The Journey
by Pat

Chapter 11

Joan was serving Vanessa when she noticed a rather odd group come in. They were trying to blend in with everyone. One she recognised was DA Steel, the other could have been a judge by the way she reacted to him. Perhaps the rest were lawyers or something and they were all discussing a case, but then some of them scattered amongst the other people. There was feeling that they were waiting for something to happen, rather like waiting at the dentist or actors waiting for a play to start.

Then she realised that a couple of the men really did want to get out of sight, they were discussing where to sit with a person who looked as though he was in charge but trying hard not to. They found a place around the corner. She would be glad when Sara and Casey came, at least it would stop Hank from moaning which he had done since someone had told him a camera crew were going to turn up.

She turned round and bumped into a white haired gentleman coming thorough the doorway. He greeted her as if he knew her. "Good evening Mrs Cummings I would like some coffee and some cakes please. How is Meg ?" Joan replied, puzzled: "There’s a seat here.... I’ll bring them to you...... Meg’s well, thank you.... I’m sorry but I don’t recognise you." As she put the coffee and cakes on the table, the man gave her the money and replied. "Meg and Ben stayed at my Inn last year at Thanksgiving I’m sorry to hear they have separated. I won’t keep you as I can see you are busy, perhaps later?"

Joan smiled agreement, turned and bumped into Sara as she came bursting in showing Joan her ring. "Goodness, that’s good news. I should wait a while to tell Hank he is in a bad mood." She kissed Sara and smiled at Casey who followed Sara in "Could you save the day and help with the things in the store room? Goodness, are these the cameramen?" Looking at Rick and Simon behind Casey. "I really don’t know what is happening, everyone seems to want to be in here." She noticed that Casey was looking serious. "Everything alright?" "Yes, it’s the thought of meeting Hank." and laughed as he went off.

"Sara, can you let these men in and help behind the counter. I want to move some things outside I thought Benjy might want to play with his friend there and let Ben and Maria have a drink in peace. Don’t look like that, I know you’re not happy about it; neither am I, but we do have to live in the same town." The cameramen mingled and had coffee, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Sara went over to Vanessa to show her the ring, and was greeted with hugs and laughter of delight.

Back at the police station, Ricardo hesitantly took out the pieces of paper. On the top was a short note to say information came from a private hospital, as well as from the record of births. The conclusion was that Tess Marin Evans had given birth to a baby boy, who was immediately adopted by Maria Torres Evans, and that Derek Evans was the father of the baby. The date of birth given was a month later than Benjy’s birth date. He could not believe what he saw. He felt sick, he looked up at the others to see what their reaction was.

It was shock and disbelief. Spencer was the first to react. "I know the DA will want these now!" he said. As he started to pick the things up, Ricardo stopped him. "What do you mean?" Spencer took a deep breath. "All I can tell you is that something is going on about Maria and Ben down at the Shock Wave. The DA and some agents are down there. Just after lunch, she wanted to have the files on everything that had happened to Ben, Maria, Meg and Derek; the drowning and kidnapping. I was not meant to tell you as she is your sister. But I think after finding this lot the DA will understand. Shall we go!" Spencer got out the car keys and, as Ricardo could not think of anything to say, finished gathering up the bits and followed. Gabi grabbed her bag and followed them too.

 

A jostling crowd of kids and adults came into the Shock Wave. Joan greeted them "Hi Maria, Tess. Everything went well? Would you like Benjy and his friends to have ice creams at the outside tables? One of girls will look after them. There are a few stools by the counter " "Thanks Joan," Maria replied happily. The kids, laughing and talking, pushed their way through to get outside again.

Maria looked for Derek. He was talking to Antonio, following him through the doorway. Just as Derek passed the first table, the white haired gentleman sitting there rose to get his attention. "Are you keeping well Ben? Could I have a word about the Inn I’ve been trying to contact you?" Derek acted offhand; "Perhaps later, you can see I’m busy at the moment." moving towards Maria, leaving the man speechless. The man who had followed Derek in spoke very quietly to the gentleman, they sat down together deep in conversation.

Joan, who saw the whole thing, was now sure something strange was going on; especially as Ricardo, Gabi and Spencer came rushing in and Spencer said firmly to Ricardo, in a voice that did not carry very far but carried command: "Not a word until the end what ever happens." Then they tried to look as if nothing had happened and found the last free chairs. Ricardo put the box on the floor beside him, ordered coffee and apologised to Carmen for his late arrival. When Carmen asked if Gabi was with him by choice he answered yes and that he was not going to discuss it with her now. Turning away back to his seat before she had a chance to say any more, Antonio put a hand on his mother’s arm to stop her from saying any more. Joan did not have a happy feeling about this why was Ricardo here if he was unhappy about it she wondered as she turned to serve someone else.

People had their coffees and settled down in their groups, talking. Hank and Casey had brought in some stores and now started stacking them behind the counter. Sara was with Joan, washing up and drying some cups and glasses. Maria and Derek were enjoying a joke, Tess half listening and, watching the cameraman, was still feeling unsettled. As Annie was feeling left out as Tess next to her was no company. She wondered if she could annoy Sara, as Meg was obviously too chicken to come and was just going to when.....

A man, in his late 40’s, with an air of command, got up from the table at the side and walked towards Maria. Another man, who had been next to Derek drinking coffee, shifted his position slightly ready to move. There was a very slight ripple of curiosity in the room.

John handed her a piece of paper and said clearly, so it caught everyone’s attention: "Maria Torres Evans?" She moved round, taking the paper and looked at him questioningly when she realised the paper was blank. Derek carried on drinking but listened. John took several paces back and carried on speaking and clipped a police identification badge to his top pocket. "I am arresting you for fraudulent marriage and for the attempted drowning of Ben Evans."

She spluttered "Is this some joke!"

John carried on as if nothing had been said ".....Obtaining and trying to obtain money and property under false pretences, assistance in the kidnapping and attempted murder of Ben Evans." She was shocked, she looked at Tess and Derek, then back at John and spluttered out "But Ben is here... there must be some mistake!!"

Derek put his cup down loudler than he meant to, his thoughts racing. How could he cover himself? He could feel anger rising, he had to keep cool, he had to be like Ben! Trying to keep surprise in his voice and anger out, he chipped in just as she finished: "What is going on? What do you mean attempting to murder me!"

There was a low murmur from people around. Vanessa quietly got out her note book to make notes and switched her recorder on.

Ignoring them, John turned to Tess who was next to Maria. "Tess Marin, I’m arresting you for aiding and abetting Maria Torres Evans and Derek Evans in their fraudulent activities." Some of the people did not realised the name John had used.

Derek got off the stool. John turn and faced him. "Derek Evans I’m arresting you..."

"I’m not Derek! He died last year!!!! He went over the damned cliff!!!." Derek started to move angrily towards John, the agent beside Derek grabbed his arm and pulled him back onto the stool and commanded. "Just let him finish Derek!" He kept hold of Derek’s arm so he could not get up again. Derek looked angrily at him and John, but kept quiet, the pressure on his arm was enough warning.

There was a general gasp from the people around as they realised the name had not been a mistake. Carmen felt a shiver go down her spine and knew why the card readings had been clouded. She would have done anything she could to have stopped this, but fate had to run its course, and it was her family which was to be broken. She looked for reassurance from Antonio but got none, just a look of stunned sadness, and Ricardo looked shocked, his fears were being confirmed.

 

John, taking a deep breath, continued: "Collaboration in the attempted drowning of Ben Evans, five murders, kidnapping and attempted murder of Ben Evans, impersonation of Ben Evans on two counts and in collaboration with Maria Torres Evans, Tess Marin and two others the kidnapping with a view to the murder of Ben Evans." He turned slightly towards the judge: "I ask that the accounts and businesses in the names of Tess Marin, Maria Torres Evans, Ben and or Derek Evans and Benjy Evans be frozen and handed over to the courts."

There was silence. Even Derek was speechless. Maria broke it, desperation and confusion sounding in her voice as she yelled at John "I know this is Ben Evans! I married him because I love him. Ask anyone here who knows us!! We have just had our marriage blessed! What the hell do you think you are playing at?!!"

The Judge spoke with a voice that commanded attention. "Can you prove that this is Derek Evans and not Ben Evans?"

John replied showing him a piece of paper from the table where he had been siting. "I have Dr. Tyus Robinson’s statement that he is treating Ben Evans at present in hospital and that Ben Evans is in a coma and so cannot be here himself."

There was a general gasp. Sara quietly but excitedly pulled at Casey’s arm and said "that’s where Meg is isn’t it?.... you’ve known and didn’t tell me!..." Casey hushed her. Joan looked questioningly at them.

The white haired gentleman near the doorway got up and walked towards John and stopped, so he was facing both Derek and John. But, turned more towards Derek, he spoke in a gentle but clear voice. "I would like to know if you recognise me?" John waited wondering what was happening. Pete obviously knew something as he had let the man come forward.

"You’re the owner of the Inn Meg and I stayed in last year at Santa Barbara." Derek replied trying to sound confident but hoping that it would not go any further as Maria had only told him that Meg and Ben had really connected the few days they stayed there, but nothing else.

The man continued "Do you remember the conversation you had on the second evening of your stay, it was with myself and Judge Jones?"

Derek knew he was on shaky ground, but kept his voice steady replied. "Of course I don’t remember every conversation I had with you and other guests. The main thing I remember is the lovely time I had with Meg, and it is a beautiful Inn."

The man looked puzzled and continued: "You took a lot of trouble to make sure Meg was not with us at the time, and would not be suspicious of anything going on." He gave a short pause as if hoping it would trigger a memory, then carried on.

"So you don’t remember signing a cheque for a half a million dollars, so that I could finish alterations to the Inn, semi-retire and have a manager in. The only stipulations were that the style of the Inn would stay the same, that your room would be available this Thanksgiving and, within reason, a room would be available so you could surprise the family with a short break when the alterations were finished. Meg was not to be told about it, so you would make the only contact. But you didn’t come at Thanksgiving, and didn’t contact us so I came to see why."

He stepped back and turned towards the Judge and continued. "Granted there is no contract your honour only a hand-shake, witnessed by the Judge. But the Ben Evans I met then would not break his word for anything, especially where Meg was concerned"

Everyone was speechless, although Sara was having a hard job to controlling a yelp of glee - it was typical of things Ben would do.

Derek erupted, cursing his brother and lashed out, hitting the agent beside him who had relaxed his grip on Derek’s arm as the man was speaking, turning the table nearby on its side, knocking over the stools. The people around moved, some to get away and others towards him. Eventually he was subdued and handcuffed, the stool was righted and he was told to sit on it. While this was going on, Tess had tried to leave but was stopped by Joan.

When some peace had been established, the debris of broken china tidied but left on the floor, the Judge said to John: "You have your orders. Here are the written notices for The Deep, Java Webb and Liberty Corp., also for the Bank Manager and Ben’s accountant and lawyer." Everyone realised then this had been arranged, the Shock Wave had become a kind of court room. John went over to Spencer and asked him to issue the orders, and handed the others to Ben’s lawyer and accountant who had come out of hiding. "What the hell are they doing here!" Derek yelled seeing them for the first time, and watched as they handed over some files to the Judge and then sat down.

Maria let out a yell of horror - disgust, as if she just realised that it was Derek she had been sleeping with. She slapped Derek across the face. He had seen it coming and moved slightly ahead of it, so it sounded good and he looked suitably shocked and hurt by it. "You bastard !!!.... What have you done to Ben!... How could you!!!" Looking and acting as if she had been punched in the stomach, gasping and tears starting to fall. "My God! Meg was right I should have listened to her!!!"

John had moved back to his table, watching with fascination. It was a good performance and he had admit they made a fine couple together. As Annie moved towards Maria to comfort her, he decided it was time to put an end to it and switched the tape on.

As Maria continued her performance, her light bubbly voice came on: "Hi Ben, darling, I hope they are treating you well. Oops! I forgot you can’t speak......." She stopped as if frozen in time. She realised that it was over, they had lost it all. She felt numb. Annie stopped just in front of her, not believing what she had heard. Derek sat stunned, gradually realising how the police had got the tape. Everyone listened realising how they had all been deceived.

 

Chapter 12

He recognised the connection that had been drawing him.... it was getting stronger all the time. He could hear music... understand her voice... Could he trust what he heard and felt?......he had been so wrong before!..... Something told him if he went forward he would be alright.... safe.... He wanted to!!!... Suddenly he was going forward in a rush..... he wanted to get to her see her...but the darkness was still there.

They had blindfolded him!!....Were they here?..... fear came rushing towards him!!!.... he had to fight them!!..... But he could not!! His hands were chained behind him!.... No!!! His hands were free!......The men were still there!..... He had to fight his way towards her!!..... He lashed out with all his might!!!.... He lost the connection... Hit something and felt pain but the thing gave way..... he heard voices in the distance he did not know them.... he could not understand!....again lashed out......hit something hard that hurt him, then something gently caught his hand .... he felt the connection again..... it was so strong now. He heard her voice calling his name, he could hardly breath.... he had to fight to breath..... and find her...... Could he trust what he heard this time?...would she disappear again?!....

"Ben listen to me!" Meg called to him, trying to get his attention and trying to hold his hand without hurting it any more, and to avoid him as he lashed out again. Tyus was helping the nurse who had been knocked over into the IV stand and injured when Ben lashed out the first time, she had been replacing the IV drip at the time. Luckily it came apart at the end of the tube, when the equipment fell, and had not pulled the needle out of Ben’s arm. But he was injuring his wrists every time moved or knocked them. On the other side of the bed another nurse, who had also tried to get Ben’s attention, now moved away making sure things were out of the way.

"Ben!! Open your eyes!! It’s me Meg!! You’re in hospital!! You’re safe!! Ben, open your eyes, look at me!!!" Meg called to him, there was no fear in her voice just love and trust, knowing that if he could see her it would be alright - he would calm down.

As Tyus listened to Meg calling Ben, he moved away to get the sedative. He knew the more they tried to restrain Ben, the worse it would be. Tyus had wanted Ben to know where he was before he sedated him out but at the moment Ben was using up precious energy, and making his injuries worse. The monitors were all sounding alarms so he switched the sound off. As he got the drug ready he decided to try his voice to see if he could help convince Ben it was alright, and that he was not just imagining Meg’s voice.

When Meg stopped, Tyus called to him "Ben, it’s Tyus, you are safe! Open your eyes - look at me! Look at Meg!...Come on Ben look at us!.. ."

He recognised the different voice.. another friend... yes!!... Would he be safe?... He knew them both now.... His breathing began to ease. Could he open his eyes? Hadn’t they blindfolded him?.... His friends were there....They would help.... He opened his eyes...... He saw a blurred image, he could still feel her hand in his ..... she had not disappeared....She was there!!!.... he wanted to say her name but could not. The pain hit him,... some memories came flooding back,...making him gasp for air.... he got scared again.... the darkness threatened to come.....

"Ben, stay with me! It’s Meg. Its alright! Breath slowly. That’s right, look at me." She called to him trying to command him to stay with her. He could see her plainly now..... smiling at him... feeling her strength..... He saw Tyus beside her. He wanted to speak to tell them..... But nothing came... He started to breath slower, steadier...tried again to speak, nothing came...

"Ben don’t try to speak!. You’re not strong enough. I want you to lie still and let me look at your wrists. Just continue to breath slowly and steadily. Meg will hold your other hand. Do not try to move yourself." Tyus watched him as he spoke, noticing the fear that had been in his eyes and shaking throughout his body, starting to calm down.

Ben kept looking at Meg it was as if he thought she would disappear if he looked away. Tyus re-bandaged Ben’s wrists, and checked that with all the threshing about he had not hurt his broken ribs or his badly strained shoulder, then adjusted the bed so Ben was lying at a reclining angle rather than flat as before. The monitors still flashed but were also slowing down. "I want to look into your eyes, does the light hurt? Nod or shake your head." Ben shook his head.

Suddenly he had difficulty breathing again as panic tore through him, thoughts crowding in on him, he could feel tears falling. "Ben its alright, You’re safe, we are here." Meg said calmly, but then she was affected by his panic and could feel her tears coming as well. Tyus took over, talking to him and gradually Ben started to control his breathing again and as he concentrated on Tyus’s words and his thoughts calmed.

Tyus carried on reassuringly "Its alright, you are just coming to terms with everything. As you remember, things will suddenly crowd in on you. Just hold on to the fact that you are with friends and we will talk you through it. I’ll get you a drink of water. Be careful because of the bruises around your mouth." He watched carefully for any more signs of panic. There weren’t any.

He came back with the water and Ben managed to drink some. Ben tried to talk again, but nothing came. Tyus said "Don’t worry, it will come soon, just rest. We know everything that is important. The police rescued you. All you have to do is to know that you are safe." Ben watched Meg till his eyes would not stay open, he didn’t really want to close them in case she wasn’t there and this had all been a dream.... As the darkness came, he heard her voice. "Its alright I’ll be here when you wake Ben."

As Ben slept, Tyus gave Meg a reassuring hug, handing her a tissue and said in a lighter tone. "Well! I think we will have to warn everyone he comes up fighting, or we’re going to have more nurses as patients." She laughed through her tears "Will he come round quieter?"

Tyus replied "Yes I think so. He understood us and went to sleep naturally, not drugged. Shall I get you a meal? I don’t think it will be wise to leave him alone. I’ll contact Dr Richards and get him to come in early and discuss what to do. I’ll stay overnight to make sure there is someone else around he knows he can trust, if he should have a bad turn again."

"Talk of the devil and he arrives." Dr Richards said breezily as he came in, noting with pleasure the change that had taken place from this morning. "I took the liberty of asking for a food trolley to be sent over from the canteen. I said I would ring through the numbers and this gentleman wanted to see Meg. He seemed to know John, so I let him in." As he got to Tyus "I think I just missed some fun, by the looks of the nurse outside?" With a laugh Tyus replied and started walking towards the door "Yes! you could say that. Lets order food and I’ll explain"

AJ stepped forward into the room "I won’t stay long, I just wanted to make sure Ben was recovering and to give you a cheque to cover the cost of anything he might need now. I’ve made it out to you, Meg, as I assume you will be looking after him. We will discuss anything else as it arises." He gave a slight pause, as he took in what he saw. "You know its not every day you have your plane commandeered... a bit like follow-that-taxi but on a larger scale."

Meg laughed, taking the cheque from him. "Thank you. Yes he just came round. Sit down, I’ll fill you in. I expect Bette will want to know everything, as a friend ...."

At the Shock Wave, John turned the tape off to a stunned silence. It was broken by Annie slapping Maria hard across the face. As Maria fell against the counter and onto the floor from the shock and force of the blow, Annie yelled at her "You bitch!!!!..... I thought you loved him!!..... I tried to help you get him back!!....Words seem to fail her she was so hurt and so angry that tears started to fall. The agent pulled her back as she started towards Maria again. As Maria got up she yelled back at everyone "That tape is a lie!!!!!"

John turned to the Judge and DA Steel, cutting across the end of Maria’s yelling, said sharply: "I believe they all had a hand in the death of Tim Truman and as soon as his body has been recovered I’ll apply for the warrants. I would like your permission to have the statue taken down in the morning, but I would like a guard there immediately. Sara and Joan hugged each other, trying to come to terms with it all. Hank just stood, too stunned to do anything. Casey put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him that he was not alone in his grief. He knew that Hank’s anger would come later when everyone had gone.

The orders were given to the officer as he left. As he went through the door, two men came in. A man carrying a box of things and Jude, who then made his way quietly over to Annie who was standing by herself shaking. He took her to one side and, as she started to speak, he said gently: "I know all about it." and put his arm around her. She looked at him questioningly, and then snuggled into the protection of his arms.

From the eating area outside came the noise of kids laughing, but quietly so as not to disturb the story they were listening to...It was Benjy’s tape.. "Bloody brother is everywhere" Derek cursed quietly. The door was quickly shut.

"I am his wife! I didn’t make that call! I love him!" Maria yelled knowing they needed more proof than the tape, hoping her visible distress would win people over, cause some doubt.

Ricardo, with Gabi’s help, moved towards John with the box of goods. Ricardo’s voice shook both with anger and shock "I received these from Seattle today. There are two paintings that Maria did, one is of Sunset Beach about eight months after the drowning, the other looks as if it is an English Cottage, both dated when she was in Seattle but the paper is from an order bought by Ben but in Maria’s name before the drowning. How did you manage that Maria?!!! That was the only order made!!"

Pause, no answer, she just stood looking at him, she could not believe that her brother would do this. He was the one who should protect her.

He slammed the papers down on the table "Then there’s Benjy’s birth certificate giving Tess Marin Evans, as his mother and you as adopted mother and the correct date of birth!!" Their was a gasp and he carried on "These photos of a nice family group and friends!!! I know that’s not Ben, I knew where he was every day that year!!!" He spread out the photos.

John picked up the one showing the stranger with Maria, Benjy and Tess. "Thank you. Now I know the connection between you all and Jake." Maria spat at him and started threateningly towards John, she was so cross as she could see everything they had worked for disappearing. The agent grabbed her arm and handcuffed her pushing her back onto the stool. Derek calmly looked on, realising he couldn’t do anything at present, perhaps later, there was always another chance if Ben stayed alive. Gabi talked quietly to Ricardo as he sat down.

John took command again "Your honour, I think you have enough evidence to annul the marriage or give Ben Evans an instant divorce. Also, that all new legal wills etc. made between the date of the kidnapping and today in Ben’s name be void and that the wedding that took place between Ben and Meg Cummings is legal and that Meg is his next of kin."

The Judge looked over at the DA, and then to Antonio. "Was the wedding that took place between Ben and Meg done in belief that Maria was dead, and do you believe that they are still committed to each other?" Antonio although shocked like everyone else grinned when he remembered how Ben and Meg both looked at each other at the beginning of the service. "Yes your honour Ben did believe Maria had died and Meg and Ben do love each other and will keep to their vows. I am sure the church will agree with your decision." The Judge stood up "Then I pronounce that the marriage between Maria and Ben Evans annulled. The marriage between Meg Cummins and Ben Evans is legally binding. I will make the necessary arrangements tomorrow. But it is as of now."

"Yes!!!!" Sara gave a jump of joy, nearly knocking Casey over. Everyone looked at her, she grinned back at them and then became serious. "Sorry. But what happened to Ben and what will happen to Benjy?"

"I must phone the hospital to tell them the news. Then I will explain" John replied. He made the phone call and everyone waited anxiously, especially as the pause while he was listening seemed to go on a long time. John turned to face the Judge, although he was really speaking to Simon, who was still filming everything. He grinned at him "Ben’s sleeping peacefully after recovering consciousness a while ago and he’s breathing on his own." You could almost feel the collective jump for joy that went round the room.

"I did not do anything to my brother! Those men did it!" Derek shouted back at John, trying to swing the blame onto the others.

John turned towards him "What about the tape message to the two men who were with Ben at the time, you gave them the orders."

Not giving Derek time to answer, the man who had entered with Jude stepped forward and put his box next to Ricardo’s. "These things and the video are from the house in Seattle where Ben was kept. They prove that you not only ordered his treatment but gave him a drug to get information from him, and took from him his watch and wedding ring which I believe you are wearing." Derek kept quiet, he had not realised that a second copy of the tape had been made, he thought there was only one and that was at Ben’s house. He realised that the others had not trusted him.

Without facing the Judge, John kept looking at Derek and, walking towards him with a voice full of command, said: "I’m taking back the stolen goods, your honour!" As he unlocked the handcuffs he lowered his voice but it held a definite threat. "You try anything while you are released and you won’t like it!" Derek laughed as the watch was taken from him, and replied. "You won’t because you know I can still hurt Ben. You know the twin connection!"

As John took the ring, he replied. "Yes! You may have some connection. But it was Meg who felt him die this morning and who has brought him back." Sara turned to Casey, whispering "That’s what she felt this morning when she screamed his name; and the night before, in the dream, the sadness - that was the phone call." "Really?" Hank said quietly looking at both of them. "Yes!" replied Casey hugging Sara. Hank thoughtfully put his arm around Joan reassuring her, but also gaining strength from her presence.

As John put the handcuffs back on Derek, he continued. Although calm, the anger and then disgust sounded in his voice as he spoke. "You know Derek, that thing called Fate you were worried about; it stepped in again. Your buddies got to Dana’s Point and carried out your orders to the letter! He was chained, gagged and blindfolded, he wasn’t strong enough to walk anyway!!" A gasp came from the listeners. Derek just showed a slight sign of satisfaction.

John took control of his emotions and carried on in a calmer voice, still facing Derek but he had stepped back a couple of paces. "We were expecting a drug swap some time that night, and thought they were one set of our guys. So we watched them arrive and then take Ben from the trunk of the car. We could not risk a hostage situation as Jake was drunk, waving a knife around and would have killed Ben as soon as he saw us. So unfortunately we could not stop them throwing Ben over the edge into a crevasse made by the landslide. When we tackled the men, the ground around collapsed, burying Ben, but we managed to dig him out and got him to hospital barely alive. I will make sure that you are never in a position to harm either of them again!"

 

No-one broke the silence till the DA stood up and opened the door near her and spoke to an officer who had been guarding the door from the outside. The officer spoke into his radio and several other officers came into view ready to lead the prisoners away.

Tess stopped by John and spoke for the first time. She started shakily. "If you promise that Benjy can be looked after by my sister, she has two others and will take care of him, I will give you a statement." Maria yelled at her "Benjy is mine and Derek’s, you have no rights to him! He stays with Carmen!"

The Judge cut across the conversation "Tess, did they pay or promise a large sum of money for Benjy?" "Yes your honour" Tess replied. "Then that would make the adoption illegal and therefore they do not have the right to say were the child stays." Derek yelled back "He is my son and he stays with Maria, Ben has no access to him ever!" The judge replied. "I think the children’s court will agree with me that he should stay with his mother’s sister. I will agree to that if she agrees to the arrangement and, as for Ben’s access, that can be dealt with later. Benjy will be taken into care over night. Tess, you can explain that to him now so he will not be too distressed. Somehow, he will have to be told the truth tomorrow." She was lead away.

Everyone broke up into little groups, trying to sort out their feelings. Ricardo and Gabi, after a word with Carmen, went with the officers to take things back to the police station. Ricardo knew that he wanted to be part of the following investigation. Vanessa introduced herself to John and got the all clear to print the story and to get a statement from Tyus.

Hank started automatically to clear things away but Joan stopped him. "I’m going to see Meg and Ben now. I’ll get one of the officers to take me." Hank started to protest, she put a hand on his arm, and continued "You need to sort out your feelings over Ben and Meg before you go any where near them. They are a couple now and always will be. You have to accept that, and you do not have to protect her. You have to let her go! You have to accept Ben for who he is, he will never take Meg away from you, he wants to be part of this family! She belongs to him, she is part of him and always will be."

As she turned to go with the others, she carried on in a lighter tone "Take care of things here, don’t forget to congratulate Sara on her engagement to Casey, and let her go as well." She smiled and gently laughed at his shocked expression and gave him a kiss. Then smiled at Sara and Casey standing beside him.

Antonio was leading Carmen out. She was in tears, muttering about the cards. As they passed Joan, Antonio stopped: "Tell Meg and Ben I’ll be in touch soon and give them my regards."

The Inn proprietor stopped Joan and handed her a card. "Show this to Ben’s doctor, it’s my son - he may be able to help and as soon as Ben is fit enough to travel. There’s a room for both of them and any medical staff for as long as he needs them. They were both very happy with us and I’m sure we can help. I’m staying at the Sun hotel for a couple of days, so I can be contacted there."

 

As Hank and Casey tided up the Shock Wave, they discussed everything that had happened, life in general, Sara in particular and what might be needed if Ben and Meg stayed at Surf Central.

Chapter 13

The group, including the DA, Judge, and officers, descended on the hospital all at once - to collect the prisoners and gather news. They were immediately hushed by Tyus as he came out of a side room where he had been resting. He saw Joan, walking in with John, looking very concerned, they had obviously been discussing what had happened. He smiled and said lightly to reassure her: "Come to see the happy couple?" She nodded. "When this lot have sorted themselves out, I’ll let you in. They are both sleeping." To John: "It all went well?"

John replied "Yes. I’ll tell you later. If we can rest up here tonight, I think we will be gone tomorrow. Although I would like to stay and see Ben awake, so I can return his watch and ring."

Tyus smiled and replied: "You can have the rooms. Ben doesn’t stay awake for long but is quieter when he wakes up now. The first time he knocked a nurse over, but this last time it was only a tremor. He’s not speaking yet, I expect that to come back tomorrow after he starts to drink and eat properly."

He turned to towards Joan. " If in the morning you could bring some of his favourite foods in, Joan, it would help - but not sandwiches; that might knock him back. At present I want him to think forward because his memories of what happened are coming back in waves of panic which leave him very weak. I want him to rest as much as possible undisturbed so the visitors will only be restricted you, Meg and John. I’ll take you in now."

They stood just inside the room. The two beds had been attached together so Meg could sleep beside Ben as that seemed to keep him settled. Despite the tubes helping Ben to recover, they lay on their sides facing each other, curled as if protecting each other, their hands linked. Meg fully clothed lay on top of the blankets to make it easier for her to move if the nurses wanted to get to Ben. Joan looked at Tyus and then John whispered: "Thank you. I’ll see you in the morning." and left. John stayed for a while longer, amazed at the difference from the last time he had seen Ben. He knew that he had seen in Joan a mother’s love for both of them, and with Meg’s love he knew that Ben would recover and find a family.

During the night Meg was dreaming of them dancing at Thanksgiving. This time she could still get the strong atmosphere of that evening but it also had a strange gently tentative, but still loving, feel to it; after they kissed it faded away. She woke as she felt him move, and the tremor of apprehension go through him as he woke. "It’s alright, I’m here" she said gently as he opened his eyes. He started to try and say something but she stopped him and realised she knew what he was thinking. She felt herself blush as she said:. "You were dreaming about Thanksgiving!" He nodded: even in that light she could see that sparkle in his eyes was back. She laughed with a realisation what had happened: "You had that dream then, that morning. I had it, I thought I’d lost you... could not catch you.... But really I did, didn’t I.!!" Knowing now that they were really soulmates, she reached up carefully and gently kissed him. "I’ll get you a drink." He nodded yes, and she slid off the beds to get him one and helped him drink it. When she returned from putting the glass away he was already asleep. She curled up on the blankets beside him, very happy, and slept.

The next morning there was a buzz going through Sunset Beach. Vanessa’s story was on the front page and she had been on the local TV and radio stations as the story broke late the night before. Camera crews were trying get pictures of the men demolishing the monument and the recovery of Tim’s body, the police were trying to stop them, reporters also tried to get into the hospital to interview people . The police had to guard as they searched through Ben’s house, Java Webb and The Deep.

As people heard the story, so they wanted to help. Hank set about getting someone to replace Tim, as well as coping with the influx of people and reporters. Sara had to re-arrange things at Sunset Sisters and was surprised by an offer of help from another business in the arcade, which she accepted willingly.

 

Joan arrived at the hospital with a large tray of food and was greeted by John who eyed the food hopefully. "They are both awake and Tyus said we could go in." She laughed at his expression and replied. "Yes, there is enough for you." They went in. Tyus was helping Ben to sit up and Meg had put a table by the bed. After general greetings all round, messages passed on, the food was sorted out and Meg sat on the bed so she could not only be by Ben, but help feed him. John handed Ben his watch and ring. When Ben tried to thank him his voice came out crackly, and he shook as he gave the watch and ring to Meg to look after until he could wear them again. She smiled at him, reassuring him.

Joan told them about the offer at Santa Barbara. Tyus agreed that it would be a good idea for them to go and went to check the details. Ben indicated he wanted to know what happened. He tried to explain what he knew, but it came out in missed and half spoken words, frustrating and tiring him. So John stopped him and gave a very brief version of events up to date and what would happen. Ben tried to ask if Meg could get some things from the house and if the rest could be sold. John said he would make arrangements and made his excuses to leave, as he could see how tired Ben was getting, knowing that he would see Ben in the future to get his proper statement.

As John left the room he looked back at the group. You could almost see the love bond between the two of them as she took care of him so that he could rest. Joan stayed and sat quietly with Meg discussing the future, while Ben slept sometimes restlessly. Tyus returned to tell them he had arranged for Ben to go to Santa Barbara as soon as possible and that they would keep Ben here until he could be moved there. If they moved him into the main hospital Meg would have to sleep separately and, as far as Tyus was concerned, that was not on. Here Ben was completely under Dr. Richard’s and Tyus’s care, so they continued to make plans. Later, Meg had to leave to get things that Ben wanted from the house. Joan stayed with Ben so he would know that he was safe, as he continued to drift in and out of sleep for the rest of the day.

Four days later, Ben and Meg went to Santa Barbara by ambulance. Tyus arranged for Tina and her husband to go with them to give any medical care needed, in addition what was provided there. Ben was still too weak to do very much and suffered from nightmares and panic attacks. Before they left, Casey was allowed a short visit to confirm arrangements for their return to Surf Central - it also helped prove their friendship had survived. Hank wrote Ben a letter explaining his feelings about Meg as her father, that he understood Ben was deeply in love with Meg and would always be there for her, and welcoming him into the family; not only as a son-in-law but as a son.

When the police released Tim’s body, there was a small local funeral attended by Hank, Joan, Sara and Casey. Liberty Corp. paid for the funeral as Tim’s parents disowned him.

Two weeks into their stay, Joan got a phone calling from Meg asking the family, Casey, Aunt Bette and AJ to stay for the weekend. In a small chapel near the hotel that weekend Ben and Meg had their marriage blessed by the local priest. Meg wore a simple long white dress and Ben wore a black suit. Everyone could see that the bond between Ben and Meg had strengthened and how well Ben was recovering. They all had an enjoyable time catching up with news, including Bette and AJ’s engagement. Antonio had written the blessing for them and also read it out in Mission at Sunset Beach the same Sunday.

A couple weeks later Meg alone made a fleeting visit to Sunset Beach to be Maid of Honour at Vanessa and Michael’s wedding. As Ben had not recovered enough to cope with travelling and a big gathering, Hank and Joan took the opportunity for a quiet break and stayed with him.

 

When Ben and Meg returned to Sunset Beach, and stayed in Surf Central, the friendship between the group grew stronger. The family as a whole became stronger as they helped Ben come to terms with the memories in Sunset Beach that had to be faced. When it became clear that Ben and Meg would stay in Sunset Beach, they went house hunting and found a large family house with a pool and garden near completion just off the beach, but still close to town.

The courts released Ben’s money and cancelled any agreements made by Derek and eventually handed over to Ben the proceeds from the sale of the house in Seattle that Derek had bought with Ben / Maria’s money. Ben decided to keep on the Deep, but left the running of it to the manager. Keeping his interests in Java Webb and Liberty Corp. The promise he had made to Tyus all those months ago, was kept and he donated the money for the extension to the Medical Centre.

Ricardo and Gabi went to Seattle to help with the investigations and decided to stay, when offered a swap with another officer from Seattle whose parents were at Sunset Beach. They kept in touch with Carmen but, away from her influence, their love flourished. They visited Antonio and the friendship between Gabi and Meg remained close; Ben and Ricardo were always polite to each other but remained distant. Jude made his fraud team headquarters at Sunset Beach and enjoyed trying tame Annie.

When Ben and Meg moved out of Surf Central, Meg found she was expecting a baby. Sara and Casey got married, Casey eventually left the Life Guards and worked full time at Liberty Corp. on the environmental projects. Meg and Sara’s shop flourished. The Courts allowed Ben kept in contact with Benjy’s new parents only but, later when the case was reviewed again, he was allowed limited access and he become a distant Uncle to the whole family.

 

John had kept his promises and, with the Judge’s help, kept Maria and Derek in jail until the trial. During the investigation the team found phone records between Sunset Beach and the house at Seattle. Documents and witnesses in some cases had been found to confirm things that had happened over the past years in Sunset Beach and Seattle.

John had even gone to England to get statements about Ben’s childhood. He had found out about the first really serious attack Derek made on Ben. Before that time it had always been just enough to annoy; like toys broken, small pranks of Derek being Ben and attacks in school games.

It had been at the last day of the school year and prizes and scholarships were to be given out. Derek and Ben’s results had been the same, both had got scholarships but Ben had won the top prizes. A while before the ceremony, at a meeting with his parents and the Head Teacher, it was explained that because of Derek’s behaviour towards Ben and some teachers he would not get any prizes. Derek had thrown a temper fit and walked out telling them he would not attend the ceremony as he should have got the prizes.

The ceremony over, the other children and Ben had received their awards and Ben had joined his parents to attend the meal at the school, where they were sitting at the Head’s table. It was not until they were half way through the meal, when a teacher passing the table made a chance remark to Ben which he could not answer, that they realised it was Derek siting with them and not Ben.

Derek still maintained that he was Ben, even while the grounds and school were being searched by Police and dogs, only admitting otherwise when Ben was found unconscious and bound in an old shed in the grounds. Because of this, Derek had been sent away to a special school. Since then he had blamed everything on Ben. As soon as he could, Ben left home, but kept in touch hoping that it would bring Derek some peace and the family would reunite. John knew that Ben had not liked the idea of this being used in Court, but they had to show the past history between the brothers.

The Trial Judge decided to hear all episodes as one case. A lot of it would be police statements with regards to the murders on the island, as the police thought Grogon had committed them and had no hard proof otherwise. Only Tim’s statement about Mark’s last words, and the injuries to Derek caused by Tim, would help prove Derek had been on the island. There was very little hard evidence regarding Eddie’s and Tim’s deaths. Any DNA evidence brought against Derek could be turned and used against Ben, as it was the same for both of them. Derek, Maria, Jake and Tubs had refused to make clear statements against one another or about anything. Tess had pleaded guilty to some charges and made statements against the group and would be sentenced at the end of the trial.

The case was now drawing to a close and there was a mixture of relief and anticipation amongst those in the court. A ripple of shock had gone through the jury when they had heard the past history; about the kidnappings, murders, the phone message, seen the videos of Seattle at Dana’s Point, and the photos of Ben’s injuries. The jury were relieved when it was clear that Ben had recovered, and when Meg gave evidence about the trials she had been through, she gained their respect particularly as the defending solicitors had tried to twist things to their advantage. Throughout it all, Derek, Maria and the others sat showing little to no emotion.

 

Now everyone was waiting for Ben to take the stand. Earlier in the proceedings, Tyus had informed the Judge about the power he thought Derek had over Ben regarding the headaches; but as there was no firm medical proof the Judge noted his concern and would keep it in mind. The Judge wanted to see everyone concerned with the case here in the court room and not through a video screen as he thought the members of the jury would not pay full attention - they would feel it would be just like watching a TV show. So Ben would have to take the stand, and Derek would stay in court.

John felt the ripple of surprise that went round the court as Ben had walked to the front to take the stand. Perhaps the people had expected a "victim", someone feeling threatened, unsure of themselves, to come in. Instead he walked in, smart, handsome, someone very much in control of themselves and with a friendly aura. He wore the same as Derek, although they had not been in contact with each other. As he passed Meg, who was siting on a aisle seat, you could almost feel their connection of love and strength pass between them as they smiled a greeting to each other. John also realised that no-one had seen the two brothers together and, although you expect the same with identical twins, it was still a surprise to actually see it.

As soon as Ben had entered the court, John noticed the change in Derek; he was alert, a ripple of tension surrounded him. John knew that a lot of people would not have noticed the change, unless you knew what to look for. It was like a cat who had spotted its prey and was now sitting still waiting its chance to pounce. Maria leaned over and whispered something to Derek. The brothers didn’t make eye contact or acknowledge each other.

John felt tension in his body. It was the same that he had when he had to send an agent into a dangerous situation. He knew this was what Derek had been waiting for, a chance to get close to his brother again.

Ben took the stand and as he went through the statements, answering questions by both solicitors and prosecution regarding his treatment in Seattle as well as everything else, you could feel his control and quiet charm come through, and feel the sympathy and respect of the court towards him. As Ben finished, everyone relaxed. The judge gave a nod of satisfaction, he had been right to make Ben take the stand here in court. He knew without a doubt what the verdict would be, even though the solicitors for the defence had tried hard to refute a lot of the evidence and raise doubt on the character evidence. It was a pity he could not make the others take the stand, he would have liked to have seen the other brother in action.

The court room was quiet, John was watching Derek and could see Meg was on edge. As Ben stepped down to leave the stand, he continued to concentrate on Derek. Ben shook his head once as if to clear it. As a quiet command came from across the court room "Time to die Ben!" It took a second for people to register what and who had said it. Ben stumbled, put a hand to his head, gasped and collapsed unconscious on the floor. Just as he landed on the floor, Meg was out of her seat running towards him calling to him, there was concern in her voice but also a command "Ben listen to me! It’s Meg stay with me! Ben....."

The guard nearest Derek on the other side of the court moved towards Ben (as he fell) and had to pass Derek. As he did so Derek got out of his seat, got behind the guard and grabbed the guard’s gun. Maria moved towards the other guard and kept him out of Derek’s way. The guard that Derek was using as a shield was shorter and heavier build than Derek, and started to drop as a dead weight. Thereby leaving Derek’s chest exposed. In that short time John, brought out his gun and aimed for Derek’s chest and fired. Hoping he would miss the guard and prayed that Tyus was right in his belief that if Derek had control over Ben it would stop as soon as he was unconscious or dead. Ben would not die with Derek.

Derek staggered, let go of the guard and collapsed bleeding and gasping for air. The guard rolled clear. As John watched, he remembered Ben’s words in the early hours of the morning when they had met in hotel corridors and neither of them could sleep properly. "When Derek tries something, don’t miss and help Casey look after Meg if it goes wrong." he had said it quietly, not in fear, it was a statement giving him permission to do what ever he had to do.

As soon as Derek was shot Maria had collapsed in tears calling his name and went to him. Dr Richards who had been with Tyus, (both had taken in first aid kits, only small ones, just in case,) moved towards Derek. Tyus and Sara followed Meg to Ben.

The judge tried to clear the court but no-one moved or made a sound they sat quietly waiting. The paramedics came and after a while it became clear that Derek had died. Tyus and a paramedic were still trying to revive Ben. Meg was sat beside him holding his hand talking to him. A stray thought went through John’s mind, all it needed now was for the baby to come, then there would really be chaos.

He felt a hand on his shoulder, it was Casey with police officer. He gave the officer his gun, and moved with Casey out of the aisle so that the stretcher could come through. He remembered the way the group had insisted staying together, as if protecting and getting strength from each other: they were back together again. As he and Casey approached the group Tyus moved back from Ben, saying something to Meg and looking concerned, then removing the breathing mask - for one moment John thought the worst.

Ben moved slightly, then opened his eyes and looked towards Meg, started to say something. Tyus looked over towards Derek and gave a yes answer. When Ben tried to get up, Tyus put a hand on his shoulder to slow him down and made him sit on the floor. Ben sat there with his arms around Meg and watched while the medics took Derek’s body out. As the body passed them he said a few words almost to himself, she put a reassuring hand over his. Then with Tyus’s help he got to a chair. Tyus insisted Ben go to the hospital for a check up. Maria, distraught at Derek’s death, was lead away.

The people in the court room relaxed and the Judge at this point managed to clear the court, telling them that they would reconvene in the morning for closing speeches and the verdict. The whole thing had gone out onto the local television channel so there were a lot of telephone messages from family and friends for everyone when they got back to the hotel.

The next morning in court there was an air of anti-climax, Tyus had insisted that Ben and Meg stay away, much to the annoyance of the press gallery and TV crews. When the defendants arrived, it was only the two men and Tess. It was assumed by the people in the court that Maria was too shocked by yesterday’s happenings to attend and that the verdict would be given in her absence.

The Judge arrived and announced that Ben and Meg were alright, and that the closing speeches from both parties would include Derek’s and Maria’s part in the whole affair - but would mainly deal with the guilt or otherwise of the three other defendants. This was because Maria Torres had died in her sleep during the night. It was not believed to have been suicide.

As the buzz went round the court, John remembered what Maria had said about Meg being Ben’s rock and that Ben would not survive her death. Perhaps Derek had been Maria’s rock after all, and she had been fighting not only for her love but her life. As he looked across at Casey he realised that he was not the only one thinking the same thing, and knew that Ben and Meg would be closely watched by their friends and family.

The speeches were short and the jury did not take long to come to a guilty verdict in all cases. The judge told them that the length of sentences would be announced at a later date. The two men would face other charges for previous crimes.

 

A week later, the police made sure that the small family funeral was kept private. It was attended by only four people. Antonio took the service with Ben, Carmen and Ricardo attending as Maria and Derek were laid to rest side by side, next to Maria’s father.

 

A couple of months later there was a family and friends gathering at Ben’s house to welcome Meg home from hospital with their baby daughter Sophia Joan Evans, named after the two grandmothers. Six months later, there was a grand exodus of the Cummings, Mitchums and Evans families as they all went to Europe for a holiday to celebrate a new beginning. Joan got her drive round Paris in the red convertible with Hank. Meg, Ben and Sophia had their trip to Venice and Sara and Casey enjoyed exploring everywhere.

Sophia was joined a year later by a brother, John Richard Evans, named after the people who had saved Ben’s life and were now firm friends (Tyus was godfather to both children). They both had good looks that would later melt people’s hearts, and a connection - so they knew when the others were in trouble. Sara and Casey had twins a boy and a girl. Hank and Joan enjoyed being the doting grandparents. They all kept together as a family.

The End

 

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