The Risk

Fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a bogeyman around, turn on the light.

Dorothy Thompson

Thanks so much for the continued feedback. I apologize for the wait. I've been really busy lately.

This chapter is a filler, but think you might find some of it very interesting…..

Chapter 19

"Brooke, I really don't know what I would do without you." Haley took an emotional sigh where she was shift furniture back into earlier painted living room.

"We're friends, Hales. It's a given that I would have your back. No thanks required." Brooke planted some beautifully smelling scented candles on the coffee that went great with the new color scheme.

"I feel like I've taken over your life with all my drama. It's six o'clock. This is normally your family time …..and Mouth's twin sisters, Meredith and Maxine are visiting from their boarding school in the mountains. You loved them like to death."

"Oh, please. This has turned into a paint party. Everyone's having a ball. If Marvin didn't have an emergency reconstructive surgery he would be here too, so stop it."

"Excuse me for being grateful!" Haley stuck out her tongue playfully.

"You can't help it if your stuck with me, Boss Lady." Brooke winked. "You believed in me when I had no work experience and help me gain my own identity."

"You were perfect for the job. I know a great thing when I see it. I saw the way you managed your household. I had to have you. So will you please shut up and let me gush some more about you."

"I'm just really glad you had faith in me at the time, because I didn't." Brooke said softly, surprising her friend who always considered her to be extremely confident.

The blonde hugged her friend. "You just needed a push, that's all." She smiled pulling back from her.

Looking around the room, she was impressed by their work. " If it wasn't for you and the girls it would have taken me a month to repaint all the walls in this house."

Haley had been terrified that Smith had been in her home, let alone the spraying her walls and splattering her floors and some furnishings that had to be replaced as well with bright red paint. The thought of hiring strangers to assist her in the clean up didn't sit well with her under the current circumstances. Her home was sacred and the work needed to be done with caring hands.

"I just hope Mere didn't paint the guest rooms walls black She's all emo for some reason lately… and Maxie knows when enough purple is enough…… and don't get me started on Jersey!" Brooke shook her head as the loud hip hop music bellowed from the upstairs. Next it would be alternative, then back to pop or punk. They listened to anything. "They taught my baby some new dance moves last night,…….. Lord, have mercy on my soul!"

Haley laughed.

"They swear she gets on their nerves, but they drag her every where they go during their visits….teenagers!" But she smiled despite herself. "Actually, I love all the constant ringing of the phone, the girly drama and teen soaps I get to watch without shame when we have all three girls."

"A house full of kids." Brooke's friend sighed dreamily.. "It doesn't get any better."

Brooke eyed Haley as she perched herself on the arm of the sofa. She was so short her legs were dangling. "This thing with Smith has us all frazzled." She cringed, thinking of the ramifications if Haley hadn't been in New York when Tim paid her a visit. The situation could have been deadly.

"Shh!" Haley interrupted. "I don't want to hear that name. He's has caused me nothing but trouble. I don't know why I gave him a chance in the first place….what I saw in that jerk! I'm usually a better judge of character."

"You checked all his reference. He came highly recommended by the temporary agency and his background check was clean because his records were sealed since he was a minor when he killed his brother and was placed in that mental facility. What more could we have done?"

"Me. Not "we", Brooke. I should have done more." Haley frowned, lowering her chin to her chest. "I hired him. I'm responsible for this disaster."

Brooke chose to ignore her friends self-pity. Eventually, she would realize this was beyond her control.

Setting Haley's family photos back on the tables and mantle after giving them a good wiping with a damp cloth, she praised her work. "Luckily, these pictures were all under glass, so they didn't get splashed or sprayed." She knew how Haley treasured her rare family mementos.

Haley scowled, thinking back to Sunday and Smith's heartless act. She still didn't' know how the hell he got in her house. There was no evidence of foul play. The only other person that had a key to her home was Brooke, which was left at the McFadden's in case of emergency. Heck, she had just gotten her own set back Saturday morning. Wallace Jr. was following up on the bus accident and was kind enough to bring them from the auto body shop where he and Nathan had taken the crashed school bus the night before. He had even offered to change the locks for the pretty woman, but she had declined, pressed for time. She was anxious to get New York and Nathan. So when he made the offer again when she reported the vandalism, she quickly agreed and he changed them the same day.

"Are you sure you're ready to stay here? You can have the guest room at my house for as long as you need it." Brooke urged.

"Thanks, but I need to get my life back in order. I can't keep living in fear. I wouldn't have stayed last night, it you weren't so damn bossy." Haley teased. "I'm sleeping in my own bed tonight, Missy!"

"But"

"I've intruded on you and Marvin for too long. Beside, we both supervised Wallace Jr. changing all the locks. I even had my security system code changed at his assistance. This place is as safe as a bank vault."

"It's just that….I love you, Haley James." Brooke said with worried watery eyes causing a similar reaction in her girlfriend's.

"Same here, Brooke."

The two woman smiled fondly at each other.

"I wonder if Bevin and Skills are on their way home from court for the adoption? Surely, everything will go without a hitch. I wished they would call already."

"Me too. They have been waiting so long to have that little boy and working so hard to make sure everything is ideal." Haley said. "and she still took time out of hectic schedule to drive the new bus until we get a permanent driver and to check up on me every day. It's been a madhouse at the school. I don't think the phone has stopped ringing for more than five minutes at a times this whole week."

"Who are you telling….I'm the secretary!" Brooke exclaimed. "Since all the parents have been notified about Smith and his story is now public knowledge the worst should be over."

"You think so? …… I wish I could be so positive." Haley sighed wearily. "Some of the parents are in an uproar. If it spreads we're going to be out of business."

"Helloooo, Susan Sourpuss. Stop being so negative….. Our parents know we've done everything in our power to keep their children safe. Wait and see, Hales. This is a strong tight-knit community. Everything will be fine after tomorrow nights town hall meeting."

Haley nodded pensively before she turned her attention on the new curtains she was about to iron.

"Can you believe Chris Keller broke the story? I didn't think he knew his elbow from his as-"

"Brooke!"

Her dimpled cheeks smirked. "Honey, please. That's the best article he's written in the three years. I've seen better articles in the junior high school newspaper. That man can't couldn't make Melrose Place sound interesting."

Haley giggled, "He's certainly no Anderson Cooper. I'm seriously starting to regret reporting the break-in to the sheriff."

"Yeah, like you had a choice? At least his facts were right this time. I didn't know Keller could spell Mr. Waffles! He even got a quote from the FBI agent……. Impressed am I." She mimicked a Yoda voice for the last part.

The both rolled with laughter like two school girls. When they eventually settled, Haley's eyes flashed fear. "Smith hates me.'

"Screw him! Let's talk about something else."

"I can't forget. Cooper Lee didn't have anything new on the search when I talked to him today. I just want this over with and our children safe. I want to go back to my quiet little happy life. Then all I have to worry about the stomach virus spreading through the school every six months and four year olds falling in love at breakfast and breaking up by recess."

"It will pass soon enough. This is the most excitement this town has had since the mayor's wife left him for a woman…..an ugly woman at that!" Brooke frown at the image in her head. "Only three parents have taken their kids out in the last two days."

"Two left on Monday." A disappointed Haley pouted. "At this rate, there will no kids to return to after winter break."

"They'll be back….. I know for a fact Ms. Douglas can't handle Shane, Dwayne, and Rane for more than a week at home. She'll probably pay us to take them off her hands." Brooke laughed.

"The Douglas Demons…. I mean triplets. They are very….umm….active. Think she'll last until after the New year?" Haley wondered.

"Hales!"

"Okay. Bad, Haley….. I know………. I just wished it hadn't come to this. But I'm not going to let a psycho like Smith destroy what we've worked so hard to create. Hell, no!" She had made it through the lost her loving parents and her beloved brother. This too shall pass…somehow."

"Good to hear!" Brooke approved.

Haley smiled, getting off the step ladder and examining the freshly hung curtains, gleaming with pride. The renovation had actually become a refreshing change. "How about a drink? eggnog? Juice? Cider?"

"Definitely eggnog." Brooke cheered.

"Coming right up."

Haley convinced herself that she was going to feel safe in her home tonight as she gathered the drinks and some homemade gingerbread. She loved this place and she wouldn't let anyone take that from her.

Brooke joined her at the breakfast nook and they feasted on the goodies while they relaxed for a spell. "It sucks that Nathan had to be out of the country on business. Smith wouldn't have tried this bullshit with him around. Even an idiot can see Nathan protects his own."

She couldn't hate the separation half as much as Haley. Although, the problems with Smith currently superseded her personal life and thoughts, Nathan was in her heart. No matter how hard she tried not to dwell on it, she worried for the danger he may be in more so than her own. It often kept her awake at night.

It was the not knowing anything about his conditions that weighed on her the most. It should be second nature after so many years as his best friend. She told herself not to worry that they spoke only a handful of times. Each conversation only brought her loneliness. She wanted him back. She wanted him safe. She didn't get to talk to him enough to keep her confident of his security. He was so busy and focused on his agenda. Surprisingly, her issues with the school helped sway her thoughts from him.

"So when are you going to tell me how freaky you got in New York? How dare you hold out on me, Haley James! What's the big secret….. Oh my God! Did you guys elope?" Brooke squealed, crossing her fingers.

"No!" Haley mused and her friends unhappiness with her last sentence. "It told you about Nathan's penthouse, the showing and how Peyton was drooling all over him like a damn hyena just to spite me, although she was the love of Lucas's life, and the romantic dinner and dancing. That sums it up."

"You didn't tell me how you really feel about him having to leave so abruptly. I know your scared something could happen to him, Haley." Brooke had seen the fear in her big brown eyes. "If you don't want to talk about, I'll shut up…. I swear." Brooke raised her hand in oath.

"It's just hard to discuss. I'm ashamed….. I let him think his leaving didn't hurt me," Haley whispered. "He would blow a gasket if he knew the truth, but he would also want to go back to being friends….if that. Brooke, I couldn't doing it. I love him so much…too much." Haley swiped a free falling tear.

Brooke already knew how her friend felt, but she was glad she was finally letting it out.

"I just knew I was going to break when we were saying goodbye at the airport." Haley rested her head on her friends shoulder as she continued. "When we started sleeping together, I told him I could handle the danger and separation his job entails. It was a big lie! It took all my willpower not to show my misery. I did such a good performance, he probably thought I was glad to see him go."

The brunette gave her a little snuggle. "That I doubt."

"I should have gotten an Oscar. I was good."

"Maybe so, but how long can you hide the truth? What about the next time he calls…… or the time after that?"

"Either I'll do my best acting or burst into tears and beg him to come home." She thought of the shivers she got upon hearing his voice on the phone. It was a good thing his calls was during the day while she was behind her desk where she had to keep her composure.

She didn't have the heart to tell him what Smith had done to her house. Why upset him? There was nothing he could do from so far away. He would worry and she didn't want that. She wanted him aware and alert so he could concentrate on his assignment. His life depended on it.

"Don't you think he has a right to know your true feelings?"

"Yes." Haley hung her head. "But right now, I couldn't handle his rejection. I'll have to wait until he returns…. I'm not strong enough."

"You're tougher than you think."

"Not when it comes to Nathan. When we finally confessed our feelings for each other it was so incredible. I won't risk loosing him….I won't."

Brooke nodded her understanding, giving Haley a hug. "It's going to be fine."

"He's so protective of me. He would end it if he even suspected the truth."

"Nathan's feeling are just as intense as yours. Even if knew it was the right thing to do, he couldn't turn away from your love affair. He wants it as much as you."

Haley chewed on her lip in concentration. She was too afraid to even wish for that.

"All done upstairs!" Jersey skipped into the room, grabbing a square of gingerbread and stuffing it in her mouth. Summer Sky blue speckled her light brown hair, nose, clothing and her old K Swiss. Mere joined her to the left and Maxie to the right, her very lanky and beautiful aunts covered in nearly the same amount of paint. Haley and Brooke cracked up.

Haley saw her guest out with a happy sigh after Bevin finally called with the good news. They had a son. It was the best thing to happen to Haley all day.

Her day had started off badly. She overslept, then she had to handle endless phone calls from worried parents. She and Brooke took turns reassuring the parents of their child's safety at the school. Fear and frustration was running rampant after Sunday's newspaper article about Tim Smith.

The town hall meeting had gone well considering the circumstances. There had been a lengthy Question and Answer session. Several times through the heated discussion, Haley wished she could just disappear. But she kept her head and remained cool and concise, replying to all questions as factually as possible. She was grateful to be assisted at the podium by Cooper Lee and his FBI edge as well as Skills Freeman's child psychology expertise.

After the meeting, she join Lee, the Mr. and Mrs. McFadden, Sheriff Wallace and Jr., along with Mr. and Mrs. Freeman for dinner at a local steakhouse. No one talked of Smith or the vandalism. Instead, they all celebrated the Freeman's new addition. Later, with tired feet, she held her shoes in her hand as she padded across the kitchen floor to grab a cup of white tea. Her head was pounding and her body was ridged with tension. She couldn't keep her mind off the angry townspeople. What she would do to have Nathan's hands relaxing her right now. Ummm! Ibuprofen and a hot bubble bath were on the agenda as she entered her bedroom.

Setting the tea and the pills on the dresser, she slowly shed her clothing as the garden tub filled up. She lay back in the bath, letting the bath salts and scented soaps wash away her stress.

She felt much better as she emerged from the clean bathroom and decided against taking the pain relief medication. The tea would be enough to give her a good nights sleep. Slipping off her warm robe, Haley stood in a delicate pink slip when the phone rang. The caller id read b"unknown name and number"/b Her eyes lit up, it had to be Nathan. No one else would be calling at such an odd hour. She quickly dropped back on the bed and picked up the receiver. "Hi." She said in her most sultry voice.

"Why did you betray me?" Came a muffled male whine. "I treated you good."

"Smith?"

"You didn't give me a chance…..didn't try to get to know me. You turned out to be just like the others." He slurred as Haley listened. She couldn't move but she was terrified he was close. Could he be in her house? Across the driveway at the school? Looking in her windows as she lay there half naked?

"Nobody there to protect you now, is it?….Where's that boyfriend of yours? Mr. Perfect?…. Super Nathan to the rescuuuuuueeee!" His drunken speech and muffled receiver made it even harder to decipher, but it shook her from her reverie.

"If you just give yourself up, you'll get the help you need. A lot of people want to help you." She trembled as she urged. "Just tell me where you are so I can send someone to come get you. I want to help."

He ignored her suggestions like she hadn't spoken. "For the first time, I hoped to settle down. I was coming out of my shell. People liked me….me!"

"Smith, please hear me."

"No. You listen up, bitch! I didn't do anything to you. Do you think I'm stupid?…. Well, I ain't! I needed the drinks…. The stopped the pain. …I don't hear-…..Mrs. Roe was good to me! You lied about me and now no one wants anything to do with me! If only you would have trusted me, been patient like you are with the children…. I would have a place to stay! I'm a good boy!…….. I didn't hurt anybody. I didn't hurt…" He suddenly went mute.

"Hurt who, Tim? Who didn't you hurt?"

"Shut up! Stop trying to mix me up-screw with my head!" He slurred.

"I just want to help you. You have people that care. Just tell me where-"

"You just want them to find me so they can lock me up again. Never! Keep away from me or you'll regret it!"

The line went dead, but Haley didn't move. She sat there staring at it, not believing the words that had come from the receiver. Slowly, she placed it on the mount, the device rattling from her shaking hand before she finally let go.

Haley was convinced Tim Smith was a very sick man….insane even. But she was still having trouble believing him capable of the heinous acts Cooper Lee had accused him of. She could tell he wasn't lying when he said he hadn't touch the children…… Although, he had almost confess something to her…..she was sure almost certain. It was obvious he truly hated her and blamed her for his demise. However, he never admitted destroying her property or painting her home. He wasn't as dumb as he let on. Why incriminate himself even more?

As fear and panic swelled inside her, Haley couldn't recall if she locked the side door after running in to turn off the alarm when she came from dinner. Of course she had-right? For the life of her, Haley couldn't remember…..

Pamela