Renegades: A New Dawn

Chapter IV: Relapse

The morning after the club returned. Maddy was up at the crack of dawn to sort out more paperwork. Shortly afterwards, there was a knock on her office door. 'That's weird – thought everyone was still asleep.' As she opened the door, Blair was stood there, looking exhausted.

'Come in.' As she sat down, Maddy pushed her paperwork to one side. 'How's Rio doing?' 'Yeah, she's improving slowly. Listen, I need to be open here, I might need a bit more time off.' 'I can tell it's something more than Rio. By all means you don't have to tell me, but' 'It's fine. It's my gran, she's… dying. Alex wants me back in Shelby, there isn't long left. And I don't know whether to go.'

'Well I ain't trying to make the decision for you. All I'm gonna say is we need you back, but we need you focused. So take as long as you need, then come back better than ever.' 'Thanks for understanding Maddy.'

'Seems like all I'm doing is fighting fires at the moment. Got Akiza trying to recruit me, got Lydia and Freja on my back 'cause they don't like Akiza, feel like I'm constantly looking over ma shoulder and got the harsh truth that we have no direction.'

Blair then put her hand on Maddy's, in an unusual emotional touch. 'You're the boss now.' 'Yeah, like I know that. That's, like, the entire problem.' 'You're the boss, the club's direction is what you decide it is. If you need more proof of that, talk to Jodi or the twins – they've been here the longest.' 'Thanks Blair. You get yourself some sleep now, you look exhausted.' 'I'm fine. Nothing I can't handle.'

'At least get a coffee or something – you're not going to get very far if you're not alert.' 'Thanks. I'll grab one to go.' Blair walked back out the door, as Maddy watched her go, before getting on with more paperwork.

Two hours later

As everyone was starting their days, Maddy caught up with Freja while she was having breakfast. 'Hey Mads.' 'Hey Freja, I wanted to ask you a few things.' 'Sure, what you need?' 'Wanted to know what the club was like before I joined.'

The question caught the younger twin off-guard. 'Er why?' 'I'll be open, I want to know what the club was like. 'cause it feels worse now than it ever has done.' 'I'll be honest, I ain't got much memory of before Phil left.' 'Why?'

Freja pointed to her head. 'You know, cute twin, red hairband, completely brainwashed by borderline psychopath?' 'Good point.' 'Lydia's got a way better memory than me – I barely remember anything for about 5 months after being brainwashed.' 'Where is Lydia anyway – at work?'

'Nah, just ain't out of bed yet. She said she was having a lie-in this morning because she's got a day off for once.' 'Cool. When d'ya think she'll be up?' 'Few hours probably. I was kind of thinking of seeing Rio in the hospital today.' 'Sure, I reckon we can arrange that.' 'Thanks.' 'You do know you could visit her without permission.'

'I know. Just want to see how she's holding up.' 'I haven't told anybody else this, but I think they told her about Mam way too soon.' 'They told her?' 'Yeah, Jade said it yesterday.' 'Well I guess we can look after her.' Freja then looked up at Maddy's red headband. 'Nice headband by the way.' 'Thanks.' 'Where'd you get it from? Looks well awesome.' 'Had it since I was 6. Got it from this real cool place in Cardiff.'

'Awesome.' 'Probably shoulda bought more than one, but I wasn't thinking about that back then.' 'Fancy swapping? My hairband for yours?' 'Yours looks well uncomfortable.' 'It ain't that bad really. Get a nice lil' quiff at the front as well, nice lil' bump.' 'Cool. Tell you what, I've got about half an hour spare, how about we go and talk about all this?' 'Sounds great.'

In the hospital

Blair was sat there, on her own, by a sleeping Rio's bedside. 'Rio, what should I do? Gramma's ill in Michigan, you're ill here, I can't be at both places together. What should I do?' Rio then briefly woke up. 'B...' 'Rio, save your breath.' 'B… do it. I… fine.' 'You're not Rio' Rio then smiled. 'I've got Jade. You're needed.' 'I know, but'

'Go.' Rio then moved for the first time since the shooting, reaching over to hug Blair. 'You're fine. You go.' Jade then walked up behind her. 'You know, she's right. I'll look after her, you go back to Michigan. And take as long as you need.' 'Thank you. Are you' 'Yes, just go. Your family needs you.'

'You are family.' 'We know, but you have to go. What if it's something she doesn't recover from? You'd hate yourself for not going. I'll text you if there's any update on this one.' 'Don't let her get out of bed.' 'I'll make sure she goes nowhere.' 'Thank you Jade. I'll call Jack and see if he's available.'

Blair then made the call as Rio went to sleep again. 'Hi Jack, it's Blair. I was… sort of wondering if I could rent your plane? I need to get to Michigan, because I've got an ill relative. Thanks so much. See you later then, bye.' As she came off of the phone, Jade looked over. 'He'll do it?' 'I fly at 9pm from Newcastle Airport. I'd better pack I suppose. I'll be back in a couple of hours. You sure you'll be ok here, you don't need a drink or any other pillows or'

'Blair. Calm down. Rio has me, she'll be ok while you're gone. You had better pack.' 'I know, I just don't want to leave Rio.' 'Yeah, I get that. But you can go for a few days or however long you'll be.' 'Thank you.' 'You're welcome.' Blair and Jade then shared a tender moment, before the 20 year old left to pack.

In the base

As Maddy came back down the stairs, Lydia was waiting for her. 'Hey, pain in the arse said you wanted to talk to me?' 'Yeah, can we talk in the office?' 'Yeah, whatever suits you.' As they walked towards the office, Tee couldn't resist having a pop. 'So you're getting kicked out are you? About time – should have chosen Akiza.'

'What are you on about?' 'She offered you a chance to join her, you should have said yes. But you didn't. Because you're stupid! Stupid stupid stupid!' Lydia squared up to her, before Maddy split them up. 'Tee, Lydia isn't being kicked out. As for Akiza's request, that's everybody's individual choice, like it was yours.'

'Stupid!' 'Her problem.' That comment surprised Lydia. 'Maddy, you're not' 'Nope. If we don't want to join Akiza's subgroup, that's our issue not yours. Now if you don't mind, I need a word with Lydia.' 'And me?' 'If you want to talk just give me ten minutes until Lydia's done, and don't call anyone stupid. Then you can have as long as you like.' 'Fine.' As Tee retied her ponytail, Lydia and Maddy went into the office.

'So, what's up.' 'Well I was thinking about things this morning, and I was wondering, what was life like in the club before I joined?' 'Erm could you be slightly more specific please?' 'What was it like in terms of rules and everyone getting on?'

'You do realise that there was like two people who Phil hadn't brainwashed, right? We had no choice but to get on. As for rules, there kinda wasn't many. It was just do what Phil tells you to.' 'What about after Dad left?'

'It was basically a hostel. The more I think of it the more I kinda miss being brainwashed.' 'Really?' 'Yeah. I mean, Phil was always good to us, and we knew it was for a good cause. It made him feel better about himself.'

Maddy then started to formulate a plan. 'Lydia, have you got any holidays coming up from work?' 'Yeaaahhh, why?' 'Call me crazy if you like' 'I've called you much worse than that before.' 'Pardon?' 'Oh, nothing. What was your plan then?'

'Well, I was wondering if I talked to Dad and seed if he fancies having you under his control around the house or something.' Lydia nodded quietly. 'Do you think it'd help him?' 'Uh, hope so.' 'I'm in on two conditions. It's not 7 days a week, and you clear it with him first.'

'I'll talk to him about it later.' 'So what were you saying about rules?' 'Yeah, I just wanted to know what it was like, because it just seems like everyone's divided at the moment. I mean, Mam kept things in check, but it's out of control now she's gone.'

'Maddy, you're awesome – you'll find a way. Let's face it – better you than Akiza.' 'Shouldn't say things like that. This is what I mean – the constant badmouthing of each other. We're supposed to be a group.' 'K, sorry.' Lydia then left, and Tee bashed on the door. 'Come on Tee.'

'So, what did you want to discuss?' 'Wanted a bigger role for Mis' 'Any chance you could stop calling her Mistress all the time, doing ma head in.' 'We wanted a bigger role in the club for Akiza.' 'Like what? She's already our official doctor, and she's higher ranking than most members.' 'Deputy?'

'I'll be open with you – I haven't appointed any deputies yet. And I have no intention of doing until Blair's back. When she's back, I might look at having two. Might.' 'Why not?' 'Because I said. And because I want to leave the role open.'

'Sorry about Lydia.' 'We're all under a lot of strain at the moment. I have spoken to her, and she's apologised.' 'So we're good?' 'I am carrying no grudges with any club members. Whatever happened in the past, draw a line under it.'

'Oh yeah, I wanted to ask about Claude.' 'Claude's suspension runs out in around three weeks. He is returning then.' 'So he's not been expelled?' 'However much I dislike it, that is the punishment he was given. I have no grounds to change that.' 'Ok thank you.' 'You're welcome.'

Tee left the room, with a wary Maddy watching her. 'I know what you're up to Akiza. And I'm not stupid enough to fall for it.'

At the hospital

When Maddy and Freja arrived at the hospital, Jodi was sat up, with a patch over her injured eye. 'How you doing?' 'I'll be fine when I'm out of this dump. Doctors say I should be out of here tomorrow all being well.'

Maddy then sat down next to her. 'That's great news. Listen, I've got a favour to ask.' 'Anything which doesn't have me treated like an invalid.' 'Because I know you're good with numbers, what would you say to becoming the official Renegades accountant?'

'Sure, why not. Gives me something to do.' 'Thanks Jodi. I know I can trust you.' 'Maddy.' 'Yeah?' 'You're doing a great job.' 'How? Nobody can get on, they all hate each other, just this morning I split up Tee and Lydia.'

'Nobody knows who to trust at the moment. I get it. But you're doing a good job.' 'That's another think I wanted to ask you.' Jodi smiled. 'Beats being bored out of my crispy skin.' 'You know, like, before Phil came back to the club, before I joined? What was life like?'

'It was, well, it felt special. Phil leaving was difficult because we were on our own and obviously it was weird with everyone being female.' 'Weird how?' 'You know, most of us wanted some guys. But Hannah was insistent on nobody else joining. Until you that was.'

'Did everyone get on?' 'Most of us didn't talk. The entire place felt like it existed just for somebody who wasn't there anymore. Didn't feel like one unit. The only thing uniting us was we all did what Hannah wanted us to. I didn't think the place would even last till he got back. I know you're doubting yourself, but trust me – this ain't the worst the club's ever been. Just the biggest.'

'You think it should get smaller?' 'Yeah. Everyone should have something to do there and not be there purely for the sake of it. How's Phil doing? Not seen him in days.' 'He's feeling a little better. Still misses Mam like we all do but he's… somehow changed recently.'

'You don't think he's...' 'He's what?' 'Planning to kill James.' 'That wouldn't be like him. He wouldn't do that for me.' Jodi then got out of her bed. 'You know where Rio is?' 'Yeah.' 'Could you take me to her?' 'We were just about to go there.' 'Great.'

On the other side of the hospital

When they entered the ward, Jade was sat down on the edge of Rio's bed. 'Is everything ok?' 'Oh yeah, well, as ok as they can be anyway. How's your eye Jodi?' 'Which one? The one that's scarred or the one that I can't see out of?' 'You can't see?' 'Effectively blind in one eye. 90% to be exact. I'm dealing with it though.'

'That why you're wearing an eyepatch?' 'Yeah.' Jade then suddenly reacted weirdly. 'Ouch! That hurt Rio, no fair.' As Jade moved, Rio had turned over, fully awake. 'Jodi, your eye' 'I'm not that bothered.'

'Can I… see it?' 'Ok, but it isn't pretty… probably.' 'Probably?' 'Not looked at it honestly. Ready?' 'Ready.' 'Certain?' 'Yeah.' Jodi then lifted the patch, revealing that her left pupil had been turned a reddish black by the fire, with the entire eyeball blistered, more resembling tissue paper than a clean white eyeball.

'Oh m… m… my god.' 'That bad? Actually you know what, on second thoughts I don't want to know.' As Jade rushed to find Rio a sick bucket, Jodi put the eyepatch back on. 'I'm definitely keeping that on from now on. Sure you're ok Rio?' 'She'll be fine. So, when are you being released?' 'Tomorrow, thank god.'

'Now we just need to get this one sorted.' Maddy then interjected. 'I need to get going – I need to talk to Dad about something. Rio, you concentrate on getting yourself health.' 'I wish.' The president shrugged her shoulders and left.

As she did, one of the doctors came in to do a few checks, and to be bugged by Freja. 'So doc, when's Rio ready to leave here?' The doctor laughed. 'What's so funny?' 'Your friend is going to be here for quite some time yet. She's barely at the start of her recovery process.' As the doctor left, Rio started tearing up.

'We'll get you out of here Rio.' 'What's the point?' 'What do you mean what's the point?' 'Never g… get out of here. Might as well give up.' 'Listen here – you are going to get better. You've been given a chance and we're going to make sure you take that chance.' Jade then stormed out, annoyed at Rio's words.

'See' 'She's just annoyed Rio. Where's Blair?' 'Packing.' 'Why?' Rio then started choking, and Freja gave her the heimlich manoeuvrer to stop it. 'Where did you learn to do that Freja?' 'I'm a qualified first-aider you know.' 'Since when?' 'About 3 weeks ago.'

'Awesome.' 'Sure you're ok Rio?' The idahoan just nodded. 'Great.' Jodi then went to leave. 'I would stay, but if I'm getting out of here tomorrow I have to get back to the ward. Keep strong Rio.' 'Thanks.'

In Rochdale

As Maddy got back, Phil was sorting through some papers. 'Hey Dad.' 'Hey there sweetie.' 'What's that paperwork?' 'Allyx has put in a claim for Hannah's estate.' 'Pardon?' 'In Layman, Allyx has claimed for half of Hannah's money and part ownership of the house.'

'She won't get it will she?' Phil shook his head. 'That's not how the laws of inheritance work. In this situation, all of Hannah's estate would pass to me because we're legally married.' 'At least we don't have to worry about that.' 'Yeah, all I need to do is post the relevant documents to the government.'

'Nothing they can do then?' 'Not unless they can prove that the marriage is invalid. Which would require myself or Hannah to have been married to someone else at the time.' 'Which you weren't.' 'No. How's Rio holding up?' 'So-so. Blair's going back to Michigan – she's'

'She already let me know.' 'Phoned you?' Blair then walked down the stairs. 'How did you' 'Taylor. And I knew the address. I'm nearly packed. Just going to the hospital to see Rio again, and then I'll go off to the airport.' 'Well good luck there.' 'Thanks Maddy.'

Phil then passed Maddy a letter. 'What's that?' 'It's about picking universities.' Yeah, I need to get around to that.' 'Where you planning on going?' 'Dunno – Newcastle or Manchester.' 'Well if you need any advice, let me know.'

'You've got your own problems Dad.' 'Doesn't stop me being a parent. I have to look after you, it's my job.' 'Thank you.' As Maddy cuddled up to him, Sean rushed in. 'Phil, you're alright.' 'Yeah… of course I am.' 'I've been trying to get hold of you for 3 days.' 'Didn't you receive my email?'

'What email?' 'The one telling you that my phone isn't working. Took it to a repair place, they think the phone's hardware might be damaged.' 'So you got no phone?' 'Sam's lending me one of hers while it's being repaired.'

Maddy then looked at him. 'What – Sam as in Auntie Sam?' 'Yep, my sister. She works at a phone shop, so if maybe, she can get me one cheap.' 'How's Rio doing man?' 'Visit her in the hospital if you like – it's slow but steady.'

That night, in the hospital

As Blair got into the ward, Rio was sat up. 'Hey.' 'Hi B.' 'Just wanted to see you before I left.' 'Thanks.' I'll be back in a few days, look after yourself.' 'K.' 'Never mind "K"ing me, I want you' 'Promise.' 'Exactly like that. Have you got everything?' Rio looked over. 'Pa… per' 'Pen and Paper?'

She nodded. 'I'll sort that out for you in a minute. You've got Jade and everyone else looking after you, Phil's coming here tomorrow to see you. Do you need more pillows?' 'No.' 'Ok then. When you get outta here, we're going on the mother of all shopping trips. Alright?' Rio smiled, and the girls hugged. After sorting out Rio's request, Blair left for the airport.

As she was driven there by Phil, she phoned Alex. 'Hello?' 'Hi Al, it's Blair. I got your letter, I'm going to be flying out in around 20 minutes. So I should arrive in the middle of the night and be there in the morning.' 'Thanks. Sorry, I know it's all' 'I understand. Just thought I should keep you up to date. We can discuss things tomorrow.'

'How's your friend doing?' 'Seems to be improving. Can't shake this feeling though that she's keeping something from me.' 'I'm sure everything's alright. You know what you're like – you're too much of a worrier at times. You overthink everything.'

'I know. Where's America?' 'Nowhere to be seen, what were you expecting?' 'Hope everyone's going to be ok with me.' 'Spoke to Chris, you know,' 'Father's chief advisor.' 'Yeah, apparently they've talked, and John has promised to be welcoming. Just don't mention work or duelling in front of him please.'

'Got it. Anything else to avoid?' 'Not really. Just be careful when you get off of the plane.' 'I've already got a place booked near the airport for tonight.' 'Ok, I'll charter a taxi for you from the airport at 10am in the morning.' 'Any chance you could make it half 9? I haven't been sleeping too well and I want to get back as soon as I can.'

'I completely get it. I'll book it for half 9 then, for outside the airport. I'll give the driver your description as well, because it'll probably be mad busy like usual there.' 'Thanks Al.' 'You just get here safely kiddo. As I say, we can talk when you're here. Safe flight and see you on the other side. Not like that or anything' 'Yeah I know what you meant. Love you bye.' 'Love you too kiddo. Stay beautiful.'

As Blair came off the phone, Phil stopped. 'We're here. Have you got everything?' 'That I can have.' 'Just keep me updated on your journey.' 'Will do thanks. Are you sure you'll be ok without me?' 'Blair, you've looked after me and Rio brilliantly. But you're needed there. Remember my advice.'

'What – don't skip breakfast if you're hungover? Don't see the relevance' 'No not that piece of advice. What I'm trying to say is… make sure you're looking after you. You're eating and drinking enough, take care of hygiene.' 'Thanks cuz. Catch you in a few.' Blair then jumped out the car, grabbed her overnight bag, and after talking to Jack briefly, boarded the plane. 'Good luck Blair.' Blair took off for Michigan, not knowing that Rio was about to take her destiny into her own hands.

The next morning, 7:20am

Jade was sat next to Rio, when she briefly woke up. 'Jade' 'What is it?' 'Water.' 'Sure.' 'Not the tap' 'Agreed, that stuff's horrible.' As Jade left to get Rio's drink, she looked over, and saw some items on the table by her bed: a scalpel, the pen and paper, a near-empty water bottle, a tub with three sleeping pills in, and a box of tissues.

Rio reached over, and while trembling and crying, scribbled a hastily-written note on the paper. As she finished the note, and the tears splashed off of the paper, she placed the note on the table. She swallowed the pills,, before washing the sleeping pills down with the remainder of the water. Finally, Rio made the sign of the cross. 'Mother, Father, I'm coming.' She then took the scalpel, before using the last of her strength to slash horizontally across her stomach. She then closed her eyes and lay back, everything fading all around her as she bled out.

In the entrance

Jade was just coming out of the small shop with two bottles of water and a chocolate bar, when Maddy ran into her, along with Freja and Kris. 'Hey guys, you're here early.' 'There's a club meeting later but I wanted to get an update on Rio first. Also, I've brought a mag for Jodi because she's bored outta her skin in this place.'

'Well I'm just going to take these back to Rio.' Maddy looked dubious. 'Including the chocolate?' Jade blushed, before putting the entire bar in her mouth. 'What? Caring makes you hungry! I can't help needing something to eat.' 'I'm saying nothing. Blair contacted you yet?' 'Yeah, she gave me a wake-up call at 5:30 this morning. Now I think about it, did I put any underwear on?' 'TMI Jade, TMI.'

As Jade walked into the hospital ward first, she immediately saw the blood. 'Oh my god Rio's bleeding!' They then all ran over, seeing the damage. Immediately and instinctively, Kris grabbed the box of tissues. 'Freja, get a doctor in here!' 'Got it!' As Freja ran off, Kris tried to plug the wound using the tissues.

As the tissues touched the blood, they simply fell apart due to the volume. 'What do we do now?' Maddy then put her hands on the top of her head. 'Let me think.' After about 30 seconds of deliberation, she had a brainwave. 'Of course!' Maddy then took her beloved headband off, and cut it in half with a pair of scissors. 'Kris, can you lift her up slightly?'

As Kris heaved her body up, Maddy stretched the two sides of the headband around Rio's wound, before attaching them with two small hair pins, plugging the bleeding. Maddy then stepped back, and prayed.

Nearly 5 minutes later, Freja came back with a legion of medical personnel. 'What's happened here?' 'Found her bleeding when we came in.' The lead doctor then peeked under the wound. 'We're ok, it's not a deep laceration. Nurse Tyler, I need the stitching kit, as well as medical glue. I also need 30mg of Heparin quick as you can please .'

While they sewed Rio up, Jade found the note. 'Guys, look what I've found here.' Jade then read the note out loud. "Who it may concern. If you are reading this, it's too late for me. Please know this was not personal choice, but how things must be. The state I am in I will be nothing more than a weapon to be used against you. I would rather be dead than become a liability. Please tell Blair I had a cardiak arrest. I did not suffer, I slept. Visiting mother and father. Love you. Signed, R.K."

'Why would she do something like that?' Kris then had an idea. 'Before we got back from Norway, we were talking about our motivations. Rio said that she joined because she wanted to prove to herself that she was more than just an obstacle. Rio wants to be known for what she's done and not for her brother.'

'And she doesn't think she can be anymore.' The lead doctor then came over to them. 'Which one of you wrapped the fabric around her?' Maddy eventually raised her hand. 'That was some excellent thinking.'

'So she'll be ok?' 'The blood loss isn't nearly enough to kill her. But it might have been, if she had waited until we got here. Your thinking was exemplary in that situation and you should be proud.' Maddy then retreated back into her shell. 'Yeah, it's ok. Gotta go, there's a club meeting later.' 'You going to mention this?' 'Fuck no. Poor girl's got enough ahead of her without that.'

Two hours later

Rio woke up, and seemed shocked that Freja was waiting by her bedside. 'Wh… what am I doing here?' 'Do you remember being shot?' 'Kinda, not really. Real hazy.' 'You got shot by James Birchall.' 'How long have I been here?' 'About 10 days.' 'What happened?'

'After you got shot, you were taken here. And then this morning you tried to top yourself.' 'Pardon?' 'You know, commit suicide.' This freaked Rio out. 'I what?' 'You tried to commit suicide. Slashed yourself across the stomach with a… a… sharp cutty hospital thingy.'

This made Rio giggle. Freja then passed her the note. 'I… really wrote this, didn't I? I have to make up for this.' Rio then got out of her hospital bed, wearing nothing but the hospital gown, and immediately collapsed clutching at her knee. 'What… what… wh' She then started pounding the floor in frustration, as Phil walked in, and plucked her up from the ground, placing her back on the bed.

'Freja, a little bit of tact wouldn't be amiss in this situation.' 'Don't get ya.' 'You know what, never mind.' 'Do you know about Blair?' 'Yes, she swung by the house to get a few extra things and to explain the situation. Freja. Freja. FREJA!'

The younger twin turned around with a lollipop in her mouth. 'What?' 'Lydia wants to talk to you. Has a proposal apparently.' 'Well that's never good. When she says that she usually wants me to tidy our room. 'Spose I had better face the music then.' She then skipped off in Freja's unmistakeable way.

'I love Freja but god she gives me a headache at times.' Rio then looked over. 'Did I… really' 'What Freja said is the first I heard about it. I would have been here sooner but I got stuck in rush-hour traffic.'

'W… wha… t's happening to me? I… I..' Phil then put his hand on her head. 'You're burning up.' He then stood up. 'Can I have a doctor in here please?' Someone then came rushing in. 'Her temperature's very high when I touch her head, she's having problems speaking, and she can't stand.'

After the doctors had cooled Rio's body temperature, the lead doctor got a hold of Rio's medical notes, and came back to the bedside. 'Right, you are a Mr.' 'Robinson. I'm Rio's friend and landlord.' 'Could I have a word with you one moment?' He then looked at Rio. 'Are you ok if I go for a moment? I'll be right back.' She nodded.

'Right, what did you want to talk to me about?' 'I have been looking at Rio's medical records, and it appears that when she was shot, one of the bullets entered through the back of her head at an angle, and lodged in what we call Broca's Area. Are you at all familiar with Broca?'

'Vaguely, it's a while since I did Biology.' 'The Broca is where the formation and production of speech is controlled. The bullet has lodged in there. We don't know how much damage has been done however. Are you aware that Ms. Blair Flannigan rejected the patient's surgery?'

Phil was stunned at this. 'I can't believe Blair had to go through all that by herself. So is that what's causing the speech issues?' 'Yes it is. The severity and the longevity of the issue, we cannot predict.' 'Is there anything we can do for her?'

'Once she has recovered some more, then we can work on some form of speech therapy.' 'What are the success rates?' 'For this form of therapy, success rates are all about perception. It largely depends on what is defined as a success. But for the 4 years we have offered it here, 100% of patients have shown some form of speech recovery within 12 weeks.'

'That sounds promising. What about her other issue.' 'Standing up?' 'Yes.' 'I'm afraid I can't currently answer that. While she has been here, her muscles have been relatively immobile. If it is that, then she should begin walking again within 48 hours of trying.' 'And if not?' 'We will do an X-Ray to see if we can identify any fractures.'

'What can you tell me though – will she start walking, is she going to be stuck in a wheelchair' 'Mr. Robinson, please understand that it is too early to give you an accurate answer.' Maddy then walked past, and noticed the doctor.

'Excuse me, where can I lodge a complaint?' 'What would you like to lodge a complaint about?' 'Let's see – how about a doctor leaving a scalpel where a depressed and recently awoken patient can easily reach it so she can cut herself open and try to kill herself?'

'I'm sorry, I wasn't aware that was what happened.' 'So, where do I complain?' 'You can lodge a complaint at reception, and they will find out the name of the relevant member of staff, and pass it on to the hospital board.'

Phil and Maddy then returned to Rio's bedside, where she slept. 'You shouldn't have heard that.' 'I was aware already. Freja was talking about it when I got here. So she' 'Yep. Sliced right across. Luckily we got doctors here quick enough. How is she?'

'Not in a good way. She can't even stand up without falling immediately. They're going to do an X-Ray in a little while for her, see if there's any fracture.' 'Hopefully nothing serious.' 'Hopefully. How are you holding up?' 'I'm fine. Listen, I need to get going,' 'Club meeting?' 'Yeah. Look after Rio and I'll be back a bit later.'

Sean then looked round the door. 'Hey Maddy, Jodi's just been released, so if you want a lift back, I can take you both.' 'Thanks Sean. Laters Dad.' 'See you later kid.' After Maddy left, Phil held Rio's hand. 'I promise, when you get out of here, you can have whatever you need to make you feel better.'

On the other ward, Jodi was being discharged, and being very impatient over it. 'Hurry up please! I can't stand being in here!' 'We are just filling in these forms, then you can go. Ok?' 'Ok fine. How long is it going to take though?' 'Oh just a couple more minutes. Just detailing the treatment you've had and the date and time you were released. Now we'd like to make an appointment with you just for a quick check-up for three weeks' time.'

'Anything serious?' 'No, we just want to see how you're getting on and if there's any migraines or issues with your right eye. If there is, we may have to look at doing another scan, just to rule out any other issues. But mostly it's just to make sure everything's progressing smoothly.'

'Thanks Doc. Can I go now?' 'Just need you to sign here to confirm all the details.' As Jodi signed, Maddy came up behind her. 'Hey Jodi.' 'Do you have to sneak up behind me?' 'Sorry, just wanted to let you know that Sean's giving me a lift to the base.' 'Great.' 'Now there's a meeting when we get back. Do you want to attend, or is it a bit soon?'

'I'll happily attend as long as you don't make a big deal about me being there.' 'I won't do that, they can see you're there.' After Jodi signed herself out, the girls left the hospital with Sean backing them up.

As they drove, Sean got chance to talk to a surprisingly quiet Maddy. 'You sure you're alright?' 'Me? Yeah I'm fine.' 'Come on, I'm used to you talking my socks off. Where's the Maddy I know?' 'The Maddy you claim to know has changed.'

'That might pass for idiots like Rhydian, but it doesn't pass for me.' 'Just… stop Sean. Please just stop.' 'Something's not right and I'm not going to stop pressing you.' 'Why?' 'Because even the boss needs someone to talk to.'

'I'm just exhausted. Mentally. I've got Dad to look after, I've got Rio who needs support, the club needs to be run, I've got Akiza breathing down my neck, Tee and Lukas stalking me and causing trouble, Claude's coming back soon, our most reliable club member in Michigan, and nobody else is talking.'

'I guess that your job is to make them listen then.' 'I can't repair everyone' 'Don't need to.' Jodi then leant over. 'All you have to do is tell them what to do. Tell them what to do and they'll follow. As for the ones they don't, that's what hypnotising is for.'

'Thanks Jodi, but I don't want to resort to hypnosis.' 'Listen, by all means find your way to lead. I'm just making suggestions here. I appreciate your advice though.' 'Yeah, no problem.' Sean then received a call on his car's intercom.

'Hey Phil.' 'What's up Sean?' 'Just turning onto Derbyshire Road now, going to be at the base in about 5 minutes.' 'Traffic eased then?' 'Yeah, wasn't too bad. I thought it'd be heavier than this.' 'I was actually calling to ask if you fancied a couple of cold ones tonight?'

'Sure man, got no jobs on till half 11 tomorrow. What time you thinking?' 'How about 7? Turn up in time for the match.' 'Take your mind off of stuff.' 'Yeah, something along those lines.' 'I'll see you there dude.' 'I'll let you go then. See you later.' 'Sure man.'

As they pulled up, Jodi got straight out of the car, leaving Maddy and Sean to talk privately. 'Thanks for what you said.' 'No problem. I'm someone you can talk to, you know that.' Maddy then put her hand on Sean's. 'You're a good girl Maddy. Here's my phone number if you need it at any time.' 'Thanks.'

In the base

There was a stir as Jodi walked in, with everyone making more of a fuss than she would have liked. Fortunately for her, the alarm went off for the meeting before she could be crowded too badly. As everyone lined up, Maddy put her hair up and walked out in front of everyone.

'Thanks for coming to this meeting, I know it was at short notice. Firstly, I know that it's' A shout then came from the back. 'Just get on with it!' 'Thanks Lukas.' Everyone then started talking amongst themselves.

'Quiet.' 'Maddy' 'What Lydia?' 'Have you looked at the front of the podium?' Maddy then went around the front, and carved in the front was "Maddy the useless, only here through Nepotism. Didn't earn a thing."

This clearly got under Maddy's skin. As she took a deep breath, and started talking again, an unknown voice from the back shouted 'Nepotism!' As everyone started laughing, Maddy finally broke.

'Everyone, SHUT UP! I've had it up to here with all the disrespect. I think I deserve just a little bit of respect. I know I'm not Hannah, but I'm trying my best. You want to know how much I care? I saved a girl's life earlier – she made a mistake and thought there was nothing to live for. That's what I'm doing here – I want to give you all something to live for! And I'm working my arse off, only to get constant disrespect and questions about whether I should be president. And yeah, I was "chosen", just like we were all chosen. We're all the chosen ones. And it's my job to make us achieve. So I'm your president, I will lead us to success, we achieve our goals, and all I'm asking for is a little bit of respect!'

At this outburst, everyone (excluding Lukas) started applauding Maddy's speech. She then took a deep breath, and continued. 'Back to business. I am sure you would like an update on Rio's condition. As you are probably aware, Rio woke from her coma two days ago. She is still weak, and she has lasting damage potentially, but she is improving.'

'On the subject of Rio, she is able to start receiving visitors. Jodi is going to set up a visitors book, and anyone who wants to visit Rio, just name a slot. We don't want to crowd her too much so there's a maximum of three visitors at a time.'

'Now I want to make one more announcement. Because a question asked to me recently made me think: What do the Renegades stand for? To me, the Renegades are a band of crusaders. We all have skills, we all have differences. Our job is to stand up to those who can't respect our differences. Who try to persecute us for being different, for being "special", for being us. So this is your one get out of jail free card: If you do not believe in this ideology, if you do not want to fight for our cause, leave now and don't come back. You have 2 minutes to decide.'

As the two minutes passed, nobody had departed. 'Good, I'm glad to see you're all onboard. If you want to send Rio any more good wishes, the book will still be open until 12pm tomorrow, and I'll take it down to Rio then. Any questions? Kris.'

'Where's Blair? Not seen her in a couple of days.' 'Ah yes, something else I meant to mention. Blair is on compassionate leave at the moment, as she has an ill relative in Michigan.' 'How long is the leave for?'

'It is indefinite at the moment. I have spoken to her, and she has promised to contact me when she is returning to England. But until then, she is off for the foreseeable future. Tee.' 'Does that mean we can all have time off?'

'If you come to me and explain the situation you want time off for, I'll assess it on a case-by-case basis. Blair explained her situation to me, and I agreed to give her time off. Everyone here has the same rights. If you have an issue you need to deal with, I will deal with it with an equal amount of compassion. If you step out of line, I'll punish you with an equal scale. Freja.'

'Like, how do we know if we stepped out of line?' 'You mean like rules, right?' 'Yeah.' 'I am working on an official rulebook. It won't be ready for a while, but it is a priority for me. Until then, it's common sense – don't try to undermine my authority, don't bring drugs here, don't start fights, and don't break the law.'

'Now the room on the balcony on the far right is going to be the new accounts room. Nobody is allowed in there other than me and Jodi unless one of us says otherwise. The door to the room will be password protected, so if you need to get in there, you need one of us to let you in. I know the empty rooms have been used for storage, but you have 24 hours to move everything. If you don't, it will be confiscated and sold for the club. Is there any questions?'

As nobody had more questions, Maddy wrapped the meeting up. 'I know this has been a long meeting, but I had a lot to address. Thanks for listening to me. If you fancy visiting Rio or writing a message to her, speak to Jodi in Conference Room 3.'

As Maddy returned to her office, she found a mysterious letter lain on her desk. As she carefully eased the letter out of the envelope, and opened up the neatly folded paper, she read through the letter, and gradually, a smile came across her face. The letter was folded up neatly again, and placed back in it's paper prison, before filing it away.

The next morning, Detroit Metro Airport, Michigan

Blair walked out of the terminal, and let the air pass her for a second. 'Never thought I'd be coming back here again.' She then received a text message from Phil. "Look at your bank?" 'Why's he telling me to look at my bank?' She then put the bank card with supposedly nothing on it, and loaded up her balance.

To Blair's surprise, the apparently empty account had $1000 for the balance. She then received another text, making her smile and her eyes water. "Told you I'd look after you. Be safe, stand up for yourself, Rio's waiting for you when you get back xxxxx".

Blair then found the taxi that Alex had laid on for her. 'Blair Flannigan?' 'That's me.' Blair then showed her passport. 'Where to then?' Blair looked back at the airport for a moment, before confirming. '287 Plainsmoor Grove, Shelby.'

Next time: Unexplainable events unnerve Birchall, Astrid makes her allegiance known, and Blair says a tearful goodbye in Renegades: A New Dawn Chapter V: Reclamation