Chapter 55
Meg woke with a start, quietly swearing as she scrambled to get up, quickly realising at the same time she was alone, that even Shep had left her.
But not quite alone, because there was a gentle laugh and call of "All right?" from the lounge area.
Getting off the bed she called back, without thinking through her words. "Yes, I just wish John would stop waking me by kicking or sitting on my kidneys."
Grinning Val got up from the sofa where she had been reading and said. "That would be difficult as he's outside."
Meg chuckled, realising she had still been thinking about the dream her son had rudely interrupted, which had been induced by her soulmate's gently whisper "Okay, 'baby John' it is then" just before they'd drifted into sleep. This was the name they'd always came back to, the other one was Robert, knowing their friend would not mind which way round they used the names. She stretched a bit as she made her way to the bathroom hoping baby John would settle down or life was really going to be interesting over the next few days ….
Her thoughts were stopped by Jackie's exclamation. "Boy! am I glad you didn't stick with Zebedee." She'd just come in from the garden area and heard their conversation.
Meg looked at her and said with a cheeky smile "It was that or fidget."
Jackie looked at Val who was grinning, then back at Meg and exclaimed slowly as the penny finally dropped. "He got me didn't he?"
Meg nodded while rubbing her back and explained with real feeling. "You must admit the name would have suited him, bouncing around my tummy as he is … Okay okay I'm going … bossy and he's not even born yet!" she tutted and disappeared into the bathroom, to her friends' gentle laughter behind her.
As soon she came out the bathroom Jackie's gentle cough for attention made her look over to the kitchen area. She had to smile as Jackie stood looking very prim and proper and Val was looking very innocently not too far away, 'Yep they were going to gang up on her.' she thought. So she silently waited as Jackie took a deep breath and then started. "Right … I have to get this correct."
Val gave a giggle and Jackie gave her a look of disgust before starting again. "I have a message … only I can't give it in the same tone as I'm not your husband … John is, and his exact words were …'He would like to see his wife in the sunken garden when she woke up' … Only it did not sound like a command rather a request. If you see what I mean." She added with a cheeky smile.
Val and Meg dissolve into laughter; Jackie shook her head at them and then carried on. "He is a bit moody, which is not surprising considering he's found out what he thought was love wasn't. He's chatted to Robert and Jack and now is concentrating on today and you, Meg. Simon and I will with the others help him through tomorrow and the next day. So you do what you have to … no … you do what you want to do."
Meg nodded understanding the support she was giving her as Jackie quickly added softening her voice to that of a friend to take away the bossy nature of her words. "If you tell me what you need to take then I can lay them out to pack. Food will be in about ten minutes and we will eat as a family here, the others are eating at the hotel. And you need to email Sara to tell them you will be there tomorrow at the funeral not and before hand."
As Jackie's words sunk in Meg realised just how late it was getting, and they were in fact going tonight so she could rest and they could see Jude early, and decided saying. "I'll do mail to Sara when I've seen John. You know where everything is … usual stuff for two nights, my black jacket and dress and something else not too bright to go and come back in. Some reading matter I suppose. Oh nibbles in case I need them."
Jackie smiled knowing the emotional up down she must be feeling; they all were to some extent and confirmed. "Yes that's what I thought we can fling it in the case as you check them. John did say he wanted to go into town with you before you left. Simon is getting the carriage ready, he'll take the case out to the coach and we'll meet you in the quiet car park later. You need a handset I think Bob might go into the hotel to eat with the others."
"Thanks." Meg called out as she grabbed a handset set off the table near the door and went to find John knowing 'moody' covered a lot of things and no doubt one of them would be closing down to make sure she was okay. She sighed while pondering, her feelings about Derek, was a mixture of anger and sadness. Okay, he was evil and the knife twisting in that letter hurt, especially as she and Ben wanted him to be happy and he loved the kids. No, her real anger was at Tess for doing it and Maria for being so darn evil and twisted and yet so innocent during her memory loss that she liked her … felt sorry for her. Then there was her own twinge of guilt, because she was glad the secret would be out and they could live as themselves Ben and Meg. …
Her thoughts stopped as she spotted John sitting on the bench and Shep was sitting resting his head on his master's knees … they looked good. She automatically hunted for Bob knowing he wouldn't leave John on his own as there was still a possibility of him zoning out. She sighed as she saw him crouching down by the base of the small waterfall it was way too tempting so called out. "Going for a swim?"
They turned towards her; Bob smiled as he got up and walking towards her explained. "No, thought I saw a frog. I'll pop and see the others as you are here."
She smiled and idly wondered if Bob had used it as a distraction for John's moods and said. "Okay, Jackie said our food will be ready soon I assume you'll be eating with Mandy."
"Yes then I'll come over after everyone has left and sleep in the spare room downstairs to keep an eye on him for you." He said gently to reassure her, knowing this was not easy on either of them.
Meg smiled and nodded and watched as Bob went on his way then sat beside John who had been silently watching them but looked as though he was still miles away and said with a hint of a tease in her voice. "You asked for you wife my lord." Getting a gentle laugh from him she carried on with a smile."I let slip about baby John's name, which made Jackie happy." And felt his arm come round her shoulders and was hugged into an embrace, which ended in a loving kiss. When they broke it she said gently. "You were miles away just now."
He nodded and said softly. "Memories and writing the alternative ending … the one you might have liked but could never be." she smiled as he went on. "That they went to Canada and eventually to the National Park while you and the others were there on holiday. Time is immaterial only that you and he talked and he understood and came back. They lived across the valley and we rode over every other weekend for a meal and lived happily ever after."
Yes, she knew that one and said gently "That would have been nice … but there is a 'but' in your voice." And felt a very gentle kiss on the top of her head, she resisted the temptation to look up at him and let him carry on knowing this was giving them both closure.
The gentleness of his next words told her he'd read his brother's letter. "I'm sorry he felt the need to hurt you like that …I wonder if he would have got rid of it … his other letter felt as though he might have. I suppose it proves his words, that leopards can't change their spots they do just lurk in the undergrowth … mind you, he could have been talking about any of them.
He paused for a second then added. "It would be interesting to know when he asked for his estate to be frozen and published after death." He gave a sigh, then carried on. "Mandy's right he was too hurt, first by my living and then by my parents death for any true recovery. His other ego would have risen again as soon as he was rejected by someone he loved.
Maria's betrayal would have started the rot, no matter how well he was coping and then it would have only taken an innocent rejection from Benjy or cries from Samantha for her mother to add to it. Then of course there was Tim and Abby at the Motel. … Goodness knows what might have happened there if things started to go wrong or he felt threatened." He sighed again and admitted. "As bad as it feels, he has given and received love and is at peace now. … He was so scared for the children …he was not alone, because I was with him. They will be safe … and she … they will face justice."
Meg looked at him hearing and seeing his sadness along with acceptance and wondered if she was mirroring those feelings. She felt her love for him do a flip as he smiled, it was not a big one just a hint of one that it told her he was okay as he continued. "He was wrong Mum never wanted to leave him… she was ill with the same virus as Dad, that's why the nurses let her stay by his body – Derek knew that but could not accept it. The hospital nurse that stayed with them was our solicitor's daughter, she wrote to me so I would know the truth."
Meg put a hand on his arm knowing that was all he needed as he carried on gently. "He was right choosing you to be our avenging angel, and your love is two way always will be." He gave a gentle sigh and covered her hand with his then admitted. "The truth is our dream was coming to an end, I could not let your family live a lie when they came here so Jack was going to go to Sunset Beach and explain everything. Of course, we didn't know Maria's part in this and she no doubt would have thought up a story of infatuation and would have kept the children and I would have given her an allowance. The most important thing to me was that you had your family close should anything have happened to me, we knew there was a link between Derek and myself but didn't know what would happen if Derek flipped or killed himself when the truth about me came out.
I now know if Jack had gone in the very beginning and I'd been put in Maria's care I would have died also I would not have survived if Derek had died before I met you again. When I collapsed I trusted Simon to care for me, but it was your voice and touch as well as feeling our baby that kept me here." He finished gently.
As his words sunk in Meg felt amazed that he should care so much for her and she'd really kept him here. She knew their love had grown deeper since they were reunited and could not find any words to say, so gently rested against him knowing he would understand and felt his body accept hers.
After a moment she felt his body shift slightly so they could look at each other again and as he spoke, his tone was different. His first word told her why. "Her part in all this is going to take some getting over, but I will … you have to trust me on this."
She nodded knowing that subject was closed, which was confirmed by his next words. "We've had a council of war, they will fill you in on the plane, it will be about a two hour flight, then you rest in the hotel. Robert might have to fly on to Seattle because the Judge he wanted is out fishing and will not be back till late."
Meg could not help chuckling Robert already felt like a yoyo if he had to go to Seattle and then back tomorrow for the funeral, he really would not know whether he was coming or going.
John got up and helped her up though she did not really need it, then gently held on to his hand and rested it lightly on her baby bump. As if in answer to her silent request he let his arm rest lightly round her waist so they stood side by side for a moment. She casually looked round quickly to see if the wheelchair was nearby ... as it was not she assumed Bob had okayed his walking back to the apartment. And from the fact he had not tried to move on, she knew he just wanted to stand and talk.
Their comfortable moment of silence was broken by his gentle. "You can still back out I won't feel bad about it."
She shook her head to confirm her words, which were gently assertive. "No, I want to do it, but it's for all the whole family. And, I would have done it had you not survived and I had found someone new."
John nodded his understanding then said, "Tell Casey about the mess up here … give him and your father the choice of staying put and visiting us for the birth of our son and future holidays."
She could see he meant it and he was right everything had changed now and answered. "Yes, but Sara wanted out earlier so I don't think she will stay, and Casey will want to see you, you know that." then added with a smile "I might bring a plane load back."
He gave a hint of a smile that softened the warning. "Don't be cross if they all stay. They have a lot to sort out and get used to, and Hank will be hurt and angry at me as well as Derek and the others."
Meg sighed realising he could see all the negative things building up especially regarding her father and this was not the time to argue it out. "No I won't. There is one thing though." He looked at her and she carried on a bit hesitantly. "I would like know…"
He knew what it was and interrupted her gently. "I've told Jack he can tell … show you everything but, don't be upset by it. I survived and we found each other those are the important things. What I need to know is that you and the baby will be safe."
She wondered how he knew what she was thinking and heard his gentle plea and said gently. "Baby John will be safe and the truth about your injuries can't hurt me because I have you."
He smiled and gently brushed back a wayward strand of her hair from her face as he said casually. "After we've eaten I would like to take you into town there's a shop staying open for us. … I got a message while you were sleeping to say that the rings I ordered are ready."
Puzzled she looked at him and he carried on a bit sheepishly. "I knew you could not really be my wife but I wanted you to wear my ring and I saw something that I thought could be a compromise. I know your finger size we've allowed a little extra so they should fit." He looked deep into her eyes and she started to feel herself go all gooey inside as he finished. "Would you let me give them to you now and you wear them tomorrow … go as my wife though they will not know the truth till after of course."
That warm loved feeling washed over her as she said lovingly. "Yes I will and to think we've missed our anniversaries."
He said with a chuckle "This one's going to be soo special with sleepless nights, baby crying, dirty diapers and the in-laws."
She laughed and kissed him and they walked back to the apartment.
oxoxo
Checking her computer Meg found she had mail from Sara
Hi Sis
Dad is pissed off with lawyers. He thought he was a hair's width to getting Tim out on bail then suddenly everything changed. Not only is Tim still in jail but also no visitors AT HIS REQUEST.
I ask you what on earth is happening! – Thought you paid lawyers to get you out not keep you in!
Family fine otherwise – sad, confused, - babies giggling and happy.
In a strange way I wish tomorrow was over and yet I don't want to say goodbye so soon – I suppose I still hope I will wake up and find it's a dream but I know I'm awake. As I say confused.
Looking forward to seeing you - Dad says he will put you up if you are coming tonight. Mind you we would too but I think you might like some peace and quiet.
Mum said send you a hug. Hey make that four and two giggles from the kids as they can not hug yet.
Oh yes the man about the shop says he'll see us in the morning the day after tomorrow, said we needed the time to mourn and he's an outsider. Hopefully you might be able to see him – that is if you stay that long. Don't blame you if you don't.
Love you always.
Sara.
Meg sighed at least they knew Tim was safe, and her dad would definitely be more than pissed off tomorrow. She felt a hand on her shoulder and knew it was John's giving her support when it should be the other way round, but that had always been his way and always would be. She clicked on Reply.
Hi Sis
Thanks for the hugs have some back, giggles well I'll look forward to hearing them when I see them.
Perhaps Tim just needs some time to himself – sort things out - You know Jude will make sure he is treated well.
Tell Dad thanks for his offer of a bed but I will see you all at the funeral I'll be bringing Jack and Mandy with me. We'll discuss about the shop later.
So till tomorrow with love to you all.
Meg
She sent the mail off and closed down her laptop, deciding she would take it just in case she could not phone back or just felt the need to write knowing John would pick it up in his own time.
To her surprise she found the meal enjoyable as everyone chatted and laughed about nothing important and while the others cleared up she and John packed. Simon took her luggage out to the coach as promised and a few minutes later made an entrance through the main apartment door announcing with a mock bow that the carriage was waiting, grinning and humming the wedding march as he handed her and then John into the carriage, before driving to the jewellers.
oxoxo
In town the jeweller checked that everything was ready; he would not be insulted by John's quick in and out knowing he didn't like busy or small shops. A smile of anticipation crossed his face, like many others in the town he had come to respect their quiet stranger and now his lady. Had silently watched the love that had grown over the months with a family protectiveness which meant nothing was said and tonight would not be talked about not even to his wife no matter how many questions she asked.
He heard the carriage draw up outside and opened to door to let the couple in. With a smile and 'good evening' he guided them over to the table. On it sat a small blue box in which was a beautiful diamond ring. Silently he let the couple look at the ring for a moment then carefully took it out and handed it to John as he did so Meg realised it was in fact two rings.
The engagement ring was delicate and beautiful; a single diamond nestled snugly in a golden heart, the band of gold ran from the top of the heart allowing the bottom of the heart to clip into the wider band of gold, the wedding ring. The delicate pattern on the rings made it look as though the rings were woven together.
She looked at it in amazement it was so delicate and yet so strong, John gently put them on her wedding finger they fitted nicely and felt as though they belonged. She looked up and him and smiled knowing their secret had to be kept for at least another day. "They are so beautiful. Thank you."
"Just like you."
She laughed and then said, "You need one my gift to you." he gave a gentle laugh and nodded his acceptance.
Though they looked at many they came back to a plain band of gold with a raised middle band. She slipped it on his finger and looking at both sets of rings on their fingers knew they were complete now.
Silently they finished the transactions and signing name on the cheque for his ring she realised it could be the last time, next time she would use her new name and smiled.
The jeweller smiled as the coupled left mulling over the stories that would run round their friends in the days to come as her ring would be noticed before his.
oxoxo
As soon as Simon heard the shop door open he put away his book and jumped down so he could get first glance of the ring. He admired and hugged Meg gently commenting how happy they looked then helped them up into the carriage giving a knowing smile to John who tutted him with a grin. He drove on in silence letting the couple enjoy their last time together.
After a while Meg asked the question she had been meaning to and yet been walking away from. "When are you going to tell everyone here?"
"While you are in Sunset Beach." He said softly but firmly.
She felt a little let down she wanted them to do it together when she got back but in that moment she realised it could be difficult with her family's sudden arrival and he would still be mourning his brother. "But …"
John interrupted her gently but firmly. "Jack promised Bill he would have my story first and he deserves it. Once the funeral is stopped the press and tv will be all over it and more than State wide because it involves Seattle and because it is unusual. So, I'll tell Bill and he can get in touch with Vanessa then they can coordinate the stories, sort of one from each side of the mountains. I'll be all right Simon and Jackie will be with me and I expect I'll have Tony and the bank manger along as well. Tell it once and then hide."
She had to smile at the last remark because he had said it with a smile and wondered if that was nerves and said gently. "Everyone will understand, they were worried when they knew you collapsed."
He frowned slightly knowing from the past people could feel hurt so easily when deceived even for the best of reasons. "Umm, I know deep down it will be all right after all they know I have a hidden past … just not been able to remember and it's not as if I've gone out to make trouble or friends. Been too busy recovering." He gave a chuckle as he carried on. "The romantics around will like the way you found me though."
Then he became more serious. "I've got to see a man first thing in the morning about the blacksmiths behind the stables he's also looking at a house in the area perhaps I should put him off for the moment after all it's going to be difficult seeing him as John Smith then sign forms as Ben Evans." then added with a sigh "Come to that I've got to remember who I am as well."
She joined in with his laugh knowing it was true for her and glad he could talk about it, if it had happened when they first found each other he would have brooded for hours and as for the volcano ... she felt a gentle kiss on her head and tucked into him.
oxoxo
All too quickly they were turning into the nearly empty car park. In the main part of the town there would still be things open and a bustle of people but here it was that sleepy time when the shops had closed, workers gone home and the evening restaurants had yet to open.
They stopped next to the coach and Jack was the first one to help her down, she felt as though she was a late arrival at a school outing as everyone was standing around waiting rather than sitting in the coach and wondered for a second if there would be a rush for the back seat.
Jack's words stopped her thoughts and brought a smile. "Come on then young lady show them off."
Everyone looked and admired them then all too quickly it was time for hugs and handshakes and as Robert shook John's hand, John kept hold and asked for 'shh' everyone looked at him, he smiled and said "As you know Meg and I have been trying to find names for our son, we've always come back to John and Robert, John after our fathers and Robert after the friend who has been willing to help and protect us."
Robert beamed with pride and said. "Two Roberts would have been difficult and I was rotten growing up. Ironically if I could have had a son his name would have been John after my father so the poor kid will have a lot to take on."
The others smiled and chatted as they broke up to get on the coach leaving Meg and John together.
As she broke from their goodbye kiss she said gentle so only he could hear. "That was for John Smith the next one will be for Ben Evans."
She saw him smile and a loving shiver went down her spine as he softly said. "Ring tonight to say goodnight." adding with a heartfelt sigh "That is if Bob will let me stay awake … I think he's going to be worse than his sister or Jackie."
Meg laughed and left to get on the coach pleased he could joke knowing he felt this parting as hard as she did. She found a window seat had been left for her so she watched him as they left the car park. As she looked out she smiled at the picture, Simon and Jackie were either side of him with Shep sitting by his feet and Sandy waiting patiently nearby; they waved and watched till they were out of sight.
oxoxo
In the coach Meg settled down silently watching the scenery while her mind ran over the changes the last two days would bring. In spite of flashes of panic because things were now uncertain she smiled as she thought about having her family and the twins so close. They would all stay at the Lodge, which was rarely full as they kept a suite available for Robert and Mat, but a late cancellation of a family party meant it would be empty ... just right for the crowd that would be coming back. She shivered and sighed as she thought they might not want to return with her and wondered what she would do. She could not stand that thought and turned to Tyus and asked cheekily. "How?"
Tyus laughed guessing the rest of the question, with a quick glance at his wife and answered a bit sheepishly. "Got lost the first day I arrived at the new hospital."
His wife chuckled and added, "To be fair we knew a new unattached consultant was coming so us single lasses were on the look out. I was lucky, he came round my corner not too fast but very confused. …. Needless to say I took him the scenic route to the office he was looking for."
"Yes totally confused by the end of it." He smiled as he carried on. "Just as well the boss was soo understanding."
His wife flashed her dark eyes at him at the private reference and said tantalizing. "He had told me where to wait and to show you to the canteen adding that there was no hurry."
Tyus said softly as though thinking back was a serious business. "You know I don't think I really saw the canteen till I went back there for evening meal with the boss. Of course, I should add that the boss is now an uncle-in-law if there is such a thing." With a smile he diverted their attention by asking. "We know Meg's story so how about yours Jack?"
There was a chuckle from the driver, who Meg recognised as Jack's partner and knew if Jack did not tell he would. Mandy chuckled while Jack sighed with a smile and said. "Yeah well with those two around you need the official version." There was a snort from the driver to which Jack said with an innocent voice. "Wait till we get round to yours, the drive is just long enough. …Okay, late one night, when all young ladies should be tucked up in bed we get a 911 call from a young lady locked out of her home. So being brave lads they are, they chuck the rookie and his partner out to help her. … I should point out that my partner had been a rookie only the month before so was that little bit wiser than the new rookie. So we roll up in this nice new police car and we find this beautiful lady standing outside this huge house … millions of windows and you've guessed it not one on the ground floor open and a dog inside named Sweetiepie …" Above the giggles he sighed "Yeah … damn great big thing with fangs….. …
oxoxo
Watching the clouds go by as they flew into the dusk and evening Meg smiled remembering the pilot's and Roberts' gentle teasing as everyone trooped on board, as usual it was about where the coffee was and belting up, which Robert had thought he trumpeted by reminding him who was the boss only to have the 'belt up' sign flash up as soon as the pilot gone into the cabin.
Her thoughts came back to the present as Jack took out a file and handed it to Tyus with the comment. "It's John's story Tyus, Meg knows but not seen the pictures. John thought it was best if she saw them before the funeral. I would like to know whether we use this at the funeral so Hank could not hide behind half truths or spoken words. But first I think we should run through our plan to get the truth into the open."
Tyus nodded and everyone settled down, Robert who'd been quietly talking into the phone disconnected then flicked a switch on the handset so he could talk to the pilot and said "I need you to make a flight plan for Seattle as soon as we land with a return to Sunset sometime tomorrow morning before half twelve. … …. Yes well if you don't like it you can get out now and let your brother do the extra work." He teased putting the phone down before the pilot could answer back and said with a heartfelt sigh. "Yoyo was definitely not the right word!"
Jack smiled and said sympathetically "Judge not back yet."
"Nope, should be in half an hour but by then the day shift will have left and they are not going to pull everyone back for a night search and on top of that there is a raid that might go down so that could clog up the works. Soo, it looks like an early morning job and for that he will need some paper proof for the sleepy officers to read. … I'll take the photo copies of Derek's statement and go over to the Chapel and get their records and frighten them into silence. According to their web page the day after tomorrow they will have 20 years of photos up."
"Could have been difficult if it had been today" Mandy commented.
Jack nodded as Robert replied. "Yes we would have had to try and pull the plug quick especially if the photo was there. Of course there is a chance that Derek was just twisting the knife for Meg but I don't think so."
Mandy said gently. "No by that time he was too scared or desperate to lie he need Meg's support. So while you get Franklin Street searched and the Chapel information confirmed we sleep, breakfast and wait."
Robert raised his eyes to the ceiling, Jack smiled and said. "Sort of but not quite, Robert asked AJ for the use of Lib Corp's suite for any extras coming with Meg so Tyus and his wife can use that the rest can use Robert's suite. Luckily they are on the same floor and Tony needs to be with us because of the evidence in the case. We have the use of two cars with tinted windows so our arrival will not be too obvious, before you ask Bette will not know about this, though I think she would respect our privacy if she did."
He paused for breath then added. "In the morning rather than have us all in the hotel room waiting I was thinking Mandy could team up with Tyus and his wife say we met at the airport and anyone asking about Meg can be told she's having personal time and we are seeing Tim. They will not be surprised if I'm with Meg as they all know I'm a retired traffic cop so know the law. We've got several flight times for the day after tomorrow starting at one o'clock so that should cover our exit. Mat will meet us at the airport or hotel he will have similar flight plans in case we need two planes."
They all nodded their agreement as he carried on. "Right details for the morning, I'll ring the lawyer and tell him to meet us at the police station about 9 am by that time something should be starting to come through from Seattle. Robert can ring me regarding fax or email address for Jude and I'll introduce myself with id and Tony here will be with us and show him the papers, the fact they've been with him all the time should help when it goes to court.
Hopefully we will get a proper statement from Tim as to what actually happened at Ocean Drive and we might even get the lawyer to co-operate with us and keep Tim in protective custody while we go to the PO Box and get that checked out. Meg can be resting while we are gadding about because we might possibly put the wind up Ross English when he finds out he's up on a murder charge. Finally we hope to stop the funeral before Antonio has to make a statement. The children will have said their goodbyes and will be in the crèche hopefully a police officer will be with them so they will be safe."
Meg felt a shiver of excitement go through her, which brought a puzzled smile from Jack so she said. "Is it wrong to feel excited by it?"
He smiled "No, its better than being afraid, and you will feel satisfied if everything works out right. Bit like how we feel about our work, but this time it's more personal. But you might find the waiting a bit frustrating."
Robert gave a gentle laugh. "Yes especially if you have to wait in your room or the police station and not go out while things are being done."
Meg sighed she had forgotten that the last thing she needed was to bump into the wrong people, such as her family or Maria's or anyone come to that, and rubbed her fingers gently against her ring and asked. "What name do I use?"
Robert, Mandy and Jack looked at each other but Jack answered after a moment. "Well you don't want to lie out right to Jude, perhaps you should answer to Meg Cummings and I'll tell him you are Ben's representative, if he sees your ring he might feel too embarrassed to ask about your new husband having to deal with you dead husband … if you see what I mean. You have to remember you've only known about this since Robert came today. If I remember Jude never knew Ben." Meg nodded realising Jude would be angry. "As for your husband's name still keep to John he's still in the programme as John and its natural not to say surnames. I know you'll not take your rings off so cover with your hand if you want to. Missed anything?" He asked looking around; they shook their heads and smiled as he added. "And keep you wits about you."
"What about Tim and Abby?" Meg asked.
Mandy answered. "Well Tim will be shocked about Tess's part in this as for Abby. Well the mother is the guilty party and Derek asked Tim to look after her, so I think that will hold some weight in court." She looked at Tony, who nodded and said thoughtfully. "I could ask a family judge in the morning mention no names."
Robert and Jack shook their heads and Jack added. "No we need you at the station and you might mention a fact that would start questions also we don't want you to lie. You could think about any old cases perhaps check them on the computer, you are our proof that the evidence has not been forged by us, so you will sleep on the sofa and you've not been out of our sight during the day. Mind you we could be said to be prejudiced parties but we'll cross that bridge as we come to it."
Tony smiled and said quietly. "I could put it in the hotel safe or is there one in your room Robert."
"Yes in both and the manager has the combination so he could see it go in and come out without knowing what or why, he is very good at not saying anything to people."
"Okay we will do that." Jack said and was quiet for a moment then asked. "Anything Meg?"
Meg thought for a moment then remembered. "Yes John wanted to know when Derek put the addition to the Will on, I could ask Charles to bring my pearls to the funeral and drop it into the conversation."
Jack looked at his watch checking the time. "Okay try not to say when you are flying in though."
Meg nodded said as she looked for her phone. "I could say I need to rest, he will understand and accept me wanting memory time away from the family. They were close. … It's muddling thinking of Derek and Ben."
Jack nodded "Think of Ben and Derek as one and John is completely separate." and sat beside Tyus while Meg dialled and waited for answer and Robert started to make the drinks.
She felt nervous waiting for the pick up but as she heard his voice she smiled and said "Charles its Meg, sorry to ring you at home but I need a favour."
She heard the sadness in his voice as he replied. "Meg. It's good to hear from you. …I know we both miss him. …I keep thinking he's going to ring me. … What can I do?"
His sympathy was so natural she did not hesitate. "I know what you mean. It's so strange … especially the way he decided to publish his Will like that.
Charles gave a chuckle "Yeah the whole thing is strange … especially the conditions … almost as though he was expecting trouble. Mind you he had just come back from the break in September and seemed edgy for a couple of weeks. I wondered if he thought of a certain ghost from the past and needed protection … well we both know that particular ghost died even if his body was never found. … Reckon after he did it he felt better and forgot all about it. … Of course it was given to me sealed so I could not ask him at the time. … I haven't seen him so much lately but he was so happy and settled. … You know Maria thought it was done in a fit of nerves and forgotten about as well and asked the Judge to cancel it so she would inherit on behalf of her children but it didn't work. Sorry rambling your favour?"
Meg smiled and said "It's okay I know this sounds odd but I was wondering if you could give me the pearls after the funeral, bring them with you to save an extra journey and I'd rather no one knew about them or I've spoken to you."
Charles laughed. "Umm if I didn't know you Meg it could sound very odd, but I know you don't like a fuss and Ben wanted you to have the pearls. Does your wish for privacy mean John will be with you, if so, I can arrange for a lift."
Meg said gently. "Thanks for the offer but John's not with me I'm with Robert and a few friends."
"Ahh Mandy and Jack." Charles guessed feeling happy for her.
Meg laughed and confirmed. "Yes give my love to your wife and I'll see you at the service."
"Will do. Take care Meg." He finished and then rang off.
Putting the phone down Meg leant back in her seat and accepted Robert's offer of tea and said "Derek did it just after he returned from Seattle."
Jack looked up from the pile of photos and paper he was sorting out for Tyus and the others and commented, "So he did not quite trust Maria in the beginning. Meg, do you want to go through these now or in the hotel?"
"Now please."
As the plane ate up the miles Jack and Mandy showed the photos and told the story and Meg understood why John had wanted to it kept away from her. Although she shivered at some parts of it she knew he was alright and then added her part of the story so everyone knew both sides of it.
oxoxo
The cars were waiting for them at the airport and as they drove to the hotel Meg noticed black ribbons in the windows of some shops and businesses nothing over the top just one round a curtain or a vase as people wanting to say goodbye to a friend. She felt guilty because she had seen Ben as a friend and soulmate with just a couple of friends and a few business acquaintances, now she could see how far his quiet kindness had grown and soon they would find out about the deceit….
Mandy said gently into her thoughts. "Meg, Derek didn't cancel a single scheme his brother set up. He could have if he just wanted the money, he wasn't after just that he wanted the responsibilities and friendships, remember he needed to be whole - Derek and Ben in one. … Once everyone has been told the truth they will understand why John kept quiet we'll make sure of that."
Meg nodded and relaxed a bit.
The hotel was quiet and the manager didn't seemed put out by Tony's request so with everything settled down for the night. She sat in her bed which had a view over the beach and dialled the number of the phone Jack had given John earlier on so she would have a direct line. It rang a couple of times and then she heard his voice and snuggled down to talk before going to sleep.