4×04 “Don’t Hold So Tight” Part 1
Written by: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode may contain graphic violence, language and sexual content
Theme Song: Lady Gaga Ft Bruno Mars- Die With A Smile

Chauncey waved his way past security at the airport followed by his little sister Belle, he still found it a bit curious that she decided to follow along in picking up Maddie. He honestly had been a bit shocked when she had decided that a summer with the Jensens was in order and Selina had agreed to it, not that she gave him or his ex much of a choice anymore. None of that really mattered now though the cause for her to leave was much more chaos than even he anticipated with everything that Natasha had done at DGI, looking back perhaps he should have taken more stock into what his only daughter had told him and claimed. Regardless, his marriage was effectively over as of two weeks ago and if Natasha thought she was just going to walk away with a piece of DGI under her belt she was dead wrong. He may not have approved of his father giving the company to Jackson, but he was damn sure gonna make sure, a Devonshire remained as CEO no matter the cost.

He had been right about the other matter as well Greer had been hiding something from him the pretty nurse at the hospital had ran the test that he asked, He was certain it would be proved that the boy was his despite Greer’s protests that he was not apparently the lab was a  bit behind but they expected the results any day now. He saw the wedding from the other side of the glass and watched as that buffoon Brock stood there and married the woman he wanted, if anything the pep talk had been exactly what he needed. He went down the hallway to the private runway and watched as the DGI jet made a touchdown on the runway perfectly, hearing his phone buzz he took it out. Legal was still keeping them all up to date on Tess’s latest scheme and attempted take over technically she may have held a title and had power to remove people at will, but as a board member she couldn’t cut any of them entirely out. By blood it was their birthright. He saw Belle doing the same and waited a few moments before they were given the signal to walk out to the runway where he watched the stairs lower and they both waited for his daughter to get off the plane.

Madeline sat in the seat she’d always occupied on trips, where she’d sit beside her grandfather, as the plan taxied towards the private terminal. It used to be that she’d talk to him about anything and everything that came to mind but now alone, she was scrolling page six on her iPad, rolling her eyes at the latest installment of Chauncey’s dirty laundry airing out for everyone to see. It was so utterly embarrassing. Even across the country in California, people knew who she was and the mess her father had made but she did feel vindicated. When all was finally said and done she came out smelling like a rose and frankly everyone owed her an apology though she’d likely not get them. Fortunately she had her mothers family to keep her distracted and after all these years she finally felt like she had a sense of who Logan was. Her hand went to her throat where she fingered Logan’s necklace and chewed her lip wondering what advice her mother would give her for all of this. She was grateful to have spent the last two months with the Jensen’s but constantly hearing how much she looked like Logan, by her family and all the people that had known her mother, was disconcerting. People looked at her like they’d seen a ghost. She’d catch her grandparents staring at her and she knew they were looking for Logan but at least they hadn’t forgotten about her like Chauncey had over the years. Maybe he was haunted by the resemblance to her mother like those others but that didn’t excuse him from being a deadbeat. 

She felt the plane slow to a crawl and finally stop, causing her to drop her iPad in her bag and head towards the door.  She headed down the stairs, faltering a bit as she saw Chauncey standing there with Belle. She knew not to expect Selina, Mason needed her more right now but this she hadn’t been prepared for. Chauncey should be too wrapped up in his own drama to even remember she was returning today. Belle must’ve cajoled him into coming. Or DGIs PR team forced him but no, neither Simon nor Talia would do that to her. She quickly recovered and glided down the remaining steps without looking at Chauncey. She handed her tote to the driver while the staff brought her luggage off behind her and smiled at her aunt. “Hi Belle,” she said kissing one cheek then the other. She’d honestly tried to ignore Chauncey but she couldn’t help but glance over at him. She looked him over for a second and looked back to Belle. “Why did you bring him? I’ve seen enough of him and Na-trasha all over the internet. Where’s my Grammy? Why didn’t she come to get me? I talked to her last night and she didn’t say anything about this arrangement.” She stared Chauncey down for another long moment and really had no words for him at all, then turned to the driver. “Take me home now so I can see my horses.” 

“Jackie is dealing with DGI stuff with my mom and told us though she desperately wants to see you. She’ll be at your return dinner tonight.” Belle said, removing her sunglasses as she kissed Maddie’s cheeks right back. Looking at her niece in the eyes to tell her to play nice. Ever since she became a Devonshire, it seemed Maddie had welcomed her. Maybe it was because she was only a few years older. Or maybe they could share clothes but somehow they’d forged a strong bond. While Maddie was gone they talked quite a bit. It was one of the main reasons Chauncey asked her to attend in picking up Maddie from the airport. Running her hand through her hair, thinking this entire situation would be trickier than she thought. Maddie was like every fucking Devonshire wrapped in one. She was stubborn and wouldn’t budge until Chauncey apologized for his behavior against her. Maddie wanted the vindication and that meant her dad kissing the ring. Now would the big and bad Chauncey Devonshire apologize was the question.

“I have something to discuss with you niecey? So I’m a brand ambassador for this new fashion line. Well I’d love for you to do some modeling with me. Nothing like a photoshoot, just dance to Ivan’s song on your uncle’s social media platform in the fashions and boom. I’ll even give you a percentage of the proceeds if the video does well.” Trying to shift the energy. Opening her purse Belle applied lipgloss.  She looked at the driver nodding her head to raise the partition. “So tell me how California was?” Looking at Chauncey she shot him a look to say something to her. “Oh your dad is doing some brilliant work against my own personal mommy dearest.” Knowing Maddie knew everything going on and she would have opinions and maybe clearing the air was the best move right now and going forward. 

Chauncey watched as his daughter brushed past him intent on ignoring him, he knew that he had made a mistake in taking Natasha’s side now. The joke would be on his soon to be ex-wife, he had every intention of humiliating her publicly and in the court of public opinion for everything that she was doing and trying to do to his family. It was about more than her attempted take over with DGI, it was about the way she went about it accusing Maddie of violently attacking her which he foolishly had at the time thought did happen. He looked at Belle thankful that she had taken over for his mother, honestly she was going to check on Mason and then head into the Country Club for the day, that was where she was needed. He was irritated that Maddie didn’t even ask about Selina but instead always deflected to his parents, he knew he sucked but Selina had embraced her as her own and raised her. “She’s with Mason, he hasn’t handled Zach’s death well, we’re all worried for him. I know you wanted her to be here but she was needed there.”

Maybe it was too harsh when he said it to her judging by the look his daughter gave him but she needed to know that not everything was about her when it came to her grandmother, she had other grandchildren and people who needed her. His thoughts drifted to Max and the loss of her son, something they were all still grappling with, his sister the most. He knew what Belle wanted him to do and he knew that he needed to do it. “I want you to know that I am sorry for everything that happened with Natasha, clearly I made a mistake as did your grandmother. I’m handling that as we speak, I have every intention of hurting her and hurting Natasha dearly for that transgression.” Chauncey said looking at his daughter and then over at Belle, he knew that she was helping them at DGI and she seemed to want to make sure that DGI remained with them and not with Tess. But he couldn’t help the small sliver of doubt that seemed to creep in that Tess was still Belle and Bliss’s mother, there had to be a connection there. “Did you have a good trip in California? It seemed so over social media.” He finished at least trying with his daughter.

Maddie took the seat in the limo across from Chauncey and Belle and draped herself in the seat like a makeshift throne, holding court with the two in front of her. She listened to Chauncey mostly stone faced, nursing the water bottle she’d plucked from the mini fridge and let his first words eat at her but she allowed him to finish. Of course she was concerned about Mason too, she loved her uncle and resented Chauncey implying she was selfish but if her grandfather had been alive he would’ve been here. At least her father had made an effort even if Talia or Simon probably had to remind him. She also hadn’t forgotten her grandmother’s role in the whole sordid mess. “Mason’s a grown man, he needs both my mother and my grandmother attending him all day? I’ve been gone for two months and she can’t break away for an hour? Ok.” Madeline looked out the window for a moment and thought about how Belle mentioned how her grandmother was looking forward to the welcome home dinner and knew she’d spent time planning it. “In light of all the tragedy our family’s endured, I’m cancelling the return dinner tonight. Taking time to heal should be everyone’s priority. I’ll have a private dinner with Wyatt at the Lodge and maybe I’ll stay there tonight. I’ve had a long day of traveling.” She caught another look from Belle but honestly why did she think she could fully insert herself into the broader family dynamic. She didn’t fully understand the situation because she never lived it. “Chauncey is brilliant,” she smiled at her aunt. “Your brother’s also treacherous, disloyal and horrible at apologies.” She gave him a pointed look to tell him that was not going to be enough. 

“What you’re doing isn’t good enough. I’m glad you’re finally going to show Natasha who’s boss but it’s too little too late. Of course you’d think a smarmy apology is sufficient, you’re used to skating through life on your wit and charm and when that fails, throwing money at the problem. Unfortunately for you I have all that in spades so I guess you’re going to have to bring your A game. After all, my grandfather raised me to see through your kind and destroy you. Imagine entertaining the idea of sending your dead wife’s child away to please a low life social climber. Couldn’t be Lowell Devonshire, and what better proof than Belle. Hidden away because he would’ve stopped at nothing to find her and if he’d have gone that far for her? You couldn’t begin to grasp the magnitude of what he would’ve unleashed on Natasha. He would’ve made the earth shake for me and it would’ve started with taking my side.” She knew invoking her grandfather would sting. Forever in the shadow of his great father and she was going to remind him of it. She looked at Belle and smiled sweetly. “I would love to hear more about your little modeling idea. Do you want to join us for dinner? I actually have a little something in the works myself. Greer’s uncle is starting a new magazine called AF Monthly and he wants to do an article about the polo club with a photo shoot of me in couture dresses with my horses. What do you think about ‘The Princess of Polo’ as the title? My trip to Cali was amazing and I can tell you all about it over dinner. I mean, the parts that I didn’t share for all the world on social media. I’d invite you Chauncey but I’m sure you have plans. Your social calendar was always kind of a mess.” Maddie offered, trying to extend an olive branch, or maybe just a twig for now.

Belle loved her niece’s ferocity but she also knew when she was pushing the envelope. Right now she was testing Chauncey and she prayed her big brother didn’t fail. Shipping Maddie away wasn’t the best idea in hindsight but like in this very moment Maddie wasn’t playing smart either. She was being emotional, something her father had warned them all against. This push and pull Maddie was playing was dangerous and she would be on lock down before they had a Paris Hilton situation on their hands. “Little? Dear niece, I do nothing little. This brand might be small but all the hottest are wearing her. All we have to do is a photoshoot and yes I’d love to creatively help AF Monthly and style you. I mean I am the most fashionable out of all the Devonshire girls. Look Max dresses sexy, Bliss is prim and I bring the edge now this could be fun. Maddie’s return to high society plus your eighteenth birthday is coming up honey. We have to plan accordingly love.” As she leaned down and picked up a bottle of water she stared at Chauncey wondering what he was thinking right now. It was make or break. 

“Nonsense Maddie. There is no way you’re getting out of staying with your grandmother and father your first night back.” Nudging her in the seat to tone it down and get off her high horse. Chauncey and Selina could be thorns in all the adventures she could be on if Maddie didn’t calm herself. “You know I didn’t know father long. In fact out of all of you I knew him the least. I do know he told me one thing that stuck. That family is all we have. That we are all we have. Correct me if I’m wrong, didn’t my father show blatant sexism with Max? Knowing she was just as good as Chauncey and Jackson? Speaking of Chauncey and your beloved uncle Jackson pitting them against each other thus causing years of strife? Did he not show Rory the utmost respect when he saved the company with RePlay? Oh wait, no he didn’t. Or how he hid Bliss and never investigated anything about me. Not to mention the long affairs on Jackie or I wouldn’t be here love. Lowell was many things niecey pooh. He however wasn’t the saint you’re creating in your world because you’re mad. Now I’m not saying you don’t have a right to be upset with your father. In fact I’m pissed he sent my best friend away. But to cancel your return party would prove that you are the brat everyone believes you are dear. So what you are going to do is, attend that party invite Wyatt, Dylan and whomever else you want. Then you are going to be effervescent and alluring Devonshire as Lowell trained you to be my dear. As he trained us all to be. So we will be at the party and I’ll even bring my new boyfriend. Your uncle Jamal. Claws down Maddie, and let’s have fun your back and we have so much shopping to do.” 

Chauncey took a glass of water though honestly maybe he needed a stiffer drink to deal with his temperamental teenage daughter, it wasn’t like he sent her away. She had made the announcement that she was going and didn’t fight it nor did Selina. He did his best to not react to her outburst about Mason, who had just gone through something traumatic and unsettling. He looked at her and waved his hand. She thought that she was in control of this little meeting? He then glanced over at Belle and smiled at her, little sister had clearly learned from his father. “I mean he did just lose the love of his life, things get a little jumbled, the days cloud together. I would know it’s not like getting a hang nail or having something to call the staff about. When you’re older you will know that, I only hope you don’t have to experience it.” Chauncey said not mincing the words with her, he’d lived it with when her mother had died, it left you hollow and alone. You spent the days wondering why and questioning everything, you didn’t want visitors or at least he didn’t but Selina, who had brought him out of everything, his parents too. “I do think Belle is right, cancelling your dinner proves to people that you’re simply not ready to be an adult and your grandmother would be very disappointed. As for you staying at the resort with Wyatt I think not but nice try.” He said taking a sip of the water while he looked at her shocked face.

Belle had laid out what he always knew was the real version of his father, sure people liked to think they knew Lowell, some liked to pretend to know him. But he knew him exactly as Belle had described ruthless, he knew his father favored him over the others. He also knew that he never once thanked Rory; it wasn’t in his nature too prideful. As for Jackson it still burned him that he got to be CEO though he had agreed to let it simmer, even in death his father knew it would still come between them. Max was the apple of his fathers eye but always placed her down the ladder at work. It was sexist. As for Bliss and Belle he supposed given the circumstances they got the good version of him. “You seem to have all figured out who your grandfather was. I’m so glad Belle got to correct you on it. As for your visit I’m sorry that I misjudged everything either that is good enough or it isnt but ill remind you, you left and your mother and I allowed it. We thought it would be beneficial.” He said she wanted to be grown and he’d treat her like she was which judging by the look on her face was a bit of a shock. He leaned back in the limo and she was right about one thing: he knew how to fix things by throwing money at them and in this case he was going to embarrass Natasha in court; she’d be served later today. “You are right though I am going to throw money at Natasha and she’ll pay and if that won’t work well I’ll do something your grandfather would be proud of blackmailing, you see he was all about that when it suited DGI and in this case. Let’s just say judges have secrets that I’m happy to use to my advantage.”

Maddie looked between her father and aunt, she was backed into a corner and they were tag teaming her? She smoothed out her hair and tried to act nonchalant. She glanced at Belle and knew she needed to manage Chauncey better but he was rude. Surely she could see that? Clearly she was going to be forced into this dinner but she didn’t have to give them the upper hand. “Actually, I think I would like to keep the dinner plans after all. Everyone has been looking forward to seeing me and we should all be together given the tragedies that have occurred. I’ll work on a speech about my grandfather. I think we could all benefit from feeling his spirit right now.” She said feeling smug. They thought they were so clever trash talking a man who wasn’t here to defend himself. Talking to her like she was clueless about everything that happened around her. She was closer to Lowell Devonshire than any of them. “Now I can see why he promoted Jackson and why he left you in England with the way you two talk about him. My grandfather may have been all those things but he was always present in my life. Always standing in my corner and you’re not going to tarnish his image over a few misguided choices. I think I do know a little something about losing someone important, Chauncey so hold the lecture, please. Was it difficult for you? You never even talk about Logan. I grew up without my mother. I listened to the same recycled stories from Grammy and Grandpa because it was too hard for you to remember her. I had to stay with relative strangers to get to know her. Talk about calling the staff to handle your ‘problem’, you would know all about that. Stuck with a baby? Call the servants. Call your mommy. In fact, you still do it. I hope your security team will be at the dinner, a girl needs her father figures in trying times.” She rolled her eyes and looked out the window to avoid looking at Chauncey. She took a breath and composed herself. She was too close to trauma dumping on him. As much as she’d enjoyed her trip, she was also burnt out. She’d missed out on so much over the years. Not knowing enough about Logan, not getting to know her mother’s family then getting it all in the span of a few months was overwhelming. Selina would understand but her plate was full and Greer would’ve understood but she never saw her anymore probably also thanks to Chauncey. “And if you even think about telling my Grammy or my mom what I said about Mason I’ll never talk to you again. As for Natasha, I’ll believe it when I see her get her comeuppance with my own eyes and then I’ll decide if I forgive you.”

Belle rolled her eyes knowing tonight Maddie would be continuing her insufferable kick. It was hard because she understood. She was seventeen and shipped away as if she was the problem when she had a psycho stepmother from hell. Not to mention her father and she never were that close. From what she gathered Maddie was like Lowell and Jackie’s bonus baby. He dropped her in their arms and kept moving, being a father only in name so to speak. Not to mention Selina not fighting for her meant she was furious. However, how cruel she was being about Mason, and how stubborn she was in general. Made it hard to root for her. Something had changed in California she wasn’t sure what but Maddie had an ace up her sleeve to be playing this bold and rash. “Welcome home Maddie I do believe that this is going to be an eventual senior year for you.”

**********

Selina had Jill Scott lightly playing in the background as she cooked breakfast for Elliott and Zeke. She hummed along as she made homemade cinnamon swirl pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, bacon, sausage, eggs, cheese grits, fresh fruit, and acai bowls for Maddie. Turning to see Elliot walking up in his suit for his first day at the new job. She smirked as she began to dance with him. It was a tradition. Every morning he spun her around and danced with her. It was their thing and it made her feel special. Today they’d be blending this new family. Ever since Elliot chose to relocate permanently to Atlas Falls she’d been scared of today. Yesterday she met Zeke who seemed to really like her. Which was a blessing because she’d heard stories about step-children. Not to mention her very own history with Ophelia. She knew how kids could be but Zeke wasn’t worried about his parents reuniting; he was more upset he had to move. Being a star basketball player and leaving Chicago for Atlas Falls was quite the change. Not to mention going to a private school from a public one. It was quite the jump. Last night showed her that Zeke was competitive because he won in UNO and showed none of them any mercy. Taking her man’s face she kissed him passionately. 

“Zeke will be down any minute you better stop.” Turning her attention back to the stove. She turned to flip the pancakes and stirred the grits. Quickly figuring she had to make a cream cheese icing and get the bacon out of the oven. “I know he left his basketball shoes at his house and tryouts are today. Should we just get him a pair delivered or should we call Monique? I don’t want her thinking, I can’t handle this.” She said smiling wondering who was at the front gate. “Oh good someone is here and I’m hoping it’s Chauncey and Maddie.” Since her father died she had taken up cooking more for the family. It was a tradition in the black community and their family so she wasn’t letting it go. Her eyes widen to see Monique on her camera. “Oh did you call Monique? She’s here with the shoes.” 

Zeke walked in and sat at the kitchen table. “Nah I called my moms so boom I got my lucky shoes. It smells good in here and I’m starving. Wassam pops and morning Selina.” To be fair he missed his father but leaving the Chi was crazy. Especially for this city which wasn’t his vibe at all. Where are the girls at? Where were the parties? Where was anything that was happening in Atlas Falls? He was sure it was something to get into but he wasn’t sure that his dad would allow it. Trouble followed but so did success. He was the top point guard at his high school and was exceptional in school. He just found all this shit boring. Basketball and girls were important, when he got to the NBA what would algebra teach him? His dad hated when he thought like that but it was the truth. He wasn’t going to be a lawyer. He was destined for greatness. 

“I hope it’s not a problem. I called my OG and she just told me if I needed anything to let her know. Those shoes got me to nationals.” He looked at his father and Selina. 

“No problem at all.” Selina said as she looked at her apron immediately taking it off. The women hadn’t met face to face. Only over the phone and FaceTime. Walking to the door she opened it and saw Monique standing there. She was stunning and had her son’s slanted eyes that made them look exotic. “Welcome to our house how you doing sis.” Selina said, looking at the beauty before her. She could see how Elliot and she got together at one point because they both were striking. 

“Selina, it’s nice to finally see you in person.” Monique smiled warmly, taking in the woman before her. She was even more magnetic in person and she exuded a calm, quiet strength that made Monique feel at ease. Her relationship with Elliott had changed to a co-parenting one long ago and they’d managed to cultivate a friendship after the divorce. She trusted her ex to not bring someone into Zeke’s life that would cause him any harm but she was secretly grateful for the chance to see with her own two eyes. “Especially now that you’ll be spending a lot more time around my son. I know he’s almost an adult but I’m always going to be his mom and I like to know he’s in good hands. The move hasn’t been easy on him and I know he doesn’t see the point in going to private school,” she sighed and shook her head at her son’s shortsightedness. “So I guess he told you about the shoes. I hope this is ok? If the shoes make him feel less stressed about the tryouts and help him adjust, I couldn’t say no. His wellbeing is my priority.”

Elliot had been happy to kiss Selina as she made breakfast that morning so that they could all bond and get into a routine. Zeke moving here along with his ex-wife he hoped made custody easier for all of them, he had been surprised that Monique had said yes but the position to open her own practice had been hard to turn down. He of course was grateful that it all worked out in the end so that they could be a unit. Surprisingly Selina seemed quite chill about everything, not all women were like that and he was very grateful for that. He supposed that came from her own time with Maddie first and her relationship with Chauncey and her marriage to Braden when she was a mother figure to his son too. He cast a glance over at Zeke, the boy needed to be just as worried about his grades and applying to college than he was about girls. He was young once too and wanted to chase that but he was also older and wiser than his son.

“Monique.” Elliot said embracing her in a hug quickly while he looked at the shoes, lucky shoes for tryouts and he smiled at it. Zeke was a damn good player, the best on his team in Chicago and no doubt it would be hard for him to leave and start over in Atlas Falls. But Atlas Falls Preparatory had a lot of things going for it academically and athletics too for him that was a win win, not that public school was bad he and Monique had always sent him there but he hoped things would be easier for his son in ways that it wasn’t for him. “Thanks for bringing the shoes because you know how crazy he is about those shoes. I want his first experience at the school to be a good one, you know? Selina is more than capable. We’re hoping introducing Zeke to Maddie will help with that too.” He finished seeing Monique step into the house and looking around. “Ya’ll get settled alright into that condo? I’m always a phone call away and while it’s not like the Chi the public transit is pretty good here.”

Monique returned the hug with her ex-husband and reached out to touch Selina’s arm warmly feeling like they were off to a good start. The blending of families was awkward in the beginning but it didn’t have to be painful. “The condo is great. I like the location, it’s so close to my office, it’s peaceful and it’s good for Zeke. I’m sure Selina is perfectly capable, Elliott. Don’t go making her think I’m questioning her ability to support Zeke. I’m just a mom and so is she, so I think she gets it.” She gave Selina a conspiratorial wink. Moms were gonna mom even when they knew everything was fine and their kids were in the best of hands. “Maddie’s your daughter then? I’m glad he has someone his age who can show him around, help him get acclimated, point him towards all the cool hang out spots, right? I just want him to find his place in all of this. 

“My adopted daughter is the same age as Zeke and us moms have to stick together. Especially at their age. They are tricky.” She said honestly looking back at Zeke with a smile. “Do you want a cup of coffee? Maddie and Chauncey should be arriving at any moment. I think she’ll help him adjust and I believe that we can get some scouts to see him right here in Atlas Falls. Khalil Watkins was found here and Connor Hessington was a star player also at AFU. So if Zeke is good as you both say, well I’m sure we are going to have a hell of a senior year for him and Maddie.” Hearing the housephone ring and she picked up the phone. “They are here.” 

“Thanks for the offer but I just realized what time it is and I don’t want to be late for my first clients at the hospital so I have to run. Zeke, behave,” Monique said putting the shoes in his hands. “Give this school a real chance. It’s a good one. We wouldn’t have uprooted you if we didn’t believe the benefit outweighed the cost. Selina, I’m sorry I couldn’t stay but let’s get together soon. I feel like we have tons to talk about. Elliott, it’s good to see you happy.” She gave her ex-husband a grin and a playful punch on the arm. Opening the door to leave she nearly ran into three people who weren’t moving so she stepped aside to let them in. She was about to introduce herself but they brushed past her and so she smiled on her way out and closed the door behind her. 

Madeline rushed into the room and as soon as she saw Selina she excitedly squealed “Mommy!” and rushed to her, throwing her arms around Selina’s waist and hugging her tightly. “I missed you so much. I can’t wait to tell you about my trip. Wait, is that an açaí bowl I see? The ride over was awful, Chauncey said horrible things about Grandpa and I’m sick of him. I just want to relax and enjoy breakfast with you. You always know exactly what I need.” She looked at Elliot and gave him her paparazzi smile but turned away before he could say hello. 

Selina eyed Maddie’s and held her so tight she wondered if she could breathe. Taking her daughter in she held her breath. As the tears began to fall. She’d gotten taller, her hair was blonder, and her snark was quippier. She had grown in those few months and she wondered what had happened on break. Touching her hair she turned and looked at Zeke. “So that was a lot to take in. First your dad texted me and told me what happened. Parents work together you know and young lady you were talking about ending your grandmother and my party plans for you? Oh no no no Maddie.” She smirked at her and did a shimmy to pull her into the kitchen. “Maddie this is Zeke, Zeke this is Maddie my daughter.”

Zeke looked up as he zipped up his bookbag with his sneakers inside. As for moving he rolled his eyes. He was an All American and star point guard in the Chi and now he’d have to prove himself even more. This was supposed to be his glory year and he was supposed to be scouted. He wasn’t going to bitch or whine about it is now what it is. “Yeah that acai bowel was fiyah. What’s good sis?” He said with a level of sarcasm and coolness. Walking up he immediately pulled Maddie into a hug. “Okay so boom you gotta tell me about everything in Atlas Falls Prep cool?” 

Belle looked at Jamal who was grinning ear from ear. “Oh this is going to be a fun senior year.” She snickered looking at him.

Elliot nodded to Monique as she made her exit for the hospital; he didn’t exactly think she’d stay and break bread. But the introduction had gone smoothly and for him that was a sign of good things to come for he and Selina and the life they were building. He smiled at Maddie when she came in and nodded at Chauncey who he swore was about to burst a blood vessel. He smiled at Zeke when he seemed to be more excited about going to school and focused on all the good things. He kissed Selina’s forehead seeing their kids getting along while he turned back to his cup of coffee and the morning news.

“Sorry we are late.” Chauncey said looking at Selina while he stepped inside his eyes lingering on the woman exiting a little too long, it wasn’t like he was in love with his soon to be ex-wife Natasha. He glanced over at Maddie glad that Selina had said something to her about what she had done in the car and nodded his head to Elliot. Looking at his watch he knew he couldn’t stay and Selina was more than capable of getting Maddie off to school and that Belle could find her own ride back to wherever it was she was going to go today. “Listen, I have to get to DGI but we’ll talk later.” He said looking at Selina and then at Maddie. “Elliot, Jamal, Belle.” He finished exiting the front door on his way to the car, typing on his phone his contact he wanted answers.

Jamal watched the chaos he had wanted to introduce himself to someone like Zeke who he thought would need a bit of guidance as a young black man at a private school like Zeke now was. He moved to the side as Monique left and then Chauncey. He had hugged Maddie before standing next to Belle folding his arms as he looked at his girlfriend. “You said not me buckle up for fun.” He teased seeing her laugh a bit as the rest of everyone got ready for their day.

*********

Mason stared up at the ceiling fan glancing over at the clock on the bedside table. It’d been two weeks since the funeral and yet it still felt like it was yesterday, the little progress that he had made though was haunting. Boxes lined the inside of the shared master bedroom closet he’d begun putting away all the clothing that his husband once wore and eventually decided he couldn’t finish based on the half drunk bottle of vodka he spotted. He didn’t want to get up, he didn’t want to move from where he was, he just wanted to stay there with all the memories he had of he and Zach in the bed, he knew that it wasn’t healthy but what else was he supposed to do? He ran his hands over his face before reaching for his phone, opening it and scrolling his calendar for the day, looking at a few emails that Julian had sent to keep him up to date. His cases had been distributed to others at the firm for his leave, which for him meant when he was ready to come back. Julian had assured him that he had a place at the firm, but he also told him to take all the time he needed. He saw the memo for DGI and sat up in the bed scrolling over it.

He hadn’t put a blinder on to everything around him and he knew the DGI case was a top priority but he wasn’t sure that he could be there, even though he felt like it was partly his mother’s fault that Tess was making her big move. The blackmail that they had on Jackson or in this case given what he knew from the hospital, Natasha had no grounds to pull out it would mean that he or Julian would have to drag Dru on the stand and have her confess. His stomach twisted a bit. Was he ready to do that and go back to the courtroom so soon wouldn’t that be like abandoning Zach all over again? He knew that after he exposed Dru though no one else could or should handle the DGI case that was pending, he needed to do that Zach would want him too. There was the other complication in that doing so he would be going up against his own mother, who had shown back up in his life. Maybe it was all too much and he closed his eyes hearing someone knocking on the door, he ignored it hoping they got the hint and went away.

Gloria knocked on the door again and after two minutes she pulled out the gold key she’d gotten from the superintendent. Adjusting the grocery bags in her arms. The night after he came home from the hospital Selina and she found him drunk. A bottle of vodka and sad music knocked out with him on the floor. After that she bullied the superintendent to give her a key. She opened the door and walked in recoiling at the appearance of her son’s home. Cleanliness was next to Godliness but he was depressed. Your home condition was a reflection of your mental state. Placing her purse down she stared at the house and immediately began to pick up suit jackets and clothes. “Mason.” Calling out to her son. “Mason I’m here honey and I’m going to make you some gumbo. Your father’s recipe as well.” She smiled thinking about Tony teaching her how to make it. As she placed the kitchen down she opened the refrigerators placing the groceries inside. Walking up stairs she saw him sitting on the edge of the bed staring out.

“Baby.” She said walking in spotting the alcohol bottle on the side of his room. Half packed boxes inside of the room she walked in. “Boy get up it’s a beautiful day.” Moving to the window she opened the window. “You wouldn’t really know that though because you’re intent on sitting in this condo. Mason, I know that Zach’s death wasn’t expected. I fully wanted to drive that boy crazy. I know Zach would have held me to fire for you. To do right by you and I know you don’t have a lot of energy left for shit but drinking and missing important things isn’t the way. So get up boy. Get up baby because if you haven’t heard your white niece has returned and we’ve been summoned by the great Jackie Devonshire for her return party. Maddie is interesting, she got our sass but she is a Devonshire. You know that girl emailed me?” Gloria snorted, laughing. “It’s funny how all our families blended.” Taking the blanket off the bed she began to fold it.

Jackie had called the chef into the dining room that morning to finalize the menu for her granddaughter’s return; she had decided against going to the airport. Chuancey needed to step up and actually be a parent and honestly she felt the need to check in on Mason, she was worried about him. She wanted him to take time off to heal everyone needed to do that. She still wasn’t okay from losing Lowell but when he collapsed at the funeral a few weeks ago that had been a lot. Of course they had other attorneys at DGI to handle the business side of things, Julian had been a life saver in helping file the injunction against Tess but she also knew Mason, knew that him exposing Dru meant it was his fight. The chef assured her that everything was in order and she finished up for the day, dressed in a silk suit and then told her driver to take her to Mason’s home. Some people needed to check in at the front desk. In her case DGI owned the property and she knew where Mason and Zach’s luxury condo was and she took the elevator up. Seeing the door ajar she stepped in seeing things thrown around and her heart broke for him it was a complete mess and she knew that Tony had raised him better. She saw the empty bottles and heard a voice that years later still grated on her nerves coming from the bedroom, Gloria.

She had tried her best at the funeral to keep out of Gloria’s way but she had to admit watching Mason lean on anyone but Gloria was satisfying. She had watched him leaning on Ophelia and hoped that Gloria was miserable when it happened, she was the one that had abandoned her children for Jeremiah Beecher. When she saw Gloria inside the room with Mason she held her head high Mason could decide who he wanted to help him but he did need to move from the bed for the day, at least in order to try normalcy. “Gloria I’m surprised you are even here given what happened that night, but regardless. Mason, we are all worried about you and as much as I hate agreeing with anything this woman has to say she is right, you cannot continue to live like this.” Jackie said seeing her foot touching the discarded laundry on the floor she took out her phone sending a text clearly Mason needed a housekeeper. “I have arranged for a house keeper to come by and at least wash your clean clothes. They will be mindful of course of everything else.”

Mason heard her calling his name and closed his eyes, pretty sure he was nursing a mild hangover as the sound was sending his temples into pain. He couldn’t avoid her forever and honestly he didn’t have to when his mother stormed in and started to pick up his room, going as far as to opening up the window. “I don’t want gumbo Gloria. I just want Zach back and I know that is not happening.” Mason said seeing the pain on her face when he called her Gloria, to him she wasn’t his mother yet no matter how much she wanted to pretend she was. He knew she was right though sitting inside the room all day wasn’t going to help anyone. He was still grieving and honestly he thought about reaching out to a therapist or counselor again for his anxiety and to cope with everything. “I can see Maddie sending a formal email given how you waltzed back into town. What are you even doing here?” Mason asked not out of anger but he was curious and he didn’t know if he had it in him to fight with her too.

He ran a hand over his face before rising from the bed and looking at the sunshine filtering into the bedroom as he looked at the woman that had abandoned him when he was little, he barely had any memories of her. He had to slightly smile at her Zach comment, Zach would have handled her or at least tried to. “I think you would have warmed up to Zach.” Mason said looking at her and then he watched as Jackie sashayed into the room, she had always had a way about her. He cast a look at them both to try and get along the best they could; he didn’t want them bickering again. “I don’t know if I can come in today or not Jackie, it’s too soon maybe?” He said his voice was a little shaky as he looked at her and he froze a bit at the mention of a housekeeper coming in to take care of the mess. He looked around the condo. It had seen better days but he wasn’t sure he wanted some stranger coming in and ruffling through the house, let alone Zach’s things. “I know it’s a mess Jackie, but I’m not sure I want someone coming in and taking…” Mason said, his voice trailing off not sure what to say to either of them.

Gloria looked at Jackie when she sauntered into her son’s home and felt a tinge of resentment. She had implanted herself as a mother figure right along with Ophelia. She practically wanted to scream seeing how she already was starting. Biting her tongue she flipped her long braids and stared at Jackie with an icy glare. “No matter what is happening in my business, my son is a priority. I didn’t come back to Atlas Falls for nothing.” She said playing nice as she walked to her son looking at him. “So today you will go into the office baby, you’re going to go and face the world.” She commanded as she moved swiftly to her eldest son. “I got so much I want to share with you when you’re ready but until then Mason you gotta get up.” As she walked to her son and grabbed his face. “Your father was iron steel and he wouldn’t allow this now I don’t invoke Anthony Delacroix’s name lightly.” One thing Gloria knew was Zach would have been trying to figure out her ultimate move against the Devonshire’s and if it would hurt him. Which it wouldn’t if she wanted to give her children their own legacies beyond being the Devonshire’s flunkies. 

“Now we can agree on something that tells you enough. It’s time Mason to stand up and figure out what’s next. But while you’re doing that go to work and fill your life back up with something other than grief.” Gloria turned to Jackie. Stepping back she wanted him to come to her. She wanted him to be her son. Be comforted by her. “Baby what are you going to do?”

Jackie let mother and son be for the moment texting the housekeeper with explicit instructions that none of Zach’s things were to be touched, not that she distrusted who was coming. It was her personal housekeeper who knew Mason and would take great care and pride in helping him. As much as she knew that this was hard for him to do, he did need to go into DGI. Not going would only lead to more heartache and him sitting here in the condo he had shared with his husband in the dark. She doubted very much that Zach would want him to go on and live, maybe not move on right away but he wouldn’t want him to give up. She let Mason and Gloria have a moment while she scrolled her phone and responded to a few texts, as much as she despised Gloria for everything she had done she also knew perhaps she was the one to help Mason. 

Mason knew that arguing with Jackie or Gloria was pointless at this rate, he wanted to go to work he just didn’t know how. He despised how she used his fathers name while he looked at Gloria partly because she was right, the other because he felt she had no right too. She had let him and Selina believe she was dead for years, and part of him wondered if his father knew the truth or not and that was why he had taken his own life. He simply walked to the bathroom he had shared with Zach, closing the door quietly behind him and he was pretty sure the click was something both Gloria and Jackie heard. He turned the water on as loud as it would go hoping the noise would silence the tears that fell down his face while he showered, which if Zach had been there would have told him he smelled like ass. He tried to wash away all the pain he was feeling, hoping to wear the mask enough to get through the day at DGI and placate the two women on the other side of the door.

********

Gina Alverez looked out the precinct seeing Zach’s picture on the wall and the people that stopped and paying their respects, it would take time for them to heal. Honestly they were still going after Ronan but they also had something else that was brewing thanks to Ronan and Gia Falcone, it meant that they brought more threats to Atlas Falls. She had been in the job for only a month; the other captain had resigned after Zach’s death; it was too much for him to handle. She had accepted the position she had spent over twenty years on the force working her way up and now she had to get everyone to focus back in on the threats that Atlas Falls was facing. As much as this unit and department was grieving they still had a job to do and she opened the door to her office looking at the room.

“Harrison, Thompson, Nolan and Rhodes both of you get in here.” She said leaving the door open for them. She waited for them to filter in before she shut the door behind them before walking around her desk to take a seat taking out the files she had and ready to present. “I know the last few weeks have been hard and devastating and I am glad to have you all back at the department. But I have some announcements that I would like to share. First, Elliot Duvall has been selected as our interim district attorney until an election can be held to replace Braden Fraiser. I expect you all to work with him and cooperate with what he needs to do for all the cases that are pending. Second we have a new recruit coming in Jace Washington will be arriving tomorrow and is slated to join this task force. After a lot of deliberation I am going to assign Jon to run point on it with Devin as second.” She said looking at them all and then going to the board in the room turning it to show all the players in Atlas Falls. “Ronan Madden, Gia Falcone, Hector Castillo’s infection on this town has been ignored or faltered too much. You’ll notice the two new faces on the board, Sebastian Navarro and his mother Regina Navarro, we are going to bring this feud to a halt before we lose any more good people to their destruction, any questions?” She finished.

Jon had long wanted to dismantle the faction that Michael Madden had created and Ronan Madden had perfected. It was alarming to know that Sebastian Navarro and Regina Navarro were in some sort of rivalry or feud. Last time Ronan had a feud Thor nearly ended up dead, Kendrick had a reign of terror and everyone was left to pick up the pieces. He listened to the new captain Gina Alvarez. Devin and he learned so much from her coming up and he was honored to be working underneath her. Hearing he was the main cop on taking them down he looked at Alvarez. “What do we know about the Navarro family? I mean could they do any real damage against Ronan? That’s Max Devonshire fiance and he owns vineyards right? So you’re telling me he’s going to go up against Ronan Madden? I mean that’s a stretch by any measure.”

KC folded his arms as he looked at Miranda. “From what I’ve been told Regina Navarro and for some time in Europe and Sebastian Navarro were part of the mafia. They were based in Spain but their reach was all over. Including London, Paris, Italy and of course Barcelona where their family is currently located. It’s believed that they worked with the cartel to smuggle over fifty percent of cocaine into the United States. Not only that but they have connections to every big player in America.” KC stood up and opened a box as he began to place pictures on the board. He had closed this chapter of his life and the FBI but here he was opening a box he swore he’d never open again. Talking about things he swore was over. “This is Kelly O’Connor, Vladimir Stavridis, and Archibald Rutherford. Each one of them have been seen visiting the Barcelona compound that the Navarro family owns. They are a powerhouse in the drug game and they also push major pharmaceutical weight. Their money is tied to big pharma. I have more but this isn’t good. You know I was undercover for years and find and locating the heads of the cartel was my job. The Navarro’s aren’t to be played with and I believe that Max losing her baby is going to ignite a war.” He paused looking at the weight of his words hitting Jon, Devin, Rebecca and Miranda. Especially Miranda because if she is compromised then they weren’t just in danger but Quinn too. 

“Wait you mean to tell me we’ve had another mob family just sitting in the wings in Atlas Falls? Why didn’t you say anything?” Jon said, looking at KC furious. 

“Because Sebastian was legit but I know Regina Navarro and she won’t take this lying down. She won’t take losing her grandchild in stride. If they can prove Ronan or Gia was behind the explosion well I’ll say this. The streets of Atlas Falls won’t be safe, in fact nothing will be safe.” KC spoke firmly wondering if it would quell Jon’s insatiable thirst to know every damn thing. Sometimes it was good not to be involved or even know and Jon now knowing the Navarro’s shadier connections and history meant he would be after them now. He was like a ravenous dog with a bone on the hunt for justice. “Look we can argue over somati-9cs or we can figure out how to stop this now? Devin? Miranda? Rebecca, don’t sit there silent, we need all the voices we can get.”

“KC right in this case and I think everyone here knows it, maybe the FBI didn’t think it was that imperative to share it with us till now. It wasn’t like any of us thought Sebastian was still in the game still, but I mean if my child had just been killed due to that I don’t know how I’d react.” Devin said looking at them he didn’t know Sebastian all that well but now that KC had mentioned what the FBI knew things were coming together for him about. Now it made sense that Gia had kidnapped him and the clear coverup story that he had concocted to not draw attention to his past. “As for the Devonshire’s Max chose what she was getting herself into and I feel for her but I’m not going to back down from taking Sebastian off the streets, none of us should for Zach. Tell me where to go Captain and Jon and I are there.” He finished folding his hands.

Rebecca looked at them all and simply nodded her head. She didn’t know a ton about all the players in the room, she hadn’t known Zach that well. But she was an officer and that was what she had signed up to do to serve and protect. “I agree with Devin all hands on deck. Tell us where we need to be, we go from there. I may not be from Atlas Falls but it’s my home now and we have to get people like Ronan, Gia and now Sebastian off the street to make it safe again.”

Miranda knew that KC’s past with Ronan and that entire case where he was undercover their first year of marriage was hard on him, he still didn’t talk about everything. She also got that Jon was wanting answers they all were. “You know how it is Jon, unless the FBI wants us to know they don’t tell us. Up till the explosion to my understanding based on what KC has said Sebsatian wasn’t involved, just his mother. Who knows how that will go now, think about it, his child just died if I was him.” Her voice trailed off not wanting to think about it, there was nothing she wouldn’t have done in Sebastian’s shoes if that meant going after the people she thought may have killed Quinn, well she’d do it. “I think it’s better to be safe with more people out there than sorry.”

Gina nodded her head at them all so it was in agreement they were going to do everything in their power to make sure that this didn’t explode further and cause more chaos while bringing justice for Zach. To her that was a win win. “Okay then it is settled. Jon and Devin work with KC to get what the FBI is willing to share with us about Sebastian and his mother along with the other players. I know that can be sensitive. I would say possibly surveillance if we need to and leg work have Rebecca help you with it. We need to find out who planted that bomb and if the FBI wants assistance then Agent Rhodes”needs to help us with that. Dismissed.” She nodded to them all and then looked at KC and Miranda. “Miranda I would like you and KC to stay please.”

Miranda watched as Rebecca nodded her head and walked out of the room and then Devin squeezed her shoulder on the way out. Jon still looked riled up but she’d invite him over later and he and KC could talk off record and she gave him a hug on the way out the door shutting it behind her. “Okay what’s up?” She asked not sure what GIna was going to say.

Gina hated to lose someone like Miranda. She was part of her team and a good officer but the reality was it was a safety issue. This would never be the pleasant part of the job but it had come from the mayor and in coordination with the FBI. “You were made both of you when Ronan was arrested by KC and you barged into his hospital room. Miranda you already said you thought you were made at the casino, I think your hunch was right therefore you have both been pulled off the local case. This is coming from the mayor himself, me and your supervisor at the FBI KC. It’s too risky and I think we have all learned that since Zach’s death especially with your young daughter at home. I know this has to be crushing for you both. There is more, internationally however the FBI reached out to me to see if you would be interested in going with KC overseas to assist him with tailing the Navarro family. KC will be getting more information when he reports back to his supervisors after this meeting.”

Gina paused for a moment to let it sink in with them both seeing Miranda still thinking and processing she turned her attention to KC. “I know this is a lot but everyone involved knew how important this case was too you both. Miranda is more than qualified to assist on this with you. Well Agent Rhodes?”

KC’s face scrunched up but a piece of him knew that this was coming. He knew that this would be here sooner or later. They’d be made. Both of them and now Quinn, David, her parents, and his parents were all in danger. Not to mention she was Jon’s sister which meant Ronan had a bullseye on Miranda’s head. He sat silent for a moment knowing what this meant. His little girl on the run with them. What type of life would that be for a kid like Quinn? She was brilliant and completely bright. “What about our daughter? If we go international we can’t trek a kid around. She’s into dinosaurs right now. We’re watching the Jurassic Park movies and I just introduced her to Samuel L Jackson. We haven’t even gotten to Pulp Fiction.” Miranda would be pissed but Quinn and he watched all types of movies. She was mature for her age. He mumbled to himself knowing what this meant. “When do we have to be gone? We have to protect her Miranda. She’s more important than anything.” KC stood up looking at his wife. 

“We take them down internationally and we get to come home Miranda. But right now we can’t be here because all of our family is in danger. That’s what you’re saying right now. You’re telling me that if we stay the mayor, my supervisors, and you think my family is dead. So we have to make a choice between keeping our daughter alive or staying in the only place we call home.” He questioned Gina as he looked at Miranda wondering how she was feeling. Walking behind her he placed his hands on her shoulders. “This is all my fault. I should have never come back.”

Miranda was still reeling when KC went into the details and Gina stood by acknowledging that she was done with Ronan here at home, it was crushing for her. She needed to see him pay for everything he had done to her family from almost killing KC, to bringing death to Zach but she also knew that bringing Quinn with them would be a mistake too, she couldn’t do both and Quinn was everything. Her mind was still reeling at it all when KC said that he was sorry he had come back and she turned to look at her husband, making sure she had his eyes on hers when she placed her hands gently on his face. “Don’t say that ever, alright?” Miranda said looking at him resting her forehead on his while she saw Gina walk out to the bullpen to give them a moment, there wasn’t any good fighting with her about what was done.

She paced in the office not sure what they were going to do. Honestly she wanted Ronan off the streets and frankly she didn’t care about Sebastian Navarro or his romance with Max, she had no loyalty to the Devonshire’s. She wanted Quinn to grow up in an Atlas Falls that was safe, that wasn’t plagued by the mob or the ugly ties that came with it. She wanted any other children that she and KC did have if they decided to have the same was that so bad? She knew it wasn’t and she looked out the blinds and to the portrait of Zach on the wall outside.

“We’ll figure it out. We both know that Ronan has to be off the streets one way or another and we can work together to figure out what that looks like for us and Quinn. We have to for her future for everyone’s future.” Miranda finished walking back to him and hugging him feeling his arms around her, together they would figure it out.

KC kissed Miranda lips as stroked her cheek. “I hate this.” Tears beginning to boil in his eyes knowing what they had to do. They were going to have to leave their little girl. “I just want to protect Quinn and you. So we will do that. We will protect our girl and get these motherfuckers off the street.” He rubbed Miranda’s wet cheek. “We will protect this city and our daughter. But we gotta be smart about this baby.” 

**********

The penthouse was quiet as Max stood in front of the closed door before her, Sebastian had already left to accompany his mother to New York. Honestly she’d wished that Regina Navarro went back to Spain and fucking stayed there nothing had been good for her since she came to town. Her father passing away at the Summit, Regina’s looks or comments at the Penthouse, to that night on the boat, her life had been chaotic for months. There was nothing left now for her and since losing her son, she and Sebastian were not the same people. She had buried herself away in the penthouse fully focused on DGI and Seb had gone back to work at the vineyard dividing his time. She glanced at the door in front of her, a door that at one point was supposed to be her new beginning as a mother, a life for her and Sebastian with Enrique. That was gone now and all it was now was a painful reminder of what she had lost. Turning the knob she looked at the light blue painted walls. 

Her lip quivered at the sight. Honestly she hadn’t looked at it before now because Sebastian had done it all, her choice of course but DGI needed her. She walked to the crib and picked up the blanket that was inside and before she knew what had come over her she was tearing at the blanket and sheets tossing them on the floor, tears pouring down her face. She was not a monster was she? Was it awful to want to have a career and just be with someone without marriage? Her eyes were blurry with tears as she looked up at the mobile picking it up and smashing it to the floor letting out a scream as she did so. Next she grabbed the curtains, tearing the fabric from the gold rods and tossing them on the floor. She was angry at everyone including Regina, Sebastian, Ronan, Gia, there was an entire list even God himself but she was mainly mad at herself. She picked up the lamp near the rocking chair and tossed it at the mirror across the room seeing the glass shatter and screamed again. She ran her hands through her hair, sleeking it back as she looked at the chaos on the flooring turning around and she came face to face with her sister.

“How long have you been standing there, do you not know how to knock? Shouldn’t you be at DGI on your mothers side I hear she’s going to name you and Belle to new positions.” Max said, folding her arms as she looked at Bliss, jealousy had always run through her but it was amplified now, Bliss would get her magical happy ending with Hunter her ex husband while she and Seb had gotten a small casket put into a crypt. How fair was it that Bliss got everything handed to her with a man that she had loved first that stung. “How did you even get inside? It’s not like I gave you a key. I really don’t need you coming over to check up on me or whatever it is that Sebastian told you to do. I don’t need you hoovering or my mother, or anyone else.” Max said honestly she was so tired of everyone checking in on her, none of it would change anything it’s not like it would bring her son back, he was gone so the best thing for them all to do was move on.

Bliss had spent the morning with Fox after Hunter left for work, trying to get back to some sense of normalcy after the past few weeks. They’d said their goodbyes to Zach and Enrique and Dani was on the mend thankfully. Their family was fractured but they would band together and get through it all as a unit. Including whatever her mother threw their way because the war for DGI was just getting started and her mother was determined to walk away with something to prove her legitimacy and maybe to punish Jackie for the fact that Lowell always loved her the most. Kind of the way Max always tried to make her and Belle feel like they were Lowell’s second tier children. So then why did she find her mind continuing to drift to Max? Max had gone through a horrendous ordeal so it was the natural human response to feel for her but it was more than that. Max was her sister, even if Max would’ve cut them out of the family if she’d had any choice and she couldn’t help but worry about all of them. She wasn’t sure if Max would be at the dinner tonight and her gut was screaming to check in on her especially with Seb being out town so after dropping Fox at school she headed to the penthouse.  

The staff let her in, pointing her down the hallway with a sheepish look and quickly disappeared. Bliss took a deep breath and slowly walked down the hallway towards the nursery hearing the commotion. She was frozen in the doorway when Max finally noticed and directed her angry barrage of questions on her. She couldn’t speak at first, stunned by the disaster, the broken glass crunchy under her feet as she tried to make her way into the room with Max. “Seb didn’t send me. I was thinking about you. I was worried and wanted to stop by. Max please don’t do this. I know you’re in pain but destroying Enrique’s things isn’t going to bring him back.” She reached out to her sister but Max pulled away. “Max, please you aren’t going through this alone. Let us be here for you. We all want to help you, whatever you need. This isn’t something you can do on your own or should have to.” Bliss wrapped her arms around Max, tears forming for her sister and the pain she was going through. 

Max didn’t want her there, she didn’t want anyone there, all she wanted was her son back and since she couldn’t have that it was better for her to move on. She had no idea where Sebastian had gone other than he said he needed to take care of something. Originally she thought he had meant the vineyard land he was looking to purchase. Honestly some space would do them both good, she was tired of pretending with him that everything was going to be okay with them, it had changed. She was angry that their son was gone while Gia Falcone got to have her baby, she was tired of the loo-9ks that Regina had shot her while she was pregnant and she knew that her mother had been deeply upset when Regina took it upon herself to bury Enrique, to be fair she had not been in the right state of mind to do it.  But for Bliss to just show up unannounced infuriated her even more.

She glared at her when she walked through all the broken glass on the floor to come over and hug her like she was some rag doll that deserved her pity, poor Max? She almost wanted to laugh at her sister that she was thinking about her? Was she thinking about her when she and Hunter decided to have a baby or fall in love? Her mind was twirling and honestly she didn’t remember which way was up or down anymore. She recoiled from Bliss’s hug at first and then had no choice when she all but grabbed her and made her hug her, she stood still frozen before she pulled back. “I am alone Bliss can’t you see that? Seb isn’t here and maybe that is for the best, so we can figure everything out. I only wanted a place at DGI and well now look at me I can’t even have that thanks to your mother so what is left? Yet here you are telling me I’m not alone while you get everything handed to you? Hunter who is like a loyal corgi by your side, of course you get a place at DGI while your mother destroys everything my father left to each of us. You get a baby, are you willing to give me your baby so I can know what it feels like?” Max asked harshly as she let out a guttural laugh when she saw the horror on Bliss’s face. “You think I’m kidding don’t you. I’m serious, if you love me so much you could easily give me your baby.”

Bliss felt Max pull away from the embrace, which didn’t surprise her in the least. She hadn’t really expected Max to accept her affection and have a sisterly moment had she? Maybe some part of her hoped for it, she’d always had some fantasy about her and her big sister being besties but the reality was much different and she knew that. The comments about Tess weren’t new and she’d denied it so many times but that never mattered. It wasn’t just Max though, Chauncey seemed to have the same concerns and she supposed if she had been in their shoes she would’ve felt the same. But nothing could’ve prepared her for what Max said next. Give her baby to her? She couldn’t be serious. “Max, that’s a horrible thing to say. A baby isn’t a possession. She’s a part of me and Hunter, not  some doll to hand off to soothe someone’s pain. I know you’re hurting but you can’t say things like that. This is your niece and I want her to know her fierce auntie Max. I see how Maddie looks at you, she’s in awe of you and I want my little girl to cherish you the same way.”

“I don’t want you to worry about my mom. We’re all on the same team here and neither me or Belle support her running DGI. We want to see our father’s last wishes honored as they should be with Jackson at the helm and each of us having our place. I know burying yourself in work seems like the thing to do right now but I promise you it’s not going to help. Even Chauncey agreed with our proposal. So please, don’t try to lump me and Belle in with our mother. We’re Devonshires just like you.” Bliss said, hoping to get through to her sister. This was the last thing she needed to be worried about. None of them were trying to push her out at DGI but she was relentless with her vitriol. She did her best to ignore the jabs about Hunter. Max was trying to bait her. Always with the ‘I had him first’ and she never appreciated him but now was not the time for that fight. “Belle and I have a plan to make things right with DGI. We’ve discussed it with Chauncey, Jackson and Rory. You should be focusing on yourself and Seb right now. Max, what do you mean you haven’t spoken to him? How do you not know where he is? He’s your biggest supporter and more than ever you need each other right now. Don’t push him away, Max. Trust me on this. If you let yourself think about it, you’re going to see that it isn’t what you need.”

What business was it of Bliss’s where Sebastian went in the first place? Not that she owed her half sister an explanation of her love life she simply shrugged her shoulders. She had assumed he went to the vineyard but she wasn’t sure. Hearing Bliss make a list of reasons why she didn’t or wasn’t on Tess’s side was not something she was interested in hearing anymore. Ever since Bliss came and now Belle her mother had been disrespected, she and Hunter had divorced and now Tess had tried to take over DGI. Her own father had lied about raping a woman to spare Tess or maybe it was a pitiful excuse to not let her Uncle Linus go to prison. But for Tess to take DGI and then feign innocence with Bliss and Belle pissed her off. There was no way that woman didn’t know it would cause strife between them all. Losing Enrique though it all felt so pointless and like she now had nothing but the feelings of emptiness, things she never thought she would have or feel. She, after all, always got whatever she wanted.

“It’s true though isn’t it you get your perfect happy ending with Hunter with your son and now another child. Mine is six feet under, Enrique may not be replaceable but you have no idea what I’m going through and to try to pretend like you do is laughable. None of this would have happened if you and Belle didn’t come to town, think about it, who knows me and Hunter might still be married and I’d be having his baby.” Max said she knew it was uncalled for and she was acting out but the reality was she was hurting. The person she really blamed was Ronan and Gia, in part maybe even default Sebastian since Gia was obsessed with him. She picked up the soft pillows that were on the rocking chair and put them in the garbage can. “So as you can see I don’t need you here. I’m completely capable of getting everything out, I have no need for any of it anymore.” Max said walking to her and bumping into Bliss to try and get a reaction when she didn’t get one other than a look of pity she narrowed her eyes at her. “I mean it. Get out or I’ll have the staff throw you out.” 

Bliss had to force herself to take a deep breath. Her sister was suffering through the worst tragedy imaginable but she was trying to drag them all under with her. Lord knows she was trying to be there for her sister but Max just wouldn’t budge. She wouldn’t listen or let anyone help and it was exhausting. How do they get through to her? Did she drive Seb away? Maybe she should give him a call to check on him but he seems to be leaning on his family. “Max, you have to stop this. What happened was a terrible tragedy but saying these mean things isn’t going to help. Throwing these things away? Isn’t going to erase the pain,” she said, taking the pillows out of the trash can and putting them back in the chair. “Leave these things here. You don’t have to deal with any of this now. Close the door and come back when you’re ready. Don’t do something you might regret later like you always do.”

Max let out a maniacal laugh at her sister standing there like she should calm down and she saw the maid appear in the doorway. “Claire, Bliss was just seeing herself out, would you mind walking her?”

She eyes Bliss up and down daring her to defy her before she watched as she left the nursery leaving her once again with everything that was left of Enrique and regrabbing the pillows she tossed them back into the trash can. She had no use for them or the curtains or any of it now, he was gone and Seb was on a trip or at the vineyard. She didn’t even have DGI thanks to Tess and that just seemed to add to her rage and grief, exemplifying it even to a point it felt like she was drowning in it. She had created this entire mess by not wanting or cherishing Enrique and now he was gone she deserved this, but it didn’t mean that she needed to accept it just yet. Nor did it mean that she needed constant reminders that he was no longer here, it was easier for them all to move forward with their lives. She stood there in the silence of the nursery for a moment before she simply sat down in the rocking chair.

She took a breath before she realized that the tears were once again falling down her face and she wasn’t sure when they were going to stop, she had never been this weak was a good word for it. It was almost like she had turned into Bliss or her sister in law and that was not who she was, it was never who she was supposed to be. She wiped at her eyes, as she picked up the various stuffed animals that adored the crib and placed those int he trash can as well. She thought about texting or calling Sebastian but decided against it she needed to face him in person. That would be her closure, she had failed them both and neither of them she felt was ready to face the reality that their entire world had shattered and now there was nothing left.

**********

Lucy Frasier woke up that morning to stare out the window. Nothing had been the same in the last two weeks and she felt as a family it would be like that for a while she still missed Zach every day. She had refused to move back in with her parents after the funeral. She needed space and her grandmother needed someone to at least watch over her, even though they had a nurse. She had also checked in with the parole officer and let him know that she found employment and he cast a side eye at her when she said she was going to nanny. It wasn’t the worst job ever. Her cousin’s twins were cute and she had missed so much time already with them, it paid well and more so than that Dani could trust her. She couldn’t blame her cousin. It wasn’t everyday the not so dead daughter of her uncle and Brenda Kincaid forged a sex tape and drugged her cousin’s husband as revenge. Dani in her mind had a right to be paranoid about anything. She got out of bed, washed her face and put on her jeans and tshirt before going down the stairs, the smell of coffee filtering through the house. She saw her grandmother sitting there with her aunt Lauren and looked at them both then at the food.

“Morning nana, aunt Lauren. Thanks for coming today to help walk me through with the twins.” She said hugging them both before filling her mug with the coffee and sitting down. She filled her plate and sat down before digging into the plate of food looking up at the time it was almost nine and she wondered if this was how her life would be watching the kids late in the day until the afternoon. Was it her dream job hell no. She was much better with numbers, always had been but right now she was not allowed near accounting books of any kind if ever at all. Stupid choices had gotten her in the position she was and she stabbed at her potatoes catching a look from her grandmother. When the knock on the door came she went to it, opening it to see her cousin, Donovan and Jolene in tow on the other side and let her into the house. She hugged Dani who did the same before leading her to the kitchen while the twins began to play with the toys that her cousin had delivered earlier and she watched as Dani checked all the locks and gates.

“Don’t trust me or them? How are you feeling?” Lucy asked, looking at her cousin who promptly and playfully looked back at her. Dani had always been pretty there was no doubt about it but being married to a Devonshire seemed to elevate it to its prime, though from what everyone had told her Dani looked near death a month ago, in fact she had flat lined to be revived by one of Brock’s men. It was still weird Dani had married Jackson but according to Kelsey and even Zach they fit plus technically she owed it to Jackson for her release. “Tell Jackson thanks again okay, I really mean that and I don’t want to screw this up.”

Dani had eaten breakfast with Jackson at the house with the twins, he needed to head into DGI for the first part of the day and she had an appointment with David he would meet her at, before they had their first therapy appointment. It was slow but she had meant what they said to each other she wanted to fix her marriage after everything that had happened. If one more person told her to take it easy or baby her though she was going to snap on them or rip her hair out, she’d ditched the crutches a week ago and while she still had pain sometimes in her ribcage she was feeling so much better. She was still trying to process everything that had happened her cousin was gone and it hurt, she couldn’t just call him up and talk to him like she used to about things going on. Plus the press was still all over the tape and DGI, it was a lot anytime it came on she changed the channel at the house she didn’t want to see it or hear about it, because if she did she wanted to hurt Dru Price, she refused to call her sister or Kendall. It had put so much distance between her and Jackson and she didn’t know how to fix it she supposed that was what they were going to talk to Dr. Harding about how to sort it out and fix things.

The ride to her grandmothers had been alright with the twins in their car seats in the limo while she sat inside, she was not driving more so Jackson refused to let her. It was probably for the best. They had gone to look at her trashed Land Rover and looking at it, she was surprised she hadn’t died, it was surreal and even riding in the limo she was anxious. She mentally had to remind herself the driver was amazing and nothing was going to happen. Once there she had the driver help bring the bags to the porch and smiled at her cousin when she opened the door and she sat the twins down. “No I trust you Lucy, I’m just cautious after everything. I’m doing okay. I go to see David in a little bit to get checked up. Donovan is a little quicker to get into everything than his sister so watch that.” Dani said honestly she was glad to see all the safety stuff in place. Was them at her grandmother’s house ideal for today, probably not but she wasn’t ready to have another nanny at the house. The invasion that Dru had done made her too paranoid for it, even if it was Lucy, someone she loved and trusted. She eased a bit when the twins settled to play with the blocks on the floor and she hugged her grandmother then her mom. “Thanks for being here to walk Lucy through everything. I’ve been meaning to tell you we don’t blame you for Dru mom okay? You had no idea what she was up to.”

Lauren took Lucy, and Grace’s plates from the table and walked them to the sink. As she looked back at Dani and even though she said the words the guilt didn’t ease. She let that snake into the family from The Pub, to her daughter’s home and that was almost unforgivable. Dru had crossed so many lines and it would be a cold day in hell before she accepted that girl near the Fraiser’s. Scooping the food in the trash and quickly placing them in the dish water. “I should have looked through her. I should have had my eyes opened. Not that you had a psycho sister but that someone was after us.” Holding herself up on the sink. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it. She looked so much like Brenda back then. Maybe I did see it, I just didn’t think. I wasn’t thinking.” Beating up herself feeling like she was a fool. “Thank you Dani, I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I walked that parasite into all of our lives. I just can’t forgive or forget what Dru did.” Looking at Grace who had a sad expression on her face.  

Washing the plates she placed them in the dishwasher. Seeing the older woman fiddling with her napkin. She knew her ex mother-in-law wanted to say something. “You have something to say Grace? I mean I know that girl is technically your granddaughter but what she did to so many people. I just can’t forgive her or understand why Walter is dealing with her.” Seeing Dani’s expression she knew she had maybe said too much. She wasn’t trying to hurt Dani but Walter was horrible. How he was trying with this girl after she attacked her children. She just couldn’t forgive any of it. “Dani, your father and Dru relationship doesn’t reflect anything on you.” 

Grace was weary of all of the drama. Some of the details were fuzzy in her mind but she knew one thing and she was going to speak on it. “No we should be talking about this.Dani, your father has always resented you for some reason or another. I always told Walter that he’d burn in hell and my son seems to not see what he’s doing. I can’t change that.” She paused almost searching for the words. Unable to completely keep the sentences and thoughts together so she stopped then saw everyone was hanging on her words. “Dru is a bad girl. But we don’t know what she’s been exposed to. What kind of love she was given, if any. What I can say is she is blood Dani and Walter is doing what us Fraiser’s always do, good or bad.” Her eyes shifted to Lucy. Her granddaughter was involved in a lot of drama a few years ago and she might not remember that either but she knew she was in jail. “We batten down the hatches and we grit our teeth. We fight for our own now. Why Walter has always shown such indifference with you I don’t know but I know this. He’ll pay when God judges him but I can’t be mad at him for trying with his daughter.” Standing from the table she looked at Lauren and felt her unease and pain. Years of being betrayed were catching up to her. Years of being second best to a woman who didn’t hold a candle to her. “Dru will get her recompense Danielle you just make sure your hands aren’t bloody when she does. As bad as you want to be, you aren’t Walter. Too much Lauren in your blood lass.”

Lucy had no idea what to say to her grandmother when she all but defended Dru’s actions in front of her cousin and then compared them to what she had done with prison. They were not even remotely the same, she didn’t act out because her parents didn’t love her enough she got caught up in the wrong crowd. She made choices that landed her in a cell and it wasn’t like her  uncle had lifted a finger to help her so in her mind fuck him. Her cousin looked like she was ready to shoot daggers at their grandmother and she cast a glance at her aunt. “Nana, maybe later is more the right time.” She managed to say until her cousin looked over at her too and she threw her hands up. She’d rather die than defend her asshole uncle along with Dru Price.

Dani stood there frozen for a moment while her grandmother defended the woman that drugged her husband, gaslit her phone and God knew what else. Poor Dru who wasn’t loved enough and needed her fathers attention now? Give her a fucking break Dru was a grown ass adult and knew what she was doing and no apology would ever be enough for her to forgive what she had done to her or Jackson it was unforgivable. Not only that, the only reason she had left DGI to get in her car was because Dru had been part of that awful tape. Livid didn’t even begin to describe what she felt that her own father was bending over backwards for Dru or taking her in. But to hear her own grandmother trying to make peace with it all and the woman that caused her so much pain was enough to set her off. When Lucy tried to step in she cut her eyes at her cousin, she loved her dearly but this really was between her and her father and now grandmother. She honestly wanted to know how long the entire family was going to keep the fact her own father was protecting Dru from her too.

“Poor Dru really, that’s what we’re going with? Dru so unloved and misguided she chose to drug the man that I love and record a fake sex tape with him and gaslight me for months? Poor Dru that set up Braden to lose his job? And that’s just the Fraiser side, spare me the lecture about how you’re telling me we all have to play nice with that bitch due to family loyalty clearly you and my dad have none for me. You should be mad at him and you should be mad at her for what she did, but of course you’re not. She’s afterall everyone’s precious Kendall.” Dani said seeing her mothers eyes look at her and she swore she saw a hint of satisfaction on her face. There was something her grandmother was right about. She got all her strength from the woman that did her best raising her and if her grandmother wanted to split the family over Dru that was her choice. She didn’t care if it was mean when she said it judging by the shock on her grandmother’s face. “What I won’t do is stand here and listen to you defend her with some sob story about forgiveness. I’ll make her pay one way or another and if you think I won’t you have no idea who I am now. Maybe you’re wrong, maybe I have just enough of my dad in me who knows, he certainly doesn’t care to see if I do or not anyway. I’ll see myself out and pick up the twins later, I think maybe we’ll just have Lucy watch them at my moms from now on.” 

Dani finished turning and walking out. She didn’t bother to glance back at them; she was too full of anger at it. Once she made it to the car she realized the anger was radiating off her, her hands shaking while her hands fisted feeling her fingernails digging into her skin. Her eyes darted around the yard taking in her grandmother’s house and all the good memories that it held. She was so angry at Dru and now even more angry at her father to learn he was protecting her almost made her want to throw up after he feigned all that concern at the hospital to see her, what a crock of shit. She tried to open the door to the car a few times when it hit her.

The road was dark the faint glow of the headlights on the road as she stared ahead trying to get Greer and herself to the hospital. Her mind wandering a million miles a minute about what she had seen at DGI, her hands gripping the wheel. She turned to look at Greer for a split second before the bright light cascaded and filled the car and she heard Greer scream.

“Chauncey!”

She swerved the wheel with a jerk wondering why in the hell Greer had screamed Chauncey’s name before she felt something hit them head on. The winshield cracking the high pitch noise of the glass shattering cutting through Greer’s screams and her own. She felt the impact of the airbag against her face first and then everything went black while she felt her body crumple as the Land Rover began to roll.

The flash rattled her when she began screaming till the driver came along the side and opened it for her, she looked up grateful at him wondering how much he had seen or overheard at the house. “St. Christopher’s please.” She said seeing him nod at her, before she looked out the window her emotions getting the better of her while she let a few tears slip out wondering if Dru had fractured her family for good. More than anything she needed Jackson on her side more than ever and she hoped that was what their appointment would start to mend. She felt her head pounding wondering what the memory meant if it was even a real one to begin with at all.