"It will be busy tonight," Abby said, standing in the restaurant with Lola.
"I am on top of it," Lola said.
"I know you are," Abby said, "I'm not worried."
Both ladies looked up as someone approached them. "Tessa?" Abby said, "It's early. Your shift doesn't start for a few hours."
"I know," Tessa said, "It will be busy though. I don't mind working extra."
"Well, I appreciate that," Abby said, noticing the distress in Tessa's voice, "Are you okay? You don't seem yourself."
Looking at both of them, Tessa paused before she said, "You haven't heard."
"Heard what?" Abby said.
"Kyle and Rachel," Tessa started, "They were in a serious car accident."
"What?" Lola said, "Are they okay?"
"What happened?" Abby said.
"Another car ran them off the road," Tessa said, "Rachel was hurt pretty bad. She was unconscious for awhile, but she's awake now. I think she's going to be okay."
"And Kyle?" Lola said.
"He wasn't hurt as bad," Tessa said, as Lola breathed a sigh of relief, "He has a big nasty bruise under his eye. He says he's fine, but it looks painful."
"I don't understand, why would someone do this to them?" Abby said.
Tessa shrugged, as she said, "They don't know who it was or why. The police are looking into it."
"I hope they find the person responsible," Abby said, "They need to throw him in jail."
"Tessa," Lola said, stepping closer to her, "You're sure Kyle is going to be okay?"
"He's walking and talking," Tessa said, "He just doesn't look too pretty at the moment. He was really, very worried about Rachel."
"Of course he was," Lola said, "At least everyone is okay. Except maybe you?"
"What?" Tessa said.
"You still look upset," Lola said, "Did something else happen?"
"I had a big fight with Mariah," Tessa said, "She was so upset with me she never came home last night."
"Since you have time before your shift, you should go find her and work it out," Lola said.
"I'm not sure she wants to," Tessa said.
Mariah was staring into space, behind the counter at the coffeehouse.
"Excuse me? Mariah?"
The sound of her name broke her thoughts, as she looked up to see a friendly face. "Kyle," she said, "What are you doing here? I thought you were still at the hospital."
"Rachel is being released later today," Kyle said, "I went home to shower and for a change of clothes. After I get a coffee I am going to pick her up and take her home."
"You still look a little worse for wear," Mariah said.
"I feel like it too," Kyle said, "You seem a little less than your chipper self today."
"I had a fight with Tessa," Mariah said.
"You want to talk about it?" Kyle said.
"I'm surprised we haven't already," Mariah said.
"I don't follow," Kyle said.
"Tessa told me she kissed Rachel," Mariah said, "I hear you knew about this, yet you said nothing to me."
"I didn't feel it was my place to bring it up," Kyle said, "Rachel and I thought Tessa would tell you sooner than this."
"She chose not to," Mariah said, "She preferred to keep it from me."
"I'm sure she didn't want to hurt you," Kyle said.
"Too late for that," Mariah said, "Why is it every time I forgive her she turns around and betrays me yet again? Maybe we aren't meant to be together."
"You don't believe that," Kyle said.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," Mariah said.
"You know," Kyle started, "Having this accident has reminded me of something. Not to take people in your life or the time you have with them for granted. Being on the brink of losing someone I love, it really makes me appreciate her even more."
"Don't waste time and forgive Tessa," Mariah said, "Is that what you're telling me?"
"Something to consider," Kyle said.
"I'll think about it," Mariah said, placing Kyle's coffee in front of him.
"Kyle?" A voice spoke from behind him. Kyle retrieved his coffee and turned around as Lola gasped at the sight of his bruise.
"It's not as bad as it looks," Kyle said.
"Are you okay?" Lola said, "I mean Tessa said you were in this horrible accident and you weren't badly hurt, but to see you now, you've been injured."
"I am okay," Kyle said, "It's Rachel who got hurt worse, but she pulled through. I was just on my way to pick her up from the hospital, to take her home."
"I won't keep you then," Lola said, "I was worried and had to see for myself how you were."
"No need for worries," Kyle said.
"I hope the catch the person responsible," Lola said.
"You and me both," Kyle said.
Lola touched his arm as she said, "If there's anything I can do…"
"I know where to find you," Kyle said, "Thanks."
He smiled at Lola as she walked away, his smile fading when he noticed someone sitting on the patio. Kyle walked over and stood by the table without saying a word.
Summer looked up, her eyes wide when she saw the bruise. She jumped to her feet, "What happened to you?"
"Car accident," Kyle said.
"Are you alright?" Summer said, "Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Kyle said. Leaning in close to Summer, he snarled, "Tell me it wasn't you."
"What?" Summer said.
"The other driver who ran us off the road," Kyle said, "Tell me it wasn't you."
"You were run off the road?" Summer said, "And you think it was me?"
"Was it?" Kyle said.
"I can't believe you would ask me that," Summer said, "If that's what you think, then you don't know me at all. I would never do something so horrible and purposely hurt you like this."
"I wasn't the only one in that car," Kyle said, "Rachel was hurt worse and she's been in the hospital. Thankfully, she's okay now."
"I may not get along with you fiancé, but I would not go to that extreme to hurt her," Summer said.
"That's true," Kyle said, "Normally you go for something more subtle to cause suffering."
"I will say this one more time," Summer said, "I did not do this!"
"Hey, what's going on over here," Fen was suddenly beside them.
"None of your business," Kyle said.
"Your upsetting Summer," Fen said, "That makes it my business. What happened to your face?"
"A car ran us off the road," Kyle said, his angry eyes on Summer
"He thinks it was me," Summer said.
"Are you kidding?" Fen said, "Summer wouldn't do something like that."
"That's what I told him," Summer said.
"There, you have your answer," Fen said.
Looking at Fen, Kyle said, "Maybe I do. Maybe it was you."
"You are seriously losing it," Fen said, "You and I may not be friends…"
"So true," Kyle interjected.
"…but I am able to deal with things without resorting to excessive violence," Fen said, "So, if you are done with your ridiculous accusations, I'd appreciate it if you stop harassing Summer."
"Why do you insist on sticking your nose into other people's conversations?" Kyle said.
"It was more than a conversation and I don't like you talking to Summer that way," Fen said.
"What difference does it make to you?" Kyle said, "Why are you suddenly so defensive of her? Unless you are trying to impress her."
"He's already done that," Summer said, "Fen is my boyfriend now."
Kyle slightly laughed as he said, "Sure he is."
"Do you have a problem with that?" Fen said, putting his arm around Summer, "She deserved better than you and now she has it."
"You two?" Kyle distastefully said, "Whatever, if you both want to be in an embarrassment of a relationship, that will fall apart in a matter of days or even hours. You deserve each other."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Fen said, "We are good together. If you want to talk about failed relationships look at your own. Once the current love of your life has your money secured, she will likely kick you to the curb. She deserves better than someone like you. She's probably just stringing you along, I'm surprised you think she really wants you at all."
Kyle grabbed Fen by his shirt front and shoved him hard up against the wall. "You don't get to talk about her like that," Kyle said.
"Kyle, stop it!" Summer said.
"Get off of me," Fen said.
"Don't you presume that you are better than me," Kyle said, continuing to hold Fen tight, the anger evident in his voice, "You think you're hot stuff because of this ridiculous singing career? One song and you think you're suddenly Mr. Popular. You can't sing, so why bother trying."
"Kyle, leave him alone!" Summer pleaded.
"It will fail just like everything else you've ever done," Kyle said, "Because that's what you are, a failure. You are nothing but a pathetic, useless, irrelevant excuse for a human being."
"Kyle?" Mariah said, walking over, "Calm down."
"Nobody cares about you," Kyle continued, "Why would they? It's not worth the effort. I'm tired of you interference, your condescending attitude and seeing your face." Kyle held Fen with one hand and made a fist with his other, rising it, ready to strike.
"Kyle stop it, that's enough!" Mariah hollered.
Only then did Kyle realize what he was doing and that his hand was on Fen's neck. Kyle dropped his fist released his grip on Fen. Summer rushed to Fen's aid. "Are you alright?" she said.
Fen didn't answer. Rubbing his neck, he stared at Kyle in disbelief.
"Fen?" Summer said.
"Yeah…I'm okay," Fen said.
"What's the matter with you?" Summer yelled, at Kyle, "How could you?"
"I didn't…I don't…." Kyle stammered. With a sigh he turned around, resting his hands on the back of a chair.
"Let's just go," Fen said, to Summer.
"You can't let him get away with this!" Summer said.
"Don't worry," Fen said, "He won't."
Kyle turned back around, causing Fen to take a few quick steps away. "Listen," Kyle started, "I didn't mean…."
Fen put his finger up to stop him. "You've really done it this time," Fen said, leading Summer away.
"What just happened?" Mariah said.
"I don't know," Kyle said.
"You don't know," Mariah repeated, "You looked like you were ready to kill him and you don't know why."
"I didn't mean to," Kyle said, "He made me angry and it was like I couldn't control myself."
"This isn't you," Mariah said, "Something is wrong. What is going on with you?"
Kyle shook his head as he again said, "I didn't mean to. I knew I shoved him, but I didn't realize I had a hold of…" He trailed off pacing the room.
"His neck," Mariah said, "I know you didn't mean it and Fen says he's okay, but you could have seriously hurt him. I've never seen you so angry before. Kyle the look in your eye, it was a little scary."
"I'm sorry," Kyle said.
"I'm not the one you need to apologize to," Mariah said.
Kyle paced back and forth, his breathing uneven.
"What is going on, you're a nervous wreck right now," Mariah said, "You need to sit down and settle yourself."
Rubbing his forehead, Kyle said, "I have to go. Rachel's waiting for me."
"No, not like this," Mariah said, "Just sit…"
"I have to go," Kyle said, exiting the patio.
Watching him leave, Mariah gave a frustrated sigh.
Paul thanked his server for his coffee, as he proceeded to the patio of Crimson Lights. Intent on leaving by the back door, he stopped when he spotted a familiar face. Smiling he walked over to her. Traci's back was to Paul as she typed on her laptop.
"Traci?" Paul said.
Traci was immersed in her work, and did not respond. Paul stepped closer to her and tried again.
"Traci?"
Startled Traci looked up, "Oh, Paul," she said, "I'm sorry, I didn't see you there."
"I know," Paul said, "You were very focused."
"When I get into my writing, I'm in a whole other world," Traci said.
"Is this a new book, maybe?" Paul said.
"It is," Traci smiled, "I'm very excited about it...you likely don't want to hear about my writing."
"On the contrary," Paul said, "I'd love to hear about it." Gesturing to the empty chair across from her, he said, "May I?"
"Of course," Traci said.
"It occurs to me that you and I have never really had a chance to talk," Paul said, "So, tell me about this new book."
"Well, it's a mystery and love story," Traci said, "It's still in the early stages so there's not much to tell, but I have a lot of ideas."
"Sounds intriguing," Paul said, "I'll have to grab a copy when it hits the shelves."
"Well you can get a copy straight from me," Traci said, "I will put one aside for you."
"Only if you autograph it for me," Paul said.
Traci laughed. "I be happy to."
"I'm already looking forward to it," Paul said.
"Was there something particular you wanted to talk to me about?" Traci said.
"As a matter of fact, I would like to ask you a question concerning, Kyle and Rachel's car accident," Paul said.
"I'm not sure if I can help," Traci said, "If it will catch the person responsible then please ask away."
"Do you have any idea, who the other driver could have been?" Paul said, "Are you aware of any enemies, or anyone saying anything or acting suspicious?"
"I'm sorry, I wish I had answers," Traci said, "There might be someone, but I don't like to point fingers without proof."
"Anything you can tell me," Paul prodded, "It might not seem important to you, but it could help solve this case."
"I know Rachel and Kyle have some recent animosity towards Kevin Fisher," Traci said, "Kevin and Rachel are fighting for custody of their daughter. Currently Kevin has her and he isn't willing to give her up."
"That's something to go on," Paul said.
"I don't know that he would go this far to hurt them," Traci said.
"I'll look into it," Paul said, "And I will let you get back to your book."
"There's no need for you to rush off," Traci said "I was thinking of taking a break. Do you have time to chat?"
"I have some time," Paul said.
"I haven't seen you and your wife in a really long time," Traci said, "How is Christine?"
"She's well," Paul said.
"Oh, now that didn't sound very convincing," Traci said, "Is everything alright?"
"Chris and I have been having some communication issues," Paul said.
"Hazards of the job?" Traci said.
"I suppose that's part of it," Paul said, "Not to worry, I am sure we will work it out."
"I'm sure you will too," Traci said, "I always thought you two were meant to be."
"You know what else is meant to be?" Paul said.
"What's that?" Traci said.
"That book," Paul said, "It's meant to be on the best seller list." He smiled.
"I don't know about that," Traci said, smiling back, "We'll have to see where things go."
Jack entered the living room, from the den to find Kyle sitting on the couch with a far away look in his eyes.
"Kyle?" Jack said.
Kyle slightly jumped as he came out of his trance. "Dad," he said, "I didn't know you were there."
"I'm not surprised you were a million miles away," Jack said.
"Just thinking," Kyle said.
"Weren't you supposed to bring Rachel home today?" Jack said.
"I did," Kyle said, "She still has a little way to recover from her concussion, so she's upstairs resting."
"I am so grateful the two of you are alright," Jack said.
"Yeah, me too," Kyle said.
"You don't seem too happy about it," Jack said, "Is something else on your mind?"
Kyle sighed before he said, "Have you ever done something really stupid, then regret it and don't know how to fix it?"
"Multiple times," Jack smiled, "Is this a fight with Rachel?"
"No, it's not about her," Kyle said.
"Then what is it about?" Jack said.
Both of them were startled by a sudden pounding on the front door.
"I have a feeling you are about to find out," Kyle said.
Jack approached the door, the person on the other sided banging impatiently again. Jack pulled the door open to reveal an enraged Michael on the other side.
"Where is he?" Michael demanded, as he barged in, followed by Fen.
"Who?" Jack said.
"Your ingrate of a son," Michael said.
"You looking for me?" Kyle said, standing up. Spying Fen, Kyle half laughed and said, "This is just like you. Did you go crying to Daddy?"
"You insolent…!" Michael growled as he charged towards Kyle.
"Dad, no!" Fen yelled.
Michael shoved Kyle backwards, when Jack interjected himself in between them. Holding Michael at arm's length, Jack said, "I don't know what your problem is, but you don't barge into my house and start attacking my son."
"Why not?" Michael said, "Your son attacked mine."
"What?" Jack said.
"That's right," Michael said, "Kyle tried to kill Fen."
"Oh come on," Kyle said. Looking at Fen, he said, "Is that what you told him?"
"I told him what you did to me," Fen said.
"I know you like to make me look bad," Kyle said, "But this is ridiculous."
"Is it?" Michael said, "When you put your hand around someone's neck and apply pressure, to choke them, that's not ridiculous, it's assault. It also happens to be illegal."
"Would someone tell me what is going on here?" Jack said.
"That's what I would like to know," Rachel said, appearing on the stairs.
Rushing to her aid, Kyle said, "I thought you were resting."
"I was, until I heard the commotion down here," Rachel said, as Kyle took her arm, walking her into the living room, "What are you all arguing about?"
"Do you want to tell her what you did to me, or do want me to?" Fen said.
Kyle glared at Fen. "Fen and I had an altercation at the coffeehouse," Kyle said, "He is making much more of it than it was."
"He tried to choke him," Michael said.
"You what?" Rachel said.
"I did not…" Kyle started.
"Yeah, you did," Fen said.
"Someone start at the beginning," Jack said.
"I was at the coffeehouse and I saw Kyle arguing with Summer," Fen started.
"It always leads back to Summer," Rachel said.
"He was accusing her of being the driver who caused his and Rachel's accident. Which is ridiculous and she told him that. Then Kyle really lost it and accused me of being the driver, which I was not. He started to bad mouth Summer and me, then he attacked me and started choking me."
"Fabricate much?" Kyle said, "First of all, my hand may have drifted to your neck, but I did not choke you. You also left out the part where you were bad mouthing Rachel, that's why I shoved you."
"You were saying things behind my back?" Rachel said, "Nice Fen. What did you say?"
Fen hesitated, so Kyle said, "Go ahead, you are telling the story so well."
"I said, you were only after Kyle for his money," Fen said.
"You said what?" Rachel said.
"Don't forget that she's playing me for a fool and doesn't really love me," Kyle said.
"You little…" Rachel started at Fen, "If I had been at the coffeehouse I would have hit you myself."
Waiving his finger between Kyle and Rachel, Michael said, "This is why you are perfect for each other. All those violent tendencies."
"Don't even go there with me," Kyle said, shifting his glare to Michael.
"Are you going to attack me now?" Michael taunted.
"It sounds to me," Jack started, "That Kyle was provoked to fight."
"I fought with Fen, yes," Kyle said, "Why are you making such a big deal about a stupid fight? Look at you, you're fine!"
"You were poised ready to pound me," Fen said.
"But I didn't," Kyle said.
"Only because Mariah yelled at you to stop," Fen said.
"Well thank goodness for Mariah," Michael said.
"Kyle says it was not a big deal," Rachel said, "Then I believe him."
"Of course you do," Michael said, "You would believe Kyle if he told you Santa Claus was real."
"If you don't believe me you can ask Summer," Fen said, "She saw the whole thing."
"Oh, because Summer always tells the gospel truth," Rachel said.
"Then ask Mariah," Fen said, "She witnessed it too."
"The fact remains that you assaulted my son," Michael said, "And you are going to pay for it."
"I apologize," Kyle said, "I lost my cool, but I shouldn't have fought with you."
"Good try, except you didn't mean a word of it," Michael said, "Now look at you, you have ruined everything." He shifted his look to Rachel and said, "Everything."
"Why are looking at me like that?" Rachel said.
"People with violent tendencies do not make good parents," Michael said.
"No you can't bring this into the custody case!" Rachel said.
"Don't make Rachel pay for my mistake," Kyle said.
"You are in this custody thing together," Michael said, "You just made my job much easier."
"No, please don't do this," Rachel said, "Kyle apologized, we can settle this between us."
"What is it money you want?" Kyle said.
"Bribery," Michael said, "This just keeps getting better."
"Alright, what will it take to settle this?" Jack said.
A knock was heard at the door, as Michael revealed a satisfied smile. "He's going to pay," he said.
Jack opened the door to two police officers. "Can I help you?" he said.
"We're looking for Kyle Abbott," one officer said.
"Oh, Kyle…" Rachel sighed.
"What for?" Jack said.
"We have a warrant for his arrest," the officer said.
Jack looked back at Kyle who shot a nervous glance at his father.
Gesturing to Kyle, Michael said, "He's right here officers."
"Dad, what are you doing?" Fen said.
One of the officers approached Kyle and said, "Are you Kyle Abbott?"
"Yes," Kyle warily said.
One officer pulled Kyle's arms behind his back and began to handcuff him. "You are under arrest."
"What's the charge?" Jack said.
"Assault and battery," Michael said.
"No, Dad, I told you I didn't want to press charges," Fen said.
"I know you did," Michael said, "The district attorney is pressing charges."
"No, you can't take him!" Rachel said, latching onto Kyle's arm.
Removing her hold, an officer said, "Miss, I am going to have to ask you to step aside."
"But he didn't do anything wrong!" Rachel pleaded.
"Sorry, but he did," Michael said.
"Dad…" Kyle said, panic setting in as the officers proceeded to lead him to the door.
"Don't worry," Jack said, "I'll be right behind you. We'll have you out as soon as we can tonight."
"Actually, it's too late for a bail hearing," Michael said, "It will have to wait until morning."
"I have to spend the night in jail?" Kyle said, "Please, you can't do this to me!"
"You should have thought of that before," Michael said.
Rachel ran after Kyle as officers led him to the door, but Jack held her back. "I will be there first thing tomorrow to get you out!" Jack called.
"Are you satisfied now?" Rachel looked angrily at Fen.
"I didn't mean to get him arrested," Fen said.
"Fen is not pressing charges," Michael said, "I am."
"As district attorney?" Jack said, "Abuse of power for a personal vendetta!"
"Kyle is going to have to learn his lesson the hard way," Michael said, "Maybe after this he will have learned how to behave without losing his temper."
"Get out of my house," Jack said, "Both of you."
Michael swiftly walked to the door, Fen quickly following him. Pausing at the door, Fen looked back and said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for things to turn out this way."
"Why did you come here then?" Rachel said.
"I admit, I wanted to humiliate him, the way he did me," Fen said, "All I really wanted was an apology."
"He gave you one," Rachel said.
"Fen!" Michael could be heard calling outside. Fen sighed as he left the house.
"This can't be happening," Rachel said.
"Kyle will be fine," Jack said, giving Rachel a comforting hug, "He will be back home as soon as possible."