Chapter 12

He recognised the connection that had been drawing him... it was getting stronger all the time. He could hear music... understand her voice... But could he trust what he heard and felt?... He had been so wrong before! ... Something told him if he went forward he would be alright... safe... He wanted to!!!... Suddenly he was going forward in a rush...wanting to get to her see her... But the darkness was still there.

They had blindfolded him!!...Were they here?... Fear came rushed towards him!!!... He knew he had to fight them!!... But he could not! His hands were chained behind him!... No!!! His hands were free!...The men were still there!... He had to fight his way towards her!!... He lashed out with all his might and lost the connection... he lashed out again hit something and felt pain but the thing gave way... he heard voices in the distance he did not know them... could not understand them and feared them ... again he lashed outhit something hard and felt the pain rush through him … then something gently caught his hand ... and he felt the connection again... it was so strong now …Her voice was calling his name … but he could hardly breathe … he had to fight to breathe … and find her... Could he trust what he heard this time?... Would she disappear again?... Should he even find out… he gasped for breath…

It only took a couple of seconds to produce the organised chaos that was around Ben as he thrashed out.

Meg lost her gentle hold on Ben's hand as he started to and then thrashed around. She called out "Ben listen to me! It's all right you are safe." Trying to get his attention again and let the chaos of noise carried on around her only making sure she ducked out the way as he hit out again.

Tyus had tried calling but was now quickly helping the injured nurse. She'd been changing Ben's IV when he hit out and caught her. She and the equipment ended up in a tangled mess on the floor. Luckily the needle stayed in Ben's arm and the tube came away easily as everything fell. Tyus worked quickly knowing Meg was the only one who could help Ben by calling and grounding him, his voice only seemed to add to the chaos in his mind. He knew the other nurse was clearing space and trying to make sure Ben did less damage that side, he also listened to what the monitors were telling him.

Meg gently caught hold of his hand and held on still avoiding him as he moved around and called out. "Ben!! Open your eyes!! It's me Meg!! You're in hospital!! You're safe!! Ben, open your eyes, look at me!!!" trying to keep the fear out of her voice and hoping he heard the love and trust in it. She knew that as soon as he could see her he would be all right and calm down. If only she could get him to open his eyes and tried again.

Handing the nurse over to the other assistants who'd come running at the noise Tyus hurried over to the nurse's desk and switched off the alarms letting the flashing lights tell their story. He knew the more they tried to restrain Ben the worse he'd be, he was fighting fears that only sight and consciousness could cure. That was why he'd wanted Ben to know where he was before he sedated him and had hoped it was going to be a gentle awakening as Meg was there. He could not wait any longer Ben was using up precious energy and making his injuries worse as he thrashed around as was coming to the surface. They would have to face this again when he was stronger after a drugged sleep. Getting the sedative ready and going back to Ben's bed Tyus decided to give his voice on more try and hope Ben would realise this was real it was not just his imagination.

When Meg stopped for breath, Tyus called to him "Ben, it's Tyus, you are safe! Open your eyes - look at me! Look at Meg! ...Come on Ben look at us!.. ."

He recognised the different voice... another friend... yes!!... Would he be safe?... He knew them both now... … … His breathing began to ease now he knew. … …and the questions started again … … Could he open his eyes? …… Hadn't they blindfolded him?... His friends were there...They would help him... He opened his eyesand saw ablurred image, but could still feel her hand in his ...he slowly realised she had not disappeared...She was there!!!...he wanted to say her name but could not pain hit him as memories came flooding back,... he gasped for air...and got scared again ... and darkness threatened to come...

Seeing Ben's eyes open gave Meg hope but seeing them start to flutter as he opened his mouth trying to say something made her call out, trying to command him to stay with her. "Ben, stay with me! It's Meg. It's alright! Breathe slowly. That's right, look at me."

He did as she commanded. … … He saw her plainly now and recognised her ... she was smiling at him... and felt her strength. He moved his head slightly and saw Tyus beside her... He had to speak to tell them what he knew...But nothing came... He started to breath slower, steadier...tried again to speak, but nothing came... and felt panic starting to rise.

"Ben don't try to speak!" Tyus said quickly seeing what was happening saw Ben had heard him and carried on. "You're not strong enough. I want you to lie still and let me look at your wrists. Just continue to breathe slowly and steadily think of nothing else. Meg will hold your other hand. Do not try to move yourself." Tyus watched him as he spoke, noticing the fear that had been in his eyes and shaking throughout his body starting to calm down and knew that was good a battle won.

Ben kept looking at Meg feeling that if he looked away she would disappear and listened to her gentle words of encouragement as he winced from Tyus's gentle ministrations. .

Tyus re-bandaged Ben's wrists, checked he had not hurt his broken ribs or his badly strained shoulder and set up a fresh IV unit. Satisfied no drastic damage had been done he told Ben he was going to adjust the bed so he'd be reclining rather than lying flat. The monitors still flashed but were now steadying down, which he knew was good and said. "I want to look into your eyes, does the light hurt? Nod or shake your head."

Ben shook his head and let Tyus checked them. But as the brighter light of the light pen came closer for the second eye Ben found he could breathe again and panic tore through him as thoughts crowed in on him filling him with fear.

Meg saw Tyus move away quickly and called out calmly "Ben it's alright, you're safe, we are here." but then his panic affected her and she felt her voice go and tears come as well.

Tyus took over, talking to him and gradually Ben started to control his breathing again and as he concentrated on Tyus's words and his thoughts calmed. When all was calm Tyus carried on reassuringly "Its alright, you are just coming to terms with everything. It's called a panic attack, as you remember; things will suddenly crowd in on you. Just hold on to the fact that you are with friends and we will talk you through it. I'll get you a drink of water. Be careful because of the bruises around your mouth." He watched carefully for any more signs of panic, there weren't any so went off.

He came back with the water and Ben managed to drink some. Ben tried to talk again, but nothing came. Seeing his distress Tyus said "Don't worry, it will come soon, just rest. We know everything that is important. The police rescued you and they found a tape recording of a phone conversation. All you have to do is to know that you are safe."

Ben nodded and rested back against the pillows watching Meg seeing her tears trying to keep his eyes open but they wouldn't. His mind was fighting ….He didn't really want to close them in case she wasn't there and this had all been a dream... he'd made her cry again. He was losing the battle darkness was closing in and he heard her voice wavering and gentle. "Its alright I'll be here when you wake Ben."

Seeing Ben was asleep Tyus gave Meg a reassuring hug, and handed her a tissue and said in a lighter tone and a touch of a smile. "Well! I think we will have to warn everyone he comes up fighting or we're going to have more nurses as patients."

She laughed through her tears and asked "Will he come round quieter?"

Tyus thought for a moment then replied "Yes I think so. He understood us and went to sleep naturally, not drugged, which is very good. Now, shall I get you a meal? I don't think it will be wise to leave him alone as he might suddenly wake. I'll contact Dr Richards and get him to come in early and discuss what to do. I'll be staying overnight to make sure there is someone else around he knows he can trust, if he should have a bad turn again."

"Talk of the devil and he arrives." Dr Richards said breezily as he came in, noting with pleasure the change that had taken place from this morning. "I took the liberty of asking for a food trolley to be sent over from the canteen. I said I would ring through the numbers and this gentleman wanted to see Meg. He seemed to know John, so I let him in." As the couple nodded a silent greeting he carried onto Tyus alone. "By the looks of the nurse outside I think I just missed some fun."

Tyus laughed and replied starting to walk towards the door. "Yes! you could say that. Lets order food and I'll explain"

AJ stepped forward into the room taking everything in. "I won't stay long; I just wanted to make sure Ben was recovering and to give you a cheque to cover the cost of anything he might need now. I've made it out to you, Meg, as I assume you will be looking after him. We will discuss anything else as it arises." He gave a slight pause, realising things were better than he'd thought and said with a smile. "You know it's not every day you have your plane commandeered... a bit like follow-that-taxi but on a larger scale."

Meg laughed, taking the cheque from him. "Thank you. He just came round and it was a bit wild … traumatic. Sit down and I'll fill you in. I expect Bette will want to know everything, as a friend ..."

At the Shock Wave, John turned the tape off to a stunned silence.

It was broken by Annie slapping Maria hard across the face. As Maria fell against the counter and onto the floor from the shock and force of the blow, Annie yelled at her "You bitch!!!!... I thought you loved him!!... I tried to help you get him back!!...Words failed her she was so hurt and so angry that tears started to fall and she lunged towards Maria but the agent pulled her back with a quiet gentle warning that once was enough.

As Maria got up she yelled back at everyone "That tape is a lie!!!!!"

John turned to the Judge and DA Steel, cutting across the end of Maria's yelling, saying sharply: "I believe they all had a hand in the death of Tim Truman and as soon as his body has been recovered I'll apply for the warrants. I would like your permission to have the monument taken down in the morning, but I would like a guard there immediately.

Sara and Joan hugged each other, trying to come to terms with it all. Hank just stood; too stunned to do anything, Casey put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him that he was not alone in his grief. He knew that Hank's anger would come later when everyone had gone he was essentially a private man and this was family.

The orders were given to the officer and as he left two men came in leaving the door open for a while. One had FBI blazed on his jacket and carried a large box the other was Jude, who made his way quietly over to Annie who was standing by herself shaking. He took her to one side and, as she started to speak, he said gently: "I know all about it." and put his arm around her. She looked at him questioningly, and then snuggled into the protection of his arms as he whispered. "We got hijacked by the FBI".

From the eating area outside came the noise of kids laughing, but quietly so as not to disturb the story they were listening to...It was Benjy's tape, Ben's voice could be heard as the door was closed.

"Bloody brother is everywhere" Derek cursed quietly.

"I am his wife! I didn't make that call! I love him!" Maria yelled knowing they needed more proof than the tape, hoping her visible distress would win people over, cause some doubt.

Ricardo, with Gabi's help, moved towards John with the box of goods. Ricardo's voice shook both with anger and shock "I received these from Seattle today. There are two paintings that Maria did, … I know her style. … one is of Sunset Beach about eight months after the drowning, … the other looks as if it is an English Cottage, both dated when she was in Seattle. … The paper is from an order bought by Ben but in Maria's name before the drowning. … How did you manage that Maria?!!! It was a one off!! And that can be checked and verified!"

Pause, no answer, Maria just stood looking at him, she could not believe that her brother would do this. He was the one who should protect her. She was his sister.

He slammed the papers down on the table "Then there's Benjy's birth certificate giving Tess Marin Evans, as his mother and you as adopted mother and the correct date of birth!!" There was a gasp and he carried on "These photos of a nice family group and friends!!! I know that's not Ben, I knew where he was every day that year!!!" He spread out the photos.

John picked up the one showing the stranger with Maria, Benjy and Tess. "Thank you. Now I know the connection between you all and Jake." Maria spat at him and started threateningly towards John, she was so cross as she could see everything they had worked for disappearing. The agent grabbed her arm and handcuffed her pushing her back onto the stool.

Derek calmly looked on, realising he couldn't do anything at present, perhaps later; there was always another chance if Ben stayed alive.

Gabi talked quietly to Ricardo as they went back to their seats and sat down knowing how much this hurt him.

John took command again "Your honour, I think you have enough evidence to annul the marriage or give Ben Evans an instant divorce. Also, that all new legal wills etc. made between the date of the kidnapping and today in Ben's name be void and that the wedding that took place between Ben and Meg Cummings is legal and that Meg is his next of kin."

The Judge looked over at the DA, and then to Antonio and asked. "Was the wedding that took place between Ben and Meg done in belief that Maria was dead, and do you believe that they are still committed to each other?"

Antonio although shocked like everyone else grinned remembering how Ben and Meg both looked at each other at the beginning of the service and answered knowing the truth. "Yes your honour Ben did believe Maria had died and Meg and Ben do love each other and will keep to their vows. I am sure the church will agree with your decision but it will have to be put before the other Priests first." The Judge stood up "Then I pronounce that the marriage between Maria and Ben Evans annulled in the eyes of the law. The marriage between Meg Cummins and Ben Evans is legally binding and she is his next of kin. I will make the necessary arrangements tomorrow. But it is as of now."

"Yes!!!!" Sara gave a jump of joy, nearly knocking Casey over. Everyone looked at her; she grinned back at them and then became serious. "Sorry. But what happened to Ben and what will happen to Benjy?"

"I must phone the hospital to tell them the news. Then I will explain" John replied quickly.

He made the phone call and everyone waited anxiously, especially as the pause while he was listening seemed to go on a long time.

John turned to face the Judge, although he was really speaking to Simon, who was still filming everything, knowing his need for the news and said "Ben's sleeping peacefully after recovering consciousness a while ago and he's breathing on his own."

He could almost feel the collective jump for joy that went round the room.

"I did not do anything to my brother! Those men did it!" Derek shouted back at John, trying to swing the blame onto the others.

John turned towards him and said sharply. "What about the tape message to the two men who were with Ben at the time, you gave them the orders, not the other way round."

Not giving Derek time to answer, the man who had entered with Jude stepped forward and put his box next to Ricardo's and said. "These things and the video are from the house in Seattle where Ben was kept. They prove that Derek not only ordered Ben's treatment but gave him a drug to get information from him, and then took his watch and wedding ring which I believe you are still wearing Derek."

Derek kept quiet but didn't break his eye contact with John, realising his hold over the men had not been enough they had copied tapes to blackmail him and wondered if he could twist it round somehow.

Without facing the Judge to get permission, John kept looking at Derek and, walking towards him with a voice full of command saying. "I'm taking back the stolen goods, your honour!" As he unlocked the handcuffs he lowered his voice but it held a definite threat. "You try anything while you are released and you won't like it!"

Derek gave a gentle chuckle and said as the watch was taken from his wrist. "You won't because you know I can still hurt Ben. You know the twin connection!"

As John took the ring from Derek's finger, he replied. "Yes, you may have some connection. But it was Meg who felt him die this morning and who has brought him back."

Sara turned to Casey, whispering "That's what she felt this morning when she screamed his name; and the night before, in the dream, the sadness - that was the phone call."

"Really?" Hank said quietly looking at both of them.

"Yes!" replied Casey hugging Sara. Hank thoughtfully put his arm around Joan feeling her shiver to reassure her, but also gained strength from her presence.

As John put the handcuffs back on Derek, he continued. Although calm, the anger and then disgust sounded in his voice as he spoke. "You know Derek, that thing called Fate you were worried about; it stepped in again. Your buddies got to Dana's Point and carried out your orders to the letter! He was chained, gagged and blindfolded; he wasn't strong enough to walk anyway!!"

A gasp came from the listeners.

Derek gave a slight smile of satisfaction - they had carried out their orders and Ben had felt it.

John took control of his emotions knowing this was feeding the twins twisted need but it was better the whole story was told now and carried on in a calmer voice. He still faced Derek but took a couple of paces back needing the space between them and carried on. "We were expecting a drug swap some time that night, and thought they were one set of our guys. So we watched them arrive and then take Ben from the trunk of the car. We could not risk a hostage situation as Jake was drunk, waving a knife around and would have killed Ben as soon as he saw us. So, unfortunately we could not stop them throwing Ben over the edge into a crevasse made by an earlier landslide. As soon as he left their arms we tackled the men, but the ground around us all collapsed burying Ben, but we managed to dig him out and got him to hospital barely alive. I will make sure that you are never in a position to harm either of them again!"

No-one broke the silence or the glare between the two men till the DA stood up and opened the door near her and spoke to an officer who had been guarding the door from the outside. The officer spoke into his radio and several other officers came into view ready to lead the prisoners away.

Tess stopped by John and spoke for the first time. She started shakily knowing her and her son's fate could be in his hands. "If you promise that Benjy can be looked after by my sister, she has two others and will take care of him, I will give you a statement."

Maria yelled at her "Benjy is mine and Derek's; you have no rights to him! He stays with Carmen!"

The Judge cut across the conversation asking. "Tess, did they pay or promise a large sum of money for Benjy?"

"Yes your honour" Tess replied hopefully.

The Judge nodded, "Then that would make the adoption illegal and therefore they do not have the right to say were the child stays."

Derek yelled back "He is my son and he stays with Maria, Ben has no access to him ever!"

The judge replied sternly "I think the children's court will agree with me that he should stay with his mother's sister. I will agree to that if she agrees to the arrangement whether or not Tess testifies against the pair of you. As for Ben's access that can be dealt with later when things have calmed down. Benjy will be taken into care over night. Tess, you can explain that to him now so he will not be too distressed. Somehow, he will have to be told the truth tomorrow."

Tess nodded and was lead away to the group outside.

Everyone broke up into little groups, trying to sort out their feelings rather than talking loudly to each other. Ricardo and Gabi turned to Carmen who just shook her head at them, he knew they would have to talk and face things so said quietly. "Later Mama." and went back to collect the box and follow the other officers back to the station. He knew he and Gabi wanted and needed to be part of the following investigation not matter how small. Vanessa was feeling the rush of a good story as well as the emotional disgust at what had happened to her friends introduced herself to John and got the all clear to print the story and to get a statement from Tyus.

As the people left Hank automatically started to clear things away but Joan stopped him and said firmly. "I'm going to see Meg and Ben now. I'll get one of the officers to take me." Hank started to protest that he would come; but she put a hand on his arm, and continued gently to take any sting her words might have. "You need to sort out your feelings over Ben and Meg before you go any where near them. They are a couple now and always will be. You have to accept that. Also you do not have to protect her in fact you have to let her go! You have to accept Ben for who he is. He will never take Meg away from you; he wants to be part of this family! And she belongs to him; she is part of him and always will be."

As she turned to go with the others, she carried on in a lighter tone "Take care of things here, and don't forget to congratulate Sara on her engagement to Casey. Let her go as well." She smiled and gently laughed at his shocked expression, knowing that Casey hadn't said anything when they were in store room, and gave him a kiss. As she left she smiled at Sara and Casey who were standing just behind Hank knowing they would have things sorted out by the time she returned.

Just outside as people milled around getting to their cars or preparing to walk away Antonio gently lead Carmen away knowing the shock was catching up with her mixing with her tears and mutterings about the cards. He stopped for a second as Joan passed to catch up with John who'd had seen her come out and said. "Give Meg and Ben my regards and tell them I will be in touch with soon."

Joan nodded and as John called her said gently. "They will want to see, it's not yours or anybodies fault."

The Inn proprietor stopped Joan just as she got to John and handed her a card saying. "Show this to Ben's doctor, it's my son's - he may be able to help and as soon as Ben is fit enough to travel, there's a room for both of them and any medical staff for as long as he needs them. They were both very happy with us and I'm sure we can help. I'm staying at the Sun hotel for a couple of days, so I can be contacted there."

She took the card with a smile and a thank you knowing his offer was genuine and got in car with John hoping for a fuller update.

Back in the Shock Wave the signs were flipped over to 'closed' as Hank, Casey and Sara tided up. As they did so they discussed everything that had happened, life in general and even though she was there Sara in particular as well as what might be needed if Ben and Meg stayed at Surf Central.