felineflash
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Toujours dans mon coeur, Maman.
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Being
Oct 29, 2011 19:46:23 GMT -5
Post by felineflash on Oct 29, 2011 19:46:23 GMT -5
A treat for Halloween...two chapters!
Chapter 29 - Beggars and Choosers
They were finishing dessert when Bo’s phone rang. He excused himself and was back shortly thereafter. “What’s up?” Hope asked worriedly.
Bo sighed as he pocketed his phone. “Stephanie was just down at the station. She says she lied earlier, about being with Max. She hasn’t seen or heard from him since around seven last night.”
“Poor Steph,” Hope sighed. “This doesn’t look good for Max.”
“No, it doesn’t. But at least she came clean about when she last saw him. I know she’s worried about him, but lying for him isn’t going to help him.”
“Still no clue where he is?” Philip asked.
“None. It’s like he just vanished into thin air. We’re trying to track his cell phone, but it’s turned off. He’s smart.”
“Hopefully smart enough not to have done this,” Hope added. “OK, I’ve got to powder my nose, and then we really need to get going, Brady.”
“I’ll come with you,” Chloe said, following Hope to the ladies’ room.
“So what’s in the envelope?” Bo asked Philip when the ladies were out of earshot.
“Let’s find out,” Philip replied, taking it out of his pocket and slitting it open with his unused butter knife. “A note…imagine that,” he showed it to Bo.
“’You’ll pay for what you did’?” Bo read.
“Not very creative, is he?” Philip chuckled. “John, John, John, don’t you have better things to do with your time? At least he did it on a printer this time.”
“You recognize the handwriting on the envelope?” Bo asked.
“Nope. Come on, Bo, we both know it’s John. It’s not even worth reading,” Philip began to crumple the paper.
“Not so fast,” Bo took it out of Philip’s hands using a napkin. “It can’t hurt to get it checked out. Give me the envelope too,” he told him, and slid them both into a baggie he’d taken from his pocket.
“Bo, you’ve got enough on your plate.”
“Exactly. This will be a nice distraction,” Bo said.
They’d talked about dinner and Bo, Hope and Ciara all the way home from the restaurant, none of the unpleasantness. But now that they were walking in the door and Victor was pacing back and forth with a brandy, it was bound to come up.
“Dad, how’s Caroline?” Philip asked, pouring brandies for himself and Chloe.
“That woman is stubborn as a mule. She absolutely will not back down, she insists that she killed Trent Robbins. I did everything I could to try and get her to just tell the damn truth, but she won’t budge. And with her prints the only ones found on the murder weapon--”
“But everyone knows Caroline’s not capable of that kind of violence. Everyone!” Chloe exclaimed.
“Yes. But she’s claiming that she was so angry, she must have gotten a burst of adrenaline. How ridiculous is that?” Victor snarled.
Not that ridiculous. I get a hell of an adrenaline rush when I’m angry. “Well, obviously she’s going to do whatever she can to protect Max,” Philip pointed out. "Things don’t look too good for him.”
“No, no they don’t. But until he can be found, Caroline’s sitting in jail, being charged with murder.” Victor slumped into a chair.
“Isn’t there something anyone can do? Maybe you could gather up information on Dean Rob-” Chloe began.
“I’ve got a man on it,” Philip said.
“As do I,” Victor added, looking proudly at Philip.
“I guess you two do think alike,” Chloe mumbled. “What about someone looking for Max?”
“That’s being taken care of,” said Victor. “Now, about Nicole…she’s another one who should be looked into.”
“Oh, no, I don’t think Nicole…I mean, not now, with her being--”
Chloe cut Philip off, “Sick. She has the flu. She’s very weak. As much as she hates Trent, I don’t see her as a possibility,” she nodded slightly at Philip’s grateful glance.
“Still, I need to get someone on that.”
“I’ll take care of that, Dad,” Philip told him quickly.
“Fine. Now what’s this with another note? Bo called a little while ago and told me you received another threatening note.”
Chloe searched Philip’s eyes, and he set his jaw. “Just another threat from John. Another empty threat from John. Bo has it.”
“You’ve got it under control, then?”
“I do,” Philip nodded.
“Good. Well, it’s been an excruciating day, I’m going to bed. Goodnight, Philip. Chloe. And thank you for your input, Chloe.”
“You’re…welcome, Victor,” Chloe answered, a little flabbergasted. Philip shrugged.
Chloe was laying in the bed waiting for Philip to finish brushing his teeth when she heard the first taps against the window. She went to it and looked, but could see nothing unusual. Then again, tap, tap, tap. Someone was throwing rocks at the window. She strained to see into the yard below, but saw no one. “Philip,” she called.
“Yeah?” He came out of the bathroom in his sweatpants, ready for bed.
“You expecting company?”
“Huh?”
“Someone’s throwing pebbles at your window. I expect it’s Morgan, I saw the way she looked at us at Chez Rouge.”
Philip stomped the window and looked down into the yard. “God, this is ridiculous.” He opened the window and looked around, but saw nothing. The girl is certifiable, and if she breaks a window, she’s going to be paying for it. And getting hauled off to jail. “I’m telling that girl…” he grumbled as he started out of the room.
Chloe followed closely. She could tell he didn’t want her to, but he wasn’t going to stop her, either. The difference between Philip and Brady. Brady would have already berated me from here until Sunday by now. They went down the stairs and out into the yard, until they were underneath Philip’s window.
“Morgan! Morgan! Come out now! Or I’ll call the police and have you arrested for trespassing! You hear me? I’m serious!” Philip yelled into the night air.
Morgan did not appear. No one appeared. Philip was looking angrier by the second, and was about to start yelling again, when there was a rustle in the hedges against the wall. It was a quiet rustle first, then grew increasingly louder. Certainly not a rustle that could be made by someone the size of Morgan. Philip instinctively threw out an arm and pushed Chloe behind him protectively, then crouched down, prepared to lunge. The rustle grew louder, and louder…and Philip lunged into the bushes. There was a great deal of commotion in the bushes, and Chloe put her hands to her face, aghast.
I’m the picture of the hapless female, waiting for my man to dispose of the bad guy. This is ridiculous. She took a step to throw herself into the melee when Philip dragged someone out of the bushes by the feet first.
“Man, you really need to do something about these bushes. They are totally out of control.”
“Max?!” Philip and Chloe said in unison.
“Hi guys,” Max said glumly. “Where’s Morgan?”
“What the hell are you doing here?” Philip dragged him up by the back of his shirt. “Do you know that the police are looking for you? Do you know your mother’s sitting in jail?”
“Yes, and yes. And no, I did not kill Trent. Where’s Morgan? I heard you calling her.”
“I thought you were Morgan, you idiot. Morgan is not here. But I’d like to know why the hell you are.”
“Because, Philip, I need your help,” Max exhaled. “I need a place to hide from the cops.”
“So you come to me?” Philip asked incredulously.
“You owe me--”
“I owe you for what?”
“Uh, how about for the time you crashed my car?” Max reminded him. “Look, I didn’t kill Trent. I swear to you. I haven’t slept in almost 48 hours. I just need a place to clean up, get some sleep, and then I’m going to the station tomorrow and I’m going to try to get things sorted out. Come on, Philip, you have to help me,” he implored.
“Philip,” Chloe said softly. “Come on, help him.”
“Fine. We’ll go in the back. But don’t make a sound. I’ve got a place to put you. But you’re going to have to tell me the whole story, or your butt’s out.”
“Thanks. I mean that. And thanks to you too, Chloe,” Max started as they made their way to the back door.
“Max? Shut up. Not a sound,” Philip opened the door and led them in. “Wait here.” Who’d have thought this key would ever come in handy again? I thought we’d just leave the room locked up until we got around to remodeling. “Alright,” he rejoined Max and Chloe, “follow me.”
They walked quietly through the first floor of the house, into the rarely used north wing. He led them down the hall to the last door and unlocked it. Exactly the same. Philip felt a chill go up his spine as they walked into the spacious bedroom.
It was a very gloomy room, grey carpet, grey walls. Sparsely furnished with a hospital style bed, a nightstand, a bookcase, a dresser, a TV. Two chairs were near the bed, and a mini fridge was sandwiched in between a closet door and the door to the bathroom. There were no wall decorations or knick knacks, no personal touches. The windows were covered with heavy drapes and there was a wheelchair folded and tucked into the far corner.
“Homey,” Max commented. “Guess the interior decorator missed this one.”
“Max, are you going to be a beggar or a chooser?” Philip growled.
Chloe looked around the room, perused the bookcase. Machiavelli, books on the economy, business, and finance, and a few non-fiction adventure books. This room has no soul. It’s like a big, gaping hole of emptiness and solitude and sadness.
Max followed her gaze to the bookcase. “Machiavelli. Great, a little light reading to get my mind off of things.”
“You want it or not? There’s the door,” Philip shrugged.
“Yeah, yeah, I want it. I’m sorry. I’m just exhausted, and I’m tired…” he pulled off his shirt, exposing fresh bruises and scratches.
“God, Max, what happened to you?” Chloe exclaimed. “I’ll go get some antiseptic.”
“Don’t bother,” Philip said, opening a dresser drawer. Chloe was surprised to see it well stocked with bandages, ointments, wrapped syringes and other medical supplies. Philip tossed Max a tube of ointment and some bandage rolls. “Need anything else?”
“Jeez, man, who used this room, Dr. Rolf?” Max asked, eyes wide open.
“I did,” Philip replied flatly. This is where I hid from Salem, from myself, in darkness and pain. Welcome to my world, Max. Or at least what it was. Then. As soon as you’re out, I’m remodeling this hell hole.
Chloe looked around the room with a new understanding. This is where he spent those dark days, alone and in pain, obsessing over Claire. This is where the darkness set in. It all makes sense now, why this room is so soulless. This room with no mirrors, no life. No joy.
“Um, OK…Thanks for the first aid stuff,” Max said uncomfortably. "I…got in a fight with Trent last night. But I didn’t kill him, I swear.”
“Whole story,” Philip tapped his foot.
“Yeah, I’m going to tell you the whole story. I just…can I take a shower? I stink.”
“I’ll get you some towels and sheets. Guess you need some clothes, too?” Max nodded. “The fridge is plugged in, but there’s probably nothing in it, no one’s used this room for…awhile. I’ll get you some drinks and stuff. Guess you’re hungry?” Max nodded again. “Fine. I’ll be back in a few. Hope a sandwich will do.” Philip turned to Chloe and said under his breath, “Keep an eye on him. Make sure his cell phone’s off and that he doesn’t use it. I’ll be back."
Chapter 29 - The Whole Story
“So,” Max said as Chloe locked the door behind Philip, “I guess this is where he was holed up while Mimi and I were running around looking for him. Nice place,” he said sarcastically. “I’m sure it did wonders for his mental state.”
“I think it might be a reflection of what his mental state was,” Chloe said quietly.
“Yeah,” Max agreed, clearly embarrassed. “I’m not making light of that. I just…”
“Yeah, it’s dreary,” she agreed.
“Ya think? Well, like he said, beggars can’t be choosers. Look, Chloe, I need to call Steph--”
“Can’t let you do that. In fact, I need your cell phone.”
“Oh, come on, I wasn’t going to use it, I meant a land line,” Max handed her his phone.
“I can’t, Max. I’m sorry,” Chloe made sure the phone was off and slipped it into the pocket of her pajama pants. “I’ve got an idea, though, and I just might be able to get Stephanie here. I just need to run it by Philip first.”
“Because he’s the man?” Max teased.
“No,” she replied, a little offended by the comment. Contrary to what my ex-husband believed, I’m perfectly capable of making decisions myself. “Because this is his house, and I’m staying here as a guest. And so, I might add, are you.”
“Point taken. So…I guess you two are back together.”
She rolled her eyes at him.
“Yeah, so, I guess it’s obvious. I was trying to be…subtle.”
“And you’re so good at it, Max,” she smiled.
“Well, I was going to throw in a good word or two for my bud, but I just remembered you know him better than I do. I always forget you two were together in high school.”
“Yeah, a lifetime ago!” Chloe laughed.
“I guess he’s changed a lot, huh? I mean…I don’t know how to ask this…but…what was he like back then? In high school? I mean, I know he was really popular and an athlete and all that, but…you know, was he…a little more…fun? Not that he’s not fun. I mean, he can be fun. But then sometimes he can be really not fun. You know?”
Chloe shook her head at rambling Max. He was clearly exhausted and on edge. Was Philip more fun? I consider him to still be fun. He’s just grown up. A lot has happened to him. He’s definitely changed, he’s not the same kid… “He was a bit more carefree,” she found herself answering, without even thinking first.
“Yeah, I thought so. I mean, he’s been through so much. It’s just that lately, I’ve been thinking…I mean, my childhood sucked. But I thought I turned out OK, thanks to Ma and Pop. But now, I don‘t know…like, just two years ago, my pop was alive, and Trent hadn’t come back here, and I was just a different person, you know? I wonder if I’ll ever get that feeling back. That sort of happy, carefree feeling.”
“I think that feeling only exists in hindsight,” she sighed.
“Yeah. Life can suck.”
“It certainly can,” Chloe agreed. But mine’s doing a lot better lately.
There was a quiet knock on the door, and Philip said, “Open up, it’s me.” Chloe unlocked the door and he walked in laden with sheets, towels, clothes, and a six-pack of beer. “You two enjoying yourselves?” He asked as he handed out beers.
“Just chit chatting,” Chloe smiled.
“Seriously, man, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“I’ve got to go back for the food and stuff. Couldn’t make it all in one trip,” Philip nodded, preparing to leave again.
“No, let me,” Chloe said. “Where is it?”
“All in the kitchen, on the counter. Thanks.”
“Well, in the meantime, I’m gonna get cleaned up,” Max headed towards the bathroom with the towels and clothes.
“Hope you don’t mind if I just wait here,” Philip called to him. “Just want the whole story, and I am not coming back in here to get it just to find you crashed out.”
“Sure, no problem,” Max nodded as he closed the bathroom door.
Philip sat on the edge of the bed and drank his beer. It was strange to be back in this room after so long, after so much had changed. This room where he’d hid out from Salem. Ostensibly the reason had been to have the maximum impact of surprise at Claire’s custody trial. To catch Shawn and Belle off-guard. But there were other reasons too, the fear of looking in the mirror when the bandages came off…and not recognizing the person who stared back at him. Thankfully, that hadn’t been the case. But the fear had been there, and the pain…not just physical, but emotional pain. Of being betrayed. Duped. Losing everything. Going through hell.
He shook his head to clear the thoughts. Those days are gone. I don’t ever want to let myself feel that again…I won’t ever let myself feel that again. I won’t let that happen ever again. Never again.
Chloe knocked just as Max was coming out of the shower. Philip let her in, carrying a tray loaded with a large sandwich, chips, an apple, and holding a six-pack of soda in the other hand.
“Hope turkey’s OK, I’m not making you another one,” Philip said.
“Anything’s OK. I’m starving,” Max said as he sat down and dove into the food.
“Good. Talk and eat. Let’s hear it, Max. You got food, beer and a shower. Now it’s time for some payback. I want the whole story,” Philip straddled one of the chairs as Chloe sat in the other.
Max opened another beer, took a swig and began. “Well, I ate dinner with Steph last night. We hung out for awhile after that, then she went home. I couldn’t get my mind off Trent. I was just so pissed off, I needed to just get away, zone out for awhile. So I went down to the garage. You know how when you’re working on a car, it’s like you’re in another world.”
Philip nodded. Chloe looked at the two of them and realized that they were quite serious about the joys of working on a car. To each their own.
“So I guess I was there for an hour or so, then I decided to go visit my pop’s grave. I go out there a lot…to visit. So I’m out there, and all of the sudden, Trent walks up to me. He’s pissed because he got in an argument with Ma at the pub. And he’s drunk, I mean, dead drunk. I mean…um…yeah, you know what I mean.” He took another swig of beer. “We got into it. He started saying all these things about my pop, and my ma, and just a laundry list of stuff that he’d read in the papers or whatever, about Bo…about all of the Brady’s. So I punched him, and we got into it. I mean, we were really whaling away on each other, you know? And I’m yelling that I’m gonna kill him, and…I meant it. I could have. But…anyway. So we’re just going at it, and I look up, and I see someone watching us--”
“Who?” Philip asked.
“I don’t know. I couldn’t see them,” Max replied.
“If you couldn’t see them, how do you know they were watching you?” Philip countered.
“Oh, they were watching me. I know it.”
“What if they couldn’t see you either?” Philip asked.
“Philip, unless they were blind, which I doubt, they could see me. They ducked back into the bushes as soon as I looked up, that’s why I never got a good look at them. And then…everything went black. I guess he must have hit me in the head,” Max pointed to the large knot on his forehead, which Philip realized hadn’t even registered before. It had been there, but he’d thought nothing of it.
“Then what?” Philip asked.
“Well, when I woke up, I was in the woods behind the cemetery. No Trent in sight. I didn’t even know where I was at first. Then I see this huge pool of blood, and a blood trail…I started to follow it, and that’s when I saw the crime scene tape, and heard the cops talking about Trent being dead. I panicked. I thought maybe I had done it, you know? And I wasn’t really thinking straight, so I ran. I got near the pub and saw all the cops there, so I went back to the garage. And then I started thinking about it all, and whoever it was that was watching us…”
“They could be the real killer,” Chloe said.
“Exactly. And they think that I got a good look at them. They might have even been planning to do the same to me. I don’t know. I do know that there was a strange car casing the garage all night. A black Taurus, probably an ‘04. And I don’t know anyone who drives a black Taurus.”
“You think they were looking for you?” Philip asked.
“Duh,” Max responded. “So anyway, I snuck out of there this morning. But not before I heard that there was a warrant out for my arrest, or that Ma was in jail, courtesy of the radio. I’d forgotten what it was like to be famous,” he said wryly.
“Why not turn yourself in?” Chloe asked.
“Because I didn’t do anything! I was going to go back to the cemetery, see if I could find anything--”
“Because the police never search for evidence at the scene of a crime, Max,” Philip said sardonically.
“I told you I haven’t been thinking straight. I’m just…they’re going to arrest me, I know it. And I didn’t do it.”
“So, hey, let your mom take the fall, that’s cool,” Philip shook his head.
“No, it’s not. Which is why I’m going there first thing in the morning to tell them everything that happened. I just…hell, I didn’t even really remember what happened until this afternoon. It was all fuzzy. And that’s when I thought about coming here. So I hid out in the woods until dark, and then hid out in those damn bushes. What’d you do, lay off your gardener?”
Philip rolled his eyes. “I don’t get why you didn’t just go to the cops.”
“Yeah, well I don’t get why you didn’t just admit that you threatened Paul Hollingsworth. I guess we’re even,” Max snarled.
“Touché.” Philip conceded.
“So now I just need one thing, I need to call Steph. I have to tell her I’m OK.”
“Sorry, man, can’t do it,” Philip told him.
“Philip, I have an idea about that,” said Chloe.
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