Bolton had never been so scared in his life. Well, the day of the fire was a close second. He couldn't explain his relationship with Miss Mason's son. He just wanted to protect him. He had to. He owed it to Rachel to help Charlie. Following the path down to the water Bolton

pulled out his torch, calling out for Charlie in hopes the teen would be able to answer him. He had made it down to the riverbank when he saw a lifeless body at the water's edge. Rushing to Charlie, Bolton dragged him out of the water, laying him flat before he called for help.

"Officer 9789, I found the missing boy down by the river. He is unresponsive."

Kenzie, who had been listening, grabbed the responder out of Ann's hands. "Bolton, you know what to do. Listen to my voice. Check for a pulse, then start CPR."

"Yeah okay, right," Bolton replied as he checked for a pulse. Finding one, he didn't even reply, just started in on CPR.

It was Ronan who eventually replied. "Bolton found a pulse and he is performing CPR as we speak. But there is no way they're getting down here with a stretcher."

Cursing, Kenzie took a beat before replying. "Okay, look. You don't have a choice, keep going. You need to get his heart going. Once you do, scoop and run. At this point, risking paralyzation is better than the alternative."

Hearing his ex's voice, Bolton kept the voices and anxiety buried as he continued to push against Charlie's heart. "Come on man, you gotta breathe. Your mum needs you. Come on." He begged in between breaths.

After what seemed like hours, Charlie coughed as he looked around.

"Welcome back mate," Ronan said before he told Catherine they were coming up. Scooping Charlie into his arms he followed Bolton up the path back towards the bridge. Seeing the EMTs waiting, Ronan ran Charlie over right into the ambulance. Then both he and Bolton rode with him to the hospital, neither giving the man who had almost killed Charlie a second thought.

Rachel knew she was never going to win Mother of the Year award. Hell, she wasn't so sure how Chris would be now that he knew he was her kid's father. He may hate her, but she really didn't even suspect Addie wasn't Adam's. Deep down it just didn't matter. She was trapped and they were all in hell. Now her worst fear may come true. She could lose her baby boy. She barely heard Ann tell her Daniel would be staying with Ryan and Addie while they went to the hospital. Rachel kissed Addie, promising it would all be okay, then she was on autopilot until she saw Bolton and his partner waiting in one of the waiting rooms.

"Any news Bolton?" Rachel heard Michaela ask, her eyes not able to move from the blood-soaked hoodie that he had in his hands.

"Nah man, not since they took him back. When we found him he wasn't breathing, but he started and was talking most of the way to the hospital. Then something happened and they took him back there. He asked us, well Ronan, to not leave him so we waited."

"I rode with him in the back while Bolton was upfront. Probably why he asked." Ronan added as an afterthought.

Rachel thanked them before she took a seat between Phil and Michaela. "You know, I can't remember the last thing I said to him before I went out. I think I bitched at him, Phil ... I can't remember if I said I loved him. The last thing I may have said."

"Hey, no. Aunt Rachel, don't think like that. Charlie is a fighter. He is going to wake up and you can tell him just how much you love him."

"You really think so?"

"Yeah, I do.." Phil finished just as a doctor walked up to them.

"Are you Adam Fleet's family?"

"Unless the bastard is dead we don't really care," Michaela said, just shrugging at the doctor's shocked look.

"What? He drove drunk and hurt my nephew. Can't say I care if he lives. Do you actually care, Rachel?"

"I have to know." She said before standing up and walking to where the doctor was. "I am Mrs. Fleet, his wife. How is my husband?"

"Well, he sustained a lot of injuries. We aren't happy with his brain. Right now it's really swollen. He is in an induced medical coma. We hope in the next day or so the swelling will go down. But I have to warn you it is touch and go."

"Okay, thank you. Is there any news on my son? He is thirteen and should have been brought in."

"I will find out for you." The doctor replied, not bothering to ask if she wanted to see Adam. He could read a room.

"He's going to be okay, Aunt Rachel. Just try and hold it together until we hear from the surgeon."

"I know, Phil. I have to hold on to the fact my boy is a fighter. After everything. He just has to be okay," Rachel, not being able to sit down, just paced around the waiting room.

Finally, after what felt like hours, a woman in scrubs walked into the room as the doctor had earlier. "Charlie Fleet's family?" She asked, looking around the room.

"Yes we are. I am his mother and he's his father," Rachel said, motioning for Chris to join her. Shaking off the shock, Chris got up and the two were escorted into a private room.

"Okay, I am sure you were told your son wasn't breathing when he was found. He was thrown from the car. It's a miracle he's alive and stable. It's been a bit of a battle. He came in with his brain swollen. It was building up the pressure so the neurosurgeon had to drill to put in a shunt to drain the blood. The swelling has already started to go down, so we aren't worried. He had internal bleeding, and we couldn't get it under control right away so we had to remove his spleen. He has minor cuts and bruises from the crash and a broken arm. He coded once in the operating room but we got him back and since then he's been stable."

"Stable. So our son will be okay?" Rachel asked, her hand still gripping Chris's

"Yes, we feel he will make a full recovery, Mrs. Fleet. You're son's a fighter. He is in ICU for the night. Since he's a minor you can both visit, but only one of you can stay with him overnight."

"That's fine doctor, thank you so much," Chris replied, rubbing Rachel's back. As mad as he was that he only just found out he had a kid … Well, kids if what Addie said was true, he was so relieved; sad too about what Rachel had been living through. The old Rachel he knew and loved peeked through when she told the doctor he was Charlie's dad. Hearing a nurse call for them to follow her, he took Rachel's hand as they made their way to the ICU.

As soon as a sleeping Charlie came into view, Rachel let go of his hand as she made her way to the side of his bed. Taking his hand in hers she pressed a kiss to it.

"I am so sorry buddy. I know I've made a lot of promises I haven't been able to keep. But hear me. I promise Dad … Adam will never hurt you again. When you wake up you will see. Things are going to be better for you and Addie. I won't rest until they are." When she was done she pressed a kiss to his head before standing. "I have to find Catherine. I want to stay with him overnight. But you deserve time with him. I won't fight you on access. I want him to know, just don't rush it for his sake. He's confused and when the time is right we can tell him."

"Thanks. I won't take too long and know I'd never take him from you. Our son's alive. We'll worry about the rest when he's home. Thanks for letting me have this time."

"No problem. You're not alone," Rachel said as she motioned to Bolton and Ronan, who had moved their chairs to right outside of his room.

Chris smiled as he took a seat next to his son's bed. Charlie was so loved, he just hoped Adam hadn't killed his spirit. "Mate, you have no idea just how many people love you. I know you've been through a lot, but now that I know you're my boy I am never gonna let anyone hurt you or your sister again." Chris said as he reached out and took Charlie's hand. Hearing the door open, Chris smiled at the sight of his girlfriend.

"I know I can't stay long, but the doctor said I could stop for a few minutes. How is he doing?"

"Well, they said a lot of medical terms, but the gist of it, he stopped breathing again in the operating room. There was swelling of his brain so they drained that. He has a broken arm but by some grace of God he is stable. I can't believe I've only known a few hours and I love him so much. I missed so much time Ann. That man has done so much harm."

"I know and you're mad or that will come. Just remember as mad as you are at Rachel, she is their mum. So you push her away.."

"I know, I could lose out on my only real chance at knowing my kids. Did you see Rachel out there with the others?"

"No, she went to see Adam. She didn't look great. Who can blame her? She almost lost her son tonight because of him. I called Catherine but she's still dealing with the scene and the paperwork."

"You know what, can you stay with Charlie or let Michaela come see him? I will be right back." Chris said as he let go of Charlie's hand and stood up. He couldn't put it into words, but he knew Rachel shouldn't be alone with Adam.

"Where are you going, babe?" Ann asked, confused.

"Well, I guess co-parenting starts tonight. I told Rachel I would be there for her. Nothing is going to change that, especially not when we share kids. Just let Catherine know where we are when she gets here. Love you." Chris called out before making his way to the nurse's station.

Down the hall, Rachel was standing next to Adam's bed just watching him breathe. "I never thought I could hate someone. I came close to hating Melissa, my sister, for what she did. But even that, I just wrote her off and moved on with my life. I loved you. I gave you a family. Took all your anger, tried to make it better, and be what you wanted. I gave up teaching and had a family. All to make you happy and for what? You to terrorize me and my children? Even when you drove into that water with them in the car, my fucked up head made excuses. You were sick, you'd get help and be the man I married. It was all a lie and I have to live with knowing I put you before my kids that time. Never again. Moving back here wasn't to protect you. No, it was to get the kids out. I figured you would kill me, and that was fine because they'd be safe with Michela and Phil. Still, I held onto hope it would be okay. You'd finally be happy. Then to hear my daughter tell me what she did tonight I realized just how evil you are. You hurt him to hurt me. Who does that? Charlie loved you and wanted to cook just like you. He just wanted his dad to love him back. You hurt him for the last time. My kids will heal. They will move on from you, from me, the shit they have grown up in. And I know they can only move on if you're gone. I am gonna do what I should have done a long time ago." Rachel whispered as she made her way around the bed.

"Hope you burn. It's not less than you deserve." Rachel whispered before she reached over to turn off the machine that was breathing for him. Just as Rachel went to press the button the door flew open.

"Don't do it, Rach." He whispered as he closed the door behind him.

"Why not Chris? This is what I should have done a long time ago. You heard Addie. He's been hurting him all this time just to hurt me. HE HURT MY BOY just because I loved him."

"Our kids need both their parents, Rachel. This isn't you. I may not know you as well as I once did, but I've seen Charlie. He's a mini you. He needs his mum. Remember how lost Phil was when his mum abandoned him? Our son needs you by his bedside when he wakes up. He needs to hear from you that it will all be okay. If Adam recovers, he is not getting anywhere near you or the kids. He will have to walk through me, Phillip, Michaela and Bolton. Come on, let's spend some time with our son. Please think of him and Addie."

"You don't hate me for keeping them from you?" Rachel asked, finally meeting Chris's eyes.

"No, I could never hate you. Am I mad and hurt and confused? Of course. But Michaela is right, you had your reasons and I think after tonight I get it. You did what you had to to keep them alive."

"Charlie hates me. I can't even blame him. He saw what I did as putting Adam first and maybe it was."

"Then all the more reason to be there when he wakes up. Choose the kids again. That man can't hurt you, not anymore." Chris reminded her as he moved in just a bit closer.

Rachel looked back at Adam once more before she turned and walked right into Chris's arms. Wrapping her arms around him she finally cried. She cried for Charlie, for Adam, for Addie. Heck, for herself. She stayed in Chris's arms until her sobbing subsided. Composing herself, she backed out of Chris's embrace. Wiping her eyes, she slid off her ring, leaving it by the bed before she headed to the door. "You're right Chris, Adam is never hurting us again. I won't let him."

"Good. Now let's go spend some time with Charlie before I have to leave, okay? Nothing else matters tonight. Tonight we focus on him."

"Yes, tonight all that matters is our son." Rachel agreed as they headed out of Adam's room and back down the hall to Charlie's room together.

Two Weeks Later

"Hey Sarge, can we talk before you head home?" Ann asked Catherine as she met her on her way towards the changing room.

Sighing, Catherine nodded before heading back to her office, motioning for Ann to follow her. "What's going on? Is it the case? Or Ronan? I thought he was doing good his first week in CID?"

"No, no, He's fine, and it's not about a case. Look, it's personal. I was wondering if you and Rachel talked about telling the kids yet?"

"We did and she shot it down. I told you, he needs time."

"I get that, I do, but Chris has barely got to see him, and she intercepts any call he's tried to make. There isn't going to be the perfect time, Catherine. But Chris could be a help in helping the kids. You said Charlie's opened up to him before? He's not asking for anything but to be able to see them. He's been denied his kids for years."

"FINE, I will talk to her. Give me an hour. We will tell them tonight. But you need to help Chris lower his expectations. It hasn't been great. Charlie's quick to anger. When he's not refusing to talk to us, he sleeps between us most nights because of night terrors. And Addie has panic attacks when Charlie or Rachel is out of her sight. So I'm sorry Chris is having a hard time. So are we. So are the kids. This is just going to add to it, but by all means, let's do it your way. Don't come crying to me when it all goes tits up. I will see you at mine in an hour. Try and give me the full hour to prepare the kids." Catherine snapped on her way out of her office. She was still pissed when she pulled up in front of her house. She was mad until she walked inside and heard laughing. It was a nice change to hear kids laughing. Poking her head in the living room she gave Addie a hug as she took a seat on the edge of the couch, watching the boys playing their game. "So how was your day?" She asked as she let Addie go.

"Fine. Charlie's mum went to the hospital to see the wanker, then she made us get out and go for a walk. It was kind of boring."

"Yeah, it was boring. Catherine, when can we go back to school?" Addie asked.

"Well, we are going to wait until Rach is ready to go back and when Miss Emma says you guys are ready. You, Ryan, can go back whenever you want."

"I will wait until Charlie can go back."

"Of course, you will. Anyways, we are going to order a takeaway for tea. You guys decide what you want. I am going to say hello to Rachel. Also, before I forget, in about an hour your mum and I have to talk to you about something guys."

"Okay. You know we all know about you and mum … like, you're dykes or whatever?" Charlie said without even turning his attention from the television.

"Well, that's great. One thing, we're not dykes, but yes Rachel and I are together. Are you three okay with that?" A chorus of three yesses was the response that she was met with. Nodding Catherine shook her head as she headed into the kitchen to find Rachel. Seeing her outside glass of wine already in her hand her smile fell from her face.

"Already? What happened?" Catherine asked as she took a seat next to Rachel on the steps.

"The hospital called … Adam's gone. He's brain dead, no chance of him waking up."

"That's why you were at the hospital then? The kids told me."

"Yeah, they wanted to donate his organs and I got my chance to say goodbye. I told him I hope he rots. Anyway, I gotta tell the kids. They will be relieved and maybe it's the first step to getting back to normal."

"About that, Ann cornered me after shift. Chris wants the kids to know and doesn't want to wait. Doesn't seem to understand or give a shit. So I agreed we'll tell them tonight in about half an hour. I could have fought her, but he has been getting more aggressive."

"No, it's fine. We'll tell them tonight. Another bloody man telling me what to do with my kids. I can't escape it. I actually thought about packing up and moving back to Orleans. Good luck to him for getting access … But I couldn't do that to you."

"To me?"

"Yes, you. I love you. I want us to, you know, be happy one day. Running will just hurt too many people."

"Running is for cowards. You, Rachel Mason, are no coward. We'll do what Chris wants. When it all goes to shit he can reap what he sewed." Catherine said as she took the wine from Rachel, downing it in one long drink. Once she finished she leaned in, kissing Rachel gently. "Oh, by the way, the kids know about us. Thought that was what we wanted to talk to them about." Catherine informed Rachel as the kiss ended.

"Well, that's good. Seems they're accepting us. One less thing to stress about."

"There is the Rachel I know. Now stop worrying. I can hear you thinking. It will go how it goes."

Smiling, Rachel kissed Catherine before standing up. "I am going to go change. What are we doing for tea? I didn't cook, I needed to just…"

"We are ordering a takeaway. I get it was a tough day and one that's not quite over. Let's change and then we'll face this together."

A little bit later Catherine had just come down from telling Ryan to stay in his room when she heard the door. Opening the door she invited Ann and Chris inside the living room where Rachel sat with the kids. Both kids were on edge, but Charlie she could see was close to losing it already. Only having lived with him two weeks post-concussion she knew when he was starting to unravel. Taking the seat next to him on the couch she motioned for their guests to take a seat on the chairs across from them.

"So whatever you have to talk about has to do with Ann and Mr. Mead? IS SADIE COMING HOME? Is Dad awake?"

Rachel tensing at even the mention of Adam shook her head.

"Well, yes. What we have to talk about does have to do with Mr. ... with Chris. No, Sadie can't come home just yet. Soon though. We will move home and she will be with us."

"Okay, sweet. So Dad's not awake then?"

"Nope, he's not," Catherine replied.

"Then what is it, Mom?"

"Well, you know how your dad did that test?"

"Yeah, the DNA one said I'm not his kid, and on the night of his accident said Addie wasn't his either. Why?"

With one last look at Catherine, she put her arm around Addie as she looked at both her kids. "Well, I didn't know right away you weren't his. Not until a few years back."

"Right before Dad tried to kill us?"

"Yeah. You see, what you guys don't know is why he was so mad. I didn't even realize it at the time. But your father has a very low chance of having a baby. It's why when I got pregnant about four years ago, that baby died. I was so happy with you two but your dad wanted one more. The baby didn't make it."

"I'm sorry Mom."

"Hey no, no. It's not your fault. I just needed to explain. So I didn't know it but your dad did a test and that's when he realized, Charlie, that you weren't his. I did the maths wrong it seems."

"Okay. And? None of this is news?"

"Well, I knew who your dad was ...is … and he was thinking you should know too," Rachel said, motioning to Chris.

Charlie followed her gaze before shaking his head. "Are you sure your maths' right now? Uncle Phil and Uncle Bolton said they thought it was some Eddie guy."

"I am sure Chris is your father. We ran another test on both of you."

Pulling out of Catherine's grip, Charlie glared first at Chris then his mother. "Well, I don't care if he's my real dad. He's nothing to me!"

"I know sweetie, I get that, but Chris wanted to get to know you."

"No, I don't want to."

"If Charlie doesn't want him, I don't either." Addie piped up, shooting a glare in Chris's direction before burying her face in Rachel's chest.

"Mate ... guys, I am not here to replace anyone or change anything. I just thought since we missed a lot of time together we could get to know each other."

"YOU don't get to blame my mom, hear me? She had her reasons for not telling you. It was bad math. Maybe you're a dick head! Fuck you! Just because you fucked my mom doesn't make you my dad!" Charlie said before pushing off the couch and heading to the living room door. Feeling Chris grab his arm, something snapped in Charlie. He saw red, screaming and punching at Chris until he felt someone pull him off Chris and hold him on the ground.

"Get off of me! I'm fine, get off!' He screamed until he heard Catherine's voice in his ear.

"I will once you breathe and calm down. Like last time just breathe it will all be okay."

Charlie fought Catherine until he had no energy left. "I'm calm," he replied, waiting to be let up. Once Catherine let him up Charlie jumped to his feet, slamming the door closed behind him. He started stomping up the stairs when he got a better idea. Sneaking down the stairs he snuck out the back of the house, running up the dark street.

Back in the room, Addie, who was now standing, marched over to Chris. Glaring at him, she kicked him hard in the leg. "YOU UPSET BUBBA! YOU ARE NOT MY DADDY. WE DON'T NEED ONE! GO AWAY AND DON'T COME BACK. But give us Sadie back. You can't be trusted." She added before she also left, heading to the kitchen to hide from it all.

"Well, that went about as well as expected. You know an hour ago you were Mr. Mead, Charlie's teacher, mummy's friend. Now you're enemy number one. How does it feel?"

"Catherine, there's no need to be sarcastic."

"Yes, Ann, there is. Because maybe if people listened to me or even tried to we could avoid messes like this."

Ronan had just handed Phil and Bolton their beers when his work phone started to go off. Seeing Charlie's name pop up he picked it right up. "Hey mate, how are you doing?"

"I don't even know why I'm calling you." Charlie choked out.

"Is something wrong Charlie?"

"Every time something good happens, something bad just takes it away. We're never going to be free. I wish I died that night. WHY did Uncle Bolton have to save me?"

"Okay, so you're not feeling too good right now? Did something happen?"

"Yeah, my mom and Catherine and Ann and the asshole sat me down to tell me and Addie that he's our dad. I don't want another dad. I'm tired of getting so mad and scared. I can't even have my dog back. Just tell my mom I'm sorry. Fuck, I don't even know why I called."

"Okay Charlie, I know everything seems lost right now, but I don't think you really want to kill yourself. Why don't you tell me where you are and I can come and we can talk this all out."

"What's there to talk about?" Charlie asked before he ended the call.

"What's wrong with Charlie?" The three adults asked as soon as the call ended.

"Apparently they told him tonight about his real dad and he didn't take it well. He said he wanted to die, that was the only thing that would make it better. Then he hung up."

"Call him back, well find him. Then I am gonna kill Chris." Michaela said as Ronan hit redial.