Chapter 53

In spite of the circumstances it had been a good morning shopping and had left Meg feeling proud and happy for John, knowing how much local people were concerned for him having heard the helicopter fly in. And she was sure it would be all right if or when the truth about his … their history came out.

Walking down the path to the sunken garden she couldn't help smiling, John was in his wheelchair with Bob sitting on the bench chatting and enjoying the sunshine. It reminded her of the early days when she used to sit with him and talk.

Bob glanced round and waved with a call "How was it? Any money left?" having been alerted to her presence by Shep, first with his tail wagging furiously and then him doing his usual yoyo run greeting between them till she got close, and was now sat at John's feet panting and that still tail wagging furiously.

Meg wondered if it would wag off one day and laughed at the thought then kissed John before sitting next to him.

Bob automatically shifted up to make room and Meg admitted. "Yes just a bit but not much. I bought a dress and jacket which does not make me look like a balloon!"

"As if you could." John said softly with a gentle laugh and a look to make sure she took it the right way, realising he could be in a hole he could not dig himself out of, and gently laid his hand on her bump to reinforce the right direction of thought.

She smiled at his words, loved the gentleness of his touch and teased him, "Don't disturb him he's sleeping after shopping." John smiled and nodded and moved his hand to hers as she carried on. "Val had a little chat with Bill who sends best wishes by the way; along with everyone else we met and we seemed to meet an awful a lot of people. The general opinion is that it's been too many late nights and we must stop … but no one said what exactly we had to stop."

They both smiled at that and heard Bob's chuckle and eyed him till he smothered it in an 'oh so innocent' look that didn't fool any of them.

Satisfied, she gently huffed. "All the hats either fell off or slipped so I got a black veil which I can clip on to my hair and wear clear of my face so I will not notice it and be able to see where I'm going. We frightened one of the shop assistants when asking for a black dress, she thought it was because of you. But we reassured her it wasn't, explaining it was a friend of mine and I would be going to the funeral in a few days time; she sends her love by the way."

"Poor thing, who was it." John asked with genuine concern.

"Rebecca in Dress Smart, don't know her but she certainly knew you. Unfortunately it was too busy to really chat."

John nodded and said. "Oh, late twenties, streaks of red in blonde shoulder length hair … a little taller than you are." Meg nodded ready to ask but John went on. "Just as well you'd have never got away."

"Umm should I be worried?"

John smiled knowing it was a gentle tease and explained. "No. She's married to Jim's brother-in-law they occasionally meet up in the hardware shop for a free cup of tea and chat."

Meg smiled knowing the word occasionally really meant 'a lot' when said that way then asked. "Good and how have you been?"

John's brightness went a bit as he sighed, "Okay … steadier than earlier … done the letters." He looked out at the view knowing what he needed to do, then looked back at Meg and added. "Though there is something I need to ask before I seal Antonio's."

"Shall I go John?" Bob asked knowing what was going to come.

John turned his attention to him letting him quietly see how he felt as he said gently. "Not unless you want me to walk back."

"Okay, pretend I'm not here." Bob said with a smile and settled down to watch the view but be aware of what might happen.

"John?" Meg asked gently a little bit worried.

John took her hand in his and looked at her, the expression in his eyes was unreadable but his voice had more than a hint of sadness as he began to explain. "The letters I've written will only be needed if the truth comes out about me being alive. If Jack decides it's better I stay dead then it will be assumed by everyone that my ashes are scattered in Canada and Jack is there as your friend. But, he will make sure my brother's wishes concerning the children are adhered to and if Maria is implicated in his death then she will forfeit her right to any of the money by law in any case, and the fortune will be distributed around Sunset Beach. We know we can live on what we make here trying to divert some to me would cause problems.

I don't know what Maria might be doing about his funeral, but if she is implicated I was hoping you would ask Antonio to take the service. Say you think I might have wanted it if I was alive and go along with whatever is in his Will or last wishes if there aren't any then whatever Antonio thinks best. …Is that all right with you?"

Letting her own emotions settle Meg nodded so he could carry on, which he did. "If the letters are given out I've asked Antonio to look after my brother's body and have him cremated. I don't know if that will be done with a service at the Mission or a civil service at the crematorium either way I would like someone there who knows him … us. Antonio has always been a friend to us but I also know it might be difficult for him so it must be his choice, if he can't I'm sure he will know someone who will.

We did wonder about flying Derek's body back here and having a service but because of my past regarding coffins Mandy and Bob don't think it wise and to be honest I don't think I could face seeing him in one. … Of course it will depend on his wishes if he's put them in a Will and what a Judge might say, after all the Will would be signed Ben not Derek. I personally think there might be unease having his body at Sunset Beach but his ashes stored in the Mission might be easier and it would provide a private place for his children to come and be near him."

He hesitated for a moment and sensing he did not want her to say anything Meg nodded her understanding wondering what was coming, especially as his voice was incredibly soft and loving as he started talking again. "If they don't want his ashes there I would like them to rest in the church here, and when I die I wish to be cremated and our ashes scattered at the waterfall. Originally I wanted my ashes to be scattered in the garden but the waterfall has become such a special place to us."

"John" she said gently still trying to take in the idea of his death, it was something so close yesterday and yet so far from her mind now.

He looked at her as explained quickly and softly "We were one in the womb Meg, he came to me as he died and I miss him. I understand if you don't like the idea so you can have it done after your death if you wish. Your choice at the time it happens not now."

She gently put a hand to his face brushing it gently against his cheek stopping him from saying any more and said gently. "No, I'm happy with the idea as long as it's a long way away. We have our family to bring up first, and it will be after I'm dead because I want my ashes scattered with yours. Though I know we will be together no matter when it happens … you coming to me in my dream proved that."

"Thank you." John said softly looking at her and taking in her love.

Meg looked at him then gently rested her head against his shoulder and with their hands resting on each others they both looked through the archway out across the valley. They didn't really see the view they were deep in their own thoughts letting the natural silence surround them.

After a moment Bob's gentle cough brought them back to the present time and they looked at him, he nodded in the direction up the pathway and explained. "Jackie's waving and marching off back to the apartment so I guess lunch must be ready."

"Fine. If you'll do the honours." John said.

Bob smiled his answer and got up to move John.

Meg gently rubbed her back as she moved to get up realising that if Bob had not said anything her son to be would have made his presence felt a moment later.

Shep was already up and bouncing up the path in his usual rounding up manner as if trying to get them to speed up.

oxoxo

As group entered the apartment with Shep in the lead, Val looked up from the kitchen area and wiping her brow as though she was hot and tired and dramatically exclaimed. "We've finally finished laying the feast, having slaved all morning over the hot stove."

The dinning table was laid with salad, sauces, cheeses, meats and hot quiches so everyone could come and get their own.

Jackie snorted as she put the jugs of drinks down on the table and the others smiled knowing full well the restaurant staff had provided the food and most probably put it on the table.

Feeling hungry and knowing it would be everyone for themselves in a moment Meg walked over to the table.

Their grins grew at John's very loud exclamation "I can walk, thank you very much! But you can put the papers on the table in the sleeping area."

Bob chuckled and admitted defeat stopping the chair just clear of the mat inside the doorway. He then gave him a mock bow before taking the papers off John's lap so the man could get up, but walking away to put the pile on the table as ordered he muttered darkly "I'll get my own back young man."

Sighing John got up and walked slowly over to join the others knowing his limitations. After they raided the table they made their way over to the lounge area and settled down to eat. Only to have the main door whoosh open and Jack walk in with a box and some papers in his hands and seeing what was on the table exclaimed. "Now that's what I call good timing!" He looking round at the others carried on with a sigh. "Unlike Mandy who has got delayed and there was no sign of Paul either."

"You can tell us about that pile as we eat." John said with a fork full of food ready to be eaten.

"Okay give me a minute to sort this out." Jack said putting the box and papers on the empty sofa, then got some food and settled down next to his piles of goodies and much to everyone's gentle disgust took several mouthfuls before glancing round at them coming to rest on John and saying, "Hey! I know better than to speak and eat later … eating never happens and I'm hungry. You sorted things out?"

John smiled and nodded, then followed Jack's advice as did the others.

Satisfied with that answer nod Jack carried on eating, when he finished he got up to get a drink and Paul walked in and made a beeline for the food with a cheery "Carry on!" as everyone had looked.

Jack smiled and poured himself a coffee from one of the jugs on the table and sighed hearing a gentle cough looking round at them he then filled some more cups with the right drinks knowing he'd become the unofficial tea and coffee boy. Definitely could not say 'no' to those silent pleas from the group and commented cockily. "Knew there was a reason to wait; now I don't have to repeat myself," looking at Paul as he finished and then asked. "Things okay?"

Paul could not resist. "Coffee please." He got a huff from Jack so added quickly as he started filling his plate with food. "Sort of … been let out for the day … and it's going to take days rather than hours. They are going through all the books and any other pieces of paper they can find, including phone records. They will interview staff and clients even though we've explained about the nephew and coincidences." With a full plate he started to walk over to the others and added. "So you tell us your story."

Jack took the tray of cups over and let them grab their own and sipped his coffee but as everyone was still watching him, he admitted defeat and started. "Okay, my FBI friend has come up with the cell phone records for Maria, Tess and land phone at Ocean Drive; I added that one just in case they got sloppy and rung from home. The records cover the last month though we can go back further if we wish but the company may start making a fuss and they do go right up to this morning which is interesting."

He had to move his cup out the way so took another drink then laid the papers on the semi cleared table, Jackie had packet up some of the plates for him. Everyone could see that certain numbers had red rings around them, though they could not actually read the numbers and he laid a thin file beside them that remained closed.

He pointed to the ringed numbers and explained. "Right, the red rings is a new number that both Maria and Tess have contacted and it started two weeks ago and the frequency of the calls increased three days ago. Tess called only a couple of times; Maria using her cell phone rang that number early evening the night before Derek's death and on the morning of his death and early this morning.

Of course it proves nothing unless we know what was being said and of course we don't and we don't have a 'hit man for hire' firm on the other end either. So could be just a friendship that just happened... a coincidence just like the shooting is and it's our devious minds making the connection between them.

No calls were made to this number from Ocean Drive, I also took the liberty of getting The Gallery's phone number and checked their calls but nothing turned up there either, I think that rules out work related conversations, so it's likely to be a personal friendship.

We have to tread carefully and have positive leads as lawyers can throw out evidence that's got from 'fishing trips' as they are called. The best way would be to feed in a hint or a question and get them to search the records themselves and they make the connections. If we can satisfy ourselves it is going places then we might use Robert, though how might prove challenging in view of his close call already.

Anyway, we did a check on the new number and came up with a name, Ross English" Jack flicked open the file, which had a computer picture and notes and commented. "Joys of the computer age, he's early thirties not bad looking, single, clean driving licence, bit of money but not rich and no steady job having recently moved into the area. Two weeks ago actually so, we are back tracking him and so far have come up with an artistic background. So I wondered about Annie's part of the business rather than Maria's, we might track that number later if needs be. It will be a paper trail including newspapers, which takes time. Once we start contacting people rather a machines word could get back to him that we are looking … so far it looks as though he likes the ladies, pretty, rich and unattached.

We are looking at the options of a lover leaving the women happy in which case he is changing his style by going on to a married woman, why take the risk? Or he could be an odd job artist earning a living on his own, hence pretty ladies and does portraits, no steady income. And Maria is helping him find something through her connections as he is new to the area, all very innocent. Finally it could be someone on the wrong side of the law who is good and has not been caught yet i.e. a hit man with ladies man or jobbing artist as a cover."

John said softly. "So you think he killed Derek to please Maria?"

Jack said gently. "Yes it's possible, she moved from you to Derek. But if she did then she's back to a killer for a lover, sorry John."

With the ideas in his mind John nodded but said firmly. "No, he's more likely to be an 'innocent' lover who could bring up the children, the last thing she wants is one with a hold over her."

Meg felt a shiver go down her spine and was sure the others did to as John carried on. "The children are young and can adjust to a new father, Samantha would not know any different; Benjy is used to things changing think of Seattle to Sunset Beach. Maria would be free to relax and live as she wants to, Ross might not even stay the course if his record is anything to go by.

There is Tess, but she's been be bought or warned off by Derek's death. Sara said she was in hiding possibly breaking ties, perhaps she is moving out of range." He looked across at Jack and pointing to the records he'd picked up and checked over as Jack had talked about Ross said softly. "Those phone records show Tess and Maria were on the phone to each other."

Jack sighed looking at John for a moment then the colour went from his face as he realised the full implication said softly. "John no. Don't even go there."

Equally quietly but firmly John replied "The times of the calls Jack."

There was a tense silence in the room as Jack took the paper from John and started to check them.

The silence was broken as Paul whispered. "But that would mean…"

Jack broke in stating the facts rather than finishing Paul words. "Tess was on the phone while Derek died. Assuming you collapsed as he was hit then she had started the call about one minute before that. First of all we don't know if she can shoot and secondly it would have been too dangerous, someone could have seen her leave the house." He stopped and then stated firmly. "She was at home trying to get in. John!"

John looked at him sadly and insisted. "I doubt anyone has checked she was actually at home. They are focusing on Tim, and Ricardo would give credibility to the call taking place. There are three doors out of Ocean Drive she could have slipped out of any one picking her time or none, after all she was to meet them there. Who's to say she did not slip downstairs while Ricardo was outside on the beach trying to stop people from leaving and pretended to come in.

This morning in the sunken garden I could smell the flowers and I remembered what was at the back of my mind … I could smell a strong scent in the room as I held my brother … I was facing him so could not see who was behind me and therefore in front of Derek. … I'm sure it was Tess's perfume and that is why he did not struggle, he would not expect her to kill him, they were lovers early on and he gave her a child. It would have been quick so surprise would have made him freeze."

Jack whispered "Too much of a jump John … must be."

Paul said hoarsely. "Tess could not shoot with a cell in her hand and Ricardo would have heard the shot or seen Maria jump."

With the sadness still very much in his voice John said. "No, Tess would have connected before she entered the house and put it down or in her pocket or perhaps accidentally left it on. Then used it to say it was done and time to come over for Samantha. … They say a silencer was used and Maria need not have been close to Ricardo when taking the call. Perhaps she had her back to him a radio on even, he just needed to be there with her to verify she had the call. Fingerprints can be moved from objects, can't they Jack."

Jack whispered, "Yes … not easy … hence the smudging but enough to implicate." Like the others he was shocked that John had even thought of the possibilities, the trouble was it fitted so well and added. "How can we prove it?"

John said calmly and without hesitation. "On the computer through cell phone masts."

They all looked at John as if he'd gone mad then Jack got up and went over to the computer on the dining table and flicked it onto search engine and keyed in the information. As the others made their way over to the dining table Meg got beside John and held his hand. Noting he was pale and guessed it was one thing to think of those possibilities, it was totally different to have it proved and no one jump up and tell you it was totally it was impossible. No one had done the latter and she had no doubt she was pale too and said quietly. "Maria's not like that John, I knew her in the earthquake she was so gentle."

Glancing at her he stopped her carrying on by saying sadly. "That was when she had no past and met a loving friend who was willing to take her as she was. Now she has all her past and a future to think of. Tess has always had a sharp edge to her …one of the reasons I wanted her close and went to Seattle."

"John I'm so sorry." She said gently knowing words were not really enough.

"I have you … I'm sorry my brother's so called soulmate was not like you. … Like Jack said he trusted her." and then got up and they walked over to join the others.

As they joined them Jack called out. "John I've got the overall map of Sunset Beach."

John snapped out of his moody thoughts of possible betrayed love from the very beginning and said calmly. "Go to the street map and I think you'll find there are two masts covering Sunset Beach hopefully one will cover Ocean Drive and the other Tess's home. I remember there was a fuss about bad reception in certain areas."

Jack fiddled around and got the right page then said. "Got it. … Ocean Drive and Carmen's are on the same one and they are not on the edge, they should link in nicely. Tess is on the other one so if the two are from the one area they can't say it's a mix up or crossover." He looked at John and added. "So I go back to my friend and see if they can pin point the calls on that day then we will know if you are right. I hope you're wrong. In any case we need to know what's happening in Sunset now, Meg can you ring home."

Meg shivered and nodded.

And Jack carried on. "In the box I've got an extension and headphones so we can listen in on your call if you use the hotel phone is that okay John?"

John nodded having sat down and Bob came over to him quietly checking his pulse and said gently. "Afterwards you rest and so does Meg you've both had shocks and I wished you had voiced your thoughts in the garden. … We could have talked."

"Sorry I couldn't, not then." John said sadly.

Bob nodded realising how difficult it must be for him. After all, the whole situation of being at his twin's death was bad enough but then to know who the murderer or murderers were and one be a person he'd loved and trusted must be creeping him out ... He knew he was.

Meg went over to the phone in the kitchen area while Jack got the extension and headphones so they could listen and set them up at the table. The others quickly and quietly tided up the table covering or clearing the food plates etc. glad to have ordinary jobs to do to keep the thoughts away.

oxoxo

Leaning against the counter Meg decided to ring home rather than the Shock Wave, she waited for a couple of rings then as it was answered, she saw nods from Jack and John knew they could hear and said. "Hi Mum"

"Meg, Sweetheart how are you?"

"Shocked but not too bad thanks I was wondering what's happening."

Joan sighed. "Dad's gone to see Tim he wants him home in our custody, I believe he's been talking to the lawyer Robert sent over. Can you thank him for that if you see him before us, he seems to have disappeared. The town's in mourning lots of businesses are either closed or got black ribbons in the windows. Still can't believe it I assume Sara has mailed you, she's coming round later."

"Yes I'll thank him and I'm glad Sara's seeing you. She said Annie and Bette have taken it hard."

"Yes … Oh there's the door give us a sec."

Meg could hear muttering off and guessed it was her father coming in and waited feeling her anxiety rising.

"Meg!"

"Hi Dad I was wondering how things are."

"Grim to be honest. I've put off the deal about the Shock Wave for a couple of days can't think about it. Tim is staying silent and they've put him on suicide watch. You know they found his fingerprint on the gun."

"Yes."

"Well Tim says he knows nothing about the gun and I believe him. But now they've found out he bought the gun."

"How?" Meg exclaimed

"The owner of a gun shop has come forward, recognised his photo and they found his signature in the book. They tested the writing and say it's his."

Jack whispered to Meg. "TV in shop."

Meg nodded and asked. "What about camera in the shop Dad."

Hank gave a short sharp laugh, "Out for the day and unfortunately Tim was also known to be out of town that day and what's more they've found a car parking stub in his car for the day and the town."

"Dad does Tim know?"

"Yes, but is staying silent, he must be able to tell them where in the town he went and prove he was not there. Guess they will check street cameras, he's due to go before the Judge I want him home Meg then perhaps he will talk to me. I'm going to see if I can provide the surety or whatever so can't stay long. Tess is in hiding and will not see him, everyone else seems to be against him and keep voicing his past with Ben as a reason for his actions. I've told Jude he is a useless shot and got our neighbours to give statements and fax them in." He gave a sigh and added. "There is something else that's odd."

Meg looked over at John and Jack who nodded their support and understanding.

"Go on Dad." She encouraged her father.

"There was an add-on to Ben's Will saying it and the way his current fortune is made up have to be published in the paper, and all transactions have to be halted at the time of death anything after was to be thought as suspect. It's in the early evening edition instead of this morning's because Maria was trying to stop it and was trying to get him cremated privately rather than the public burial at the Mission, which he has asked for. She claims it is all contrary to what he said he wanted in the past. The Judge ruled it was all to go ahead as Ben wanted it.

I can't understand why he's done this he is … was such a private person … but it is amazing how his fortune is made up as well as the amount of it. Also there are sort of two Wills, it depends on who attends the funeral there's a list and if everyone attends then his family gets control with donations here and there, you are included in both. If just one person does not attend then the fortune is distributed to everyone in Sunset Beach with trusts set up and the family only get a small allowance.

Charles told me that you are on the must attend list and there are a few others that he is trying to track down, also Tim's there which might cause trouble. I believe Antonio has to take the service but he's on closed retreat. The service is booked for tomorrow at 12.30 children will say goodbye first then stay at a special crèche with the other children, adults only for the service. I told him about your condition and he says he'll go before the Judge and see what they say. Do you think you can come?"

She felt shocked and looked for support from the others, Jack nodded and John whispered "Antonio's retreat?"

She paused then said. "Umm yes I think so, I had a check up recently and everything is fine. When did Antonio go on retreat?"

Hank sighed. "Glad everything is fine. Odd like everything else around here, one moment he's making arrangements for a service and the next he's gone ... must have been yesterday morning. You'll stay with us; though we might have Tim with us under guard no doubt."

"Not sure, I'll have to see if Robert can do something as I don't think airline companies are too happy with mums to be."

There was a gentle laugh. "Yea good point ... if you want to bring someone with you I'm sure that will be fine. Hear from you later then."

"Yes Dad, give the others my love for me."

"Will do, don't suppose I could speak to John reassure him you will be well looked after."

Meg smiled at her father's try. "No Dad he's looking after the horses at the moment."

"Worth a try. Bye love."

"Love you." Meg cut the call and looked over at John and Jack who were taking their earphones off, the others in the room looked on as they only heard one side of the conversation.

John said almost to himself. "He's told Antonio."

"John?" Jack asked.

"Oh not all of it, but just enough to start asking questions at the funeral if certain people don't turn up, that's why he went on closed retreat to think things out and decide what he should do, only events happened."

"You mean like confessional." Jack clarified.

John nodded and then continued getting things clear in his mind. "Yeah and Meg somehow … so his leaving was planned. … Tess would have known Tim's movements so I've no doubt he was in the town that day probably never noticed the shop if he went past it ... had no reason too. All they would need is some tv footage of him in the town or on the same street as the shop preferably not outside it because that would prove he walked past and didn't go in."

He looked at Jack and said softly. "They've got him Jack. The fingerprints, his admission he was at the house and proof he was in the other town. His silence can be taken as an admission of guilt and anything he says will be made out to be lies anyway. He will only say something if there is quick solid proof he was elsewhere at the time. There won't be because I expect the car was full of fuel and his route was country so no cameras, either way they will say he was running so he's guilty. He would want at least Abby safe before he talks and birth mothers have more rights than a possible felon or adopted fathers, if of course she was officially adopted by Tim that is."

Jack listened astounded, he had just had all his arguments being a police officer voiced and said. "Okay …You are right Tim will stay silent …If Maria is involved then Benjy and his sister are in danger … which means we do the work for him from here. So, I'd better get that trace done along with copies of this map and see if my friend can suggest a feed in line as he's FBI protection. … If he can we then tackle the shopkeeper, he's out of town and he would not put himself in this position for nothing, which means money was involved. And, we'd better see if we can get hold of Robert fast so Tim stays in jail and stop what lawyers usually do, get them out. Meg you've got the 24 phone number."

Meg nodded but asked quietly. "Why are you so sure John?"

"He's published his Will, that stops any quick close down and run on Maria's part it also generates gossip as Hank said it was out of character. Why Antonio … because of his position of trust in the community, although he is restricted by rules he will be able to give pointers even look out for the children. He's gone to get advice I expect closed retreat means that anything said there will not come out."

John gave a half smile as he paused then carried on. "And you will be there … he trusts you … and the love I had for you along with your sense of morality. I hope he's managed to send whatever he's got for you because he is right, you would go in to protect the children for both our sakes.

The rest of the list whoever they are … possibly for their safety, don't know how long in the future or when he added the note. Perhaps he did have a warning and she thought it was a bluff and he called it so it's a trap for after the event … She has to be around to collect any money and the right people would be around to ask questions."

He gave a gentle sigh accepting the inevitable and carried on. "So we collect everything and then you and Jack with the others along with Jude swoop at the funeral, when she will be playing weepy widow with Tess at her side. The kids will have said goodbye to their father earlier, thus showing just how much she cares for her family and will be safe in the crèche with the other children."

Jack sighed and commented as he dialled a number "Hate to say it but it makes sense especially as she tried to get a cremation done quickly … bodies can tell their own story given certain facts. … Hey I need a really big favour. …... No two actually …"

They left Jack to his call because Mandy came into the apartment and she was not alone.

Meg looked up and left John's side and almost ran into a loving hug as she exclaimed. "Robert!"

oxoxo

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