Decisions.
Disclaimer: Please see Chapter One.
Thanks for the reviews everyone. Thanks again to my wonderful beta.
Chapter 7: A Few Truths.
Kate opened the door to her room and stepped out. She had only planned to get washed up but had ended up falling asleep for a while. Closing the door, she looked up and down the corridor, wondering which way she was supposed to go. "Trust Scott to live in a maze," she muttered to herself.
"It's easy once you know your way," said a voice and she turned to see Virgil standing behind her.
"Uh, hi," she replied, feeling embarrassed she had been caught talking to herself.
"So, where in this maze are you headed?" asked Virgil, smiling at her.
"I would love a drink actually."
"Then follow me," he said and led her down the corridor towards the kitchen. Before they reached it, Scott came walking down in the opposite direction.
"I was just coming to find you, Kate. I gotta take Sprout up to swap with John and Thunderbird Three is kinda loud when she takes off," he explained. His eyes drifted towards Virgil, who refused to meet his gaze.
"Well, I better say bye to Al. Scott will show you to the kitchen," Virgil said and quickly moved off before either could say anything else.
Scott watched his brother walk off and knew he had his work cut out for him and getting Virgil to accept his apology. His brother was generally quite laid back but he had a hidden stubborn streak that could rival most when he really wanted it to.
"Have I interrupted something?" asked Kate, having already learnt from Scott just how close he was to his middle brother.
"Not really, I just need to have a chat with Virgil," he replied, not wanting to explain it all.
"Is this to do with his head injury?"
"Yeah, I kinda over-reacted and owe him an apology," he admitted.
"If you two are as close as you told me you were, then he will understand and forgive you," she replied, smiling, remembering all the stories he had told her.
Scott grinned back at her and guided her towards the lounge where the rest of his family was. Alan was ready to go and was waiting as well.
"Well, it was nice to see you again, Kate. Have fun," said Alan, smiling at the young woman.
"You, too. Have a safe trip," she replied.
"I'm sorry for leaving you after you have just arrived," said Scott, feeling a little guilty but he knew he had to go.
Kate just smiled at him, "I think I'll be okay."
Gordon walked over and wrapped his arm around her, "We'll look after her, won't we, Virgil?" he asked, turning to face his brother. Virgil just nodded.
"Should I be worried?" asked Kate, looking at Scott.
Scott glanced over at Gordon and groaned. "Nope, I think I should be," he replied.
Kate turned to Gordon, grinning. "Of course, you guys would know lots of stories about Scott and can tell me all about him."
"I think we can probably come up with something," said Gordon, looking over at Virgil.
The artist glanced at his older brother and an evil grin crossed his face, "Yeah, I think we can do that," he replied.
"Can't wait, see you later, Scott," said Kate, grinning at the pilot.
Scott glared at his two younger brothers and then joined Alan on the couch ready to go down to Thunderbird Three. As they began to descend, Scott tried to listen to Gordon's words but only caught the first line.
"Now what embarrassing stories can we tell you about Scott?"
After the two blond Tracy brothers had given and accepted report, Thunderbird Three was soon on her way home with John at the helm. His eyes glanced over at Scott who had said little since they had boarded the giant rocket. "You spoke to Virgil yet?" he asked, deciding he was bored of the silence and wanted to be sure his brother was okay.
"No, didn't get the chance. He's been AWOL all afternoon," replied Scott.
John nodded wondering if he should tell Scott why he had been unable to find his younger brother all afternoon. Shaking his head slightly he decided against it. That was for Virgil to say if he chose to. "What about Kate?"
Scott shook his head. "She crashed just after she arrived and only woke up a short while ago. I wanted to let her get over the jet lag before throwing all that at her."
"Just don't put it off Scott; it will only make it harder."
Scott nodded his head slightly. "I know, when we get back, I'll tell her.
"So, what's she up to at the moment then?" asked John, already having an idea what she was doing.
Scott frowned as he remembered Gordon's words. "She's learning all about me from Virgil and Gordon."
John grinned having already figured that out. Gordon would always take any opportunity to wind up his older brother. "Uh oh."
Scott just gave a half nod. He was hoping to get to know Kate better but now he was more concerned about what his brothers could tell her. It wasn't like he had a lot of bad habits or anything but there were a few stories they could tell her.
"Virgil won't let him tell anything really bad. Embarrassing yes," said John, guessing what was going through his brother's mind.
"You sure about that? He's pretty angry at me right now."
"I think you'll find he's better than he was but even so, he still has your back. That won't change just because you to had a fight," said John. He had always been a little jealous of the bond that existed between the two brothers. He knew something similar could be found between Alan and Gordon, making him the odd one out.
"Hmm, I hope not," muttered Scott and John couldn't help but grin. Scott was in for some real trouble whilst Kate was here especially if Gordon got wind just how much Scott had actually fallen for the young English woman.
"We were just going to have one drink to celebrate but somehow it ended up being more like five. Anyway by about midnight, we were all pretty drunk. In fact Alan and Gordon had already fallen asleep in a heap on the couch," told Virgil. His grin widened as his two older brothers came into the room. This was one story Scott certainly wouldn't want told but as revenge he was going to.
"Scott had this insane idea, that a late night swim would cool us down. Before I could even tell him, he was being an idiot, he was gone," continued Virgil, watching as Scott's face began to redden.
"I really don't think Kate needs to hear this," said Scott, sending a piercing glare to his younger brother.
Gordon grinned at Scott and then moved closer to Virgil. "Well, it would be rude for Virgil not to finish this. Grandma always says you should finish your sentences."
Scott's glare darkened as he aimed it at the copper headed brother. Both Virgil and Gordon grinned at each other, ignoring Scott completely.
"Now where was I?" questioned Virgil, turning back to Kate.
"Scott wanted to go swimming," replied Kate, sending a grin to the man in question.
"Oh right, well I turn to grab my drink and he's gone. I headed out to the pool and hear this almighty splash. Getting closer I spy Scott's clothes on a lounger," continued Virgil, trying not to laugh.
"All his clothes?" asked Kate.
"Yep, every last bit, which was fine until I finally convinced him to get out, he was way too drunk to be swimming. He gets out and walks straight into the villa, minus his clothes," he replied, the grin widening on his face.
"Which again would have been fine had it not been for Dad, getting up to make a drink," added John, joining in the conversation.
Scott turned and glared at his blond sibling. He was now being ganged up on and it was not fair. Scott's eyes met Kate's and she grinned at him. There was something about it that made him smile back at her. "I'm sure you have thoroughly embarrassed me now, can we move onto something else?"
"I think we have more serious matters to discuss," replied Jeff walking into the room. As much as he was glad they were all chatting and getting to know the young woman, they had something that needed to be said.
Scott nodded, knowing that he had to tell Kate now. "Kate there is something I have to tell you," he said, turning to face her.
"Okay, what is it?" she asked, feeling worried by how serious he suddenly looked.
Jeff and Penny both took seats with them in case Scott needed any help explaining things. He took a seat beside her and then a deep breath, "It's about the man who shot me," he began.
"The guy that escaped from the police and shot himself?" questioned Kate.
Scott nodded, "Yes, but we don't believe he killed himself. It looks like he was murdered."
Kate looked at him in confusion, "Why?"
"We believe he was hired by someone else to kill Scott and when he failed they killed him," explained Jeff.
Kate nodded but still looked unsure of everything. "What about his wife? Was that true?" she asked, turning back to Scott.
But it was Penny that spoke, "It appears, that was just a cover story created by them. I can find no evidence that the woman was married but little is known about her so they probably used that to their advantage."
"Did he set the fire?" asked Kate.
"Yes, he did," replied Scott.
Kate looked stunned by everything she was hearing and it was about to get worse. "So, you're saying that he set that fire and quite possibly killed that woman, all so he could kidnap and kill you. On the orders of someone else?" Scott nodded and she continued, "So, when he failed twice, he was then killed? Who the hell is behind all this?"
Scott sighed heavily, "We don't know, Kate, but are doing everything we can to find out." She just nodded at him and Scott knew it was time for the worst part. "There is something else, too. This man is not about to just give up because he has failed twice already," he continued.
"You think he might try to hurt one of you again or worse?" questioned Kate, not really wanting an answer to that question. She didn't really want to think about Scott being hurt again.
"Yes, but it's not just us who might be in danger," replied Jeff.
"I don't follow," said Kate, turning to look at the older man.
Scott spoke before his father could, knowing he should be the one to tell her this. "The person behind this could come after you."
"Me?" she asked, looking really stunned.
"Yes, after all you saved my life the first time and you were there the second time when they failed again. They could go after you, too," replied Scott. Kate sat in silence, a look of shock and fear across her face.
"I have arranged for some of the best bodyguards in England, to watch over you so you will be safe," said Penny, wanting to reassure the young girl who had done nothing more than help someone in need.
Kate just nodded and then stood up. "I, umm, need a few minutes alone. Please excuse me," she said and rapidly left the room.
Scott made to go after her but Virgil held his hand out. "Give her a little time to take all this in first, bro."
Scott nodded and sat down again but couldn't help feeling guilty that he had put her in this position.
