AUTHORS NOTE: A bit of a departure from the main characters of the story in this chapter, but I am trying to show the ripple effect in action. How the main story has spread and how repercussions of that first action has caused other things to happen.
Enjoy.
CHAPTER 100
(JEN)
"Is that you Jen?"
I walk into the house and throw my keys into the bowl near the front door and hang up my coat. I pause as I hear my husband's voice. There sounds something off about it but I quickly dismiss that and roll my eyes.
"Who else would it be?!" I call back sardonically.
He doesn't reply to that and so I make my way into the small living room and as I do so I come to a complete halt. Standing in the middle of the floor, with his arms folded and surrounded by cases and bags is my husband and the look on his face is something I have never seen before.
"What's this, going somewhere?" I ask as I take in the luggage.
Neil shakes his head slowly.
"I'm not going anywhere… but you are!" he says simply and the coldness of his tone takes me by surprise.
I quickly try to recover and I stare at him in shock as I try to respond, "Don't be ridiculous Neil, what has got into you?" I snap as I collect myself and I am wondering what the hell has happened to provoke this behaviour.
"You, and your behaviour towards your family. I have put up with your crap for years but no longer. I made allowances for your behaviour, telling myself you were a cop and it was a stressful job and that you needed a degree of confidence and authority to do it. That it must be hard for you to switch off at the end of the day when you came home. But now I just realise it wasn't the job, it is all you. You are a controlling narcissistic bitch who has treated me like dirt for years. But no more Jen".
I open my mouth to argue and ask what the hell has got into him, when I see movement and I see two police officers walk into view with their arms folded. These are two of the men who gave evidence against me which made me resign. I am so thankful that once I had gone, the investigation was pushed to one side and forgotten. These two clearly feel that wasn't appropriate by the look of almost glee in their eyes at the events unfolding here today. I return my attention to my husband once more as he continues.
"I saw the video Jen" he says quietly and with so much disgust in his voice it shocks me.
"What video?" I ask wondering what the hell he is talking about.
Neil takes a step closer, "I watched my wife record her own mother being tortured by her father… you just stood there Jen, you… you stood there and watched him do it but did nothing to stop it. I cannot live with a woman who recorded her own mother being abused and who did nothing to stop it. I will not allow my son to grow up around such a person".
I freeze as I listen to this, how the hell…?
"I have no idea what you mean?" I say brazening it out, and I hear the two police officers snort. I glance at them briefly before returning my gaze back to Neil hoping he will give me something to explain how he has found out all this. My mind immediately goes to the telephone conversation with my sister where she told me that Neil had called her. If that bitch has given him the video recordings I made, I will get on the next plane to Seattle and fucking kill her!
"Then perhaps you should watch this, I made sure to record it so you wouldn't miss out" Neil replies pointing towards the television and he picks up the remote control and throws it at me.
I catch it and hesitantly sit down and start the recording. As soon as I see the Kavanagh Media logo I go cold. Oh Jesus Christ, what the fuck has she done? I don't say anything but I swallow hard and wait as the woman who conducted the interview with Gideon Cross and with Elliot and his sisters appears. She must be some kind of family friend or something. Then I remember that the woman who I gave my interview to was called Kate Kavanagh and she had told me that she was Elliot's ex-wife. That had encouraged me as I had found someone who hated that family as much as I did.
As all this goes through my mind I watch as Elliot is talking about her, as I listen to him speak a cold rock settles in my gut as I realise the woman who I had opened up to was just a deluded bitch. I watch and anger fills me as I see how what she had told me was a pack of lies, how she had twisted everything that had happened to her to get me to talk. Everything she had said was a warped representation of the truth… how fucking dare she!
My eyes flick to Neil who is still standing ramrod straight and so still it is slightly unnerving. I have never seen him like this before and I clear my throat.
"Where's Trey?" I ask referring to our son, Neil McDonald III.
"With mom" Neil replies coldly. "And before you ask, my mom and dad have also seen this" he says.
I return my attention back to the screen, and continue to watch.
As the camera moves towards Lucy I stiffen. But I am still filled with confidence that she won't say anything, she wouldn't do that to mom and mom is still afraid of me and our father to sanction anything negative coming out. I know that if Lucy divulges the details of the abuse, it will not affect moms divorce settlement as the terms were that just mom couldn't speak of it, an oversight on my father's part. In his arrogance he thought the only person he had to be concerned about was mom. He had totally dismissed Lucy all her life as irrelevant – just as I had to my cost.
As she starts to speak the bottom literally drops out of my world. I stare with my mouth dropping open as she spills her fucking guts. The video recordings are played, I turn my head away as I see the recordings Lucy made of mom's injuries. That fucking bitch had recorded everything, she had been squirreling away evidence for years it seems.
"Don't you dare turn your head away, you will watch it all" Neil hisses.
I glare at him, but he just glares right back. I swallow hard again and return my attention back to the television.
I watch myself recording dad whipping mom with a thick leather belt and mom spotting me. I remember those times. Dad would get so carried away he would almost shut down and he never saw anyone else around him as he was so focussed on hurting mom. I watch as mom spots me and pleads with me to help her and I hear myself say no. I shuffle uncomfortably as I hear the tuts of disgust from the police officers, but I don't take my eyes away from the television screen. I hear recordings of our telephone conversations. I listen to myself threatening Lucy, and I close my eyes once more.
Dad is going to flip about this, I try and focus to think of a way to get myself out of it. I hear Lucy talking again and I hear her covering mom's back. Validating the claim that this is her footage and her decision to make it public. She even broadcasts the details of the divorce settlement so that it covers mom should dad try and sue her. I need to get out of Detroit, right now. If dad has watched this it will be me who he comes after first. My first thought is to go to Seattle, and see if I can get the Grey's to protect me as they have protected mom and Lucy. I could say that everything I did, I did with eventually prosecuting dad in mind. I quickly dismiss that though as even I realise they won't buy it. Think Jen, think. I am drawn from my thoughts by Neil speaking again.
"I want you out of this house. I have packed all your clothes and toiletries. I want you gone. I am seeing a lawyer and I am divorcing you. Leave, and leave now. If you make a fuss these gentlemen will forcibly remove you from my home".
"You can't do this to me Neil" I argue.
Neil shakes his head, "Just watch me" he replies.
oooOOOooo
Meanwhile in Seattle…
(SADIE)
"So, what did you think?" Elliot asks as the interview comes to a close.
I look at Elliot, everyone is here in my little home watching this with me. Elliot and Megumi, Ana and Christian, Carrick and even Eva and Gideon are here. I was surprised the interview had aired so quickly as they only did it this morning.
"It was very comprehensive" I say diplomatically. I am not doubting the wisdom of doing this, I agreed to it and I do not regret that decision. I know that I have been covered by what Lucy said and it was time David was exposed for what he is. I was just a little shocked at how far they both went. They warned me that they were not going to pull any punches but the extent they went to. I can't help but wonder what the repercussions will be from this.
As I am thinking this Elliot's phone starts to ring. He looks at it and snorts before dismissing the call.
"Kate" he says simply and derisively before pushing his phone back into his pocket.
"Don't you think you should answer it?" I ask and Elliot shakes his head.
"No, she will only be calling to bawl me out. I've made my position clear so it's about time she realised that" he replies dismissively.
Before I can say anything else Lucy's phone starts to ring and I worry wondering if it is Jen. Lucy looks and smiles before answering. She also puts it on speaker so we can all hear.
"Hello Neil, how are you? Before we go any further, just so you're aware you are on speaker and El and his family are all here" she says kindly.
"Hello Luce, listen I've seen the interview… you and your brother came across really well. I'd like to meet him at some point?"
"I'm sure that can be arranged" Lucy replies as she glances at Elliot who is nodding his head.
"Listen, I need you to know that I have thrown Jen out. I am divorcing her and I'm going to try and block her getting access to our son. I can't allow someone who behaves like that access to my son. She has probably screwed him up already the way she treats both of us. I just wanted to thank you… seeing that opened my eyes and made me see that I was just making excuses for her all the way throughout our marriage. She was never abusive a such, she just made me feel as though everything was my fault".
"Gas lighting" Eva says suddenly.
"I'm sorry?" Neil replies after a slight pause.
"Sorry, hello Neil, I'm Eva Cross – El's sister. I said gas lighting, it's what narcissists do to make you believe you are at fault when in reality it's all them" Eva explains.
"Oh I see, hello Eva… yes I realise that now. In fact I've been forced to realise a lot of things after seeing that interview" he says sadly.
"Neil, you are better off without her" Lucy says kindly but adamantly.
"I know, and I also know you have been trying to tell me this for years… I feel so stupid that I let her treat me the way I did for so long" he says.
"Neil, don't. It's hard when you are in that situation… I should know" I say trying to offer him what comfort I can.
"Thank you Sadie, you are a very brave woman… I… I had no idea, please believe me if I'd known what you were going through I would've done everything I could to help you" he almost pleads earnestly.
I smile sadly, "I know Neil and don't feel guilty… nobody knew, David covered his tracks well. But I am in a good place now. I'm here in Seattle with Lucy and I also have Elliot in my life now and as a bonus with that I also get the rest of his family. I am happy, settled and safe here so everything is good" I say.
There is another brief pause before he responds.
"I'm so pleased to hear that Sadie… you deserve it" he replies.
Elliot smiles and leans towards the phone, "Hello, I'm Elliot… is everything ok there with you?" he asks carefully.
"Hello Elliot, Yes it is… now that I have finally seen the light, so to speak".
"Don't feel bad and if we can help you at all please don't hesitate to get in touch with Luce and she will pass it on to me" Elliot says as he glances up at Lucy who nods.
"In fact, Neil is it ok if I pass on all your contact details to El and he can send you his and you can speak to each other directly?" Lucy says.
"Yeah, that's fine Luce, I don't mind…" there is a short pause and then Neil speaks again, "Listen Luce, I have to go there is someone at the door" he quickly adds.
"Ok Neil take care of yourself and give Trey a big hug from me" Lucy replies and after Neil assures us that he will, the line goes dead.
oooOOOooo
(ETHAN)
I stare in stupefied shock at the television screen. I cannot believe what my sister has done, to be fair I cannot believe what Elliot has done either, but it seems he had no choice after my sister has clearly lost her mind with her latest stunt.
My father was incensed by what she did, she broke all my fathers rules with regard to fact checking and the bias of the story was obvious. That was not an objective piece of journalism that she produced.
I rub my eyes, and glance at my parents who are sitting silently watching me carefully.
"I don't know what to say… I thought she'd hit rock bottom when I watched that awful footage taken at Christian's house where she was arguing with Ana and Eva…but" I stop as words fail me.
"I have no idea what to think either Ethan, she is clearly lost" my mom says with a note of obvious hurt in her tone.
"She is, you don't piss off the Grey family but the way she has behaved she has gone way beyond pissing them off, which has resulted in what we have just seen. The way she treated Elliot was wrong on so many levels, and as for her behaviour towards Ava… that was disgusting. So, I don't blame him for what he has done. What on earth possessed her to make such an exhibition of herself, not once but twice at Grey House of all places?! I can't believe that she actually believed that she thought El would take her back after all that" I pause and shake my head sadly before letting out a long sigh. "Until she realises what an idiot she has been, I want nothing to do with her. As much as it hurts me to come to that conclusion".
My father nods, "The Greys are suing her as well" he says.
I nod, I had expected as much as she crossed a line with that article and what it hinted at.
As I go to speak again my phone starts to ring and I glance at it before looking up at my parents.
"It's Kate" I say.
"Answer it, but put it on speaker" my father says. I nod and quickly comply.
"Ethan?" my sisters shaky voice comes to me.
"Kate" I respond.
"Have… have you seen what he has done to me?" she asks, her voice wavering slightly but despite that there is still a slight note of defiance there, despite everything she has done she still blames Elliot.
"I saw it and I have to say you brought it on yourself with your behaviour. You need help Kate" I say.
There is a long silence before I hear a sob.
"I didn't know that woman was lying to me" she argues, totally ignoring my previous remark.
I roll my eyes and look at my father who looks exasperated.
"Kate, you are a journalist so you should've done your due diligence before publishing that article. It wouldn't have been hard to uncover the truth after what happened. Elliot's birth mother divorced her husband which would be public record in Detroit. That should've raised enough red flags for you if nothing else, along with the fact his birth mom and sister are now living in Seattle".
There is another long silence, long enough that I wonder if the call has dropped.
"Kate?" I ask.
"I tried to call him and he didn't take my call" she says eventually.
"What do you expect Kate?" I say more sharply than I intended but I'm losing patience with her as she just doesn't seem to be taking any responsibility for her actions.
She doesn't reply so I continue in a slightly softer tone.
"Kate, do you take any responsibility for what you said and did?" I ask.
"I…" she stammers and then stops.
"Kate? You need to realise you have brought all this on yourself. The situation you are now in is down to you and your actions… you do realise that don't you?" I say.
"I…" she repeats.
"Kate, why did you marry Elliot in the first place if you didn't love him? Why did you treat him like dirt? Why did you have a baby with him – a baby you clearly didn't want? Why did you treat Ana so badly? Why do you use people, Kate? Why do you believe that the world revolves around you? Your behaviour has been totally unacceptable and the ramifications of that behaviour are now being felt. You surely didn't expect the Grey family to sit back and take it when you interviewed that woman and just took what she told you at face value did you? You know better than that".
There is a soft sob and the line goes dead.
I shake my head, "I think it's finally hit her what she has done, but what she does next will define her" I say.
"Let's hope she makes the correct decision" my father says.
Back in Detroit…
(NEIL)
I hang up and sigh. I've always liked Lucy and hopefully at some point I will take Trey to meet Elliot as after all he is his uncle. The thought of being linked to the Grey family no matter how tenuously fills me with trepidation though as it is a daunting prospect and I don't want them to think I am looking to capitalise on that link, as I am sure many people do.
I am still thinking this as I go to the front door. My mind comes to a shuddering halt as I see who is standing there. David Greaves is on my doorstep his hands balled into fists at his side desperately trying to control his temper. A wave of revulsion goes through me at the sight of him and something must show on my face which tells him exactly what I think of him now.
"Where is she?" he growls and takes a step forward.
I hold up my hand, "Not here, after watching what you and she did to Sadie, I threw her out. I packed her bags and called the police in case she refused to go quietly but she went - where to, I have no idea but she is not here".
I make no effort to invite him in, I want nothing to do with this man anymore.
"You do realise that your wife has ruined me with her stupidity?" David says and I stare at him in shock.
"No David you ruined you, with your actions. Beating a woman who did nothing more than love you. Did it make you feel like a big man? Holding her down and whipping her with a leather belt? She was tiny compared to you. Is that how you got your kicks, did it turn you on seeing her cower in pain?" I glare at him in disgust and I see the anger in his eyes. His hands ball into fists but he makes no effort to approach me.
"What's the matter David, have I hit a raw nerve there? Do you want to beat me now? Now that I know what a filthy monster you are".
David glares at me before turning on his heel and walking away like the coward he is. I wonder what will happen when he finally catches up with Jen but I also realise that I really don't care. I close the front door and pick up my phone again.
Hitting a speed dial I wait and then a female voice answers with a quiet hello.
"Mom" I say and I feel myself relax as I hear her voice.
"Well?" she asks.
"She's gone, the police weren't needed as she went quietly… she did ask where Trey was, so she may turn up there and if she does don't let her in".
"I won't" my mom replies.
"David has just been here too" I say.
There is a sharp intake of breath at that, "He didn't get violent with you did he?" my mom asks worriedly.
I smile at her concern, "No, he only hits women. He came looking for Jen and he really was steaming but I told him what I thought of him and he just turned around and walked away without a word so he really is a weak fucking coward".
"Language" my mom says immediately.
"Sorry mom" I reply, immediately chastened by her rebuke. "Listen, I'm on my way over now to collect Trey, thank you for taking care of him while I dealt with Jen as he didn't need to witness that".
"That's fine Neil, take your time. He's in the garden with your father at the moment helping him plant some flowers".
I smile at that, my dad is a keen gardener after he was forced to take early retirement due to ill health and since then the garden has been his passion, a passion that he is more than willing to pass on to his grandson.
"What do you think will happen now?" my mom asks carefully.
I let out a heavy sigh. "To be honest mom, I don't know. Jen has gone and as I told David, I have no idea where she has gone. All I know is that I don't want her back… ever. I've spoken to Lucy and given her a heads up as to what I've done although in all honesty I doubt Jen will go there as she knows she won't be welcome. Whatever David does next is up to him and I want no part of it or him. When I called Lucy I spoke to her brother… Elliot, and first impressions are that he's a good man, although having said that I always thought David was a good man and I was clearly mistaken. He… Elliot that is, has told me not to hesitate to get in touch if I think he can help in any way".
"That was nice of him" my mom says.
"It was" I reply.
There is a brief silence and then I hear my mom gasp.
"Mom?" I ask, wondering what's wrong.
"Neil, I can see Jen walking up the path" she whispers.
"Shit! Ok mom I'm on my way" I reply.
oooOOOooo
I slam the car door and run up the path towards the front door. Where my soon to be ex wife is hammering on it and demanding entry. A police car pulls up and I sigh with relief at that. A moment later another appears and I realise my mom must have called them as well as me.
"Jen, get away from here" I shout.
She turns towards me glaring at me, but that glare has no effect on me anymore.
"I want my son" she demands.
I snort at her, "You can want all you like but it's not going to happen. You should know your father is looking for you, and if he shows up here and causes problems I will never forgive you".
I have barely got the words out of my mouth as I hear another car screech to a halt.
"YOU FUCKING BITCH!"
I turn at the bellow and see David Greaves stalking towards us. The police officers leap into action and intercept him. He didn't even notice they were there he was so tunnel visioned in his desire to reach Jen.
"You need to step away sir" the officer says.
Much to my shock he complies and he is escorted back to his car. The officers then return and walk towards Jen.
"Ma'am" one says gesturing away from the house.
"No fucking way" she retorts.
"Ma'am you are causing a scene. You are not welcome here and if you don't leave quietly, I will be forced to arrest you". I hear by the tone of the officer's voice that he really, really wants to arrest her and is hoping she kicks off some more, to give him the excuse to do just that.
"No" Jen argues and I swear I see a grin quickly appear on the officers face before he quickly schools it into an impassive look.
"In which case I have no alternative, Ma'am I am placing you under arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning".
"I know my fucking rights" Jen growls as she is not too gently led away.