Chapter 52

Meg woke from a deep sleep and reluctantly resisted the temptation of kissing John on the cheek as he slept. He looked so peaceful and free from the sadness she knew would return as soon as he woke. Instead she very carefully slipped out of bed and put on her robe, found her clothes for the day and decided she would use the bathroom upstairs to have a quick shower, just in case he woke before she finished and needed the bathroom.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs she saw Val already dressed starting to come down, so she waited till they were close enough to talk quietly and asked. "How did things go?" Knowing they'd crept in almost silently with the signed promise of talk in the morning.

Val's smile was all cheekiness implying other thoughts, which made Meg smile and give a slight shake of her head.

Val gave a teasing sigh of disappointment and answered her real question. "Mat sends love and sympathy, and when things had finished went on to Sunset Beach. Will check in with Robert this morning, thought the lad needed his beauty sleep. Yeah that made Paul laugh too.

The investigation will go ahead and the lawyers reckon they can get Paul's name cleared. Mat and the lawyers talked to employees and they decided to leave on mass. But they won't be out of work as Mat has put them on the net system, which means they are working from home so they are firing off lots of emails explaining what's happening, and including Mat's number. They are hoping clients will stay, if not they will send the information back to the firms by secure mail."

Val stopped and took a deep breath while checking she had got it right, then carried on. "Paul and staff stayed silent, but Mat and lawyers marched in with proof of ownership regarding computers, disks and files, which the new people couldn't dispute. Well they did but they didn't win. You know it was a bit like my firm only Paul was doing it. In a funny sort of way it was fun seeing the baddies faced with mass resignation and the workers and lawyers with Mat of course, walking out with the equipment etc tucked under their arms so as to speak."

She gave a gentle sigh "Still heartbreaking though. Mind you they are left with a defunct company's name, with no clients and certainly no good will. Empty offices a part from tables and chairs, bills to pay including a full lease as it came up yesterday and there's a notice clause in it. They just chucked Paul out so he couldn't do anything about it and they can't come back as he's got no money it's frozen so they will have to pay up in full.

She gave a smile and a slight laugh as she carried on. "Mat pulled a face when Paul mentioned about the club and his plans muttered scrooge like about having to count the dollars."

Meg gave a gentle laugh knowing Mat would not miss the cost or begrudge it then asked. "Did they know Mat's big guns?"

Val gave a dark chuckle "No but they will do. Before he went Mat told them to go play and see if they can track it back to the nephew and if any other laws were broken throw the book at them. They'll not know what's hit them by the end."

"At least Mat can afford it."

"Yes, he also said it would be good training for them. They smiled at that and they are not afraid of the government boys either, if they think it's a set up both lots will be gunning for them, which made Paul feel better." She gave a heartfelt sigh. "Mind you it does bug him all the restrictions they've put on him regarding money and passport. So if you'll have us we will stay here for a while and wash up for our keep."

Meg smiled they both knew about the dishwasher and confirmed. "You're welcome to stay you know that."

Val smiled adding with a gentle tease. "I know, thought I'd give you the opportunity to kick us out especially considering what's happened." She glanced back up the stairs then back to Meg saying. "Paul will be down in a moment, want a cuppa before the rest arrive I'm assuming everyone will be round."

Meg smiled liking the idea, "Umm please. I thought I'd shower upstairs. The gang come bringing food with them so just grab cereal if you want anything now. It's usually cinnamon and other fruit toasts and pancakes with any other goodies the restaurant throws at them as they pass. Hopefully John will sleep on he was restless during the night."

Remembering yesterday morning when it was just the four of them in the garden Val said with feeling. "Umm I'll fight you for the cinnamon fruit toast … how's he doing?"

Meg smiled but said seriously, "Covering up the real loss says he will not mourn properly till the killer is found."

Val looked at her with a gentle smile and said. "Means he'll be Ben again."

Meg shook her head. "Not necessarily depends on how much of the truth comes out. He does not want the children hurt and neither do I. See you in a while, be warned I'm not the only who fights for the toast, always assuming Jackie does not swipe it all before it gets here that is!"

Val gave a chuckle and continued into the apartment.

Meg went upstairs smiled and waved at Paul who was looking out the window at the view and silently reminded herself to check the mail to see if Sara had any news on Tim and Abby as soon as possible so it was going to be a very quick shower.

oxoxo

By the amount of chatter Meg could hear from Paul and Val as she came down the stairs after her shower she knew John must be awake. Looking across to the sleeping area she saw him sitting on the edge of the bed fully dressed talking to Bob.

Continuing walking she smiled and called out. "Hey, I went upstairs so you could sleep in a bit longer."

John snorted. "No such luck, Doc here came barging in claiming he needed to check his machine and now says I can walk around … slowly."

Meg laughed because John mimicking slow movements with his arms and legs as he said the word.

Bob gave a sigh of disgust and raised his eyebrows and exclaimed "Hey, you were out of bed when I came in young man!" John looked at her to say 'as if' as Bob carried on, "That was in spite of your promise last night to wait so I could check you over."

John got off the bed still going slowly and gently exclaimed, "Hey, I rang you, twice … Simon comes on the first ring! I was in the chair I needed to go … and only Shep is allowed accidents which he never has I might add."

Bob huffed. "But I needed a read out to make sure all was well before you moved. And you need to take care."

Meg could not help smiling along with the rest because Bob was trying so hard not to laugh so as to get the serious point across to his patient. But in spite of it all she could see deep sadness in John's eyes and wondered if hers showed similar sadness and they both needed normality to hide behind at the moment…

Her thoughts were stopped by the hotel phone ringing.

As Val was the nearest to the extension in the kitchen area she answered it, John gave up any pretence and started to make his way over to it. They knew it would be Robert all other calls were being held by the switchboard as normal.

Bob came over to Meg and said quietly that everything was all right and the monitor would stay on for the rest of the day, Paul also stayed quiet and waited and they all felt the tension rise.

Val nodded as she listened then said to John. "It's Robert for you, he's seen Mat." She handed him the phone then said quietly to Meg. "I noticed a mail from Sara. I'll put your cups of tea on the table the others should be here soon."

The laptop had been left on to receive mail over night and with an anxious mind she went over and opened the mail.

Hi Sis

After a restless night there is more news. None good.

I don't want to be here anymore!

But first I know you will be wondering about Bette because she was close to Ben. Mum and Dad went round yesterday evening and called this morning to say Bette and Annie are distraught but with Jude and AJ around will be okay, perhaps the fact Jude is on the case is helping them.

Our own get together was good but painful we're going to do it again this evening, I think it's comfort in numbers and yes the kids came too and Gabi, but not Ricardo he's looking after Maria etc. He is being allowed to help on the case – to be honest no one would be able to stop him so it's just as well it's official.

The yobs came forward ... all had good alibis.

Instead the police have arrested Tim for murder, robbery and the kidnapping of Abby.

I cannot believe it!

They put his picture on the news last night but that was as a possible victim. By the time they found him at a motel room he was a criminal!

Must have scared the life out of Abby, possibly Tim as well considering.

Yeah it was on the news … they went in with a SWAT team … with the lot … broke the door down.

Tim says he was only doing what Ben asked him to do and he gave him the money.

Why would Ben do that?

Someone started a rumour that Derek killed Ben, but Casey and Ricardo squashed that idea as they saw him fall down the cliff.

So that history is flying around, and of course Tim's part in it does not help. … Don't they know he's moved on from there?

Don't know where else they are going to look … if at all…. I suppose they must have hard evidence against Tim … they can't arrest on hearsay can they?

I suspect Vanessa will be on the story so at least we can believe her write up.

Abby is with Tess … who has gone into hiding, might even leave or has left SB according to Gabi via Ricardo … I never did like that woman … she is not standing by Tim or providing a lawyer … she has the money. I thought in marriage you share, apparently not in that one. There is a strong hint (most likely coming from her) that Tim quietly resented the way Abby was conceived and he was so angry with Ben and that he stole the money and Abby.

Excuse me … But Abby and Tim are good together, he's the one who altered things so they could be together while she's been spending more time at the Gallery or with Maria.

Sorry … you don't need my mixed up feelings at the moment.

As for the time of death … they have a window of an hour before he was found, and very unlikely that it was within minutes before being found. …They reckon about ten minutes to quarter of an hour. If that makes sense to you … difficult pinning it down because it was a small bullet, no exit wound … as he died quickly there was little blood. That sounds awful.

I guess what they are saying is Maria and Ricardo did not miss the killer by minutes, so could not have stopped it or have apprehended the person. I wonder if that really helps them because it means that Sammy was alone for at least a quarter of an hour or an hour at most.

They have not said what time Tim was there so I guess it must have been close or during that time. He admits to being there and talking to Ben that's how he came to be at the motel etc.

I'm going on what's going round … not from Tim directly, he's in jail … statements to the press etc. Unfortunately someone says they heard raised voices coming from just inside the decking area of Ocean Drive and saw Abby's pushchair there … I suppose that must be within the time frame. … But can you honestly say you know what time is when you are sunning yourself on the beach? I know I used to lose time.

Tim loves Abby and would never take her near danger and the last time I saw he got on with Ben. Of course, as people are bringing up the past no doubt they will forget the recent months and friendship they developed.

Tim had the Shock Wave, we found a partner to join him. So why Meg … why?

If I remember rightly Tim was not the best shot … perhaps that was it … it was an accident he shot to miss and hit. … Oh I don't know anymore.

Dad can't get his head round it either … they were going to finalise everything today. The partner is a friend of Dad's … goodness knows what's going to happen now. Dad would fund a lawyer but cannot afford too, he is talking about staying behind to look after Tim. You know what courts are like it will take months to sort this out.

I don't know if this will affect the sale of Sunset Sisters, we did think we had a buyer from out of town seeing him later today … doubt if he will want to come now.

The Deep is staying shut and lots of flowers are being left outside the house though no one is there as Maria and kids are at Carman's. I know I didn't like Maria much but to go through this … can't even begin to think of the pain Benjy must be in.

Love you deeply

Sara

Meg looked across at John as she heard him say, "Yes for Tim. …Charles can't represent him … he'll need someone who knows the law backwards and make sure they look at all the possibilities including Tim being set up... … Not sure at the moment I need to know what else is happening... … Yes I'll be around. … … Oh perhaps you should think about tracing Dr Tyus Robinson he can identify the fact it's Derek not me and find out when Antonio decided to go on this retreat, goodness knows how you do that without raising suspicions though ... ... Yes that might be the better way round. … … Most probably see you later if you are successful, the Lodge is empty so there be room. … … Yes missing him, strange as that might seem. … ... Thank you."

She watched him as he put the phone down expecting him to turn and talk, instead he stayed still and silent looking down at the phone in it's rest, her mind caught up with what she had over heard and called out gently. "I have Tyus's address and number shall I'll ring them through the emergency phone for you?" getting no reaction she added. "Did Robert tell you any more about Tim's arrest?"

She was surprised by the quiet sad. "Yes please … tell you in a moment." and knew better than to push him so got the information and rang it through to Robert, who to her surprise accepted it then rang off with just a polite 'thanks take care'.

As she watched John slowly walk round the kitchen area to her, a shiver went down her spine and she got up to go to give him a hug knowing her hug was not going to even start to heal the hurt he was obviously feeling, and wondering what had caused it.

At that moment both apartment doors opening with Mandy and Jack coming from the outside, while Jackie and Simon walked in from their apartment carrying some trays of food.

Jackie's call of "In the garden" was met by a short sharp command from John "We'll eat here!"

Meg stopped going over to John and went to Mandy who was close enough to give her a hug with reassuring words. The others stopped what they were doing and stayed silent knowing that something very very wrong had happened to affect John like that.

It took Jack a split second to take it in and then he went straight over to John, and without embarrassment pulled him into a hug with quiet words no one else heard. Only after being released and while being gently guided over to the dining table did they hear John's very gentle sad words "They were running Jack. They were running."

Jack pushed John into a seat and gave him the cup of tea with a gentle order to drink. John drank and then not realising he spoke, still in the dazed sad voice, explained. "By this morning they all would have vanished without a trace, instead he died."

Jack sat beside him and said gently "John what do you mean." Though he did not expect an answer straight away knowing John needed time. The others also realised it and quietly sat down, the email was on the screen and easy to read. Meg like the others found the smell of the food irresistible and started to eat, pushing some of the fruity cinnamon toast over to John hoping he would eat as he thought or talked.

It worked John nibbled as he read the mail, then looked back at Jack as if he had just asked his question and said. "Robert has been cleared and Jude took him into his confidence, said Meg would need to know the whole story. He told him, Tim used an assumed name at the motel. Back at Ocean Drive they found the gun under one of the chairs in the lounge and though it's got smudged fingerprints, one was clear enough to match it with Tim's. I think Meg and I know Tim is not a cool cold hearted killer … if he had been I would have been dead long ago."

Meg gave a gentle but shocked exclamation. "John!" and realised he was right, and carried on to explain. "Sara's right Tim could use a gun but Dad rarely shot with him as he usually missed, something about closing his eyes as he shot or before he shot, anyway he was not safe. Dad did and was a crack shot. Umm should not say that under the circumstances. What about the money he was meant to have stolen?"

John nodded and carried on. "He had a million dollars in cash and a million in special shares made out in Abby's name, interest could build up an account for her future use. Even Tim would know the shares were a liability."

Jack mouthed "Why?" so John would explain to the others, given the prod he did. "Because they could be traced when cashed in or when interest was paid into a receiving account, the amount would not just turnover into shares. That is of course if there was any record of the transaction left behind, which I doubt, so that would mean they could be used for Abby's future. The cash was for Tim to set up a new home without questions being asked.

The assumed name, that was so no one would know where to start looking, the name could have been discarded at the next stage, the car might have been dumped else where in town. He knew it could be traced but that would not tell anyone how they travelled on."

He kept his gaze on Jack and his tone even. "Tim must be deeply shocked not knowing who his friends are or who he can trust to not only believe but keep totally silent, after all word spreads and Ricardo is a police officer and on the case."

Jack couldn't help his intake of breath at the implication, and exclaimed as he let this breath go "No John!"

Knowing history John looked at Jack sadly and said. "It does happen occasionally and Ricardo can be one track minded, he was about the drowning and Tim has a history regarding Ben. Whether by design or coincidence Tim has become a scapegoat, and that kind of mud sticks no matter how much you try to clear it off."

Still feeling that iciness inside him he paused and glanced away from Jack, and as no one spoke he went on, very deliberately so they would really understand he meant it, it was not just a fancy thought. "I believe that my brother and children would have met him at the motel in a car not registered to him. His own would be in a garage or long term car park, and they would have gone overnight either to another State or into Canada. Derek knew how to get new papers, then they could use it as a new base or a jumping off point for a new life. I've asked Robert to contact Tyus and bring him here so Jack can go to Sunset Beach and explain its Derek not me, getting the children to safety first of course."

Jack said slowly reading between the lines and the sadness in John's voice. "Are you saying a hit man did the shooting on Maria's behalf?"

He nodded and Meg gasped, "No." over Jacks quiet, "That's a big jump from Tim running to both running John."

His glance took in both of them as he gave sad slow smile, and then explained facts no one could know. "The history of the group Meg, along with the fact the plan used was the one I gave my brother when he drugged me. … And yes it could be a horrible coincidence but there is the question of why were Tim and Abby there … he would not have thought it out by himself or chosen that motel, you know what he was like."

Meg nodded, and Mandy said gently. "I know your feelings about Maria and Tess. Walk us through it. As far as we know both families showed love and togetherness."

John gave a sigh and not wanting to see their faces as he talked, he glanced down at the table and rested his hand near his plate, then started to walk them through his thoughts, "I don't know why, but perhaps cracks appeared now they realised it was for life, and Tim found out that Tess wanted him out the way. He went to Ben for help wanting to take Abby with him because he loved her too much to leave behind. Ben believed him and used my scheme, gave them set up money and the shooting was as you say a coincidence … bad timing. If the shooting hadn't happened then this morning it would have been just Tim and Abby missing and Derek would still be Ben with Maria and family, and he would be covering Tim's tacks and Maria would consoling a distort Tess.

But Tim said 'Ben was going to meet him later and Ben had told him to do it.' Derek obviously told him enough to put him on his guard with the promise of the truth later, but I don't believe he would admit to being Derek, because of their history." He realised not everyone knew the history and explained. "Derek killed some friends; Tim could id him so Derek tried to kill him and put him in coma. I think that bit of history would've stay buried.

He gave half a smile and a quick look at Meg, before bringing his gaze back to a point on the table and carried on. "As for Maria's motive … Meg gave Derek a headache when he gave her an offer he thought she could not refuse … Maria on the other hand took up his offer and had his children, even helped set things up while in Seattle. Derek called her his soulmate, I thought it was to get back at me and tried to warn him, but he really believed she was his soulmate."

He shook his head to blow away memories and gather thoughts then said. "When he died I felt he was scared for the children. What if she had got tired of loving a murderer, the blame game made them about even so you might say they could live apart, but with him alive there would always be a shadow hanging over her. If he died the children would grow up under a new family free from taint, but would always be a reminder of what had been.

Having him killed would mean she would be the blameless widow, all secrets hidden forever, all the money would be hers … no doubt Tess would be paid off. With the bonus of Tim as a scapegoat people will stop looking for the real murder, also Tess can get a divorce and start again. If Tess has any sense it will be as far a way from Maria as she can. Maybe she's done that already hence the hiding and she'll only come out if the police need her to, and who would blame her, the press would be at her heels for a story."

He drank the last of his cold tea and carried on with a sigh. "Whatever Derek sensed Tim now has the burden of proof before action, and because Tess is Abby's birth mother with all the rights that entails, all half stories are going to be turned against him. If Maria is involved, she's got money and public opinion behind her as well as a very good lawyer, and a brother who will want a version of the truth."

He glanced at Jack. "Don't get me wrong Ricardo's not a bad cop, just might be misled by his love for a sister he once lost and found again, and is now suffering a huge loss.

Jack nodded his understanding and let John continue, knowing this was difficult for him. "So Tim stays silent hoping the truth will somehow come out, which it might happen because Derek is … was a collector of trophies and needed to have a hold on people under him.

In Seattle he bragged about a watch that kept going between him and Tess, it is a hold over her or a promise to her don't know which. He kept the watch Meg gave to me, as well as my wedding ring so he would feel us close to him. I always wondered what story he spun if asked about them, perhaps no one asked a ring is a ring after all. He told me he didn't need them for Maria as their love was enough. But to be honest I doubt that, perhaps he slipped up and Maria found them and made her move and now knows she is safe because she got rid of him and them. Of course if she didn't find or know about them they might turn up now."

Meg watched John shake his head to bring his thoughts back, she knew no one would speak they were too busy trying to get their heads round his thinking as she was, his gentle still very sad voice brought her back. "Assuming it was all Derek's idea and not just for Tim's benefit, he must have thought the time scale was okay and he could do it as well. Because when you run you always go when there are several hours before you would be missed … as a unit of the whole family or just the one person. No ties to be left behind, only taking luggage as if you are going on holiday and then discarding it carefully. You become the new person or people straight away, the money showed there was some planning in it not a rush, though it might have been hours not days.

Perhaps Tim worked in the morning and had the afternoon free, so it would not be unusual for him to be out with Abby till Tess got back from work … say tea time, whatever.

As for Derek, well nothing unusual about going out with Samantha or even picking Benjy up from school, might have planned on being a little earlier just to make sure he got him and he was not off with friends for a play before tea. Parents can do that and no one would inform Maria unless she asked later, and later would have been too late. She was with Ricardo and Carmen and most probably wouldn't start worrying about their absence till late evening, a note on the table from him explaining they would be out most the evening could cover that one. So, nothing unusual to send the flags up … but he could not follow through because Maria had already made her move."

Jack understanding it all said quietly. "That's how you used to try and run from Derek?"

Meg shivered and felt the shock of the others around her as John nodded looked at him and gave a soft, "Yes, and they would have worked if I had not been in his unseen footsteps. … I kept an escape account of … used to be eight million" he gave a gentle smile "Won most of it in a draw of some kind so kept it away from the rest. As it lay dormant the interest built up and can be accessed under an assumed name … the one that was used at the motel actually."

There were a couple of gentle understanding sighs, but they didn't disturb the flow of his thoughts or words. "The motel will be on the edge of a town, with good road, train, bus and air routes … the police hunted because of the murder and the possibility they were victims of a kidnapping.

It's not a crime to walk out and vanish, and if they do look and find you and no crime has been committed they quite often let you stay hidden. Just give out a message that you are safe to stop people worrying. Of course children being involved would make it a bit different, but if no hardship was shown to the children they would weigh up the two stories and go for the best one.

Derek would have left enough for Maria to be happy with, and she could play the wronged wife if she wanted, even pretend to hunt for the children but never actually find them. You see the blame game again being used to buy her silence and his freedom. …Gossips would be on her side and she would be free to do what she liked without her past coming to light, the same goes for Tim's freedom, Tess could never have close scrutiny from the police with Derek out there. Now though they have Tim to hide behind and blame…"

Knowing it made horrible sense and not wanting John to go deeper into the sadness he obviously was feeling, Jack said gently. "Okay so what we need is phone numbers I don't suppose we can get those easily."

Feeling shaky at the way things were progressing Meg asked, "How will they help?"

Paul understood some of it and answered with a sad smile. "The records will show who they have called recently, we check them and hopefully they will lead us to the hit man or a friend of a hit man."

Catching their line of thought John looked at Jack and suggested, "I would give you my old computer and accounts numbers so you could check pay outs but that would put up flags, so we will just have to wait and see what happens. I can give you their last known cell phones … I don't suppose they would have changed them. How are you going to get records without rousing questions in Sunset Beach?"

Jack smiled "My FBI friend in protection group can help, he will keep it quiet and off the record if necessary. And I agree about the computer and bank records being to risky. So now it's a case of finishing breakfast."

"And sorting the day out." Jackie said grabbing the last bit of toast and wanting normality.

Paul's phone rang, he answered and listened then looked at Jack and said. "The lawyers say the Investigation team need me. Any chances of an office here rather than me travelling, I really don't want to go back to the empty office?"

John nodded and butted in before Jack could answer. "Use my office, Jim can clear the desks off and it's big enough for all of you. I guess I'll not be using it for a couple of days." He finished looking at Bob who nodded affirmative; he didn't want any more strain on John than there was already.

Paul smiled and voiced his thoughts. "Thanks, it will take them an hour to drive up then meet me outside the police station rather than the Store, that should be enough time to make the office safe." then went back to his phone call with Jack saying a couple of words, which they did not hear because Meg said looking at John, "I need a black dress."

John said gently and firmly. "We don't know how long this will take Meg and the baby …"

She knew she needed to do this so cut in with equal gentle firmness. "Will be safe John. We both need this closure. I can travel with Jack and Mandy, no doubt Robert will do it and Tyus as well if it needs to be done later today or tomorrow. The part your brother played was as my friend/lover and I always denied he was the cause of my leaving, so my returning will not arouse any suspicion. The fact the others come with me, well, they promised Mum and Dad to look after me, and we can say we met Tyus at the airport."

John looked at her, and she could feel him weighing up the pros and cons, then he nodded his agreement and looked over at Mandy and Jack, and a flash of new sadness and hurt washed over him and his words tore at Meg's heart. "You should have gone to Sunset Beach in the first place Jack."

Jack moved quickly so he crouched beside John and said gently, "No John."

It was answered in a pleading whisper. "At least he would be alive."

Jack looked at him making eye contact while putting his hand on John's arm, and said earnestly. "And you would be dead, possibly Meg as well. Don't do this John … In the cabin you were willing to risk your life for Meg when he had her by the throat, and you relinquished your freedom for the young child in Seattle. Derek handed over his freedom to Maria when he came back to Sunset Beach in your place … He did because he loved and trusted her, thought she was his soulmate … he was willing to do it … his choice. … Not your fault. … Not your guilt. … You wanted him to live and love, he did that; we knew it would end sometime. Love him and mourn him John, but don't feel guilty."

Meg felt the rush of love and realisation of just how lucky she was to have a second chance of such a deep love. Jack got up as she went over to John, and put her hand on his shoulder and felt him cover it with his ... they didn't need words, just silent support.

After a moment he looked up at her, their eyes locked in quiet love and understanding, then John sighed with a little nod and said softly. "Go … I need a walk in the garden and write some letters regardless of who killed Derek, especially to Aunt Bette."

Meg nodded and smiled, then looked across at Jackie and Val and asked. "Come shopping?"

They both smiled back and nodded, but Val added, "If Paul does not need me and I can keep out of Bill's way."

Jack said quickly before Paul could answer. "Actually it might be a good idea if you talk to Bill Val, get your side across, I've no doubt that nephew will be spouting all kinds of stories. He can get it out in the other paper if not his own."

"Okay and Paul's story as well." Val asked hopefully.

"Not yet, we'll let that come out when they've completed the investigation. Bob, are you going to stay with John?" Jack checked knowing Mandy had a couple of appointments she could not break.

Bob smiled. "Yes, that is if I can prise my co-worker from his luxury room. If I can he'll take the machine back this morning, I've warned them I'll be here for a few days." He looked over at John and added. "You, young man are going to take things easy so we'll compromise I'll give you a push out to the garden etc and you can walk about the apartment, and sleep for a time this afternoon."

John sighed knowing 'that' smile and tone. "Okay … then you can stop the papers from blowing away. I suppose everyone will be back here for lunch." Nods of yes came so he carried on voicing his thoughts. "If Robert does go off to find Tyus he'll be out of touch of what is happening in Sunset Beach, so if you ring your father Meg … he might be able to give us an update and then we'll know how to feed in any information Jack might have found."

"Good thinking I'll see you later." Jack said making his way over to Mandy.

Meg watched the couple; she had heard the relief in Jack's voice that they all felt because John was thinking clearly again, had not dropped into despair thinking it was his fault not the killer's who ever it turned out to be. She felt John start to get up and moved away to give him room, and noticed he kept an eye on Bob, no doubt half expecting a reprimand, but none came, only a casual look as if checking everything was okay.

Then she felt him besides her, put his arms around her and with a quiet "thank you" plant a gentle kiss on her forehead. She looked up at him for a moment, then followed it with a proper kiss, before they parted for the morning.