My Life Lies In The Past

[blizzard18]

Took a while, but finally finished typing this chapter

CHAPTER 82: LEFT FOR DEAD

“RICHARD.....RICHARD, WAKE UP. CAN YOU HEAR ME?” Charlie yelled, shaking her boyfriend heavily in an attempt to bring him back to consciousness.

“Richard?” Jack yelled.

“Damn it, he’s not responding” Charlie replied, panicking.

Gina and Jeremy came out of the Surf Club.

“We heard all the yelling and everyone’s worried” Jeremy called out. “What’s going on?” Both stood suddenly still when they saw Richard.

“Oh my....” Gina gasped.

“AUNT GINA, GET ALF TO CALL AN AMBULANCE” Jack yelled. “AND GET RACHEL TO HAVE A LOOK AT THIS!” Gina ran back inside. Jeremy quickly approached the officers. Taking off his shirt, Jeremy rolled it up and pushed it up against Richard’s gunshot wound in an attempt to control the bleeding.

“WAIT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Charlie asked.

“Please, trust me” Jeremy replied.

Alf, Gina, Rachel and Tony ran towards them.

“The ambulance is on their way” Alf informed.

“My God, what happened?” Tony gasped.

“Richard’s been shot” Jack replied. Rachel quickly but carefully approached Richard’s side, next to Jeremy.

“Can I see it?” Rachel asked. Jeremy lifted up his shirt to reveal the gunshot wound.

“Oh God!” Rachel gasped. “Alright, listen Jeremy. You’re gonna need to apply a lot of pressure to control the bleeding. Do not stop until the Ambulance arrive. Do you understand?”

“Yes, OK” Jeremy replied, placing his shirt back, covering the wound. Charlie looked up at the Doctor in a mixture of fear and shock.

“RACH....PLEASE TELL ME HE’S GONNA BE OK.”

“Listen Charlie” Rachel replied. “Don’t panic, we will do everything we can to save him.” Charlie was now distressed.

“I CAN’T LOSE HIM......I......JUST CAN’T!”

“I promise you, the ambulance will be here soon” Rachel said. “Take a deep breath.......in........and out. Now promise me you’ll keep calm, OK?” Standing up, Jack approached Tony and Gina.

“Listen, guys. Tell the others not to worry about......”

“They already know” Gina interrupted. “They kinda had the idea when I ran in to get Alf.”

“Gina, keep them all inside. Dad, tell them that there’s nothing to worry about. We don’t want anyone else to see this. We’re keeping it under control. Just get Irene to serve the cake and tell Belle to continue on with the party. Just make sure no one comes out until the paramedics take Richard, OK?” Tony and Gina nodded and headed back inside the Surf Club.

+++++

8:00PM

“Richard Dean, 31, gunshot wound to his back” The paramedic called out as they transported Richard along the corridors of the Hospital.

“OK, take him this way” Julie replied. Taking out her pager, she notified Dr. Jim Winston.

Charlie, followed by Jeremy rushed towards Julie along the corridor.

“JULIE, WHAT’S GOING ON? WHERE IS HE?”

“The paramedics are preparing him in the room, and Dr. Jim Winston is on his way” Julie replied.

“I NEED TO SEE HIM, JULIE.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea” Jeremy replied.

“He’s right” Julie said. “You need to calm down. Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of him.”

“I DON’T WANT TO CALM DOWN! I WANT TO SEE HIM, NOW” Charlie protested in anger.

“Listen” Jeremy replied. “I may be no cop, or a doctor, but even I know that now is not the time to panic. You need to pull it together, for Richard’s sake. Do you understand?” Charlie nodded, after slowly calming herself down.

“Come with me, let’s take a seat” Jeremy and Charlie took a seat along the corridor. Charlie was now in tears.

“Please let him live” Charlie begged. At that moment, Julie’s pager beeped.

“OK, Jim’s in there now. Trust me, Charlie. We’re gonna do everything we can for Richard. I promise.”

+++++

Jack raced into the station.

8:15PM

“Jack, what’s the rush? Everything OK?” Watson asked.

“Richard’s been shot!”

“WHAT?” Watson gasped. “WHAT’S GOING ON? WHAT HAPPENED?”

“We don’t know” Jack replied. “I’m guessing that someone shot Richard from behind and speeded off in a car.”

“But.......but who in the world would take a shot at Richard?”

“Don’t know” Jack replied.

Tony came rushing in through the doors.

“Dad?” Jack exclaimed.

“Jack, Glad I caught up with you. Take a look at this” Tony handed his son a wallet.

“Who’s wallet is this?” Jack asked. “Dad, where did you find it?”

“After you left and the paramedics took Richard away, I went out to check that everything’s clear, just in case anyone comes out of the Surf Club, and I found this wallet on the footpath next to the road.” Jack opened the wallet and looked at the contents.

“Driver’s licence...........Patrick Masters, who’s that?.................hang on a minute.” Jack took out a piece of paper inside.

“What is it?” Watson asked.

“That’s Richard’s mobile phone number” Jack replied. “Hang on. Dad, you said you found this near the road?” Tony nodded.

“Then, if the shooter had fled the scene by car, he may have dropped his wallet while he was running.”

“Wait a minute” Tony interrupted. “If that wallet belongs to the guy who shot Richard, and it fell off him when he was supposedly running back to his car, it means....”

“It means that Richard was shot at close range” Jack finished his sentence. “The shooter did not stay in the car. So, it looks like this certain Patrick Masters is the man who shot him.”

“It could be” Tony noted.

“OK, Watson, we need to run this name through the database and check up any record that comes up under his name.”

“I’ll get right on it” Watson replied, heading towards the computer.

+++++

At the Hospital...

8:30PM

“How much longer are they gonna take?” Charlie asked, frustrated at being kept waiting at the corridor.

“Hey, hey. You’re panicking again” Jeremy whispered. “The doctor will come soon and tell you what’s going on. I’m sure Richard’s in good care, just calm down.”

Charlie took a few deep breaths to calm down. After a moment of silence, she turned to face Jeremy.

“Listen..........I...........I just want to say thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?” Jeremy asked.

“Why am I thanking you?” Charlie said. “You came out and helped Richard by trying to stop the bleeding, while I was being an idiot by just standing there, panicking.”

“You.........you don’t have to thank me” Jeremy replied. “I just did what had to be done, and that was to stop the wound from getting worse.”

“But I do have to thank you. I mean..........you’re.......you’re a hero.” Jeremy slowly stood up, shaking his head.

“What’s wrong?” Charlie asked. Jeremy slowly looked down at the Senior Constable.

“I’m sorry, but I’m...........I’m no hero” Jeremy whispered. “If only you knew my life.” Jeremy slowly headed towards the coffee machine.

Dr. Jim Winston came up towards Charlie.

“Constable Buckton” Jim called out. Charlie stood up from her seat.

“Dr. Winston, how’s Richard?”

“Richard’s in a critical condition” Jim replied. “He’s lost quite a lot of blood, and we also fear that since the bullet wound is right near the middle of his back, the bullet may have affected part of his spinal cord.”

“Is.........Is Richard gonna be alright?” Charlie asked, nervously.

“The only thing I can say is that it was such a miracle to see that the Bullet did not go through the other end and stopped only at his spine, because, given the location of the shot, if it went through, Richard would be dead instantly.”

“My God!” Charlie gasped. “So.......so............what happens now?”

“We need to get Richard through to surgery now. Unfortunately, we were unable to remove all the fragments of the bullet which are still lodged in his back. We have a professional surgeon on standby, ready to start. Plus, we’ll need to see how much damage Richard’s sustained in his spine.”

“Can.....can I see him?”

“Only quickly” Jim replied. “Richard’s been put under a sedative for the operation, so unfortunately, he can’t hear you or see you.”

“It.........it doesn’t matter” Charlie replied, whilst trying to hold back her tears. “I just want to see him.”

“Come this way.”

+++++

9:00PM

At Warren’s apartment, Warren was clearing up the Dining table. Billy lay asleep in the bedroom next door. Warren was suddenly interrupted when he heard the sound of banging, followed by smashing glass coming from outside. Looking out the window from five storeys high, Warren noticed a dark figure, holding a metal pole, trying to smash open the front doors to the building.

“What the hell?” Warren whispered to himself.

+++++

“Jack, look at this” Watson called out. Jack headed over to the computer screen.

“Patrick John Masters” Jack said. “Looks like he’s had a history of run-ins with the law. I just got a call from the police down in the city who I got to check his address that was on his driver’s licence. They said no one’s there.”

“Then where could he be?” Watson asked.

“I have no idea” Jack replied. “But we need to find him. Charlie rang up and said that Richard’s now in surgery, so obviously we can’t question him. And, seeing that it appears that no one’s come in, that means that there were no witnesses at the scene, so now we have to rely on pretty much our thoughts and instincts.”

“Yeah, just like you did with the Ray Henderson case” Watson rolled her eyes.

“I know, it was a long shot and I really didn’t have much to support my theory, but it worked in the end, and Ray was caught.”

“OK” Watson replied. “So what’s your theory on this case?”

“All of us at Belle’s party heard the gunshot, then moments later, we heard a car speed away” Jack explained. “The time between the two sounds is long enough for someone to run back to the car, and, given that Dad found the man’s wallet near the road means that.....”

“Hang on” Watson interrupted. “We don’t know that the wallet belongs to the man who shot Richard. I mean, anyone could’ve lost a wallet there.”

“Anyone with a long history of troubles with the police, along with Richard's phone number written inside?” Jack said. “I strongly think that this Patrick Masters is the key to all this, and he........” Jack stopped when he noticed something on the screen.

“Wait a minute, what’s this?” Jack asked. Watson clicked on some tabs on the screen. “Relationship status: Married to Jill Jennings.”

“JILL JENNINGS?” Watson asked. “But that’s......”

“That’s Richard’s ex-fiance, and Billy’s mother” Jack nodded. Watson scrolled down the screen.

“Whoa, Jack. Look at this.” Watson read the screen. “Just two days ago, Mr. Masters was in court to hear the verdict in his application to gain full custody of Billy Jennings, following the death of Billy’s mother and his wife, Jill Jennings in a vehicle accident recently. The Judge had refused his application due to his previous police record, and instead, full custody was given to Billy’s biological father, Mr. Richard Dean.”

“Whoa” Jack exclaimed. “Hang on, I need time to think this through.” Suddenly the phone rang, Watson picked up the phone.

“Hello, Yabbie Creek Police Station, Constable Georgina Watson speaking..........................Warren........................hang on, you saw someone breaking into your apartment building?.................can you give us a description?...............”

As Watson was still speaking, Jack suddenly froze – he now knew exactly what was going on.

“Oh my God......could it be?” Jack whispered to himself. “Watson, give me the phone, quickly!”

“Warren?”

“Jack” Warren replied. “Listen, I think someone’s trying to break into the building. I’m worried someone’s gonna get hurt and..........” Warren was interrupted when he suddenly heard someone trying to break open the lock into his apartment door.

“Warren, what’s going on?” Jack hastily asked.

“Oh my God! He’s trying to get in here!” Warren panicked. Jack began to panic also.

“WHERE’S BILLY?”

“He’s asleep in the bedroom.”

“WARREN, LISTEN TO ME! YOU TWO ARE IN GREAT DANGER! BARRICADE THE FRONT DOOR WITH WHATEVER YOU HAVE, THEN GO INTO THE BEDROOM AND WAKE BILLY UP. LOCK THE BEDROOM DOOR AND KEEP YOURSELVES SOMEWHERE SAFE AND HIDDEN IN THERE. YOU MUST DO WHAT I SAY. WE WILL BE STRAIGHT OVER THERE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”

“Yes.....yes I do” Warren replied. “But Jack...........” Jack had already hung up.

“Jack, what’s going on?” Watson asked, confused.

“Radio all the other officers to Warren’s address” Jack ordered. “We have to go there, right away.”

“But I don’t understand”

“CAN’T YOU PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER?” Jack shouted. “PATRICK SHOT RICHARD BECAUSE HE WANTED REVENGE FOR NOT GETTING CUSTODY OF BILLY.”

“But what has that got to do with what’s going on at Warren’s apartment?” Watson asked.

“PATRICK’S THERE RIGHT NOW” Jack yelled. “HE’S TRYING TO BREAK INTO WARREN’S APARTMENT TO GET BILLY. WE HAVE TO STOP HIM, NOW. COME ON!” Jack and Watson quickly raced out of the station, and into their car.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: I’m Not A Hero)

Will Jack and Watson reach Warren and Billy in time?

Richard discovers the extent of his injury in the aftermath of the operation.

Gina rediscovers Jeremy’s good side, but Jeremy struggles with his regrets.

[blizzard18]

Next chapter

CHAPTER NOTE: Flashbacks present in this chapter are highlighted in BLUE.

CHAPTER 83: I'M NO HERO

Warren was now panicking. Grabbing the large coffee table in his lounge, he pushed it quickly against his apartment door in an attempt to stop the stranger from breaking in. Warren then ran into the Bedroom in which his nephew Billy was asleep.

“Billy, wake up” Warren hastily said, shaking him. Billy opened his eyes.

“Is Daddy here?” Billy asked, oblivious to what’s going on at the other end of the apartment.

“No, he’s not. Quickly, we have to hide.” Warren grabbed onto Billy and pulled him to the other end of the room.

“Hide in here” Warren pointed to the walk-in closet.

“Why?”

“Just trust me, please” Warren replied. “I’ll tell you why later.” Following his uncle’s instructions, Billy went into the closet. Warren quickly headed back to the bedroom door to lock it. He then went inside the closet.

“Listen mate, we have to be very quiet, we can’t make any noise” Warren said. Suddenly, a crashing noise was heard. The stranger, Patrick Masters had successfully crashed through the entry, despite the table blocking it.

“Oh God!” Warren said to himself, panicking. “Please hurry, Jack!”

Two minutes later...

Warren sat on the floor inside the closet, in silence, holding Billy, who sat on his lap. He could hear the footsteps pounding quietly along the carpet.

“Uncle Warren, I’m scared” Billy whispered. “I want Daddy!”

“Don’t worry, mate. Daddy will be here soon.” Warren smiled. They were suddenly interrupted when they heard Patrick struggling with the lock on the bedroom door.

“OPEN UP!” Patrick yelled. “I KNOW HE’S IN THERE. HE’S MINE!” Warren saw that Billy was crying.

“That’s my other Daddy.”

“What do you mean?” Warren whispered, trying to keep himself calm.

“Mummy married him. He hurt me. He hurt Mummy. I hate him!” Billy cried.

“NO ONE’S TAKING BILLY AWAY FROM ME! HE BELONGS TO ME. HAND HIM OVER!”

“Please, Jack!” Warren whispered, praying for them to be here, whilst holding his upset nephew tightly.

“POLICE, DON’T MOVE!” Jack yelled. He, along with Watson and two other officers stormed into the apartment, pointing guns in Patrick’s direction. Warren blew a sigh of relief, hugging Billy tightly around his arms.

After the other officers handcuffed Patrick and led him out of the building, Jack and Watson rushed over to Warren and Billy, who had just come out of their hiding spot.

“Are you both OK?” Jack asked.

“We’re fine, thanks” Warren replied. “Who the hell was that guy?”

“His name is Patrick Masters” Jack said. “He and Jill were married a few years after Jill ran from Richard.”

“Where’s Daddy?” Billy asked. Jack was hesitant to come up with an answer.

“You’ll see Daddy soon” Jack replied. “Listen mate, I just want to have a little chat with your uncle. Why don’t you go with Constable Watson and wait for us at the foyer.” Watson guided Billy out of the apartment.

“Jack, what’s going on?” Warren asked.

“It’s your brother. He’s been shot”

“WHAT?” Warren gasped. “My God!.....is.........is he gonna be alright?”

“He’s having emergency surgery at the moment.” Jack replied.

“But.....but how did that...........it’s him, isn’t it?.......that Patrick Masters bloke.”

“It was” Jack sighed. “He shot Richard because he was angry after he lost against your brother for custody of Billy.”

“My God!” Warren whispered, covering his mouth with his hands. “I....I have to go to the hospital. I have to see him!..........what am I gonna tell Billy?”

“Leave that to me” Jack replied. “I’ll take care of that.”

+++++

At the Hospital, Charlie sat along the corridor in silence. Jeremy was at the other end, near the coffee machine.

9:15PM

“Jeremy” Gina called out. Jeremy turned around to see his ex-wife walking towards him.

“Gina!........what..........what are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to know what’s going on with Richard.”

“He’s in surgery” Jeremy replied. “They have to remove the bullet which is lodged inside his back.”

“Poor Charlie” Gina sighed, looking at the constable from a distance. “How’s she holding up?”

“Not too good” Jeremy said. “The waiting must be killing her.”

“Anyway, I came here to give you this” Gina said, handing him a shirt. “It’s one of Tony’s old gym shirts. I’m sorry, I know its cold and his shirt’s not gonna make you any warmer, but he did his washing the other day and this was the only spare one left.”

“It’s better than nothing at all, thanks Gina” Jeremy chuckled, placing the shirt on.

After a moment of silence, Gina began to speak.

“You know, Jeremy, after what you did back there, helping Richard, you are.....a nice man after all.”

“Really?” Jeremy whispered. Gina nodded.

“Of course. You did the right thing. You’re a hero.”

“I’m no hero” Jeremy denied.

“Don’t say that, of course you are” Gina replied. “You did what you had to do, and watching you, placing your shirt upon Richard’s wound to stop the bleeding........you saved his life, Jeremy. If you weren’t there, he could’ve bled to death.”

“It’s just like you said” Jeremy replied. “I did what I had to do.”

“But it’s not just that” Gina continued. “Seeing you do this heroic thing, I suddenly remembered the time back in Broken Hill when you saved that young girl from drowning and how you wrestled with that robber in the.......”

“JUST STOP IT GINA!” Jeremy demanded. Gina jumped back in shock.

“Jeremy, what’s wrong?”

“I’m......I’m sorry but I’m not a hero” Jeremy said. “I don’t deserve praise, or recognition from Charlie, and I certainly don’t deserve it from you!” Jeremy made his way out of the hospital, leaving Gina stunned.

+++++

“Where are we going?” Billy asked. He was inside Jack and Watson’s patrol car. Warren sat next to him at the back seat.

“We’re going to see Daddy at the hospital” Warren replied.

“Why are we going to the hospital?”

“er...........listen, mate. Daddy had a little accident and he had to go to the hospital. We’re gonna go there and surprise him, OK?”

“Is Daddy gonna be OK?” Billy asked. Warren paused, thinking of what to say.

“Daddy will be fine” Warren smiled. “He can’t wait to see you.”

+++++

9:30PM

Jeremy sat along the steps outside the Hospital, alone. He rubbed his hands along his arms and shoulders, shivering as the cold wind blew against his whole body. He then noticed someone approaching from behind. Turning around, he saw Gina coming towards him.

Gina sat on the steps next to Jeremy.

“Here, take this” Gina said, wrapping a towel around Jeremy’s shoulders.

“Thanks” Jeremy replied. Gina stared at him.

“Jeremy, what’s going on? Why are you upset?” Tears slowly rolled down Jeremy’s cheeks.

“I’m sorry” Jeremy whispered. “It’s just that.......that”

“Just what?” Gina asked.

“I don’t deserve to be called a hero” Jeremy replied. “My life, for the past fifteen years or so has been a bad one, and I’ve only got myself to blame. Look what I did to you and the boys – I left you all. I divorced you. I chose a life of crime over family.”

“But Jeremy, it’s not you fault. You did that to protect me and the boys. I forgive you.”

“Honestly, I don’t deserve you” Jeremy wept. “I am not a hero, or anything for that matter.”

“Come here” Gina said, pulling her ex-husband into a hug after sensing that he was struggling to hold back his pain. “I don’t want you to beat yourself up over all that’s happened. It’s happened, it’s done, it’s over. You don’t need to worry about it anymore. That’s why you came here, like we agreed, right?”

“I know” Jeremy nodded. “I just want to go back to the way it was all those years ago – you, me, the boys.”

“That’s what I want too” Gina smiled. “And I promise you, we’ll start a new life together, here, in Summer Bay.”

+++++

One Hour later...

10:30PM

“Where........where am I?” Richard mumbled. Jack, Charlie, Warren and Dr. Jim Winston were standing around Richard’s bed in his hospital room.

“You’re in Hospital” Jim replied. “You’ve just come out of an operation.”

“But......how........what? Richard was staggering to find words.

“We found you outside the Surf Club” Charlie said. “I was so scared. You didn’t move.”

“Do you remember what happened?” Jack asked.

“Hang on.......I............I think I remember something.”

"Hey Richard, let's sit down and take a break. I want to discuss something with you." At that moment, Richard's mobile phone rang.

"Sorry Charlie, can I take this call first?"

"Sure" Charlie replied. Taking the phone out of his pocket, Richard answered the call.

“Hello?.............Hang on, I can't hear you. It’s a bit loud in here. One moment.”

“Charlie, I’ll just be outside.”

“OK, don’t be long” Charlie replied, looking over at the Bar. “It looks like Irene’s gonna serve the cake soon.”

“If I’m not back in time, save me a slice.” Richard smiled. He headed out of the Surf Club.

Outside, Richard resumed with his phone call.

RICHARD: “Hello?”

PATRICK: “Hello, am I speaking to Mr. Richard Dean?”

RICHARD: “Yes, this is Richard.”

PATRICK: “My name is Brad Crompton. I’m from the Department of Community Services. I’m calling because we just need to fill in some missing information to keep on our records. We have your address in which you and Billy are staying. I just need to know your brother’s address.”

RICHARD: “er.....may I ask why?”

PATRICK: “It’s just for our records, as your brother is Billy’s uncle.”

RICHARD: “I understand. Warren’s address is Apartment 30, Building 12-14 Walters Street, Summer Bay.”

PATRICK: “I’m sorry, sir, could you repeat that, please?”

RICHARD: “Apartment 30, Building 12-14 Walters Street, Summer Bay.”

BEEP.....BEEP.....BEEP

“What on earth?” Richard asked, looking at the screen on his mobile phone. “Oh well, maybe he’ll ring back.” Placing the phone back in his pocket, Richard headed back towards the Surf Club when all of a sudden...

BANG!

“I remember making my way back inside for the cake, but then everything went blank.”

“You were shot” Jack replied.

“You were rushed in here by the ambulance and we had to perform an emergency operation on you to remove the bullet.” Jim added.

After a moment of silence, Richard spoke.

“Where’s Billy?”

“Billy’s in the tea room with Julie and Constable Watson” Warren explained.

“I see” Richard replied. He then tried to move his leg.

“Richard, what’s wrong?” Charlie asked.

“I can’t move my leg........in fact, I can’t feel it at all.” Jim took out a small ruler-like object from his pocket and stroked one end on Richard’s left foot.

“Can you feel that?” Jim asked.

“No, nothing” Richard replied. Jim tried his right foot.

“What about that?”

“Still, nothing” Richard said. Jim slowly placed the stick down on the table.

“This is exactly what I feared” Jim mumbled.

“Doctor, what’s wrong?” Richard asked, concerned.

“Listen, Richard. There’s something you need to know.”

“What is it?”

“Well” Jim continued. "Although we removed the bullet, you have sustained some spinal damage due to the gunshot. At this stage we don’t know for a fact whether it’s temporary or permanent, but.......but.......there’s no easy way of saying this Richard. There is a chance that........that you may not be able to walk again. I’m sorry.” Charlie suddenly burst into tears as Richard stared at the doctor in shock.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Parenting Skills)

Hugo asks Leah out on a Date.

Charlie asks Martha to mind Billy for the day. With no knowledge of Parenthood, will Martha be able to cope?

[blizzard18]

Next Chapter

CHAPTER 84: PARENTING SKILLS

The sun rose up above the sky for the residents of Summer Bay after a night of both celebration and disaster. At the Diner, Colleen, Leah and Ruby were preparing food and serving the meals. Amongst the customers who came for the breakfast menu were Hugo and Jeremy.

8:30AM

“Something wrong, son?” Jeremy asked. He and Hugo were seated at the table opposite the counter.

“No, nothing” Hugo replied. He was staring at Leah, who was operating the cash register. Jeremy looked over.

“Why are you staring at her?” Jeremy asked. “Is there something wrong with the food, because I can go and ask.....”

“No, nothing wrong with the food, it’s just.....” Hugo let out a small smile. Leah, noticing Hugo staring at her quickly raced back into the kitchen.

“Rubes, can you take over at the counter?”

“er........OK” Ruby replied, leaving the kitchen. Colleen came over towards the embarrassed waitress.

“Something bothering you, pet?”

“It’s nothing” Leah replied.

“Let me guess. Is it Hugo?” Colleen asked. Leah slowly nodded.

“I knew it!” Colleen giggled. “You two are an item, aren’t you?”

“EXCUSE ME?” Leah shrieked. “For the last time Colleen, Hugo and I are not together. He was just teasing me, OK? Hugo and I may have had.......a little........fling, if we should call it that, but that’s it. I don’t even know if he’s remotely interested in me. I can’t even imagine him asking me out on a date or something.” Ruby entered the kitchen, with Hugo following behind her.

“Hey Leah, Hugo’s here” Ruby said. “He said he wants to ask you something.”

“I.....I.....er...........sure. Can I help you?” Leah asked, trying to hide any expression of embarrassment. Hugo noticed Colleen standing nearby.

“Excuse me, Colleen.”

“Oh.....er........I was just leaving” Colleen hastily replied. “I’ll leave you two to have your......friendly.........chat together.”

“Thank you, Colleen.”

Checking to see Colleen and Ruby have left the Kitchen, Hugo turned to face Leah.

“So Leah” Hugo continued. “Still trying to hide away from me?”

“What? Of course not!”

“Oh Come on!” Hugo said. “You saw that I was staring at you and you just bolted back in here.”

“Well.........you know” Leah replied, uneasily. “There is so much work to do.”

“What, at 8:30 in the morning?” Hugo asked. “Come on, Leah. Admit it. You have a crush on me.”

“Excuse me?”

“I know you can’t fool me!” Hugo giggled. “I can tell when the girls get the ‘Austin Vibe’ from me.”

“Oh stop it” Leah laughed. “You are just being silly, as usual. You know I don’t have a crush on you.”

“Then prove it” Hugo teased. Let me take you out for Dinner tonight.”

“er.........sorry?”

“Come on, you know you want to” Hugo giggled. “I’m not busy tonight and I know that Irene’s taking over your evening shift, so it’ll all work out well.”

“Excuse me” Leah interrupted. “But how did you know I was free tonight?”

“Colleen told me last night at Belle’s party.” Hugo replied. “Anyway, you kept saying that you deny having a crush on me. If that’s so, then prove it. Come with me to Dinner tonight and we’ll see for ourselves whether it’s true or not.”

“But Hugo, I....”

“Just one Dinner” Hugo said. “That’s all I ask.” Looking up to him, Leah silently giggled when she noticed Hugo’s cheeky grin.

“So?” Hugo asked again. “Are you gonna say yes?”

“OK, YES!” Leah replied. “But it’s only Dinner.”

“Excellent!” Hugo laughed, quickly making his way out of the Kitchen.

“How did you go?” Jeremy asked.

“She said yes” Hugo smiled. “I totally saw through her lies. I absolutely knew she has a crush on me, and she’ll prove it, tonight when we go out for Dinner.”

“Way to go, mate!” Jeremy laughed. “So, any idea where you’re gonna take her?”

“You know Dad, that’s a very good question” Hugo replied. “I have no idea!”

“Well, when you do think of something, take this. It might come in handy.” Jeremy took out two $100.00 notes from his wallet and handed it over to his son.

“Dad, what....what are you doing?”

“Here, take it” Jeremy said. “Use it to pay for tonight, OK? You deserve it. I have missed out on so much, and now......”

“Don’t, Dad” Hugo interrupted. “You don’t have to.”

“But I do” Jeremy replied. “I wasn’t there for you and your mother and your brothers when you were young, and it is something that I’m gonna regret for the rest of my life. But now that I’m back, it’s my job to make it up to you, OK? I wanna see you happy in your life, and I wanna start by paying for your Dinner date tonight. I know that it will take much more to make up for all my mistakes, but at least this is the start of it. Please, son. Take it.” Hugo hesitated, but eventually took the cash from his father’s hands.

“Wow......thanks Dad” Hugo smiled. “And just for the record, I’m not angry with you anymore. I’m just glad that you’re back with us.”

+++++

At the Holden House, Rachel opened the front door, after hearing a knock. Martha and Billy were standing at the patio.

9:00AM

“Martha, hey. Come on in”

“Thanks” Martha replied. “We won’t stay long though.”

“And who’s this young lad?”

“This is Billy” Martha smiled. “Billy, say Hi to Rachel. She’s a Doctor.”

“Hi” Billy greeted her.

“Aww, how cute!” Rachel smiled. “A little birdie told me about you. You are such the cutest thing. Anyway, what can I do for you?”

“Oh, I just came by to give you a packet of sugar.”

“Thanks” Rachel replied. “I did tell Gina, that she didn’t have to.”

“No, no. It wasn’t her idea. It was mine” Martha said. “She had to take one of your packets because I ran out of some when she was making the cake.”

“Oh, er.....thanks anyway.” Rachel replied. “So what are you up to today?”

“Charlie’s asked me to take care of Billy for today” Martha responded.

“Oh” Rachel replied. “Poor Charlie, she must be flat out after everything that’s happened.”

“Yeah. Jack said that she spent the whole night at Richard’s bedside. She’s so tired, so that’s why I’m taking care of Billy today.”

“I would’ve thought Warren would be doing that job” Rachel wondered.

“He’s still shook up after the break-in at his apartment” Martha replied.

“Break-in?......you lost me there.”

“It’s a long story” Martha sighed. “Jack told me about it. I’ll explain later. Anyway, we’d better go. Come on Billy.”

“Hang on” Rachel interrupted. “Martha, are you sure you’re OK with taking care of him?”

“er.........I suppose. Why?”

“It’s just that..........you were scared about parenthood, ever since you found out you were pregnant.”

“OK Rachel, you win!” Martha replied. “I’ve absolutely have no idea what I’m doing, and I have no idea why I’m agreed with Charlie to this.”

“Well, come on, let me help” Rachel offered. “I’m not meeting Tony at the Surf Club until lunchtime, so I have the whole morning free.”

“Are you sure, Rach?” Martha asked. “Because I don’t want to burden you with my........”

“Burden me?” Rachel said. “Of course not! I mean, I’ve got my first child on the way, so I’ll need to learn some parenting myself. Come on, stay. We can both help each other with Billy.” Martha thought for a second.

“Well........OK then. Thanks Rach.”

+++++

At the Hospital, Warren and Frances were sitting alongside the corridor. Both looked up as Charlie came out of Richard’s room.

“Hey Charlie, how is he?” Frances asked.

“He’s fine, just resting” Charlie whispered. Warren saw that she was completely exhausted.

“Look Charlie, why don’t you go home and get some rest?” Warren asked. “You look like you need one.”

“I’m fine, thanks. I just want to stay here.”

“What about you, Warren?” Frances asked. “You should go back home. You’ve had a long night too.”

“I can’t” Warren replied. “I can’t leave until I know that our baby brother’s gonna be OK.”

“But the doctor said he’ll be fine” Frances said.

“Fine?” Warren replied. “It’s not fine. As far as we know, Richard may never walk again. It was bad enough that he was shot in the first place, but given that the bullet got lodged in his spine......it’s just......I......I don’t know.” Charlie took a seat next to the siblings.

“I’m sorry, Charlie” Warren whispered. “I know I shouldn’t be thinking about all the negatives. You’re hurting just as much as we are.”

“Listen” Charlie spoke. “The only thing we can do is stay positive. Once Richard starts Physiotherapy, we’re gonna have to take things just one at a time. I really hope he’ll walk again too.”

+++++

Back at the Holden House...

11:00AM

“Billy, come on. Finish your food”

“I don’t want it” Billy demanded. “I want my Ice Cream!”

“You have to eat this” Martha explained. “You want to be big and strong like the other kids, don’t you?”

“I want Ice Cream!” Billy replied.

Rachel came back inside after picking up the laundry from the backyard.

“Rach, how does this work?” Martha groaned in exhaustion.

“What do you mean?” Rachel asked.

“Billy won’t finish his pasta” Martha replied. “He wants Ice Cream instead.” Rachel thought for a second.

“Let me try something” Rachel suggested, turning over to face the ten year old. “Billy, if you don’t finish your food, not only will you not get your Ice Cream, but Martha will also tell Daddy and he’ll be very angry.” At that moment, Billy quickly took his fork and started eating the pasta.”

“Goodness, Rach. How do you know all this stuff?”

“I remember Tony telling me that he would play a similar trick on Jack and Luc when they were young, especially Jack!”

“See, Rach, this is what I feared.”

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up about this” Rachel said. “It’s only a minor setback. You’ll get used to it, I’m sure.”

“But that’s the thing, I’m not sure If I’ll get used to it” Martha replied. “I’m already having trouble with Billy. What will happen when I become a mother in nine months or so?”

“You’ll be a great mother” Rachel reassured her friend. “Just give it some time, and remember that you’re not doing this alone. You have Jack as well, and Tony and I will always help wherever possible.”

“I really, really hope so” Martha sighed.

Hugo and Jeremy arrived at the front door.

“Hey guys” Hugo called out.

“Hey, you two have been out for a while” Rachel replied. “What’ve you been up to?”

“Just spending some quality time with my Dad” Hugo smiled, placing his arm around his father.

“Well I’m glad everything’s sorted out between you two” Martha smiled.

“I’m just glad that I can start my life all over again with my family” Jeremy said. “Back to the way it should’ve been all along.”

“Dad” Hugo whispered. “Remember, it wasn’t entirely your fault that you left us all those years ago, OK? We forgive you.”

“Thanks” Jeremy replied. “Anyway, I just wanted to return this.” Jeremy handed over Tony’s shirt to Rachel. “Tell Tony thanks for loaning me his shirt.”

“No worries” Rachel replied. “Anyway, what are you guys up to now?”

“I’m just going back to the Caravan Park to continue unpacking my stuff” Jeremy replied.

“Oh, so you’re staying there.”

“Yeah, I’m renting one of the caravans for now. Once I sort out my finances, I might then start looking for a house.”

“Why don’t you stay with us?” Hugo asked. “Dad can stay with us, can’t he, Rach?”

“I wish I could say yes” Rachel replied. “But there’s no more room left.”

“Dad can just sleep on the couch” Hugo suggested.

“Listen, son” Jeremy interrupted. “I’m fine back in the caravan, OK? I promised your mother that we would take things one step at a time. We can still hang out together with Xavier and Brendan as well, and besides, it’s probably better that I stay in the caravan for now because.......let’s face it – I’m not really in your Uncle Tony’s good books at the moment, am I?”

“I’m sorry that he had a go at you” Rachel apologised. “He’ll get over it, I’m sure.”

“It’s fine” Jeremy replied. “I don’t blame him though. He and Gina are very close.”

Jeremy checked his watch.

“Anyway, I better go. Good luck with your Dinner date tonight, Hugo. Bye.” Jeremy walked out of the house.

“Dinner Date” Martha asked. “With who?”

“It’s.............it’s no one” Hugo replied. Rachel saw that he was blushing red.

“It’s Leah, isn’t it?”

“Well.......yeah.”

“I knew it!” Rachel squealed. “I pretty much saw how you two were looking at each other at Belle’s party!”

+++++

The Sun slowly disappeared from the horizon, marking the evening. At a restaurant in Yabbie Creek, Hugo and Leah were seated at a table, feasting on their main course meal.

7:00PM

“Wow, this food is great!” Leah exclaimed. “Perhaps I should suggest some recipes like this to Irene for the Diner.”

“So you ARE Glad to be out having Dinner with me.” Hugo said.

“Hey, remember. It’s just one Dinner, nothing else.” Leah replied.

“Well, we’ll see about that” Hugo teased. Leah rolled her eyes in disbelief.

Two hours later...

9:00PM

“You don’t have to walk me home” Leah said.

“I know I didn’t have to, but you were the one who asked me to walk you home, remember” Hugo chuckled. “You said you want me to protect you from those possums and rats that run around in the darkness, didn’t you?” Hugo suddenly made up an impersonation of a possum.

“Oh stop it!” Leah screamed. “You know how much I hate possums and rats!”

“OK, OK. I’m sorry” Hugo laughed.

After a few moments later, the pair arrived at the front of Leah’s house.

“OK, this is the part where you can go now” Leah said.

“Hey, aren’t you gonna thank me for tonight?” Hugo asked, shocked.

“OK, OK” Leah replied. “Thank you for taking me out to Dinner tonight. I had.................surprisingly, a good time, actually.”

“Well I’m glad to hear it” Hugo smiled. “Perhaps I should take you out again another night.”

“Hey! I thought we agreed that it will just be this one time” Leah exclaimed. She then made her way to the back patio but stopped when she sensed Hugo following behind her.

“What are you doing? You know, you can go home now!”

“I thought you might be safer if I actually walk you to the door” Hugo teased. “That way, I can be sure that no possums will attack you now.”

“Whatever” Leah rolled her eyes.

As the pair arrived at the back patio, they stopped suddenly when they saw a man sitting on the chair next to the door.

“Oh my God!” Leah gasped. “Ray. What are you doing here?”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Kids)

Aden, Belle and the teens get into mischief at Irene’s house.

Jack takes his turn looking after Billy.

Leah confides with Rachel about her feelings for Ray and Hugo.

Charlie makes a shocking discovery after receiving a phone call from the prison in the city.

NOTE: Big "shocker" coming up in the next few chapters...

[blizzard18]

Sorry this took quite a while. It's actually quite a long chapter (get ready for the shock at the end... )

CHAPTER 85: KIDS

“Ray, what are you doing here?” Leah asked, stunned. Ray stood up from the seat.

“Leah, I’m glad to.........”

“Just shut up!” Hugo interrupted. “You shouldn’t even be here. You think you can just turn up after.....”

“Stop, Hugo” Leah said.

“No, Leah” Hugo replied. “This creep was the one who lied to you and not only that, but he trashed my Uncle’s Gym.”

“Look, just go Hugo” Leah ordered. “I’ll take care of this.”

“I can’t leave you alone with him.”

“Just go home Hugo” Leah sternly spoke. “I’ll be fine. I can handle this.” After giving an evil glance at Ray, Hugo slowly walked off in the other direction.

Seeing that Hugo was gone, Leah turned her attention back to Ray.

“Why are you here?”

“I came to see you” Ray replied. “I want to explain everything”

“No, I mean......how did you get out of Jail?”

“The cops released me just yesterday” Ray explained. “It was because I helped them with their investigations concerning Craig Dawson, but I have to stay in the Bay for a few days for my court hearing in regards to the robbery.”

“When’s the court date?” Leah asked.

“In a couple of days” Ray replied. Leah nodded, understanding what he said.

“Leah” Ray continued. “I am sorry, sorry............for having put you through all this. You have to believe me, I never wanted this to happen.” Leah took a seat on the chair.

“Ray......I.....I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say what’s on your mind” Ray suggested.

“OK, well.......I’m gonna be honest with you, Ray” Leah spoke. “I was absolutely angry at you because you lied to me. I honestly thought you were the right one for me after I lost Vinnie and Dan. I tried to convince myself that perhaps you were the one who would fill the emptiness in my life......but instead, you committed a crime behind my back, regardless whether it was your intention or not. You lied to me Ray, and honestly.......I can’t forgive you for that.”

“I understand” Ray whispered, bowing his head in shame. “I know I screwed up. I don’t expect you to forgive me, or take me back. All I wanted to do was apologize to you for what I’ve done.”

“Thank you” Leah whispered.

“Well.......I’d better be going” Ray said. “Perhaps I’ll see you around sometime.”

“Yeah” Leah softly spoke. “Perhaps we well.” Letting out a small smile, Ray slowly turned around and left the porch.

Leah remained seated on the chair. She remembered all the happy times that she and Ray shared, then the moment that she was left heartbroken when Jack arrested him halfway through their date at Ray’s Agency. Taking out her key, Leah unlocked the back door and stepped inside.

+++++

The vibrant rays of the sun glowed over Summer Bay, marking a new morning. Aden, Belle, Annie and Ruby were seated around the Dining table at Irene’s house, eating Breakfast.

8:35AM

“Oh my God, I’m late” Irene checked her watch as she rushed around the house, looking for her bag.

“When were you meant to start?” Belle asked.

“I overslept” Irene said. “I was meant to start my shift at the Diner five minutes ago.” Finally locating her bag on the table in the Living room, Irene grabbed her keys and headed towards the door.

“What time do you finish?” Aden asked.

“Oh love, I have a busy day today, I probably won’t be back until evening, so you guys have the whole house to yourselves. Bye.” Irene rushed out of the house.

“Did you just hear that?” Aden asked. “We have the whole house to ourselves for today.”

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Belle giggled.

“I sure am” Aden smiled.

“What are you guys thinking?” Ruby asked.

“We’re thinking STRIP POKER!” Belle screamed.

“Oh my.......you’re not serious, are you?” Annie commented.

“Of course we’re serious!” Aden laughed. “It’s kind of like a tradition for Belle for her birthday. We would always invite some friends over and just have fun for the day.”

“I know my birthday was a couple of days ago” Belle said. “But since Irene’s gonna be out for the whole day, let’s just have fun for once and be silly!”

“And you managed to keep this strip poker.........tradition......a secret from Irene?” Ruby giggled.

“Absolutely” Aden smiled.

“So why don’t you ring up your friends and let’s have fun?” Belle suggested.

“But strip poker?” Annie asked. “I mean, is it really..............”

“I’LL RING THEM UP!” Ruby interrupted, grabbing the telephone. “This sounds like fun. Sorry Annie!”

+++++

9:30AM

“Charlie, hey. How are you?” Watson greeted the Senior Constable as she entered the Station.

“I’m fine” Charlie replied with a yawn.

“Charlie, you look tired” Watson commented. “Why don’t you get some rest?”

“Seriously, I’m fine” Charlie replied. “Besides, I need to keep myself busy. I can’t just stay all day at the hospital worrying too much over Richard. Warren and Frances are there to keep an eye on him.”

“How is he?”

“Richard’s not out of the woods, yet” Charlie sighed. “Dr. Jim Winston said that he can leave the hospital this afternoon, but he’ll be in a wheelchair, plus he’ll need to attend some physiotherapy sessions to hopefully walk again.”

“I hope he get’s better” Watson said.

“I really hope so too” Charlie sighed. “Anyway, I swapped Jack’s work shift with Constable Wilson’s shift, so he can have the day off to help Martha look after Billy. I bumped into Rachel last night and she said that Martha seems to struggle with Billy on her own, so it’s good that Jack will be there.”

“I see” Watson understood.

+++++

At the Bachelor Pad, Jack and Billy were at the backyard, kicking the soccer ball back and forth. Martha was at the Kitchen preparing Billy’s meal. Andrew and Lucas entered the Living room.

“Hey Martha, we’ll be back later” Andrew and Lucas called out as they headed towards the door.

“Oh, what are you two up to?” Martha asked.

“I’m off to help your Grandfather at the Surf Club” Andrew replied.

“And Ruby just called and invited Nicole and I to Irene’s place.” Lucas said.

“OK you two. Have fun”

“Bye” Andrew and Lucas replied, leaving the house.

As Martha resumed with preparing the food, she glanced out the window and saw Jack playfully chasing Billy around the yard. She saw Jack catch up with the ten-year old, giving him a tickle. Billy then got up from the ground and chased Jack. Martha began to think – seeing Jack at ease with Billy, despite having no experience with Children, will she and Jack be good parents after all, with their own child on the way?”

+++++

At the grass area next to the Beach, Leah sat on the picnic bench, watching her son V.J, along with Miles and Geoff kicking the soccer ball along the sand.

“Hey” a familiar voice called out. Leah turned around to see her best friend approaching her.

“Rach. Hey” Leah smiled. Rachel took a seat on the bench next to Leah.

“I see that V.J’s back from your parents. Did he have a good time?”

“He loved it” Leah replied. “A few days vacation with Mum and Dad was good for him. He got to meet all his other relatives.”

“Aww, that’s lovely” Rachel smiled.

“Anyway, what are you up to?” Leah asked.

“I was just heading to the Diner for a snack, then off for a stroll before I meet Tony at the Surf Club for Lunch.” Rachel replied.

“Well, at least you’re keeping yourself busy.”

“Busy?” Rachel said, surprised. “I’m absolutely bored! The Hospital wanted me to take my Maternity leave early, but I’m not due for about four months or so. Now, most of the time I’m stuck at home, alone, while Tony’s back working at the Gym.” Rachel saw that Leah was distracted.

“Leah, something wrong?”

“No, nothing” Leah replied. Rachel stared at her.

“Doesn’t look like nothing to me. You look a bit pale. Are you not feeling well?”

“No, it’s not that.”

“Well.........what is it, then?” Rachel asked, concerned.

“It’s Ray” Leah sighed. “He and I had a little chat last night after I came home from my Dinner with Hugo.”

“What?” Rachel said. “Is.......is he out of Jail then?”

“Yes” Leah nodded. “Charlie and the others struck a deal with him, saying that Ray can get out of Jail, but he must remain in the Bay for his court date.”

Oh” Rachel replied. “What did Ray say?”

“He said that he’s sorry for lying to me for keeping his involvement in the robbery a secret.” Leah replied.

“Do you think he was sincere?”

“That’s the thing” Leah replied. “He ACTUALLY did sound sincere. But I just can’t do it Rach, he still committed the crime. He could’ve avoided the situation if he came up to me, or even Charlie for help, but he didn’t – he just took matters into his own hands and kept everything a secret from me. But it’s just......”

“Just?” Rachel asked.

“There’s Hugo as well” Leah replied. “I know he can be silly, but that Dinner that we had......I have to admit......I had a great time. He really showed his gentle side.”

“What do you think about Hugo?” Rachel asked. “Do you have feelings for him?” Leah was hesitant with her answer.

“Leah?” Rachel asked again.

“OK, I’ll tell you the truth” Leah admitted. “Ray was a lovely guy. I loved him, right until his hidden life was exposed. Then he just appeared all of a sudden last night at my house, asking me to forgive him. I suspected that he may have been trying to win me back, and a part of me wanted to say yes, because despite his actions, he didn’t intentionally want to rob the Surf Club, and I knew he was a nice guy.”

“Then why did you say no?” Rachel asked.

“Because, after the Dinner last night.......” Leah took a deep breath. “I can’t help it, Rach. I think I have feelings for Hugo.”

+++++

Meanwhile, at Irene’s house, Aden, Belle, Ruby, Annie, Jai, Xavier, Lucas and Nicole sat around the Dining table.

“Strip Poker?” Lucas asked. “Are you kidding?”

“No I’m not, mate” Aden laughed.

“Come on Luc, It’ll be fun” Nicole giggled. “And besides, doesn’t school start again soon? Come on, have fun for once.”

“Come on Luc, please?” Belle begged. “Taking part in our silly tradition of games can be your Birthday present for me.”

“Alright, fine” Lucas chuckled. “You know, If I knew that we were playing ‘Strip Poker’ I could’ve been spending a nice day with Hugo, Brendan, Aunt Gina and Uncle Jeremy fishing instead!”

“Well, now you’re here, so you have to play” Nicole smiled.

“That’s right” Belle replied. “Now the way Aden and I play it with our friends is, instead of everyone against each other, it’s Boys vs. Girls.”

“For example” Aden continued. “In each round, if any of us Boys have a hand that is greater than any of the Girls, the Girls have to take off one piece of clothing each.”

“OK, so this is gonna be fun” Lucas rolled his eyes.”

“Come on, I used to play this all the time with my friends in the city” Nicole said. “I would never lose, though!”

“OK, let’s get started” Belle smiled, taking out the cards from the box.

+++++

Back at the Bachelor Pad, Martha came out of the Bathroom after taking a quick shower. Jack sat on the couch, reading a magazine.

12:00PM

“Hey Jack, where’s Billy?”

“Warren came over to pick him up. They just left.” Jack replied.

“How is he?” Martha asked.

“He still seemed a bit shaken up, but he insisted that he’s fine to look after Billy.”

“Oh, I see” Martha replied.

Martha took a seat on the couch next to her husband.

“Jack, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“OK, sure babe” Jack smiled, placing the magazine down on the table. “Fire away!”

“I’ve gotta ask you.......how do you do it?”

“Do what?” Jack asked, confused.

“You know, we’re not even parents yet, and you seem to be easy going with Billy, while I’m constantly relying on advice from Rachel on how to take care of him.”

“Well, I may not be a dad......yet” Jack replied. “But every time I’m with kids, I just think about how Dad brought me up.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean” Jack replied. “I just remember how Dad would take care of Luc and I when we were kids. Dad has been my role model throughout my whole childhood, and despite all the pain he went through all those years ago, he still took care of us with love and respect. I mean, Dad and I are more than just Father and Son, we’re best mates – and when Mum died, we all became closer than ever. We would look out for each other, and be open to each other and not hide anything. I love Dad with all my heart, and I want to be just like Dad when our little one is born. All I have to do is remember how Dad looked after Luc and I. That’s what helps me with kids.”

“I just wish I can be the same” Martha sighed.

“Babe, Is that why you didn’t tell me about the pregnancy in the first place?” Jack asked.

"I'm sorry, Jack" Martha replied. "I was afraid at how you were gonna react, and beside that, I was afraid that we would be bad parents."

“Come here” Jack whispered, pulling his wife into a hug. “Don’t be scared about it. We’ve still got plenty of time. It’s just a bit of getting used to. Don’t worry, we will be good parents to our child, I promise.”

+++++

Irene was walking along the Beach. She gave a wave when she saw Andrew walking towards her.

“Hey Andrew, how are you?”

“I’m well, thanks” Andrew smiled. “How about you?”

“I’m just relieved that Colleen’s offered to take my extra shift today, so I can finally take a break. Anyway, what are you up to?”

“Well Alf Stewart said that he won’t need my help until later this afternoon, so I’m just going on a nice stroll along the beach.”

“Do you like it here in Summer Bay?” Irene asked.

“I couldn’t be happier” Andrew smiled. “I love Adelaide too, but being with my Niece and Nephew is more important, seeing as they’re the only family I have left, apart from that criminal brother of mine, but thankfully now that he’s in Jail, we can finally live our normal lives.”

“I’m happy for you” Irene smiled. “Anyway, I’m heading back home. Do you wanna come in for a cuppa?”

“Oh, you’re not going back to the Diner?” Andrew asked.

“No, that’s why I said that Colleen offered to take my extra shift” Irene replied.

“Oh, well in that case, I’ve love a cuppa. Thanks Irene” Andrew smiled. “By the way, Luc mentioned that he and Nicole are going to you place.”

“Perhaps the kids invited them. I wonder what they’re up to” Irene wondered.

+++++

“OK, Annie has a ‘Royal Flush.’ Ruby announced. “That beats Xavier's 'Full House.' You lose, boys!” Aden, Jai, Lucas and Xavier sighed as they were now only up to their shorts.

“OK boys, shorts down!” Belle giggled.

“TAKE IT OFF! TAKE IT OFF!” The girls cheered in unison. They were suddenly interrupted when Irene and Andrew entered the back door.

“OH MY GODFATHER, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?” Irene screamed. All the teens blushed red in embarrassment.

“I......I....Irene” Belle spoke, struggling to find words. “I......I thought you....you were gonna be....be out the......the.......the whole day.”

“Colleen offered to take my other shift” Irene replied. “But never mind that. WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS?”

“er.............we......we were just playing a game of.........”

“Strip Poker” Andrew rolled his eyes.

+++++

Later in the Afternoon...

5:00PM

Charlie was finishing up some paperwork at her desk at the Station, when suddenly the phone rang. Charlie picked up the handset to answer it.

“Charlie Buckton speaking......................yes.......................OK, but...............HE’S WHAT!!!.............PLEASE TELL ME THIS IS NOT TRUE......................When was this?.................Oh God!...well, thank’s for warning us.”

Watson entered Charlie’s office.

“Here, I got you a coffee” Watson saw that Charlie was in shock.

“Oh my God!”

“Charlie, what’s wrong?” Watson asked.

“That....that was the prison down near the city” Charlie replied. “Kent Holden has escaped from Jail!”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Verdict)

Kent returns to the Bay, with Tony squarely in his sight.

Charlie and Watson take action after learning about Kent’s escape.

Irene forces Aden and Belle to clean up the house in the aftermath of their games with the teens.

Alf and Leah go to court to witness Ray’s case.

[blizzard18]

CHAPTER 86: THE VERDICT

“Kent Holden’s escaped from prison?” Watson asked.

“He has” Charlie sighed.

“But.........how?”

“The Warden believes that one of the guards went inside Kent’s cell to check on him after Kent had reported an illness – but later in the evening, one of the other guards found him knocked out inside. It is believed that Kent took the guard’s uniform and disguised himself as a guard, then quickly made his way out the prison.”

“So...........what do we do?” Watson asked.

“I don’t know, but we have to think of something, fast. For all we know, he might he heading back to Summer Bay because of Tony.”

“We have to let him know and warn him” Watson said, picking up the desk phone. Charlie quickly grabbed the phone off the constable and placed it back down.

“No, Georgie, we can’t do that!” Charlie replied. “He’ll go off the rails again if he knows about it. The best thing to do is keep quiet about this, OK? Tony and the family still believe that Kent's in Jail, and that’s how we should keep it.

“Then, what are we gonna do?” Watson asked. “Charlie, this man is highly dangerous. Remember what happened at the warehouse?”

“Yeah” Charlie whispered. “But, at the meantime, the only thing we can do is organise frequent patrols around the Bay. We’re gonna need some of the officers to patrol with unmarked cars around the streets surrounding Tony’s house, so that Tony or anyone else don't get suspicious. That’s all we can do at the moment.”

“Well let’s hope it works” Watson sighed.

+++++

Meanwhile on the road.....

Kent was driving along the main road in a stolen vehicle. He pulled over when he saw a large sign in front of him.

SUMMER BAY – 14KM

YABBIE CREEK – 18KM

NORTH VALLEY – 25KM

“Only 14 kilometres, and I’m back” Kent whispered to himself. “Stupid Tony! I just wished you’d listen to me to avoid all this mess. I raised you up the right way. I just wish you would stop seeing me as the bad guy, unlike your mother – but you chose not to listen to me, so now, I have to settle this matter once and for all!” Starting up the car, Kent continued along the road.

+++++

A new morning came for the residents of Summer Bay. At Irene’s house, Aden, Belle, Annie and Ruby were eating breakfast at the Dining table. Irene came down the stairs and grabbed her bag.

8:00AM

“Got another shift?” Belle asked.

“Yeah, love. I’ve got another busy day today” Irene replied. “Colleen rang and said that she’s not well, so I’ll be filling in. Warren’s not coming in until later because of Billy, and Leah only has a short morning shift so Rubes, don’t forget your're filling in for Leah this afternoon.”

“I won’t forget” Ruby smiled.

“Anyway, what are the rest of you up to today?” Irene asked.

“Nothing much” Aden said. “I mean, we were having fun yesterday.........until you walked in on us.”

“Oh, that reminds me” Irene laughed. “Take this.” Irene pulled out a couple of sheets of paper and handed it over to the kids.

“What.........what’s this?” Annie asked.

“It’s your chores for today” Irene explained. “Well Aden, you can’t say now that you all have nothing much to do, can you?”

“I guess not” Aden sighed.

“Come on, Irene. We’re sorry you had to walk in on all of us yesterday” Belle apologized.

“And we’re sorry for messing up your house in the process” Ruby replied.

“Well I’m glad to hear that, love, but now, you can clean it all up for me” Irene giggled. Aden, Belle, Annie and Ruby moaned in frustration.

“And.....” Irene continued. “So that I know that you guys are actually doing those chores, I’ve asked Gina and Jeremy to come over to supervise you guys.”

“Come on, Irene” Aden protested. “Belle and I are adults. We’ll be fine by ourselves.”

“See, that’s the part where I disagree” Irene replied. “I left you guys alone yesterday, only to return home to some flippin’ disaster which my eyes really DIDN’T need to see!”

“But it was all just a bit of fun” Belle explained.

“I didn’t think it was fun” Irene noted. “I suppose........the only thing I found the slightest bit funny was watching Lucas continuously begging Andrew for him not to tell Tony. But anyway getting back to topic, you guys are still cleaning up my house!” Irene was interrupted when she heard knocking on the front door.

“Well, that must be the Austins” Irene smiled. Aden, Belle, Annie and Ruby buried their heads in their hands in frustration.

“Goodbye free time!” Aden whispered to himself.

+++++

At the Surf Club, Alf was setting up the Bar.

9:00AM

“Hey Alf” Leah called out as she entered.

“G’day Leah, what can I do for you?”

“Nothing” Leah replied. “Just wanted to stop by on my way to the Diner and say Hi.”

“Oh” Alf exclaimed. “Well that’s thoughtful of you. Gonna be a busy day at the Diner today?”

“Yeah, unfortunately” Leah sighed. “Irene rang up this morning, saying that Colleen’s not feeling very well.”

“Any chance Colleen’s faking?” Alf chuckled.

“Well, Colleen voluntarily took Irene’s afternoon and evening shift, so, after all the hard work, I doubt she’s faking.”

“That’s a first” Alf smiled.

“Come on, don’t be mean” Leah replied, jokingly punching Alf on the arm. “Actually, there is kinda a reason why I came here to speak to you.”

“Oh, what’s that?”

“I overheard some of the residents saying that this place isn’t so lively anymore. Something wrong?”

“I wouldn’t exactly describe it as not lively” Alf sighed. “I did notice however, that there aren’t as many customers as there were before. My guess is that stunt, pulled by that flamin’ mongrel of a Real Estate Agent made the public believe that we’re not a safe and secure club.”

“Well that’s why I’m here” Leah replied. “Ray’s court hearing is scheduled for this afternoon.”

“So?”

“So” Leah continued. “I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to witness his case.”

“ARE YOU FLAMIN’ KIDDING ME?” Alf shrieked. “There is NO WAY that I want to even be associated with that man, even if it is to watch him in court. Don’t you remember what he did to this place, not to mention the Gym next door?”

“I know, I know” Leah responded. “But I think that it’s best to not hold your anger on him forever. Yes, I know you’re angry Alf, and I’m upset too after he lied to me, but, you know, life goes on, and we can’t hold grudges forever.”

“What are you trying to say, Leah?” Alf asked sternly.

“All I’m saying is, going to the courthouse to watch Ray admit his crime in front of the judge is the best way to move on from all this. I mean, the court will treat his case in all fairness, and I believe it will help all of us relieve all our anger, and you Alf, will get to witness the fact that he will have to pay for his crime, whether it’s Jail, or community service, or whatever. I really think it will help both of us move on.”

“I really don’t know, Leah” Alf said.

“Think about it” Leah replied. “Well I’ve gotta go and do my morning shift. Perhaps I’ll see you at the courthouse.” Turning around, Leah made her way out of the Surf Club.

+++++

At Irene’s house, Gina and Jeremy were seated on the couch in the Living room.

10:00AM

“You know what made me fall in love with you in the first place?” Gina giggled, stroking Jeremy’s hair.

“er..........my hair?” Jeremy asked.

“No, silly. It was your cheeky grin” Gina chuckled. “Do you remember the first time we met, back in Alice Springs?”

“I remember it like it was yesterday” Jeremy smiled.

“I walked into the pub and you were sitting on the bar stool. You looked at me with that cheeky grin, which I couldn’t resist, which then led me bumping into that waitress, who sent a big jug of beer over that poor woman’s dress.”

“Funny you still remember it” Jeremy replied, showing his cheeky grin.

“Oh my God........that’s impressive!”

“What is?”

“After 28 years, you can still pull off that cheeky grin” Gina giggled. Both leaned over for a kiss, but were suddenly interrupted by Aden, Belle, Annie and Ruby, who were staring right at them.

“Er.......guys...............do we really need to see that?” Aden asked.

“HEY! I looked at Irene’s list and I can see there’s still plenty to do. Come on, back to work” Gina ordered.

+++++

At the Hospital.....

“OK let’s get started” Julie smiled, placing the handheld device over Rachel’s tummy. Rachel and Tony looked up at the monitor.

“That’s our child!” Rachel smiled.

“It sure is!” Tony replied.

“And it looks like everything is OK. The baby is developing normally, so that’s definitely a good sign” Julie explained.

“I’m glad to hear that” Rachel replied.

“Would you like a print-out of the ultrasound?” Julie asked.

“Oh, Absolutely.”

“OK, well I’ll be back in one minute” Julie said, heading out of the hospital room.

Seeing that Julie had left the room, Rachel grabbed the machine and placed it against her tummy.

“Rach, what are you doing?”

“What?” Rachel asked. “Just because Julie isn’t here, doesn’t mean I can’t see my baby on screen again. Besides, I’ve used these machines on other patients hundreds of times.”

“You’ve got a point there” Tony chuckled. Both he and Rachel looked up at the screen again.

“Look at that” Rachel smiled. “Our first child together. Can you believe it?”

“Absolutely” Tony replied. “I’m so happy for the pair of us. Our own little family – Jack and Luc included.”

“Not yet” Rachel reminded him. “We still have our wedding to plan though.”

“I know” Tony smiled. “But this moment is what I like right now. Everything is happening the way we dreamed, and no one in the world can take this away from us.”

+++++

Kent parked the car opposite the Holden House. Staring right at the house, he suddenly ducked down when he saw Martha heading towards the front door.

“Hello? Anyone there?” Martha called out. No one answered.

“Hello?” Martha called out again, banging on the door.

“Perhaps no one’s at home” Martha said to herself as she made her way back next door.

Seeing Martha walk away made Kent realize that no one, including Tony was at home.

“Damn it!” Kent said to himself. Starting up the car, Kent drove away.

+++++

1:00PM

After hearing Ray’s court case with the verdict being delivered, Alf and Leah stood outside the courthouse. Ray came up towards them.

“Hi.”

“Hi” Leah whispered. Ray turned over to Alf and saw that he was clearly annoyed.

“I really can’t begin to express how disgusted I am with you, after what you’ve done” Alf growled. Turning around, he walked a fair distance away from them.

“Fair enough” Ray said.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault” Leah replied. “I pretty much persuaded him to come today. I was surprised that he actually came. I was hoping that he’d move on from all this, though, but it looks like that’s not gonna happen.”

“I don’t blame him” Ray sighed. “I don’t expect him to forgive me, but thanks. Thank you for coming.”

After a moment of silence, Leah spoke out.

“So, 200 hours community service, plus a $1000 fine. Better than Jail eh?”

“Yeah, I was lucky” Ray replied. “But that was mostly because I helped Charlie with providing evidence against Craig Dawson. I’m glad she stuck to her word with getting me a light sentence.”

“Well, that’s Charlie, the super cop!” Leah chuckled. “So when do you start your community service?”

“I’m gonna start straight away” Ray replied. “The sooner I get this over and done with, the sooner I can get my life back on track. But that’s not all....”

“Sorry?” Leah asked.

“I spoke with the officers before the court hearing” Ray explained. “I asked them that If I do get community service, I request that I do it somewhere else.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means I’m leaving Summer Bay” Ray replied. “The judge said that I can do my community service in the city.”

“Oh........so.......so you’re going to the city?”

“I am” Ray nodded. “I just want to start my life again, and the best place to do that is somewhere else.”

“I understand” Leah replied. “So.........I suppose this is goodbye.”

“I suppose it is” Ray softly spoke. “I’ll miss you, though.” Leah stared straight into his eyes.

“Ray.”

“Yes?”

“Come here” Leah opened out her arms and hugged Ray. “I’m happy that you’re getting your life back on track. Take good care of yourself. Promise?”

“I promise” Ray smiled.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Photography)

Richard struggles to adapt to life, bound in a wheelchair.

Belle gives Brendan a lesson in photography.

Kent ‘s actions place Tony, Alf, Andrew, Hugo and Leah in great danger.

[blizzard18]

Next Chapter

CHAPTER 87: PHOTOGRAPHY

Inside Richard’s apartment...

“CRASH”

“Damn it!” Richard cursed, as he accidentally knocked his glass of water off the kitchen bench. Pushing his wheelchair back to reach the broom cupboard, he knocked over a nearby table, sending a stack of newspapers and magazines all over the floor.

“YOU’RE KIDDING ME, I JUST SORTED IT OUT!” Richard yelled. Suddenly, the phone rang. Richard turned his wheelchair around and raced into the other end of the Living room to grab the handset, but the phone stopped ringing just moments before he could reach it.

“DAMN IT!” Richard yelled. He turned around when he heard Warren enter inside.

“Warren, you gotta get me out of here!” Richard begged. “I’m going crazy!”

“Why, what’s wrong?”

“It’s being confined to this stupid wheelchair, that’s what’s wrong!” Richard said. “First, I knock a glass off the kitchen bench, then, I bump into everything wherever I go, and then, I can’t even answer a phone call because they hang up by the time I get to it!”

“Well here, let me help you” Warren replied, heading towards the kitchen to clean up the shattered glass. Richard stopped him.

“Don’t worry about it Warren, just get me out of here!” Richard begged. “Where’s Billy?”

“I left him with Frances back in my apartment” Warren replied.

“OK, fine, just as long as he’s safe. Now come on, get me out of here!”

“Where to?” Warren asked.

“I don’t know, anywhere!” Richard replied. “Or better still, take me to the Station. I’ll be more useful there than in here, plus I can surprise Charlie.”

+++++

Meanwhile at Irene’s house.....

“Well, doesn’t this look better?” Gina smiled, seeing the cleanliness of the Living room, the Dining table and the kitchen.

“I’m sure Irene will be pleased” Jeremy commented.

“I just can’t believe that Rubes got to leave early” Annie said.

“Yeah, and she left all of us to clean up her portion of the mess” Belle noted.

“Ruby had to fill in for Leah at the Diner, remember?” Gina said. “Anyway, at least it’s clean now, and I’ll tell Irene that you all did a good job with your chores.”

Everyone looked up to see Hugo, Xavier and Brendan enter from the Kitchen.

“Hey guys, Martha said you were here” Hugo said.

“Hey” Gina smiled. Brendan ran up to his father.

“Hey Buddy!” Jeremy smiled, hugging his son. “Did you have a good day?”

“Brendan had a good day!” Brendan giggled.

“He sure did!” Xavier smiled.

“EXCUSE ME!” Belle exclaimed, jokingly punching Xavier’s arm. “You took part in our games yesterday. How come no one asked you to help clean up......speaking of which, where’s Luc and Nicole?”

“Well I can’t speak for Luc and Nicole” Xavier replied. “But I had more important things to do today, like hanging out with my brothers.”

“Yeah whatever” Belle rolled her eyes.

“So how was the art show?” Jeremy asked.

“It was fantastic” Hugo replied. “There were lots to see, and everything looked creative and fascinasting.”

“Brendan loves looking at the photos” Brendan commented.

“Really?” Jeremy smiled.

“That’s true” Hugo commented. “Brendan spent most of the time looking at the photo section in the gallery.”

“You like photography?” Belle asked.

“Yeah” Brendan replied.

“I love photography too” Belle smiled. “Perhaps one day, if you’re interested, I’ll show you my camera and we can go and take some pictures. Would you like that?”

“Brendan likes that!” Brendan giggled.

“What about now?” Gina suggested.

“Sorry?” Belle asked.

“I mean, we were all just gonna go back home” Gina replied. “If you guys aren’t doing anything now, why don’t you take Brendan out for some photography?”

“That’s a good Idea” Aden said. “And Belle, after all this cleaning, we can finally get out of the house for a while!”

“OK, great idea!” Belle replied. “I’ll just get my camera, and we can go.”

+++++

Having arrived at the Station, Warren pushed Richard in his wheelchair inside.

1:30PM

“Richard!” Charlie gasped. “What.....what are you doing here?”

“Well I guess my Girlfriend doesn’t greet me with a kiss anymore” Richard said to Warren.

“Oh, I’m sorry” Charlie chuckled, leaning down to give him a kiss. “I thought you were just gonna spend the first few days in your apartment.”

“Charlie, I’m going crazy in this stupid wheelchair. Just give me something here to do, please, I’m begging you. I just wanna do something, other than demolishing the contents of my apartment into pieces..................plus I wanna be with you.”

“Really?” Charlie laughed. “OK, why don’t you help me with some papers in my office.”

“THANK YOU!” Richard let out a sigh of relief. Making his way towards the door, Richard bumped his wheelchair into a couple of chairs.

“OH COME ON!” Richard yelled.

“Perhaps I better wheel him in” Warren suggested

“Good idea” Charlie replied, silently giggling. Grabbing the wheelchair, Warren pushed his brother into Charlie’s office.

+++++

2:00PM

Andrew walked into the Surf Club, to find it completely empty. Alf and Leah sat on the lounge after having arrived back half an hour earlier from the Courthouse.

“Whoa........Alf, who died in here? This place is absolutely empty!”

“Well, Leah and I went out today, and we came back here just to find out from one of our staff that the flamin’ Yabbie Creek Bar has some big party or something going and everyone decided to go there instead” Alf sighed. “I thought the robbery was bad enough for my business, but when we are constantly in competition with Yabbie Creek Bar, it’s just more money for them, less for us.”

“I see” Andrew replied. “By the way, what was that guy’s sentence?”

“200 hours community service and a $1000 fine” Leah replied.

“Which was not fair, if you ask me” Alf added. “Look what that flamin’ galah’s done to my business? Obviously letting thieves like him go with a light sentence is perhaps what the courts believe to be “fair.”

“Come on, Alf” Leah said. “It’s all over. He’s gone to the city, and we can pull all his mistakes behind us. You needn’t worry about it anymore.”

“Yeah, sure” Alf rolled his eyes.

“Come on Alf Stewart, you need to lighten up” Andrew replied. “Leah’s right, it’s all over. Let me get you all a Beer to cheer you up.” As Andrew headed to the Bar, Hugo entered inside.

“Hey guys.........whoa, who died in here?”

“Glad you too noticed it’s empty” Alf rolled his eyes. “Just what I need, another blow on my business!”

“Come, take a seat” Andrew said to his grand-nephew. “I’ll get you a beer while you and Leah find a way to cheer up grumpy old Alf!”

“Hey, I’m not that old!” Alf called out. “In fact, you’re older than me!”

+++++

At a park, opposite North Valley Police Station, Belle and Brendan were walking around with the Camera. Aden and Xavier sat on a nearby bench.

2:30PM

“So, how’s your Uncle going?”

“Uncle Tony’s fine. Why?”

“It’s just.......remember what I said before?” Aden asked.

“I know, I remember” Xavier replied. “But over the past couple of days, all I see from Uncle Tony is him being happy. I’m pretty sure he’s moved on from all that’s happened.”

“You think so?” Aden said. “Because when we went out Surfing the other week, he didn’t.........”

“He’s fine” Xavier interrupted. “Honestly. Grandad’s in Jail, where he’s meant to be, and he’ll never hurt Uncle Tony again.”

“OK, OK, I hope you’re right” Aden replied. “Has he opened up about it? About what happened?”

“Why should he?” Xavier said. “There’s nothing to open up or talk about. It’s over. Uncle Tony’s back to being happy again.”

Aden and Xavier looked up and saw from across the road, a man running out of the Station. They watched as they saw him enter his car and drove off.

“Wow” Aden said. “Whoever that guy is, he’s in a real hurry!”

“Perhaps he’s an undercover cop on some crazy mission” Xavier chuckled.

As Aden and Xavier resumed with their discussion, little did they know that the man who ran out of North Valley Police Station was no other than the man himself – Kent Holden.”

“Stupid Police Station!” Kent laughed as he was driving along. “Such little security for delicate things like guns. Now it’s time to set things straight with Tony!”

+++++

Later in the Afternoon...

4:00PM

Gina and Jeremy arrived at the porch outside the Holden House.

“I’m glad we’re taking things slow” Jeremy said. “I mean.......I want to do this right by you.”

“Of course” Gina smiled. “I just want everything to go back to the way it was back in Broken Hill – You, me, the boys, as a family again.”

“I know, I want that too” Jeremy smiled. As he and Gina leaned over for a kiss, they were suddenly interrupted when Rachel came out from the Front door.

“Hey, I thought I heard someone outside.”

“Sorry Rach” Gina apologised. “We were just.....”

“Don’t worry about it. Come on in” Rachel replied.

“Hang on..........is Tony in there?” Jeremy asked.

“Oh, you just missed him. He left about ten minutes ago to have a Beer with Alf at the Surf Club.”

“Well.......I suppose.......I can come in.”

“Listen, Jeremy” Rachel said. “Don’t be scared of coming here because Tony had a go at you.”

“Sure?”

“Really, you’re welcome to visit anytime, right Gina?”

“Absolutely” Gina smiled.

+++++

At the Surf Club, Tony entered inside and joined Alf, Andrew, Hugo and Leah on the lounge area.

“G’day guys..........er.........wow, who died in here?”

“Is this whole "Who died in here?” a common Holden/Austin catchphrase for an empty room?" Alf asked.

“I knew that Pete, my gym assistant told me that none of my clients came today – I didn’t realise that the same thing happened in here!”

“You know why we have no customers?” Alf spoke. “Not only is there some flamin’ party going on at our rivals in Yabbie Creek, but the whole losing customers thing started when that Real Estate mongrel of a man robbed this joint.”

“Oh my God!” Leah whispered to herself.

“Come on, Alf” Andrew replied. “Don’t let a setback, like the robbery let you down. My Children’s centre was robbed three times, but we still lasted a good 25 years because we didn’t let our hatred for those responsible get in our way.”

“Yeah, Andrew’s right” Hugo added. “Come on Alf, stay positive. I’m sure something will work out and the Surf Club will go back to normal.”

“Let’s just hope so” Alf replied. “The last thing I need is another bad thing to happen in here, because.............” Alf was suddenly interrupted by yelling coming from the other end of the room.

“STAY WHERE YOU ARE! NO ONE MOVE!” Kent yelled, holding a gun pointing in their direction. Everyone turned around, stunned, but no more so than Tony, who was absolutely frozen in shock.

“D....D......DAD?”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Hostage)

The hostage siege turns violent and someone won’t make it out alive. Who will it be?

[blizzard18]

OK readers, get ready for some action, this is a long chapter

CHAPTER WARNING: (Medium level of) violence is present in this chapter. Abuse mentioned at times throughout this chapter and it may be a sensitive topic.

CHAPTER NOTE: Flashbacks present in this chapter are highlighted in BLUE.

CHAPTER 88: HOSTAGE

“STAY EXACTLY WHERE YOU ARE!” Kent yelled. Alf, Hugo and Leah were stunned, as they each saw the gun pointing towards them. Andrew and Tony however, were frozen still in shock.

“Who the flamin’ hell are you?” Alf growled.

“I’m Kent Peter Holden. I’m Tony’s father.”

“What the hell do you think you’re……..” Andrew was interrupted.

“JUST SHUT UP, ANDREW!” Kent shouted. “I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO YOU, AFTER ALL THE GRIEF YOU GAVE ME WHEN WE WERE YOUNG, REMEMBER? ANYWAY, I’M NOT HERE BECAUSE OF YOU. I’M HERE TO FINALLY SET THINGS STRAIGHT WITH MY SON.” Kent approached Tony, whilst keeping the gun pointed in his direction.

“DON’T YOU DARE LAY A FINGER ON HIM!” Andrew ordered. Kent stopped and stared at his brother.

“OR ELSE WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?” Kent replied. “Haven’t you taken enough away from me already?”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Tony is MY SON!” Kent screamed. “MY SON! YOU UNDERSTAND? I was the one to raise him up, but you and Brenda sent him away from Alice Springs.”

“YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY?” Andrew shouted. “YOU COULDN’T TAKE CARE OF HIM. YOU ABUSED HIM INSTEAD, JUST LIKE YOU DID TO BRENDA!” Kent swiftly turned to face his son and slowly approached him.

“Son, tell Andrew he’s lying.”

“He’s not a liar. You are!” Tony mumbled under his breath.

“Tell him he’s lying” Kent said again. “Tell him that I raised you up right, and that I taught you everything from right to wrong, unlike your mother. Tell him!”

“NO!” Tony yelled. “THE ONLY LIAR HERE IS YOU!” After hearing that, Kent became outraged and grabbed Tony violently.

“LET GO OF HIM!” Andrew yelled, grabbing his brother’s arms to pull him away from Tony. Kent released Tony from his grip. Curling his hands into a fist, he punched Andrew in the face.

“Oh my God!” Leah squealed, as Andrew fell on the ground. She, along with Alf and Hugo quickly rushed over to his aid.

Kent turned his attention back to Tony, pointing the gun towards him.

“You know what I don’t appreciate?” Kent growled. “I don’t appreciate sons who have nothing better to do than disrespect me and turn against me. I’m gonna give you one last chance, son. If you choose to go against me again, make no mistake, I will finish you off for good! Now get down on the ground on the corner.”

“I hate you!” Tony whispered.

“I SAID, GET DOWN ON THE GROUND!” Kent yelled. Tony refused to move.

BANG!

Everyone jumped up in shock. Tony quickly turned around and saw the bullet hole in the wall after it flew just centimeters above his head. Kent had purposely fired that shot to scare him.

“I WILL NOT WARN YOU AGAIN. GET DOWN ON THE CORNER!” Kent screamed. Tony, scared at what his father would do next quickly crouched down on the ground, as his father instructed.

Kent then saw Alf from the corner of his eye, who was slowly crawling towards the Bar in an attempt to reach the phone.

“TAKE ONE MORE STEP TOWARDS THAT BAR, AND YOU’RE DEAD!” Kent shouted, pointing the gun towards him. He then heard Leah crying, as she was overwhelmed at everything that’s happened.

“SOMEONE SHUT HER UP!” Kent ordered. Hugo slowly came up towards her, giving her a gentle hug.

“Shh……it’s OK. I’m here” Hugo whispered. Leah fell silent, sobbing quietly on Hugo’s lap.

“FINALLY” Kent gave out a sigh of relief.

“CAN’T YOU SEE YOU’VE UPSET HER?” Hugo yelled. Andrew, who was still bleeding from the punch looked up towards his brother.

“Let her go” Andrew said. “She does not need to see all this.” Kent shook his head.

“Wow Andrew, not only are you the worst brother in the world, but you’re also an idiot, aren’t you? You think I’m gonna be stupid and let her go, so that she will tell the cops about my little meeting here?”

“This does not involve Leah…….or Hugo……or Alf…….or even Uncle Andrew!” Tony said. “You got what you wanted. You got me, OK? Let the others go.” Kent stared at Leah, who was still sobbing on Hugo’s lap. He then focused his attention back to his son.

“You know what son, you’re right” Kent replied. “It does not involve them………but I’m not letting them go.” Kent looked around and noticed the store room nearby. “In fact, I want the rest of you to get up and go in there. Now!”

“IF YOU THINK THAT I’M GONNA LEAVE YOU ALONE IN HERE WITH TONY, YOU’VE GOT ANOTHER THING COMING!” Andrew shouted.

BANG!

“UNCLE ANDREW!” Tony yelled. Everyone watched in shock as Andrew fell back to the ground. Kent had shot him in the shoulder.

“That’ll teach him!” Kent chuckled. He then focused on Alf, Hugo and Leah, who were huddled nearby.

“All three of you, get in that store room, now!” Kent ordered. “And you, older guy, take this horrible brother of mine in there with you.” Keeping one eye on Tony, whilst aiming the gun towards the others, Kent watched as Leah entered the room, followed by Hugo and Alf, who were dragging a wounded Andrew inside. Once they were all in the room, Kent went towards them.

“You will all stay in there. Anyone who comes out will be dead before they know it. Understood?” Kent shut the door.

Kent then approached his son, who was still crouched down on the corner.

“Now son, we’re gonna have a little one-on-one chat. Just you and me.”

In the Store Room, Alf, Andrew, Hugo and Leah huddled against each other in the small space.

“Wrap this around his shoulder” Alf whispered, grabbing some tea-towels from the shelf. Hugo and Leah took the towels and pressed it against the bullet wound on Andrew’s shoulder to control the bleeding.

“Come on Andrew, stay with me” Hugo whispered. Andrew was slowly going in and out of consciousness.

“How are we gonna get out of here?” Leah asked, trying to hold back tears. Alf watched as Andrew slowly reached out into his pocket to grab his mobile phone.

“Take…….this” Andrew whispered. “It’s our only chance.”

+++++

At the Station, Charlie and Richard were sorting out the paperwork in Charlie's office.

4:15PM

“How’re you going?” Charlie asked, as she watched her wheelchair-bound boyfriend sorting out the piles of papers in her office.

“I’m fine” Richard smiled. “The busier, the better. Just as long as I'm not concentrated on how to use this stupid wheelchair, then I'm fine."

“That’s good then.” Charlie was interrupted when her mobile phone beeped, indicating a message. Taking her phone out, Charlie went to ‘Messages’ and retrieved the text

CHARLIE, HELP! SURF CLUB. KENT’S HERE AND HE HAS TONY! WE NEED AN AMBULANCE. HELP!

Richard noticed Charlie was panicking.

“Charlie, what’s wrong?”

“er……..nothing, Richard. Just keep yourself busy with the paperwork, OK?” Charlie ran out of the office and approached the officer behind the main desk.

“RADIO ALL THE OFFICERS TO THE SURF CLUB NOW! IT’S URGENT!” Charlie ordered. Watson, who was sitting at her desk nearby was confused.

“Charlie, what’s…………..”

“KENT HOLDEN’S IN THE SURF CLUB AND HE HAS TONY. COME ON!” Watson immediately got off her seat and ran out of the station, following Charlie.

+++++

At the Holden House, Gina, Jeremy and Rachel were having a discussion in the Living room. Jack and Martha entered inside.

“Hey guys”

“Hey” Rachel smiled.

“Martha said she knocked on your door earlier, but no one was there” Jack explained.

“You must have just missed us” Rachel replied. “Tony and I went to the Hospital for the ultrasound.”

“And that’s why we’re here” Martha smiled. “How did it go?”

“Julie said it’s all good. The baby’s fine and everything’s going normally.” They then saw Aden, Belle, Brendan and Xavier arrive.

“Hey Buddy, how was the photos?” Jeremy asked.

“Brendan had a great time!” Brendan laughed.

“That’s good” Gina smiled. “Listen Belle, thanks for taking him out. He’s always been very keen with photography and art. You should see the piles of colouring books that he’s completed in his bedroom!”

“Wow” Belle replied. “Perhaps we have an artist in the making!”

“Brendan has some photos he likes to show to Uncle Tony” Brendan noted.

“Actually speaking of Tony, he’s been out for a while” Rachel said. “He said he’s only going out for a quick drink with Alf.”

“Do you want me to see if I can find him?” Aden asked. “Belle and I were thinking of going to the Surf Club ourselves anyway.”

“Oh, OK. Thanks Aden.”

“No worries” Aden replied.

“I’ll come too” Xavier said. He, along with Aden and Belle left the house.

+++++

Ten minutes have passed...

4:25PM

Kent was now behind the counter, pouring himself a drink. Noticing the phone nearby, he took the wire and pulled it out of the socket. Tony remained crouched down on the corner at the opposite end of the club. Reaching out his wallet from his pocket, Tony took out a small photograph of the ultrasound image that Julie gave him from their earlier visit to the Hospital. Tony sobbed quietly, knowing that at any moment, his father may turn the gun on him, and he may never see his loved ones again.

Taking a sip of his drink, Kent looked over and saw his son in tears.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU CRYING ABOUT?” Kent scoffed. “IF YOU WOULD JUST LISTEN TO ME, WE WOULDN’T BE IN THIS MESS, WOULD WE?” He then noticed the photograph that his son was holding.

“What are you looking at?” Kent asked, as he approached his son and grabbed the photograph away from him. “Who’s this?”

“That’s………..that’s my baby” Tony whispered.

“Oh, is that so?” Kent asked. Tony looked up and watched as his father tore the photograph into pieces and threw them up in the air. Watching the torn up pieces floating slowly back down, Tony cried even more. It broke his heart to see the only image he had of his unborn child destroyed in seconds.

“You don’t even deserve to be a father!” Kent growled. “I feel sad for you unborn child - even your own two sons because you can’t even show respect to me, your own father, who did everything to stop your mother’s spoilt influence, and I wanted you to be raised up with discipline, so you would know what’s right and what is wrong. I didn’t do that when your mother gave birth to Gina, and look what happened to her; she was like every other kid in the neighbourhood – spoilt and disobedient.”

“AT LEAST SHE HAD A CHILDHOOD THAT WASN’T BASED ON VIOLENCE!” Tony screamed.

“Oh please, son” Kent laughed. “Her childhood was based on going wild, thinking that she can do whatever the hell she wants, whether it was good or bad, but no – I made a promise to myself that my next child was NOT gonna follow in her footsteps, so that’s what I did. I took control of how you were meant to………” Kent was interrupted when he heard sirens nearby, followed by a voice calling out from a megaphone.

“KENT, THIS IS THE POLICE. THE BUILDING IS SURROUNDED” Charlie yelled. “COME OUT AND PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD.”

Meanwhile Aden, Belle and Xavier, who were not too far away were shocked to see the police cars, but Xavier was more shocked after hearing what Charlie had just said.

“OH MY……..KENT’S IN THE BUILDING?”

“The cops are here” Tony said. “Give yourself up!” Kent shook his head.

“NO, SON. THEY CAN STAY THERE ALL DAY FOR ALL I CARE! I’M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU YET!”

Meanwhile in the Store Room, Alf, Hugo and Leah were now worried for Andrew, who was getting weaker by the minute. All however, had heard the faint sound of the siren from outside.

“Help will be on their way, Andrew. Stay with us” Alf whispered.

“Please hurry” Hugo begged.

+++++

Outside, Charlie took out her mobile to ring the Surf Club in an attempt to try and make negotiations with Kent.

BEEP……….BEEP…..…..BEEP

“Damn it! Kent must’ve unplugged the phone!” Charlie mumbled.

“What do we do?” Watson asked.

“Get your guns ready. We have to sneak in ourselves and find out what’s going on in there” Charlie replied. Signalling to two other officers to head around the back, Charlie and Watson quickly and quietly made their way to the front door.

“OK, careful” Charlie whispered.

Nearby, Aden and Belle were pulling Xavier back.

“Let me go!”

“No, Xavier. Just let the police do their job” Aden replied.

“No, Aden you don’t understand. He’s dangerous” Xavier said. “After what he did to Uncle Tony in the.........” Xavier suddenly remembered what Rachel said and made a shocking realization.

“Speaking of Tony, he’s been out for a while” Rachel said. “He said he’s only going out for a quick drink with Alf.”

“OH MY GOD……..NO!” Xavier panicked. “UNCLE TONY’S IN THERE!”

+++++

“This is your last chance, son.” Kent said. “Tell me you believe me and that I raised you up correctly.” Tony kept silent, not wanting to answer his father’s question.

“I take that as a ‘no’ then” Kent noted. Tony watched as his father slowly took out his gun.

“What…….what are you doing?”

“I have no respect for people who turn against me, in fact, I despise them” Kent said angrily. “I have done everything I can to give you a proper life, and your arrogance and disrespect is all I get in return. I got that from your mother, my brother, and now I get that from you. I NEVER thought that my own son would turn against me like that and bring shame to the family, so now you’ve left me with no choice” Kent pointed the gun towards Tony.

“No............NO!” Tony begged.

“You’re not my son anymore.” Kent said. “You’ve gone against me, so now I have to put this to an end. Goodbye Tony.”

“NO!” Tony cried, burying his head between his knees.

BANG!”

Watson looked down to see Kent Holden lying face down on the floor with a bullet wound to his chest. He was dead. She then looked at the gun she was holding and dropped it suddenly.

“Oh my God!” Watson gasped. “I……….I killed him. It……it was me.” Charlie saw Kent’s body on the ground. He then saw Tony crouched down on the corner.

“Tony!” Charlie called out, rushing over to his side. Tony, who was in extreme shock and shaking heavily suddenly burst into tears.

As Alf, Hugo and Leah slowly left the Store Room, a couple of paramedics rushed inside the building.

“He’s in there. Help him!” Alf said. The paramedics went inside the Store Room to help Andrew.

“Oh my God!” Leah screamed, as she, Alf and Hugo saw Kent’s body on the ground. Hugo looked over to see Tony and Charlie at the corner.

“Uncle Tony!” Hugo gasped. He and Leah rushed over to his side. Alf went into the Gym next door and grabbed some towels.

“Tony, it’s OK. It’s all over” Charlie whispered. Tony was now wailing loudly, unable to cope with what had just happened.

“Here take this” Alf said “He’s in shock.” Charlie, Leah and Hugo grabbed the towels and wrapped it around Tony to keep him warm. Hugo held onto his uncle tightly as Tony continued to sob on his shoulder.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Aftermath)

Watson spirals out of control in the realization that she's responsible for Kent's death.

Andrew and Tony are taken to Hospital.

Charlie's fears about her relationship with Richard are realized.

[blizzard18]

Here's the next chapter Be on the lookout for some big action coming up in the next few chapters...

CHAPTER WARNING: (Small amount of) Drug references mentioned in this chapter.

CHAPTER NOTE: Flashbacks present in this chapter are highlighted in Blue.

CHAPTER 89: THE AFTERMATH

At the Holden House, Brendan sat at the Dining table with Jack and Martha, using Rachel’s laptop computer to transfer his photos from the memory card which Belle lent to him. Rachel was preparing a pot of tea in the Kitchen. Placing the pot and three mugs on the tray, she brought it over and placed it on the table in the living room for Gina and Jeremy.

4:15PM

“So how are the two of you going?”

“We’re fine” Gina replied. “Jeremy and I are just taking things slowly.”

“We really want this to work this time, for the sake of the boys and us being a family again” Jeremy added.

“Well I’m glad it’s all good for you two” Rachel smiled. “So that means, Jeremy that you’ll be staying in Summer Bay for good?”

“Yes indeed” Jeremy replied. “I just got all my money sorted out, so perhaps now I can start looking for a house to buy.”

“Wow, that was quick” Gina commented. “How much did you get for selling Tony’s old house in Broken Hill?”

“About half a million” Jeremy replied. “Actually, just before I arrived at the Surf Club for Belle's party, I had a look around the Bay and I have my eyes set on one of the properties nearby.”

“Oh” Rachel said. “Where?”

“Just along Mitchells Street, about 5 minutes walk from here.”

“Wait” Gina interrupted. “Are you talking about that house for sale at the end of the road?”

“Yep” Jeremy nodded.

“But that’s pretty much falling apart. Why would you want to spend half a million for a house like that? I’m sure there are other decent, stable properties nearby.”

“Most of them are sold already” Jeremy explained. “Besides, I love doing handyman work, and I now have enough money to cover the house and most of the renovations, and…….”

“And?” Gina asked.

“And……” Jeremy continued. “I thought this might be the opportunity for me to bond with the boys. I was gonna ask them to help me redo the house, if I buy it.”

“Aww, that’s sweet” Rachel smiled. They were interrupted when the phone rang. Rachel picked it up to answer the call.

“Hello?................Xavier, slow down. What’s happened?..............................WHAT?”

+++++

Constable Georgie Watson raced inside the Station and headed for the Ladies room. Hearing Charlie enter the Station, Richard wheeled himself into the foyer.

“Hey, I just heard over the radio from Constable Wilson about what happened in the Surf Club. Are you OK?”

“I’m fine” Charlie replied. “I’m just concerned for Georgie, she’s just sick.”

“So I’ve heard. How’s Tony and everyone else?”

“An absolute mess” Charlie sighed. “Andrew’s being treated for a gunshot wound on his shoulder, and Tony’s just in unbelievable shock.”

“And Watson?” Richard asked. “Charlie, this must be killing her.”

“It is indeed. I better go in and check up on her.”

In the Ladies room, Watson locked herself inside a cubicle. Charlie knocked on the door.

“Georgie, are you OK?”

“No, I’m not OK!” Watson replied, breathing heavily, trying to keep herself from vomiting. “I killed a man.”

“Listen…….Georgie.” Charlie was interrupted.

“HOW AM I GONNA LIVE WITH MYSELF, KNOWING I KILLED A MAN?” Watson yelled.

“You did what you had to do” Charlie replied, trying to calm the Constable down.

“I KILLED HIM, CHARLIE! I KILLED HIM!”

“Georgie, there was no other choice.”

“”OF COURSE THERE WAS A CHOICE!” Watson shouted. “I COULD’VE SHOT HIM IN THE ARM, OR THE LEG TO INJURE HIM, SO THAT WE CAN ARREST HIM BUT NO, I SHOT HIM IN THE CHEST. I KILLED HIM!”

“Georgie, listen to me” Charlie said. “Who would you rather see dead – Kent or Tony? Georgie, this is what we do for a living everyday. We’re police officers; we fight crime. Sometimes, in extreme situations, we have to do what it takes to protect people. Shooting someone fatally is definitely an option we dread, but what else could’ve we done? Kent was only seconds away from pulling the trigger on Tony. He had to be stopped.”

After a moment of silence, Watson slowly unlocked the door to the cubicle and stepped out.

“Listen” Charlie continued. “I know that you’re gonna be facing questions with the Commissioner, and that I’m gonna have to write a report for all this. I spoke to all the other officers who were with us and they’ve agreed to give out statements on what happened, if the Commissioner asks for it. I will also do the same, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.

“Do you mean that?” Watson asked.

“Of course I do” Charlie smiled. “You look like a mess. Come here” Charlie pulled Watson into a hug.

+++++

4:30PM

Gina, Rachel, Jack and Martha raced along the corridors of the Hospital. Xavier, Aden, Belle and Alf sat on the seats alongside.

“Xavier, where’s Dad? Where’s Andrew?” Jack hastily asked.

“Andrew’s in there and Uncle Tony’s in the room next door” Xavier explained.

“What about Hugo?” Gina asked.

“He’s taken Leah home” Alf said. “She’s just overwhelmed and upset.”

“What about you Grandad? Are you OK?” Martha asked, giving him a hug.”

“I’ll be fine” Alf whispered. Everyone looked up as they saw Julie exit Tony’s room.

“Julie, how’s Tony? What’s going on?” Rachel asked

“He’s in shock, but he’s a bit calmer now that when he was brought in.”

“Can I see him?”

“Dr. Winston’s in there at the moment, having a chat with Tony” Julie explained. “He’ll let you know when to come in.”

“What about Andrew?” Gina asked. “Can we see him?”

“Of course.”

Entering Andrew’s room, Rachel and Gina sat on the chairs next to the bed.

“Uncle Andrew, thank God you’re OK. What did the doctors say?”

“They said just to get some rest and keep the bandages clean. The wound will heal over time” Andrew replied.

“Andrew, what happened?” Rachel asked.

“I was told by one of the officers that Kent had escaped from Jail.”

“But how?” Gina asked.

“Who knows” Andrew replied. “All I know is that one minute we were all having a nice chat in the Surf Club. The next minute, he storms in with a gun and threatens us.”

“I just can’t believe this is all happening” Gina whispered. Rachel placed her hand on Gina’s shoulder.

“Gina, you’re not blaming yourself for this, are you?”

“I don’t know” Gina sighed. “It’s just……….the last thing I said to Dad before the boys and I left Alice Springs to move here was to stop drinking and reconcile with Mum. I kept convincing myself that everything was gonna be OK, despite that Mum was very keen on pushing through with the Divorce. The one thing that I NEVER expected to happen was for Dad to attack Mum and then to come here and attack Tony.”

“Don’t blame yourself for any of this” Andrew said. “If we need to put the blame on someone for all this, put it on me.”

“Andrew, don’t say that. It’s not true” Rachel said.

“I can’t help it but wonder, you know?” Andrew replied. “I should’ve known this was coming. Kent is my brother. I’ve lived with him for twenty years. The only thing I never fully understood is why he became the man that he was.”

“I know it’s sad, but unfortunately it’s not just Kent” Rachel said. “There are people out there who are just like him, if not similar.”

“It’s just that he kept having this twisted mind that everything had to be done his way, and if anyone disagreed with him, they would automatically be his enemy” Andrew replied. “But it’s not just that – he wasn’t so bad when he and Brenda got married. It only got worse when he got an addiction to drugs and alcohol, and that addiction fuelled the violence. That’s why I left Alice Springs and moved to Adelaide. But I was selfish.”

“Selfish?” Gina asked.

“Brenda went through hell, having to put up with Kent’s constant drunken rages. I left because I couldn’t stand him anymore. I was selfish because I only thought about myself. I didn’t think about what your mother went through. I left her alone with him.”

“You weren’t selfish” Gina whispered. “You couldn’t stand Dad. I understand. No one is to blame for anything that’s happened except for Dad. Remember that.”

Meanwhile at the corridor, Jack looked up when he heard running footsteps. Lucas and Nicole raced towards them.

“Jack, where’s Dad?”

“He’s in there” Jack replied. “Dr. Winston’s having a chat with him at the moment. We can see him soon.”

“What on earth happened?” Lucas asked. “Uncle Jeremy rang me, saying that Rach got a call about Dad and Andrew being taken to hospital. What’s going on?”

“It’s a long story, mate” Jack replied. At that moment, Jack’s mobile rang. Taking it out of his pocket, he saw Charlie’s name flash on screen.

“Stay here Luc. I just need to take this call.” Jack headed a fair distance away and answered the call.

“Charlie, just the person I wanted to speak to. You have some nerve, don’t you?...............What’s my problem? You damn well know what’s my problem. Why did you not tell us that Kent escaped from Jail and came here?............................come on Charlie, don’t give me that “you were protecting him” rubbish. Dad’s going through hell right now……………………….well, you thought wrong, didn’t you?................Look, I’ve got more important things to worry about, like helping Dad. I’m in no mood to even have a conversation with you Charlie. Goodbye!”

Lucas noticed Jack’s bad mood.

“Something wrong Jack?”

“I’m fine” Jack mumbled. “I just needed to vent out my anger at someone.”

“And Charlie was the right person to do it?”

“Absolutely!” Jack said.

+++++

Inside Charlie’s office at the Station…

“Well I can honestly say that I’m the first name written down in Jack Holden’s bad book” Charlie sighed. “He’s not happy with me.”

“Don’t say that, Charlie” Richard said. “I know Jack may be angry, but you did what you believed was right.”

“Right?” Charlie asked. “I wanted to keep this whole thing silent in an attempt to keep Tony and his family from worrying, but instead it ends up with Kent being dead, Andrew being wounded and Tony, Leah, Alf, Hugo and Georgie in a state of shock. And then Jack gives me abuse for doing what I thought was right. Then he’ll probably tell Gina, Lucas and Rachel and they’ll probably go off at me too!”

“Listen” Richard replied. “It may not have been the best way, but your intentions were understandable. You were not at fault at all.”

“Thank you” Charlie whispered. “At least one person understands why I did what I did.”

“I’m your boyfriend. I’ll stick by you all the way.”

“Thank you” Charlie said, giving Richard a hug.”

Charlie noticed that Richard was almost finished with the paperwork.

“Wow, you’re almost done!” Charlie commented.

“Yeah” Richard chuckled. “The more paperwork I do, the better. It keeps my mind off this wheelchair.”

“Sure does” Charlie laughed. “Anyway, I need to use the ladies room. I’ll be back.”

“OK” Richard replied. As Charlie left her office, Warren and Billy entered the building.

“Hey Charlie.”

“Hey Warren. Richard’s in there.”

“Thanks” Warren replied. He and Billy entered the office.

“Daddy!” Billy cheered, rushing over to Richard and sitting on his lap.

“Hey little buddy, how was your afternoon with Aunt Frances?”

“Good” Billy replied.

“Billy drew this picture” Warren noted, handing his brother a piece of paper. “It’s for you.”

“Let’s have a look” Richard said, opening the paper. It was a drawing of himself and Billy, holding hands. Standing beside Billy was a drawing of a lady with “Charlie” written underneath.

“Love it!” Richard smiled.

“Hey, what’s this?” Warren pointed to a small box on the table.

“Oh, that’s the ring, thanks for reminding me” Richard replied. Picking up the ring box and Billy’s picture, he reached for his backpack which was hooked behind his wheelchair and placed the items inside.”

“What’s the ring for?”

“Constable Burton asked me to mind it for him” Richard replied. “The girlfriend lives with him and she’s getting suspicious. He’s finding it difficult to keep the ring hidden. He’s going to surprise her on her birthday in three weeks time with a proposal, so I’m minding it until then.”

“Aww, well congratulations to them” Warren smiled.

+++++

5:30PM

“Dad?” Lucas whispered. He, along with Jack and Rachel were inside Tony’s room at the Hospital. Aden, Belle and Xavier looked on from the window.

“Here, Dad” Jack handed his father a plastic cup with water. Tony slowly took the cup and drank the contents.

“Just take nice deep breaths” Rachel said. Tony took a moment to calm down, whilst Jack and Lucas held onto him.

“Come on Dad, let’s take you home. It’s been a big day.” Jack said.

“How’s……….how’s Uncle Andrew?”

“He’ll be here for a couple more hours, but he’s OK” Rachel replied. “Come on, Gina’s waiting for you outside.”

+++++

The Sun disappeared over the horizon, marking the evening after a long, disastrous day.

6:30PM

Billy sat on Richard’s lap as Warren pushed the wheelchair along the hallway leading up to Richard’s apartment. Charlie followed behind them, talking on her mobile.

“...so the gun came from North Valley Police Station?................I see…………….no worries, I will add that to my report to the Commissioner. Thanks Fredrick. Bye.”

“That was Constable Wilson on the phone" Charlie said. "Now we know that Kent Holden stole the gun from North Valley police station. Looks like Senior Constable Jason Nelson's career is on the line after the latest security bundle.”

“Why is he even still there?” Warren wondered. “From what I hear, not many of the residents over there actually like him.”

“When all this goes public, they will hate him even more” Charlie noted.

“Oh well, too bad for him” Richard replied. “He’s been warned too many times about problems at his Station.”

Entering the apartment, Warren wheeled Richard inside.

“Thanks for picking me up.”

“No worries” Warren replied. “Anyway I better go. I have a late shift at the Diner tonight and I’m running a bit late.”

“OK, I’ll leave you to it.”

“Bye” Warren called out, as he turned around and disappeared along the hallway.

Richard noticed Billy reaching into his pocket.

“What’ve you got in there?” Richard asked.

“Aunt Frances gave me this” Billy replied, handing his father a handful of candy wrappers.

“Candy?.......Billy, don’t tell me you ate all of those.”

“It’s yummy!” Billy giggled. Richard rolled his eyes.

“Well, looks like you’re gonna need to brush your teeth really well. Let’s go” Richard said. Grabbing his backpack, Richard placed it on the table nearby.

“Charlie, I’m just gonna be in the Bathroom with Billy. Make yourself at home.”

“OK thanks” Charlie smiled. Heading towards the Refrigerator, Charlie noticed the broken pieces of glass on the ground.

“Whoa, looks like he’s not coping at all with the wheelchair” Charlie thought to herself. Reaching over to the cupboard nearby to pick up a dustpan and broom, she accidentally knocked over Richard’s backpack, sending the contents all over the floor.

“Silly me!” Charlie whispered. She then saw the paper with Billy’s drawing. Picking it up, Charlie saw herself in the drawing, standing beside him and Richard. Looking down again at the floor, she picked up a small box. Opening it, Charlie saw a ring inside. She then suddenly had a flashback…

"I was wrong about you at first, but now, after what you’ve done for my brother, it shows that you care for him and that you love him. I’m happy for you two that you are together, and I’m sure that you’ll be a great role model for Billy when he gets older.”

“Role model?” Charlie asked, confused.

“Yeah” Warren replied. “Now that you’re with Richard and that Jill is dead, Billy is also gonna need a female to look up to – sort of like a motherly-like figure, someone better than Jill, you know what I mean?”

Charlie then remembered her earlier discussions with Leah…

“So, what’s wrong with you and Richard?”

“I don’t know” Charlie replied. “It’s just..........I just don’t know about how the relationship’s gonna work out, now that he’s got Billy.”

“What do you mean?” Leah asked.

“Warren said to me that Billy will need some sort of motherly figure in his life........I mean, that can only lead to one thing.”

“What?”

“Richard’s probably gonna want me to be Billy’s new mother” Charlie replied. “But I mean, I’m not ready for it.”

“Well, you were ready to be in a relationship with him” Leah noted.

“I know, but I just wanted the relationship to work slowly” Charlie explained. “I didn’t expect the entire “family package” to turn up at our doorstep! I mean, Richard and I have only been together for around a week or so. The next minute, he’s probably gonna want to propose to me – as far as I know, he and Billy could be at the Jewellers shop right now, buying me an engagement ring!”

“Come on, Charlie” Leah chuckled. “Richard’s not gonna do something big like that right now.”

“I don’t know, Leah. I’m just utterly......utterly confused…”

“Oh my God!” Charlie gasped. She realized that Billy’s drawing of her as well as the engagement ring could only mean one thing – Richard was going to propose to her.

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Sold)

Unable to cope, Tony suffers an extreme breakdown in the aftermath of the incident at the Surf Club.

Charlie makes a decision about her relationship with Richard. Is it over between them?

Jeremy makes the decision to purchase the house at Mitchells Street.

[blizzard18]

Here's a long chapter to enjoy

CHAPTER NOTE: Flashbacks present in this chapter are highlighted in BLUE

CHAPTER 90: SOLD

A new day came for the residents of Summer Bay. At the Holden House, Gina and Rachel were making breakfast in the kitchen.

8:00AM

“How’s Tony this morning?”

“He seems to be a bit better than yesterday” Rachel replied. “I’m just worried though. I mean, we came home from the hospital and he just suddenly had a personality change – he cooked us dinner, he washed all the dishes by himself, and then he went over the whole house with the vacuum cleaner and outside with the lawn mower.”

“I think he’s trying to keep himself busy, to keep his mind off what happened with Dad” Gina suggested.

“Yes, but I’m just concerned that he’s pushing himself too hard” Rachel replied. “He knows that he can talk to any of us. I told him that. I really hope he does.”

“I think we’d better keep an eye on him for the next few days.” Gina noted. "Surprisingly, Hugo's back to a cheerful mood, which is somewhat strange. Hopefully, Tony will be soon." Hearing the door open from the hallway, Gina and Rachel looked around and saw Tony heading towards the front door.

“Tony, where are you going?”

“I’m just going to clean up the gutter at the front” Tony replied. “It hasn’t been done for a long time.”

“Come on, you’ve done too much already” Gina said. “Perhaps the boys can do it when they come back.”

“No, seriously, it’s fine. I’ll do it” Tony replied, heading out the door. Rachel turned around to face Gina.

“See, this is exactly what I’m talking about. He’s keeping himself busy just to bottle things up.”

Grabbing the ladder from the shed, Tony assembled it on the ground and placed one end towards the roof. He then began to climb up, one step at a time. After two steps, Tony suddenly stopped: he had a flashback…

Kent turned his attention back to Tony, pointing the gun towards him.

“You know what I don’t appreciate?” Kent growled. “I don’t appreciate sons who have nothing better to do than disrespect me and turn against me. I’m gonna give you one last chance, son. If you choose to go against me again, make no mistake, I will finish you off for good!

Tony held on tightly to the ladder, breathing heavily. After a few moments, he slowly calmed himself down and continued to climb up towards the gutter.

+++++

Meanwhile, a few streets away…

"You OK, mate" Jeremy asked Hugo.

"Fine. Why?"

"Well.......try the fact that you and a few others were held at gunpoint by your grandfather yesterday."

"Like I said to Mum last night, it's over" Hugo replied. "It's all over. Grandad's dead. I know it's not really nice to cheer over someone's death, but after what he did to Uncle Tony, I'm relieved that he's gone, and to be honest, I just wanna forget about what happened and forget he ever existed."

"OK, just checking" Jeremy said. "Anyway, let's go inside." Jeremy opened the front door to the property at Mitchells Street. Hugo, Brendan and Xavier followed inside.

“Wow, er……….it’s old” Hugo noted.

“Do I smell a dead rat?” Xavier said.

“I know it’s falling apart, but I think we can fix it back up together” Jeremy said. “The outside just needs a bit of work, but the inside is the main thing to worry about.”

“Looks like it’ll need A LOT of work!” Hugo commented, pointing up at the ceiling. “What happened to the lights?” Jeremy looked up to see bare wire hanging above.

“We can always fix that. I’ll just buy a light.”

“Yeah, and Martha’s an electrician, she can install it for us” Xavier said.

“Sorry?” Hugo asked.

“I think this house still has the potential to be fixed” Xavier replied. “It may be old, but like Dad said, it’s mainly just the inside. The outside will be fine with perhaps just a new coat of paint and a bit of gardening.”

“What do you think, Hugo?” Jeremy asked.

“I don’t know” Hugo replied. “It still looks a bit………………..I personally wouldn’t buy it. I’d keep looking.”

“Well, there’s another reason why I’ve considered this house.”

“Yeah?”

“I was hoping……..maybe………we can restore it together” Jeremy suggested. “You know, like a father-sons project.”

“Really?” Xavier asked.

“It would mean a lot to me” Jeremy replied. “One thing that I’ve missed about you boys is spending time together. I would like this to be our little project, perhaps during the weekends. Perhaps Hugo when you’re not doing your dive tours, you can help me, and you can do some work during the weekends Xavier, when you’re not at School. Brendan can also pitch in some ideas here and there if he wants…………speaking of which, where is he?”

“SPIDER! SPIDER! SPIDER!” Brendan screamed as he was running out of the kitchen. “BRENDAN HATES SPIDERS!” Jeremy headed over to the kitchen and noticed a small cobweb forming near the corner of the ceiling.

“That’s only a small spider. It’s harmless.”

“BRENDAN DOESN’T CARE. BRENDAN HATES SPIDERS!”

“OK mate” Jeremy chuckled. “I’ll take care of it.”

+++++

At the Diner, Charlie sat by herself at a table, eating breakfast. Irene noticed she was not in a cheerful mood. Grabbing some cooked food on a plate, Irene took it towards the Senior Constable.

9:00AM

“Here darl, some extra bacon to go with your meal” Irene smiled. “I know how much you like it.”

“Thanks Irene, you didn’t have to do that.” Charlie replied.

“You look like you need a bit of cheering up” Irene noted. “It’s just unbelievable what happened yesterday. Colleen told me that Leah’s not coming in today, which is understandable. Have you spoken to Tony yet?”

“No, not yet” Charlie replied. “Rachel’s probably gonna take care of him today.”

“Hmm, well I was thinking of dropping by at their house later on, to see if they’re alright” Irene said. How’s Constable Watson holding up?”

“She’s a complete mess” Charlie sighed. “The commissioner asked her to hand in her badge. She’ll be off duty until the inquiry is complete, so poor Richard will be doing more desk shifts to cover for her. Luckily his sister Frances is in town, so she can look after Billy for the day.”

“That’s good I suppose” Irene replied. “But poor Georgie. If you see her, tell her she’ll get through this and she’ll always have our full support.”

“I’ll tell her. Thanks Irene.”

After a few moments of silence, Irene stared at Charlie. She noticed that something was bothering her – something other than the incident at the Surf Club.

“Love, is there something else that’s bothering you?”

“Sorry?”

“It’s just that……..it seems that something else, perhaps something personal is bothering you. Is there anything I can help you with?” Irene asked. Charlie took a deep breath, then spoke.

“It’s Richard” Charlie replied. “I found an engagement ring in his bag.” Irene suddenly grabbed a nearby chair and sat down next to Charlie.

“Oh my God!” Irene gasped. “Are you gonna be Mrs. Richard Dean?”

“No, I don’t wanna marry him” Charlie quickly responded.

“What?” Irene said, with a loss of words.

“I mean………” Charlie continued. “I’m sorry, I don’t wanna marry him………yet. Maybe sometime in the future, but now It’s just too sudden, and I wanted things to work out slowly. And now that Billy’s in the picture, he’s probably gonna want me to be his mother.”

“Have you spoken to him?”

“No, not yet” Charlie replied. “He’s been busy with some physiotherapy, plus taking care of Billy.”

“Well love, you need to let him know how you feel” Irene said. “If you’re not comfortable with how the relationship’s going, he has to know.”

“What am I meant to say?” Charlie asked.

“Just say what you feel.” Irene replied.

+++++

Back at the Holden House, Rachel was tidying up the Kitchen. Gina had just finished a conversation on the telephone.

“That was Jack at the Station. He just wants me to confirm a few details with him about Dad. Jeremy also rang up and I’m going to meet him and the boys in Yabbie Creek afterwards, so I’m not going to stop back here. Will you by OK by yourself with Tony?”

“We’ll be fine” Rachel replied.

“Just let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thanks Gina.” Grabbing her keys and her bag, Gina left the house.

Outside, Tony was washing his car. As he was scrubbing the front window, he had another flashback. It was during the time he was tied up in the warehouse…

About a minute later, Tony began to slowly wake up.

“Oww, my head!” Tony moaned silently. He then realised his hands and legs were tied up to the chair.

“What the…….” Tony looked up and saw his father sitting in front of him. Tony gasped as he realised his worst fears had come true.

“Hello again son. I’m back!” Kent smirked.

“NO!” Tony yelled. He began to struggle to free himself, but to no avail. “HELP!!..........HELP!!”

“Don’t bother yelling, son” Kent laughed. “No one can hear you.”

“Just go away! Go away!” Tony said to himself in anger, kicking the bucket of soapy water, which tipped over, spilling the contents over the concrete driveway.

“Tony?” Gina called out. “Are you OK?” Tony took a quick moment to calm himself down.

“I’m fine” Tony replied. “Just knocked over the bucket by mistake. I’ll fill it back up.”

“But you washed your car just two weeks ago, why are you………….” Gina was interrupted.

“CAN’T I JUST DO WHAT I WANT TO DO WITHOUT PEOPLE QUESTIONING ME?” Tony snapped.

“I’m sorry, I……..”

“I’m fine, OK?” Tony replied. “Just go.”

“But…”

“JUST GO!” Tony ordered. Gina slowly turned around and headed towards her car. Breathing heavily in frustration, Tony held onto his car and leaned over to support himself as he began to feel weak at the knees.

+++++

Charlie arrived at the Station and headed towards her office. Looking inside, she saw Richard finishing off some paperwork with Billy sitting on his lap. Charlie stared at them, noticing the cute little moments when Richard would stop writing from time to time to give Billy a little smile. Charlie made her way back out of the building but was stopped by Jack, who was entering inside.

“Hey Charlie, you OK?” Jack asked. Charlie suddenly heard some playful laughing coming from Richard and Billy.

“Hello, earth to Charlie, can you hear me?” Jack called out. Charlie quickly turned around to face the constable.

“Hi, er….Jack. Sorry, could you………could you take care of things for me today? I’m taking the rest of the day off.”

“Er…….sure. But….” Jack replied. Charlie had already left the Station.

Gina, who was heading inside noticed Charlie walking away.

“Jack, something bothering Charlie?”

“I’m guessing it’s the incident from yesterday” Jack replied. “Anyway, thanks for coming Aunt Gina. Constable Wilson and I just need you to confirm a few things about Grandad. Come this way.” Jack led his aunt into the interview room.

+++++

10:30AM

Charlie parked her car along the roadside, just outside Richard’s apartment. Picking up a note from inside her bag that she had written, she read it once more.

Richard,

I love you with all my heart and I couldn’t have been happier with anyone else other than you over the past few weeks since we’ve been together. But now things have changed, and I’m feeling pressured that our relationship is moving too fast. Perhaps now is the best time for us to give each other space and be away from each other.

I’m sorry for doing this. I hope everything will go well for you and that you’ll be on the road to recovery soon.

Charlie.

Placing the note inside an envelope, Charlie took a deep breath, before heading towards the front door and slipping it underneath.

+++++

Rachel was in the Living room, finishing up on a telephone conversation. She then noticed Tony enter back inside, heading towards the Kitchen, carrying his toolbox.

11:30AM

“Tony, what are you doing?”

“It’s about time I fix that uneven cupboard door” Tony replied. “It’s been like that for ages.”

“But we hardly use that cupboard” Rachel said. “Why worry about it, when……..”

“OH MY GOD, RACHEL! WHY DO I NEED TO BE QUESTIONED BY EVERYONE ABOUT WHAT I AM DOING?”

“I’m…….I’m sorry Tony. I didn’t mean to upset you” Rachel softly spoke. “But listen, you’ve done so much already. I just spoke to Martha on the phone and she’s inviting us next door for a meal. Luc and Nicole will be there too. We’re all worried about you.”

“Well, tell them not to worry about me. I’ll be fine” Tony replied, as he was sorting out his toolbox for a screwdriver.

“But Tony, I………” Rachel was interrupted.

“LOOK RACH, I’M FINE, OK?” Tony shouted. “IF YOU WANNA GO NEXT DOOR JUST GO, ALRIGHT?”

“Are you sure you…..”

“YOU DON’T NEED TO LOOK AFTER ME. I’M FINE. JUST GO.”

“But…..”

“GO!” Tony screamed. He then turned away and focused back towards his toolbox.

“Fine” Rachel whispered. Grabbing her bag, she left the house.

After finding the screwdriver, Tony crouched down to fix the door, but then he had another flashback…

“What…….what are you doing?”

“I have no respect for people who turn against me, in fact, I despise them” Kent said angrily. “I have done everything I can to give you a proper life, and your arrogance and disrespect is all I get in return. I got that from your mother, my brother, and now I get that from you. I NEVER thought that my own son would turn against me like that and bring shame to the family, so now you’ve left me with no choice” Kent pointed the gun towards Tony.

“No............NO!” Tony begged.

“You’re not my son anymore.” Kent said. “You’ve gone against me, so now I have to put this to an end. Goodbye Tony.”

“NO!” Tony cried, burying his head between his knees.

“No………NO!” Tony yelled, tearing the broken cupboard off its hinges and thrashing it against the wall. Flying into a fit of rage, he began to trash the Kitchen, grabbing the microwave off the shelf and smashing it on the ground. Glasses, mugs and plates flew off the shelf and left a debris of broken glass and porcelain all over the ground.

“JUST STOP! JUST STOP!” Tony cried, as he crouched down on the ground, unable to cope with anymore flashbacks of his father. After a few moments, he picked himself up from the floor and ran out of the house.

+++++

At an Italian restaurant in Yabbie Creek, Brendan, Hugo and Xavier sat at a table. Jeremy, followed by Gina who had just arrived from the Station came up towards the boys, carrying a tray with their orders.

12:00PM

“Here you go Brendan, Mum says that’s your favourite” Jeremy smiled, placing the plate of pizza in front of him.

“Brendan loves Ham and Pineapple” Brendan giggled.

“We know you do, bandicoot” Xavier laughed. “It’s the only flavour you like.”

“Yeah, I never understood Pineapple on a pizza, like seriously!” Hugo commented. “It’s just……gross!”

“Hey, stop mocking the Pineapple, it’s awesome” Gina chuckled taking her plate of Ham and Pineapple pizza. “So Jeremy, have you made a decision on a property.”

“I sure have” Jeremy smiled. “I am now the official owner of No.42 Mitchells Street, Summer Bay.” Xavier and Hugo noticed that their mother didn’t seem so surprised.

“Mum?”

“Sorry, it’s just that………are you sure about this? I mean, I saw pictures of it on the Real Estate website and it looked bad.”

“It may not be the best house” Xavier said. “But I think it still has the potential to be restored to the way it was originally.”

“Or even better than before” Jeremy added.

“Well………If you’re happy, then I’m happy” Gina replied.

“Cheers to that!” Hugo replied. Everyone raised up their glasses.

“To Jeremy” Gina said. “May he be happy with his new purchase and may he be punished if he blames us later if he fails.”

“To Dad!” Everyone laughed.

+++++

At the Bachelor Pad, Martha, Rachel, Lucas and Nicole were seated around the Dining table, having lunch.

“I feel so guilty about leaving Tony on his own next door, despite that he was angry at me for being too……….caring, if that’s the word I can use” Rachel said.

“I know Dad’s gone through a number of rough patches just recently” Lucas replied. “But maybe, leaving him alone at times can help him get over it.”

“That could work” Martha commented.

“But this isn’t the first time” Rachel replied. “We all thought that after Kent was arrested, following what happened at the warehouse, it was gonna be the last of Tony’s worries, but then when he just appears out of the blue sometime later to threaten Tony, I don’t know……..this……this is gonna be the most painful time…...” Rachel was interrupted halfway through her sentence when the telephone rang. Martha leaned over to pick it up.

“Hello?................Hey Irene……………..WHAT?”

About a minute later…..

“Oh my God……what happened?” Rachel gasped. She, along with Lucas, Nicole, Martha and Irene saw the damage in the Kitchen inside the Holden House.

“I just came in to see Tony and……….the front door was open, and……….I saw all this” Irene replied.

“But…….but where’s Tony?”

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: Anger Management)

Aden is injured when Tony turns violent.

Warren lashes out at Charlie after discovering her letter to Richard.

Gina and Jeremy go out on their own date.

NOTE: Only ten chapters left This fic finishes at Chapter 100.

[blizzard18]

Sorry for the delay. Just a note: There was a small mistake in the preview for this chapter (It said that Lucas and Nicole, and Annie and Jai are going on a "Double Date" - that was added by mistake) anyway that's been fixed up.

Hope you like this chapter. Not too long till the end, but still some big scenes to look forward to

CHAPTER WARNING: (Small amount of) Violence present in this chapter.

CHAPTER 91: ANGER MANAGEMENT

12:30PM

After finishing the paperwork at the Station, Richard, with the assistance of Warren made his way back to his apartment. Billy was on his father’s lap as Warren pushed the wheelchair along the corridor leading up to the front door.

“When’s your next physiotherapy session?” Warren asked.

“Tomorrow afternoon, after my morning shift” Richard replied. “I’m glad that Dr. Winston got me into that rehab centre near Yabbie Creek. The people are lovely and my therapist is so amazing and helpful. Then there’s Charlie, who’s been so supportive. I’m glad that I’m with someone like her, you know? She wouldn’t just cheat on me like Tina did, or suddenly turn her back and leave me, like Jill.”

“She’s an amazing woman” Warren smiled. “You two are suited for each other.”

“You didn’t think so when Charlie and I first got together” Richard reminded him.

“I was only looking out for you, given what happened with Tina” Warren replied. “But I began to see how Charlie was with you, and she's nice, she seems like someone different to all the others. I’m happy for you two.”

“Thanks” Richard smiled.

“Look Dad” Billy pointed on the ground. Richard and Warren saw a corner or an envelope sticking out under the front door.

“Wonder who it’s from?” Richard wondered. “Better not be those lousy neighbours downstairs. Billy went over to pick up the envelope and handed it over to his father.

“Card?” Warren asked.

“Nope, it looks like a letter” Richard replied, taking out the piece or paper. After a few moments, Warren noticed his baby brother looking pale.

“Something wrong, mate?”

“Read this” Richard whispered, handing over the letter. Warren read the paper.

“WHAT ON EARTH..........?”

+++++

At the Holden House...

“That’s the last of it, I think” Irene said, tipping a dustpan full of broken glass and porcelain into the Kitchen Bin.”

“Perhaps I better ring Jack and let him know” Martha said, grabbing her mobile.

“WAIT” Rachel interrupted. “Perhaps we should wait before we do that.”

“But Jack’s Tony’s son. We have to let him know” Martha explained.

“I know, I know” Rachel replied. “But I think we should first find Tony, or wait for him to come back. I think it’s best not to tell anyone else what happened here. We don’t want to worry them too much. Perhaps there may be a reason behind all this.”

Lucas and Nicole entered, each carrying one end of a microwave.

“Here Rach, you can use our old microwave.”

“Thanks” Rachel replied. As the teens set up the appliance, Irene sat down with Rachel and Martha at the table.

“Rach........what do we do now?”

“All we can do now is wait until he comes back” Rachel replied. “I just hope he’ll speak to us about how he’s feeling. I can’t bear to see him upset again, especially after what happened the first time.”

+++++

Tony stumbled down at the beach and sat down in the sand. He buried his head in his hands in frustration and grief, not noticing the blood all over his hands from cuts from the broken glass. Due to the rough conditions of the water, Tony was the only one there. Looking around and noticing no one was nearby, he took out a small flask containing Alcohol from his pocket. Opening the lid, he drank the contents.

+++++

1:00PM

At the Italian restaurant in Yabbie Creek, Gina, Jeremy, Hugo, Brendan and Xavier were finishing up on their Lunch.

“Gina, I want to show you something” Jeremy said, taking a newspaper out from his backpack. Placing it on the table, he opened up to the Entertainment section.

“Whoa...........Andre Rieu...........he’s here in Sydney?”

“He is indeed” Jeremy replied. “His concert tonight is at the Opera House.”

“I love Andre Rieu!” Gina smiled. “I just love how he works that violin to some of the best classical pieces out there. Shame, If only I knew that earlier, I would’ve got tickets.”

“Well, here’s something else I want to show you.” Jeremy replied, taking out two tickets.

“OH MY GOD!” Gina squealed, seeing the tickets to the concert. “But how.......how.......?”

“That nice guy, what’s his name?........Miles, that’s it” Jeremy replied. “Miles, the owner of the Caravan Park came over a few nights ago to fix something in my van and we just started getting into a conversation about music. I told him that your favourite is Andre Rieu and he told me that his ex-girlfriend named Kirsty bought tickets for tonight’s concert a couple of months ago. But, you know, they’re not together anymore, and Miles has no use for the tickets, so he gave them to me for us.”

“Dad told us about how he was going to surprise you with those tickets” Xavier chuckled.

“Yeah, it will be like a date for you two” Hugo added.

“You know” Jeremy said. “Why don’t we make it a date. Gina, what do you say?”

“er......I........I don’t know, I mean after all that’s happened.....”

“Come on Mum, you need a break for yourself” Hugo said. “The concert’s tonight and don’t worry, we’ll be home with Rachel to take care of Uncle Tony.”

“Are.....are you sure?” Gina asked.

“Positive” Xavier smiled.

“Well............OK then Jeremy, it’s a date” Gina smiled. “But first, I think we’d better go home so I can change.”

“No, no” Hugo interrupted. “Mum, you look fine.”

“Hugo’s right” Jeremy added. “Besides, we have to go to the city now, so that we can beat the afternoon traffic along the highway.”

“But how are you boys gonna get home?”

“Hugo can take your car and head back, and you can come with me in my car” Jeremy suggested. Opening her handbag, Gina took out her car keys and handed it to her eldest son.

“There you go Hugo. Just don’t crash it on a roundabout or something.”

“Hey, I’m a good driver!” Hugo replied

“Mum, don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine. Just go out there and have a great time. You deserve it.”

“Thanks Xavier” Gina smiled.

"Brendan wants to go with Mum and Dad!" Brendan called out.

"Mate, you can't" Hugo explained. "This is something for Mum and Dad only, and besides, there's only two tickets." Suddenly, Xavier came up with an idea.

"I have an idea. Annie and Jai are hanging out with Geoff and Miles at the Caravan Park. Why don't we go over there instead and have a game of cards?"

"Brendan wants to do that instead!" Brendan giggled.

"OK Bandicoot, well I'll ring up Geoff and ask him if it's OK."

+++++

Half an hour later...

1:30PM

“Hugo!” Leah exclaimed as Hugo appeared at her doorstep.

“Leah.....how are you?”

“Well.......I’m just taking things one step at a time” Leah whispered. “Come on in”

“Thanks.”

Entering inside, Hugo sat down at the Dining table, followed by Leah. Hugo noticed Charlie, who sat at the other end.

“Charlie........you OK?”

“I’m fine” Charlie whispered. Hugo saw from her facial expression that she was lying.

“Seriously Charlie, you don’t look too good. What’s bothering you? Is it about what happened yesterday?”

“er......yes it is. It’s yesterday” Charlie replied. She decided to use yesterday’s incident as her excuse. She didn’t want them to know that her sadness is because of her break-up with Richard over the letter.

“Listen” Hugo said. “I dropped of Xavier and Brendan at the Caravan park and I’m not meeting them back there until later, so I have plenty of time. Here’s what we’re gonna do.”

“What are we gonna do?” Leah asked. Seeing some paper, a pen and some tape, Hugo tore a small section of the paper and wrote on it, then taped it to his shirt.

“Super Counsellor - Hugo Austin” Charlie said, reading the tag.

“That’s me” Hugo replied. “I’m here to make you two a cup of tea and sit down as someone to talk to” Hugo headed to the sink and filled up the kettle.

“Hugo, the counsellor!” Leah whispered to Charlie, who burst out laughing.

They were interrupted when they heard a knock on the front door.

“I’ll get it” Charlie said, heading to the door. Opening it, she saw Warren standing outside.

“Warren.......are you alright?” Charlie asked, noticing the upset man.”

“What the hell are you playing at?” Warren growled. “Do you realize what you’ve done?”

“Sorry?”

“YOU PROMISED ME THAT YOU WOULD BE DIFFERENT, THAT YOU WOULD NOT HURT RICHARD LIKE JILL AND TINA DID TO HIM.”

“Warren.....I.....I” Charlie was at a loss for words.

“I HAD TO TAKE BILLY BACK TO FRANCES BECAUSE I DIDN’T WANT HIM TO SEE HIS FATHER SO TORN UP OVER WHAT YOU WROTE!” Warren yelled.

“Please, Warren” Charlie was not close to tears. “I didn’t want to do this, it’s just that......”

“JUST WHAT?” Warren interrupted. “IS IT BECAUSE HE’S NOT THAT EXCITING ANYMORE BECAUSE HE’S STUCK IN A WHEELCHAIR? OR IS IT BECAUSE YOU JUST SIMPLY FED UP WITH BEING WITH HIM?........OR, MAYBE........IT’S BOTH.”

“No Warren, how could you even suggest a thing? I love Richard. It’s just that......”

“DON’T EVEN BOTHER EXPLAINING” Warren bluntly replied. “YOU’VE REALLY HURT HIM THIS TIME, AND I DON’T EVEN WANNA HEAR WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY. JUST DO ME AND MY FAMILY A BIG FAVOUR AND STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM US!” Warren then stormed off in the opposite direction.

Closing the door softly, Charlie leaned back towards the wall and burst into tears. Hugo and Leah looked over from the Kitchen.

“Charlie?" Leah called out. Charlie suddenly bolted into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

+++++

2:00PM

At the Diner, Jack sat at a table after finishing his shift for the day at the Station. He was waiting for Colleen, who was taking care of the takeaway meals that he ordered. Along with Jack was one of his co-workers - Constable Fredrick Wilson.

“Jack, take a look” Fredrick said, grabbing a newspaper lying on the table next to them. He pointed to the front page.

“North Valley residents unite against local Police Station” Jack said, reading the headlines.

“Looks like it’s the end of Jason Nelson” Fredrick commented. “When the report comes through to the Commissioner that his station was responsible for “supplying” the gun to your grandfather, he’ll be booted out there in no time. Colleen, who was at the counter overheard the gossip between the two Constables and decided to join in.

“Well you know, he’s a terrible man who doesn’t know how to do his job” Colleen said. “Mind you, he once worked at your station in Yabbie Creek, many years ago, and the tactics he would use.......just ridiculous if you ask me.”

“Colleen, I hate to be rude” Fredrick interrupted. “But......our takeaway orders please?”

“OK, OK, steady on!” Colleen squealed. “We’re short-staffed!”

Outside the Diner, Aden and Belle were finishing up on their late lunch. Getting up from their seats, they headed for a stroll along the beach.

“Wait, Aden. Are you sure?”

“If we just stay at the top end, we’ll be safe” Aden replied. “I know the water’s rough today, but it won’t come up here and wash us away.”

“OK, but hold on to me, just in case” Belle said, clinging to her boyfriend’s arm.

“Oh stop it!” Aden joked. Looking up ahead, they noticed Tony, who was still seated at the same spot, alone.

“What’s Tony doing there?” Aden wondered. He and Belle quickly headed towards him.

“Tony? You OK, mate? What are you doing here by yourself?” Aden asked. Belle looked around and saw three small empty flasks on the ground.

“You’ve been drinking?” Belle asked.

“Mate, you’re not supposed to be drinking at the beach, you’ll get in trouble” Aden said. “Belle, get those flasks and hide them in your bag before the cops see it. Now, Tony. How about we take you home?”

“Just leave me alone, OK?” Tony got up, but began to wobble.

“Whoa, steady on” Aden held onto him.

Making their way out of the Diner, Fredrick looked out at the Beach and saw Tony with Aden and Belle.

“Hey Jack, isn’t that your father over there?” Jack looked over and saw him. He sensed that something wasn’t right.

“Dad?”

As Aden and Belle held onto Tony to support him, they saw the blood all over Tony’s hands.

“Oh my God.......Tony, what happened to your hands?” Belle gasped.

“Don’t........don’t worry about it” Tony replied.

“No mate, we will worry about it” Aden said. “We’re gonna take you to the hospital.”

“I SAID I’M FINE. JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!” Tony shouted.

“I am not leaving you here. We’re taking you to the hospital. Come on.”

“JUST GO AWAY!” Tony yelled. Forming a fist, he punched Aden in the face. Aden fell onto the sand, holding his face in pain.

“Aden!” Belle screamed. “Are you OK?”

“DAD!” Jack yelled, running up to him. Fredrick ran behind him.

“NO, JACK, I JUST WANNA BE LEFT ALONE!”

“Come on, Dad” Jack held on to him. Tony suddenly spun around and pushed Jack to the ground. He was now out of control. Fredrick grabbed him and pinned him to the ground as Aden, Belle and Jack watched in shock.

“WHY CAN’T I JUST BE LEFT ALONE?” Tony cried, struggling to release himself from Fredrick’s grip. Jack then noticed the Constable reach behind, taking out his handcuffs.

“Fred......what are you doing?”

“I’m sorry Jack, I don’t wanna do this, but someone else may get hurt. He might even harm himself. It’s for his own safety and the safety of others” Fredrick explained. Jack watched on as Fredrick handcuffed Tony’s hands behind him and pulled him up to his feet.

“Just calm down, OK? Jack said to his father. He turned over to Fredrick.

“What are we gonna do now?”

“There's only one thing we can do" Fredrick replied. "We need to play it the hard way."

+++++

NEXT CHAPTER: (Title: The Interrogation)

Jack is worried about Fredrick’s harsh interrogation method. Will Tony finally come to his senses, or continue to bottle things up?

Aden decides whether Tony should be charged with Assault.

Hugo continues to play as Leah’s “counsellor” but will it lead to more things?

NOTE: I've added Constable Fredrick Wilson as a new character who will make some small appearances in the next few chapters. (Previously, he was just known as one of the other officers at the Station with the focus only given to Charlie, Jack, Richard and Georgie Watson.) We can all assume that he was present in most of the police cases that were mentioned so far in this fic.