The Pain of Silence
Chapter 12
Joe glanced up at the clock. It was now five past nine. "I hope they get here soon. I want to know what happened."
"You and everyone else," Brooke joked.
"Brooke, I'll be right back. I have to make a phone call," Tony said and excused himself from the room.
"How did things go, sweetie?" Morgan asked.
"It went better than I thought" Brooke answered, smiling.
knock knock"There we go!" Joe jumped up and went to the door, letting his brother and father inside.
Frank stopped beside him, and Fenton walked over to the group.
"How'd things go?" Joe asked his brother quietly.
"Turns out that her father's father has a history of abuse. Let's go talk to the others." Frank walked into the living room and Joe followed.
Tony came back into the room. "Hi Mr. Hardy. Hi, Frank." He sat down next to Brooke. "I was supposed to work tomorrow but I changed shifts with someone."
"You didn't have to do that!" Brooke said.
"I know. But I wanted to. Just in case you need my help."
"Thanks."
"How'd things go Fenton?" Morgan asked, and everyone became silent.
"It turns out Rick hasn't talked to Scott in quite some time, so he didn't know what was going on until we spoke to him. He showed me these." Fenton handed her the articles on Scott's father and his hospitalization. "Their father, David Tyler, abused Scott when he was a child. This went on for a couple years, similar to what's been happening to Brooke. We don't know what caused that to start happening, but there may be a possibility it's linked with Scott." Fenton cleared his throat and took a deep breath. "Now, I'm sure you remember your husband's accident a few years ago? He fell a couple stories and ended up in the hospital."
Morgan nodded. "Yes, he hurt his head; there had been some swelling but they gave him the okay to go home once the swelling decreased. They couldn't find any problems."
"What we found interesting is that shortly after the accident, he started hurting your daughter. Did it ever cross your mind that something was wrong with him? I know you weren't aware of him hurting Brooke, but did he act differently at all?" Fenton asked.
She shook her head. "Not really. He was jealous about me talking to other men, but that's a typical man thing. He seemed to get angry a lot easier. It's something I never thought about." Morgan looked at her daughter for help.
"I had suspicions something was wrong when he started acting different. Some people get angry." Brooke suddenly felt embarrassed as her cheeks became warm, tears stung her eyes and she stood up. "Excuse me." She walked into the other room. Tony looked at Mrs. Tyler, wondering if he should go after her.
Morgan sighed. "Fenton, this has been hard for her. Continue with what you were saying. Just let her have some time alone."
Frank went over to Tony and sat beside him. "Give her some time. She'll be okay," he tried comforting his friend.
"Well, until Scott is located, unfortunately there is nothing we can do. He hasn't been seen anywhere, so my main concern is keeping you two safe for now. I would like to see someone stay with you until he is found," Fenton suggested.
"Sure, as long as that's okay with Vanessa. It's her house," Morgan answered.
"Anyone's welcome to stay here. Joe can sleep on the couch. The only problem is, we have school tomorrow," Vanessa replied.
Fenton nodded. "I realize that. Frank has classes tomorrow too. I'd hate to see someone pulled from their studies, but—"
"Sir, I'll come back in the morning if you want?" Tony volunteered. "I only have one class tomorrow and I'm ahead on the reading, so I can do it."
"Are you sure that's not a problem?" Fenton asked.
"Of course. I'll do anything to help. I haven't missed a class yet. Don't worry."
"Thanks Tony," Mrs. Tyler answered. "That's nice of you."
"Once we get out of school, we'll come straight here," Joe spoke for himself and Vanessa. "Frank?"
"I have two classes in the morning. I'll be out between one and two. I have an exam, so it depends when I complete it," Frank replied.
"Okay, great. Morgan, may I speak with you privately?" Fenton asked and she stood up, following him into the dining room.
Once they left the room, Joe spoke up. "So, what else happened?" he asked Frank. "You found out he went to the hospital and his father abused him. What happened to his father? It's obvious the authorities found out."
"Not much else. His father was killed trying to run from the cops. They were never able to find out what caused him to abuse Mr. Tyler," Frank answered.
"I take it his brother also never found out what was happening to him, so it's almost like what's happening to Brooke now? It went on for a while until it got so bad someone found out?" Joe asked.
"Rick, his brother, was hiding and witnessed Scott get hurt. That's how their mother and the police found out."
"I can't believe he has been hurting her all this time," Tony said sadly, "I mean, for no one to notice her in pain—"
"I'm a good actress," came the ironic reply from the hallway. Brooke was standing there. "I didn't have anyone to tell after we moved. I only had school and work. I was an idiot; I realize that now...I should have said something. Part of me just wants to walk out there and let him find me, and set some kind of trap. That would be quicker than him just looking for us and having everyone go out of their way for us. I don't want to inconvenience anyone…"
Tony stood up and went over to her. "You're not inconveniencing anyone. We want to help you."
Trap? Joe thought and looked at Frank who was also deep in thought. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Joe asked quietly.
Frank nodded, also speaking low. "A trap? Maybe we should try and lure him out? That way the cops can get him." He raised his voice. "Brooke, you're a genius!"
Unaware of what he just said, she gave him a funny look. "Genius? Are you talking to the right person?"
"Brooke, do you think your father would fall for you luring him into finding you? I mean, if he's here in town looking for you, maybe we should try and get him to come after you and try to—"
"Kidnap me? Use me as bait?" she asked.
Tony shook his head. "That's too dangerous, guys…"
"Sure, why not?"
"What?" Tony turned to her. "You can't do that. What if he manages to actually kidnap you or hurt you again?!"
She shrugged. "Maybe it's a risk that I need to take. This needs to end. This is all my fault anyway."
"We can talk to Dad about it. He might like the idea," Frank said just as Fenton and Morgan returned. "Hey Dad, we have a question." Frank explained about them trying to lure Scott into coming for Brooke and how they could use her to have him arrested.
When he finished, Morgan was shaking her head. "Guys, that may be a good idea, but Brooke's been through enough. I don't want to see her get hurt again."
"Well, if we can't find him in the next day or two, we'll discuss that idea more, but for now, let's try and play it safe," Fenton decreed, and everyone seemed to agree – except Brooke and his sons who remained silent. "I'm going to head home. I've got some more work to do."
"I'll come with you." Frank stood up and said goodbye to everyone. Within a couple of minutes they were gone.
"So, I guess I'll head home too. I can be back right after my class tomorrow," Tony said.
"That sounds good. I'll walk you out." Brooke went with Tony to the door after he said goodbye to his friends and Morgan. She returned a few minutes later. "I'm gonna call it an early night. I'll see you all tomorrow."
"Good night," Joe and Vanessa said in unison. Vanessa let out a small laugh. "If you need anything in the morning, let me know. There are towels in the bathroom closet. Everything's pretty easy to find."
"Thank you. Good night, Mom."
"Good night, honey."
Within half an hour, Vanessa and Morgan both went upstairs, leaving Joe to get comfortable on the sofa, and shortly after, he was asleep.
"Hey Mom, can Tony and I go out for a little bit? He's on his way here," Brooke asked, coming down the stairs.
"Sure. Just be careful! How long do you think you'll be?" Morgan sat on the recliner reading a book.
"Maybe just an hour or so. Just to get out of the house."
"All right. If you're going to be much longer, let me know. I want to make sure you're okay."
"Thanks, Mom!" Brooke gave her mother a quick kiss and went to the door. "I'll be sitting on the front steps. Are you gonna go anywhere or do anything?"
"I'll probably finish reading my book. Actually, I may run to the grocery store. I told Vanessa this morning before she left that I would pick up a few things for her since we're staying here. She told me there was no need to, but I feel bad not pitching in to replace what we use. So, if I'm not here when you get back, don't worry."
"Well, you be careful too. See you later!" Brooke said cheerfully and went to open the door.
"Wait, Brooke!" Morgan called to her daughter as she started out the door.
"Yes, Mom?"
"You look very pretty today. " She commented on her daughter's long jean skirt and light pink long-sleeved top. "You even did your hair. I wish I had my camera. I'd take a picture."
Brooke went back over to Morgan and gave her a hug. "Thank you. I'm so glad we're back."
"Me too. I love you, Have fun!"
"I love you too, Mom!" Brooke went to the door and gave her mother a final wave before going outside.
Ten minutes later Morgan heard a car horn and she smiled. Those two are cute together. She stood up and put her book down. She glanced at the clock and noticed it was almost noon. I'll head to the store now, that way I'll be back when everyone gets here. She grabbed her purse and car keys and departed.
Scott Tyler had checked out of his motel and was now driving around Bayport. He was on his way to the Hardy residence to see if his family was there, but noticed a familiar blue Honda take a turn down a road just ahead. He smiled to himself and followed the car, staying as far back as he could without losing sight of it.
Morgan parked and went inside to do her shopping. Within a half hour she had everything she needed and was carrying the bags to her car, unaware she was being watched. She opened the back door and placed the bags inside.
"Hi Honey," a deep voice said, startling her.
Her breath caught in her throat. Oh no! Her cell phone was in her purse and no one knew where she was. She turned around and saw Scott standing behind her. "Scott. What are you doing here?"
"Let's not play games, Morgan. Where's Brooke? Why did you two leave again?" he asked her calmly.
Deep down, his calmness scared her. She knew it was only a matter of time before he got angry. She was not going to tell him anything. "I don't know. She went out."
"With what car? You have it. Don't play dumb with me. You know better."
"Scott, just leave us both alone. Go back home and let us just stay here. She doesn't want to go back with you," Morgan stated and reached for her door handle, but he quickly pushed her hand away. "Don't be an idiot. We're out in public!" she warned.
"I want you and Brooke to come home. You know I'm sorry for what happened. Come home. Let's be a family again." He tried reaching for her but she moved away.
"No! I don't want to be a family again. Not with you! You hurt her for the last time, Scott! You've been lucky not to go to jail! You almost killed our daughter! Just leave us alone!" Morgan almost yelled, causing people walking by to look at them curiously.
Scott gave them a smile, pretending everything was fine. "Morgan. Stop being dramatic. It was an accident!"
"Three years of hurting her. That's an accident? You sick bastard!" She swung her hand, backhanding him across the face.
Scott was left stunned for a brief moment, and she managed to give him a shove backwards, sending him a few feet away. She grabbed her door handle one more time and opened the door. She spotted a cup of coffee, from the day before, sitting there in the cup holder, and grabbed it.
He seized her by the shoulder and turned her around. She flung the drink into his eyes, then quickly got in her car, locked the doors and started the engine.
Scott, barely being able to see, reached for the door handle, but had no luck. Morgan pulled from her parking spot and he ran to his truck. Climbing in, he started the engine and followed after her.
Morgan thought she had managed to get ahead of Scott and pulled out her cell phone. She turned onto a back road to head to Vanessa's. Her fingers were shaking so badly she couldn't dial the police. Calm down! she told herself and then she looked in the mirrors and saw Scott's truck coming up behind her. She cursed and sped up. She dialed 911 and put her phone on speaker, waiting for someone to pick up.
Scott decided to take a chance and pulled up beside her while there were no cars in the other lane, and yelled out his window. "Pull over!" he demanded.
She ignored him. "Come on…" she said to the phone, terrified.
"911, what is your emergency?" she heard someone ask
"I'm on Beaver Road, I'm being—" She let out a yell when she saw a car coming straight for Scott's truck.
Scott went into Morgan's lane, sideswiping her car, as the other driver also slammed on his brakes. Scott kept going, getting back into his own lane.
Morgan had hoped he would slow down or back off, but instead, he hit her car, and she lost control. She steered off the side of the road, onto the sidewalk, hitting a sign and then as she slowed down, her car impacted with a tree.
Scott sped off, leaving Morgan there. The driver of the other car, a young man, jumped out and ran to see if she was okay. He called the police on his cell phone as he approached Morgan's car. "Hi, there's been an accident on Beaver Road. Someone ran a lady and me off the street."
"Is anyone hurt sir?"
"I'm fine," he peered in the window at Morgan. "Oh God! She's unconscious. There's blood on her face. The front of her car's totaled. I can't tell what else is wrong! She's hunched over the steering wheel."
"An ambulance and the police are on their way."