Sitting at a table with Abby, Nate was checking on her. "Has this ever happened before?" Nate said.
"No never," Abby said, "I started to feel lightheaded and the next thing I remember, I woke up on the floor. I must have fainted."
"I'm not so sure about that," Nate said.
"What do you mean?" Chance said, sitting nearby.
"Have you taken any medication lately?" Nate said, "Including over the counter pain relievers?"
"No," Abby said, "I've felt fine. I get the feeling you suspect something."
"I don't think it was exhaustion or illness that caused this," Nate said, "By the dilation in your eyes, I would say you were drugged."
Abby stared at him, as Noah said, "Are you sure?"
"It's the most likely explanation," Nate said, "Which is why you need to be thoroughly checked at the hospital."
"I'll make sure she does that," Chance said.
"I will," Abby said, "I just need to sit for a little while first."
"Who would do this?" Noah said.
"Why would somebody want to drug me?" Abby said.
"That's a good question," Chance said, "Don't worry we will find out."
"Abby, what you said earlier about Austin," Noah said, "You know it's not possible you saw him."
"Of course, I know that," Abby said, "I could have sworn he was right in front of me. I saw his face. He spoke to me."
"What did he say?" Chance said.
"He told me he was Austin," Abby said, "But it couldn't have been, he's been dead for years."
"That's right," Noah said, "We both saw him that night."
"Maybe something subconsciously reminded me of him and it got in my head when I passed out," Abby said.
"I know you say Austin is dead," Chance said, "But Abby, what happened to you tonight, does that sound like something he would do?"
"Actually," Noah said, "It sounds exactly like him."
"We need to secure this room," Chance said.
Susie and Connor were becoming very worried, as they watched the standoff between Kyle, Summer and Austin.
"Oh, no," Susie said, her voice just above a whisper, "He's going to hurt Kyle."
"And Summer," Connor said. His heart was beating very fast, but looking at Susie he noticed how frightened she was. Pushing his own fear back, Connor whispered, "We have to do something. We have to tell someone."
"How?" Susie said, "We can't just walk through the front doors, they will see us and we could get hurt."
Connor thought for a moment and then said, "There's a back door."
"What?" Susie said.
"I remember going inside that way before," Connor said.
"What if that man sees us?" Susie said.
Peering through the branches, Connor said, "His back is to us. We can get away if we stay quiet and walk low down."
Connor took Susie's hand and walking hunched over, he led her along the side of the building.
"Just take it easy," Kyle said, guiding Summer behind him.
"Oh, that's cute," Austin said, "You're trying to protect her. She's not the one who is in danger of getting hurt."
Something caught Kyle's eye, as he spotted Susie looking over at them, before she disappeared around the back corner of the building. It gave Kyle a glimmer of hope, help was coming.
In an effort to stall Austin, Kyle knew he had to keep him talking. "So, are you going to tell us where you've been all this time?" Kyle said.
"Don't act like you care," Austin said.
"I'd like to know," Summer said.
"You already know the story," Austin said, "You and your friends left me for dead, in the freezing cold."
"That's not what happened," Summer said.
"But it was," Austin said, "I had the head injury to prove it."
"We thought you were already dead," Summer said, "I don't understand, how you are alive. I identified your body."
"You obviously did not look carefully enough, at who you were confirming as your dead husband," Austin said.
"How did you survive?" Kyle said.
"I couldn't have just gotten up and walked away," Austin said, "I had help."
"From who?" Kyle said.
"None of your business," Austin said.
"I don't understand, why you are angry enough to threaten us," Summer said.
"As I said, I don't want to hurt you Summer," Austin said.
"Your saving your hostility for me," Kyle said, "I know we don't like each other, but this is going to extremes."
"Would you like to know what I've been through?" Austin said, "I found myself in a hospital bed. Doctors were talking about brain damage. I couldn't think straight, put together a coherent sentence. They told me I would never walk again, never be able to lead a normal life."
"You obviously overcame all of that," Kyle said, "You must have worked hard."
"I heard about your brain tumor," Austin said, "I thought maybe now he will feel like I did. Know how to struggle to survive and this could be payback. But then you got your miracle cure."
"I had a lot of help from other people," Kyle said, "That cure and recovery was never easy."
"Neither was mine," Austin said, "You had people to love you and that got you through. So nice for you. Do you know how I made it? Thinking of a moment like this. Making sure one of you pays for all of it."
"You went through a horrible time," Summer said, "I'm sorry about that. If we had known, if I had known you were still alive, you would never have been abandoned."
"Then don't make that same mistake again," Austin said, "Come with me."
"Don't you lay a finger on her," Kyle said.
"You think I won't shoot you, is that it?" Austin said.
"Austin, please don't," Summer pleaded.
"No, I've had enough," Austin said. Pointing his weapon at Kyle, Austin continued, "You Kyle Abbott, have gotten in my way for the last time."
"What is happening?" Rachel said.
"That's what I'd like to know," Fen said.
"We need to stay calm," Kevin said.
"But where are they?" Rachel said, "I wish I knew the last person who talked to Susie, maybe they have an idea of where she might be."
Fen momentarily closed his eyes, before he said, "I think maybe it was me."
"What was you?" Rachel said.
"I talked to Susie a little while ago," Fen said, "I was worried about Summer and I spoke to her more harshly than I should have."
"What did you say to her?" Kevin said.
"I told her to stop hoping for something romantic to happen between her and me and to leave me alone," Fen said, "I might have told her she needed to grow up."
"So, she took off because of a broken heart?" Rachel accused, "Thank you Fen!" Rachel glared at him.
"I didn't mean to hurt her feelings," Fen said, "I wasn't thinking."
Across the room, Chance was conferring with Paul, as he said, "Someone appears to be terrorizing a few members of this wedding. Abby gets drugged and the kids, along with Kyle and Summer, they have been missing for a good while now."
"I assume people have tried to contact them by phone?" Paul said.
"All calls go straight voice mail," Chance said.
"Has anyone searched the perimeter outside?" Paul said.
"I don't think so," Chance said, "We should get that underway."
Overhearing, Nick said, "Okay, let's do that." He headed for the exit.
"I'm right behind you," Phyllis said.
"Hold on," Paul said, "Where are you going?"
"To look for Summer," Phyllis said.
"No you're not," Chance said, "Come back here please."
"My daughter is missing," Nick said, "I'm going to find her."
"I'm going to find mine too," Rachel said.
"Everybody, stop," Paul said, "I understand you are worried about your loved ones. Please let the police handle this."
"You can't expect us to sit around and do nothing," Jack said, "Our kids are out there somewhere."
"We are doing everything we can to locate them," Paul said.
Suddenly shrieks of "Help!" were heard as Susie and Connor ran into the room. Relief washed over both sets of parents and their kids ran to them.
"Connor, thank goodness!" Chelsea said, "Where have you been?"
"There's….there's a…a man," Connor stumbled over his words.
"Okay, slow down," Adam said, "What's wrong?"
"There's a man," Connor said, "He has a gun."
"Are you sure about this?" Adam said. Connor nodded.
"He has Kyle and Summer," Susie sobbed.
"What do you mean he has them?" Rachel said.
"He's pointing the gun at them and won't let them leave," Susie said.
"Where are they now?" Paul said.
"Outside," Susie said, "In the parking lot."
"Son of a…" Nick said, heading for the exit.
"You're not going out there," Paul said.
"Some psycho is wielding a weapon at my daughter," Nick said, "I am not standing by an letting it happen!"
"People please listen," Paul said, waving his arms, "It is critical that you all stay here. This is tense situation and the last thing we need is a stampede outside. We don't want anyone else to get caught in this situation. If anyone runs out there, it could startle the assailant, which could have disastrous consequences. I have called for back-up we are handling things."
"Connor, why did you run off like this?" Chelsea said.
"Your mother and I were really worried about you," Adam said.
"Sorry," Connor said, "I just…I saw Susie was upset and I wanted to help her."
"That's very nice of you," Adam said, "But you should have said something to us. You could have told us Susie was upset and we could have told her parents and we all could have helped her."
"Susie, why did you run outside?" Rachel said. Unsure of what to say, Susie shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
"Was it because of me?" Fen said, "I know I was not so nice when I talked to you earlier." Susie paused before she nodded. "I did not mean to hurt your feelings," Fen said, "I was worried about Summer and I should not have taken it out on you. I'm sorry, I upset you so much."
"I thought you liked me," Susie said.
"I do," Fen said, "You are my sweet, cool younger cousin. I really want us to be friends again."
"I'm sorry I made you uncomfortable," Susie said.
"Not at all," Fen said, "You are family, I will always care about you. If you ever need me, I'll be right there."
"Just don't ever run off like that again," Rachel said.
"On the other hand I guess it was good that you found out what was going on outside, so you could let us know," Fen said.
"I really hope they will be okay," Susie said.
"How did you find out what was happening?" Rachel said.
"Connor and I were about to come inside, when we saw Summer run out the front door," Susie said, "She was crying too."
"What was she crying about?" Fen said.
"I don't know," Susie said, "Then Kyle came outside and I think he tried to make her feel better. It looked like they were about to go back inside when that man came along and started to threaten them."
"So Kyle is outside because of Summer," Rachel said, "It always goes back to Summer. Kyle is in danger because of her, so typical."
"Hey, my daughter is in that situation too," Phyllis said, "Perhaps, if you had better control over your husband, they wouldn't be in this mess."
"Your daughter is always dragging people into disaster," Rachel said.
"At least she never became unhinged to the point of trying to harm people," Phyllis retorted.
"Oh, don't you go there with me," Rachel said
"Both of you stop!" Jack said, ceasing the argument, "We are all on edge, but if you calm down, Kevin has some news."
"What did you find out?" Fen said.
"I just spoke to Paul," Kevin said, "The standoff is still going on, but Kyle and Summer have not been harmed. The person with the gun has also been identified."
"Who is it?" Noah said.
"Believe it or not," Keven started, "It's Austin Travers."
"Are they positive?" Noah said.
"Without a doubt," Kevin said.
"So I wasn't hallucinating," Abby said, "I really saw him."
"This wasn't supposed to happen," Tessa said.
"I can't believe he's alive," Mariah said.
"Why would he be threatening Kyle and Summer?" Rachel said.
"Austin always felt, Kyle was in his way to truly have Summer," Noah said.
"So now is his chance to get to Kyle?" Rachel panicked.
"I didn't mean it like that," Noah said.
"I can't believe things have gone this far," Tessa said.
"The police are going to take care of him," Mariah said.
"Before or after he shoots my husband?" Rachel worried.
"I can't take much more of this waiting for something to happen," Fen said, "The police need to act fast."
"He won't listen to them," Tessa said.
"What are you talking about?" Mariah said.
"If he feels cornered he will react," Tessa said, "I have to do something. I have to talk to him."
"Who?" Mariah said.
"Austin," Tessa said, "He will listen to me!"
"What makes you think that?" Kevin said.
"You don't even know him," Mariah said.
"I don't have time to explain," Tessa said.
"You had better start," Mariah said.
"I get you want to help, but what makes you think he will listen to you?" Fen said
"Because he's my brother!" Tessa blurted out.
"What?" Noah said.
"Austin, is my brother," Tessa said, "I will explain later, but right now I have to stop him. Kevin please tell Paul I need to speak to Austin."
"Austin, I am begging you not to do this," Summer said.
Austin could see the fear in Kyle's eyes, prompting him to say, "I've never seen you so quiet Abbott."
"You're in charge," Kyle said.
"You better believe it," Austin said.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kyle noticed movement inside the front doors. He glanced in that direction, causing Austin to do the same.
Taking advantage of Austin's distraction, Kyle lunged at him and they began to struggle. Summer exclaimed in fear of Kyle's safety. In the fight, Kyle knocked the gun out of Austin's hand, followed up by a few punches to Austin's face. Austin recovered the upper hand, punching Kyle and knocking him off his feet. Austin pounced on Kyle, hitting him again. Summer tried to defend Kyle, as she pounded on Austin's back and attempted to pull him arms away from Kyle. Austin reached out and shoved Summer away from him, causing her to fall backwards. Anger rose in Kyle at seeing Summer pushed down and he was ready to fight back, stopping when he saw Austin had recovered the gun and was pointing it at his chest.
"Now you pay," Austin said.
Paul appeared in the doorway, his gun drawn. "Austin," Paul said, "Drop the weapon."
Summer was a safe enough distance away for Chance to help her stand up. "Come on," he said.
"Chance take her inside," Paul said. However, Summer resisted, her concern over Kyle was too strong. She stood just outside the doors, out of harms way.
"Chief Williams," Austin said, "It's been awhile."
Leaning on the back of in his forearms, Kyle's heart was pounding, fear in his eyes as he kept his focus on Austin.
"Drop the gun," Paul said.
"I know you don't understand why, but I have to do this," Austin said.
"Before you do, there is someone who would like to talk to you," Paul said. He guided Tessa towards him, staying by her side.
"Austin?" Tessa said.
"Tess," Austin said, "You are just in time for the grand finale."
"You don't want to do this," Tessa said.
"But I do," Austin said, "If he's out of the picture it helps you too. We get what we want remember?"
"Not like this," Tessa said, "You can't hurt anyone, you will ruin your life. The police are here, you have no way out of this. Don't make it worse than it already is."
"I am tired of dealing with him," Austin said, "After everything he has done to me, it's time to get rid of him."
"If you do then Kyle wins," Tessa said, "You will go to jail for the rest of your life. Do you really want your revenge on him to be the reason you lose everything? He's not worth it Austin."
Noticing Summer was standing just outside the doors, Fen slipped out, relief washing over him as he took her in his arms. Realizing Austin was poised to shoot Kyle, Fen said, "Austin, let him go."
"Is that my old buddy Fen?" Austin said, "I'll tell you what. You come over here and when I am done with Kyle, you can be next."
"Sweetie, don't do this," Tessa said, "It's over. You can stop now."
"I just wanted her back," Austin said.
"Austin?" Summer said, "If you let him go, I will consider talking to you. If you hurt him, I will never forgive you. Not ever."
"It's okay," Tessa said, "It's time to stop."
"I don't know how," Austin said.
A voice spoke from behind Austin. "Put the gun down," Rey said, weapon drawn "Do it now."
"Alright," Austin said, "Fine, you win." Austin moved the gun away from Kyle and raised his hands. Paul stepped in and removed the weapon from Austin's grasp, as Rey pulled his arms back and cuffed him.
Kyle closed his eyes and dropped his head back in relief. Paul assisted Kyle to his feet, saying, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm okay," Kyle said.
"Are you sure?" Paul said. Kyle nodded.
"This isn't over," Austin hollered, as he was led away.
"Yeah, it is," Rey said, shoving Austin into a police cruiser.
Summer rushed over and threw her arms around Kyle. Hearing her softly cry, Kyle soothed, "It's okay, it's over."
"I thought I was going to lose you," Summer said.
"To be honest, I thought so too," Kyle said.
"You okay?" Fen said.
"Yeah, I think so," Kyle said.
"I can't believe that guy is alive and kicking," Fen said.
"I know what you mean," Kyle said.
Putting an arm around, Fen's waist, Summer said, "You should have seen him, Kyle did everything he could to protect me."
"Thank you," Fen said, "There is a very anxious bride inside, who will be so relieved to see you."
"Tessa, I have a few questions for you," Paul said.
"Of course," Tessa said.
"Wait, a second," Kyle said, "You and Austin, what was all that about?"
"He's my brother," Tessa said.
"What?" Kyle said.
"I think you have some explaining to do," Fen said.
Rachel was pacing the room with worry, as Mariah sat with Noah.
"Can you believe this is happening?" Mariah said, "I didn't know she had any family. How could she not tell me about this?"
"I'm not really surprised," Noah said, "Even when we were dating, there was always something off about Tessa."
They were startled by cheers, as they looked to see Fen walking Summer into the room. Nick and Phyllis rushed to their daughter's side, giving hugs. Noah popped out of his seat, running over to join in the hugging.
Mariah got out of her chair and went to stand by Rachel. "Where's Kyle?" Rachel fretted.
"You mean him?" Mariah smiled, gesturing to Kyle entering the room.
Kyle and Rachel saw each other at the same time, rushing to meet each other half way. Jack encouraged applause, as the couple took each other in their arms.
Noticing Rachel was crying, Kyle held her tight, soothing her with, "It's okay."
"Are you alright?" Rachel said, "I was so worried something would happen to you."
"I'm okay," Kyle said.
"But you're not, you are hurt," Rachel said, noticing the bruise forming under his eye.
"I'm fine, really," Kyle said, "I had a little scuffle and got punched, but I assure you I am perfectly okay."
"That was really stupid, what you did," Summer was accusing Kyle, "What were you thinking lunging at Austin, while he was holding the gun. You could have been killed."
"You did what?" Rachel said.
"I saw the opportunity and I took it," Kyle said, "And you are welcome that it enabled you to get away from him."
"That's how you got hurt?" Rachel said, "For once I agree with Summer. What were you thinking?"
"All that matters, is Summer and I are okay and Austin is going to jail for a very long time," Kyle said.
"We have one more problem," Jack said, strolling over, "You missed the countdown to midnight." Jack smiled as he continued, "You look a little worse for wear, but I am very happy you are alright."
Kyle and Jack shared quick hug, as Kyle said, "Thanks."
"What has happened to Tessa?" Mariah said.
"She must have skipped out, too ashamed to face us for her deception," Noah said.
Kyle spotted Susie, lingering by, unsure if she should approach him. Kyle smiled at her, prompting Susie to walk over and hug him around the waist. Kyle gave small laugh, in reaction to how tight she was holding on. "It's okay, it's all over," Kyle said, rubbing her back.
Once she let go, Kyle said, "I saw you out there. I'm guessing I have you to thank for letting everyone know what was going on."
"I was really scared, but Connor knew what to do," Susie said, "He was really brave."
"You were?" Chelsea smiled down at Connor.
"I only wanted it all to be okay," Connor said.
"Thank you for coming to help me," Susie said, giving Connor a quick kiss on the cheek.
Looking at Chelsea, Adam said, "Did you know our son could change color like that?" Chelsea gave Adam a light slap on the arm.
Adele made her presence known again as she said, "What a frightful evening." Kyle and Rachel stared at her, so Adele said, "Kyle dear, I am happy things turned out all right for you."
"Thank you," Kyle said, "Me too."
"It was a lovely wedding," Adele said, "And now I have a handsome new son-in-law."
"Thanks," Kyle said.
"Not to mention my lovely new daughter-in-law," Jack said.
Jack and Adele were eyeing Kyle and Rachel. "What?" Kyle said.
"What are you waiting for?" Jack said, "Isn't it about time you and your beautiful bride start the honeymoon?"
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that," Kyle teased.
"You told me you had something special planned," Rachel said.
Nodding Kyle said, "It's starting to come back to me."
"So go on," Jack smiled, "Get out of here."
"Wait," Rachel said, "Mom, are you going to be here when I get back?"
"I don't think so," Adele said, "It's time for me to go back home."
Jack and Rachel were both clearly disappointed, as Rachel said, "We just got to a good place. I was hoping to spend more time with you."
"It's not like you will never see me again," Adele said, "I will visit. You can also come to see me and even bring your other half with you."
Kyle nodded and said, "We will do that."
"Oh, by other half I was speaking of Susie," Adele joked, "But you can come too Kyle."
Kyle smiled as he nodded and said, "It was nice to get to know you Adele."
"Mom," Adele corrected.
Kyle paused before he agreed. "Mom," he said.
"I know you will both have a wonderful life together," Adele said, sharing a hug with her daughter and then the same with Kyle.
Rachel turned around to see Megan smiling at her. "You didn't think you were going to get away without saying goodbye to me?"
The two friends shared a hug. "I am truly happy for you," Megan said.
"Thanks, I am so happy," Rachel said.
"From now on we stay in touch," Megan said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Rachel said.
Turning to Kyle, Megan said, "As for you prince charming, I would tell you to take care of her, but I know you will." She gave Kyle a quick hug.
"Thanks for coming," Kyle said, "It was really nice to meet you."
"You haven't seen the last of me," Megan said.
"On that note," Kyle said, "It's time for us to be on our way."
"You still haven't told me where we are spending our wedding night," Rachel said.
"That's because it's a surprise," Kyle said.
"Did you get a suite in the hotel?" Rachel said.
Taking Rachel in his arms, Kyle said, "Better than that."
"I can hardly wait," Rachel smiled.
The cell door slammed shut on Austin, who watched the guard lock it and walk away. Austin surveyed his surroundings, through the bars before pushing himself back from them with a sigh. He paced the length of the cell several times before lying down on the bed. Locking his hands behind his head, Austin stared up at the ceiling. A smile crept across his face as Austin could not suppress a laugh.