[A/N: AND IM BACK. Sorry for leaving you all hanging. I'm making it my goal to finish this story, and update at least once a week. If you're still reading, awesome! Thank you! Helps I'm getting back into Still Wakes The Deep!]

Chapter 10: The Dryer Door

"So… they were happy?"

Suze asked Edward as she nervously fidgeted with her fingers. He came by the kitchen counter with her after hanging his coat. A shrug fell off his shoulders. "Yes, of course, they were. I left. Figured they needed this time with their dad. Blimey, he hadn't aged a day, you know? I mean… from what I remember."

Suze was quiet, left in an anxiety fixing to crawl from her throat. Edward continued, "I'm still in disbelief. Josie's man was there, too. He's a lot older than I thought he was, but Caz looks like the day I met him. It's… kind of strange, innet?"

"Aye…" she sighed, trying to busy herself with the dishes to fix her nerves. Yet, a sadness kept wanting to crawl back. A burning regret she didn't come, too. A reunion that she should have wanted to see. But why couldn't I?

"I'm just happy he's alright," she added in a whisper. Then Edward came and set his hand on her arm. A comfort that suddenly felt alien. A betrayal.

"Suze. This is bothering you; I see it. You… reckon his return is bringing back some… lingered feelings?"

She suddenly whipped from the sink and assured, "No! Absolutely not. Edward, no matter what. Nothing will change how I feel about you. You are my husband."

"I know that. But… it took many years for you to agree for me to be such. Many years to move on. I would assume you're struggling because its completely natural. I mean… none of it is natural but… your husband coming back from the dead after ten years, you can't tell me there's no harboured feelings. I just want to talk about this if you're struggling. Whatever I can do to…"

Suze took his hands then, knowing the insecurities and fear were glaring. "Ed. You are my husband. That won't change. You're right. We are right. I love you."

Edward took her in for an embrace, it was meek, at first. Suze had to be his assurance and hold tighter.


"Three ones! That's a good one, Noelle!" Cait celebrated, "That's a thousand, there, aye?"

"Aye, good roll, lass!" Caz added, gesturing to Trots to write it down on the notepad. Noelle smiled and slid the two dice remaining to Rennick.

"You sure you wanna stay, love? You keep shoehorning me your good rolls," laughed Rennick huskily, sharing one with Roy and Caz, "You're almost caught up to me. Give it a go, you'll be in the lead."

Josie called playfully from the kitchen as she grabbed some beers, "She playing it safe, that's how you get ahead!"

"Make no sense you give a thousand to him, he's winnin'!" Maidie ranted.

Noelle shrugged and teased, "It's just two dice, he'll probably lose it, anyway."

That broke a laugh from Rennick, Caz, Roy, and Trots, the first time the four had one together, all appreciating the time with the kids and putting whatever bad blood to rest. Roy added in a chuckle, "That one is yours', Davey. No question."

Josie came back to spread beers around the table for the older gents, and she took her seat. Not actively playing the game of dice but engaged in the chatter and company. The girls were full of smiles after the tears dried away. There wasn't much time wasted in the disbelief and shock before an activity was put in place by Josie. She was certain it was needed, and relationships to be mended and grown again. For her daughter and Rennick, she was hellbent on growing that bond – even if started from a simple game of dice. The crater of their return needed to be ignored for the time being. Just for the time the kids were there.

Even so, their curiosity couldn't be avoided. Cait asked her father, "So… you lot were just… kidnapped and held hostages all this time?" Noelle and Maidie were intrigued to know, too. Caz always had a knack for saving face, but with his own daughters, he couldn't find himself to utter a reply. He fumbled and hummed for a moment, before Rennick finally piped up.

"Aye, I mean… we canny talk on it, loves, not too much but… it's over now. That's it."

Josie added, "Exactly. These guys got a lot to think about and it's best we don't put a looking glass over it for their sake, right? Give it time… they'll tell us. When they are ready."

"Did they hurt you?" Maidie asked weakly, sharing a worried pout with Noelle.

Roy interjected warmly, "Naw, pet. It's alright. We're fine. Miracles can happen, they happen all the time, you ken that? Sometimes we can't cherry pick His miracles we just… take the miracles as they happen and stay faithful."

"Still a bible-thumper, Uncle?" Cait teased, getting a chuckle from Caz.

"Aye, and a Barnsley fan, and all. Wonder if it's connected?"

Roy shook his scolding finger at Caz, "My faith and my team aren't even cousins, McLeary. I'd wager I start praying for a win, the Barnsley's will get one."

"Not fuckin' likely," scoffed Rennick.

Trots chuckled, "Aye, keep dreamin', mate."

"Now that's faith talk if I've ever heard it," laughed Caz.

"That's what faith is, Caz."

Caz caught Cait and Maidie amusingly smiling at Josie. He caught the end of her eye roll before the girls started to laugh. Josie added, "Sorry. As soon as sports became the hot topic I dozed off."

"What about you, auntie?" Cait pried again, "I mean… this is all radge for us. Canny imagine what it's been for you. You were on that rig, and all. I mean, you knew… this bloke?" She pointed to Trots nervously, who returned a flat smile and nod.

"Jonathan." Josie reminded in a scolding way.

"Right." Cait shrugged to Rennick, "Clearly you ken him."

"Cait, I knew everyone on zat rig, yes. I'm… relieved. Like Roy said, I'm appreciating a miracle as it is, I'm not questioning it. Maybe… you can do the same?"

That birthed some stale silence, the men at the table exchanging a brief glance as the girls had to absolve their curiosity now. Cait would agree with a nod, but she wasn't keen to leave her questions cold indefinitely. Despite the brief and overall easy dynamic of their company, the strangeness of Josie and the others was raising alarms.

"Maybe I can stay the night?" Cait raised with a smile, "Maidie, too. Our rooms are…"

"Occupied. Sorry, mon chérie. But you two can sleep in Noelle's room. I got some sleeping bags if Noelle wants - "

Before Josie could say it, Noelle blurted, "Yes! Yes, please!" She clapped her hands to her chest, beaming an excited smile to Maidie and Cait who grinned right back.

Josie said in amusement, "Right! I'm sure your mum won't mind."

"Naw," smiled Cait as she shared it with Caz, "We got a lot of catching up to do."

"Aye, we do." He replied, patting her back fondly. "God, I missed you girls."

"We missed you too, dad," said Maidie, forgetting her role was up in the moment. Then the phone rang, and Josie promptly stood for it.

"I'll get zat, keep on playing!"

Josie grabbed the phone to Suze on the other end, "Hi! Funny to hear from you, I was just about to ring you. Cait and Maidie were wondering if…"

"Are they coming home soon?"

Josie paused at the question, sneaking a nervous glance back to the laughter at the table. She said quieter, "Uh… zey were actually planning to spend the night."

"Well…" Suze fumbled on the other end, "It's a school night, Jo. No to mention you got company and all."

"Exactly," shrugged Josie, "Zey wanna spend time with dad. Zey can sleep with Noelle, it's fine."

"No, it's not. It's just…" Suze made a grieved sigh, "The girls will be nattering all night as they do, it's just not a good idea, no tonight, Jo. Can you bring em' hame? Please?"

Josie glanced sullenly to the table, more specifically Caz and the girls. Smiles cheek to cheek and a warm reunion that was still fresh. To break it up felt like a betrayal of her moral compass, her principles. Yet, they were not her children. They were Suze's. Her best friend. Even so, she had to counter it. "Suze… they haven't seen him in ten years. Maybe… school isn't the most important sing as of now, right? It's just one night, and tonight is crucial. Why don't you swing by? It's a bit of a party over here. If you don't care for zee noise, we can sneak out back with a bottle of Pinot and shit talk. Let Caz watch the kids, handyman needs to brush up on teenage parenting, anyway."

"Jo…"

"If you want, I can come there? Just me. You probably have a fuck load to rant about, and I'm here for it. But…"

"Jo, they can see him tomorrow. I can send Edward over there if you donny want to, but the girls gotta come hame, alright?"

"Non. No… it's fine, I'll bring them." It wasn't being said, but Josie knew too well the reason for Suze's sternness. Her aversion to coming to her home and joining the reunion. She tried not to let it upset her. "Give us twenty, alright?"

"Thank you, Jo."

Josie hung up, now dreading the dour news she'd have to bring to the table. She came over in the midst of a jest, a hearty laugh shared with all. Even Rennick stifling a chuckle in his throat. She nervously pet down her thighs as he and a few others looked up to her.

Rennick asked, "Cartier? You alright?"

"Oui, sorry…" she regretfully glanced to Maidie and Cait. "Sorry, girls. That was your mum. She wants you back."

Cait's smile left in a blink, "What?"

"Why?" Maidie raised sadly, sharing her dejection with Noelle.

"You got school tomorrow and she wants you home, so you gotta go home."

"That's a loada shite!" Cait hissed petulantly, "Naw, I can stay, though. Right? I'm eighteen, I donny need to do what she says."

Caz interjected then, "Whoa, Cait. Mind your mum. She wants you hame, you go hame."

Cait made a grievous sigh and battled, "Naw, she's crossed she didnae come, now she's taking it out on us. Honestly, she's just mad your back and she did no wait for…"

As Cait battled, Trots, Roy, and Rennick exchanged a nervous glare, almost saying with their eyes that they should give them space. Then Josie stated, "Arrêt! Cait, it's done. Have some respect for your mother and grab your jumper. I'm taking you two home, now. You wanna throw a fit, you can throw one at home with her. We are not getting in za middle, understand?"

Maidie was already giving her father a sullen a hug as Cait burned a glare into Josie, who was stern in her own. Arms crossed and unwavering to Cait's intimidation. Finally, she growled and shot up from the chair, grabbing her coat. Caz sighed, "Cait… it's okay, love."

"I'll come, too, Jo. Put a lid on the night," said Roy as he groaned off his seat, "Goodnight, lads. Efters, Caz."

Caz scooted from the table with his daughters, Roy, and Josie to the walkway, trying to console Cait. With that, Trots meekly observed, "Aye, that puts an end to game night, I reckon."

Noelle tugged on Rennick's coat, and he smiled, "Aye, wee barra?"

"Do you wanna see my Solar System project for school? It's in my room."

Rennick made a soft chuckle in surprise, pleased to already be given a parenting task. He flattered and said, "Would I ever. Let's have a look."


When Cait and Maidie left with Josie, there was a limbo of stagnancy remaining in the home. All except for Rennick, who was kept plenty busy with Noelle. Her trophies, her piano, her toys – anything was show and tell and full of excitement for an hour after their leave. Rennick was certain with the late hour she should be in bed, but he was soaking up every moment. Even though he was droll of the tour, his daughter was a vibrant one. Much like Josie, she was a strong personality. Much like myself. She wasn't shy of confidence nor energy when it came to showing Rennick her world. Ten years of her life missed every moment from here on was making up for lost time. However, eventually Noelle opted for bed on her own – a relief and pleasant surprise for Rennick. She respected her schedule and need for school. She was independent in the routine and ended her night with a hug – the reward. The prize for sticking through Noelle's stories and many showings patiently and engagingly.

By the time Rennick came back out the hallway, he joined Caz and Trots at the table. Trots asked kindly, "How's the bairn?"

"Knackered. Went to bed on her own," sighed Rennick as he pulled out a seat. "A right chatter box, that one."

Trots had a light chuckle, "She's lovely, Davey. Gaun yersel. You two did as fine as you could. As did you, McLeary. Donnae beat yourself up."

"Aye, I know," muttered Caz, letting his eyes set into the table wood as he tapped his beer can. "Suze is a good mum. Always has, always will be. Just… think this is gonnae take time gettin' used to. You know… for all." Caz made a flabbergasted chuckle. A time to reflect on how overwhelming it had all been. "I ken shite on parenting a teen, eh. Feel like I blinked, and they're fully grown. What's the… purpose in me being involved now? I missed the most important parts."

Rennick broke out, "Stop yer greetin', McLeary," he shook his head. "Graduations, weddings, grands - they're all still waitin' for ya. Leastways you got to see them as bubs. Noelle's small but… only a few years she'll be a teenager and all. You donnae see me moaning about it."

"Are those words of encouragement, Davey?" Caz asked in a teasing way, then with Rennick's flexed glare he startled at himself. "Jesus… nae thought I'd use your first name in a sentence. Much less to your face. Reckon we're all just… wayward time-travellers now. Beira's a thing of the past."

"Aye… still not fond of you but… you're still McLeary, that no changin'." Rennick shrugged, making a brief scoff to lighten the mood. For Caz, it was a small, shaky step at a time with Rennick. In a way, he understood the bullheadedness, and even though it was small, he could tell Rennick was at least trying to be amicable.

The front door cried, greeting Josie's footsteps. Her keys jangled as they hung on the wall, and coat and shoes left in the boot closet. She sighed in anguish, "Sacrebleu… you connards still awake."

"Join us," waved Caz lazily, going back to chugging his grief away in a beer can. Josie grabbed a wine bottle but forgone the glass. Instead, plopped beside Trots and Rennick and opened it – drinking straight from the bottle. The three had their own light surprise to her doing so but wouldn't dare comment on it. There was a moment of stale silence. Just the hum of the fridge and echoes of a large home. Faint breath from all four at the table.

Then Josie raised firmly, "Alright. No more government agents. No more kids. Just us. Now I'd like to know how you three – how all of you – are back. Spare me zee runaround, you're drinking my beer and staying in my home. I'm owed the truth."

"We honestly have nae idea, Jo." Caz replied, leaning into his seat. "I woke up that morn… had breakfast. Got called up to Rennick's office bright and early, no time for anything else."

"Ya took your sweet time gettin' there, though. Didn't ya?" Rennick drolly added.

Caz continued, anyway, "Got fired, as he can attest to it. I was on me way to the bird when all these choppers came down on us. Military. That was… two weeks ago now. Time after spent sitting in a government chicken coop with our thumbs up our arse. That's it."

"So… what? That doesn't explain where you all have been."

"We figured it was 1975," said Trots. "December 26th. You just had your accident a couple weeks ago, Josie. So, we thought. It was if… we blinked, and ten years had gone by. Still cannae ken this as real. The more I sit and think… the more I feel changed. I cannae explain how or what, I just know I'm different. Something in my core that has shifted and it's not just physical it's… every part of me."

"Me too," added Caz. "I ken what you mean, I guess. I don know… what it is. Something happened."

Josie interrupted, "Like what?"

"We don know," shrugged Caz. "Fuck, if I knew I'd say it, wouldn't I?"

"You three haven't aged a day. That I know. It is… fucking weird. This wasn't terrorists who had access to the world's most evolutionary skin cream, no this was something else. Something… strange." Josie hesitated to ask it, but did so anyway, "Are you vampires?"

"You what?" Caz laughed.

"Aliens? Imposters?" Josie gasped then, "Clones?"

Rennick sighed grievously, "Cartier…"

"Well, what, then?" She snipped, "You come back after ten years like magic, not any older, and expect me not to lose sense of reality a little? Vampires, ghosts, and ghouls aren't so crazy, anymore, and it's thanks to you. Maybe thinking outside the box is your key to remember. What did the doctors say… when they looked at you?"

"Nothin'. I mean… I spoke with Brantley, mostly. He seems convinced it's not… supernatural or whatever," explained Caz, yet doubting his own words.

Josie said shortly after, "If there's nothing wrong, why do I have this overwhelming feeling it has to be?"

The four went silent, having to agree. They were only realists at that table. No comforts in gods or miracles. No such thing as second chances without a catch. Caz confessed, "I've had some wicked nightmares since. I don't know if… that has anything to do with this but…"

"I have nightmares all the time, too." Josie shrugged, "I'm not sure what that would have to do with this…"

Trots started, "You're having nightmares, Caz?"

"Aye."

"Uh… I mean…"

Rennick raised, "What, Trots?"

"I have, too," he replied. "Since the Beira. A few days after you fell into the North Sea, Josie. Every night… always the same."

Rennick stated startlingly, "Me and all." All their eyes went to Rennick, then. "I… never had nightmares. Not even dreams, not ones I could recall, anyway. For weeks… not the same but… maybe the same. Canny remember a fucking thing now but… they started a month or two ago? Maybe longer." Caz and Trots shared a kindred glare. Mostly confused, but perhaps a clue to grapple for a connection. Then Rennick assured, "It's all radge. We stay out in the sea for months at a time, nightmares are normal. The constant roar of the sea and sleep deprivation doing the work we do… who wouldnae be riddled in night terrors, aye? I'd nae think on it."

Caz nodded, "Maybe you're right but…" he went inward, "Been off the rig for weeks and I'm still havin' em."

The four stayed quiet again, taking that time to chase the fear with a bevvy. Then Josie observed, "God… all of you. I can't believe it. Not just you three but… everyone…" her eyes sunk to her lap, a small smile creeping in thought. "Roper, Brodie, Finlay… Muir… you're all back. Even Addair, that fat English cunt…"

That broke a sputtering laugh from the four, especially Caz – who was taking fond notice of small tears swelling in Josie's eyes. She glazed them back over the three, breathing in a sharp sniffle. "I never thought I'd see any of you again. And… and I'd weep. God, how I'd weep… knowing I didn't get to tell any of you goodbye."

"That accident was a blessing in disguise, eh?" Caz said softly, "I mean… you got oot. Bet you were feeling some luck knowing you weren't there with us."

"No," whispered Josie. "Not at all. If it wasn't for Noelle, I'd…" She stopped then, leaving her words to grow cold with the company. She added, "I'm just relieved you're all back. Better late zan never… most zee time it's never. Maybe Roy is right… maybe it's just a miracle."

Trots said kindly, "And we are so happy to see you again, Ms. Cartier. You were a true toughie on that rig… maybe a wee neurotic, at times. But… you have grown. I'm glad to see your heart is still the same. Anything you need, aye?"

"Right, Union man," she winked, "Union Man, Handyman, and Capitaine, all sitting at my table. Who would have thunk it?"

"Not me, that's for fucking sure," observed Rennick in a smirk.

Caz chuckled, "Sounds like the opening to a bad joke."

"Well, bad joke or not, it's proof there's far more we can never understand. The craziest fucking part of it, is I feel blessed… what a time to be alive." Josie took another deep swig of her wine, chugging it down like water. There was a lingering fear of what it could all mean, she was hoping for the booze to chase it away so she could keep being grateful.

Trots announced, "Well, on that note. I best be off to bed. A day of reunions, dice, and driving in the backseat with Rennick and McLeary for hours has me beat. I'll see you gents in the morn, and you, Cartier. Thank you again. Canny say it enough."

"Always a gentleman, Campbell. Goodnight," smiled Josie, feeling the buzz of the Pinot start to warm her bones.

Caz ached off the chair with Trots, "Aye, me and all. Good night… uhh… you two…" He exchanged a disturbed (yet frankly amused) stare to Rennick and Josie. "Have fun… No shame in the miracle drug, Rennick. Just mind your ticker." He sniggered on his way downstairs, leaving the suggestive remark to bore the remaining company.

Rennick grumbled to himself, "Ned prick…" The comment was aggravating, but Rennick had to humour it. He was wondering when they would, if they would. When he glanced to Josie, the want wasn't reciprocated. If anything, she was studying him like a textbook.

She asked wryly, "You know something. Don't lie, Capitaine. Ten years or not, I remember your confessions. The pillow talk a safe space to let all your frustrations with Cadal come to zee surface."

"That have no to do with any of this, Cartier."

"Don't lie, connard," hissed Josie. "You said they were up to something. What was it?"

"I canny remember, Jesus…"

Josie's eyes went wide the same they did on the Beira when she was about to rant. "Do you want zee doghouse?"

"Josie…" Rennick pinched at his eyes behind his lenses. "Fuck all. I ken fuck all. Aye, you're right, Cadal was getting clatty near the end there but… I'm sorry, hen. I'll tell you what I told the interrogators. That Cadal wanted the drill above anything else. Above you lot. When I tried to stand up for you all, they took your bonuses same as mine. If Cadal had somethin' to do with this… I'd be woefully fucking surprised. Don worry about it."

"It's hard not to worry, Davey."

"Yeah, well, you donnae have to. You said it yerself, it's over. Let's keep it there, eh?" His hand reached for her knee, then. To his pleasant surprise, she moved her own hand over his. "Everyone's gone to bed, Jo."

Josie's worry went to a droll glare in a blink. "Oui. And?"

"And… well…"

"You randy old coot." She grumbled, "the first night? Really? How can you think of that in a time like zis?"

Rennick shrugged, "Bloody... when can I not with you next to me?"

"Sorry, Capitaine. You're still downstairs until I deem otherwise. Bonne nuit."

She pushed herself from the chair, hiding a smile telling she was discreetly enjoying the chase. Rennick grumbled, "Are you taking the piss?"

"Looks like it's you and your hand." She patted his shoulder teasingly as she went back up the stairs to her bedroom – taking the entire bottle of wine with her. "Turn zee lights off when you go."


Trots and Caz were busy readying for bed downstairs, taking turns using the bathroom. Caz stayed for moments melding into minutes staring into the pictures of Cait and Maidie on the wall. He'd fight the bitterness when it would land on Suze and Edward. A sting that kept crawling back to the moment in Wylen's Point. When she assured things had changed. Her feelings, too. That his family was no longer how he remembered it – and would never be again. A stranger coming into a situation he once harboured. That despite Cait and Maidie's interest to keep him in their lives, Suze's recoil from him was the heaviest blow. You really lost her, Caz. You gottae believe it. Believe it so it can be true and you can move on. Fuck it… what's the point?

"Oi, Caz! Bathroom is free." Trots called from the doorway.

"Right. I'll be there in a minute, Trots." Caz stayed hunched over his bed, cradling a picture of Suze and Maidie in his palm. Something felt coldly familiar. Then without warning, a loud crash came from the basement. Caz spooked, he didn't sit up but he called, "Jesus. The fuck was that? You right?"

Then it crashed again. "Fuck sakes, Trots, the hell are you doin'? Josie's gonnae come down in a row – quiet down!" It crashed again, and the air went cold. What the fuck is that? What is he doing? Is that a dryer door? "Caz pushed off the bed in a stomp out the bedroom. "Trots! Jesus, ya daft prick, you fucking – "

When Caz stepped a foot from the warmth of Josie's basement bedroom, it opened to the tile, metal, and chill of the Beira. The linen room. The lights flickering and zapping. Then the sound. The all too dreadful sound of squelch and grinding flesh. The stench so pungent it could twist a stomach and wallop a headache. The slap of limbs – fleshy and red – hitting the metal of dryers, washers and floors. The pained and unimaginable growl of something terrible. Dead but alive, or what should be dead. A fate worse than death displayed in something he couldn't explain, but it was familiar. The sight from a different life. A different time. So vivid and terrible it couldn't be real. It canny be.

Look at this mess! It's a fucking disgrace!

It was Trots, but it wasn't. How could it be? His skin pale and gaunt as if he was a walking corpse. His Cadal uniform shredded showing the flesh and wound of his torso. Growths and contusions ripping under his skin like a colony of ants. That was not the worst of it. No. The worst morphed down his abdomen, taking his legs. A mound of pulsing flesh that was ripping in tendrils upon tendrils slapping the walls. It shimmered and moved like it's own entity. Trots being a morsel the flesh had absorbed, still in the midst of digesting. Caz froze to the sight of him before the dryer door – slamming it over and over with every thunder a new droplet of sweat down Caz's back. The slam of the dryer door was a base that carried in his ears, down to his chest, gripping his heart tighter.

"Tr… Trots?"

Then the creature whipped back to him, a cry like the howl of a maimed animal. The tendrils slapped and pulled him like wind to Caz, a scream throwing him to his back.

You're not supposed to be here, McLeary!

A shout ripped Caz's throat, then his face was hit with an open palm. Caz blinked to the surroundings of Josie's basement again. Trots over him with a cold sweat, his fists clenched over his shirt collar.

"Caz! Caz!" Trots panicked, "Stop!"

Clamouring footsteps came herding downstairs, bringing Rennick. "The fuck was all that?!"

"I don't know, he freaked out! Caz?! Cameron!"

"Aye!" Caz spat, his breath unsteady and shaking. "I'm alright. Get off." Caz pushed Trots arms away and pulled up. Rennick and Trots took a disturbed glance at Caz's state. Sweated, pale, and trembling. All the key signs he was not well.

"McLeary, what is wrong with you?" Rennick hissed, flexing a grimace. "The state of you…! You're fucking blootered, ain't you? Sleep it off. Donnae need you waking up my daughter with this shite. Go!"

Caz stumbled back to the bedroom, with a worried Trots following him to take care. Before he did, he exchanged a confused and kindred shrug with Rennick.