be buried with Derek. I can live without my fortune and my name because I have you and my family here … hopefully your family will understand and forgive me."

She looked at him and began to understand just how much he still loved his wayward brother and family and knew she would have to give him his wish and nodded 'yes' just as Jack said gently "If Maria is involved in some way."

With hardly a blink John looked at Jack and answered. "If she is involved then you will have to go and see justice is done with or without me being revealed. I'm sure he's provided for the children so his wishes should be carried out and Gabi and Ricardo helped if they are to give them a loving home. Some or all of the fortune can be scattered in Sunset Beach."

Meg felt a shiver run down her spine at the tone of John's voice and the lack of hesitation then remembered his whispered word of "Maria" to Jack earlier and realised it was a question of involvement as well as health which meant it had been on his mind since when?

She was going to ask him when he looked at her with such gentleness and said. "When money is involved anything is possible, a single shot to the heart with no other disturbance could mean a hit man leaving her to play the grieving widow and Ricardo is the ideal witness that she was not involved. But it could also be yobs out to get revenge they would not want to leave traces or have a child on their hands, remember the drunk who knocked me out at the Deep."

Meg nodded and said gently "I want to go to his funeral either way."

He gave a sigh, which she recognised as grudging acceptance though he words still left the door open. "Only if the doctors can assure me you and our child are safe, we'll have a few days to think about that no doubt."

She could not fault that so smiled and nodded.

Jack said gently as he got up to leave the group. "I think you should rest and mourn for your brother in spite of his faults you loved him John." He put his hand on John's shoulder as he carried on. "Paul and I will go and see Mat we'll try not to be too late and I'll see you in the morning with everyone else, I expect Robert or the press will have more news."

John nodded acceptance, Mandy followed her husband's lead but instead of a hand on his shoulder she gave him a gentle mother's kiss on the forehead and a grasp of hands and got a slight smile back, which pleased her.

Val and Paul picked up the half empty cups and plates and followed them away from the area with Val confirming she was going with Paul later. Bob's co-worker went out the check over the helicopter, which would stay over night in the paddock, and Bob making his own quiet point by checking the machine, tidying things away then called out he was the other side of the door if needed.

Which left them with their two 'hawks' who knew what to do and with practised ease the four of them past the rest of the evening in quiet but not morbid sadness, chatting over memories and bringing up the forgotten scan and promised birth dates and then they walked Shep before retiring for the night.

With a quiet "I love you" Meg and John lay together trying to let their emotions run down and as she felt his breath gradually steady into sleep, then her own mind slowed down into sleep and a shadow of a thought rose and then disappeared back where it came from - that their son might yet have the name they both liked and kept turning back to but could not use.