Generation 2, Chapter 36 - The Competence Hearing Part 2

Brian took the bag from Percy looking inside to confirm it indeed held a variety of cameras.  Sighing he looked up at Percy "how do I know this is everything?"

Shrugging "I guess you'll just have to trust me," Percy replied back nonchalantly.

Snorting Brian retorted "not a chance.  I'll be watching you."  Leading them into the house he showed them where they'd be sleeping.  "I set up sleeping bags for you in my art studio.  I hope that's alright."

Kyle nodded "I can sleep just about anywhere.  This will be fine."

Percy looked around him in distaste "I thought you were a famous composer ...."

"Yeah well things happen," Brian eyed the boy in front of him "what happened to you?  I never got the impression you were this much of a prick."

"Things happen.  People change," Percy mumbled unable to meet Brian's eyes.

"Look Percy if you need help or just want to talk, I'll listen."  Brian offered only to be cut off by a female voice calling for him.  "I'm sorry I've got to go but ...."

"Yeah whatever," Percy shrugged his offer off as Brian hurried from the room.  Percy followed Brian from the room.  Following the sound of voices he peeked through the partially open bedroom door where he found Brian speaking to someone.

***

"Honey what's wrong?" Brian asked concern apparent in his tone.

"Does he have to stay here?" Shannon asked picking at the scarf tied around her head  "I don't feel comfortable with him in the house."

"I know honey.  I'm sorry."  Brian kissed her forehead "what an I do?  Corina told him he could stay here.  If he can help Kyle win his case...."

"I know I'm just .... I don't want him taking pictures of me." Shannon cried "it's bad enough I won't live to see my babies grow up I don't want them seeing my pictures looking like death warmed over in some magazine."

"I know, I know," Brian pulled her into his arms as she began to cry "I'm sorry."

Percy took a step backwards, bumping into someone in the process.  He turned around to come face to face with the disapproving face of Kyle.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Kyle asked anger flashed from his eyes. 

 

Percy sighed knowing he had been caught red handed eaves dropping he mumbled "nothing."  He tried to step around Kyle but Kyle stepped in front of him.  Kyle grabbed Percy's arm "I told you to leave them alone."

Shaking him off Percy glared at him "you can't tell me what to do."

"Someone should," Kyle yelled at him.

Percy laughed at him "sounds like you've learned a thing or two from your old man."

Shocked Kyle couldn't believe that just came out of his mouth.  He sounded just like is father's most intolerant self.  Could it be possible he was becoming just like the man he most despised?  With his thoughts in turmoil he didn't notice when Percy walked away.

***

Percy sat on the couch, mulling over what he had just overheard.  Was it possible that Brian's wife was dying?  Was that the reason he had virtually dropped out of sight?  He could understand her not wanting her  picture taken if she was being ravaged by cancer.  Shaking his head trying to erase the images of his mother months before she succumbed to her disease and passed away.  It had been his mother's dying wish that the forest she loved so much be saved.  Percy recalled how her eyes would sparkle when she spoke of all the good times she has as a child playing in that forest.  He remembered how broken up she was when it was announced that a new mall was being built and her forest would be no more.

When the producers of SSI offered him the deal, he jumped at it.  He wanted his mother to die happy knowing her forest was safe.   In fact she passed away once he had the signatures he needed, the forest was safe, his mother passed away peacefully in her sleep after it was announced on SSI.  Percy new it was a possibility that he she would go while he was away and he suffered the loss in silence.   He was thankful he was able to give her that much and he was glad she didn't know how he had accomplished it.  When he had been eliminated for being the mole he knew his mother would have been disappointed in him.

Absently he watched Brian wheel his wife into the living room "Percy this is my wife Shannon."

Percy stared at the young woman in front of him.  He could tell at one time she must have been pretty.  "It's nice to meet you," he mumbled.

Shannon looked away.  Then down at her hands lying in her lap before responding to his greeting.  "I wish I could say the same."

Percy looked up sharply not expecting the quiet rebuff.  She looked too frail to want to engage in a battle of words.  Smiling he shrugged "everyone has to make a living."

"Yes they do but not everyone chooses to do so at the expense others," she shot back.

He sat still frozen in place.  He had the uncomfortable feeling that his mother was speaking through her, showing him how disappointed she was in him.  He sniffed willing himself to calm down "I only take pictures of those with enough cash to fight the bad publicity."

"Then why pick on us?"  She asked "look around you.  Do we look like we have money to throw around?"

He looked first in her anger filled eyes then at the neat but inexpensive decor of the room they were in.  Grudgingly he muttered "no."

"Exactly," she pounced on his answer "so why do it?"

"I don't have a choice," he muttered "I already took payment."

"Then give it back," she snarled at him.

"I can't," Percy shouted jumping to his feet, running from the room.

"Honey" Brian began hoping to calm her.

"What?" she spat at him "aren't I entitled to know why he wants to ruin our lives.  I don't want to spend what little time I have left embroiled in a libel suit."

"I know and we wouldn't be," Brian sighed.

"Yes we would be," she insisted "because I wouldn't want the kids to find those horrid rumors on line some where.  I don't want them wondering abut what kind of people their parents were."  She looked at Brian tears welling in her eyes "plus one day you'll want to make a come back and it'll be easier if their were no rumors marring your reputation."

***

Elliot entered the room where Percy sat huddled in a corner "supper's ready if you're hungry."

Shaking his head Percy ignored him.

Shrugging "suit yourself," Elliot said as left the room.

"Is he coming," Brian asked as he dished up the meal.

"No he's just sitting staring into space," Elliot said.

"Who cares?" Kyle asked "it's not like he came here to help.  He has an ulterior motive."

"I don't know," Elliot began then stopped as everyone glared at him.  "What?"

"Don't tell me you think there's something good in that slime ball," Kyle said in disbelief.

Elliot looked towards Brian then at Shannon who both looked like they shared Kyle's opinion. Shrugging "I'm entitled to my opinion.  I have a feeling there's something we're missing."

"Yeah we're missing family bonding time because we're all bent out of shape over who our unwelcome guest is," Brian said throwing a bread stick at his little brother.  As all out food fight erupted as they lost themselves in a moment free from worry.

Drawn by the sounds of laughter Percy peeked through a crack in the door and watched for a moment.  He was drawn to these people despite his intentions to remain aloof.  They had what he most wanted, acceptance, friends, family, love ... he liked them and he didn't want to.  Liking them made it that much harder to do what he had to do.  He had no choice.

Laughing Shannon watched the boys toss food at each other.  She was tired but didn't want to disrupt Brian from this moment.  He deserved a moment of uncomplicated enjoyment before she had to jolt him back to reality.  She loved this man.  Not once had he voiced regret in marrying her.  He had known there was a chance she could relapse and he took the news in stride adjusting his life around her needs.  She couldn't have asked for anyone better.  Her only regret was they had so little time together.  She would miss so much.

Eventually the boys finally settled down and sat down to eat what hadn't been thrown around the room.  Shannon smiled at them "do you feel better?"  They nodded "good then," she looked at Brian "while Elliot and Kyle clean up, will you play me the new song you've been working on?  You know the new cello composition?"

Brian nodded "if the boys don't mind me not helping to clean up our mess."

"We'd like to hear it," Elliot encouraged.

Shannon took Brian's hand in hers thinking now was a good time to bring up the subject his career. "Brian I want you to promise me something.  When I'm gone I want you to go back to composing music."  Brian looked at her, slowly shaking his head.  She smiled at him as she wiped a tear from his eye "Please do it for me.  You were meant to compose music.  I want you to share that gift with others.  I want them to know the beautiful, caring, talented man that you are."

Brian looked steadily into the eyes he loved and no matter how hard he tried, he never quite captured their beauty on canvas.  He looked towards Elliot and Kyle who seemed to be holding their breath waiting for his answer.  Sighing he turned back to Shannon the love of his life "Okay."

"Say you promise," she insisted with a smile.

"I promise," he repeated giving her a kiss as he got up to retrieve his cello.  Seeing Percy sitting in the corner he offered "why don't you come out and join us?"

Shaking his head Percy mumbled "I'm tired I think I'll go to bed."

"Suit yourself," Brian shrugged too preoccupied with Shannon's request to start composing music again. It's not like he had ever really stopped.  Maybe Shannon was right.  He needed to go on living after she was gone. These last several months had been difficult for him and in a way he felt dead inside.  The song Shannon requested he play for her was his first composition since he had received the news of her relapse.

(I included a video from the 2 Cellos as a sample as to what I imagine Brian's music sounds like.  I don't normally like a lot of instrumental music but I do like these guys.)

Percy laid in the dark listening to the almost haunting melody, overcome with it's beauty.  He could feel the love and loss Brian felt flowing through the melody.  Percy wiped the tears from his eyes as the music died away.  He hadn't expected to be so moved by a piece of music but he had never imagined a cello could sound like that either.  He couldn't deny Brian had talent.  How was he going to live with himself after he sold their story to his employers?  He had the pictures he needed.  The video of them talking in their room, the food fight, the promise, the new song, everything right there in his phone.  His employers would eat it up.  He had gotten more then he expected he would.  He could leave now and probably convince his employers to double his payment.  

He rolled over in his sleeping back pretending to be asleep when he heard Kyle and Elliot come in.  He watched them kiss in the darkness before they crawled into the sleeping bags.  He felt a pang of jealousy as found himself wanting what they had, someone to love, to be accepted .... family.

***

Percy spent a restless sleepless night tossing and turning on the floor. After lying there for what felt like forever listening to the growling of his stomach he got up in the hopes of finding something to eat.  He found some cereal, as he ate he wondered how long he would have to here.  He had been the one to suggest coming early thinking he would need more time to gather the information and pictures he would need.  But his work was done and he wanted nothing more than to leave before he had anymore doubts over what he was about do to them.  All night when he had managed to snatch a few moments of sleep his mother's disapproving face would be there reminding him that he was doing the wrong thing.  Shaking his head to rid his mind of his self-doubts, he needed to do this.  He had no choice.  He'd stay long enough to testify, do what he can to help Kyle then turn in the pictures, get paid the he'd try to forget about the damage he was about to inflict on them.

Brian had been smarter then he expected, demanding all of his equipment.  Percy gave him everything but his phone and Brian didn't ask.  Everything he needed was on it and he could probably just email it and be done with it.  He had almost done it last night but he wanted to try and make amends  for what he was going to do.  They only way he could do that was be as convincingly honest on the witness stand as he could be.  He was a pretty good actor.  Kyle would be the only who would be able to tell he was lying.  It had been Kyle who had become suspicious of him on SSI.  Briefly he wondered how Kyle would feel if he knew he was the one responsible for the pictures of him and Elliot making out in the hot tub.

He hadn't expected the pictures to cause this much trouble.  At the time Percy thought it was funny catching Kyle making out with guy.  It explained a lot about his awkward behavior with Ivy.  Percy frown at the thought of Ivy.  He had really liked her but she wasn't interested in anything serious.  Then things really went bad to worse when she found about his side job.  She demanded he quit and he refused.  Ivy broke things off with him stating she could date someone whose job was to hurt and exploit others.  Percy tried to reason with her but she refused to see things his way.  Now he was in so deep, he wished he had listened to her then maybe he wouldn't have done what he did.

Brian came from upstairs "if you had waited I would have made pancakes."

"Sorry I was hungry,"  he mumbled.

"I don't doubt it considering you refused to eat anything last night," Brian said.  "We're call going to the trial this morning."

"I'm not.  I don't have to be there until Thursday," Percy said getting up to wash is bowl out.

"Doesn't matter what you want.  I'm not leaving you home alone with my wife and kids," Brian said in a tone and manner that didn't allow for argument.  "Besides I think you should see what the consequences are of what you do for a living."

"How did ...." Percy stopped realizing he had walked into a trap.

"I didn't until now,"  Brian said with a grim smile "I guessed.  You worked at the university.  You could into places the average paparazzi couldn't.  Two and two said you had to be the one who took the pictures of Elliot and Kyle."  Brian frowned "what I don't understand is why you sent personal copies to their fathers.  What did you hope to gain by that?"

Shrugging Percy smiled slightly "I thought it would be funny to out them, well Kyle.  I don't really know Elliot.  I didn't mean anything by it.  It was just a harmless prank."

"Well congratulations!  Those pictures was the catalyst that caused Kyle's father to explode.  Did you know that Kyle has been completely cut off from his family?  Stripped of all his assets.  Everything he owned was confiscated by his overbearing father.  He's had to drop out of university because of his father and Elliot refuses to go back until this trial is over.  For those reason alone you should care about what you set in motion.  Come and listen to the lies that his father has paid people make up to win this case all so that he can have complete control of Kyle's life force him to marry someone he doesn't know all for the sake of producing the next heir of the Lawrence estate.  That SOB as he the money to launch a smear campaign against his son and so far he's winning.  My sister is a good lawyer.  She's done her best to raise doubt over the validity of those so-called character witnesses but there's only so much she can do."

"Why doesn't your father do the same thing and pay people to give a glowing report of Kyle?"  Percy asked thinking that would be the most reasonable option and why not if they have the money.

Shaking his head "you don't get it do you?  Not all rich people are like Kyle's father.  Granted there's a lot of them running around but just because you have money doesn't mean they're all assholes. My father happens to be an honest, hardworking man.  He won't stoop to the same level as Kyle's father.. It's not who he is."  Brian looked at Percy willing him to understand to scope and depth of the damage he had done "If Kyle loses, Elliot will be devastated and Kyle will be forever under the thumb of his father.  You saw how Kyle fell apart on the SSI from just a nasty phone call from his father.  Now imagine he he'll feel when his father has the legal right to make decisions for him."

"It's not my fault.  I didn't know," Percy said an edge of desperation in his voice.

"Let's see if you can still tell yourself that after you sit in the court room all day listening to them tear Kyle to shreds with their lies," Brian said without an ounce of compassion for Percy's reluctance.

Generation 2, Chapter 36 - Competence Hearing Part 1

It's been almost a year since Elliot's near fatal encounter with the shark.  They were still fighting in the courts over Kyle's competence as his father won't give up and allow his son to live his own life. Elliot and Kyle were sitting outside the courthouse waiting for Adam to pick them up.  Elliot was grateful that Adam had put off going back to Oasis Landing until the trial was over although none of them had believed it would take this long to prove Kyle's competence.

Most of all Elliot was just thankful to his family for being supportive of him and Kyle.  They had been staying with his  parents in Dragon Valley and been flying to Appaloosa when they needed to be in court.   They had been planning on renting a house with Adam until the trial was done.  He glanced over at Kyle and asked "Adam did say he was picking us up right?"

"That's what he said" Kyle told him.

Elliot looked around at the people coming and going from the courthouse  It wasn't like Adam to be late and if he was going to be he would have called.  He wondered what happened.  "Maybe I should give him a call," he reached for his phone when Brian came rushing up to them.

"I'm sorry I'm late ..." he said coming over to where they sat.

"Where's Adam?" they asked in unison.

Looking uncomfortable Brian tried to evade the question by asking  "how did it go today?"

"Not well," Elliot grumbled  "answer the question Brian.  Where's Adam? It's not like him to not show up and he would have called if he couldn't make it."

Sighing Brian sat down beside them "He and Beverly had to fly out to Starlight Shores early this morning.  They received a call that Gene was in the hospital and Michael was falling apart ..."

"What happened? Is he alright?" Kyle asked becoming more upset as the news soaked in.

"That's all I know.  Michael was pretty incoherent on the phone from what Adam told me."  Brian explained as he watched Kyle get up and pace along the sidewalk in front of them.  Kyle always had so much excess energy.

"Shouldn't we go too?  After all we're practically family after the weeks we lived together on set."  Kyle asked ready to drop everything and hop on a plane.

"Calm down," Brian told him "right now Gene's family has requested that only immediate family be there until they know more about Gene's condition.  Don't worry Adam will keep us informed." Brian smirked "if he doesn't then he'll have to answer to me."

"Ok I guess," Kyle grumbled disliking the idea of having to wait to know what was happening.

"Let's get you guys home," Brian said standing up.  "You'll be staying with me.  It won't be luxury accommodations but there's plenty of floor space."

***

Getting out of the car Kyle looked at the small house then at Brian "I thought you were a famous hit movie music composer."  Pointing at the house "Sure doesn't look like it."

"Yeah well I don't like showy displays of wealth.  It's just not me."  Brian shrugged Kyle's comment off as he walked away from them.

"Hey don't go and upset him like that," Elliot chided Kyle.

"I was only saying I expected him to live in .... I don't know I didn't expect this."  Kyle mumbled while he wondered if Brian was really a famous composer like SSI portrayed him or was that a hoax. Maybe he was playing a part too like Percy did.  It'd make sense as Brian was Percy's mentor.

"Brian doesn't like to talk about it.  His wife is terminally ill and most of his money has gone to medical care for her," Elliot explained.

"What's wrong with her?" Kyle asked dropping all his suspicions.

"She had leukemia when they met in college.  She went into remission but she relapsed shortly after the triplets were born."  Putting a hand Kyle's shoulder "she's stopped responding to treatment.  Brian had to sell his house and most of his paintings to cover her medical expenses.   Coupled with the fact he hasn't been composing, he doesn't have a lot of excess cash lying around."

"Jeez El I had no idea," Kyle looked away embarrassed by what he had been thinking.  "Is there anything we can do help?"

"Just act normal when you see Shannon.  She's a bit self-conscious about her looks."  Kyle gave him a strange look so Elliot elaborated "she lost all of her hair with the last round of chemo."

Running his hands through his multi-colored hair Kyle groaned "I wish I had known I've been so self-absorbed with the trial.  I never even thought about anyone else."

"Kyle stop it," Elliot commanded his voice firm.  "Brian doesn't like a long of fuss.  It's been hard enough keeping this away from the media."  Laughing a little Elliot continued "Brian should have chosen a different line of work if he wanted to remain anonymous.  He's much to private of a person to be in show business."  Eyeing Kyle Elliot smirked "he's nothing  like you.  You thrive on attention. I'm amazed that you ever sat still long enough to learn how to cook led alone become a chef."

"You wound me," Kyle pantomimed being shot through the heart.

Shaking his head at Kyle's juvenile antics Elliot went to get the suitcases from the car.  Kyle watched him a moment a mischievous grin appeared on his face as he stuck his foot out to send Elliot sprawling on the ground.  Before Elliot was able to get up Kyle tackled him.  They wrestled for a few minutes until Kyle pinned Elliot to the ground.  "I win," Kyle announced.

"Kyle let me up," Elliot struggled beneath him.

"Not until I get my prize," Kyle said with a smile looking down into Elliot's eyes.

"What prize?" Elliot asked as he tried to free himself.

"This ...." Kyle said as he brought his mouth down on Elliot's.

When they parted Elliot gasped "that in my book makes us both winner."  Kyle smiled as he pulled Elliot up.

"I could do this all day," Kyle smiled gazing into Elliot's eyes.

Leaning close Elliot devoured Kyle's mouth "have I told you lately how much I love you?"

Shaking his head "no but you show me in a hundred different ways." Kyle smiled "come on we better get inside before Brian comes looking for us."

Smirking Elliot playfully punched Kyle's arm "Brian isn't oblivious.  He knows what we're doing."

Kyle rolled his eyes as his face grew hot.  He doubted he would ever get used to how open Elliot's family was with each other.  He was still in shock with how they had accepted him and his relationship with Elliot.  Knowing how opposed his family was it made it twice as difficult for to accept Elliot's family, he kept expecting them to turn against him.  He had nothing to base that fear on and if anything they keep proving him wrong.  Thinking of his family he knew he had never been one to blindly accept his father's iron rule like his brother.  He had never been able adopt his father's way of thinking or stomach his actions.  In a lot of ways he had been the source of contention in his family always bucking the system.   Shaking his head Kyle thought of his offer to donate sperm to his brother and wife if they decided on AI.  He thought it was a reasonable compromise, he'd get control of his life and they would get the heir they wanted for their father's estate.  It fell flat.  It boiled down to his father's obsession to control him and nothing more or less was going to appease him.

Every day he had to endure the made up stories of the so-called character witnesses his father's lawyer produced.  There was no doubt in Kyle's mind they each and everyone of them had been paid or threatened by his father to tell their lies.  Corina did her best debunking their testimony and she produced her own character witnesses as well.  She was good and he was grateful she was representing pro bono but he knew his father's money that the lawyer she was up against was one of the best money could buy.

***

The slamming of a car door broke up Kyle's thoughts as he looked up and saw a taxi drive away. Then he noticed the guy standing in the road staring at him and Elliot.  "That can't be who I think it is, is it?" Elliot asked.

Groaning Kyle walked down the sidewalk towards the man "what the hell are you doing here?"

I received a subpoena to be a character witness.  So here I am," he smirked.

"The hell," Kyle exploded.

"Hey don't get mad at me.  It wasn't my idea."  Percy shot back "ask that hot little number you hired as your lawyer.  It was her idea."  Eyeing Elliot Percy said without looking at Kyle "now I understand why you were so awkward with your attempts with Ivy.  You were batting for the other team all the time."

Kyle felt Elliot tug on his arm trying to get his attention.  Kyle knew he wanted to keep him from smashing his fist into Percy's face "It's not worth it," Elliot whispered in his ear.

"What are you doing her?" Elliot asked.

"The lawyer chic said I could stay with her brother since I didn't have enough money for a hotel," Percy explained.

Elliot's lips thinned as he thought of Brian and how  he would react to having this person in his house.  He could strangle Corina for putting him in this situation, knowing her though she had forgotten all about what happened on SSI.   Elliot knew how upset Brian had been at the betrayal this was going to tear him up.  "I don't think this is a good idea."

"Why?" Percy asked in a belligerent tone.  Kyle and this kid represented everything he despised. Spoiled rich kids who didn't know the meaning of hardship.  This whole trial was ridiculous as far as he was concerned.

"For one we're staying her" Elliot told him.

Laughing Percy said "what's the matter can't afford a hotel?  Already spent daddy's allowance? That's just precious.  I knew Kyle wouldn't have two nickles to rub together but your daddy's loaded. What's the matter?  Isn't he as supportive of his gay son as the papers make him out to be?"

"We're staying here because Brian is my brother and Corina is my sister, you know the lawyer chic. That's why you staying here isn't a good idea," Elliot said through clenched teeth.

Putting his hands up in mock surrender "don't get yourself all worked up kid.  I didn't know.  Besides I thought Brian would live in something a little more .... I don't know grand or something being a hit movie composer."

"Elliot why don't you go inside and warn Brian," Kyle said while he stared daggers at Percy.  

"You don't scare me you wuss," Percy told him crossing his arms trying to hide his misgivings of being here.  He dismissed the fleeting thought that not every rich person had it easy.  He thought back to his audition tape for SSI.  At the time he just wanted to get his voice out there to save the forest from greedy commercialism. It worked but now everyone expected him to be the back stabbing SOB they saw on TV.  He wasn't complaining, the reputation has come in handy and had landed him with jobs he wouldn't otherwise have been given.  A lot of times he'd been given the job of getting compromising pictures of individuals where the paparazzi couldn't get without being noticed.  It paid well and he needed the money.  It didn't really bother him that the pictures he took may have caused someone else pain.   How much pain could someone have when they had the money to spread around to make any situation disappear?

Kyle stared at Percy wondering what his game was "these are good people Percy ...."

"Aw cry me a river," Percy rolled his eyes unmoved.  "If you didn't want me here.  Why didn't you ask someone else to be your character witness?  Oh I get it.  You did and they turned you down. That's it isn't?  Gene and Ashton turn you down after they found out they shared a room with a ...."

"That's enough Percy," Brian scowled at the him as he walked towards them.  Brian looked Percy up and down crossing his arms "hand over all your recording devices and cameras."

"Hey no I have every right to take pictures of whom ever I want," Percy protested.

"If you want to stay in my home for free you'll hand them over.  If not there's the road."  Brian was adamant Percy wasn't coming into his house to with cameras blazing.   "I don't like or trust you Percy.  I won't have you upsetting my wife and kids."

"What gives you the idea I would do that?" Percy asked feigning innocence.

Brian's eyes narrowed "don't try and con me.  You played me for a fool once.  That's all you get.  I know you freelance for the rags that masquerade as magazines.  I'm aware that people would pay to get pictures of my kids, my wife and house.  I don't live under a rock like some people."  He looked meaningfully at Percy "do you really think not knowing the fallout of the pictures you sell means no one gets hurt?  I thought you were better than that."

"I need the money," Percy told him.

"You're deluding yourself if you believe that's the reason you do it," Brian told him hands on hips "you enjoy it. The feeling of getting one up on the rich because you despise everything they represent.  Well I have news for you, just because a person has money doesn't mean their life is easy and care free. We all have problems."

"You don't know anything about me," Percy objected.

"I know enough to know I don't want you anywhere near my family."  Brian stood unrelenting in his demand.

"Tell your lady lawyer to find someone else to be character witness for gay boy over there.  I won't do it."  Percy said smiling as he thought he had them over a barrel.  He'd get his way and the pictures that he came for.

Shrugging Brian took his phone out "Corina what the hell were you thinking?  Percy of all people." Brian eyed Percy with undisguised disapproval "No I won't calm down," he nearly shouted at his sister.  "What's my problem?  This little shit won't hand over his recording devices and cameras .... I don't care if it is his right.   He's not coming into my house with them.  Now he says he won't testify." Brian nodded  "Ok I'll do that."  He smiled as he turned to Percy "We don't need you after all.  So you can get the hell off my property."

Percy's mouth fell open "I don't believe you ..."

Walking away Brian said "I could care less what  you believe.  Just so long as you leave."

Standing on the street Percy watched them walk away.   Now what was he going to do?  How was he going to get home?  Corina paid for his ticket out here.  Now that he wasn't testifying he doubted she'd pay for his ticket home and he didn't have enough cash on him for a hotel.  Then there was the complication of the job he took to get pictures of Brian's family. He couldn't go back empty handed; especially now since he took an advance on the money he was offered. He couldn't pay it back and he'd never get another job if he failed.  Smiling he knew what he could do.  "Wait," he called out. They stopped and waited for him to continue "I'll do it.  All my equipment is in this bag." He said walking towards them.  "See I can be reasonable and a good guy when I want to be."

Credit:  Percy Wilde is the creation of LegendofSim - Thank you for letting me use him in my story.

Generation 2, Chapter 35 - Shark Attack Part 2

Beverly took the kids to the resort Jean had obtained that was in competition with Lawrence Resorts. Adam was relieved to have the kids out of the way for a while.  He wasn't sure what was going to happen with Elliot and he didn't want the kids there to hear it.  All the doctors were deaf and dumb when they were asked questions regarding Elliot's condition.  Taking pity on Kyle, Adam put a hand on his shoulder  "he's going to be alright."

Kyle looked at him with bright blue eyes "I hope so.  I keep replaying  it in my mind.  If I hadn't chosen that spot for scuba diving maybe none of this would have happened."

Concern prompted Adam to say "Kyle this wasn't your fault.  Elliot is an experienced scuba diver even if he didn't grow up here.  He knew what he was doing. You couldn't have known this would happen."

"I know it's just .... I keep seeing the shark.  It keeps replaying over and over in my mind."  He shivered hugging himself.

Walking into the waiting room Adam found his sister Doloris arguing with a doctor.  Turning towards Elias he asked "what's going on?"

Elias glanced over at his wife "you know what she's like.  She's on a mission and that idiot of a doctor just told her a procedure couldn't be done.  She just about went ballistic on him since it's something she's done multiple times in Appaloosa. "  He turned a wary eye towards the ongoing discussion "your dad was trying to reason with the idiot but it doesn't look like it's working.  Even Peter looks like he's about to explode."

Adam watched his dad for a moment and he certainly looked like he was upset.  He had every right being the father of the boy who was injured and being refused adequate medical help.  Sighing Adam approached the group.

"I'm sorry we're not equipped to do that kind of procedure here," the harassed doctor shook his head.

"What the hell do you mean your not equipped," Peter yelled at him.  "What happened to the money that my lab funded for this hospital to obtain that very same equipment?  A medical facility situated near the ocean should be equipped to handle shark attack victims.  What kind of establishment is this that you care more about the interior design then the welfare of the patients?"

"You'll have to take that up with hospital administration.  I don't have the authority to say where the money is spent. I'm sorry," he said as he beat a hasty retreat.

"Of all the stupid ... "Doloris began only to be stopped by the angry glare from her father.  "I could do that procedure with my eyes closed given the right equipment."

"I'm sure you could but it's useless if the hospital isn't equipped."  Peter blinked back tears trying to clear his head.

"Is Elliot stable enough to be moved?" Adam asked.  Both Doloris and Peter turned to look at him.

"What are you thinking?" Peter asked.

Shrugging "I was thinking why not have Elliot transferred to another facility where he could get the proper care he needs."

"If he doesn't get the right care soon he'll lose his leg," Doloris said out loud.

"So why not move him?" Adam pressed on. "If time is paramount we're wasting it here arguing with idiots who would rather spend money decorating then on equipment to help people."

Pondering his words Peter nodded "your right.  I'll make the arrangements."  Turning to Doloris Peter asked "will you fly with him?  I want someone I can trust up there with him."

"All you had to do was ask," Doloris told him as she followed him out of the room.

***

Kyle was unusually quiet, observing how the Van Winkle family pulled together.  He had never experienced or seen that kind of family bond before.  "I never really believed Elliot when he said his family would move mountains to help each other."

Before Adam could respond to Kyle's comment a commotion at the door had both of them turning. Adam smiled as he recognized the people coming through the door.  "Brian, Corina I'm so glad you're here," Adam said with a smile giving each of them a hug.

"Kyle it's been awhile," Brian said engulfing him in a hug.  "So your the college roommate. I thought the name was familiar but I never thought of you as college material."  Brian shrugged "I've been a little busy."

"I here congratulations are in order," Kyle told him with a smile.

"Thanks," Brian beamed at him "the twins are a handful and feel like I never get any sleep."

"Did Shannon come?" Adam asked.

"She wasn't feeling well.  This pregnancy is taking a lot out of her."  Turning to Kyle "We're expecting triplets this time around."

"Congrats man but if you think you're tired now just wait until the triplets are here." Kyle joked.

"You have such a way of making a guy feel so much better," Brian quipped.  Turning to Adam "so where's dad?"

"Arranging Elliot's transfer from this sorry excuse of a hospital," Adam told him.

Brian's eyes narrowed over Adam's comment but he chose not to comment.  "Kyle have you met our sister Corina?"  

Corina smiled at Kyle's confused expression "Doloris and I are twins.  We also have two younger sisters that are twins too.  Have you met them?"

"Yeah we met when they were staying at my family's resort," Kyle explained

.

"Were?  Did you run out of room for everyone?" Corina inquired.

"Not exactly," Kyle began.

"More like dad had a major clash with Kyle's old man.  He's a pompous ass.  Sorry Kyle but he is," Adam added to the conversation.

"Don't apologize.  I've known that for a while now," Kyle said his voice flat.

"I'm beginning to understand why you felt you had to run away to do the show," Brian chuckled.

"That makes it sound like he ran away to join the circus," Corina added.

"Not far from it.  We never knew what those idiots were going to be doing when we went into that house," Brian told her.

They sat in the waiting room talking to each other.  Kyle found himself wrapped in a cocoon of family love even though he didn't know much about them he felt he belonged.  So engaged in their conversation no one noticed when a man entered the room.  

"Kyle you're coming home now," the loud arrogant voice boomed into the conversation like the loud clap of thunder.

"Dad," Kyle jumped to his feet in shock.

"Now Kyle," Mr Lawrence growled grabbing his son's arms, yanking him towards the door.

"Dad I .... I ...." Kyle stuttered the old fear threatening to drown him.  Taking a deep breath "I'm staying here."  He tried to yank his arms free from his father's strong grip.

"You'll do as your told," his father intoned.  "I won't tolerate disobedience.  Not from my subordinates and definitely not from my son."

Adam nodded towards Brian who maneuvered towards the door, blocking the exit.

"I'm an adult" Kyle protested "I can make my own decisions."

"Not for much longer," his father informed him "I'm having you declared mentally unfit and incapable of making decisions.  In a few days I will be made your custodian and I will be making all decisions for you."

Clearing his throat Adam glared at the older man "that doesn't give you the right to drag him off..."

"It certainly does.  I'm his father.  I won't let him hang out with the likes of you."  He pulled harder on Kyle's arm as he walked towards the exit.  "Get out of my way," he demanded when he found Brian blocking the door.

"Where is your certificate declaring you Kyle's custodian?" Brian asked leaning casually against the door.  

"Unless you have the necessary papers proving your claims you have no right to forcefully take Kyle anywhere," Corina said approaching him.

"Who do you think you are little girl?" Mr Lawrence growled as spittle flew from his mouth.

"Who I am is less important than what I am," she smiled up at him like a cat who at the mouse "I'm a lawyer and as of this minute Kyle is my client and unless you want charges of harassment and attempted kidnapping brought against I would suggest you let Kyle go."

Mr Lawrence stared down at her.  Corina refused to blink as she returned his stare.  The years of facing off against Vallari were paying off as she refused to back down.  Mr Lawrence growled deep within his throat at he dropped Kyle's arms.  "We're not finished."

"I'm sure we're not," Corina said handing him her card.  "If you need to contact my client you can do so at that number."

Glancing at the card he visibly paled "I'll be in touch." He walked towards the door that Brian held open for him.  He turned around looking straight at Kyle "I'm disappointed in you."  He turned and walked out the door.

"Wow," Brian said "that guy has serious issues.  He's almost as bad if not worse than Vallari ever was."  Turning to Kyle he said "If I were you I'd run as far and as fast as I could while I could."

Kyle looked from one to the other struck dumb by what he had witnessed.  No one had ever stood up for him before and never ever against his dad.  Everyone cowed down to his father and let him walk over them.  Struggling with his emotions he mumbled a heartfelt thank you.

***

The door swung open again and they all turned at once to see Peter coming in.  "What did I miss?" Peter asked as they all seemed shell shocked.

"Nothing we couldn't handle,"Adam told him. "We just had an unpleasant visit from the pompous ass."

"Adam ...."

"Yeah I know ... watch my language."  Adam smiled at him "but he is one and you know it."

Peter rolled his eyes choosing to let it slide "I have an airplane arranged to transfer Elliot to Appaloosa. We have room for me, Doloris and one more."  He looked directly at Kyle "Do you want to be the one more?"

Flustered when all eyes turned in his direction Kyle stuttered "I would but I ... don't want to intrude ..."

"Son your not intruding," Peter told him "we're not leaving you behind whether you come with me or Adam.  You're coming. Elliot would be furious with us if we left you behind to confront you father on your own."

"Thank you sir," Kyle said almost speechless.

"Do you need to get anything before we go?" Peter asked the boy.

Looking down at the clothes he was wearing Kyle shook his head "I guess what you see is what I have.  Dad would have taken everything else I had when he sold my houseboat."

"Don't worry about it.  We'll go shopping for whatever you need once we get to Appaloosa." Turning to the others "The airport has tickets for the rest of you for tomorrow morning.  Jean and the kids will be flying out this evening."

"Don't worry dad, we'll take care of her and the kids," Adam assured him.

"All right then we'll be on our way," Peter said giving each of them a hug.

As they walked from the waiting room Kyle began "I don't want to impose or be a burden on you."

"Don't be ridiculous" Peter told  him brushing his comments off.

"Thank you sir," Kyle mumbled overwhelmed with the acceptance he was receiving from the entire Van Winkle family.

"Son we're going to have to do something about you calling me sir."  Peter said putting a hand on Kyle's shoulder "How about you call me Peter instead."

***

An hour later Kyle was staring out the airplane window when Peter sat beside him.  Turning to look at him Kyle asked "how's Elliot?"

Leaning back Peter closed his eyes "as good as can be expected I guess.  He's resting comfortably thanks to painkillers.  The sooner we get to Appaloosa the better.  Doloris is watching him and she's one of the best neurosurgeons in the country."

"Really?" Kyle asked in surprise "she's so young."

"She's a genius," Peter told him confident in his daughters abilities.  "Don't worry she'll take good care of him."  Sitting up straight Peter looked at the boy sitting next to him.  "Kyle I can tell you care a great deal for Elliot. If you need someone to talk to I'm here."

Jumping a little in his seat Kyle wondered if the family were mind readers along with being geniuses.  "He's my best friend," he mumbled.

"If you say so," Peter shrugged "but don't you think you owe yourself and Elliot the truth."

"He's my best friend," Kyle repeated turning to look at Peter.  Kyle found Peter's presence reassuring "I'm not sure what I feel or what Elliot feels.  We shared a moment in college.  I'm sure it meant more to me than him."  He sighed turning away looking at the passing clouds.

"Do you really think you tricked Elliot?" Peter asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"What?" Kyle asked staring wide-eyed at Peter.

"That make-out session in the hot tub," Peter smiled at him.  "I do see the gossip magazines from time to time; especially when they're delivered to me like this one was.  I'm sure whoever it was wanted a different reaction from me.  Probably expecting something along the lines of your father." Peter smiled "they were disappointed to say the least.  I love my children.  I want them to be happy. If you bring my son happiness and love, who am I to judge?"

"But Elliot has a girl friend," Kyle protested "he talked about her all the time."

"She's a very nice girl but they're not dating anymore," Peter said.  "They broke up when Elliot was home last Christmas.  She wanted someone closer to home.  Elliot I believe was beginning to have mixed feelings for his best friend."

"But he ... he never said anything," Kyle sighed

"No he wouldn't would he? You were always talking about your next scheme to get the girl."  Peter laughed at his confused expression mixed with embarrassment.  "You really need to sit down and talk about your feelings with him.  You could be missing out on something wonderful.  Elliot chose to come to Isla Paradiso with you instead of coming home.  That should tell you something."  Peter got up saying "think about it."

A couple weeks later Kyle was still thinking about what Peter said to him.  Could it be that easy?  It felt odd to be so accepted.  He was more used to being the clown in any situation.  The guy who couldn't sit still.  The one with all the crazy ideas. It was his way of keeping people at a distance while still feeling like he was part of the group.  He was always afraid the minute he slowed down and let someone get close to him that they wouldn't like what they saw.  After all his whole family never accepted him for who he was.  Why would anyone else?

He leaned forward in the chair.  He had been sitting in this chair for the last few hours.  He was sure the cushion had permanent butt impressions.  He opened his eyes to find a pair of emerald green eyes staring up at him.  "Elliot?" he asked in surprise "how long have you been awake?"

"Not long," Elliot smiled "what's wrong?"

Shaking his head "nothing," Kyle mumbled.

"Liar" Elliot shot back at him "tell me please," he entreated.

Taking a deep breath Kyle blurted "I like you."

"Of course you do, we're best friends.  I like you too."  Elliot told him frowning when Kyle looked away.

"No you don't understand," Kyle sighed looking at Elliot "I like like you."

"Oh .... ok," Elliot said grinning up at him "it took you long enough to say it."

"What?  I ... does that mean you like me too?" Kyle leaned closed to Elliot.

Nodding Elliot said "I like like you too."

Unable to contain his happiness Kyle jumped up and bounced on the bed beside Elliot.  Leaning over him their lips almost touching when the door slammed shut behind them.  Jerking upright Kyle looked into the furious eyes of his father.

"I knew I'd find you here," he shouted through clenched teeth "with him."

Standing Kyle turned to face his father.  "You can't control me.  This is my life.  I'll live it the way I choose."  He felt Elliot take his hand as he stood up to his father.

"Over my dead body," Mr Lawrence spat "I forbid it.  You'll marry whom I approve.  You'll do as I say."  He shouted seething like a smoking volcano.  He grabbed Kyle's arm dragging him towards the door.

An orderly walked into the room.   Looking from the bald furious man to Elliot he asked "is everything alright Mr Van Winkle?"

"Call security," Elliot instructed him.  The orderly looked at the furious older man  before turning on his heels and left.

Kyle struggled against his father's grip "your not at home where everyone trembles in fear of you. You can't just snap your fingers and command instant obedience."

Two security guards entered the room followed by Peter "let the boy go," he commanded.

Shaking Kyle "this boy is my son and he's coming home with me." He started towards the door where Peter stood leaning against it.  "Get out of my way."

"Gladly" Peter smiled unfazed by his anger "just as soon as you let Kyle go."

"I will not be bullied into complying with your demands, " Mr Lawrence countered.

"The only bully I see here is you," Peter shot back eyes' narrowed in anger.  "Kyle is an adult and as such can come and go as he pleases."

"Is that so," Mr Lawrence intoned "we'll see about that once his competence hearing starts.  Until then you can keep the wimp."  He straightened his clothes and walked out of the door.

Kyle sank to the floor shaking.   Peter kneeled in front of him "are you ok?"

Nodding his head Kyle wiped his eyes on the back of his hand "I'm fine.  He's never going to give up is he?"

"Doesn't seem to be in his nature," Peter told him.

"Maybe I should ...."

"No," Peter and Elliot said together.