4×01″Running Into The Dark”
Written by: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode may contain graphic violence, language and sexual content
Theme Songs: God Only Knows – King and Country

Bliss stood in the doorway to Max’s room, one hand protectively moving to the small swell of her pregnant belly and the other reaching for the wall to support herself as she watched Seb dealing with the crushing realization that they’d lost their child before ever knowing him. Max was still sedated, a blessing really but she would eventually have to deal with the pain. Seb was at her side, devastated and lost. And for a few moments it felt like time had paused and she couldn’t move forward or backward, just watch the nightmare unfold. She felt Hunter come up behind her and then she felt his arms surround her. She glanced up at him but couldn’t find her words and for a few moments they watched the scene before them and when it became too much Bliss turned in his arms and held onto him. Her sisters baby was gone and Max was shattered. Her sister in law was fighting for her life down the hall. Zach had died in the line of duty. The rest of them were surely lucky to have made it off the boat with their lives. She wanted so badly to be home with her little boy but she knew Fox was safe. Keke had taken him to Jackson’s house with Dylan and the twins and they were all fast asleep. If she showed up now he’d pick up on the sadness and she had no intention of bringing him here to the hospital. It was best to let him sleep in peace and give her and Hunter time to process things. 

She finally pulled back, holding onto Hunter’s hand for a moment before joining Seb in the room. “Seb,” she said quietly, hoping not to startle him as she placed a hand on his shoulder before leaning down to hug him. “I am so sorry,” she managed, fighting back her tears as she looked at his tear soaked face. “Enrique was already so loved by everyone. This is devastating.” She looked over at Max, who was unconscious and eerily still. Her sister only barely seemed to be warming up to the idea of being a mother and now it had been ripped away from her. She feared her sister would be haunted by that. She had never understood Max’s reaction to most of her pregnancy but they all suspected she’d come around. Sebastian though, was a proud papa from the moment the news broke. Whenever he mentioned the baby, his eyes lit up. That baby was his entire world from the moment it was conceived. She placed a hand on her stomach, so grateful that her baby was ok and she felt a little guilty for it. “Please tell me what I can for you. For Max. I don’t know how to help either of you. Is your mother here? Do you need me to find her? Call anyone else? Get you anything while you sit with Max. Please. Anything you need, just tell me.”

Sebastian stared blankly outside of the window sitting next to Max’s bedside. He felt numb in so many ways. This pushed him past his capacity and he wasn’t sure he’d ever get over losing their son. Looking at Bliss who was about to give birth herself made him feel a slight tinge of jealousy. He’d literally changed his life for himself and Max. No more mob activities and being on the straight and narrow. He knew his mother would never give up the illicit lifestyle that she was accustomed to. However he didn’t want that violence to infest his life and all he wanted now was revenge. “Can you bring my son back? Can you explain to me why God has forsaken Max and me? Can you tell me if my son is in heaven? I have a confession, Bliss.” He said, turning around finally looking at her face to face. “My family aren’t good people. In fact today I’m not sure I’m a good person. All I can think about is killing Hector and Ronan. They snatched my son away from me with violence. A bomb on that boat? Who does that? Do they not understand the rules of the game? Maybe someone should teach them.” His eyes grew dark.

“Unfortunately Bliss there is nothing you can do for me. You can’t make this all go away. My son is dead and Max is so hurt. She put on this front as if this baby wasn’t important to her. However I know this will leave her broken. My mother is making arrangements at the moment to get our priest from Spain to come here for our son’s service. So I’m here alone with my fiancé and I thank you for trying but nothing will comfort me. Nothing will fill this hole in my heart and nothing will make this better. No offense, none of your sweet words and epithets will fix this. Bliss, my son is dead. Hunter and you should be thankful you made it out without being injured. Go check on Jackson. I have Max.” Turning around so she couldn’t see him crying or the emotion boiling inside of him. “But I promise all the Devonshire family one thing: revenge and retribution will happen. An eye for an eye. They spilled the first blood but I will be the one who laughs last.” Sebastian was done with being soft and a lover. He wanted blood to fill the streets. “Atlas Falls and those people have no idea whom they’ve awoken.”

Hunter had gone to see his own mother for a bit learning she had been behind the wheel that hit Dani and Greer was simply awful. He did want to believe in her sobriety like Anderson seemed to, but he was on Brooke’s side; his mother had lied about it before. He had wanted to reach out to Jackson but didn’t feel it was a good time seeing how his mother had been driving, instead he had gone back up to see Bliss and Max. Maybe that was where he was needed. Max Looked lost and he wondered if his ex-wife and now sister in law would ever recover from losing her child. It was simply awful and mind boggling what had happened on that boat and after. he wrapped his arms around Bliss in support before they entered the room with Sebastian. Who looked stricken with a grief he hoped he never had to feel himself with Fox or their impending child, part of him felt guilty. How did someone come back from something so awful and heartbreaking, how as a couple did you move past that? He looked at a sleeping Max before his eyes turned To Sebastian again.  

When Sebastian mentioned there was nothing they could say or do he knew saying those words would be hollow. Even if as a family it was the right thing to do offer condolences and he put his hand on Bliss’s back in support at how dismissive Sebastian was being. Max may of been his fiancee and soon to be wife but she was also Bliss’s sister and despite everything she had a right to be there. It was almost as if Sebastian was cold in his words and a slight chill seemed to settle over the room. The man before him didn’t have a mean bone in his body and here he was talking about murder it disturbed him a little. “I know you are hurting and upset Sebastian, we really are just trying to help. Bliss is Max’s sister, the baby was our nephew and while that doesn’t even compare to what you are going through we are sorry. Max needs her family right now, Jackson is with Dani.” Hunter said he knew the explosion had rocked everyone and he also understood anger; he’d been willing to go to jail for Bliss. “More killing will not bring him back.” Hunter said softly hoping to break through to Sebastian.

Looking at Hunter his lips curled in a subtle rage. “You went to jail to protect your love. You think that I can sleep knowing the mobsters killed my child? Max nearly died tonight during birth that she should’ve been having in a hospital. Not some dirty warehouse. I don’t know what really happened and that is haunting me. Mi amor was alone and didn’t know I was hunting for her. She gave birth to a dead baby alone with Hector and Gia. I have no words for the anger I feel Hunter. If it was Bliss, tell me you wouldn’t feel the same. If it was your baby gone would you not want retribution? Please don’t tell me I shouldn’t strike back. Don’t treat me as I’m any different than you. You see I’d die for any of you! You’re my family and my family shouldn’t be in this state. Dani almost died and Enrique is gone and I almost lost Max. Please tell me Hunter your morals and high ground would be the same if it was your wife?” Seeing the couple exchange looks Sebastian knew he struck a nerve.

“I’m not kicking you out or Bliss. I would never Hunter. That would do her no good and I am not the enemy here. I don’t mean to scare or disturb you two. You’re like a real life Barbie and Ken. I just know my spirit. I know that sometimes you have to do things that you don’t want to do. Understand Hunter and Bliss that my son will be avenged. Your sister deserves that type of peace.” Sebastian grabbed Bliss and Hunter’s hands. “Protect her and love him. Thank all the saints and pray that you two have a healthy baby. I apologize if my anger and rage has alarmed you but I just want my baby back. I want Enrique.” He started to slightly hyperventilate. Tears began to fall down his face. “I should see if my mother needs any help for the transportation of our priest. I can’t breathe.” Sebastian began to grip the chair. 

“Seb I think you should sit down,” Bliss said putting an arm around his shoulders as he slumped towards the chair. “Please you don’t need to do anything right now. There are plenty of people that can help. Right now just be here for Max and let us worry about the other stuff.” She glanced towards Hunter, not sure what to do or say but they managed to guide him to sit in the chair. This was all so unfair and while she understood his anger, the doctors hadn’t led them to believe the death was anything other than natural causes. She was certain it was only the grief talking, making him say these wild things. Sebastian had a good heart, could he ever really hurt someone like that? She gripped both of his hands in hers and knelt down in front of him. “We all wish Enrique was still here, Seb. I know this is so hard but you’re not alone. You have all of us to lean on. I’m happy to find your mother and help her with whatever she needs. Just stay here with Max please. She needs you by her side even if she can’t say it. You need to be here when she wakes up. Let’s pray for her together, like you suggested. You and Max and Enrique.” 

She stood up and moved to Max’s bedside, taking her sisters hand which felt so strange. Max was not the type to hold hands, at least not with just anyone maybe Jackie or Jackson or even Maddie but certainly not her. If she woke up right now she’d probably be appalled but Bliss continued to hold her hand sire Max needed to feel that someone was with her. Tears welled in her eyes as she silently prayed for them all. She heard Hunter behind her talking to Seb and she hoped they were getting through to him. That something was helping them navigate this horrible time. They were all still recovering from losing Lowell and now this? It was too much. She turned when she heard the door open and saw Rory and Belle walk in together. She pulled them into a group hug grateful they were both ok but not wanting to say so out loud in front of Seb. “Max hasn’t woken up, yet,” she said softly hugging her little sister once more. “Maybe you can help me find Seb’s mom?”

Rory removed himself from his sister’s embrace before touching Sebastian on the shoulder nodding his head to Hunter knowing that they needed to track down Sebastian’s mother. It was all so tragic and horrific and there was little to nothing he could do to help, that was the worst part of it all.

**********

Braden stared at the nursery window the label on the basket Michael Madden, his mind was a jumbled mess from the last few hours. Zach was gone, no one had a chance to say goodbye, his aunt and uncle were crushed as were all his cousins, the entire family. He had cried with everyone and then the other blow had come his sister was in surgery with David fighting for her life after Brenda Kincaid had collided with her car, while Dani had been taking an in labor Greer to the hospital. How in the fuck was any of that fair that his cousin was blow up at the casino, because of the man that he agreed to help get custody of the child in front of him a man that he knew was dangerous? How was it fair that Gia Francone was perfectly fine in her labor and delivery while Max Devonshire lost her son, while Greer was fighting to have hers and his sister was fighting for her life, how was any of that fucking fair? None of it made sense and honestly he felt like a failure that he caused this, he could have taken Ronan off the streets but instead resigned no thanks to whoever turned in the gun that Tamara had taken to shoot Dimitri. It was his fault that Zach was gone and something that he would have to live with. He absently nodded to one of the nurses as they walked past while He stared at the baby on the other side of the glass.

Of course the child had done nothing wrong and none of it was his fault but he couldn’t help the way he felt when he looked at the baby the betrayal that he felt to his own family. He looked down at his shoes that were still shiny and no scratch to be found. He and Tamara had been late to the party and had avoided the initial launch to the water. The aftermath was buried into his mind, the chaos that had happened, the images on the news when it broke, the phone call that his mother had made. Only to be amplified when he had arrived at the news his sister had been life flighted to the hospital and the sex tape with her husband and Dru had leaked. The crushing news of Zach though reverberating deep in their family and he wondered if Kelsey had been told. She had taken Greer back for surgery and hadn’t been there when the news had broken. When he turned around he came face to face with Ronan himself and had everything not been going on likely would have greeted him.

“Braden.” Ronan simply said looking at the man that he had hired as his attorney months ago. He wasn’t quite sure what exactly to say to him as he looked over his shoulder to see Michael behind the glass safe from Gia’s clutches and arms. He held the upper hand for now, now that he knew what Gia’s long term plans were he didn’t get to where he was by being a fool. If it meant that he had to be a dutiful husband to her in public to secure his son he would and gain her territory in the process he would. The explosion had warned him enough to know that it was far from over and his enemies were near, seeing Regina in town solidified that even more. “I heard about the accident with your sister. If there is anything I can do to help.” He managed to offer his current attorney his voice trailing off.

It felt wrong to mention the other dead body between them, Braden’s cousin Zach. He had always seen the police department as a pain in the ass, but there were times especially when Gideon was there and Steven they came into handy. He couldn’t begin to count the times his organization had paid off officers to turn a blind eye. How many times he himself or Kendrick had to take one or two out on their own, that was the world he was born into but he never would have blown up the casino for clout. He had heard the news in passing and felt it best not to offer his condolences on that matter. Judging by the look on Braden’s face it was the right thing to do, not discuss Zach at all. The only thing he could tell Braden was the truth that he didn’t cause the explosion but he knew who did and he was sure of it, he looked through the glass again at his son. Gia had thought she had won that if he was gone or died she would get everything, instead she had recklessly left the boat with Hector and Max in tow, and his son had lived. Max’s son had died. It was unfortunate but his son was alive and well.

“I know your family is going through a lot. I know it’s not any consolidation but it was not me that blew up my own casino. I do know who it is and who is after me, Gia. Or possibly an organization in Chicago. I no longer require your services in the other matter we discussed.” Ronan said looking at Braden and trying to read his reaction it was almost numb, he couldn’t blame him. In truth he had every intention of marrying Gia because he needed to in order to keep his son safe from her and Hector and to take over her organization, it would require finesse and he didn’t need his new lawyer in the middle. “If there is anything I can do…”

“Take your apologies and shove them, anything you can do? You caused all this, you and your organization, you want the truth. I should have turned a blind eye to everything when Jon came to me to tell me that you didn’t murder Carla and Gideon a few years ago. I should have let you rot in a prison cell. But no, I wanted to do the right thing and look where the right thing got me and my family. Tell me the truth, did you know that someone was after you tonight and did you kill my cousin?” Braden hissed at Ronan he was so angry at everyone at the moment Ronan, the mob and how it had taken over Scottswood, but mostly himself had he never taken Jon’s word about releasing Ronan Zach would still be alive. He failed at being a good cousin and brother, while people like Ronan got to live their lives carefree and cause chaos and destruction wherever they went.

Ronan was honestly taken aback the casino was a legitimate business that he was running with Max Devonshire he had no reason to blow it up himself in some outlandish scheme and yes there had been attempts on his life recently but his organization was handling it. Deep down he now knew it was Gia and knew that for now he had to keep that to himself no one else could know, until he figured out a way to rid her permanently from the equation and still hold onto his son at the same time. He wanted to answer Braden’s question so he did so honestly even if it wasn’t what the man wanted to hear. “No, I did not blow up the casino, it is a legitimate business I am running with DGI. I had no reason to blow it up. I know your family needs someone to blame for tonight but it is not me.”

Braden simply looked at him at the audacity of him to say he had no part in the blame of tonight, he assumed once a mobster always a mobster. Running a hand through his hair he looked down at the tile floor before looking at Ronan again. “I’ll make sure to return the retainer to you.” Braden said looking at him he didn’t care if it was irrational or not or if he and Tamara struggled, the guilt was eating him alive that he took a job from the man in front of him. He took his blood money and his cousin was lying on a cold metal table because of it. “I don’t want any part of this or you.” Braden finished, looking at him before casting one final glance at Ronan before walking away from him.

Ronan watched as his new attorney had simply just quit on him of course he understood why. With the explosion and the feds now on the scene any sort of retaliation on Braden or his family would be ill advised and it wouldn’t help his plea of innocence. He looked back at his son behind the glass, a new chapter of his life had begun too bad it had to be with Gia Falcone and not Brooke Kincaid. Brooke was safe though, and he knew he had to give her up or she’d end up the one on a metal slab. He was honestly shocked he’d kept Gia in check thus far. He had to play things smart from here on out in order to survive Gia, that was his goal. To make sure Gia was unhappy till he felt the need to get rid of her, right now his son needed her.

**********

Aspen blinked her eyes as she awoke to her cousin knocking at the door. Sometimes seeing family was a good feeling. Uncle Forbes left Philip and Cassie shortly after aunt Audrey committed suicide. That’s how Nicholas Wolfe entered Cassie’s life and Philip became the owner of Club XES. Standing up she walked to her father’s bed and wiped his face. She had Rory go get things she felt like he’d need. Her father wore Tommy Bahamas cologne and she could smell that scent on him. She wanted him to be comfortable after he woke up. He’d wake up because Randall Sinclair was a fighter and whatever accident happened she didn’t care. All she wanted was her daddy and to prove to her father she wasn’t a failure. He always told her she was more than a heiress. She was smart and she should show it. Well she was more than a heiress and when her father was up to it she would uncover what happened at that mansion. 

“Cass, how are you?” Aspen asked as she picked up a hospital blanket. More than likely looking a mess, due to her not changing from the explosion. “I heard Thor is in surgery. I was going to come and give my best wishes but I just can’t leave this guy. Your new sister told me everything that happened. Like how do you deal with Yasmine? Seriously she is so uncouth and not like you. You’ve always been elegant as hell, you always were just like Aunt Audrey.” Cassie and Max were who she based her personality after when she was younger. Max was wild but she always had Jackie’s grace. On the other hand Cassie was prim and proper but had such a wild streak. Leaning back in the chair she pulled the rough hospital blanket across her shoulders. “You okay?” Aspen asked, trying to read her and see what the unexpected visit was for.

Cassie had left Yasmine in the waiting room and went for a walk around the hospital trying to clear her head from what she knew, she also had briefly got an update from Ronan, Thor would survive and the surgeon was finishing up with him. Nothing vital was hit that they knew of meaning that life hadn’t taken him from her. What would she do to protect that and Montcorp from going down with what her father had done? She looked at her cousin as she knew her and for once could see a bit of Lauren in her, hell even Dani a bit and she was a little shaken at how well her father had planned it all. When she spotted Philip outside the door she looked at him, her voice low so Aspen couldn’t hear. “Do what you need to or go get father to finish it. Aspen never has to know.” She said seeing her brother smile or was it smirk at her like she had suddenly turned into a killer it wasn’t that, it was necessary.

She entered the room and took a seat by Aspen while she looked at her uncle lying in the bed. The machine beeping of course he could make it, but then what open his mouth? It would be easy to dispel the book since that was out of their hands, Randall had a theory but no solid proof. “I’m okay Thor is just wrapping up in surgery he should be out soon. I was going to tell you later, the surprise we’re expecting and honestly I haven’t even begun to celebrate that. I know your father is strong Aspen. I truly have no idea what happened. The maids had just polished the marble steps at the mansion.” Cassie offered it wasn’t a complete lie they had cleaned, she did have to wonder where her aunt was perhaps stuck in traffic due to the explosion or maybe trying to get more information from the staff about Randall. “I have to navigate things with Yasmine. She is my sister and your cousin now too. Let her have her man, you won Rory in the end. My mom adored you. I still remember when she placed you in your mom’s arms.” 

Aspen smiled as she listened to Cassie recalled a family memory. A time when everything was simple. A time where her aunt was alive, her parents were together, and she was actually happy. A time before Yasmine became her cousin and she was forced to accept her into the family. Folding her arms she shook her head. “I won Rory such a prize.” She mumbled underneath her breath. “Yasmine is always around my fiance and she refuses to stay away from him. Everytime I look up she’s there batting her eyes at him. Either way the newest Montgomery sucks and I’m not budging from that.” She said confidently as she bit her bottom lip. “My mother is on her way. She was on the boat but had to leave early due to something that happened at DGI. Thank God she’s bringing some food and other stuff but my mom loves you as well. I remember when she braided your hair and I wanted mine to be straight like yours. I always had those unruly curls when I was little.” She snickered and then felt a sense of joy. Cassie had been through a lot. Considering she was with Jon for a long while and it failed, and then it was Nicholas. Their relationship was toxic at best. She found her one and maybe she could with Rory. 

“So is it a boy or girl? Do you want a boy or girl? Oh I have to see the baby registry first. I want to get the best gift. I know Forbes is going crazy about his first grandchild. Unless his latino kids have kids. Uncle Forbes sure doesn’t mind as long as she’s breathing.” She heard about Joaquin and Xiomara but never met them. Xiomara had to be her age while Joaquin maybe a year or two behind her. “Cousin Cassie is having a baby daddy. You see, you have to wake up daddy. To see how I’m going to spoil it. You have to walk me down the aisle and you have to fix everything with the woman you love. You hear me daddy?” The marble excuse pissed her off. That maid or butler would be fired. How much damn wax did you need on already clean steps? “I’m starving, where is Rory and mom? Are you hungry? He got Chinese food so I’m sure it’s more than enough for you.”

Cassie looked over at Aspen wondering what was going on with her, wasn’t she happy to snag the great Rory from Yasmine. Honestly she was trying with her half-sister. They may have come from different worlds and upbringings but she was still her sister. Aspen was her cousin but she was also the key to a dark secret that her father held that could destroy her entire future, A future her child deserved. Meaning that Aspen needed to stay Aspen and could never know who she truly was no one could, she reached out to rub her back. “Try not to worry about Yasmine, families aren’t perfect Aspen and it’s not like you two have to be best friends. In fact I would advise against that, we wouldn’t want you both to become too close now would we?” Cassie said she thought about her aunt getting a change of clothes and no doubt she had been at DGI when that scandalous tape broke. If it was any luck whatsoever she would be stuck in traffic from the cleanup of the explosion meaning Philip or her father would have time to handle what needed to be done. “Hopefully the food that Rory is going to bring won’t be cold, then again if we are desperate there is always the cafeteria I hear it’s dreadful.” Cassie said, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

“I’m pretty early so far I’m personally hoping for a girl, no doubt Thor wants a boy though we didn’t get a ton of time to talk about it before everything blew up. He was very excited when he told me that he knew men are in tune like that when they’re committed.” Cassie said she was still in awe that Thor was so in tune with her body that way so much that her cheeks flushed, and she wondered why it wasn’t like that with Jon or Nicholas. Nicholas was something she would prefer to stay in the past; she barely thought about him anymore and that was for the best, Jon she knew that ship had sailed she found her person with Thor. She looked up at the clock and knew that time was of the essence and she needed to get Aspen out of the room. “I think your dad is comfortable for now and I could really use some fresh air. Someone out in the waiting room was wearing a rip of Diorissimo. The smell is getting to me. How about you say goodbye for now and we take a walk so I don’t throw up everywhere? You can call Rory and see where the food is before we have to resort to the cafeteria.” Cassie suggested it was the least that she could do, let Aspen say goodbye to what she knew would happen afterwards.

Aspen smirked, her cousin was right. She won the war against Yasmine. She had Rory, her so-called love of her life. He wasn’t leaving her and he wasn’t going to abandon her after she lost this baby. He was devoted and she would be as well. As long as Khalil stayed away from her. Something about that man just gave her a thrill she hadn’t felt since she had that fling with Lex. Leaning down she kissed her father’s forehead. “Hey big guy I’m going to make a call and walk the pregnant lady around the hospital. You get some rest dad.” She whispered to him. “David said talk to him because he’ll hear us and well if that’s true then he’s heard my pleas. I can’t live in a world without my dad and how I’m commanding him to get better. I’ve always been bossy so that’s not going to change and I’m not going to allow my dad to stop letting me boss him around now.” She said, taking Cassie’s arm as she strolled out of the room with her cousin. “I’m actually hoping for a girl as well. We need a little Montgomery woman around.” Pulling out her phone she called Rory as they took down the hall. “Maybe some vending machine stuff?” 

Philip stood back watching Aspen and Cassie walking down the hall. Once they turned the corner his eyes filled with glee. It was time. Cassie wasn’t dumb once this all was revealed they’d have nothing. Well unless they iced out their father and one of them took the reigns of MontCorp. That was the plan right now, splitting the shared weight of the company while legally trying to rip it out of his father’s hands. He however had to keep this secret under wraps. It was imperative to not only keep Forbes out of MontCorp but for them keeping MontCorp viable. Once his father’s sins were spilled all over Atlas Falls the self righteous ones would be out for blood. Not to mention DGI would swoop in and take all the hard work that Cassie and he had put in. The reformation MontCorp was taking a minute but they weren’t here to just go up against DGI as a weapon. Cassie and he saw a future where they would be innovators and just as powerful as that company. It would die on the vine if it was revealed Forbes Montgomery was lovesick and kidnapped Victoria Fraiser. A child whose story everyone knew it was thought she was swept away in a flash flood but now the truth was so much worse. He gave that little girl to his aunt and uncle. 

Philip always liked Randall; he used to tell the best stories about his life and life in general. He was always more warm than his very own father. He liked to think he learned how to pretend to be normal from Randall. Nothing about what he was about to do was normal. He didn’t think it was normal that his father had been carrying a torch for Lauren. He didn’t think it was normal that he kidnapped a child and hid her from her family. He didn’t think it was normal he gave his aunt and uncle the said child to raise as their own. Now said girl isn’t his cousin but actually Walter and Lauren Fraiser’s long lost kid. Either way Randall had gotten the worst end of the stick. He was about to lose his life because he married into the wrong family. Well that wasn’t exactly true. Randall dug and dug until he found the truth. He heard his father numerous times tell him to stop looking into the past. Yet Randall kept pushing so maybe this was his fate. Walking into the room he saw the bandages wrapped around his head. Swelling around the brain that’s what David said to Aspen earlier. Philip callously clicked off the oxygen. Placing the latex gloves on his hands, picking up the very pillow Aspen was sleeping on moments earlier. He placed it over Randall’s face and pressed down. He felt his body reactively jerking against him but it wasn’t much fight left in the man. He held it down as he whistled. Ignoring the man desperately looking for air. He felt his bucks slowing down until he heard a familiar high pitched ring from the monitors. Pulling the pillow off Randall’s face he placed it down in the chair turning the machine back on. He was gone and a smile eased on Philip’s face. He had called Smitty his tech wizard earlier; the cameras on this floor would malfunction for a few hours. Nobody would ever know he was here or near the room. Slipping out he walked down the hall as he saw a string of nurses and David rushing into Randall’s room. Whistling to himself he felt a sense of completion.

David had just wrapped up surgery on Dani and was about to make his way to the family when all hell broke loose with the alarms in Randall’s room. He and an entire staff of nurses rushed down the hallway and he immediately began CPR on Randall, motioning for the nurses to help him. He didn’t know how long they had tried. It was a long show at best and he had no idea how he had stopped breathing. He went from chest compressions to the AFIB barking orders they tried relentlessly and he was pretty sure he heard Aspen screaming in the hallway and he watched as the nurses made sure she couldn’t enter the room. He looked up at the monitors with no signs of anything, checked for a pulse and then looked at the clock calling it. “Time of death is two o’four am.” David said defeated as he took off his gloves and turned to the door looking sympathetically at Aspen and Cassie. He had no answers for them yet it could have been anything it wasn’t like Randall was in good condition when he came in. “I’m so sorry for your loss, well know more once I can see what went wrong and do an autopsy.” He gently touched Aspen’s shoulder before walking down the hall to prepare himself to face the Fraiser family next.

Cassie had followed Aspen down the hallway wanting her to lead the way knowing what Philip was going to do, the goodbye had been sweet if anything. Once they were around the corner she led her to the vending machines keeping Aspen company as she scanned her credit card and got the snacks. She heard the alarms ringing wondering how much time had exactly passed and she saw Aspen’s face fall, the snacks falling on the ground as her cousin raced back towards her uncle’s room. She watched with Aspen as David frantically rushed in and began to try and resuscitate Randall, she held onto Aspen tightly the snacks abandoned around the corner on the floor. When David came out to tell them it was all over she felt her eyes get misty. It had to be done while she held Aspen close to her, the poor girl’s screams echoing down the hallway.

One moment they were playfully arguing about if she should have a girl or boy and the next she was in a nightmare. In movies they say people wait until you’re gone or not around to die. Her father must have done that. Just hearing David’s words reverberating throughout her ears. She felt Cassie’s arms engulfing her but she kept screaming until no sound could come out. Not her beloved father. Not the man who always made her feel beautiful. Not her person. He always understood her even at her worst. Her tear stained face looked at Cassie. “Not my daddy.” She cried out to her cousin.

**********

Walter looked over at Mason and his outburst toward Dru he understood that he was upset he had every right to be given what happened to Zach. Yes Dru had slept with Jackson it was all over the media at the moment, and entire tape but what was he talking about the truth that Zach knew. Dru was the nanny nothing more and nothing less, she didn’t matter to him or their family. He looked around the room at everyone staring at Mason like he had lost his damned mind and he understood that he was hurting but now was not the time. He looked over at his brother and Helen who were still crushed by Zach’s news, Lauren of course was worried about Dani and Jackson looked like he was going to collapse at any moment while he stared daggers into Dru across the room. He rose from his seat while he walked towards Mason to try and diffuse the situation before it became worse. He didn’t care about Dru one way or the other but he did care about the fact his nephew was dead and his daughter was fighting for her life. Once he reached Mason he looked at Selina hoping she could get Mason to see reason.

“Mason I know you are upset Zach is gone, attacking Ms. Price will not bring him back. Please for the family, can you be calmer? Perhaps you and Selina could go on a walk to get some air until we hear more news.” Walter said seeing Selina shooting him daggers and he raised his hands he wasn’t going to fight with her but he honestly had no idea what Mason was rambling on about with Dru. It was a tragic accident that Brenda had slammed into Dani or fucking fate since rumor was she was fucking drunk when she did it, but it wasn’t like Dru had been behind the wheel. It was Brenda that had swerved and put Dani and Greer into the position they were in, it was Ronan who had brought the mob to Atlas Falls. Those were the people responsible, not some nanny that would get her fate handed to her later. “Please for Dani just stop, let us hold onto hope…” He was then cut off by Mason’s eyes cutting at him furiously.

Mason cut his eyes at Walter. Was this man for real to be quiet for Dani? When did he give a shit about Dani and why was he so adamant to protect the homewrecker before them from admitting who she was and what she fucking did? Did he fucking know and let her torture Dani, Zach loved his cousin they were close best friends and to hear Walter try to downplay that as concern for Dani pissed him off. “Shut up and save it Walter. You want me to go on a walk and calm down for Dani? Yet you want no answers from her! Zach’s dead and he’s not here but I am and I know the truth and I have proof. She’s been lying to everyone in this room since she stepped into fucking town playing in ya’lls faces. Get the fuck out of here!” Mason said, his voice rising and pointing at Dru.  He saw Dru staring at him defiantly and he didn’t care if he was causing the biggest scene ever in this damn hospital he was going to do the right thing that Zach would want.

“Of course you’d protect her, the spawn with Brenda. You want to tell them about Florida Dru? Or should I call you Kendall? You want to tell them how you stole that poor girl’s life and fabricated this wild story to come to town? Don’t believe me Zach ran a DNA test from a glass at the wedding you drank from it fairly easy from there, got anything to say?” Mason said looking at her spitting so much venom he hopped it soaked into her fucking soul and ate her alive. He looked at Walter who looked absolutely shocked at the revelation and then at Lauren who looked the same, it was awful to tell them like this. His eyes met Jackson’s who looked horrified too; this was not how he wanted to tell him. “She was the one messing with Dani’s phone making her go crazy and trying to get between you two. Who the fuck does that, what reason unless it’s personal Zach knew that. He didn’t buy your little sob story and looked into it for weeks.”

He felt Selina touch his shoulder and he shrugged it off turning all his rage into Dru and partly Walter too. He got the man was dumb as a brick he gave up Lauren for Brenda but did he really have no idea? Was he really that naive that Dru just came into their lives and insinuated herself into every facet of their family with no rhyme or reason. “Zach was pretty sure she got Frank to leave town somehow so she could manipulate Lauren into a job. Right around when the gun with Dimitri was magically was turned in? Who did it affect Braden? Then at the wedding that magical picture of Steven magically appeared? Think about who did it target Brenda’s kids, her half siblings. What better next move than to convince Lauren she was trustworthy to nanny the twins to worm her way into Dani’s life and marriage. He couldn’t prove a lot of it but DNA doesn’t lie.” Mason said, looking at Dru and then at Walter.  By now most of the people there were angry and he thought they should be, this bitch was awful and needed to be taken down and she sure as hell didn’t belong hanging around the family for information on Dani. “My guess is there’s more to that little tape too isn’t there sweetheart?”

Dru stood stunned as she listened to Mason venom spewing out at her. She was shocked how angry he was. In fact what business was any of this? Her truth was being unleashed by this flaming fairy and she wasn’t about to allow him to control her narrative. Stepping forward she kept the doe eyed innocent princess. As if she was shocked or confused at what he was saying. Then all of the sudden she let out a guttural laugh. She laughed so hard she had to grip the wall. Then looked up menacingly at Lauren and Walter. Stepping through she stared at Helen and Brandon. While Brock and Braden stood stoic but also she could tell the shock of the entire situation was weighing on them. Her eyes grew cold and she placed her hand on her hip. “Bout time someone figured it out shug.” Dru said as her accent slipped out. “I mean I’ve heard how illustrious the Kincaid’s were, and how salt of the earth the Fraiser’s were but I never imagined I came from such dumb stock.” Turning to Mason and Selina she bit her lip. “Oh you’re mad at me? As if I’m your problem? You need to be figuring out what casket you’re burying my dearly departed cousin in.” She seethed seeing Jackson, Brock, and Brandon jump in action to hold him back. She snapped flamboyantly mocking Mason’s sexuality. “You’re blaming me for Zach going up to yonder but I’m not the cause of why you’re mad honey. You need to take that up with God.” Dru looked at her father who was staring at her. He just couldn’t stop looking. 

“You just told me how much I look like Brenda. Well surprise surprise. Take it all in, I’m your daughter. Did you miss me daddy? From the backwoods of Cape Kenitrich, Florida to Atlas Falls, Pennsylvania. You said I took some poor girl’s identity? Dru would have wanted me to do this! She always wanted better for me and you don’t get to come in here and judge me. Zach and you wanted to play The Hardy Boys that’s fine but did you dig deep enough shug? Did you find out my deepest darkest secrets? I was born Kendall, but I took the name Dru to hurt every last one of you. Steven’s picture was a stroke of genius? This mayor who had a reputation for helping the downtrodden of the world, especially the hood and his lineage, was a part of the KKK? Isn’t it fucking ironic! Braden big bro didn’t you hide a gun? You hid a damn gun for your beloved Tamara? She had some bad shit happen right? I understand but you broke the law. So I revealed it and made you quit your job that you loved so much. You lied for her and thought that it wouldn’t catch up to you. Oh sweetheart you were wrong. And you.” She turned to Lauren. “You maybe shouldn’t be so trusting. All I had to do is act like butter wouldn’t melt in my mouth and you fell for it. Pretend to be team Lauren and you loved me. Girl you are pathetic because you still love Walter. You still are mad that my momma took your man. You helped me slide in with Dani and boom I got what I wanted. I got to hurt the princess of the Fraiser’s. Well Cummings family as well? Y’all are known for being a little crazy so all I had to do was change an appointment here, delete a meeting there and she was rocking back and forth. And let’s talk about it. Our family really didn’t have a choice but to make her the princess. I mean look at the other material, we know it isn’t the lesbian or the jailbird right Brandon? You all kinda got stuck with Dani. I feel sorry for you all, especially you daddy. I mean nothing about Dani is lovable, not even her junkie husband. An inconvenient daughter but now you got me. Hey Pa.” Dru said knowing that the truth couldn’t be put back in the bottle. It was out and she was ready for war. “What cat got your tongue shug?” She said to Walter shrugging her shoulders as if she didn’t have a care in the world.

Mason didn’t know what overcame him when he lunged for Dru for mocking Zach’s death and he fought against Braden, Brock and Jackson. He was beyond angry at how nonchalant and cold she was about all of it, confirming for him she was an uncaring bitch nothing more and nothing less an unlovable miserable bitch. “Shut your mouth about anything and I do mean anything about Zach. Bitch at least he’ll be remembered and honored, at least he was loved and cherished, he will be missed. When you go no ones going to bother with a casket they’re gonna leave you out on the ground to rot. Or in a fucking trash bin to be loaded into a garbage truck like the trash you are.” Mason said glaring at her he honestly felt sick looking at her knowing everything that she did. Every little thing that she did to everyone that Zach cared about was atrocious and vile.

**********

Pierre had been waiting for Harvey to arrive when he had seen Kelsey Fraiser exit the operating room and head towards the waiting room. He had been around the corner watching the entire exchange between his new protege and the Fraiser’s as much as he promised Harvey he wouldn’t; he had assisted Dru with that software and had told her to seduce Jackson. He wanted Walter to pay for sending him to prison and if that meant Lauren or her children got caught in the crossfire then that is what he would do. He listened intently as the exchange took place and watched the sickness spread throughout the entire Fraiser family, they were broken beyond broken. He supposed he did owe Walter’s other child for swerving and taking most of the impact over Greer and he quickly made his way towards Brock to meet Kelsey there.

“Brock. We haven’t formally met yet, Pierre LeClerq.” Pierre said casually doing his best to ignore Dru and to not give away their secret partnership while he saw Jackson literally glare at him like he had at DGI. He had thought about what Greer wanted him to do earlier to ease any questions that may arise from the man he introduced himself to, it could be done with money, it talked and he could get the results to say what they needed in the long run. He’d lie through his teeth in order for Chauncey to be ripped from his child’s life as karma for what Lowell had put him and Greer through was worth it. He turned his attention to Kelsey flat out ignoring the looks he got from Walter and Jackson. “Dr. Fraiser How is my daughter and grandson?” He said his accent thick which he was certain got an eye roll from Lauren and a smirk from Dru. He honestly was concerned and anxious about the surgery; it was nerve wracking while she was under given what had happened with Agnes; he was still dealing with that trauma.

Brock was in the waiting room holding Mason back when he saw the doors to the waiting room open and watched as his sister came out in her scrubs, he let go of Mason and just hoped his new backwoods trashy cousin if you could call her that shut her mouth long enough for an update about Greer and the baby. He was hopeful his team had done everything right for her at the accident and Kelsey said while the surgery was dangerous Greer would be in good hands with herself and Ophelia in there. He looked over at Pierre when the man spoke. They had briefly interacted for a moment inside of Greer’s room before the surgery but they had never formally met till then. He reminded himself that it wasn’t about hating Pierre right now, it was about Greer and her status when it came to everything that was all that mattered. His eyes met his sisters knowing that she was still in shock about Zach’s death like the rest of the family and that she hadn’t had time to grieve or process it. She was doing what many in their family had always done, serving the people that needed it. How much longer would that continue and how many more sacrifices would they have to make? Hadn’t they done enough with his brother’s most recent one being the ultimate sacrifice?

“How is she? Is the baby okay?” Brock asked, glancing over at Pierre and the stares the man was getting from the rest of the family. He got it the man was a menace but it wasn’t about what he did at DGI, it was about Greer. Despite everything Pierre was her father though he had hoped they had met under better circumstances if at all it was what it was now. He just wanted to know how Greer was and if his son was alright it was still early. He almost snapped his fingers at Kelsey who looked like she was in a trance either from all the shock and reality hitting her or the exhaustion of the night. “Kelsey.” He said his voice pleading.

Surgery was bloody that was all Kelsey knew after exiting the room with Ophelia despite the complications and the blood, the baby was fine. Greer was banged up and bruised from the accident but had been taken to the ICU recovery. Her mind flashed back to Brock telling her right before the surgery about Zach and how she had to hold it together through the entire thing, thinking the entire time how her brother had sacrificed himself in that explosion to save lives. She supposed being a doctor was the same and sometimes it didn’t work out, in this case she had assisted with saving two lives: that of the woman that she didn’t trust and her nephew. She watched as the nurses had rolled Greer out of the room before she took off her mask, gown and gloves to throw them into the trash. Ophelia was going to do the followup, she told her she would tell her family. She had stood frozen for a few moments before everything hit her outside the door and she felt her legs buckle and a sob escaped her lips. She braced her back against the wall and sat there letting the tears pour out that she never got the chance to see her brother or say goodbye to him.

She sat there letting the tears fall until she was pretty sure she didn’t have any left, some nurses had walked by offering their condolences and she wiped her eyes. She gathered her wits about her wiping her wet hands on her scrubs drying her hands before heading into the waiting room. Once there she saw a complete mess and had caught the tail end of what Dru Price was saying. Wait, this bitch was her uncle’s spawn with Brenda and what did she mean by doing something to Dani? Her eyes met her brothers and who she assumed was Greer’s father while her parents stood behind them waiting for news about Greer and the baby. She just stared, not sure how to answer or process any of what she was seeing. “Surgery went well, no complications that we know of, both mother and baby are okay and in recovery. She’s banged up from the accident but a full recovery is expected. She was asking for you after, she might still be a bit groggy from the anesthesia. You want to go see her and meet your son? Ophelia says visitors are allowed just one at a time.” Kelsey said seeing her mother cry and pretty sure those were happy tears not sure how many more sad ones her family could take and her parents embrace.

“Oh thank God. Yes, where is she? Thank you! You saved her and the baby.” Brock said, reaching out and pulling his sister into a tight hug feeling a weight lift. He didn’t want to be out here anymore with Dru and her fucking mess that she was leaving with his uncle, she’d get hers but he wanted to see his fiancee, tell her everything would be okay. He wanted to met his son in his arms and hold him

“If you let go of me I’ll tell you.” Kelsey said hugging him back, Pierre looked grateful too she didn’t understand those dynamics but hoped that was what he was here for. Healthy mother and baby nothing more or less. “She’s in the ICU. They know you’re coming, room three. Has David come out yet?” Kelsey asked, she saw Brock and her parents shaking their heads no and felt Brock squeeze her hands before he started to walk off towards the ICU unit. 

Pierre had never actually had to thank a Fraiser for anything in his entire life, in this case however it was more than warranted. The girl before him had saved his daughter and his grandson therefore he could accept that she had a role to play in his family thriving while her family had suffered. He had no idea if she understood French or not but he spoke anyway. “Merci d’avoir sauvé ma fille et mon petit-fils, thank you for saving my daughter and grandson. I’ll make my way with Brock.” Pierre said feeling the eyes burning onto him while he shot Dru one final glance for now their partnership needed to remain their little secret.

Jackson stood up and walked to Dru as he looked at everyone. A piece of him could feel the Fraiser family hate radiating off of them. They weren’t happy with him and Jackson couldn’t blame them. He was first horrified that she was Dani’s sister. This meant no matter what they’d never be done with her. She was reprehensible and honestly just looking at her made him sick. As he moved Braden and Lauren to the side he looked at her in the eyes. “Tell me what happened between us? Listen I hate you and find you to be the worst thing to happen. But I just need to know how everything happened. Dru listen to me you can hate them but I’ve done nothing. This is torturing me because my body isn’t craving drugs but my mind won’t stop thinking about them. My wife is laying in the ICU and I have no memory of what happened to me. Please tell me the truth, my marriage and my life is on the line.” He said, hanging his head in shame. “I have ruined everything that I hold close. My marriage, my relationship, and the company. So I’m not yelling at you or calling you out your name I just need to know what happened that night.” Jackson cleared his throat and wiped his eyes. “Please just say something because I need to know.” 

Dru honestly was taken aback by Jackson’s humility. The truth was he didn’t want her and that was commendable. He honestly was devoted to the stick in the mud that was Dani Fraiser. Folding her arms she knew that for once she would do the right thing. Sean O’Connor was an addict hell if he didn’t start using again well she might be a Florida mob moll. “Listen, people knew who I was for a long time. People used that information against me. I was only trying to drive Dani crazy, I never wanted you. Please, you’re no fun at all. All about Dani and all about those kids. If I didn’t do it, I would have been revealed a long time ago. Jackson, you wish I would have slept with you. Let me help you in case you don’t understand.” Dru knew lying was the best way. She wouldn’t throw her fairy godfather under the bus or Lex. “Someone has known for a long time that I wasn’t Dru Price but Kendall Richardson. They hired me to come onto you and when that didn’t work they got desperate. So I may have slipped something in your drink. Stripped you down and simulated sexual activity and recorded it so that it could be released you’re welcome.” 

Jackson nodded his head as he looked at her. “You demented bitch.” He tried to get to her with all his might. It was fast but Walter and Braden held him back. “Walter, you heard what she did to me! Did I use drugs? Did I? Or did you play that game as well.” 

“You figure it out you son of a bitch. Here I am having a sliver of sympathy for you and you’re literally trying to take my head off. I’m done with you. I have nothing else to say. “Oh big brother, can you give me some legal advice? If he was high as a kite would I still be liable for what I did? Releasing the sextape and all?” 

Braden honestly felt awful for his brother in law and what Dru had done to him, yes gaslighting Dani was fucking awful but playing with Jackson sobriety was flat out gross. He knew how fragile that line was how much his own wife fought those struggles on the daily, that was fucked up. He sneered at Dru asking him for legal advice she wouldn’t like his answer. “I’d fully advise Jackson to press charges on you for drugging him. You flat out admitted to it in front of this entire room. I’d make sure that you paid for it too, the clock is ticking and no one in this room is going to save you.” Braden said seeing Jackson looked at him gratefully it was the truth that if he was the DA he’d charge Dru he didn’t know if the intermediate one would or not.

David had finished surgery for a while it was touch and go, but for now Dani Devonshire was alive, meaning maybe he got to live another day at the hospital. He opted not to call Jayden in for a consultation because he honestly felt like giving her time to wake on her own after surgery was the best option. The work to get her to the hospital from the entire team on the scene was commendable and whoever had put the needle into her lung and administered CPR had saved her life. There was a lot of blood in the surgery, no spinal injury that he could tell but inside Dani was lucky to be alive. He turned into the waiting room where he saw Walter and Lauren turn but his eyes remained on Jackson as he approached. The man looked like he had gone or was going through hell and his eyes met Braden’s for a moment as a friend before turning his eyes back to Jackson.

“I have good news. The surgery went well and she’s currently stable. I was able to stop the internal bleeding from the lung puncture. She has four broken ribs which caused the puncture lung and cardiac arrest. I did have to remove her spleen, it was lacerated. She did hit her head due to the airbags, I didn’t call in for brain surgery. She’s banged up but alive, she also has tubes coming out of her chest and she’s on oxygen to help with breathing. I wanted to warn you about that and bruising on her face due to the swelling and the airbag.” David said watching the family take in the news he could see the relief on Lauren and Walter’s face. He felt Braden grip his shoulder as a sign of appreciation he kept his word Dani would not die on his watch and on his table. “Now for the not so good part. Her CT scan right now looks good, a little swelling which we are treating with meds. You want a second opinion you can have one with Dr. Bradshaw. Right now she hasn’t woken up from surgery but it’s still early. I want to monitor her for a few hours and then reevaluate, she doesn’t wake up by then, then I would say we need to discuss a possible coma.”

Jackson looked at Dru and shook his head in disgust. “You are a horrible person. David, I need to see her right now.” He said as he freed himself from Braden and Walter. Turning to Walter he looked at him and knew he had to say something. “It was one thing to treat Dani horrible her entire life. She has never felt a connection to you but don’t protect one daughter over another. She literally tried to drive my wife crazy and I expect you to stand with the child that you raised. If somehow I was in your position I’d be protecting Dani, you know the innocent one.” He looked at Braden wondering if he’d take the case. He was pressing charges against this woman and he wouldn’t stop until Dru Price or Kendall Richardson was buried underneath the prison. Rushing down the hall to his wife. He had to tell her that Dru and he didn’t sleep together. However he still was in the dark about his sobriety. Did he break it or not? He felt David had on his back as he walked away staring daggers into Dru and Walter.

Kelsey had been waiting for David to deliver the news on her cousin since she came out. When Dru confessed what she had done though she honestly was so disgusted with the redhead in front of her. What kind of a person did that? When David gave Danis update she exhaled along with the rest of the family and she listened as Jackson laid into her uncle, completely justifiable in her opinion. If anything he should have gone harder. She was heartbroken for him and her cousin, compiling everything that had happened with her brother she wasn’t exactly in her right frame of mind. Before she knew it she had walked to Dru and slapped her as hard as she could with gasps coming out of whom she assumed was her parents’ mouths. “That’s for Dani since she can’t do it herself yet. You disgust me.” She finished turning around as her name was called over the speakers and she shook her head walking off back through the double door.

**********

Lauren couldn’t handle it anymore. After hearing all that this harpy had done she immediately knew what she had to do. She had to kick Dru’s ass and she wouldn’t feel satisfied until it happened. Zach was gone and she felt rage boiling inside of her. That boy had been through so much. Being one of the only out and gay kids in Atlas Falls High School to being one of the few out males on the police force. His struggles were unbelievable and to finally settle down and find happiness. Then it hit her. Zach had never met his son. He’d never held Kieran in his hands. That crushing weight seemed to take her breath away. All she could do is pray that they found that baby and brought him home. When she saw the redhead standing there. It struck her why she felt something for Dru. She reminded her of Brenda and at one time they weren’t rivals but acquaintances. That girl was striking and she looked like Brenda with red hair. The very same hair her beloved Victoria would have now. That feeling of loss seemed to triple on her chest due to Brenda and Walter’s daughter being alive and well. She had done so much out of hatred of them. Did Braden deserve this? Did Dani? All because Brenda listened to Lowell Devonshire and gave the baby up for adoption. Even though Walter forgave him she couldn’t at this point. He’d once again unleashed a tornado on their lives and he wasn’t even alive to see it. 

“I told you that if you messed with my family I’d kill you. I’m here to cash in that favor. It’s a favor because of all the laws you’ve broken nobody will care. Nobody loves someone so unlovable as you. You are evil and the bane of everyone’s existence so my suggestion when I’m done is to leave town. But not before I kick your ass for my daughter and my family. What you exposed of my son and how you did Dani was reprehensible. That’s my daughter! That’s my blood and you choice of revenge against your toxic parents should have been aimed at them. What did your siblings do to you?” Lauren screamed, approaching her taking off her earrings and hiking up her ruined gown. 

“They got to be happy! They got to live a life where they didn’t have to steal, and do unimaginable things to make it! I hate them and I hate you! You are part of the reason my mother and father didn’t want me! Your actions of trapping Walter with my beloved older sister Dani well that’s all you. Walter was leaving you and that killed your fragile ego. You couldn’t handle it and you made sure I had no way of being apart of this family!” Dru barked back tired of defending herself. When she called her unlovable it shattered her. That was something deep down she always believed. Walter and Brenda never could love her considering they threw her away. Her lip quivered as she stood firm, she was pregnant with a baby but she didn’t want it. So if Lauren struck her she would send that bitch to jail and abort this little mistake. She was on the pill, used condoms yet somehow she was dealing with this. She never was maternal nor could she see herself becoming anything of the such. “You’re going to do something old lady? I’ve been dying to rip you apart so if you want to fight let’s tango bitch.” 

“Bitch? Who are you talking to you Florida trailer park trash? Your father might be the mayor, your mother the ex-first lady of our fair city but you. You’re nothing but the gunk that I step on every night at The Pub. You are a low class whore and I want to know who put you up to trying to breakup Jackson and Dani? Tess or someone else because clearly you all where after taking DGI from my son-in-law and my daughter. It’s there company and if Tess or anyone else is around tries this again I’ll burn them.” Lauren rushed over and grabbed her by her shoulders shaking her furiously. “You tell me right now!” She could see Walter and Braden rushing down the hall. “I’ll kill you do you hear me!” At that very moment she wrapped her hands around Dru throat. “Zach was going to expose you but let me inform you dear. The Cummings women have a long history of crazy and I think it’s time to unleash some of my crazy on you.”

Walter still couldn’t believe what Mason had revealed or how Dru just accepted it and rolled with the truth on everything. His daughter was alive, his daughter was right before him, but at what cost of his other daughter? To hear how she had taken Braden’s job and had hung out Tamara to dry for Dimitri sickened him. He actually felt bad for judging Jackson and that tape too, his son in law struggled with drugs and to manipulate him like that felt dirty even to him. As he watched Lauren unleash on Dru however he too was angry at the red head in front of him for everything she had done, to be so callous to her siblings for simply existing seemed crazy to him. He wasn’t always the best husband he damn well knew that, and lord knew he failed as a father more times than he could count with all his kids, mainly the one right now fighting for her life, so Dru was misguided about that. He went to Lauren pulling her back from Dru the same time that his son did and he held her back from further attacking his daughter, it felt surreal to say that. After everything he had put the past with Brenda to rest that she had given away their child and Kendall had died, hell he even forgave Lowell. But here she was in front of him and now a lot of things made sense.

“Lauren not now, not here please think of Dani she doesn’t need this especially after tonight and what happened with Zach too. Think of Helen and Brandon, of Brock and Kelsey our family, she is clearly not a part of that.” Walter said looking at Lauren pleading with her if for anyone their daughter not the one he had with Brenda who was in front of him. He saw Dru almost look at him wounded and as much as he knew he could or should say something to her he didn’t have anything at the moment, at least anything that would be kind. She had infiltrated his entire life, messed with his son and daughter, and had even put up that awful picture of Steven at Dani’s wedding. Had preyed on Lauren’s kindness at the Pub enough to work there, move in with her and get hired as the nanny to his grandchildren. To hurt her sibling for some sort of sick revenge scheme. “Think of Donovan and JJ, think of what happened tonight and I know she has a part in it but going to her level Lauren you are above that.” He said before looking at Dru. “As for you, what would you like me to do warmly hug you after you pushed your sister towards a hospital bed?” 

Braden was in shock he knew his sister was out there but he also thought that she was dead meaning he and Dani didn’t have to worry or even really think about her like that. He hadn’t really ever thought of her, sure they discussed it they understood that Brenda gave her away and she passed away or so they thought. He honestly didn’t know what to feel about it because it had always been him, Dani and for a time before she passed Vicki, those were his siblings. Those were his sisters, and after Vicki he was very protective over the only one he thought he had left. Would he ever see Dru like that he didn’t think it would happen anytime soon somethings were too fucking awful to forgive or forget right away. Putting Tamara in that position she did when she turned in the gun after getting it from Zerick to make him quit his job, that was one strike. The second was fucking with his other sisters sanity to the point of gaslighting her, drugging her husband to think he relapsed and fucked her that was beyond fucked up in his mind. It was cruel and normally he wanted to punch his dad in the face but tonight he was at least being human about it and choosing the right side of everything. He held onto his mother though he was tempted to let her strangle Dru.

“Mom dad’s right not here. Not after everything.” Braden said with his eyes pleading with his mother everyone was in shock but he needed her to be the mom he knew. The one that was strong and regal, that knew right from wrong and was the leader of their family a lot of people thought that was his father, it wasn’t true his mother was always more of a leader. Zach was the glue in some ways but his mother was always strong and always kept the peace. “She’s not a part of this family and after what she’s done she never will be.”

Lauren stopped as her lips quivered and she covered her mouth. “Braden, I need some air, get me out of here please.” Her voice trembled as she looked at Walter. “Your indiscretions and past have brought all of this to our family. I don’t care that you have another child, what I do care about is you. You have to see that something is wrong with this girl! Something isn’t right because to be this evil and blame your family for what Brenda and Lowell did years ago is absolutely insane. Hear me clearly Dru one day you will pay. One day you will see how astronomically you failed at breaking this family. My blood is strong and we will recover but I want you to think one second Dru of someone other than yourself. Tamara was raped by that man, Selina tortured, Bliss beaten and abused. You are a woman so you should care! You should have had a soul. I can’t with you right now, please Braden get me out of here.” Turning to Jackson she walked to him and kissed his forehead. “I was furious with you, I’m so sorry that this happened to you.” She said in a soft voice as Braden escorted her out of the waiting room of the hospital. 

Dru stood stiff as she leaned against the wall. She exhaled knowing she dodged a bullet but Lauren and everyone else would shoot at will. Looking at all the Fraiser’s staring at her with utter disgust. A piece of her felt exposed and heartbreakingly she yearned for them. It was the reason she told the truth. She wanted a family and deep down she always has. “What? You want me to be a little princess like Dani. Oh am I supposed to feel sympathy for her? I don’t and I don’t care that she is in the ICU. She has always had your love. Your time Walter! I was thrown away! I was treated as if I was the problem when you two couldn’t stop screwing! She threw me away and you literally turned a blind eye! You couldn’t tell she was pregnant? You couldn’t allow me to have what they all got! I wasted away in a trailer park daddy! I was forced to do unimaginable things. You have no idea what my life was and why I made a choice to hurt you all. You let her abandon me! You let her throw me away as if I was nothing. You are aloof because for months I was screaming for justice. I basically told you who I was and all I wanted was for you to recognize me! See me as your daughter and you couldn’t do it. Oh you were intrigued by me but you couldn’t see I was right here! I was standing in front of you and you didn’t see me! You never loved me. I was proof that I was nothing but an inconvenient truth that you’re not a good person. You can hide behind all the puff of being mayor but you couldn’t keep your family together!” Dru hissed at Walter. Turning to the Fraiser’s she wanted to inform them of exactly how she felt. 

“You all judge me but it’s fine with me! You see DNA doesn’t lie. No matter how much you all hate me I share blood with you. You don’t know me! You don’t know what I’ve been through. In fact you are all hypocrites! Braden suppressed evidence but I’m the bad one for revealing that? Steven took that picture and so on. If you all were so honorable then why do you all have so many secrets? Poor Jackson! Poor poor Jackson, you ever question why he didn’t tell his wife? Why didn’t he fire me? He loved the attention and was finally getting it from someone other than my boring ass sister. She’s so milquetoast and bland I’m just living it up shuga. Everyone wants a taste of me daddy. Ronan, Philip, Zerick hell any man I want I get. You are mad at me daddy?” Her country drawl menacingly put disgust on the word daddy. “I don’t care Walter, I don’t give a damn because for once y’all understand how I feel. Hurt, confused, and abandoned. Now you all feel what I feel and that’s enough for me.”

Looking at Dru with everything that had happened Walter was furious with her for everything she had done, he was even furious with himself now. Hearing her going on and on causing a huge scene he watched as Braden led Lauren away and he was faced with his daughter, it felt odd to think about and that it was true but it was. Most of the family was looking at her with disgust and he wasn’t quite sure what to do but acted first. Grabbing her by her jacket to lead her down the hallway furious at everything and looking for Brenda’s room. He hadn’t even begun to really process everything with Brenda either; perhaps he was too quick to forgive her for never telling him about the pregnancy in the first place; didn’t he have a right to know? Instead she had gone off to Florida and gave away this girl that was scoffing at him while he drug her down the hallway and when he finally reached Brenda’s room he didn’t care who was in with her as he flung the door open. He saw the shock on Brenda’s face at the action while he closed the door behind him and tossed Dru towards her, his hands shaking in anger.

“I will never forgive you for getting behind that wheel tonight after drinking and crashing into Dani but I will not be blind anymore. You and I created this monster, it’s time you let her spread her toxic venom to you because you are the cause of it. You never told me about her, you lied and stayed with Steven and yet my family has paid the most, a picture of Steven? Small price to pay, we all know he changed. Braden lost his job, Dani’s in a possible fucking coma. Here she is your precious Kendall.” Walter said looking at Brenda still seeing her in shock from it all as he turned his attention to Dru and he didn’t know whether to embrace her or toss her again. Yes she was his daughter and he loved Brenda but none of what happened tonight was good he was damned either way he went. He embraced Dru his entire family would turn on him, he turned her away he was another failure to another one of his children. “I never knew about you and yet you attacked me the most, thinking everything was so perfect for me and Lauren. We struggled, we had our issues, but you I never knew about you enough to care until Brenda let it out at an election speech, so you better hate her daughter in fact you should hate her more. I grieved you when we thought you died, I cried for you and yet here you are destroying your family that you claim to have always wanted to be a part of.”

“I wasn’t drunk, I haven’t touched a drop of liquor and I suggest you explain exactly what you are talking about?” Brenda snapped back an irate Walter who looked worse for wear. When he mentioned Kendall and she looked at the girl before her it all clicked. But why? Why would her daughter go out of her way to attack Walter? What was going on? Turning to Brooke and Anderson who were still in her room. Atticus was with Cara, Wyatt and baby Poppy. “I know you have lost Zach, and Dani has been hurt but I didn’t drink but maybe you have. There is no way this trashy tart is my Kendall. My daughter would never be so classless to have a sex tape out and my child would never and I mean ever be that crude.” Brenda said again with conviction. However she saw Walter wasn’t budging and her heart dropped. “What are you saying Walter? Are you saying this little harlot is our daughter? She died and I hate to tell you our daughter is dead and I’m sorry she’s convinced you of something different.” Brenda said, looking at her children. “I have three children. Anderson, Hunter, and Brooke and I had a child I gave up but she died. She’s gone, you found that out remember? You found out our daughter has died.” 

Brenda’s heart began to race as she looked at Dru’s face. Her face looked like her mother and sisters. Covering her mouth she shook her head as she looked at the girl before her. “It can’t be. You can’t be my daughter!” Brenda said horrified as she sat back in the bed. “Please Walter tell me this is a lie. Please tell me that you’re lying, it can’t be.” Brenda said looking at Anderson and Brooke whose shocked faces showed the hurt. “What do you mean she better hate me? Hate me, what does that mean? Walter what has she done! Kendall what have you done?” 

Dru looked at Walter and snickered as she shook her head. “What makes you think I didn’t attack my beloved Kincaid siblings?” She asked Walter. “Just so you understand me, my name is Dru not Kendall. I will never and I mean ever be Kendall. Ronan Madden is my love Brookie isn’t that your big love? I mean Atticus is royal but you never and I mean ever will get over Ronan now will you? Anderson was on path to be Lieutenant Governor now you’re nothing but a Hessington flunky due to that picture. While Hunter will never be a politician due to that picture. I took from them and Brenda well maybe she didn’t drink Walter maybe she did. She’ll never know.” Dru laughed as she looked at Brooke who immediately walked to her and slapped her with all her might. Dru turned around and slapped her with all her might back. “Bitch you will be the last one to touch me tonight. I will drag you!” 

“You aren’t my sister!” Brooke screamed as she felt Anderson holding her back. “Stay away from my mother!”

“With pleasure Brookie. Our mother gave me away under the instruction of Lowell Devonshire. My life wasn’t good enough for my mother. You left me with these rednecks who abused me. Every dream you had for me died the moment you handed me over to those people. You have no idea why I’m so angry. You’ll find out though mother. You’ve hated me since you spotted me because deep down. You knew he might not have but you knew. I sensed it. I felt it because you saw yourself in me. I am your revenge shug, for all of the shit you’ve done mother. Just so you know Brenda I’ve done so much to you. How are you feeling mom? Dizzy? Loopy? Confused? That sounds a lot like alcohol to me.” A sinister smirk appeared on her face. “Just so mommy I revealed my big brother Braden used the law to his advantage, I screwed Lauren’s head up because she let me into the family, I gaslighted Dani into thinking she was going crazy. I faked sleeping with Jackson and I even did something to you mommy dearest. You aren’t special and the Kincaid’s weren’t exempt from my wrath Walter just so you know.” Dru backed up as she looked at Walter. “Are we done here? I have now been introduced to Anderson, Brookie, and now mommy dearest. I want to go home unlike you mother, it won’t be in jail cell, you alcoholic bitch. Poor mother, you are going to be buried underneath the jail. Prison with the Kincaids sounds like a hot reality show. Question to you were driving drunk but were you drunk?” She asked quizzically, laughing in Brenda’s face. Having her future in her hands felt good.

Brenda sat silent for once as her lips curled. What was she insinuating about her? What was she saying? Her shoulders dropped and she could hear her mother demanding perfect posture. “I grew up on a farm with not much to have in the world. My mother was a maid to Jackie Devonshire family, my father worked on the farm and at the mill. My sisters were already doing domestic work before they had even kissed a boy. I could understand your fury at me. After all, I literally gave you away without telling anyone. You ever thought that I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t look into my daughter’s face and resent her. I would have lost everything if I kept you. My youngest daughter wouldn’t even be here. I earned everything I ever wanted. From my status in life, to my marriage, to my position in this world. I worked for it, you know your problem Kendall?” Now refusing to call her Dru. 

“My name is.” Dru said trying to complete her sentence when a pink cup lunged at her head. She ducked instinctively. Seeing Brenda heaving she was shocked at the older woman’s aim.

“Shut up! Shut up you little bitch. You think you had it hard? So some bad things happened to you! Welcome to the damn club sweetheart. Everyone has a story. It’s just sad you believe yours to be more important than the next man. You aren’t special because you’ve had hardships! I don’t know what you wanted from us but the hate you shall receive. You want the Fraiser family to hate you. Well, you’ve gotten your wish. You have no family with the Kincaid’s so tell me what have you accomplished Kendall? You have hurt all these people and you are just as alone as you were the day I gave you away. Maybe Lowell knew something by seeing you. He knew that you were a succubus sucking the life out of anything you touch. Walter, you think I want anything to do with this child? You take her back to whatever trash pile you dug her out of. She is beneath me and my family. If you have any sense you’d rid yourself of her now before she brings you down. This girl isn’t our daughter. She’s the old, tired, used up bitch that now needs to be put down. A true rabid beast but you listen to me. If I’m here, if I’m in prison, if I’m dead I will get my lick back. I will get my revenge on you. I had four children and now I have three. You are dead to me. Dead as you played to be Kendall. Now leave both of you. If you can’t even talk to me and ask me if I was drinking and you bring me this failure of a child. No, you were so mad at me about her she’s all yours. I want nothing to do with Kendall.” Brenda reached for the hand held mirror. Looking at her reflection she couldn’t help but feel like maybe this is karma because of all of the things she had done. “Is there anything else?” 

Dru for the first time was taken back by Brenda’s words as they seemed to pierce her heart. For the first time she felt what everyone said about her mother. She was ice cold and hearing her speak to her like that. It felt even more painful because she really didn’t love her. Seeing Anderson and Brooke satisfied at their mother’s words. Looking at Walter she pushed past him. “This is what you brought me here for? To meet this woman? It was pointless! She never loved me.” She said, shaking her head at Walter. 

“Oh Kendall you’re right. I can’t love someone who is dead to me. You are my biggest mistake. Believe me when I say this. I can never love you knowing what you’ve done to Anderson, Hunter, and Brooke. Hell what you did to the Fraiser’s is reprehensible. If I had it my way you’d never have been born now. I wish I had aborted you because you are vile. No way this is my Kendall.” She said as the girl stormed out no doubt hurt. Leaning back she looked at Walter staring at him. “Do what you want Walter but I swear she will never be in my presence.” Guilt ate at Brenda because maybe if she did keep Kendall she wouldn’t be Dru. She couldn’t go back in time though and she wouldn’t allow the constant disrespect. “Oh and David will be here soon with my toxicology report. When it comes back I wasn’t drunk, I want an apology. I want you to beg for my forgiveness. Until then get the hell out of my room.”

Walter honestly was repulsed by Dru or was it Kendall but a part of him was curious as well, did that make him an awful person and father probably.  He couldn’t help it reflect on how different his life would have been. Maybe his mistake in it all was staying with Lauren after Pierre’s trial; they could have divorced then, but pride and his parents told him not too he had responsibilities. He got that Brenda was angry but what was he supposed to believe that she wasn’t the bottle she’d been on the bottle for years, she had hit his daughter and Greer head on and now Dani was fighting for her life. He saw Anderson sneering at him and honestly wanted to punch the smug look off his face.

“Like I said you started this by hiding her from me in the first place and going to Lowell. You and Lowell took her from me, from us, I have to get along with the Devonshires but you and I are done. I will not forgive you for hitting Dani. I have a daughter I need to see.” Walter said he knew it was cold when he said it. He didn’t care as he left the room making a straight line back to the waiting room to find out which room Dani was in.

**********

Greer stirred awake as the anesthesia clearly was wearing off. Her mouth was dry and she desperately wanted a cup of water. The fluorescent lights beamed in her eyes and the brightness hurt her eyes.  Looking around she touched her belly which was protruding a little. She no longer felt like she was carrying a bowling ball. When she looked up she saw Brock bouncing a baby in his arms. “He’s here isn’t he.” She saw the happiness on her fiance’s face. However Greer also took notice of the extreme sadness behind his eyes. It flashed in her head that Dani Fraiser, Brock’s cousin, was in the car with her but maybe there was something else. She had heard of another accident or something happening with Zach too before surgery. Was that what was going on? It felt heavy but all she could think was that they had each other. Clearing her throat she smiled at him. It was a weak smile but she smiled. “We never discussed a name.” She croaked out as she looked at Brock who looked lovingly at her. “I wanted to have a natural birth but the accident stopped that. Our entire birth plan went out the window because that little dude was eager to see the world. Well little one welcome to Atlas Falls.

When Brock approached her with the baby she laughed as he placed her son in her arms for the first time. Greer eyes began to fill with tears as she looked at him. The boy didn’t have the Fraiser’s looks in fact she saw nothing but Chauncey. It was like this little boy had snatched Chauncey’s entire facial features. He however did also favor her which would work to her advantage. She laughed again as the joy of her healthy baby boy made her heart swell. “He’s beautiful Brock, our son is beautiful. I’ve been thinking about something what if we named Brock Zachary Fraiser. We can call him BJ for short and he’ll be a gift to your family this time.” She said softly seeing him look like he was going to burst in tears she knew she made the right move. “He’s ours and I want the world to know who his father is. By taking your name they’ll know. They’ll also see that he’s so amazing because he has your brother’s name.”

Brock honestly didn’t know what to do or think all he could think about was how scared he was when he saw his cousin and Greer in that car, Greer pinned by the airbag and the baby. He didn’t even have it in him to drive. He let his crew do it and then once he reached the hospital waiting with her to go to surgery, something about the baby being stuck and blood pressure meaning he had to come early. He didn’t question it, honestly babies were always born early and came into the world he had witnessed and he had watched anxiously as Greer was wheeled back to the operating room. While there he had turned to the waiting room and that is when it had happened and he learned that his brother was dead, killed in the explosion that night that Ronan had brought on to Atlas Falls. What kind of sick karmatic joke was that? That the gangster got to live while his brother was dead? He also had been getting updated on his cousin. It was touch and go and she still hadn’t awoken from surgery. While David worked to get her vitals under control it was touch and go until she woke. He honestly didn’t know if they would recover; he had been absolutely disgusted by the entire thing with Dru out in the hallway on top of trying to figure out how they were going to be a family ever again. His parents were shattered he had held Kelsey as he broke the news to her in the hallway after Greer’s surgery about their brother and tried his best to comfort a devastated Mason.

When he had been told he could see his son though he took the invitation and walked back to the room and sat with him a long time looking at him, he was perfect ten fingers, ten toes and he was already wrapped around his heart. Others tonight weren’t so lucky, like what he heard on rumor about Max Devonshire losing her son, life wasn’t always fair. When he saw Greer stirring he stood up rocking the baby back and forth beaming at her and he handed her their son. “No we didn’t. He’s perfect and surgery went well, not the plan we both envisioned but maybe it was better this way too.” Brock said looking at her he wanted to ask a lot of questions like how she had gotten into his cousin’s car and why she was at DGI to begin with but what was important was that she was alright and the baby was healthy, he was a father and was filled with so much love and pride. He watched how in love she was with the baby, maybe they really could work it out despite all the fighting lately and she would change her mind and see that he wanted the best. “What’s important is that he’s perfect and you’re okay. I think they’d really like that right now. Kelsey said everything went okay, I’m surprised he is so big though since he was early, that’s good right?” He bit back tears at the idea of the name that it could be healing to his family and he didn’t quite know how to tell her that Zach was dead.

“Of course it’s good. No, it’s amazing right? All that yelling you did about me eating vegetables must have worked.” She said, trying to ease his curiosity. Cuddling up to baby BJ she smiled at him as he cooed in her arms. He was so perfect and his eyes screamed his biological father but not the man who was smiling at him. This secret had to be real. It had to be convincing as she looked at Brock. As he grew she was sure that would get tricky. Just by his fair complexion and golden hair however she was a natural blonde so hopefully that would subside worries. “Welcome to the world to my handsome son. He’s exactly like I dreamed he’d be but even moreso.” Greer kissed his forehead adoring her boy, taking every inch of BJ. Hearing a knock at the door. She handed her son to Brock. “Come in.” 

When she saw her father and uncle walking into the room with flowers, she lowered her head with tears beginning to flow. She literally thought she was going to die. That she could never wake up and meet this perfect little boy. As she looked up at Harvey and Pierre kissing them both. Looking at Brock her heart sort of skipped a beat because he didn’t want his father around the baby. Wondering if her fiance would let go of his fears about her father. He wasn’t evil, he wanted revenge and she needed him to allow him around her son. Pierre might have been a lot but he was his grandfather and deserved a chance to know BJ. Harvey as well because her uncle raised her and she would never forget that. “Brock?” She said, looking pleadingly at him. “I think they are here to meet BJ.”

Brock was still cautious as he took the baby from Greer while her father and uncle came in and handed her flowers, looking at her uncle he could tell why his aunt was interested. Looking at Pierre though he was uneasy after everything that he had done to Greer, he was nervous to give him the baby. Honestly he had hoped that given everything that his parents could have at least been inside the room too but he wasn’t going to fight about it either, he also wasn’t sure they would be up for it. When Greer spoke about telling him to let them both hold the baby he was snapped out of it, their son was healthy and above average that is what was the most important thing. It still felt odd to be near Pierre in the flesh. The man kept his distance since he and Greer had begun their relationship likely due to the fallout between his aunt and Harvey but they were connected now. He saw her looking at him and extended the olive branch to Pierre holding the baby out of him. He also had no idea what happened at DGI Or why Pierre was there to begin with and honestly he wondered if he wanted to.

“You have to support his head like this. His name is Brock Zachary LeClerq-Fraiser. Greer came up with it after what happened tonight. It seems fitting. I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye but he is your grandson.” Brock said extending his arms to Pierre as he placed the baby into his arms, he watched as Harvey looked at him and honestly from what he knew this had to be heartbreaking for Pierre and he got that. He had been robbed of this moment with his own daughter due to what Lowell did to him all those years ago. He saw the baby fuss a bit and watched as Pierre just studied the baby in his arms, it was almost tender. His eyes met Harvey’s again. “I know who you are, you have to be Harvey.” Brock said looking at Greer’s uncle, the man that he knew his aunt had been with and for a time could have honestly been his cousin’s father.

Pierre had gotten a text back from a friend on the way inside of the room, the test when or if it happened would be fixed accordingly. He had been shocked when he had met Harvey outside of the room, not that Harvey was there but he honestly wondered if he was already at the hospital to find Lauren or not. He had given Brock a few moments alone with Greer and his grandson first that seemed like the fair thing to do, it wouldn’t raise suspicion either. He remembered his promise to Greer that he would let her make the choice to be with Brock and he intended to keep that, it didn’t mean that he was letting the rest of the Fraiser’s or Walter off the hook for his imprisonment though. Eventually he decided to go into the room he had approached Greer and given her a kiss while of course his brother had picked up flowers and watched her interact with his grandson on the bed. They were both here and both healthy, that is what mattered. That was all that mattered right now. When Brock approached him with the baby boy though he looked at it in awe he’d only seen a newborn in pictures like the one that Harvey had brought him in prison of Greer or the ones of his nephews and niece. He couldn’t help but get choked up a bit.

He was so little that he fit inside the crook of his arm and he was honestly worried he was going to drop him or not support his head enough. Other than that he looked absolutely perfect though he had raised an eyebrow at the blonde hair that was sticking out, genes were funny like that. Thankfully time was on their side and the baby he thought had just enough of the LeClerq genes as well to pull it off. “Oh Greer, he is so perfect and your mother would be so very proud of you. Look at him, he looks just like you did or maybe even this old goat over here.” Pierre said looking at his brother who was just as happy as he was about the baby, he had almost blanched when Brock said the name how dreadful Brock Zachary, for a LeClerq? He should have had a fine and strong French name in his opinion, not some bland sentimental name for a pauper. “I don’t suppose either of you are open to changing the name, it seems a little bland and he is afterall a LeClerq.” He could have sworn that he saw Harvey and Greer shoot him daggers and he quickly adjusted. “Also a Fraiser of course.”

Greer couldn’t help but snicker a little; her father was a snob even though he technically a felon as well. Her heart swelled seeing her daddy holding his first grandchild. He never got to hold him. When he said he looked like she did as a baby, tears began to form in her eyes. Her father and she weren’t always close but she felt like BJ would bring them closer. Seeing how enamored he was with his son made her feel so good. He loved that baby already and her son would always be surrounded by that love. “Father Zach was in an accident but I’m sure he’s alright.” Seeing Brock’s face she knew that something wasn’t right. “Well how is Dani and Zach? Dani saved me. She has to be alright. I heard that Zach was in the hospital and he’s fine as well right? I survived, they have to as well.” Greer stared at Brock whose eyes told the entire story. Something bad had happened while she was in surgery.  

“Are you alright?” She asked knowing how close he was with his family. “Brock, please tell me what happened. Kelsey said I’ll be fine in a few days and I don’t like that none of you are saying anything. Is Dani and Zach alright? Please say something!” She reached out to Brock gripping his hand as she stared into his pained face. “Daddy? Uncle Harvey? Say something! Someone tell me what’s going on?” Greer demanded as she looked at them all. “Don’t coddle me. I’m not some fragile woman. I have taken on the Devonshire’s and won so please talk to me. Tell me what happened to them!”

Brock looked over at Pierre who was still holding the baby as he moved to sit on the edge of the bed with Greer, knowing he needed to tell her the truth and the answers to what she was asking. He hadn’t told anyone in the family that he had gone to his grandmother’s house to ask for the ring, but he had even though he told Braden he wouldn’t. He had actually planned on talking to his brother about it first but that seemed like a moot point now, and he didn’t want to lose anyone else. “Dani hasn’t woken up yet after they had to life flighted her here, David sounded pretty hopeful though, it’s touch and go; if she doesn’t though. Jon and Devin are looking into the wreck she swerved to take the impact, I know you guys don’t get along. But I think she was trying to do the right thing for you and our son. The casino blew up tonight, they think mob related. Zach was caught in the explosion, he didn’t make it Greer he’s gone.”  Brock said his voice trailing off a bit and he wiped at his eyes taking a deep breath. 

The room became silent for a moment and he was pretty sure you could have heard a pin drop if you wanted or listened close enough. He stroked her hand wanting to reassure her that he was alright or at least he would be he had her and BJ now, and he almost smiled at that thought, Brock Jr. had a nice ring to it and using Zach’s name as a middle name was perfect and a respectful thing that his parents would love. He moved from the bed and got down on one knee pulling out the ring. “Listen I was going to do this after we made it to the opening or after my shift, but if anything the last day has proved that I want to be with you and our son if you’ll have me. I don’t want to lose anyone else that was why I had the priest in here earlier and because you insisted on a blessing before the surgery. I know I haven’t been the best partner lately but we can make this work, we can get married here tonight and then do it again later if you want. I just want to make you my wife, take you and BJ home and just be a family. I don’t care what anyone else thinks about it. You captured me a long time ago Greer and maybe I was too stubborn or too worried about what everyone thought. Life’s too short and I almost lost you and maybe even BJ tonight. If my brother was here he’d tell me to live my life and not worry about what everyone thought. So Greer Amanda LeClerq what do you say? I mean we already have the flowers even?” Brock said seeing her looking at the ring, for certain it wasn’t something that someone like Zerick or Chauncey would ever give her. 

A lump resided in her throat hearing that Zach Fraiser died. Her mouth hung open for a moment as she listened to Brock seem so calm. Even though deep down she knew for a fact he wasn’t alright. Thinking about Dani her mind flashed instantly to the car crash. She screamed out for Chauncey and wondered if Dani would even remember that. Gripping the sheets she looked at Brock. When he proposed her heart warmed as she listened to why he was ready to get married. “I will marry you right now but Brock Fraiser I want a huge wedding. Big super big. “ She felt him lean in and she kissed him passionately as she extended her hand. When he placed the diamond ring on, Greer laughed. She couldn’t help it because it was beautiful but it was so Brock. It was old fashioned but it looked amazing on her hand. Just like her soon to be husband, he looked amazing with her. Diamonds truly were Greer LeClerq’s best friend. 

“Well what are you two doing? Are you willing to attend my wedding right now?” She leaned over and picked up her bag. Immediately going to work on her bruised face. Greer LeClerq wouldn’t be getting married looking like a mess. “What? You think I’ve changed that much? No way I’m a mom now but I’m going to be a fabulous mother. I’m going to be glam, kinda like Jackie or Brenda.” She saw everyone pause when she mentioned Brenda’s name. She ignored the look on their faces and immediately looked at her son. “Hey buddy? I’m marrying your daddy!” She said as she saw the priest outside the door. “Are you sure you want to marry me? I’m materialistic, vain, and selfish but not to those I love. And I I love you Brock.”

Pierre looked between his daughter and Brock; she wanted to get married. He would support it because that what his daughter wanted, Brock needed to be none the wiser. She wanted a large and lavish wedding; later it would be done without question, despite what he assumed would be Brock’s misgivings, he had heard he was opposed to wealth and over indulgence. He glanced at the rock on her finger; it was so small, likely a family heirloom on Brock’s part and it never occurred to him to ask Harvey if he had given or saved Agnes’s ring. He could still remember what it looked like when he had bought it, and thought if anything it should be passed to Greer surely the feds hadn’t or wouldn’t rob her of an exquisite diamond ring that belonged to her deceased mother. “Of course we are here to support you whatever you both decide.” Pierre said, looking at Harvey who seemed to be in agreement.

Brock beamed at her when she said yes and he leaned in kissing her, hearing the baby cry he let out a chuckle he was going to be a handful. He honestly didn’t care if Greer looked like a supermodel for their wedding or if she looked just like she did now. He cast a glance over at Pierre when she had said she wanted a huge wedding, compromises would have to be made. He wasn’t well off and he doubted that he could afford the wedding of Greer’s dreams; he was also very prideful as was his family, but maybe having Greer’s side help out would keep the peace. He was certain that he wanted to marry her today before she was released from the hospital to solidify their family, to put any lingering doubts he had at bay about all of it. Most of his family was still here at least his parents they would want to be in the room, Kelsey he would talk to after it was done. “Of course I want to, give me a minute to get my parents, I’ll be right back.” He said kissing her again before going to the waiting room.

Once there he saw that Selina was escorting Mason out of the hospital with her family, his uncle was nowhere to be found, likely still dealing with the mess that was Dru. Braden was talking on his phone most likely with Dylan or even Tamara, his parents were sitting in their chairs. He had sat down explaining that he was marrying Greer tonight his mother seemed happy at the idea enough to throw her arms around him, begging to see her grandson. His father looked beaten down still and he knew it was because of his brother’s death. He led them back to the room where he saw Greer holding the baby with the flowers that Pierre had given her. Pierre was by her side and so was Harvey, Father Kreja was inside. “Thank you for doing this Father. Are you ready?” Brock asked Greer, he saw his father shoot him a look about the ring, he wasn’t going to fight about it. It was just as much his as any other cousin if Braden wanted it he should have asked for it.

Greer sat up holding the baby looking at Brock’s face and his expression told it all. He was already contemplating something. The priest began and she smiled, taking her future husband’s hand. As she listened to his words about love and life. She honestly felt warm inside. Brock didn’t have Chauncey’s money but they wouldn’t be scarce of love. That felt so good. Chauncey left her and left their son so it was only right she moved forward. When it came to exchanging vows, she heard him say I do. She wiped a tear from Brock’s face.Then she simply looked at her concerned father and smiled. Speaking when it was her turn. “I do.” With that she was no longer Greer LeClerq. She was now Greer Fraiser. Leaning in, she kissed him passionately and dreamed of a better life. A life without the stress of never knowing if someone truly loved her. 

**********

Lauren wrapped her arms around herself unsure of what to feel. Just a few months ago she thought that she’d maybe marry this man. They were so happy at one point. The smell of the hospital was making her ill. She’d never liked hospitals, especially after Victoria’s death. Tears began to form in her eyes because what was going on? What was happening in Atlas Falls. First Zach and now Randall? Her baby was in the ICU fighting for her life and Dani didn’t deserve any of this. She was getting Greer to the hospital and from what she understood she was helping someone during her most painful moment. Only to find out Jackson isn’t a cheating bastard he was drugged. God who would do that to an addict? Walter’s bastard daughter was disgusting. Walking to her daughter’s room she felt her heart swelling thinking and wondering if she awakened yet. David kept saying if her little girl didn’t wake up she might stay in a comatose state. Lauren refused to lose another child let alone a daughter. She saw Jackie standing outside of Dani’s room still looking regal. Approaching her friend she just opened her arms and ran to Jackie. “So much is happening Jackie. My baby is in a coma and have you heard? No, not Zach, Randall died tonight.” She said, shaking in her best friend’s arms. “Jackie what is going on! An explosion, a car accident, and now Randall? I haven’t been talking to him but he was the first person I got to open up to about Victoria and open my heart again. My God Jackie what is happening.” She felt Jackie leading her to sit down. “I am not sure I can do or take anymore. You heard about Dru? She’s Walter’s and Brenda’s child. That demon spawn is my daughter’s sister. I refuse to let her play a part in any of our lives.” She wanted to see Randall so badly and tell him how sorry she was. She was furious but honestly she wanted to apologize and tell him she was sorry for her reaction.

“My daughter died in a flash flood. Swept away by Lake Everest and here he was making me feel that pain again. Not only that I felt used by him as if I was some sort of experiment. I felt violated but I think he just wanted to ease my pain. I was furious with him, but what if he just wanted me to heal. Honestly I don’t think I can heal from losing a child. My daughter is lying inside of that room and I just need to see her. I need to see my daughter. She needs to hear her mother’s voice. That I love her so much and I want her to wake up. I need her to wake up, oh my God. Jackie if my daughter goes into a coma and thinks that Jackson was bad. That he wasn’t her loyal husband I can’t live with that. Dru has done so much I don’t know what to think.” She looked at her friend. “Are you alright? I heard about Max. Tonight has been utterly horrible.” Lauren said, feeling all her stress pouring out of her and laying it down on Jackie’s lap. “How is Max?”

Jackie had left Max’s room after being assured by Bliss that she and Hunter would stay at least so she could check in on Mason only to find Jackson and hear the news about Dani, to put it simply her son was devastated. She looked through the window at him sitting by her bedside and wondered if she should enter and tell him about his sister and nephew, would that send him into another spiral when this mess with Dru and the tape could very well send him into using again? It wasn’t worth the risk she had heard the beeps and for a moment thought it was Max only to realize she was in her own wing a few floors up and then she heard people talking about Randall that he had succumbed to his fall down the stairs of the Montgomery mansion. What a dreadful and awful night she didn’t dislike Randall but hated how much Lauren was in pain about it. She knew about Randall’s book and what he was writing about to dredge that up for her friend was awful. She looked through the window at Jackson seeing Simon down the hall and cast a glance at him to keep an eye on him. While she led Lauren to a chair close to the room.

“I’m so sorry Lauren I know this has to be absolutely painful for your family after what happened to Zach and now Randall. Dani is strong though and David said there is hope we just need to be patient.” Jackie said she understood Lauren’s need to be inside the room with her daughter especially now but honestly after Dru drugging her son and what happened, she felt Jackson was allowed his time first. He was still Dani’s husband and had been a victim of Dru’s malicious actions, looking back the moment she knew that bitch kissed him she should have immediately fired her instead of trying to avoid a larger scandal. When Lauren had mentioned Max her face fell she knew it did no one should have to go through what her daughter was. She was certain Max’s screams would haunt her for a while and she honestly didn’t know if Max or Sebastian would come back from it. “He was stillborn that is what the doctor said. Max is obviously devastated, they had to sedate her again and Sebastian was so grief stricken his mother came. I gave them some time.. I haven’t told Jackson yet. I don’t know if he can take more tonight. He needs to be with your daughter, let him decide Lauren when it’s time to visit, please.”

Lauren’s heart dropped as she heard Jackie say Jackson just wanted to be alone with Dani. She literally just wanted to be with her daughter. To see if she was alright and tell her to wake up for those twins and her husband. “I doubted Jackson but we shouldn’t have. That poor boy.” Thinking about what Jackson must be going through. That girl hadn’t said if he actually used or not but she did confirm that she didn’t sleep with Jackson. She however was certain that it could help DGI at this moment. This meant that Jackson and Dani hadn’t violated the morality clause and someone had to fight for their position as CEO of that company. She never liked DGI but she wouldn’t let Tess or whomever was after them get it. Looking at her friend she was unsure if it was time to rally against whomever was coming up against them. Flipping her hair she touched Jackie’s hand and knew she had to speak up. “Jackson and Dani lost DGI last night or so they think. With this being revealed this means they didn’t break the morality clause right? I know you don’t want to think about this but tomorrow Tess will be in court trying to take from our children. I want to stop her.” Then she saw him down the hall. Harvey LeClerq was standing talking to Brock outside of Greer’s ICU room. She gasped looking at him. He was still so handsome and her heart honestly skipped a beat as she felt tension rising. 

“Jackie is that?” She saw her friend nod her head as he finally saw her from down the hall. For a moment it was as if the world had stopped and everything was unreal. The love of her life at one time was standing down the hall, talking to her nephew. Walter had given her children but never did he love her like Harvey did. That wasn’t a secret, in fact it was the truth. “Harvey.” She whispered to herself as she touched her chest almost to catch her breath. “I don’t believe it. I saw him last year but to see him tonight. This is a lot.” She softly gripped Jackie’s hand. “You know I truly wish Dani was Harvey’s child. He loved her deeply. More than Walter, you know he’s already protecting Dru or Kendall or whatever her name is.”

Jackie knew by the look her friend gave her she was hurting and she understood that, but so was her own child. She hadn’t begun to really think about DGI or what had happened there, Chauncey was taking care of it. She honestly was a bit shocked but perhaps her boys were coming to a place of healing something she wished that Lowell had been there to see. She looked down the hall at Harvey; she hadn’t seen him in years and he was still as handsome and suave as ever. Her eyes went to the news on the television in the waiting room. They had moved on again from the explosion to the news about DGI and she knew that Lauren was right Tess had come for DGI. With what Dru had revealed though that meant that her son was innocent, he didn’t sleep with her in fact she had drugged his drink whether he slipped back into old habits was something he would need to figure out. Though for her she had an instinct deep down that he did not, they would never get a straight answer out of the woman that had drugged him.

“Chauncey is making a few calls. I think Lowell would be proud of him for trying to protect his little brother. It seems so insignificant now DGI after tonight, with Max and what happened to my grandson. What happened at DGI with your daughter and my son, Walter better pick the right side Lauren if he doesn’t. I don’t think either of them will ever forgive him. I know you want to see her, please just give him a little more time.” Jackie said she wasn’t trying to break her friend’s heart anymore than she had too but she honestly didn’t want another war between their families. There had been so much bad blood and she knew that Lowell had been wrong to help Brenda and now Dru was in Atlas Falls, or Kendall whatever she wanted to be called. She had heard about Randall’s passing as well; it was all so tragic and awful. “I am sorry about Randall, Aspen must be devastated and Blythe too. So much death tonight, perhaps Harvey is here because he knew he needed you. Also for his niece who I heard joined your family tonight.”

A smile emerged on Lauren’s face thinking about Brock as a father. She’d seen him grow as a man and at this moment the Fraiser clan needed some happiness. After losing Zach she wasn’t sure how Dani would react to losing her favorite cousin. She loved them all but they were so close. Back in high school when Zach came out as bisexual, Dani got into a few fights defending her cousin’s name. He wasn’t a monster because he loved a man and back then people were more ignorant. Now it wasn’t even thought twice about people being people but back then Zach was revolutionary. He was on the hockey team and people would bully him but Braden, Brock, Dani, Lucy, and Kelsey would fight anyone who disrespected him. Tears began to form as Lauren crashed into the wall sliding down it. As tears began to fall down her chiseled cheeks. Between “God he had so much life.” She said, wiping her eyes. “I’m going to miss that kid. He was a baby in the span of things Jackie. I used to think how hard his life was going to be but he showed me. He showed me that he would have a life just like anyone else. His sexuality was secondary to the person he was.” She said truly wanting to just see her little girl. 

When she looked up she saw the wingtip loafers in front of her. “Harvey.” She said softly as she looked at the man. Her heart was breaking so badly. “Jackson needs time with Dani and I just want to see my daughter. It’s unfair and I’m sorry Jackie but you wouldn’t be barred from a room now would you?” She wiped her eyes as Harvey began to lead her away from Jackie before she said something she’d regret. “I should apologize. Jackson has every right to be with Dani. I just want my baby.” Lauren said softly as she touched Harvey’s broad shoulders and without hesitation she leaned in and hugged him tightly. “I’ve missed you so much. Just seeing you calmed me.” 

The moment Lauren came to him, he pulled her in close, holding her tightly in his arms like no time had passed since they were last together. In reality, it had been years, the longest years of his life without her. But this felt right, it felt natural the way she fit perfectly in his embrace and he breathed in the scent of her hair, resting his cheek on top of her head. His niece and great nephew had come through the horrors from the boat with flying colors. Greer and Brock had gotten married and while he had his reservations and he knew his brother did as well, he would always support Greer. But then he’d learned that Dani was in critical condition. At one time he believed she might be his daughter, desperately wished for it to be true in fact. He cared deeply about her even though she’d never known him. “Shhh. You have nothing to apologize for,” he whispered kissing the top of her head. “You’re her mother, you gave her life of course you’d want to be by her side. She needs you as much as anyone. Maybe more so and when she wakes up she’ll be looking for you.”

He led her to a sofa in a quiet corner, helped her sit and held her close once again. Hearing how much she’d missed him made his heart swell. If he let her go and this would be the last time he got to hold her, he wanted to make it last. “Mon trésor, If you only knew how I’ve  thought about you every day since the last time we were together. There were so many things I wanted to tell you or share with you over the years. I’m so grateful I can be here for you now. As long as you need me, I’m here my love. You still complete me, angel.” He pulled her against him just the tiniest bit closer. Whatever he could do to make her feel safe and supported and to keep the nights demons away. “If you need to rest, do it. I promise I’ll wake you up if anything changes. Dani’s going to need you at your best when she wakes up. For her, just try to close your eyes and rest.” He glanced down the hall as he felt Lauren relax more into him and saw his brother watching them intently, unsure what was going on in his head. He had so many questions about what Pierre had been up to but the past few weeks but they would have to wait until he was sure Dani would pull through. 

It felt so satisfying honestly to be comforted by this man. Harvey was her warm place and she had so much she needed to say. So much she was feeling and after all the drama of Kendall or Dru or whatever her name was. Biting her lip she sniffled thinking of Zach wondering how they would ever tell Dani. Her baby was fighting for her life and another daughter might be snatched away. The universe couldn’t be so cruel as to take her baby from her. To take Dani but Jackson was with her and whatever had happened with Dru seemed to be clearing up. Confessions were galore and her actions were honestly deplorable. Gripping the lapels on his coat she eyed him with a softness in her voice Lauren spoke. “Please wake me if anything happens.” She said thinking about her girls Danielle and Victoria. Her last daughter wasn’t going to be taken. She wouldn’t survive. “Thank-you Harvey.” She whispered again, closing her eyes exhausted from the thoughts that were haunting her. Dru infiltrated her family through her. That feeling was heartbreaking. Her daughter was in critical condition and they were mourning Zach. 

**********

Chauncey had made all the calls he could to various board members to do damage control to the tape that had been out. Honestly at that moment it would have been easy for him to make a ploy for CEO but it didn’t quite feel right given it he knew, the tape was fabricated and his brother had been drugged. Meaning Jackson this time was innocent he didn’t break that morality clause. Therefore if he ever wanted to make a play it would be another time, not to mention his sister in law wasn’t even awake. Regardless, after checking in with Bliss about Max who was still asleep from the sedative it felt like he needed something to do, leading him back to the ICU where he had heard there was a wedding, his interest peaked. He was able to sweet talk one of the nurses to let him know that Greer had married Brock inside her room with her baby. He was actually glad that the baby was okay and he walked to the window seeing Brock lean down to kiss Greer’s lips before he headed out; he didn’t bother asking why, as he pretended to be on a call in the hallway.

He entered the room seeing Greer with the baby and she honestly looked shocked to see him and he walked towards her. He saw the small ring on her finger and wondered which Fraiser would lose their shit first over it and he almost smiled, he knew what happened to Zach and did feel bad for them. He felt completely helpless knowing what happened with his sister tonight as well and he swallowed as he looked at the baby in Greer’s arms. That should be what Max and Seb were doing tonight, but he supposed God had other plans. “I hear congratulations are in order. I actually expected you to have a massive wedding more in style with who you really are. Your son looks like he’s in good health too, for a premie.” Chauncey said he wasn’t without his resources he knew something was off with the baby. And had worked his way to find out that Greer had conceived around their tryst but he wanted to be sure, so he stepped to the bed looking at the baby. “He has a lot of blonde hair, actually he looks like me and Jackson as a baby. Why were you at DGI Greer?” Chauncey asked, seeing her eyes dart around the room, she was hiding something.

Greer’s chest swelled as Chauncey came into her room. The fear of him looking at their son and figuring everything out scared her. Taking a deep breath she smiled at him. Trying her hardest to play off his comment. “I appreciate you coming to see me Chauncey. Yes I’m married now and I’m completely happy. When I first found out I was pregnant, truly I didn’t want a baby. I am selfish and self centered but this little boy is so perfect.” Looking at him, tears began to fall. “I can’t imagine loving anyone more. Including you, you raging narcissist. I think he looks like uncle Harvey and father. He has that devious little smile my papa has. We will have another wedding when I’m out of here but we couldn’t wait. He lost so much tonight and didn’t want to lose us so we did it.” She paused looking at the disappointment washing over Chauncey’s face. Unsure of what to make of his expression she took a deep breath. “I was there to see you actually. I was afraid Chauncey of Brock. So I was going to do the easy thing. I was going to run to you.” It was partially the truth. 

“When I ran into Dani, I went into labor and the rest is history.” As BJ became fussy she began to rock him. “I had a moment of weakness. I had a moment that I thought we could go back to how it was and I finally get that Natasha and you are married. I’m finally over us and what happened last time we were together is over so whatever this is Chauncey it’s over. You are kryptonite to me and I’m going to ask you for a favor. I need you to leave me, Brock, and our son alone. I need these visits to stop and I need you to invest in your marriage. We should have never happened and my scheming destroyed anything we could’ve had. Plus you threw me away and that broke me and my ego. Just please let me go and I’ve done the same.” Pointing at his bottle which he handed her and briefly their hands touch and a spark shocked her. “See we are electrifying. We both are fire and we’d both burn each other it’s best this way. That’s why Natasha and Brock are good for us.”

Chauncey looked at Greer again, getting a good look at the baby. Maybe she was right, maybe there was some of her genetics in there, but he still felt like the baby looked like a Devonshire. For a newly married woman she was certainly trying to lay it on thick and he almost laughed at her, she protested too much in his mind. “So I assume you’re going to be known as Greer Fraiser now? A name with no power behind it? Is Brock going to pay for the large nuptials?” He asked, seeing her looking at him furiously and he shrugged he wasn’t going to sugarcoat it for her. Brock wasn’t destitute but he hardly could keep up with the lifestyle that a woman like Greer was accustomed too, plus he was too old fashioned and he doubted Brock had changed that much. When she mentioned what Zach had lost he honestly was sad it was tragic and unfortunate what happened to Zach Fraiser. “It is tragic what happened with Zach. I can agree to that, the explosion was awful with a lot of victims, Max being one of them too.”

He listened to her tell him about how she showed up at DGI to talk to him to tell him she was moving on. Honestly he was hurt by it though he still doubted her story completely. It was too neat and tidy. His marriage to Natasha had been something he had to do for DGI he actually laughed when she told him to invest In his marriage that was done now. “Invest in my marriage with my backstabbing wife? You really think I’m going to stay with Natasha after what she pulled at DGI tonight with your father. Sitting there trying to take my families company from me and run it either Tess, when you and I could have run It together.” He said handing her the bottle and feeling his skin tingle when he touched her hand letting it linger there a bit. He saw her eyes flicker for a moment and he smiled at her looking down again at the baby. “You’re right Greer we would have still burned each other and sometimes they can be a good thing, fire in a marriage is probably should have listened to that more. Would you rather have a consuming fire or settle for mundane and boring on a farm. Tell me you really love him and I’ll leave.” Chauncey said during her to admit it he was still running a test but he wanted to hear it from her.

Greer pulled BJ closer to her as she closed her eyes listening to his words. She felt conflicting emotions. One second she was torn telling Chauncey would give her everything she ever wanted but how could she trust he wouldn’t just throw her away? That he wouldn’t just abandon her and the baby? He left her because of his ego and pride and she was supposed to believe he loved her? Or that she should give up the happiness she felt just a few moments ago? No her son deserved peace and a life away from the pressures of being a Devonshire man. “I love Brock Fraiser, and I don’t love you anymore Chauncey. I don’t believe you are my soulmate. Soulmates don’t throw each other away and leave them broken. Brock would have never got me if you weren’t so stubborn. This is all your fault do you remember Valentine’s day? Do you? I begged and pleaded for you to just love me Chauncey and let’s figure out everything together and you left me with a wet ass and broken heart. I fixed my life and threw myself into LeClerq Media. I was left alone without anyone and you let Natasha tease and taunt me. You knew you didn’t love her and all you had to do was come back and you didn’t!” Greer seethed as BJ began to cry but she wasn’t ready to let him off the hook yet. She wasn’t ready to forgive him for making her second. 

“I love Brock and I’m done with you and your family. Whatever my father has done I have no part in it. My dad will pay for my wedding and I’ll have everything I ever wanted. Finally a family, finally not alone, and finally with a man who puts me first. So whatever this was, it’s no longer my concern. I released you Chauncey and I released myself from whatever we had. Go find a woman to love Maddie, have some kids and really raise them. But I’m no longer tethered to you and to make it clear I’m not Greer LeClerq it’s Greer Fraiser now.” Triumphantly sitting tall she felt horrible. Did she love Chauncey yes she always would but at this moment all she had was Brock and her new life. He had made it clear so many times that it was over. So now she had to do the same. “Goodbye Chauncey.” 

Honestly it stung more than he thought it would when she said that she loved Brock, though he could swear he saw her waver just a bit. Chauncey looked at her in his mind. He had proposed a perfect solution at the time he could marry Natasha for DGI and then have Greer too, maybe he should have reversed it the other way. He wanted his fathers approval so much that he had been willing to do anything to get it, even marry Natasha to claim his stake. It seemed to have backfired on him in every way possible by Natasha betraying his entire family with Pierre and Tess. She would pay eventually and it seemed he had lost Greer too. But if anything he always got what he wanted, he wanted Logan he got her. He wanted to push his brother to drugs years ago, he did. He wanted to cheat and have affairs on Selina; he did it, if anything his father had taught him to be absolutely ruthless when needed. He stood up from the chair he had taken looking at her. He did so leaning down as he did so touching her hair and getting a good look at the baby again. She could protest as much as she wanted. He was going to have a test run before she left the hospital. The baby looked too much like him and his brothers when they were born.

“You certainly have your version of events Greer. I seem to remember you being willing to meet me in that hotel room. Giving yourself completely to me knowing I had an obligation to DGI, you nevertheless Brock about that night did you? I bet you never did, too scared that he’d know deep down I come first for you. That fire never went out, you just chose to bury it under some ash though embers remain.” Chauncey said looking into her eyes, almost leaning in for a kiss, seeing color on her cheeks before he pulled back. He didn’t need Brock busting in and making a scene plus it looked like he had gotten his point across just fine. “It’ll be quite the chase to get it back burning won’t it? For the record he still looks like a Devonshire to me, odd how that works.” 

He didn’t say more as he turned leaving her speechless looking at him as he opened the door to her room. If anything she looked angry at him or even annoyed he wasn’t sure which. Whatever it was she was hiding something and as he walked down the hallway a text from a source came through they’d be happy to pull some DNA for him to test. He wouldn’t be kept from Greer any longer than necessary and if that was his son, he’d be raised as a Devonshire. 

**********

“Hush little baby don’t you cry, Momma’s gonna sing you a lullaby.” Blythe said rocking her inconsolable daughter. Continuing singing she remembered when she did the same for Cassie after Audrey died. She never was as good as her big sister but she absolutely could hold a note. Wiping her own eyes she knew for a fact that Aspen would never be the same again. For years she pushed her little girl to be exceptional. From her weight, to getting into Harvard, to returning here and bagging Rory Devonshire. She encouraged her beautiful and fiercely talented daughter to be the best. Aspen’s body pooled into her on as her head laid firmly on her lap.“Shhh, shhh they are going to sedate you if you can’t calm yourself Aspen.” She whispered softly, moving her hair from her face. “I want you to know your father and I saw something so exceptional in you. You’re amazing and I don’t think I’ve said that enough but you are my beloved little girl. My angel and my baby. I love you Aspen.” 

Aspen was spinning as she looked up at her mother hearing every word. She almost started to weep harder when she heard her say she loved her. Blythe was always a hard nut to crack. Her mother’s father was Russian and was brutal to them all. Aunt Audrey had it the worst because of her voice. He saw her as their meal ticket and in many ways he was right. He pushed her aunt and Blythe to be the best but also turned them ice cold. Many times her mother was unable to express love because she didn’t get normal love as a child but now. Now she was truly showing her heart. It only took her father dying for it to happen. That truth was that they were going to have to stop hiding for each other. Stop pretending things were alright when they both knew they had work to do as mother and daughter. Right now none of that mattered; her mother was here for her and here to soothe her broken heart. “Mom, I want to go home with you.” She didn’t want to be around anyone but her mother and family right now. Cassie had comforted her and she felt she did the best she could but nothing felt like this.

Blythe helped Aspen sit up and wiped her face. Helping her to try and subdue some of the redness that had taken over her face. “Of course you can stay with me tonight Aspen. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I know in the past you blamed me for Randall and my divorce. But that was grownup things sweetie nothing to do with you. I also know I wasn’t your favorite parent. I am pushy and I always say the wrong things but today I hope I say this and you hear me loud and clear kiddo. I know I can’t replace your dad but I’m here for you. You have me and I’m not going to let you go. I’ll try to help you any way I can. I will hold all my judgments and truly try and give you my all as a mom. I’m so sorry you’ve lost your father.” Blythe said holding her daughter as she stood and felt her weakly doing the same. It was like the wind had been knocked out of her baby. 

Aspen walked out the hospital and could see everyone staring at her and she could see the whispers. Everyone knew that world renowned author Randall Sinclair died here tonight. Along with so many other people. She didn’t want her dad to be a forgotten blip in the smoke of the explosion. He was a fabulous writer and taught her so much about literature and the arts. As they exited the hospital she happened to run right into Khalil. He could tell he was here for Yasmine. But she wanted no; she needed to tell him what happened. Aspen let go of her mother and walked to him grabbing him into a hug. “Khalil. My daddy is gone. He died tonight oh God he died tonight.”

Khalil had been helping people near the pier and then along with most of his teammates did the same at the hospital. What an absolute awful nightmare of a night where a lot of people died. He was just trying to make sense of it all. Some guy on the team couldn’t get a hold of his parents, hopefully it worked out for him. It was nearly early morning by the time that he left the hospital it was still dark outside but he needed to get home shower and unwind. Once the air outside hit him for the first time in a while he was glad he was wearing a suit coat, it was still bitter cold and then he heard Aspen and turned to her. He could barely make out what she was actually saying before she had him in a hug. Her father had died and it was awful he understood that he had lost his own years ago. Despite how things had ended between them he hugged her as a friend because she needed it.

“I’m so sorry to hear about your dad Aspen, I know ya’ll were tight.” Khalil said holding her seeing her mother staring at him he had no idea what it was but it was like being watched by a hawk. Maybe it was because he was black he tried to not go there but it wasn’t like he would do anything to ever hurt Aspen and then he released her seeing Rory approaching them shooting daggers. Rich boy could be mad all he wanted Aspen was his friend and he wasn’t stupid everyone saw that he still carried a flame for Yas. “I mean that girl, I’m sorry about your dad.” Khalil said.

Rory had gotten the call from DoorDash that the food was out in front of the hospital as he had tried to find Aspen, honestly he had ordered the food later than he said he would. He had his own shit going on with Max and he was heartbroken for what his sister went through and Sebastian, his stomach in knots over the fact her child was stillborn. By the time he had ordered and returned back down to where Aspen was he had been told about the news about Randall, it was all too much for him to comprehend that all this death was around them. He felt awful for Aspen and her family, if that was possible given that Randall was a former Montgoemery by marriage his trip down the stairs had been awful. He didn’t ask more questions, instead he wanted to pick up the food, bring it to Aspen and then support her, check on his sister again to then go home and comprehend what was happening. Instead he walked out to see Khalil’s arms wrapped around his fiancee and he was immediately irritated.

“I just heard about your dad Aspen. I am so sorry, I just had to go see Max too. I got it from here man if you wouldn’t mind don’t you have somewhere else to be instead of wrapping yourself up into my fiancee.” Rory said looking between them and he swore he saw Khalil almost roll his eyes before the other man looked him up and then down before he walked off. He was not going to stand there and apologize about it given everything that had happened. “Let me take you home.” Rory said, looking at Aspen and her mother while he waited for Khalil to leave properly.

“Well someone needed you. You were too busy casting eyes down the hall earlier and running off. You need me just call Aspen. I’ll obviously be there” Khalil said, seeing Rory fuming at him before he turned and walked away. He wasn’t about ready to bow down to Devonshire after everything that happened between all of them. Given the absolute horror they had all been through that evening the last thing that he wanted or needed to do was get into it with Rory, and shouldn’t Rory Devonshire be more worried about his sister losing her fucking kid and Randall dying than trying to intice him into a fight when all he was trying to do was check in on Aspen who was his friend? Sure things had gone south between them but right now he was in a good place with his career and he respected Aspen’s choice to be with Rory. Just like he was trying to respect Yasmine’s decision to move on with that doctor too.

Rory glared at Khalil as he walked away, who in the hell did he continue to think he was no matter where he went he was always around either Yasmine or recently Aspen. He did his best to control his anger; it wasn’t like he intentionally abandoned Aspen at the hospital. He had every intention to go get them some food only for his sister to be admitted and then he learned his nephew had died. He couldn’t be in two places at once no matter what he tried and he had left Aspen with Cassie. He wasn’t an insensitive asshole but with everything that had happened with Max he also knew he had to be there for her too along with everything with Randall as well. He was doing the best he could despite what Khalil had just said and he wrapped his arm around Aspen as he looked at Khalil walking away.

“I am so sorry about your father Aspen. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when it happened. Max’s baby didn’t make it. I found out just as I was leaving and my mom saw me. There was an accident too, we can talk about that later.” Rory said, looking at her and then seeing Blythe look at him in horror. He didn’t want to take away attention from what she was going through but his family was in shambles right now too with losing his nephew, Sebastian was a mess, his sister sedated and his older brother waiting by Dani’s bedside to wake up. “Just tell me what you need.” Rory finished holding her close wondering why his brain was wandering to Yasmine and wondering why he wanted it to be her he was holding instead.  

Aspen looked at her mother and her eyes welled with tears seeing how hurt she truly was. No matter how ugly the divorce was, they loved her. They loved her and adopted her taking her in she felt her stomach dropping. Touching her mother’s hand. “I just want to go home Rory, can you take me to our house? Mom call me in the morning. We need to make arrangements for my father’s funeral.” Her eyes steeled as she looked at Rory who basically ushered Khalil off. She wondered why she felt nothing from Rory’s comfort but the moment she saw Khalil she felt safe. Right now she didn’t feel safe or secure. “No it’s nothing no one can do for me. The only father i have ever known and the best man I know is gone. He’s gone and nobody and nothing will bring Randall back.” She gasped while picking up her gown. Biting her lip she gripped Rory’s arm as she looked at Cassie and Philip’s mournful faces. “Please just take me home.” 

**********

Jackson listened to the constant beeps of the monitors controlling his wife’s breathing. She looked so broken at this very moment. If it wasn’t for Mason he wouldn’t know anything about his time with Dru. He didn’t use drugs, he didn’t sleep with her, and he hadn’t betrayed his wife. Stroking her cheek Jackson lowered his head as he kissed her hand. “I know last time we talked you were furious with me. I just didn’t want you disappointed in me. I’m so sorry, I let Dru get between you and I. Just looking back at that time we were so distant and if I’m being honest Dani I know that I fucked up. I let someone worm into our lives from the first moment I felt something was off with Dru. I should have said something.” He felt sick to his stomach. A few moments earlier he had the urge to use it again. The drugs were haunting him and that poison was calling him. Just a little bit couldn’t hurt but from the moment Dru was exposed by Mason he understood. He realized that he couldn’t do that to Donovan and Jolene. His twins didn’t deserve that version of him. Now he was paying a toll to the devil. The monkey on his back was clawing at him. 

“Dani please wake up.” He said, raising his head with tears sliding down his chiseled cheeks. Looking at his mother and friend Simon outside of the room. “I can’t raise our kids alone. I’ve never felt like this. I feel like I can’t breathe please God don’t take my wife. Not like this. I will give up DGI, I will give up my own life for her to make it. I can’t let you go out like this. David said if you don’t wake up soon Dani you might not wake up. So listen you can be furious with me but Dani you have to awake now. You can be fucking pissed at me but know I don’t cheat anymore. You changed me baby, so please just listen to my voice and come home. We need you.” He felt a hand on his shoulder. Seeing his mother behind him he felt like the world was off its axis and right now she was his anchor to reality.  “Mom, I didn’t do it. I’m not dad.” Jackson said as he lowered his head and finally started to weep. He wasn’t sure if it was losing Lowell but his greatest fear was hurting Dani just like his father had done to Jackie. “I’m not dad.” He repeated to himself more than anyone else.

Jackie had walked the hallways for a bit wandering and went upstairs Max was still sedated and Sebastian was still with his mother. Bliss and Hunter were there, Chauncey had been making calls for DGI for his brother. The last thing that was on her mind at the moment was DGI, her concern was on her daughter who lost her child and her son who was keeping vigil by his wife’s side. By the time she made it back downstairs she had seen Simon by the door to the room and placed her hand on his shoulder knowing the weight he was carrying from not being able to help Max more. She still had questions about how the baby had passed and how Max had ended up with Gia Falcone but that was for the police to look into and solve. The reality was that the baby was gone and she didn’t know how they would make it through as a family from it, they couldn’t take another loss. She opened the door quietly seeing Jackson interacting with Dani, begging her to wake up, David said it was possible. The swelling had to go down but it was possible, it just depended on if the medication was working or not. She knew that Lauren wanted to come in but wanted to give Jackson time too just in case. Touching his shoulder she looked at him.

“We know and she will too when she wakes up, her vitals are good David told us that. Did you want me or Simon to go get anything? I know that Dylan and Maddie are with the twins.” Jackie said with hesitation in her voice, she didn’t want to bring the twins to the hospital if she could avoid it, especially not to see their mother like this. She would tell him about Max when she woke up and over her shoulder she saw Walter peeking into the window that man had a lot of nerve she got letting Lauren in but her son had been perfectly clear about Walter after what happened with Dru. He was honestly insufferable, she listened to the beeping and she did think Dani would wake up. She had too for her son’s sake they couldn’t take much more. “Do you want me to get you some coffee or something to eat?”

Simon had felt so helpless as he wandered the hospital after getting stitched up and Ivan went to check on a few friends that had been caught in the explosion. It was all so awful, and he hadn’t been able to help Max or her son but the most he could do was stand guard outside Dani’s door and obey what his best friend wanted. To be left alone with Dani so he did sit there making sure that visitors knew that when Jackson was ready he’d let them in he wasn’t yet. The only person he had let in was Jackie on and off, he knew that his friend needed her and the look she gave earlier cemented that, he needed to stand watch. DGI and the mess there would be there when they knew what would and wouldn’t happen to Dani. He let Jackie into the room and followed suit, seeing Dani there, his college roommate and friend. What a nightmare for her family and after what happened to Zach too, he knew that Jackson had to be worried. 

“Your mom is right, anything you need man. I mean it. Coffee, some clothes. She’ll wake up if I know her, she’s too stubborn to give up and she loves you too much. You’ll get to tell her all about her sister from hell when she does too.” Simon said, reaching down and hugging his friend pulling back, he’d honestly never seen Jackson so broken like this.

Jackson nodded at Simon as he listened to his comforting words. “I just want Dani to wake up and forgive me.” He said honestly his heart was swelling and a lump developing in his throat. He couldn’t help but feel horrible. Dru had shaken his sobriety and his trust in his marriage with ease. Dani and he had some things to work through but he wasn’t sure how to fix them. Why didn’t he tell her what Dru was doing? The way she kept coming onto him made him feel horrible. Why didn’t he confess the truth that he may have used and slept with Dru? Dani had a right to hate him right now. She had a right to not fully trust him. “Dru did this to all her siblings? You should have heard Simon the hate she spewed. She kept saying they were her family but how do you forgive that? Zerick was a lot but he was misguided. She did this purposefully.” 

He felt Dani’s hand moving and he looked up at her. The color returned to her face and she almost looked like she was waking up. “Baby?” He called out to Dani. “Dani, come on, come back to us. Come on listen to me, I have so much to tell you. I know what you saw but it’s not real. It wasn’t real and I need to tell you so much. Zach, this situation with Dru and discuss how we can move forward.” He commanded as he gripped her hand. “Dani, talk to me! Come on, open your eyes for our marriage, for our children, for our future.”

It felt like she was floating in a dream. Dani didn’t know what was up or down, she felt lost, she remembered leaving DGI and driving, Greer telling her something, screaming and then everything went black and cold. She was cold, then there was complete stillness. There were flashes of light on and off, she was pretty sure she remembered hearing sirens at one point but after that it was floating in a dark space. The beeping though rang in her ears and eventually she did hear voices, or at least one voice in particular Jackson’s. Her hands felt stiff as she tried to move them and squeezed his hand as her eyes opened and she was instantly blinded by the light in the room. Everything hurt, it literally felt like she had been run over by something she saw Jackson and then noticed the machines, what happened? Her heart began to race and that hurt, it really hurt but he was so concerned about what happened with Greer was her baby okay was she? She finally saw Jackie and Simon, she was pretty sure she heard Jackie tell Simon to get David and watched as Simon left the room.

“Where am I? What happened? I remember driving towards the hospital and taking the curve around the lake. Where is Greer? Is her baby okay?” Dani said, not even sure if anyone could hear her. Her voice sounded so raw and her throat hurt. She closed her eyes for a moment trying to remember and the only thing she came to was DGI and then she remembered what happened there, watching that tape while Tess sat there. Pierre looked gleeful and Gloria taunted her, watching Jackson with their nanny and she moved her hand from his. “You should go.” She said avoiding looking at him honestly she didn’t want to think about the tape or what she saw with him and Dru it had already been painful enough the first time she didn’t need a reminder.

Jackie had been there watching as Dani had awoken and relief flooded her for her son and her entire family, losing her grandson had been enough for the night. She had told Simon to go get David and he had run out of the room to do so. She watched the exchange unsure of what to expect, she was just grateful that Dani was alive and Jackson looked relieved. When Dani said that he should go however she took that as her cue for them to talk, she didn’t think a yelling match would occur, but Dani deserved to hear about Dru from her son and no one else. “I’ll give you two some time to talk. I’m very glad you are alright, please listen to him.” Jackie said going to her daughter in law and gently hugging her before taking her leave from the room.

Jackson stood up and walked to the door and closed it. “I’m not going anywhere.” Jackson said with an intensity that he hadn’t had since her kidnapping. Hell they’d been okay until Dru entered their lives. “You asked a question, maybe you should get your answer. Greer is alive you saved her and the baby by swerving but you took the brunt of the hit. Brenda Kincaid was behind the wheel of the car that hit you. We had to medivac you to St. Christopher’s and David fought hard and you survived for me, our kids, and our families. Look I know what you’re thinking but I need to tell you a few things before you write me off. While you were in your accident Dani, an explosion happened at the Knightingale Casino. It’s believed to be mob violence and a lot of people were injured including Max. She lost her baby tonight.” He could tell she was sympathetic but she didn’t want to hear from him. He kept going though because this part wouldn’t be easy. 

“Zach was on the ship as well. Dani there is no easy way to say this. Zach was caught in the explosion. He didn’t make it. They tried everything they could sweetheart and I know he’s in a better place.” He could see it registering all over her face that she was devastated by his words. “Your family is here almost every last one of them but they don’t hate me and aren’t mad at me anymore. They in fact have shown the biggest level of empathy I think I’ve ever seen. Dani remember Zach and Mason traveled to Florida for their honeymoon? Well they discovered something and I need you to stay calm when I tell you this. Zach and Mason discovered that Dru Price isn’t Dru Price. She’s your sister by way of Walter and Brenda. Dru is really Kendall Richardson.” He paused as he let all of what he was saying sink in. “Dani, I never slept with Dru. I know what you saw she confessed to setting me up and drugging me. In front of everyone she revealed all of her sins including turning in the gun on Braden, revealing the picture of Steven Kincaid, and gaslighting you. Dru was the one messing with your phone and she has done so much to so many people. I still don’t know if I used drugs but I do know that I didn’t cheat. I didn’t break our vows to each other and I am not leaving you. I’m not and if we have to go to therapy, if we have to pray in all the churches in Atlas Falls. I’m not leaving my wife. You are my soulmate Dani and I will die on that hill. So yell, be mad but not at me. Let go of that hate because I didn’t do it. I didn’t betray us.”

Dani watched as Jackie left and got her bearings around her again, looking at the IV and then over at the oxygen machine, she was also pretty sure she was hooked up to a heart rate monitor too. She wondered how bad the med evac had to be in order for her to end up like this; she honestly didn’t remember swerving; she remembered leaving DGI and Greer with her in the car and taking the curve but she didn’t remember that. She was absolutely horrified when she heard about what happened with Max, they weren’t close but Max was Jackson’s sister and to lose her child had to have been absolutely horrifying. “I am so sorry to hear about Max and the baby.” She said looking at him pretty sure she was fighting back tears, it was absolutely tragic and then he mentioned her cousin. There was no way that Zach just gave up, that wasn’t possible but the more he talked she could tell he meant it and she couldn’t help but start to cry, she didn’t get to say goodbye. How was it fair that Zach was dead and gone? When he mentioned Dru she looked at him absolutely shocked. She knew that Zach and Mason had gone to Florida for the honeymoon and Zach had looked into the phone, she knew that he didn’t trust Dr but she honestly summed it up to being protective. “Zach’s just gone?” She managed to get out shaking her head in disbelief.

Her mind was spinning wondering what to believe about Dru and she was so angry if it was true, who drugged someone and made a sex tape with them. Who in their right mind would mess with her phone to gaslight her what kind of a person had she and Jackson let in their home. Her mind wandered a bit to the tea that Dru would always give her in order to calm her down, claiming to want to help her out. “You mean to tell me that Dru is my supposedly dead sister? My dad looked into that with Brenda the PI they hired said she died, who the fuck does that? I found that coke in your pocket at the house, I saw the tape and the entire room saw that tape. Why would she do that? What did I ever do to her?” Dani asked him, she was absolutely livid at Dru so much so that in between all the tears she was crying, Max, Zach and now this. her hands were shaking on the bed, the monitor raising. “ I want to believe you. I just don’t know how the hell we got here. I love you, you know that.” She said her voice was so small and weak but she was also so confused and angry at all of it.

Jackson saw how devastated his wife was as he held her hand. Kissing it and lowering his head as he exhaled finally looking up at Dani. “I don’t either.” He said with a lostness that he never felt. “She targeted your entire family as well as the Kincaid’s. It’s disturbing how she talks. She is so hateful and I don’t know how to fix this alone but I want to. I want to make you see how much I’m sorry that I wasn’t paying enough attention to our marriage. I missed that she was torturing you. I missed how much we were becoming distant. I should have seen how much Dru was putting you in distress.” Touching her face he turned her head to look at him. “You have no idea how this feels just to talk to you. Just to hear you say that you love me. I just need you to be alright and I need you to heal yourself so we can fight for our marriage together and Dru. I want to crush her and whomever is helping her. She wouldn’t have recorded that sextape if someone hadn’t put her up to this.” Swallowing a air of silence waved over the room. “Um Mason is destroyed right now. I think your family needs to see you alright. I just need this moment alone with you.” Jackson grabbed a curl of her hair. 

“I love you. Danielle Grace Fraiser Devonshire we will fix our marriage. I do think we need to talk to someone about all of this. But our love hasn’t changed. Our relationship is everything to me. Our children deserve for us to fix this. I know I was too concerned with DGI, however I will never put that company before you. Look at me, you are the first priority in my life. Not even the kids. I know that sounds horrible but if we do our jobs they will go into society and be amazing. But when they are gone we still will be together and that means I have to make sure we are solid. Look at me Dani. I am not going to rehab, I do think I will do an outpatient program because I don’t know if I did or didn’t but are you down to go therapy with me? I want to make sure our marriage never falters or fails.”

She was so mad at Dru or Kendall for what she had done and worse she was mad at herself too for not being smarter. She had just assumed that things would be fine with Dru and her and Jackson, clearly they weren’t and that was alright but it stung too. She had been so focused on helping him at work and the ball for the hospital wing named after her sister all just got lost and mixed up. She closed her eyes for a moment the beeping of the machine driving her crazy and honestly she flashed back to the tape she didn’t know how long that would stay with her and maybe that was the point, to fuck with her more. She opened her eyes and looked at Jackson and though it hurt like hell when she did she reached out to him hugging him. Everything was all so fucked up from what that woman had done, to the wreck and lastly her cousin she just needed to feel him in her arms. She thought about how that moment had almost been stolen from them, how she left it at DGI furious with him and started to cry. 

“I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking straight watching that tape was awful, it felt like I was dying and suffocating. I just wanted to help Gteer and I was so mad and angry. Jesus what if the kids had been in the car, I’m sorry. My mom has to remind her so much of Vicki with Randall’s book. And now with what happened with Zach and Max it’s all awful.” Dani said her voice trailed off as she let him just hold her in his arms. It felt comforting to have him hold her and she didn’t want to question what he had to witness. She felt her chest tighten and release it hurt and realized the tube was helping her breath. Judging by all machines it was bad, meaning what exactly happened in the accident? Everything was so mixed up she didn’t remember getting hit or getting rescued any of it and that scared her a bit she could feel her extremities though so that was a good sign. “I love you Jackson and I want to fix it. I don’t want to lose you, it’d be unbearable. I think maybe that’s a good step. Please, let’s fix it okay?” She managed to get out unsure if she was even making any sense.

Jackson nodded his head knowing that Dru failed. That she wasn’t coming between them and they were on the road to fixing whatever had happened. That was satisfying. “I am sorry Dani. I’m sorry all of this is happening.  People are conspiring against the Devonshire’s and I feel we inadvertently got dragged into the mix. No longer and I no longer want to be divided. I need us to be a team because that’s what will finally show them they can’t mess with us. They can’t do this but Dru was working with someone and I know one thing for certain. I’m going to find out who and I’m going to spend every moment making them pay. Dani right now I need you to unleash all your rage because soon we will unleash on them. Not me, not you, but us.” Jackson leaned forward. “Say no more, just rest Dani and together we will fix this but I want you to rest.” He said as he kissed her lips. “I’m sorry you had to see that tape.” He whispered, afraid of how angry he truly was. 

Leaning back in his chair he saw her drifting off into a slumber. Pulling out his phone he began to make a few calls. “Simon I know tonight is hectic and I know you’re stressed but I need your help. It’s either Tess, Pierre or Gloria who set up my sextape. As soon as your back to a hundred percent then you need to figure out which one. Secondly I want to place a lawsuit on Tess. I want the Devonshire heirs to sue her for our company. Are we clear? Simon thank-you for being here but now I need you to be a shark. I need you to help me destroy anyone who dares to question or come after a Devonshire.” 

Lex stood outside, just out of sight of where Jackson was sitting but he still had a full view of Dani. Neither of them had noticed him outside, they were so absorbed in their little declarations of love. What did Dani see in this loser? After everything that happened why would she be so committed to their relationship? She’d been so quick to dump him when he’d made a mistake all those years ago. He hadn’t expected it but that fucking hurt. She should’ve just stabbed him in the heart, it would’ve been easier to take. But this? Going back to that buffoon? Yeah maybe he wasn’t fully invested in getting back together with her, especially not with the way Dru seemed to pull his attention whenever she was near but he didn’t want her choosing Jackson, either. He watched them a few moments longer, seething. It was hopeless now. He no longer had a foothold, if he ever had. He was never going to hear the end of it from his father. How he ruined Charles’ big scheme to … honestly this was so screwed up he couldn’t even remember the end goal. That stupid pub? Lex rolled his eyes thinking about it. Part of him was glad Charles wouldn’t get what he wanted but he knew he was going to pay dearly for it. 

**********

Dru was pretty sure Mason had ruined everything. She never felt so exposed in her life. Her teens flew by and one day she awoke and all she could do was want and need revenge. It was her very own siren’s call and they were drawing her to this moment. Brenda Kincaid threw her away and that infuriated her. Walter had no clue and that was a problem as well. Her parents hated her or at least Brenda. She truly unleashed on her and as badly as she didn’t want it to, it hurt. The hospital felt safe for a second, no more people coming after her. Looking down at her belly. “You see why I can’t have you. You understand I have no idea who your father is and this is the worst timing kid. But if I get rid of you I’m just as bad as Brenda. Throwing away you would make me just like her.” Who was she kidding though? A baby? A child being raised by her means that kid would need therapy for life. Rubbing her face she saw Lex and for once she wasn’t annoyed or angry. Seeing someone who actually liked her. The Fraiser’s and Kincaid’s ripped her apart but she didn’t care. Who were they to judge? They didn’t have her story or life. So she stole Dru’s social security card and identity. Who hadn’t done something horrible in her family? All the fake righteous indignation disgusted her. That’s why she exposed them. That’s why she unleashed on them. Looking at Lex she knew that now he and Pierre owed her and she would cash in. 

“Just so you know everything is out. Everything came exploding out because Mason Fraiser exposed me. Shug if I get slapped one more time I assure you I’d be a punching bag. Screw it though. They all now know almost everything I’ve done but not who I was working with. You’re safe Lex. I couldn’t snitch on you, lover.” She said sarcastically as she folded her arms against her chest. “Last time I was in a hospital, Dru was dead and I vowed never to go back. She was really like a sister to me. She used to say I wasn’t supposed to be in the trailer parks. I don’t know how she knew but she knew. She understood that I wasn’t like the rest of them. Maybe it was something on me but when I clawed for my revenge I knew she had to be here with me. So I took her name. I took everything until I couldn’t. Lauren almost killed me, um Braden called me a virus in our family, Brock looked disgusted, Kelsey slapped me, Brooke slapped me, Brenda was so vicious. I never saw her so ferocious. Maybe that’s where I got it from hun? Hmm.” She paused and mused her next move. “So what’s next for the girl who was never wanted. I don’t know but Walter seems easily manipulated. So I’ll work on that, maybe he’ll keep me out of jail.”

Lexington was trying to hash over the conversation he’d just witnessed between Jackson and Dani when he turned a corner and found Dru. Looking at her, he felt lighter. For once he didn’t have to play some fucking mind game, somehow with Dru he could just be himself. He tried to take in everything she was saying but his mind felt foggy with everything that had happened until thoughts of Charles cut through. “Can you just relax for a minute? Just one minute, Dru. I’m so fucking overwhelmed right now.” He swept an arm around her and pulled her further down the hall, to a more secluded spot where his father was unlikely to wander through. He’d heard the news about Dru being Brenda and Walter’s kid. The one they gave up forever ago. “I know all about it. I just had to listen to Jackson’s pathetic ass begging Dani for another chance and whining about everything you’d done to him. My dad knows all about it and he’s pissed as you can imagine. I don’t know what you thought was going to happen when they all found out? Those spoiled Kincaids and the holier than thou Fraisers? Crazy ass Lauren Cummings? You could’ve told me, you know. You could’ve told me all this from the beginning and I would’ve helped you. You made a mess of this.” 

Lex ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath looking at Dru. “Can I just hold you for a second? I just… want a hug.” He quickly pulled her in, crushing her against his chest. After everything that happened he suddenly wanted the comfort of being close to someone. No, not just someone… he wanted this someone who just got him. He could tell he’d surprised her but he held on not saying a word, just holding her tightly. With the weight of the world on both their shoulders they needed this moment. When he broke the embrace, he moved to sit on a nearby bench, pulling her by the hand to join him. He scrubbed his hands across his face for a minute trying to collect his thoughts. “How are you really? You’re better than all those fakes, don’t worry about them. We’ll figure this out. All of it.” He leaned forward, dropping his head in his hands. “My sister’s husband didn’t make it. He’s gone,” he told her, fighting back the tears. He was trying so hard to be strong but Ryan was dead and Jackson was getting everything he wanted. “Fuck. He was more than that. He was my best friend, you know? He was my brother. Like you and Dru,” he said looking at her and wiping his eyes with the back of his hands. “My sister’s devastated of course. They have two kids. How are we supposed to tell those kids their dad’s never coming home? I’m gonna have to call his girlfriend, Nova. What do I say? How do I tell her her man and the life she thought she’d have is gone? Ryan fucking loved that girl. What do I do? Buy her a house? Give her money? Make her sign an NDA? Is that fucked up that I want to take care of her? I know it’s what Ryan would’ve wanted. It’s not like my sister was in love with him. She’s not going to find out, don’t worry. Am I a horrible brother for that? I don’t care, I guess. I owe it to Ryan. What am I going to do without him?”

Dru stroked his cheek as she looked at Lex honestly ready to make it all go away for her friend. He always had been there for her and now was no different. He needed her and she immediately hugged him tightly. Just seeing how Ryan’s death affected him made her feel lost. What if she was carrying Lex’s child would that make it better? Would that fix everything he was feeling. She however didn’t know if it was Lex, Philip, Zerick, or Ronan’s baby. All of those men she’d been with recently and she wasn’t even sure that she wanted to keep this child. She might be in jail or behind bars sooner than she thought. Grabbing him she pulled him into another hug. She did know that after a boat exploded she no longer wanted to be near Ronan Madden. He was as dangerous as Sean and Kelly O’Connor, in fact worse. “Well shut Nova up of course Whitney doesn’t deserve to find this out in the media. Look if you want I can make her silent. Plus if this girl has information and no money do you think she wouldn’t go to the tabloids? TMZ? Page Six? Atlas Falls Chronicles? No, Whitney and her kids don’t need to know that Ryan was still a philandering dog. So the best choice is to make her sign an NDA, then I want you to offer her a lump sum to vanish. You got me?” Dru said feeling like she was helping at the moment.

She could tell her words soothed him and he was relaxing. Placing her hand on his chest she laid her head on him. “I am scared honestly. I know I made a mess of everything Lex. But I just was so mad. I was so pissed that they threw me away. My entire life people have thrown me away. I went to a trailer park. I was born in the lap of luxury and they threw me away. I know I’m not a good person and I know what I’ve done is wrong but Lex. I can’t help but to feel like they all deserved it. They all deserved to hurt as much as I do. I know you’ll never understand shug. I know you don’t understand what it’s like to be poor or not to eat. But imagine me when I found out at eighteen that my parents were rich and powerful. Brenda hates me and Walter is so ashamed of me. I don’t know how this is going to go. I do know that I need a place to hide out. Maybe with you?” 

Dru’s words helped cut through the fog swirling around his mind. She was right, Nova could be a problem. If she was scared of what her future held without Ryan. If she felt hurt or betrayed because she didn’t get to say goodbye, she could easily make things messy for them. For Whitney’s career. For Whitney. Even though she and Ryan had been on the brink of divorce, it would still sting. He ran a hand through his hair and blew out a deep breath. Who’d have ever thought the little swamp rat he met in the park would be his voice of reason. “Yeah, yeah I got you. You’re right. I have to protect Whit and the kids first. Ryan would get that. He’d understand. I don’t think Nova would come after Whitney or Ryan’s kids like that but I can’t take chances. If she does something stupid and pisses off my dad…” he stopped, looking at her then and remembering his father’s earlier warning to stay away from Dru. 

He looked away when she asked to stay with him, pretending to be distracted by some commotion down the hall as he gathered his thoughts. Could he trust that Charles would allow Connor to come back to Atlas Falls as long as she stayed away from Dru? He couldn’t fuck that up and abandon his little brother out in the middle of nowhereville for some girl. “Look, Dru. Staying with me is… not an option. I want to help you, I do but you know what an asshole my dad is. He’s pissed about how everything went down with Jackson and Dani and he’s suspicious of us.” Lex sighed as he looked at her. “Come on don’t look at me like that. I’m going to do what I can to help you but you can’t stay with me. He’ll lose his shit and you don’t want to be on his radar, trust me.” He ran hand through his hair and over his face. “Dru, he single-handedly blackballed me from every prestigious law firm on the East Coast so I’d have to work here, for him. You think I chose this? I had a good life until he decided he needed someone around he could control. He had my little brother traded off to some loser team as punishment for that sex tape. And we’re family. What do you think he’s going to do to you? We had some good times but we can’t do this anymore… not like we were anyway…” Lex reached for her hand, trying to find the right words as Charles came around the corner. He muttered under his breath as he stood up and moved to block Charles’ view of Dru. “Dad, we should go check on Whitney, she shouldn’t be alone right now.”

Charles had made sure that his daughter was resting comfortably before he had made his way to the ICU wing. Mainly because he wanted to see what progress his son had made, if any. He had bumped into Walter and gritted his teeth politely at the exchange though he was relieved to hear that Dani was alright he never wished harm on the daft girl and perhaps that could be her wake up call to his son. Instead he had rounded the corner and saw the redhead Dru in what looked like a deep conversation with his eldest and his blood boiled. How hard was it to check on Dani, speak to her to sway her to leave her former or current addict husband in a crowded hospital and avoid the current slut of Atlas Falls? He was slightly impressed by her scheme but if she wanted to lay on her back he would have paid her for all the trouble she had caused instead he cut his eyes at her before looking stoic at his son. If Lex knew what was good for him he’d stay away from her, given what happened to Ryan tonight and then disregarding what he had asked him.

“I see we met again Ms. Price, or is it Thorpe or the God awful name you were actually given and raised by Kendall Richardson? If you were that desperate to fit in you could have just rang, I mean your cousin had no problem getting under your sister’s skin she could have given you a few pointers. I do hear you may be looking for employment. I have an agency I can put you in contact with if you would like, their pay isn’t good to start but may fit your needs.” Charles said seeing Lex glare at him and he sneered at his son he did warn him and if playing with his new little fling in front of him was going to get his son to do what he wanted he wasn’t going to beat around the bush. Besides judging by the girl in front of him and what he had been able to gather it wasn’t like she hadn’t done worse, in fact she could be a top of the line employee since the other one had skipped the country. “Walter said he saw you in the halls, I’m surprised you are out here and gave Jackson the opportunity to strike first inside Dani’s room isn’t that where I sent you? I practically handed her to you and the hospital staff had been aware of my request that you were coming, you can’t even follow simple instructions are you distracted?”

Dru narrowed her eyes at Charles. “I used to know men like you Charles, you know the guys who used to call strippers ballerina’s to make it sound a lot more palatable. You aren’t my type a little too old and I’m sorry attention isn’t the purpose but mass chaos. I’m sure your twisted mind knows something about that.” For a moment she saw a glimmer of rage in the highly curated persona of governor Charles Hessington. She also saw the control he seemed to have over everyone he surrounded including Lex. However he just collapsed in her arms and showed his vulnerability to her. The least Dru could do was try and protect him. “Maybe he doesn’t want to strike with Dani because she’s boring and a flop. He just lost Ryan. Can you just let him breathe for a moment? Stop the scheming, be a human if you remember how to do that? And sugar just let him be?” She purred as she stared at Lex who was still no doubt shellshocked at her snapping back at his pappy. “Jackson and Dani are the real deal unfortunately for you both. They got something unbreakable and I hate it too but it’s sort of romantic. They can’t live without each other and Charles from what I understand you and your wife used to be like that. Lex can live without Dani. Lex let’s get out of here and discuss some things huh?” She said looking at him extending her hand to him. 

All he had to do was walk away with her. All he had to do was move with her and they could take over Atlas Falls. She just needed Lex to come with her because he was right. They were a team and he comforted her and she comforted him. She didn’t care about Brenda or Walter but Lex for the first time she did. “Come on. You don’t have to be your father’s wrecking ball anymore. We can do it together Lex.” She said wide eyed knowing he’d take her hand. Knowing he’d walk away because he felt it. She did too. From the moment they linked up it was peas in a pod. “We cut from the same cloth, don’t leave me hanging Lexington.” Dru said waving her hand at him. “Come on”

Lex watched first as his father laid into Dru and he wanted to stop him when he suggested she come work for him at the agency but he didn’t get where he was by being stupid and speaking out would’ve been an idiotic move. He hadn’t expected Dru to try to handle Charles and maybe in some other life they would’ve been a pair to be reckoned with but not like this. She had no idea what she was getting into though he had to admire her balls. Not many people would stand up to his father the way she had and he couldn’t remember anyone who’d ever tried to stick up for him except his mom. He watched her hold her hand out to him and that killed him. The thought of taking her hand and running off with her, doing things their way was so tempting but he knew he couldn’t take it, not in front of Chuckles. He couldn’t thumb his nose at his father without being utterly destroyed and then where would they be? Everything he had was wrapped up in the fucking Hessington family with all their drama and he had tried to make Dru understand this several times but she just wouldn’t listen. She came from a world where she could just walk away and start new. No one knew her. No one cared. She didn’t have to worry about her family’s image or her reputation. 

Lex cleared his throat and wiped his sweaty palms on pants. He had to do this for her, to protect her and he just hoped she’d understand. Maybe not right now but when the dust settled she’d realize why he did this and it would be ok. They could figure it all out later when it was safe to talk. She had to know this was all a ruse after everything they’ve shared. “Dru, I have no idea where this is coming from but you and I? Are not the same and I’m only going to tell you one time, don’t speak about Dani that way. I don’t know where you get the idea that I’m going anywhere with you or that we have anything to discuss. We had a one night stand and it was great, really 10 out of 10, you were amazing but that was all it was. You didn’t strike me as the type to catch feelings. If I’d known this was gonna happen I would’ve kicked you to the curb right then. It’s been real but Dani and I had something genuine and I think we owe it to each other to explore that so that’s what I’m going to do… go back to the woman I care for and you can go back to whatever gutter you crawled out of and leave us all alone. Don’t let me catch you anywhere near Dani again.”

Charles had no idea if he believed his son or not but the crushing look on Dru’s face was enough fro him to buy into it, the girl actually thought she had a chance. He almost pitied her in a way, instead he touched his son’s shoulder lightly squeezing it as a reminder. If his son was smart he’d find a way to fix this little mess and get their family exactly what they needed and deserved and frankly Dru Price didn’t achieve that. He turned leaving his son standing alone in the hallway as he walked through the doors to the press ready to plaster on a smile and spin this as the greatest tragedy that his daughter would ever face in politics.

**********

Regina stood in the hallway discussing with Father Kreja how she wanted the burial handled; her poor son had barely begun to breathe again while he waited inside Max’s room. Her grandson would be getting a Catholic burial with the proper Rite of Condemnation even if she had to push every Devonshire out of the way. She had gotten there too late thanks to traffic and heard the news. It was absolutely dreadful, she knew that Max was not her biggest fan but she never wished ill on her or the baby. The baby had been her grandson as well and honestly she felt like Max’s family had overstepped and were just taking over while Sebastian sat there shell shocked. Her son was grieving and it was too painful for him to look at the body anymore and while she felt for Max she wasn’t going to have her son suffer anymore while holding onto a carcass, the baby was with God now. She arranged everything including hiring the person the hospital recommended to take some memorial pictures while Jackie had left the room. She had convinced Seb to let go of the infant and then she called the church. She thanked the priest after he prayed with her and then  she placed her hand on her heart while she looked through the window at her son. She didn’t know if he would recover from the loss or not. There was the mess with the business as well but for now she would keep that close to her chest not now.

She turned on her heels to look down the hallway when she spotted that maniac Hector looming and she waited till he answered a call around the corner before she looked through the window at Gia Falcone in her bed with a baby in her arms. At one time Gia was everything Max was now to her son, even if it had been an ill placed match now looking back, she knocked on the door seeing Gia jump at the action as she made her way inside the room. “Well, well it looks like you played your cards exactly right tonight didn’t you Giavanna? Did you decide to lock my son up in one of your warehouses this time or is that only reserved for you more ambitious plans? I did hear a rumor that you sided with Ronan Madden which is disappointing given you know how involved he was with that death on our side, how could you?” She asked to see Hector appear and watched as Gia shot her minion a look to get gone. There is no way she would try to hurt her at the hospital with prying eyes on her. “I heard that you found Max and tried to help her, unfortunate isn’t it that you weren’t able to save her baby but yours lived. It must have been awful.” Regina said looking at the dark haired little boy in Gia’s arms, a baby that was bright and pink not cold and blue like her grandson was.

Gia was still reeling from Ronan’s threats during his little visit earlier when Regina invited herself into the room. Wasn’t there some sort of hospital security that was supposed to keep this demon hag from strolling into any room she wanted to? She was supposed to be bonding with her baby. With all the madness happening around them they needed the peace and quiet to get acclimated to each other. Regina was always throwing her weight around like this and right now she should be supporting her son. Sebastian just lost his first and only child. How could she leave him to deal with that alone? Self centered old bitch. Gia instinctively held her baby closer, moving her hand to keep Regina from looking at his face as she got closer. If that woman had lasers for eyes she’d be a goner. Who was she to lecture her on her alliance with Ronan? Like she owed that family some loyalty over Seb’s sister? Regina never liked her. His siblings never liked her. They’d have sold her down the river if they had a chance. She’d kept quiet until Hector left, he was still insanely jealous of Seb and she knew he’d throw a fit about being dismissed later. “Mother Navarro,” she greeted, forcing a smile. “Come to congratulate me? I’m honored that you would think of us while your son is suffering so much. He must be asleep now since you’ve come to visit?” She asked knowing he wasn’t. Seb would never be able to sleep like this.

“The birth was horrible, quite frankly,” she told her. “If it weren’t for Hector both Max and I …. May not have made it. We did everything we could for Max and her baby. You must believe that. I would never hurt an innocent child. It’s lucky we found her in the middle of all that chaos and were able to help her escape. Then the labor started? I can’t even begin to tell you… consider it a small miracle that Max has no memory of it. At least, that’s what I hear? She was nearly delirious before we got to the warehouse and …. Her screams. I just can’t get them out of my head. I tried to offer her comfort but she was so wracked with pain I don’t even think she knew I was there. It was like…” she paused for dramatic effect to play into Regina’s Catholic shtick. “… something evil had overtaken her. She sounded possessed. The things I know about the Devonshires? Certainly if anyone has made a deal with the devil, it was Lowell Devonshire? I confess I had the thought that maybe things do happen for a reason. I feel horrible saying that but that baby was innocent in all of this. I know I never showed enough interest in the Church for your liking but please tell me you believe the baby’s soul wasn’t corrupted by the black stain of the Devonshires?” Gia reached for Regina’s hand, eyes glistening with unshed tears. It was, afterall, her son they were talking about and she wouldn’t let those monsters near him or take any chance on a DNA test proving he wasn’t Max and Seb’s son. “I know it hasn’t been long but it’s so hard for me to not think like a mother now. We have to protect that baby. For Seb. You need to protect your grandchild before the Devonshire dogs can do further damage. You have to make sure the baby’s cremated and will know nothing but everlasting peace.” 

Regina listened to Gia recount her grandson’s moments entering the world and she felt the sting of tears behind her eyes, it was so tragic. She certainly didn’t blame Max Devonshire, but on the other hand the girl had been so selfish most of her pregnancy, much to her chagrin. Nevermind how dismissive she had been to Sebastian over it, her son who only wanted to make her happy and have a family, perhaps God had taken his anger out on Max. Perhaps rumors had been true and that all the deals that Lowell had done and all the destruction he had placed on his way to the top had finally caught up to him, she understood that burden. But it wouldn’t do for her grandson, nevermind she didn’t think that the Devonshire’s were even Catholic who knew what they would deem acceptable. She looked down at Gia and the healthy baby boy that she held and rage boiled in her towards Ronan how much more was that man going to take from her family. Yet Gia felt the need to find comfort in his arms enough to have a child with him after her claim to love her son forever.

“If I ever find out you were a part of the cause of tonight you will curse the day you even dared look at Sebastian all those years ago when your family visited the vineyard. You claimed to love him yet fucked the man that got his sister killed enough to have your own child. I know you were the one that took him last year, don’t pretend with me, I know women like you. I was a woman like you.” Regina said, leaning in and stroking the baby’s head while she stared into Gia’s eyes a coldness towards the other woman. Her hand moved swiftly to Gia’s free hand where she gripped her wrist making sure to dig into the pressure point that was there and part of her filled with glee watching Gia wince. “You were never worthy to have a child with Seb. Mark my words I curse you and the man you chose to get into bed with. You both won’t escape my wrath now that I have come to help Seb through this, I think I’ll stay awhile. You did give me one bit of sound advice: they won’t touch the baby. I’ll make sure he is in heaven with the rest of our family.” She spat releasing Gia’s arm daring her almost, she knew her minion was around. Did she really want blood all over the maternity wing of the hospital?

When Regina grabbed her, Gia’s blood ran cold knowing the woman never made empty threats. Still, she wasn’t afraid exactly. If she let all the vows of revenge get to her she’d live her life in fear and that’s something she would never do. “Mother Navarro, you wound me with these accusations. I loved Seb. I love him still but he threw me away. You all looked down your noses at me. What makes you think I, of all people, owe you anything? The day Seb made the choice to cut ties with me is when your beef stopped being mine. Life goes on Regina. The world doesn’t stop because one person left us. Ronan and I fell in love and I won’t apologize for that or the beautiful child we brought into the world. Whatever happens between you and Ronan you leave me and my child out of it. I’m truly sorry for your loss but you sound like a hateful old shrew right now. Go get yourself right with God before you come near my son again with your negativity.” 

She felt a weight lifting off her chest when Regina agreed to the cremation. That meant that her son, her natural born son, would be safe and their little secret would go with him to the grave. His memory would live on in this child that lay sleeping in her arms. She wouldn’t lose another baby, she knew that now. No matter what she had to do, for the rest of her life, she would do whatever it took to keep her son with her. “Taking care of the baby is the right choice and I hope it’ll be the first step towards healing for you and Seb and your family. What happened was horrible. No one should have to suffer the loss of a child but we must not become bitter and blacken their memories with hatred. In the end, God chooses and what happens is his will, is it not? You must accept that.”

Accusations? The words were hollow to her when Gia said them to her, she knew that the woman before her had kidnapped Sebastian. Everyone else may have been blind to that including the Devonshire’s and she was certain Sebastian kept his mouth shut about it to protect his true lineage and heritage. “Threw you away? That is an interesting way to look at how the arrangement went down. Seeing who your father was it was easy to look down on you Gia and it turns out I was right. I may be a hateful old shrew, but at least people know what to expect with me, you not so much you change depending on which lover can get you more power at the moment, perhaps you are the one that needs to get right with God. You are right I do need to be there for Sebastian though at the moment we will have to catch up later.” Regina said, standing and straightening her skirt, her eyes meeting Hector’s for a moment while she gathered her purse and headed for the door.

“I make no promises Gia where Ronan Madden is concerned and I have given you ample warning so should the time ever come well, you’re a smart capable girl. Of course my grandson will have a proper Catholic burial, my family needs closure after the night of pure hell Ronan has put them through, I really do hope you weren’t involved. It would be a shame to leave that baby in your arms as an orphan. I have a feeling God knows what my family needs and his will of course will always be on our side.” Regina finished looking back at Gia before cutting her eyes at Hector to move and she almost hoped that he didn’t while her own guard moved to step forward. Instead he moved out of her way and she took out her phone to make the arrangements with the local parish before making her way back to Max’s room where she was hoping to find her son.

**********

Max didn’t remember going to sleep. The last thing she remembered was screaming after learning her son was dead while Sebastian held her back telling her to remain calm. Remain calm, her son was dead and it was her fault for being selfish. She knew that, deep down she knew that. The company came first, her career came first. How many times had she said that outlook to whoever would heat her? When she opened her eyes it was still dark outside and she laid on her side in the hospital bed looking out at the skyline and the twinkling lights. She wondered how much time had passed, not long enough. She felt the tears behind her eyes forming it was like a bad recurring dream that she didn’t want to face. Maybe it had been just that a bad dream and she imagined it all the screaming for her son, perhaps it was all a nightmare from the boat and explosion. She rolled on her back seeing Sebastian sitting looking stoic and her mother in the other chair the same. Her window to her room was open and she saw everyone of her family and siblings outside almost like they were waiting to see what she would do.

“Why is everyone here? Where is Enrique, I want to see my son.” Max asked with desperation showing in her voice. It was all a bad dream. She was going to chalk it up to a bad dream. None of it had happened. Her son was fine, maybe in the hospital nursery, healthy and no one was going to convince her otherwise. She looked at her mother who looked away painfully and she wasn’t sure what to say to her. Her eyes caught Sebastain’s who looked at her with sorrow and maybe even pity she didn’t care how crazy she sounded, she knew the truth. “I want to see him right now. Where is he?”

Sebastian’s eyes hid the pain that her words stabbed him with. He was dead and gone and it was nothing they could do. He knew Max was in and out and the sedatives were finally wearing off. Nothing could prepare him for this. To have to explain to his love that their child was gone. Enrique, their beautiful little boy was robbed of life. God had some explaining to do. He then wondered if the lord was punishing him for all the blood on his hands. Letting out a sigh he knew he’d have to say it aloud again. He’d have to tell her again that this wasn’t some nightmare but the truth. “Last night there was an accident on the Knightingale. The boat exploded and many people were killed. I was looking for you one moment you were in my eyesight and the next you were gone. It was chaos. Max, you went into labor right before the explosion from what I understand. Hector and Gia helped you deliver Enrique and he was stillborn honey. Our son is gone to be with God. God wanted him Max and I’m sorry Mi Amor but he isn’t here because he’s gone.” His voice raspy from choking out the words he just said. “Please Max it was nothing you or I could have done.” 

Jackson stared into the window separating himself from his twin. Somehow he felt something had shifted. She was broken and it wasn’t a good feeling. It was almost like he could feel Max’s anxiety and grief inside of him. Looking over at Bliss and Hunter who were wrapped around each other. He understood he’d go home and kiss the twins and hold them close. Chauncey looked angry and he could tell something had him a million miles away. Rory was alone after Aspen left with Blythe but he didn’t seem broken. He seemed relieved. Jamal hadn’t let Belle go since the explosion. He honestly liked Jamal and Belle was happy. His mother was in the room with Sebastian. Hopefully together they could help Max through but deep down he felt something he never felt. He felt an emptiness forming and he knew that feeling. He knew it all too well. “I hope she is alright.” He said to no one in particular.

Numb would be the proper thing to describe how Chauncey felt after watching his sister plead to see her child, it was simply devastating. He had been there with Natasha when she had been pushed but it was different his son with her was too young to make it. His nephew should have been born healthy what in the hell had gone so fucking wrong?  He didn’t understand it and he watched as his mother was looking on, completely helpless to it all and he looked over at Jackson touching his shoulder. He also felt Rory come over and did the same. There weren’t words any of them could say to help Max, that was the reality of what had happened. “The only thing that we can do is offer to support Max and Sebastian.” Chauncey said echoing Jackson’s words to really no one in the room.

Rory had driven Aspen home and then came back to the hospital to check in with his mother and the rest of the family about Max. He had finally cried so that was good. He watched as Seb broke the news to her all over again about the baby and saw his sister crushed, he remembered how Aspen had looked and shook his head. It was even worse seeing it on his sister’s face not that it wasn’t bad on Aspen but she hadn’t been that far along and it was a complete accident. He eventually moved to stand with his brothers as his eyes just wouldn’t leave the room or the sight before him. He didn’t have any words so instead he looked on in silence.

Max looked at Seb and then at her mother she refused to believe that he was dead. She wanted to see her son, she sat up in the bed looking at all the machines and the IV’s in her arm and pushed the drip away. Seeing her mother get up to push it back and she was livid and hurt while she tried to get up from the bed seeing her mother and Sebastian trying to hold her down. She wanted to see her son. That was the end of it plain and simple. She wanted to hold him and look at him. “I want to see him now you bring him to me right now! I heard him cry.” Max said her voice rising seeing the monitors going off and she picked up the tray next to her and threw it as hard as she could with all her might across the room looking at all their stunned faces. “I want to see him now, where is he?” She said again seeing Seb just looking at her shocked and her own mother doing the same. She let out a scream at them almost feral like that even made her almost jump. Everything was hurting right now because she wanted her son.

She didn’t know how long she looked at them all like some crazed person screaming and throwing anything she could find. Pretty sure she grabbed a bible on the side table and threw it while her mother tried to hold her back. The screams drowned out most of the monitors losing their shit at her and then she began to sob again. “I heard him cry!” Max said again not even sure who could or couldn’t hear her anymore and more she wanted to know why no one would let her see him. She felt her mother trying to hold her and tried her best to shrug her off only to see her other sisters come in while Seb just seemed to stare at her like he wasn’t sure how to help her and she didn’t know how either.

Jackie wasn’t sure what to do as she watched her daughter crumble all over again and had fought with her when she pushed the IV away and then had been utterly shocked when she began tossing things. She was pretty sure Regina was on the other side of the glass horrified as she had watched Max toss the Bible on the floor. To be fair her daughter was in a ton of pain and wasn’t thinking right and before she knew it Max was lunging at anyone and anything screaming and she rushed to the bed to help her try to calm down, if she didn’t they would sedate her again. Her eyes pleaded with Sebastian who looked so hollow and shaken himself before relief came when Bliss and Belle had come in to help her. Her own tears falling down her face to land on Max’s hair while she tried her best to calm her down.

Sebastian stepped back watching Belle and Bliss console Max. Hearing her say that she heard his cries he shook his head. The cries she heard was of Michael Madden. Sadly he’d make that child an orphan. Ronan Madden and eventually Gia Falcone who would also get in his way. Ronan was the cause of this the violence and it has spilled into his life. Tears began to blur through his eyes as he began to swallow the facts. He shook his head, unable to speak or tell her that Enrique was gone. Sebastian pushed back, his chair scratching against the floor. Looking at Max he began to slightly hyperventilate, unable to see her collapsed and broken. He couldn’t imagine a pain like this and he knew losing his son they’d never be the same. Moving quickly Sebastian exited Max room, he wasn’t sure he could handle any of this. The constant need to keep telling her that their son died. They lost their baby and it killed him but he couldn’t keep living through this over and over again. This nightmare that Max seemed to refuse to believe. He couldn’t keep going over it and this time the pressure made him on the verge of snapping. 

Belle immediately looked at Jackie and Bliss as Max bucked against them. She wasn’t sure what to do when she saw Sebastian leaving. Where was he going? She needed him but then it hit him. Sebastian found them and he was there and it might be too much. She felt Bliss and Jackie finally soothing Max and she clutched her older sister’s hand. As tears began to fall down her face she didn’t know what else to do but cry but Belle began to weep along with Max and Jackie. She didn’t see Bliss crying, in fact she was sure her sister was enraged. Something in Bliss eyes showed a ferocity that only she’d heard about. She was strong and she felt comfort in that. 

Jackson cleared his throat as Chauncey and Rory entered the room. He moved Belle back with Rory as he leaned down at his twins sister’s bedside. “We lost him Max. I’m so sorry that we all haven’t been right by your side. I wish I could have been with Sebastian sis but he found you with your son gone. He’s traumatized right now as well Max. I need you to relax okay? Kelsey and David have a sedative for you to rest sis.” He moved the hair out of Max’s face. “On our father’s grave we will find out what happened to Enrique.” Jackson said, grabbing his sister’s hand and kissing it. “Devonshire’s are forever and forever we are together.”

Max could barely see out of her eyes they were so flooded with tears she did hear her brother’s voice, she felt someone gripping her hand and managed to see Belle looking at her too. None of it was comforting to her as she let out another scream, it felt so hollow and empty just like her now. Where was her son? She wanted to hold him in her arms and not feel so empty, after everything was God punishing her for not being excited about being a mother? Was this his version of a sick joke? She didn’t want any of this to be real, none of it made sense to her. Everything was fine at her last checkup. She knew that the only thing that seemed to be helping her was screaming and she saw shoes out of the corner of her eyes approaching the bed. Her entire body was shaking again and it was almost like she wasn’t even in at as the room only seemed to get dimmer and dimmer around her, she felt her eyes getting heavy and her voice going hoarse before she drifted off hoping when she awoke this nightmare would be over.