Will was well enough to attend my birthday party at my parents' home. The snow had melted and the small buds were on the trees. Camilla and Georgina had agreed to come with us and Mum had spent the day cleaning the whole house. Dad had made a ramp for Will's wheelchair and he had put up the card table and folding chairs in the living room.

The van pulled up behind Camilla's car as we got out and Nathan helped get Will out of the van. I noticed the neighbors watching us from their lawns or porches and some of them even waved. I waved back and our neighbor's dog, Ollie, ran to the wheelchair. Ollie adored Will, but this was the first time Will had been to my old neighborhood since the accident. Will watched the dog sniff the wheelchair then the dog placed its head on Will's knee. I helped move Will's right hand to pat the dog's head and the dog made a little bark.

"Nice to see you, too, Ollie," Will said with a grin. Ollie's owner made a little whistle and Ollie ran off. Nathan used hand sanitizer to clean Will's hands and we headed for the front gate. Dad opened the gate as we headed down the front walk and Will looked at the ramp leading up to the front door. "Looks good."

"Glad you like it," Dad said with a grin. We headed down the front walk as the neighbors went back to what they were doing and Mum opened the front door.

"Welcome," she said as she looked at Camilla and Georgina and Camilla nodded. Mum stood back so Will could use the ramp and we went inside. She closed the door and Camilla looked around the front hall with her eyes. She seemed pleased and Mum took everyone's coats. Dad went to take the coats upstairs and we went in the living room. "Please. Sit."

"I already am," Will teased and Mum nervously laughed. We went to sit on the couches and the chairs around the card table and Mum left the room. Granddad, who was sitting in his recliner, nodded his head at them and I went over to give him a hug.

"Happy," Granddad said and I knew what he meant.

"Thanks," I said and I kissed his cheek.

"Tea's ready," Mum said while she carried a breakfast tray with teacups on it and she placed the breakfast tray on the card table. She served the tea then she stood next to the couch and Nathan helped Will drink some juice from the cup in the holder on his wheelchair.

"Where are Treena and Tommy?" I asked.

"They're at the store. They'll be home soon," Mum said then she picked up the magazines off the coffee table. "I am so proud of you, Lou."

"Mum…"

"No. All of these interviews? They have nothing, but good things to say about you."

"She is something special," Camilla said as she looked at me.

"I always knew she'd make it big," Will said and I slid my arms around his shoulders. He gave me a sweet look and I leaned my head against his.

"Looks like we have two girls to be proud of," Dad said and I frowned.

"What are you talking about?" I asked with a confused look.

"Oh. I think we should wait until Treena comes home," Mum said then she lightly swatted Dad's right arm. Will and I glanced at each other when the front door opened and I heard footsteps.

"We're back!" Treena called out and Tommy ran down the hallway then into the living room.

"Happy birthday, Auntie Lou!" Tommy said as he ran to me and we hugged. I couldn't believe he was turning five. He smiled up at me then he turned to Will. "Hi, Uncle Will!"

"Hey," Will said and Tommy went over to hug him.

"Tom-tom! Pway trucks! Pwease?!" Stevie asked as he pointed to the toy box in the corner.

"Ok," Tommy said and he went to get out some of the toy trucks.

"I do apologize for my husband not being here. He had to work," Camilla said to Mum and Mum seemed to understand what she wasn't saying.

"That's fine," Mum said with a nod then she and Treena went to put the groceries away. I went to help as I stood near the kitchen table and Mum sighed. "That poor woman."

"I still can't believe Will's dad wanted him to go to that place," Treena said as she went to check on the roast.

"How did you find out?" I asked.

"Mum told me."

"What sort of man would want his own child to die? I don't understand it," Mum said.

"I don't get it either," I said while placing a box of Tommy's favorite cereal in the pantry.

"Speaking of Will. Is he ok? He looks a little tired," Treena said.

"That's because of his nightmares."

"Nightmares?" Mum asked.

"About his accident."

"Oh. That's right. His accident was the nineteenth."

"I forgot about that," Treena said.

"But he can't. The poor darling is reminded of it every day."

"Which is why he enjoys things like this. It takes his mind off of it," I said and Mum walked over to give me a small hug.

"Then we better make sure this is a happy day. Not just for you, but for him," Mum said and I smiled.

"I think him having some of your roast potatoes will do the trick."

I walked out of the kitchen then down the hallway and I stopped to look at the framed family photos. I looked at the photos of Will standing next to me, smiling and holding onto me, and I smiled. The sound of someone knocking on the front door made me turn and Dad walked out into the hallway.

"Are you expecting anyone?" I asked him.

"No," Dad said and I walked to the door. I opened the door to see Patrick standing on the top of the ramp and he smiled at me.

"Hey, Lou," Patrick said and I slammed the door in his face.

"Louisa," came from behind me and I turned to see Will in the hallway. His eyes were dark. He looked at me then at the front door. "Open the door."

He was almost growling. I watched him back the wheelchair down the hallway, but he didn't take his eyes off the front door. I opened the front door. A loud, almost primal sounding, roar came from behind me and I turned to see the wheelchair zooming down the hallway. I got out of the way as the wheelchair soared at Patrick and Patrick's eyes widened.

"Shit!" Patrick shouted as he ran, almost hopping off the top of the ramp, and Will steered the wheelchair down the ramp. I knew Will could make the wheelchair go fast if he held the joystick in the up position, but I didn't know the wheelchair could go that fast.

"Go get him, Will!" Dad shouted.

"Dad!" I gasped and I ran to catch up with Will. Patrick stopped at the end of the front walk as he placed his hands on his knees and Will brought the wheelchair to a stop. The neighbors were watching. Ollie was barking and the dog hopped against the fence. I walked to the wheelchair as I knelt down next to the wheelchair and Will glared at Patrick. "Are you ok?"

"No! I…am…not…fucking…ok!" Patrick said between gasps.

"I was talking to him," I said and Will turned his head to look at me.

"I'm fine," Will said. I had placed my fingers against his right wrist and his pulse thumped hard against my fingers. It wasn't too fast or skipping and I moved my hand to hold onto his right hand. He turned his head to look at Patrick and Will snorted a breath of air. "I am only going to say this once. Leave!"

"Not until I talk to Lou," Patrick said and Will flicked the joystick to make the wheelchair move closer after I let go of his hand. Patrick backed up and Will arched an eyebrow.

"You heard the man, Asshole! Leave!" one of our neighbors said.

"I'm calling the cops," another neighbor said and she went in her house.

"Get him, Will!" Ollie's owner shouted and laughter echoed around us.

"William John Traynor! Get your ass in this house right now! Dinner's ready!" Mum called out and I saw a smile on Will's face.

"Ok, Mum!" Will called out and I backed up so he could turn the wheelchair around. I smiled at him while we headed up the front walk then I saw Nathan walking toward us. That's when I heard it. The sound of quick footsteps behind me.

"Will! Lou! Move!" Nathan shouted and I dodged to my left. I was shocked to see Will steer the wheelchair right into the lawn and Nathan rugby tackled Patrick onto the grass to my right. They fought in the grass while I ran to Will and he was trying to get the wheelchair to back up.

"Here now! What's all this then?!" came from the gate as I looked at the two PCs and one of them had his hands on his hips. The female PC walked to me and Will and she knelt down next to the wheelchair.

"That was quick," Will said to her.

"Lucky for you my partner was giving me a ride home. I live just two doors down," she said.

"Kensey?!" I said with wide eyes after I had recognized her and she smiled.

"Hey, Lou," Kensey Riggs said as she stood up.

"I thought you moved to Manchester."

"I did. Transferred back here shortly after my divorce last month. Been living with my folks until I find a place."

"Wait. I know you, don't I? Weren't you in our wedding?" Will asked.

"Yep. I was one of her bridesmaids," she said with a nod then she looked at her partner. "That's my partner. PC Alan Mason."

"Need help over there, Kenny?" PC Mason asked.

"Yeah. Looks like he's really stuck," she said as she looked at the wheelchair.

"Guess I zigged when I should have zagged," Will said and Kensey laughed.

"Let me read this asshole his rights then I'll come over and help," PC Manson said as Nathan walked to us and he looked at the wheelchair.

"You good, Will?" Nathan asked.

"It appears I'm stuck," Will said and we saw the blood spreading over the knees of Nathan's jeans, the holes in his jeans, the blood on the right corner of his mouth and the scrapes on his arms. "You're a mess."

"Not the first time. Used to play rugby in school," he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Then let's get you cleaned up," Mum said while walking closer.

"Can it wait until I get Will unstuck?" Nathan asked and she nodded then she looked at the neighbors.

"Right. Nothing more to see here."

The neighbors went back to what they were doing and PC Mason lifted Patrick off the ground. Patrick had handcuffs on his wrists and his face was bloody. PC Mason led him to the squad car, opened the door and he helped Patrick into the back. PC Mason closed the door, made sure the doors were locked then he walked to the wheelchair.

"Ready, Mate?" Alan asked and Will barely nodded his head. We watched as he carefully slid his arms around Will then he slowly lifted Will up. He moved to one side with Will in his arms and Kensey and Nathan moved the wheelchair onto the front walk. Ollie's owner ran over to help move Will to the wheelchair and they carefully placed Will on the seat. Nathan told them how to move Will so he was comfortable and Ollie's owner lightly patted Will's right shoulder.

"Thank you," Will said and Ollie's owner went across the street.

"You sure everything's ok?" Alan asked and Will barely nodded.

"We're going to need statements," Kensey said.

"Come on in and we'll do that while we're having dinner," Mum said.

"You do it, Kenny. I had a large lunch," Alan said and he walked to the squad car. We watched him get in the car while Dad walked closer and Dad folded his arms over his chest.

"Well, that's one way to celebrate your birthday," Dad teased. We went down the front walk to the house and I lightly carded the back of Will's head.

Granta House

The room was quiet while I rested next to Will and he was lying on his back. After Kensey had taken our statements, and she and PC Mason left, Mum insisted we went on with my birthday celebration. I admit she was right. I wasn't going to allow Patrick to ruin my birthday.

"Are you alright, Clark?" Will suddenly asked.

"Yes. I'm fine. Why do you ask?" I asked and he turned his head to look at me.

"You didn't say much on the way home."

"I guess I was trying to figure out what Patrick had to tell me."

"Does it matter?"

"I really don't know. I just keep thinking is all I do is ruin his life."

"He's ruining his own life."

"I guess," I said with a sigh.

"I liked that memory book your mother made," he said as he changed the subject.

"Me, too."

"I didn't even mind seeing all those photos of me before… Before this happened."

"There are some blank pages at the back. Want to help me pick out some photos to fill them?"

"Sure."

We became quiet while I moved my fingers over his collar bones and he sighed.

"I was right. Your mother's roasted potatoes are the best," he said.

"She did have to tap your fingers with the serving spoon when you wanted a third helping," I teased.

"I was hungry from chasing Patrick with my wheelchair."

"I never knew it could go that fast."

"Neither did I."

"Guess Patrick didn't know about your Christy Brown impression. Even I was surprised when you screamed like that."

"No one messes with my lady and gets away with it."

I kissed his cheek and he smiled.

"You know what my favorite gift was, right?" I asked.

"Would it be those black and yellow stripe tights I gave you?"

"I still can't believe you had them made."

"Why not? You loved them when you were little and I wanted to replace them," he said then he frowned. "You're still not wearing them, are you?"

"Maybe," I said and he softly laughed.

"I know I don't say it enough, but I do love you, Clark."

"I love you, too."

I reached under the blankets to take hold of his right hand and I wrapped our fingers together. His fingers twitched and his thumb brushed against my finger.

"Um…," he said and I saw the embarrassed look on his face.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I need to… Um… I guess I shouldn't have had that second helping of roasted potatoes."

His cheeks were a little pink and I tried hard not to laugh as I moved the bedding back.

"I'll go get Nathan," I said as I got out of bed, headed for the door and I snickered while walking down the hallway.

"I heard that, Clark!" came from the master bedroom and I smiled.

Stortfold

Kensey and PC Manson met us at the police station as Nathan helped Will out of the car and we headed for the ramp. We went inside the police station while Kensey led the way and we headed for the visitation room. The guard at the door glanced at Will then he walked closer.

"Sorry. But I need to search you," the guard said. I stood still while the guard searched me, looked through my purse and he gave me a puzzled look. "Uh… Are you Louisa Traynor?"

"Yes, I am. Why?" I asked.

"My wife has read all your interviews. She said she'd love to decorate our living room like yours."

"Really?!"

"Yeah. But we live in a small flat and I don't think we'd be able to put up a window like the one in your house."

I smiled then he moved to search Will. He was careful around Will's arms and legs then he looked in the basket at the back of the wheelchair.

"That is one cool wheelchair," he said with a grin.

"You should see how fast it can go," Will said.

"From what I've heard? It's really fast. You did chase that asshole down, right?"

"Yep."

"Damn."

The guard opened the door as we went inside the room and I looked at the visitation tables lined up in a row of six. There was shatterproof glass at the center of the tables and each table was walled off on either side. A door was at the back of the room and a guard stood next to the door. Kensey walked to the middle table and she pushed the button to the intercom.

"Send in the prisoner," she said then she let go of the button. Will and I headed for the middle table as I sat down on the chair and he parked the wheelchair next to me. The guard opened the door and another guard led Patrick in the room. Patrick was wearing an orange jumpsuit and white sneakers without laces. His face was bruised and he was wearing handcuffs. He didn't look at me. He looked down at his feet. The guard nearly pushed him down onto the chair and Patrick sighed. Patrick picked up the white phone receiver and I picked up the black phone receiver.

"Hey, Lou," Patrick said.

"Pat," I said with a nod.

"What is he doing here?" he asked as he glared at Will.

"He wanted to come," I said as I looked at Will then I looked back at Patrick. "You said you wanted to talk to me. Go ahead."

"All business," Will whispered and I reached over with my left hand to rub the fingers of his right hand.

"I want to talk about what happened back at the track," Patrick said.

"When you punched me in the face after I broke up with you," I said.

"He punched you in the face?!" Alan asked as he glared at Patrick.

"I remember you telling me about that," Kensey said with an angry look on her face. "Still don't know what you didn't pressed charges."

"I didn't want him to lose his job," I said and Patrick rolled his eyes.

"I did get sacked. Turns out there was a rumor going around that I beat women," Patrick said as he glared at Will.

"What did he say?" Will asked.

"He said he did get sacked and there was a rumor going around about him beating women," I explained and Will frowned.

"Wasn't me."

"Did you hear that!? It wasn't him," I told Patrick and Patrick frowned. I thought for a few seconds when I remembered something and I blinked my eyes a few times. "Maybe it was your girlfriend. The one you gave my grandmother's ring to. She was there."

"Why would she do that?" Patrick asked.

"Well, you did make her the other woman in our relationship."

"And there is nothing more dangerous than a woman scorned," Will said.

"Even if it was her… I had to leave town. Had a hard time finding a job. Even some of my running friends didn't want anything to do with me," Patrick said.

"You're blaming that on me?!" I asked.

"No. I knew I fucked up. I did find a job working at a meat packing plant. That's where I met Ruthie. We hit it off, but… But I couldn't forget you. I really wanted to make things right. I wrote you really long texts, but I'd delete them."

"Why did you come back here?"

"Ruthie and I got transferred to a plant here in town. It wasn't easy. People would stare. Whisper. Mum told me they would ask her why I was back. Things seemed to settle down then I saw you at the store. I know I should have left you alone, but I needed to make things right."

"But I didn't want to talk to you."

"I know that. But I thought you'd be happy to see me after all this time."

"I wasn't. And I thought you'd get the hint when I was trying to get away from you."

"Instead, he grabs at you and you ran out of the store. It was a good thing you're an excellent driver. You could have had an accident," Will said as he glanced down at the wheelchair.

"He's right. You scared the crap out of me. What would you have done if you found out I had an accident…or was killed after I wrecked the car?" I asked Patrick, but he just looked down at the top of the table. "What about that text you sent me at Christmas? Why did you do that?"

"I wanted to talk," Patrick said.

"You nearly ruined Christmas! I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without someone being with me!" I shouted and the anger I felt bubbled in my chest.

"Why!? Did your family really think I would show up and do something?!" he shouted back and the guard leaned on the back of the chair.

"Calm down or this conversation is over," the guard warned then he stood up.

"What about my birthday? How did you know I was going to be at my parents' house?" I asked.

"You always spend your birthday there," Patrick said as he looked at Will. "Or you used to."

"What did he say?" Will asked and I told him. "She always went home for her birthday."

"Did you hear that? I did go home for my birthday. Even after I married Will," I said and Patrick rolled his eyes.

"He attacked me," Patrick said and PC Mason and Kensey softly laughed.

"You're pissed off because he chased you like you were a rabbit that he caught in his garden. Bet you even peed yourself." Alan said and I told Patrick what he said.

Patrick glared at him.

"You should have heard me when I screamed before I went after him," Will said as he turned the wheelchair to look at them.

"What did it sound like?" Kensey asked.

"Ever see My Left Foot?"

"One of my wife's favorite movies," Alan said then he grinned. "No. You screamed like whatshisname?"

"Christy Brown? Yes."

"Shit."

"His babysitter beat me up," Patrick said.

"Nathan isn't Will's babysitter. He's is medical caregiver," I said with a small growl.

"I wasn't going to do anything to you!"

"I said calm down," the guard warned and Patrick sighed.

"You know something, Pat? I am so sorry that your obsession with me led to this. I let go of you. Why can't you let go of me? What happened at the track was an accident. I know that. I forgave you for that. I moved on. I didn't need your apology. I just wanted you to have a happy life. That's why I didn't press charges. But you have been stalking me. Making me feel trapped. Scared. I can't allow you to do that anymore. I can't," I said and his eyes widened.

"You really have changed, Lou. You've turned into one of them," he said as he looked at Will.

"No. I grew up."

"So, what are you going to do? Press charges? For what? For me wanting to talk with you? Is that a crime now?"

"I just told you. You were stalking me. Making me feel afraid. Threatened. You should have left me alone."

"Would it help if I said sorry?" he asked with a sad look. A part of me wanted to forgive him. To not press charges. To not ruin his life any further.

"She's not the only one who wants to press charges," Alan said after he had pushed the button on the intercom and I turned to look at him. "We found your former girlfriend. She was willing to talk to us and she had some pretty interesting stories to tell about you."

I looked at Patrick. His face turned a dark red. He suddenly slammed the white phone receiver on the table, stood then he screamed. He pounded his fists on the top of the table and the guard had to restrain him. Kensey led me and Will out of the room and I placed my left hand on top of Will's right hand.

Patrick's trial was in early April. Again, I had to take the witness stand and testify. I didn't look at Patrick. I just answered the questions and told what happened. Will was able to testify when they removed the chair from the witness stand and they had put up a ramp for the wheelchair. Even Nathan testified.

I wasn't sure how all this would affect my career, but Grace assured me things would be fine.

"Not the first time my agency had a little scandal," she told me with a smile.

I did have to do some interviews for the press and I was surprised to see how many people were on my side.

Patrick was found guilty and he was sent to prison for twenty-five years.