Chapter 8

"Why are you guys so angry about this?" Jeff asked of his two brothers.

"If you knew David Hayward Jeff, you'd understand."

"Well Erica married him, and she's having his kid. He can't be that bad, can he?"

"The man terrorizes this town bro. He even almost killed Adam Chandler by giving him the wrong medication."

"And he tried framing me for it." Jake added.

"Well we are talking Adam Chandler here."

"He tried to oust dad from his Chief of Staff position."

"Well dad obviously doesn't hold that against him."

"You know dad, he's blinded by biology. If it were any of us he would brush it under the rug too and you know it." Tad reminded them.

"I've only met him twice and he didn't seem that nice, but you did just shoot him Jake."

"It was a freaking accident." Jake contested.

"He could have died, and he can't work for months." Jeff argued.

"Are you saying you're on his side Jeff?"

"I'm not on anybody's side, Tad. I'm just saying he's our brother, whether you like it or not."

"You say whatever you want Jeff. It's not like we ever see you anyway. Glad you could visit us for all this drama and tell us how to feel." Jake practically yelled at his brother. "If dad asks, I'm not coming to dinner. I have a meeting with my lawyer." He said directed to Tad.

"Is dinner ready yet Pop?" Tad asked.

"In a few minutes son. I do want to tell you that I invited David and Erica for dinner tonight. They should be here any minute."

"Good thing Jake left when he did." Tad said until his breath.

"You think that's a good idea dad?" Jeff asked.

"It's just a meal. David is my son, your brother. You don't have to like him, but I do ask that you at least act like you can stand to sit at the same table."

"We got it. Sit here and play nice. For you we will." Tad pacified his father.

"Thank you. Now where is Jake?"

"He has a meeting with his lawyer."

"I guess it's a good thing that he's not going to be here."

"Yeah, I'd say so." Tad said, them all stopping when they heard the door bell.

"Just remember what I said." Joe warned as he left to open the door. "Hello, Erica. David." He greeted the two of them, shaking David's hand.

"Hello Joe. Thank you for inviting us." Erica returned.

"Come in, have a seat at the table."

"What's for dinner? I'm so hungry I could eat a cow." Erica asked, taking a seat at the table next to David.

"Ruth made pot roast." Joe answered.

"I hope she made a lot, because Erica isn't joking. She could eat a cow." David added as Erica playfully hit him in the chest.

"Tad, Jeff." Erica greeted the other men sitting at the table.

"You look great Erica. When are you popping that kid out?" Tad mused.

"He's due in a few weeks Tad."

"And everything's fine?" Jeff asked.

"Except for a little high blood pressure, everything is good." Erica said.

"And I'm making sure that everything is fine. But with Jake shooting me and then this situation, it isn't helping."

"Maybe you shouldn't be such an ass David." Tad said low, but loud enough everyone at the table heard.

"What's that big brother?" David mocked.

"Boys, knock this off. Why can't we just eat a meal without killing each other?" Joe scolded, as Ruth came into the room with dinner.

"I'm sorry dad, let's just eat. Thanks mom." Tad said getting up to take dinner from her hands.

"Hello Erica." Ruth greeted.

"Hello Ruth."

"David I think this might be the first time we've formally met." Ruth surmised.

"I think you're right. It's very nice to formally meet you Mrs. Martin." David said shaking the woman's hand.

"Call me Ruth, please." She corrected.

"Okay, Ruth." He said.

"Gag me." Tad said. "Sorry." He quickly apologized to his father.

"Oh we brought you something, Joe." Erica said reaching into her purse and pulling out a photo. "It's the latest sonogram picture. We thought you should have one. Of course it's only going to be a couple weeks until he's here in person."

"That's very thoughtful." Ruth said.

"His name is Dylan. You can call him that if you like." David added.

"Thank you." Joe said as he looked at the sonogram photo.

"Where is Jake? I thought he'd be here too." David asked.

"He's out back polishing his gun." Tad retorted.

"I'm serious Tad, there was something I planned on telling him tonight."

"What that you're going to enjoy watching him rot in prison?"

"Tad this is serious. David is really trying here."

"Trying to ruin Jake's life, right?"

"Just let the man speak Tad." Jeff said.

"I've decided to drop the charges against Jake. As long as he pleads guilty to reckless endangerment."

"See I knew there was a catch." Tad said angrily.

"It's a misdemeanor. It'll be a fine and probation. No jail time."

"It's not up to me Tad, the district attorney is the one who wants to prosecute the felony charges. He said he go for this."

"Well isn't that nice, you're helping out Jake. Just save it for someone who cares."

"I'm not doing this for Jake, I'm doing this for Joe. And Ruth. They don't deserve to have to visit their son in jail. I mean he almost left my wife motherless and my child fatherless. I can't just let that go."

"Thank you David."

"There is one more thing Joe. I've talked to the board and they're willing to lift the suspension but I want Jake working on my service and reporting to me. I'll be back to work but I need a pair of hands. It's only fair to my patients."

"That can be arranged. That actually sounds like a good idea."

"Ugh. I'm done with this. I'll see you later mom, pop." Tad said as he got up and left the house.

"That's actually a very innovative idea David." Jeff said.

"Are you staying in town Jeff?"

"I don't see any reason for me to leave now? Nor do I have anything to go anywhere for."

"Are you going to work at the hospital?"

"Are they hiring?"

"Um, your father is the Chief of Staff and you have two brothers working there."

"Did you just include yourself in there?"

"Yes, I think I did. I wouldn't mind you sticking around and working at the hospital with me. I'm sure you have some valuable work experiences to share."

""I might. Dad, how does all of this sound?"

"I think you boys are onto something good."

"Thank you for dinner Ruth, Joe." Erica said."We should be going."

"Yes, thank you. Joe has my number Jeff. We'll talk."

"Will do."