CHAPTER 58

Walking silently beside Antonio, Meg could feel his confusion and guilt, and wanted to reassure him it was all right, but knew it wasn't he had lost so much today, and hoped that her story would help him in someway and not increase the hurt. In spite of her thoughts and her body and baby getting over what had happened, she caught snatches of conversations between her family with Jack's voice even further back as he called out names, so the right people were in their group and Mandy had the letters and it really….

Her thoughts were broken by Antonio's quiet voice. "I should have acted and prevented his death … But he really believed he was moving quickly enough and they could live apart, and she would not chase him. … I mean she could not … the hold over each other was enough, surely." He paused briefly trying to get his mind away from the ever decreasing circle of guilt and, and glancing at Meg realised he'd said it out loud, and added truthfully. "I really meant it when I said he regretted his brother's death, you could see it in his eyes as he said it. We were sitting in the side chapel not in the confessional box … But to have kept him for four months and arrange for his death … are they really the people we knew." He paused again breaking the thoughts, moving them on and then sighed as he carried on. "I should have realised about Tim … what he said … but the evidence was piling up against him." He sighed. "Those children how are we going to tell them, especially Benjy … and you, Meg, they played with your love. It's such a mess." He stopped, run out of circles to go in ... and knew they'd come to the room and opened the door.

Meg stopped before going in and said gently. "Antonio I know words won't mean much at the moment, but don't blame yourself, it was their choices, and you did your best and the right thing. John … Ben hopes you and Ricardo will be able to accept and love and guide the children, so they know they are not to blame and they were loved. He doesn't want anyone to feel guilty about not knowing about the switch, he's sorry he couldn't act earlier, and we do love each other." She paused and started to go into the room, then added. "Mandy has his letter to you. I hope you'll read it and be able to do what he asks."

"Do you know what's in it?" Antonio asked, while thinking over her words and starting to accept where the really blame lay, and followed her in.

Meg smiled. "Not all of it, but some is to do with his brother's body and if you can't do it then tell me or Jack, and we'll sort something out, and he will understand your decision. I do know he respects you and the friendship you used to have, and hopes to have it in the future."

Remembering the friendship Antonio said softly. "Yes … I suppose we know each other well enough" and sighed adding with feeling. "families are messy sometimes."

Thinking of her own arguments with her family, Meg chuckled adding. "Always … perhaps that's why we have them."

Antonio couldn't help his smile and felt a bit better, and said as he led her to a chair. "I will make sure Derek's body is taken care of. If you don't mind I think I should be with Ricardo."

She nodded and stayed standing watching him go, then turning slightly she saw her father and the rest of the family coming towards her. Glancing round the group as if taking in the rest of the room, as well noting they were starting to form a semi circle around her and the chair … she wondered if that was good,... there was no way out for her, but at least she'd be able to talk to them without swiveling round. On the other hand, she could see that in spite of her father's earlier words, there was anger in his body language and sternness in his expression. Oh Yeah, anger building up with every step he took, and wondered what spark would set that short fuse off. Great!... and of course John would be the guilty party not her... She silently sighed and corrected herself ... Ben not John. She'd really have to get use to the change, and took a breath and started to think of a way to head off the coming explosion, knowing if it came it would take out all the bridges they'd built up over the past months, when he didn't know who her lover was … and turned casually and faced her father.

With all his thoughts brewing in his mind Hank eyed his daughter, and said heatedly. "He's just as manipulating as his brother was, otherwise he would have done something sooner!"

'Oh hell' Meg thought knowing from his look he was referring to her pregnancy, which was totally unfair ... and knew her soulmate had been right, her father's anger would always be there. She was his 'little daughter' to be protected especially against big bad husband. Well too bad, this little daughter was going to tell him off. But she also knew she didn't want a 'shouting match' because the two of them would have to get along, and the two men would have to meet sometime and get to know each other. For that she needed him to be calm, to listen, not to walk out in a huff and make things really awkward for her mother, who had always respected her soulmate regardless.

She took a breath and looked at him in the eyes, and said gently but firmly. "Dad as you well know it takes two to do it, and it was our decision to try for a family. I knew at the time he might never walk again or he might die if he got ill, but to me that did not matter we would cope. We did it because we love each other just like you had us because you love Mum and wanted it."

She paused as soon as she saw he was starting to get the point, and knew he would get the deeper meaning as either Jack or Mandy explained Ben's injuries, and then carried on before he had the chance to say anything. "Dad, I felt at home in the town where I live now, even before I knew Ben was there. I want you to stop this anger long enough to hear his … our story. And then you can decide whether you or the rest of the family want to back come with me. My husband and I need it to be your own decision, or yours and Mum's, and it will be fine if you want to stay here. I will visit with our family when ever I can. John … Ben would never restrict me, even though he cannot travel or even go into the town as you or I can. But, I will admit to you now I will not stay away from him for long because I don't like it."

She gave a quick look round at the others so they knew they were included, knew this would kick up stink from her father, but also to lie now would be worse continued. "I would really love you to come and live near us, but things have changed, not only because of Derek's death but Paul no longer has the firm. Though he and his wife are hoping to start up new projects soon, and Casey will have a different job to what he thought. Jo … Ben wants you to get to know him as the person he is now…"

Hank interrupted angrily and sharply. "So, Casey's job was a lie, and when exactly were you going to tell us the truth before or after the point of no return?"

Meg managed to stop her sharp laugh, and shook her head - her soulmate was right, it would be an up hill struggle of hurt and guilt for all of them - and that thought made her long for her soulmate and be beside him, and hoped Simon and Jackie were with him, and sighed as she carried on. "Dad, the job and interview were real, right up until the evening before Derek was murdered." She eyed him as she said pointedly. "I don't know, it must be a family thing. Val's family cut her out of the firm she had been running for the last six years, and before you ask, at a profit and a very big firm. Not only that, they engineered it so Paul's firm was taken out from under him, with accusations of malpractice and fraud against him thrown in, which are being investigated now, and he'll be found not guilty. Hence no job for Casey at the moment."

She was pleased her father broke her gaze first, so she took a breath and changed her tone saying. "As for telling you about us, we needed you all safe and were going to invite you for Sunday lunch to explain it all, the job and flats were in one town we are in the other, giving you space if you needed it. Jack was then going to go to Sunset Beach and sort things out. Of course, we would not have known the whole truth and possibly never would have. Yes, Dad it was at Ben's request and regardless of the fact it could have killed him."

Her father was looking at her again, so she paused just long enough for her words to sink in and then added. "Don't you see, he didn't expect you to live our lie, he wanted my family safe and around me so if he died I would have support. He could have died Dad; Mandy believes Derek would have killed himself, even taken the children and Maria with him once he knew Ben was alive.

But Maria and Tess killed him, and Ben collapsed trusted Simon his other carer to look after him, but I and baby John were the only things that grounded him, kept him with us. He loves me and respects you and our family, and misses Casey terribly … don't you think he's been through enough and deserves something back. Our tale is full of coincidences that are hard to believe, as well as the miracle he survived the kidnapping and the accident at all. Once you've heard it take your time and then give me your answer that's all I ask."

Hank could see the deep sincerity in his daughter's face and heard it in her voice, which had not been loud as it could have been when she was angry at him. He also felt his wife's hand on his arm, her touch told him so much, but before he could speak, Sara with her voice showing her excitement and determination said. "We are going Dad, and will visit you if you stay here. But I suspect Mum will also go with Meg and stay till after her grandchild is born."

Hank knew that tone and looked at his wife and saw a nod and half a smile, and smiled himself as his anger was suddenly going and looking at Meg said gently. "I think the decision has been made, but we will have to sort things out before we go. When were you going home?"

Meg smiled, knowing he knew he was out numbered and maneuvered but from his face he did not regret it, perhaps that fact alone would give him space so he could come to terms with things, and anyway she liked the way he said 'home' not back to 'him' as he could have, and said genuinely. "Thank you Dad." then added looking at the rest of them. "All of you." then carried on with a trace of regret. "To be honest I would go this evening but I can't. So, tomorrow lunch time is the first flight time, after that it would be late afternoon or mid evening. It should take about two hours as we are flying straight there and then about an hour's drive."

The family nodded their acceptance, and seeing Meg was slightly over come now everything was sorted out Joan gently pressured her into sitting down, which Meg did, and then she let everything wash over her as the others found chairs or stood beside her and chatted things over. As she sat quietly she noticed Mandy was talking to people and handing out a few letters, then walked over to Tim, Ricardo, Antonio and Gabi who'd gathered in a group of their own, and talked to them as she gave them their letters. No one was shunning them, but nor were they intruding ... just giving them space so everyone got used to it all.

Then there was an extra bustle as a group came in, and she saw Bette coming in her direction saw she was sad, happy and tearful all at once. Well, she wasn't going to greet her sitting down, so got up and found herself in a hug and an emotional muted exclamation of "Muffin, tell him there is nothing to forgive and we will visit soon." then AJ gently peeled Bette off her and with a smile and a nod steered her towards Vanessa, who was reading a letter Mandy had given her. Meg smiled and nodded 'yes', she hadn't really expected anything else from Bette, and she was grateful to AJ because she didn't think she could handle Bette temperament at the moment, and briefly wondered if the letter Vanessa was reading ... was the one her soulmate wanted published, his apology to all the people in Sunset Beach.

oxoxo

Jack looked round the room and watched everyone settle down, and smiled at Mat as Jude and Robert slipped in beside him. Yep, everyone was here so he knocked on the table and got everyone's attention, and started. "I know you all will be shocked by what has happened, and will be when you hear the story. To be honest I still don't know how he survived. I would ask that you keep the details you hear here private, only retell the bits you hear on the news or read in the press."

He paused and looked over at the business associates who were grouped together and carried on. "John… Ben would like you all to know that any financial and business commitments Derek made will be honoured. I hope Charles and I will be able to sort some of that out this afternoon and tomorrow morning, or at least start the ball rolling. But we will need details as soon as possible. Some of you will also have letters of intention, which should be read when we've finished here."

He got nods, then glanced round the room silently letting everyone they were included in the next bit. "As you all know Jo … Ben is a very private person, but he believes you should hear his whole life story to be able to understand why he did what he did, and then move on. He does not want any of you to feel guilty about the fact no one spotted the impersonation, or that you respected or even liked his brother while he was here. He is sorry for the pain that Ricardo, Antonio and Tim are going through, and doesn't want a shadow to hang over the children either. As he put it, the blame lies with Carmen, Maria, Tess and a twin thing that happened because he survived after birth, and no one else.

Before I go any further let me introduce two people who were not only stepping stones in the story, but were willing to take a leap of faith, and help keep an eye on what was going on here. They are Robert who you know and Mat Croydon of the Croydon Empire." at the group's expressions of surprise, he added to make sure they understood. "Yep the very big one, and he provided a plane on 24hr standby should anyone have to be moved out at short notice; he also acted as an extra safe guard on Meg's visits. I by the way am a Sheriff, who also turns his hand to being traffic cop when needs be, Mandy my wife is a trauma doctor who inherited the hotel we live in, and Jackie's my daughter who is a trauma nurse and Meg's friend, while Simon her husband is John's carer.

I said in the chapel John … Ben held Derek as he died, you should also know that Ben went to Meg in a dream to say goodbye when he was close to death, and in doing so found the strength to live. I believe it was the day of Vanessa and Michael's wedding because he saw Meg's bridesmaid's dress hanging on the wall, and thought it was Meg's wedding dress and she was marring Casey."

There were gasps as Meg smiled and nodded yes.

Jack smiled and carried on. "More of that little story later … there are so many links or coincidences in this story, you could almost say Fate was pushing in the right direction for the couple to meet up again. There was of course Meg meeting Robert at the airport and her trip to Boston where after the conference Robert met Mat … those two had spoken on the phone a lot of times, but this was their first face to face meeting. Because they liked and trusted each other Meg took the job Mat offered as well as the extra one as a PA for his cousin Paul." He saw Casey smile and continued. "Yes the same Paul that Casey was going to work for, but the bigger twist in this tale is that Paul knew Ben as Peter when he first came to America many years ago."

He gave a small nod at the expressions of disbelief and sighed, yeah things were going to get complicated for them all and he hoped Meg and Mandy would correct him if he got too twisted, and carried on. "Although Paul is part of Mat's family he had cut himself off from them, had no job, broke and happened to sleep on the doorstep of a nightclub, because it was the only warm place. It was by the way a run down thing, which Jo … Ben was hoping to make good. Instead of being kicked off as the owner came out, Paul was offered a job and they became partners, till Jo… Ben glimpsed Derek in town and moved on leaving a note saying the nightclub was Paul's, giving no reason and an order that he should not try and find him. The trust and nightclub set Paul on his way to find his own fortune, and the mystery of his friend's disappearance was not solved till he saw Meg in the office with Mat that day, and she saw a photo of the two men together.

Time passes and we move to when Meg started working for Paul and their so call trip to Canada. I say it was ill fated from the start Val Paul's fiancée was meant to go but couldn't so Meg was going instead, then there was a business crisis that delayed their leaving on top that, their brand new car took fright and broke down on the main road to Canada. In fact close to the sport where I met a certain John Doe on cold icy day, but we weren't into the icy season and it was a peaceful day. Till we got a call about a break down, as we talked I realised it was on the main road on the flat in a lay-by between the steep bit and the bends, so breathed a sigh of relief and passed it onto the garage and went back to our quiet day.

Typically the car needed a special part, which would not arrive till the next day, so they had to inform the hotel they wouldn't be there but they couldn't reach them by phone so they decided to explore the town and find an internet café and use emails. As the garage is on the outskirts of the town and the hotel is the other side of town they were given the spare car to get about. I should add it was our hotel; we have an agreement to put up travellers in distress. The directions they were given were simple drive through town and you can't miss it. I can assure you it was way up market from what they were expecting." He got a couple of smiles and brought everyone back to the story. "But back to travellers, they had split up as Paul got side tracked by an interesting company and Meg with her computer to hunt out our version of an Internet Café, and found a couple of shops. Luck smiled on her and she found it just as it was closing and it lead to the most interesting meeting I think ever seen."

He gave Meg a quick glance, to check how much he should tell and received her quick half smile and nod, knew she was still happy with what they'd discussed earlier and carried on. "The place was deserted, but an assistant and dog came from the back and it was decided she could have a drink and send the mail, while the assistant closed up. I came in to collect John, and Meg doesn't mind me telling you this ... that when he wheeled himself into the café area from the back passage and they saw each other, and her world stood still ... and all the anger she'd ever felt welled up and really exploded. As you can imagine it was not pretty and hurtful things were said, and though I tried to stop it, realising who she was ... she cut me off and explained he was not John but Derek.

John was of course in total shock, but he also understood and took all her anger and hurt, and after she slapped him across his face he silently grabbed her hand and kissed her fingers. He explained later it was the only thing he knew would stop her … words would not have worked so he banked on their connection … and it work. She thought Derek had grabbed her and she was going to be a hostage, instead she knew by the kiss and his touch he was Ben not Derek." He smiled still remembering the effect it had on him, and said wistfully. "I wished it had been videoed but it wasn't" his tone changed slightly as he carried on. "In spite of that amazing moment when even I could see they loved each, he told her to leave immediately and be able to go back to her family, and if she stayed she'd have to get to know a different man from one she knew before. He had an appointment with a specialist to see if he was going to be able to walk again, and if the pain he was in really meant anything. So he and I left in our horse and open carriage, it was the only way we could travel, and he could only do it for short distances on quiet roads. But Meg didn't leave, instead she went with Jackie and Shep our faithful alert dog to John's apartment, and met up with my wife and heard some of his story. Meg told me later that she felt as she'd watch us leave that she'd finally come home."

He paused briefly allowing everyone especially Meg's family grasp it all, and looked for one person and when he found her said. "Talking of which, Vanessa you should be getting a call soon from our reporter come editor Bill, who is taking down John's story. I hope you will be able to work with him on both your stories; of course you'll have to check with Jude what you can and can't put in. Before I go on I should mention that although the twins didn't get on, they had a loving if strange childhood and I'll let Mandy tell that later."

He turned to the briefcase that Mandy had put on the desk and found a file and as handing it over to Jude saying. "This morning was the first time I saw photos and names of the jailers who kept Ben in Seattle. I've only known them through their DNA which is in the file … they are dead so any outstanding cases can be closed."

Jude took the file and nodded, remembering the information they'd found.

Jack then took out a pile of photos from the briefcase, and as he laid them on the table so everyone could see them he admitted. "I'm sorry, but to me he's going to be John … and my adopted son …though goodness knows what he's going to answer to when we get home." He looked up at them, adding. "It might also help you to think of him as John and not have two Ben's running around your minds. And yes it's a painful story, but please remember he has a wife and a son on the way, he also has friends where he is, and has never forgotten his friends here ... and that includes you Ricardo, Antonio, Gabi and Tim." He had glanced over in their direction as he spoke to make sure they understood he really meant his words, that these were not just platitudes, seeing Tim's slightly puzzled look added. "He respected your love for Abby and the way you've put your life back on track."

Then so as not to cause further embarrassment and seeing Tim understood, he carried on in a tone that was serious but slightly casual, knowing the photos he was going to point to or have to hand round would have a kick of their own. "As I said I sometimes act as a traffic cop, usually on icy cold mornings or days, and as you know that's when accidents happen. To be honest with you I think it's the lads' way keeping their boss on his toes or getting back at me for the paperwork I give them.

Anyway we had a shocked panicky 911 call over a truck radio system - that he, the driver was trapped hurt having been in a pile up with car and was blocking the road, which was a sheet of ice. So we had everything out and decided to close road into Canada to give us space. When we arrived we knew it was justified, the truck was across the road, nose in one of the trees and cargo needed to be unloaded for it to be made safe. Then we found out it was not just a car and truck, if you look closely you can see a white van in front of the car and a lot of it under the belly of the truck.

So we made everything safe, which was slow due to the ice, dealt with the injured either by ambulance or the helicopter to the main hospital in the town further down the valley. We also took photos and measurements etc. By the time we were ready to deal with the dead in the van, we were down to the skeleton crew and body bags, with the emergency helicopter returning and staying in the air just in case something happened while we moved vehicles apart. It was fairly easy as the truck was unloaded, and then it was taken away and we sent the helicopter off to quickly check the higher road before going back to base.

As far as we could tell there had been two people in the van, and there was no hope of getting photos or fingerprints for id. The only thing we could do was to take blood samples and hope to trace DNA for both of them. There had been a dividing wall between the front and back of the van, and it appeared that this stopped the van from going completely under the truck. So as you can see the front was squashed down to the floorboards and the back top was dented, then of course there were the rear door which were bent when the car hit them. We already knew the number plates were false having checked when the car was removed, so we reckoned there was a possibility of stolen goods in the back and hopefully some information about the deceased.

We had time to do things now rather than later at the station pound as the tow truck had to come back for us, so I as boss decided to see if we could prise the badly damaged rear doors open, to be honest it didn't matter if we failed and it was better than just waiting around, after the mess we had just seen and dealt with." He paused not bothering to hide his shiver as a flashback and a 'what if he hadn't done it' caught up with him, and added softly. "I can honestly say I look at accidents differently now."

He got control of himself and pointed to the photos as he continued. "As you can see it was a mess inside … … from the second I found a foot bound to another … not knowing whether the victim was dead or alive I put the whole thing under wraps and opened our local hospital as an emergency base. I recalled the helicopter, which just up the road literally and let my brother-in-law who was the emergency doctor take charge of the victim's medical care. Our John Doe whether he was alive or dead, became a motorcyclist who skidded further up the road and the helicopter spotted him. If he came round as far as the world was concerned he had no memory, to me and later my family he became someone special who needed protecting regardless. It was not till a lot later I found out that he heard my voice though he could not understand a word I said, it was my tone and touch that counted. I on the other hand barely felt a pulse but stayed attached to him, hoping and talking while we got him out then flew to the hospital. At my brother in law's command the specialists from across the valley flew in, as they stabilized Joe Doe I kept in touch and looked through the information we gathered from the back of the van ... …"

Jack took his time telling the rest of the story letting them see the photos, get over their shivers of disgust and understand just how bad things had been, and the care they had given Ben right up to the present day and what would have happened had he not survived. After that he and Jude took them through the months in the basement in Seattle and then Mandy told them the earlier years as promised.

oxoxo

So their man of mystery and Bette's Prince of Darkness' past was finally known, and Mandy's quiet final request that Meg be left alone, was respected. Most of listeners were still a bit shell shocked, as well as amazed that the couple actually found each other. So there was a gentle general bustle as people started to sort themselves out to go off and read their letters, or check to see about meetings or just confirmed with the others that it was real, and life would go on as normal. Ricardo, Tim. Gabi and Antonio slipped away as quickly as they could so they to see the children, as well as read the letters and talk about the future. As they'd passed people they'd been given signals that told them they were still among friends and wanted.

As Jude tucked Annie in a protective cuddle as she tried hard to come to terms with it all and was taking her out so she could read her letter a cell phone rang. Of course everyone stopped and started checking theirs till Vanessa answered hers and called Bette and AJ over. Meg guessed it was likely to be Bill and knew it meant things were moving at the other end and her soulmate was okay, if he wasn't she would have know. She had been trying to settle her mind, true she'd lived part of the story but hearing it laid out like that frightened her, and without realising it she quietly said what was going though her mind. "If I hadn't got so mad at Dad I needed to move so never accepted Robert's offer at the airport how would I have found Ben?"

Joan was sat beside Meg wondered how the hell you answered that one.

But Mandy who'd heard her words having moved away from the table crouched in front of her not worrying about treading on Joan's feelings and knowing Meg needed answers that were below the surface in her mind said gently. "You know the answers, even helped him work through the idea."

Meg's whispered "Plan for Casey."

Nodding 'yes' Mandy carried on. "If you had stayed or moved else Jack or I would have done the ground and found out what you were doing thinking. He was already thinking up ways of tracing you as he'd lost sight of you. There were two things he needed to know, one that you were not involved with some else and still love him and two he had a full life to live if you said yes. All he ever wanted was for you to be happy with or without him and that you would not grieve about his death alone you had your family close by. He didn't want you to have the heartache of finding him only to lose a couple of months later or to be a burden on you and you would have known he was loved and not alone. Instead you found a quicker better route to us."

Mandy gave a smile with a little sigh not knowing what the family decided said. "You know life never really stands still, certainly not where you two are concerned or the people around you come to that, Paul and Val are a good example. There's no need for that niggle or night fear it's all in the past, and I'm guessing that at least Casey will come back with us and Ben will make sure everything is all right while he finds a job. You know there are rooms waiting for your family at the hotel for as long as they want them, try and look forward to the trip home and your child to come Meg" then added gently understanding her unspoken fear. "Ben has his hawks with him you know that."

Meg smiled and gave a slight nod, feeling Mandy's love and understanding and knew it was true and since she'd found her soulmate their love was so much deeper there was nothing to fear about the past and said gratefully, "Thank you." then added with a slight laugh. "I suppose I should warn him we are all coming." and glanced at her family just to make sure they had not changed their minds.

Her parents nodded without checking each other while Sara and Casey didn't hide their smiles, they were coming whatever. Meg looked back at Mandy who was grinning at their reactions, and asked hopefully. "Couldn't we make it tonight?" she felt good and the baby felt okay and she soo desperately wanted to be with her soulmate.

Tyus, who had come over and been listening said gently but firmly. "No, you need rest" She looked at him with deep pleading eyes but Tyus only smiled and said quickly. "Hey … no butts young lady. Ben knows you need rest and he told me I was to be strict with you."

She laughed "All right!" then sighed. "I don't want John arriving this side of the mountains anymore than Ben does. … It feels strange calling the baby John and Ben Ben if you see what I mean."

Joan smiled and asked, "Why call him John?"

Meg smiled. "It was his father's name and of course its Dad's … so sort of joins both families. Robert is going to be his second name, we did think of Jack but he said there were too many already. If this had not happened then he would have been Robert John Cummings. We both like the name and Robert has been so good to us all, he and his wife are going to be God parents as well."

Hank looked at his daughter, his pride for her was too high to count and was starting to understand his son in law and said thoughtfully. "I don't know, perhaps something has brought you two together again … I can see how happy you are and to be honest I'm amazed he managed to survive and still stay sane." He paused for a moment and really looked at his daughter and then said gently hoping she understood just why he used his name and said. "Tell Ben, I am very proud of him and look forward to meeting him and I'm sorry for his loss. … Now, we will give you peace as we have a lot to sort out. Mandy, you said accommodation is that until the flats are available?"

Mandy liked what she saw in his reaction and said. "The flats are mixed up in this family mess Val is going through so not available at the moment and are an hour's drive away." She gave gentle laugh as she added "There is the fact I would never be forgiven if rooms were not available for you but regardless they will be for as long as you want them, of course that could mean a life time if you like the service as Meg and Ben do." She ignored Meg's "Hey!" as she carried on. "As you heard the money Ben got helped save the hotel so he owns part of it and we are never full though that part of the plan is getting harder to fulfil as so many people like to come back to see a different season and they bring a friend etc. If you excuse me I must catch Jack." With that she left the group.

Meg looked at her father saw he really meant his words and guessed things could turn out all right after all and said gently. "Thanks Dad. Casey, will you wait a moment."

Charles came over and handed Meg the parcel and gently rested a hand on her shoulder as she started to get up and said. "I'll read my letter later; but don't worry we'll sort any legal stuff out with all the other parties. I'm glad you found him. Joan, Hank I need a word." With that the group moved a way from Meg.

oxoxo

Now she and Casey were alone Meg dialled and waited then smiled at the voice that answered and said. "Ben, how's things."

She heard his gentle laugh at her deliberate use of his name and then felt a warm glow as he said. "Meg Evans I was going to ask the same thing. Quiet at the moment, guess I should tell you Tony and the bank manager were shocked of course but good afterwards, there are a few things to sort out. Bill is in seventh heaven wondering how much to print whether it's going to make another paper let alone a page. He has a wonderful photo of the gang riding into town, your turn."

She laughed pleased to hear him so happy and wanting to reassure him knowing his fears said "It all went well, I've given your brother the roses and the women were arrested at the chapel. Tim is with Abby, he is going to stay and look after the Shock Wave. I think Ricardo and Gabi are going to look after the others but if not Tim wants too, Antonio will be with them all, they've got your letters so I'll no doubt hear from them later. Everyone sends their love and the family will see you tomorrow afternoon providing the plane can take off with all of us on board."

There came a gentle. "No explosions then" Meg giggled and decided not to answer that one, as he carried on "I'm glad you're all right I know I'll miss you but it's for the best."

She knew he was reinforcing the Tyus words and answered back gently. "I know and I'll miss you. Mandy's handed out your letters and Vanessa has the one to everyone I expect she'll print it at the beginning of the article."

"That sounds good." There was a pause then he asked. "Bette all right?"

Meg smiled remembering Bette's words to her when she joined them. "Yes very emotional she said there is nothing to forgive and sends her love they will come up later. She is helping Vanessa with the story of course. I think Jude's taken Annie away to read your letter she'll be all right once she's over the shock."

There was a short silence so Meg broke it, looking at Casey with a smile as she spoke; she knew Ben must have been feeling so many emotions at the moment. "I've got someone who wants to speak to his brother in law."

She heard his gentle laugh as well as Casey's as he took the phone from her.

Casey was amazed his voice sounded clear as he spoke, even though he could feel a lump in his throat, "Hi Ben thank you for thinking of us and bringing us home for the birth of your son."

For a moment there was silence Casey let it ride settling his own emotions.

Ben's voice was emotional as he spoke. "You did not mind."

It amazed Casey that he should ever question it but remembered all they had been told and reassured his friend. "You loved us enough to think of our safety … no, we don't mind. I'm sorry for your loss. As for the job I'm quite happy to try my hand at stable boy and trail guide along with helping a friend on the side." He heard Ben's chuckle they both knew no one would be out on the street or jobless and carried on. "Nothing's going to keep us away so we'll see you tomorrow."

"All of you?"

It was Casey's turn to chuckle. "Yes with the extra time we should sort some things out and AJ and Charles will handle anything left over. Jack said he'll have a chat with the Bank Manger this end and get things moving"

"Guess I had better get things ready here, bed on the floor be all right?"

With a matching tease Casey answered. "Well Mandy said it was a barn so I guess it will have to be … just make sure there's enough straw though … you take care."

"Thank the others for me."

"I will Meg's wants another word." as Casey handed over the phone he said to Meg with a grin. "He really does not know what he's letting himself in for, the questions will never stop and that's just from Sara."

Meg couldn't help smiling, because her sister was already pulling Casey away, whispering something as she said. "Hi sweetheart. You heard that comment."

"Yes, guess he's right. What are you going to do now?"

"Food then I'm going over to Ocean Drive and pick up the things you wanted and then see about Sunset Sister after that rest. How did things go?"

"Well, if Bill and Tony's reaction are anything to go by it will be fine, feels really odd going out as me, whoever that is. The Blacksmith seems happy to take the project on I reckon we can run to a couple of rooms if the house he wants falls through. Before you ask Bob is a right old mother hen not a hawk. Make sure you take care of yourself and can I ring you tonight?"

Meg laughed in sympathy and knew she was not going to miss that phone call for anything. "Poor you. I'll ring you if it will be easier!"

"Okay. Love you till then."

"And you always."

She looked across at Mandy, who come back from seeing Jack and said. "Bob's an old mother hen."

Mandy chuckled "Oh dear. Let's hope he's got some feather left by tomorrow. I think … young lady we should go to the hotel you need a rest and food. Especially if you want to see about Sunset Sisters later this afternoon, Sara wants you to go over to the apartment later and promises you will rest. Though I expect that will be in chaos I think Robert is being roped in as well so he can keep things in check. Jack and I will be spending so time with your parents but you've got our number if needs be."

"Okay so that's me sorted out." Meg said with a smile to which Mandy nodded with a smile and waited for her to get up so they could walk out together.

oxoxo

Meg lay on the bed resting against the pillows letting her mind mulling over the afternoon and evening remembering everything that had happened and knew she would not be interrupted when she finally made this call. She looked at the clock and smiled then pressed in the number it only rang out a couple of times before she heard his voice. "Hi, just let me shoo the hawks and mother hen out."

She giggled at his words, the tone of his voice sent a shiver of love down her spine and even felt her baby fidget then settle as she heard words away from the phone and the gentle music go on in the background.

His voice came back through the phone it was gentle with a tease or laugh in it she was not sure which, either way she knew he was all right. "Mother hen's given me five minute and the hawks are listening to music. Simon said he didn't want to be embarrassed, shan't tell you Jackie's reply. More important how are you?"

She laughed, "I fine thank you. You sound good, why the time limit."

"Mother hen has got me on baby time and is worse than a shadow. So Jackie is going to ring Jessica and have her fly over first thing with the kids."

"That bad. Shall I tell Mandy?"

"No! Mind you she'll get the medical report. Don't be worried, Bob wants me to rest, my heart gave a flutter this afternoon which was not surprising really."

Meg was worried in spite of his light tone she knew he was trying to reassure her but somehow it didn't, so she asked gently. "How bad."

She could tell by his tone he understood her fears. "Just a catching of breath and a slight dizzy feeling nothing to worry about, we all agree it was due to the stress of the morning and missing you. But that bit must not worry you; we all know I will be able to cope with it in the future it's just because it has come on top of everything. I have not zoned out, which is good and he wants me to talk about things in general rather than dwelling on 'certain things', as if I can stop 'certain things' from going round my brain at the moment."

She gave a gentle understanding laugh and asked. "So what do you want to chat about the weather's been nice."

He laughed, "How about what you did this afternoon." then a bit tentatively. "I suppose Hank's still okay about coming over."

She chuckled. "Yes, after the story was told he said to me and I quote "Tell Ben, I'm proud of him and looking forward to seeing him and I'm sorry for your loss. He deliberately used your name so I would know he really meant it this time."

There was slight pause before he answered. "Tell your father thank you and I understand. … So how was Sunset Sisters?"

She heard the genuine respect he had always had for her father in his voice and knew they would be all right, and gave a gentle laugh, which was mixed with a bit of sadness. "No longer Sunset Sisters, well only in name and that will be changed soon. I'll run through things from after lunch and my baby rest, which Mandy insisted on. Guess we could both be on baby rests together when I get back." She smiled as she heard his chuckle and carried on. "Understand that Robert was acting as chaperon with Mandy's list of instructions while she and Jack went to the station to check on things with Charles, who sends regards and will contact you or they were over at my parents to see if they could help or hinder as the case maybe."

She ignored his chuckle and carried on. "Sara and I met Mr Smithson at the shop he's from out of town wanting to move here with his family; his father runs a shop similar to ours back home it even has a web page so we saw it and liked what was there. He promised not to sack anyone; he even liked our idea of having students on shifts and holidays and named an interesting figure for immediate take over, which Sara liked. I told her I was not worried so we accepted. He also took on board her ideas and suppliers list then he insisted we thought about it. So we took it to Charles who had Dad with him and were discussing the Shock Wave, they both thought it looked okay. Sara and I like Mr Smithson so that was a plus point and when we went back we saw the rest of his family, they managed to get the house they wanted so we said it was a definite yes as of tomorrow."

"That sounds good. I trust you're keeping some of the money yourself, you might need it."

She giggled. "You throwing me out?"

"No Paul and Val are going to bankrupt me."

Giggling at his tone and words she just about managed to ask, "They said yes?"

Ben gave a heartfelt sigh. "Anything for some peace and quiet. Seriously, once we picked the bank manager up off the floor, where he'd gone when my fortune was mentioned, he said yes to my using the emergency account straight away, but he would talk with the manager in Sunset as soon as possible about the rest. He came over early afternoon to say not to worry and he was digging a bigger vault. So Paul nipped round to the nightclub people and not being daft, they said yes straight away, which means Muggings here pays the bill while he's the manager, a bit like old times, as you can guess both of them are in seventh heaven. Needless to say there are scraps of paper all over the apartment; I tried to remind them I'm the boss. Yeah you can guess their reply to that. Did you celebrate the sale?"

Meg couldn't help laughing at the picture as she answered. "Well, we had a soft drink each yes, we didn't need any bubbly Sara has enough in herself. Glad those two have got something to think about, I don't suppose there is any news."

"No, only that it looks like it will be months before he can do any proper business again. So."

She stayed silent for a moment wondering just what to say about what she did next.

His gentle voice cut into her thoughts. "You went to Ocean Drive?"

She gave a gentle sighing laugh. "You must stop reading my mind." There came a very soft chuckle from him and then she said. "Yes I went there with Robert."

"Tell me, it will be all right."

She decided to come to it slowly remembering it all so clearly. "There was a police officer standing guard and he let us in, but first showed us some of the flowers that had been laid there since lunch time… They were marked for Derek … none of them cursed him … they mentioned his love for the children and his gentleness, as well as sadness at the pain he caused in order to find his love for you. Some just mentioned the children and they came from all different people not only the ones who'd been at the service. It was a good feeling reading them, I've got a copy of the paper they are good articles no doubt Bill did you proud."

There came a soft. "Yes and I've got the original of us on horse back. What did the house feel like?"

"It was welcoming in spite of the ghosts of the past. They had left it tidy the police had marked the place your brother fell. I laid some rose buds there and lit a candle … …

As she spoke she could feel that warm welcome the house had always given her but this time it was tinged with a sadness which went deeper than her memories and the death and betrayal that had happened there. She had felt it even more as she had walked over to the tape shape of a figure on the floor and laid her rose buds where his heart would have been. Then had stepped back as Robert had done the same, he'd wanted to pay his respect for the twin he knew and the officer had quietly watched. After that she took out a candle Antonio had taken from the chapel and stand at the figures feet she lit the candle and said the words that came to mind "Let the sadness go and find peace." then with Robert's help she took it out of the room and onto the decking and had let the wind take the flame and said a gentle "Goodbye." When they went back in she found the sadness had gone, it was just the warm welcoming she had always felt. She still didn't know if it was just her or if Derek's spirit had been released either way it had helped settle her. Then they went to the rooms with the list and packed the books and things Ben had asked for and giving one last look left the house.

"… … I hope you don't mind I added a couple of CD we bought together."

"No, thank you for caring so much. Your evening?"

She gave a soft chuckle. "That was organised chaos round at the apartment; Sara insisted Robert came as well. It was lovely to see how the twins reacted to him I don't know who was tricking who but when they were on the mat the split up on him, Susan went one way and Mark went the other, as Susan was going off into the distance at ninety miles an hour he went after her. Whereas Mark just crawled for a while then sat and waited for a pick up. They eyed me quietly wondering if I was a sucker and yes I was so I had them one at a time on the swing. They were good and quiet almost as if they knew I was green."

He chuckled. "Best behaviour then. Guess Sara was getting you used to the idea of kids."

"Yes, that's what I thought but we can always go to the experts when ours is born. … It was fun and strange, partly because both Casey and Sara kept eyeing me as they packed both wanting to ask more questions but had been warned off by Robert. And there was the occasional chuckle as they kept realising you were alive and would be seeing you tomorrow. Strange because I once had a vision of all of us by the swings … perhaps it was the swings by the lodge rather than the apartment that I had in the back of my mind but I was here at the time.

Anyway the apartment will be Michael and Vanessa's your friend liked the idea of a wedding present to them and he's given me a note for you and said he was going to do the same for Ricardo and Gabi with the plans for an extension because of the extra family or would buy them out if they wanted to move."

"I glad about that, so they are all packed and ready to come."

She laughed. "Mat said he will fly in some of the big stuff while Robert will fly in the people and a few bits, he said that as he looked at the twins so I'm not too sure where they will end up. Casey was busy packing books etc and Sara kept umming and erring so it's really interesting but I think they will ready."

She heard his chuckle then something being said off the phone and heard a heart felt sigh with "Guess who's just come in."

She chuckled "Guess we should go to sleep, we've had more than five minutes."

"I know but he's threatening to put me to bed!"

She just about managed not to laugh, knowing how much he hated being told what to do. "Will you be able to ride tomorrow?"

"If he has his way no. Mind you Simon's not too keen on me doing it at the moment either so I guess I did shock everyone."

"Yes, me included."

There was a very gentle. "Okay … I'll be good and read for a while, don't worry I'll be fine Shep will sleep next to me, though I prefer you, less fur."

She giggled "What about Simon?"

"He'll have the sofa. You have pleasant dreams and I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."

"You make sure you have good dreams as well. See you. Love you."

"And you." Came the gentle reply and then they rang off.

Meg stretched and then got up and walked over to the window and watched the moonlight on the sea for a while letting her mind quieten and then turned back to her bed and slept.