Generation 2, Chapter 32 - Bad News

"Van Winkle residence," Faith giggled into the phone.

"Mr Peter Van Winkle please," A deep masculine voice requested.

"Daddy's not home right now," Faith told the voice despite the frantic hand signals from her sister.

Grace grabbed the phone from Faith's hand scolding her "you know you're not supposed to tell strangers that daddy's not home, idiot."

"I'm not an idiot," Faith protested, struggling to regain control of the phone.

Ignoring her attempts Grace spoke into the receiver "who is this?"

"I'm Mr. Eckhart a solicitor based out of Bridgeport," the man explained. "Are there any adults I can speak with?"

"I'm sure there are, There's millions of them running around," Grace flippantly replied.  Seeing her mother coming up the stairs "mommy there's some man asking for daddy."

Taking the phone from Grace, Jean spoke into the phone "can I help you?"  A worried frown creased her forehead.

"I'm Mr. Eckhart a solicitor representing Henry Van Winkles estate," the man explained.  "I'm sorry to  have to inform you that Henry passed away early this morning in his sleep in his home in Bridgeport."

Blinking back tears Jean listened to the solicitor explain that Peter was the sole beneficiary of a sizable inheritance.  "I'm sorry what?  Peter was told that his father lost his assets in a failed investment several years ago."

"Err yes that is something Henry would have said.  All will be explained once Peter comes to Bridgeport to settle his father's affairs."

"Peter has two older brothers, perhaps one of them can assist you in settling Henry's affairs."

"Unfortunately neither one of them was mentioned in Henry's will.  His instructions are very explicit that only Peter was to handle his affairs upon his death.," the solicitor explained.

"It maybe several days before Peter can arrange things to come to Bridgeport," Jean hedged.

"I understand he's a busy man but surely he'll want to come to arrange his father's funeral," the solicitor suggested.  "Please have Peter call me at his earliest convenience."

"I'll discuss it with Peter and we'll be in touch,"  Jean agreed jotting down the number where the solicitor could be reached at.

That evening as Peter was putting Henry down for the night. Jean followed him "Honey we need to talk," she said from behind him.

Glancing over at her he nodded.  He had a feeling all evening there was something on her mind.

Kissing Henry goodnight as laid him in his crib.  Following Jean to their room "so what's up?"

She went over to Peter and gave him silent hug "you know I love you right?" she asked looking deep into his blue eyes.

"Without question," he kissed her lips "I love you.  I have a feeling though that's not what you wanted to talk to me about."  he frowned at her "it's not like you to hedge around like this. Just tell me what's wrong?"  

Caressing his face "I received a phone call from your father's solicitor today." She stopped as she felt Peter stiffen  "Honey I'm sorry your father passed away early this morning in his sleep."  She felt rather than heard him cry.  She pulled him close, rocking him in her arms.

"I never got to tell him ..." Peter choked on a sob "I was going to tell him ... but I never did."

Rubbing his back "it's alright he knew you loved him."

"But I never told him ... not after ...." his voice ended on a sob recalling how he felt about how his father had been so callous towards Vallari and how it had destroyed her life.  

Holding her husband Jean did what she could to console his grief.  Her mind drifted to the phone conversation with the solicitor.  "Peter I know your hurting but the solicitor mentioned he needed you to come to Bridgeport to settle your father's affairs."

"Can't my brothers take care of it?"  Peter pulled away wiping his eyes.

"Apparently he left everything to you and you have to settle it ...."

"I don't understand ...." Peter took a large gulp of air "he didn't have anything. He told me he lost everything .... what is there that needs to be settled?"  Sniffing Peter grunted "Another lie.  I should have known.  My father was a great one for keeping secrets."  Reaching for Jean's hand he squeezed it tight "I don't want to look through his things ... I'm afraid of what I might find."

"Oh Peter I know your hurting," she caressed his face "grieve for the man you knew and remember we all have faults, secrets and mistakes we wish we could keep hidden.  Grieve for the man you adored when you were a little boy."

Smiling Peter kissed her "thank you.  I adored my father when I was little.  I kind of thought of him as some sort of superhero who would change the world.  I wanted to be just like him." Kissing her again "I'm glad I'm not though or I shudder to think what my kids might think of me."  Sitting up sighing "I should call that solicitor .  I just don't want to deal with it right now."

"Then don't," Jean kissed him pulling him down beside her "there's time enough for that tomorrow."

***

The next several days were long and difficult as Peter struggled to arrange his father's funeral.  He avoided contacting the solicitor, refusing to take his calls or acknowledge his messages.  He wanted to get through the funeral before dealing with anything else.  Looking up in time to see a man enter the funeral home and approach him.  "Mr. Van Winkle I'm Mr. Eckhart.  I've tried multiple times to contact you regarding your father's affairs"

"Now isn't a good time," Peter frowned turning his back to the man.

"I realize that you may not want to discuss it here but you can't ignore it forever," the man took steps to stand in front of Peter forcing him to stop.

"Once the funeral is over I'll call you," Peter told him through tight lips keeping a firm grip on his anger.

"No I think we'll discuss it now," he grabbed Peter's arm squeezing tightly.

Shaking him off Peter glared at him "don't touch me." Peter's voice was low and deep, anger apparent in it's tone.  

The man dropped his hand "It's imperative I talk to you Mr. Van Winkle.  I have classified information that will impact the future."  His grave tone caught Peter's attention.

Nodding Peter looked around at the gathered family and friends and realized there was no way they would be able to find a private place to talk.  "If this information is classified we'll need a more private place to talk.  This place just isn't the place to do it.  I could be interrupted at any time."

"Come to my office tomorrow morning," the man agreed despite the urgency of what he needed to discuss with Peter.  He handed Peter his card "come to my office, it's secure."  He turned and walked away.

Adam came up beside his father "dad do you know who that man is?"

"No," Peter shrugged "should I?  He just introduced himself as my father's solicitor."

Adam watched the man walk towards the door "that isn't a solicitor.  That's the alien man whose been helping us bring an end to the abductions."

Shocked Peter turned towards his son "are you sure?  I mean ... damn ... that explains why he said he had classified information to give to me.  I didn't think ... he looked so normal, except for the eyes."

"He was genetically altered to look like us," Adam turned to Peter "I have a few things to tell you about the future that can't be discussed here."

Nodding Peter suggested "why don't you accompany me when I meet with our alien friend tomorrow.  I can't imagine we'll have a more secure place to talk then there."

"I'll do that," Adam hesitated before adding "dad I'm sorry about grandfather."

"So am I but he had a long life," Peter hugged his son "thanks for coming."

"I wanted to be here to support you," Adam told his father.  "You know another person we should talk to is grandfather's assistant."

"I was planning on it.  She's here with her family.  She's also William's daughter ...."

"I'd like to meet her," Adam enthused.  Beverly walked over to them "Bev I want you to meet my dad.  Dad this is Beverly Bennett, another daughter of William's."

"It's nice to meet you," Peter smiled warmly at her.

"I wish it were under better circumstances," Beverly said shaking his hand.  "Dad spoke very highly of you.  He's not real happy with me being in the future ..."  Shrugging she continued "but we all have to do things we don't want to do sometimes."  Beverly was interrupted when Heath came running up to her.

"Mom come quick.  Irissa is all tangled up and I can't get her out."  Heath grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

"Mom?" Peter raised his eyebrows at his son.  "That's an interesting development.  Something you want to tell me."

"Heath is very attached to Beverly,"  Adam explained nonchalantly.  "Don't look at me like that.  She's too young for me."

"You protest too much," Peter smiled at him enjoying his discomfiture. "Age has nothing to do with it." Adam rolled his eyes remaining silent. "Son if you like her go for it."

"It's not that simple,"  Adam mumbled "there's other things to consider."

"Take my advice and don't over think it," Peter told him "she's good for those kids."  He watched as Beverly patiently helped Irissa become untangled  from the chairs she had crawled under and snagged her dress on.  Chuckling a little "I think you know it too."

"I know," Adam acknowledged on a anguished sigh, "but being with me puts her in danger."  He shot her a wistful glance "I'm hoping Evelyn will convince her to stay here when I go back to the future."

Shaking his head Peter told him "it's your life but I think you're making a mistake."

"Maybe," Adam conceded "it looks like it's about to start.  Uncle Paul is standing up at the podium.  I better round up the kids."

Afterwards everyone gathered around, reciting their favorite memories of Henry and saying condolences to the family.  Evelyn and Shon approached Adam "Beverly is staying with us and your more than welcome to join her.  We know it must be overcrowded at your grandfathers place."

"That's kind of you," Adam was about to decline when he noticed how well Heath was getting along with their kids.  It was so seldom Heath had the opportunity to make friends that Adam found himself accepting their invitation.  "I'd like that thank you."

"Good we look forward to getting to know you," Evelyn smiled warmly at him

***

In Loving Memory of 

Henry Adam Van Winkle 

Henry died peacefully in his sleep and has been 

reunited with his beloved wife Corina Doloris (Elliot) Van Winkle.

Favorite Quote:  "All life is an experiment.  The more Experiments you make the better."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

He is survived by his three sons, eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Paul (Lori) Van Winkle

John (Kevin) Van Winkle

Peter (Jean) Van Winkle

Children:  Faith, Grace and Henry

Adam Van Winkle

Children:  Heath and Irissa

Brian (Shannon) Van Winkle

Children:  Terri, Derrick, Bruce, April and May

Corina (Ethan) Parrott

Children:  Jason, Barbara and Lisa

Doloris (Elias) Parrott

Children:  Joseph, Rebecca and Patricia

Elliot Van Winkle

Generation 2, Chapter 31 - Unpleasant Memories

Looking in the direction Chase ran off in, Heath wondered aloud "why is he so mad at us?"

"He was told lies about us," Emit explained "he's angry and hurt.  I hope one day he'll let me explain the truth to him.  Until then we have to keep you safe ..."

"And my dad?" Heath asked concerned.

"Yes your dad too," Emit sighed marveling at how perceptive this little boy was.  "Come on lets go back and see your dad."

Shaking his head "I haven't gotten anything for Irissa yet."

Taking a teddy bear from is pack, Emit handed it to Heath "do you think she'll like this?"

Brightening Heath took the teddy bear, squeezing it against  his chest.  "It's so soft and cuddly, she'll love it."  Looking at Emit "don't you want to give it to her yourself?"

"No that's ok," Emit smiled down at him.  "She like it more coming from you."  He sighed wistfully watching Heath walking hand in hand with Beverly.  Would things have been different if he had the chance to spend moments like this with his own son?  He missed so much without even knowing he had it.  Would he get a second chance to help his son?  Did he deserve a second chance?

"Aren't you coming?" Heath asked stopping at the door half turned towards Emit.

Nodding Emit waved him on "I'm right behind you.  I have some things to discuss with your father."  Did his desire for family drive his need to become close with his ancestors?  Will the watchers use this weakness against him?  Will it cause more harm than good?  

***

Running into Adam's room Heath waved the teddy bear around "look what Emit gave me to give to Irissa.  It's soft and cuddly.  Do you think she'll like it?" he asked seeking Adam's approval.

Taking the bear Adam looked at it and in mock seriousness he inspected the cuddlebility of the teddy bear.  Winking at Heath he said I think she'll love it."

Beaming Heath grabbed Beverly's hand "come on let's go see her."

Shrugging Beverly allowed herself to be dragged from the room.  She was still a little shell shocked from the near abduction and marveling at how Heath seemed to have bounced back from it so quickly.

Emit entered the room as Beverly and Heath left.  Adam looked up and smiled in greeting. "Emit it's good to see you.  Thank you for the teddy bear, Heath is can't wait to give it to Irissa.  It made his day."

Clearing is throat Emil asked "did he tell you what happened?"

Something in Emits tone sparked an adrenaline rush that had Adam jumping to his feet only to find his legs wouldn't hold him.  Emit caught him before he fell face first onto the floor.  "Calm down. Every thing's alright.  I arrived in time to stop him."

"Stop him?" Adam asked incredulously "Stop what?"  Looking at Emit in a mixture of anger and confusion.  He had a strong feeling that whatever happened he should just gather his children and Beverly and go home.  To hell with the aliens and the future.  He could only deal with the here and now and his children came first.

Looking away as if he could hear Adam's thoughts Emit said "Chase tried to abduct them ...."

"Them?" Adam exploded "he tried to take Beverly too?"  What kind of person was this Chase?  Beverly wasn't even related to him or Heath.  Did he just take her because she was there?  Heath was just a little boy.  Neither deserved this.  He should tell Beverly to go home where it was safe.  At the thought of her leaving left him feeling frozen inside.  Something he hadn't realized was there just died as he saw his last chance at happiness slip through his hands.  But he couldn't put her endanger and just being associated with the Van Winkles was enough to put a target on a person's back.

"Adam don't let this make you do something stupid," Emit pleaded noting his defeated expression and downcast eyes.  "I can handle Chase.  He's not a proficient time traveler yet.  He's hurt and confused.  He doesn't know what he's doing."

"Yeah right," Adam tossed Emit an angry look "he's already tried to kill my dad, abduct my son and g-friend.  He's menace ..."

I can't just write him off," Emit shouted walking towards the window "he's my son.  I have to believe I can reach him.  Help him."

"Your son?" Adam asked "but how? Why? I don't understand."  Adam stumbled over his thoughts and words.  If Chase really was Emits son then he just wasn't any bad guy but family.  You couldn't just turn your back on family.  Looking at Emit's distraught bent form Adam sighed giving in "maybe you should tell me everything from the beginning."

Nodding Emit turned from the window "I guess it's time I tell someone."  He reached into his pack and brought out a dragon "hope you don't mind a borrowed it.  What I'm about to tell you is for your ears only and this place isn't a safe zone."

Nodding "it's probably how Chase found out we were here.  He took advantage of the opportunity and exploited our weakness."

Released the dragon flew around the room before landing on the floor near Adam's bed.  Emit watched for a moment, gathering his thoughts.  "For years I never thought about my family.  I took great pains to avoid meeting my ancestors.  Not only to protect them but the temptation to make changes to my own timeline." Smiling Emit continued "that changed when my time machine broke down thrusting me into the past and landing me in your fathers front yard."

Gazing out the window Emit spoke in hushed tones "I knew I should have blocked the portal to keep Peter from following me but ...." He glanced over towards Adam "he reminded me my of father, at least the few memories I had of him.  The lust for adventure, the enthusiasm to learn new things.  Meeting Peter had me thinking of my parents that I hadn't done in years.  All the feelings of loneliness, despair, anger and pain I kept locked inside threatened to come bubbling to the surface after years of being repressed."  

***

"I loved my father like any toddler would.  He was bigger than life and I was always safe in his arms.  My mother was always laughing enjoying life.  All that changed we we moved to the colony on Lunar Lakes."  Stopping Emit took a deep breath "I've avoided visiting that time in my travels not wanting to relive that part of my history.  It's frustrating to know I can't change it without changing everything I've done and it's just too painful.  I blocked most of the memories of that time period but now with Logan showing up, a brother I don't remember having I had to go back.  I had to know what I've forgotten."

"My father was a quantum physics engineer, making great strides in the practical application of time travel.  He was almost ready to make the first time jump, unfortunately his work caught the attention of certain individuals who wanted the technology for themselves.  They saw it as a way to form a future of their own design and controlling people.  They called themselves 'The Watchers'.  They do more than watch, they destroy.  They killed my parents and abducted my brother."

"My father in an attempt to keep his family safe sold everything they had and bought passage to Lunar Lakes.  He quit his work in quantum physics and took up horticulture.  The watchers sent men to Lunar Lakes to kill my father, in the process they set fire to the house where my mother and I were trapped.  She managed to to get me out, dropping me from the second story window.  Logan had been with my father and I assume it was then the men took him.  I don't remember much before the fall, having hit my head on the ground.  I came too on an alien ship."

"The alien who found and ultimately saved my life was the same alien time traveler you met Adam when you were abducted.  I learned later he was coming to see  my father regarding his work in time travel, to seek his help in completing his mission to release the cure to save his planet.  He made several attempts to change what happened to my parents but without success.  All he had to work with was a 3 year old child."

"It was an unusual childhood to say the least and I was alive.  He taught me several things about time travel and keeping track of the time line, recognizing what could be changed what should be left alone.  Soon all my memories of my prior existence faded and were lost, all I had was the alien time traveler.  I didn't even remember my own name, late at night I would dream of my mother calling for me but when I'd wake it would be gone.  The time traveler called me Emit and instructed me to call him Relevart.  When I was older I realized in was time traveler spelled backwards but it was better then being nameless.  I was lonely and scared most of my childhood, being hunted by aliens trying to stop 'Relevart' from releasing the cure.   I'm sure he did the best he could for me and at one point he gave me a doll that became my best and only friend."

"When I was a teenager 'Relevart' would give me small training assignments to test my skills and abilities in manipulating time.  During these travels I learned about a potion that could turn imaginary friends real.  I desperately wanted a real friend, someone I could love someone I could call family.  'Relevart' warned me that the being I'd release from the doll wouldn't be the same person I knew as my imaginary friend.  I didn't understand what he meant and I didn't care. I should have listened.  I loved Donna and thought she loved me.  She had been the only friend I had in the world besides 'Relevart'.  She had been confidant, my comforter when I cried for my parents, she listened to my fears, my joys and I told her everything including the secrets of time travel.  I still feel the unfathomable pain she caused when she betrayed me to my brother.  She became my worst enemy."

'Relevart' dropped us off in Oasis Landing where I worked on finishing my father's work in perfecting time travel.  All the time Donna was passing along my break throughs to Logan and through him 'The Watchers'.  I inadvertently gave them the ability to travel through time. When the time was right I came home to find an empty house, Donna and all my research gone.  I had nothing left."

"I had no choice but to start over and thanks to time travel I had all the time I could want to perfect my work.  I had one goal, to find Donna.  To find out why she betrayed my trust, to know why she didn't love me they way I loved her.  I looked everywhere but I never found her.  When Chase showed up in Oasis Landing I began to wonder, his resemblance to me and the green in his hair.  I obtained a DNA sample and confirmed what I suspected, he was my son.   Donna must have been pregnant when she left and looking into origins of Chase I found her, long dead, killed by a man named Zedekiah Van Winkle.  It was then I remembered my name, the name I dreamed my mother calling, Zedekiah, Kiah for short.  I can only assume it was Logan using my name and the reason why Chase hates the name Van Winkle.  I have no doubt Logan has fed that hatred through the years." Turning towards Adam "I have to find out what happened to Donna in order to save my son."

Adam couldn't help but feel empathy for Emit but at the same time he wanted to take his kids to where they'd be safe.  Listening to Emit he noted the striking similarities between Donna and Wendy and he wondered was there something fundamentally wrong with imaginary friends once they became real.  Did all of them turn against the person that turned them real?  He wanted to help Emit but at the same time he struggled with his first priority the safety of his kids.  He wanted to tell Emit to find someone else to help him figure it out, but he was family even if several years in the future.  Emit had helped his family several time over despite the risk to himself.  All these thoughts screamed in his head and he knew there was only one choice he could make.  "Alright you have my help.  I'll do whatever I can to help you."

Generation 2, Chapter 30 - Past and Future Collide

"Mrs. Van Winkle?" a voice broke through Beverly's thoughts.

"Yes ... um .... I'm n...." a small tug on her hand made her look down at Heath.  He was giving her a look and cocking his head towards the doctor.  Oh her mouth formed as she finally caught on to what Heath  was trying to tell her.  If they wanted to know how Adam was doing she had to pretend to be his wife; otherwise they wouldn't tell them anything.  "Yes ... I'm sorry .... my mind is elsewhere." she smiled apologetically.

"Perfectly understandable under the circumstances. Your husband should make a full recovery."

"Why cant he walk?" Beverly interrupted.

Siting beside her he sighed "Adam experienced something traumatic that brought on a panic attack." stopping he looked at her with concern then down at Heath.  "Maybe we should continue this discussion in private."

"No," Heath objected "please he's my dad."

Grabbing his hand Beverly turned to the doctor "no we'll have this discussion together.  That way if any of us have questions you're here to answer them."

Shaking his head he continued "basically there's nothing wrong with your husband. He's experiencing  what we call a conversion disorder"

"I'm sorry a what?  What's a conversion disorder?" Beverly asked confused.

"It's what happens when a person is under a lot of stress.  The mind manifests the stress as a physical injury.  In Adam's case it's manifesting itself as paralysis.  Once his stress level comes down the paralysis should go away."

"How long will that take?" Heath asked clinging to Beverly for support.

Smiling at the little boy the doctor ruffled his hair "that will depend upon your dad.  It may take a few hours, days, a few weeks, we simply don't know."

"But after he calms down he'll be able to walk again?" Heath asked making sure he understood.

"Yes" the doctor got up "would you like to see your dad?"  Heath stood up nodding "ok than follow me I'll take you to him."

Heath started to follow the doctor when he stopped turning around "mom aren't you coming?"

Shocked Beverly blinked back tears getting up to follow Heath who slipped his hand into hers. Walking into Adam's room Heath ran up to "Dad ... dad I'm sorry."

Adam smiled and rubbed the top of Heath's head "for what son?  You didn't do anything?"  Adam looked at Beverly with a questioning glance.  She shook her head biting her lip hoping that Adam will be as understanding now as he has been in the past.

"It's my fault.  I pushed Rissa into the pool."  Heath laid his head down on the bed, shoulders heaving as he sobbed.

Still rubbing his son's head Adam asked "did you do it on purpose?"

Head still bent "no I just wanted her to leave me alone.  I didn't think we were that close to the edge."

Lifting his son's chin so he could look him in the eye "Heath it was an accident.  Sometimes we do things that cause ourselves and other's pain.  It doesn't make us bad."

"Really?" Heath asked relieved as he blinked back tears.

"Yes," Adam told as he watched the turmoil behind his son's eyes fade a little.  "Heath how did it make you feel after you realized what you did?"

"Awful," his eyes grew large remembering that terrible moment as he watched Irissa tumble backwards into the pool.

"Would you do it again knowing what you know now?"

"No," he shook his head emphatically.

"Good," Adam patted his back "that's good."

Heath smiled at his dad then asked "how do you know if your a good or a bad person?"

Shifting a little in the bed he unconsciously moved his legs in the process.  It went unnoticed by everyone but Beverly who stood watching nearby.  "Well son a good person despite making mistakes learns from the things he does and seeks to do better.  A bad person knows the consequences and does it anyway regardless of the people they hurt in the process.  Do you understand?"

Thinking for a moment Heath nodded "I think so.  I want to be a good person."

Hugging his son close "I know you do and you do a very good job at it too.  But give yourself a break son, don't expect perfection.  Good people will do bad things ...."

"Because they make mistakes." Heath finished for him.

Nodding "that's right son."

Snuggling close to Adam, Heath sighed "I'll try to remember that.  Dad, where's Irissa?"

Adam smiled relieved the discussion was over for the moment.  He wished there was someway he could reassure his son that he wouldn't inherit his mother's badness just because he shared her DNA. Hopefully it would be something he out grew as he got older.  "She's asleep but she's alright.  A little scared.  When she wakes up she'll want to see you.  Why don't you and Beverly go to the gift shop and get her something nice to play with while she's here."

Eyes brightening Heath jumped down from the bed grabbed Beverly's hand "let's go mom."

Beverly turned to look at Adam before being dragged from the room.  Adam mouthed "mom" to her and she shrugged laughing as Heath succeeded in dragging her out with him.  As the door closed Adam smiled.  "Now that's a pleasant thought," Adam said out loud.  For Heath calling anyone mom was a big deal.  When he had dated Ruby, Heath insisted on referring to as 'that lady.'  Windy was the 'bad lady' and there were a couple others that Heath would roll his eyes saying 'girls.'

He leaned back into his pillow daydreaming about asking a certain red haired, green eyed girl on a date.  Maybe with her help Heath would open up more and relinquish his growing obsession with good and bad.   It bothered him that Heath was preoccupied with turning into his mother. There was no doubt in Adam's mind that his son would become anything like Windy, it was an improbability as far as he was concerned.

***

Going into the gift shop, they were approached by a young man "can I help you?" he offered.

"We're looking for a gift for my sister," Heath told him.

"How old is she?" Looking at the man suspiciously Heath turned to Beverly who had put a hand on his shoulder.  "Is this your son?"

"Yes," she replied amazed at how easily and natural it was to call him her son.

"You don't look old enough to have a child this old," he winked at her. He took a step closer "you have very pretty hair."

Taking a step back "um thank you."

There was something about this young man that was unsettling and making her nervous. She didn't like that he kept putting himself into person space.

"How about these roses for the pretty lady?"  the man suggested.

"No we're looking for something for a little girl.  She can't play with stupid old flowers." Heath was becoming irritated with the man who was trying to stand close to Beverly.  It was even worse that she looked a little scared every time he moved closer.  "Mom maybe we should go some place else. They don't have anything Rissa would like."

Taking her eyes from the man Beverly nodded "yeah I think that's a good idea."  She took a step backwards reaching for Heath as she did so.  The man moved to put himself between her and Heath.

"Hey don't go on my account.  I'm sure I can find something that your sister would like." As he spoke an edge crept into his voice despite the pleasant smile on this face.

"No this place doesn't have anything Rissa would like." Heath said trying to get around the man.  The man grabbed his arm as he attempted to get past.  "Hey let me go," Heath shouted.

Beverly moved to help Heath only to find the man had clamped onto her wrist and was dragging them further into the store.  "Where are you taking us?" 

"Some place where you'll never be found,"the man replied.

"My dad will find us," Heath threatened.

"Not very likely," the man told him dragging them towards a door.

As they approached, the door opened in front of them.  The man stopped as another man stepped from the doorway into the light.  "What are you doing here?" the man asked in undisguised rage.

"Saving my friends son and wife from you," he said calmly.  "Let them go."

"Why should I?" he challenged.

"Because your better than this.  Chase don't you understand Logan is using you?" Emit asked as he took a step closer

Shaking his head vehemently Chase said "The Van Winkles are responsible for the deaths of my family.  If I destroy their ancestry line I save my family."

Shaking his head Emit sighed "Logan lied to you.  He knows that if you destroy the Van Winkle family line you destroy not only me but yourself along with it.  Haven't you looked at your own lineage?"

Trembling Chase looked at Emit then down at Heath who was staring up at him, wide eyed and scared.  His grip loosened from the boy and girl he was holding.  He cried in anguish "I don't believe you.  You only want to save yourself."  Abruptly he bolted from the store and ran from the hospital.

Emit knelt in front of Heath "are you ok?"

"Yes sir," he mumbled "who was that guy?"

Putting his hands on Heath's shoulders Emit sighed " that was a very confused young man."

"Yes but who is he?" Heath persisted.

With a sad smile Emit confessed "that's my son Chase Mars Relevart.