Sealed With Love

[lozlovesh&a]

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry... here it is! Don't know how good this bit is but the next bit I think is better lol.

I left her sitting with her friends. I wondered where Dad & Morag were. I went back home and found them sitting on the couch with Leah & Martha.

“Hi Honey” Dad greeted me.

“Hi Dad, everyone” I said.

“I was just telling the girls everything, well my side. I hope you don’t mind” he said.

“No I don’t mind” I said. “We just told Colleen, Irene, Jai, Nicole, Geoff & Annie”

“So probably the whole town knows by now” Martha said.

“Yeah, that’s why we told Colleen in the first place” I said.

“That sister of mine, never changes” Morag said.

“How’s Joey?” Dad asked me.

“She’s good” I said with a smile.

“When does she come back?” Morag asked.

“In a month” I replied.

“Ah there you are my darling granddaughter” Dad said to Ruby as she walked in.

Ruby looked at her watch. “I’m not late” she replied grumpily.

“What’s wrong Rubes?” I asked.

“Nothing Mum, just had a fight with Annie. That’s all. Nothing unusual” she said.

“What was the fight about?” Martha asked.

“Oh just that she hates liars. She thinks I’m one. So yeah. Some best friend”

I sighed. “I’ll talk to Annie” I said.

“Hey Irene, is Annie around?” I asked.

”Yeah. Annie love Charlie’s here to see you” She yelled to her. “I’m going to go back to work, I’ll leave you to it”

“Bye Irene” I said.

Annie walked into the room.

“Hey Annie, can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked.

“Yeah, sure” she said nervously. “Is everything okay?” she asked.

We sat down at the table. “Not really. Ruby told me you guys had a fight”

“Yeah” Annie said.

I looked at her kindly. “Want to tell me what it was about?”

I could see her struggling to find the right words. “Just about what you told us at the diner today. I don’t like people who lie”

“I know Annie, I know you disapprove of me ever since I discovered that I was gay. That’s fine, its your choice. But I had no choice but to lie about Ruby being my daughter. I was 12 when I had Ruby. Since I was underage my parents did what they thought was best. I couldn’t do anything about it. Do you see that?”

“I guess” she said slowly.

“Ruby is upset. She loves you and she hates fighting with you. She only did what I told her to do. Neither of us would lie on purpose”

“I know. But I guess I also don’t agree with your lifestyle. A marriage should be between a man and a woman. Joey is very nice and I like you but I just believe in what God taught us”

“Times have changed though Annie. I know I can’t change your mind but maybe you should try a little, not for my sake but for Ruby”

“I’ll try Charlie. And tell Ruby that I’m sorry and I’ll see her tomorrow” she said.

“Of course” I said. “Well, I guess I’ll go. I’ll see you later”

“Bye Charlie” she replied.

[Jess@Avalon]

Yeeaaah! An update Wooop! And a good one too! Stupid Annie!

Keep going! youre good

[H&A_diehard]

It is definitely good. I could shake Annie sometimes. AAAAAAAAAAARGGGH!!! God also taught us not to judge you eejit. OK so I guess I'm judging Annie now but I can't help it.

Can't wait for the next update.

[Inactive User]

Can't believe Annie!

Good on Charlie explaining things to Annie and hopefully Annie will get used to it slowly and support Ruby as a friend. More soon please

[lozlovesh&a]

I walked out of my office the next day after completing the paperwork that Georgia wanted. I handed it to her and suddenly spot a familiar face.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked.

“I’m a free man. I got my job back” Angelo said to my complete surprise.

“What are you talking about?” I asked thinking that this is so not what I need right now especially since everyone has discovered that Ruby is my daughter and Joey is still away.

“I got out on good behaviour” He said.

“How is that even possible? You killed a cop” I said angrily.

I saw him glance at my hand. “You got married?” he asked surprised, avoiding my question.

“Not that its any of your business but yes I did” I answered.

At this point the whole office was watching our heated discussion, all of them knew that we had been sleeping together before he left. They were probably wondering what his reaction would be.

“Well, lucky guy then” he said calmly.

“Girl actually” I corrected him.

“You are not gay Charlie” he said. “I know that for a fact” he added smugly.

“That’s where your wrong” I said even more angry then I was a moment ago. “Now you listen to me Angelo, I hate that you’re standing right in front of me. Don’t you dare even think about speaking to Martha or Tony or Rachel. They have been through hell and back and they don’t need to see you. Jack was my partner, my friend. There are lots of people here who still miss him. And I love my wife so you can forget about trying anything”

“Charlie, wait, I’m sorry” he started to say.

“Sorry won’t bring Jack back now will it?” I yelled at him and slammed my door shut. I was so angry. I couldn’t believe that Angelo is back. I wished for about the millionth time this week that Joey was here. I paced back and forth thinking about what I can do about this situation. I knew I had to talk to Tony and Martha. I also knew there was nothing I could do about getting Angelo out of here.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Charlie” McGrath said entering the room and closing the door. “What are you going to do?” he asked watching me pace around.

“Talk to Tony & Martha. They need to know that Angelo is back and I’d rather they find out from a friend” I answered.

“Okay” McGrath agreed.

“The nerve of him. I bet he thought things would just go back” I stopped.

“Listen Charlie, I know what was happening between you and Angelo. If he tries anything just let me know and I’ll deal with it. You don’t need to be dealing with him right now”

I nodded. “Okay, thanks” I said.

“Oh and Charlie, if your missing Joey or if things become too much you should take time off. Its not a crime to miss someone even if they are gone for a short time. I’ve seen how you are when your with Joey and there is something different about you these past few weeks, like your spark has disappeared and I’m just guessing its because she’s gone”

“I do miss her, a lot” I admitted. “But I want to work, I don’t want time off yet”

“Okay. Well, the offer is there when you want it” he said.

“Thanks” I replied.

We stepped out.

“Charlie” Angelo said.

“Shut up” I hissed. I looked at Georgia. “If Joey calls tell her I’ll call her back. I’m going out for a bit”

“Okay Charlie” Georgia said.

“Do not follow me” I said to Angelo.

I walked out and rang Martha. “Hey Martha can you meet me at Tony & Rachel’s right now?” I asked.

“Sure, everything okay?” she asked.

“Not really. I’ll explain once we’re all there” I said.

I arrived at Tony and Rachel’s a few minutes later and knocked on the door.

“Charlie, hey, come on in” Tony said.

”Hey Tony, is Rach here too?” I asked.

“She will be in a few minutes” he answered. “Something wrong?”

”Yes but I want to wait for Martha and Rachel to come. I already called Martha”

Just as I said that they walked through the door.

I sighed. “You guys should sit down” I said.

”This sounds bad” Martha said.

“Yeah it is very bad” I said.

”Charlie what is it, your starting to scare me” Rachel said.

“Okay, well just so you know I hate it and I can’t do anything about it”

“Charlie just tell us” Tony said impatiently.

“Angelo’s back” I announced. I looked at the shocked faces around me.

“What?” Martha whispered.

“Yes. He said he got out on good behaviour. He’s back and he’s staying and I can’t do anything about it”

“I can’t believe it” Tony said angrily.

“This is so unfair. He took Jack away from me and now he is back here. I don’t think I can deal with this” Martha said tears falling down her face.

I leant over and wiped them away. “I just suggest you all ignore him” I said.

”That’s going to be hard being in a small town” Rachel said.

“True. But it can be done. Just be lucky that you don’t have to work with him” I said.

“How are you going to cope with that? Have you told Joey yet?” Martha asked.

“I haven’t spoken to Joey today. And all I’ve done is yell at him but I know that’s got to stop” I said. “Oh and I told him to not talk to any of you”

There was a few minutes of silence.

“Well I guess I better get back to work. If you want to talk you can come find me” I said.

“Charlie, thanks for telling us” Tony said.

“Of course” I said. “I’ll see you guys later”

I entered the station after stopping off at the diner to get a coffee.

“Oh Joey she’s just come back” I heard Georgia say.

“That’s Joey?” I asked.

“Yeah. Line 1” she answered.

I went to my office and closed the door.

“Hey beautiful, how are you” I said.

“I’m good darling how are you?” she asked.

“Not so good” I said.

”Why, what’s happened?”

“Angelo’s back. He got out on good behaviour. He arrived today and I just got back from telling Martha, Tony and Rach. I can’t stand that he’s back Jo”

“I’ve never heard you this angry before” Joey said worriedly.

“This guy Jo I was sleeping with him and he killed my partner and good friend. I can’t stand to look at his ugly face. I thought I was over this, I really did think that. But now I don’t know babe”

“I guess its the shock of seeing him again and its bringing up all these old feelings that you had. Baby I’m worried about you”

“I’ll be okay, I guess I’m just in shock or whatever now” I said.

“Probably” she said. “Darling I miss you so much”

“Aw Jo you have no idea how much I miss you” I said.

She sighed. “Charles I have to go. I love you”

“I love you too babe” I replied.

I put the phone down and sighed.

I heard a knock at my door. “Come in” I said.

[Inactive User]

Great chapter. More soon please. Wonder who is at the door?

[Jess@Avalon]

Great chapter. More soon please. Wonder who is at the door?

Yea! Great chapter! I reckon it's Angelo at the door

[lozlovesh&a]

Angelo walked in. “Before you tell me to go away, we need to talk Charlie” he said.

I sighed again knowing that he was right and remembering what I said to Martha earlier. He closed the door.

“So, what do you want to talk about?” I asked.

“Jack” he answered.

“Fine” I agreed.

“You know me Charlie, I didn’t mean to kill him. It was an accident. He was my friend too”

“Deep down I do know you didn’t mean it. But you still left him there for dead. You didn’t contact anyone and you let Tony find him. That’s what I can’t get over. You are right, I do know you Angelo and people are going to hate me but I did love our friendship and I would like to get it back again eventually”

“Charlie I would like that too. I never stopped caring about you. You were one person that understood me. And I’m really sorry I stuffed it up” he said.

“I can’t promise you anything though. We need to go slow. Really slow” I said.

“That’s fine. Whatever you want” he agreed.

“I would like you to meet Joey when she comes back” I said.

“That’s her?” he asked pointing to a picture I have on my desk of us on our wedding day.

I handed it to him. “Yeah that’s my beautiful girl” I said.

“And where is she now?” he asked.

“She took a job. Alf gave her an opportunity she couldn’t resist. She loves boats you see and you know Alf owns the Blaxland. Well this couple wanted to go on a trip, to learn more about boats, fish and Joey’s an expert at that. So she’s away for two months”

“I see” Angelo said.

“I love her Angelo but I couldn’t be the reason why she didn’t go. I’m not selfish like that. I could see in her eyes how badly she wanted to go even though she didn’t want to leave me” My voice was breaking at this point.

“Wow, your really in love aren’t you?” he asked.

“Yeah I am” I said.

“That’s really good then. I’m happy for you. But, did I turn you off men?” he asked.

I laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself” I said.

He grinned. “Just checking” he said.

“But I did mean what I said before. Don’t speak to Martha. She can’t handle this right now” I said.

He nodded. “Okay. Do you maybe want to have a drink later or something?” he asked hesitantly.

“I don’t know Angelo”

“It doesn’t have to be in public” he said. “For old times sake”

“I would like to, really I would but I can’t” I answered.

“Charlie I’m not going to try anything. Its been 2 whole years since I saw you last”

“Where are you staying?” I asked.

“At the sands at the moment. Room 15” he answered.

“Okay. I’ll meet you there after work. I’ll go home first then come” I said.

“Sounds good” Angelo said.

“There’s good news for you Rosetta” Georgia said as we walked back out.

“What’s the news Watson?” he asked.

“Turns out you didn’t actually kill Holden. Tim Collins did” she said.

“What? So I didn’t hurt anyone” he asked shocked.

“No” she said. “What were you two doing in there anyway?”

“None of your business” I said reaching for the sheet of paper that she was holding.

Angelo took it off me.

”Hey I was reading that” I said folding my arms.

“This is amazing” Angelo said. “So, what happens now?”

“You’ll get something for being wrongly accused and you won’t have a record now” Georgia said.

“I’m going to go tell Martha” I said.

“I’m coming with you” Angelo said.

“Why?” I asked.

“Charlie I need to explain some things to her. And she will probably listen to me more if your in the room”

“Fine” I agreed.

Georgia pulled me aside. “Your not going to get back with him are you?” she asked.

“I hope your joking” I said stunned that she would say that.

“Just that you didn’t say what you were doing in there and Joey’s such a nice person”

“Georgia, I’m not cheating on Joey. I can’t even believe you would think that. Have you ever heard of talking? Sometimes people do that” I said angrily.

I walked over to Angelo. “Come on, let’s go” I said. “I’ll drive”

I got into Joey’s car and started to drive to Martha’s.

“This isn’t your car, did you get a new one?” Angelo asked.

“Its Joey’s” I replied.

“Right” he said.

I parked the car at Martha’s and got out and rang her bell.

“What’s going on? What is he doing here?” Xavier asked.

“Xav is Martha in?” I asked.

“Yeah but she’s not going to like this” he answered.

”She will actually. And so will you and your brother” Angelo said.

Hugo and Martha came to the door. Martha went pale at the sight of Angelo but she opened the door and let us in.

We all sat down on the couch.

“What is this about?” Hugo asked because Martha had trouble speaking.

“I didn’t kill Jack” Angelo announced.

“It’s true” I added. “Tim Collins did it”

“Are, are you sure?” Martha asked.

“Yes” I answered. I gave her the sheet of paper which had the results on it.

“How come it took 2 years to find this out?” Hugo asked.

“We didn’t know at the time but Tim switched the guns, the bullets, everything. He framed Angelo”

“I did fire a gun but it didn’t hit anyone. And I know I just left Jack there without calling anyone and I really regret that but I was scared that it was me who shot him” Angelo said.

“So where is Tim now?” Martha asked.

“In Jail” I answered.

“Wow” Martha said shocked at this turn of events.

“Martha, I’m truly truly sorry. I’m sorry that I just left him there. I hope at some point we can get our friendship back. When I was in jail I hardly stopped thinking about you”

“Angelo you were really a good friend and yes I would like our friendship back too. But I need some time” Martha said.

“That’s fine. Take all the time you need” Angelo said.

“Angelo I think we need to hold a town meeting” I said suddenly. “Just to tell everyone what has happened”

“Okay, I think that’s a good idea. It might help some people as well” he agreed.

“I can get Grandad to organise it for you” Martha offered.

“Okay. And you can tell as many people as you want Martha” I said.

“Are you going to go next door?” Martha asked.

“Yeah I think we should tell Tony & Rach” I said to Angelo.

He nodded. “Yeah, okay” he said.

Martha handed me the piece of paper back. “Tony would want to look at that too” she said.

We stood up. I gave Martha a hug. “Call me if you want to talk” I said.

“Thanks Charlie” She said. “You’ve been an amazing friend”

“So have you” I replied.

We left Martha’s and headed next door. Rachel answered the door.

”Hey Rach, is Tony here?” I asked.

“Yes I am” Tony answered coming to the door. “Charlie what’s he doing here?”

“I didn’t kill Jack” Angelo told them and gave Tony the piece of paper.

“Tim Collins killed Jack” I said. “As it is explained on that paper Tim switched the gun, bullets, everything. He framed Angelo”

“I did fire a gun but the only thing I’m guilty of is leaving Jack there and not calling anyone. And I’m really sorry for that” he said.

“We’re going to have a town meeting and talk to everyone about this. Your both welcome to come. It will probably be tomorrow” I said.

“Have you spoken to Martha?” Rachel asked.

“Yeah we saw her first” Angelo answered.

“So I guess I should apologise for fighting with you at the wake” Tony said.

“No its okay mate, I deserved it at the time” Angelo said.

[Inactive User]

Great chapter.

Angelo is in the clear! Please don't get him and Charlie end up together behind Joey's back or I will scream!

More soon please

[Jess@Avalon]

I guessed right! But hmmm, I'm not sure i like having angelo in the clear, I liked having more than one reason to hate him!

Great chapter as always though mate! keep them coming