The Victorious and the Relentless

Episode 8: "While You Were Sleeping"

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES

Vittoria sat outside near the pool, sunbathing in the early afternoon and sipping on a cosmopolitan, her two-piece bikini showing off her voluptuous body. She really had enjoyed the few hours here and loved the luxuriance. This was truly la dolce vita, and she could get used to it if only it didn’t come with the stigma that was Callum Sutcliffe. She didn’t like him one bit. Last night he had come into her room and read her the riot act, berating her incompetence to annihilate both Allison and Chloe. The news did startle Vittoria, for she knew that Chloe was still a threat if she were alive, but she was certain no one saw her. Callum did reassure her that he would handle everything and make sure that she was not implied in the crimes. She had taken him at his word and now he was shut off from the world, working on his novel. How was he to do anything down there in the cellar?

Tristan suddenly came outside, shirtless, his chiseled pecs and washboard abs in full display. There was a panicked expression slapped on his face.

Vittoria: What the hell’s wrong with you?

Tristan: It’s gone!

Vittoria: What’s wrong?

Tristan: That fucking thing you put in the back of my car. It’s missing! Someone crashed into my car over in WEHO, and it’s pretty banged up. There’s nothing in the trunk.

Vittoria (her eyes suddenly dilated): Dio Mio!

Tristan: Exactly!

Vittoria: Do you know who could have taken it?

Tristan: Well, some kid ran his father’s car into mine. I guess the wreck happened like ten to fifteen minutes before I even came outside. Anybody could have taken it.

Vittoria: You doofus, why didn’t you get rid of it instead of carrying it around in the back of your car for over three fucking weeks?

Tristan: I didn’t have time—

Vittoria: Bullshit! (pause) What are we going to do now?

Tristan: I need to speak with Callum.

Godfrey (coming outside to bring Vittoria another drink): I’m sorry, but His Lordship is not to be disturbed while in his conclave.

Tristan: Conclave? What the hell?

Vittoria: I think he told me he would be in the basement for the next day or so.

Tristan: This isn’t some damn papal appointment ceremony. I need to speak with him now! It’s urgent!

Godfrey: Those are His Lordship’s rules, and in all my years of knowing him, he remains steadfast in his wish not to be disturbed when he’s writing any of his published works. May I pass a message along to him from you?

Tristan (panicked and fuming): No, I’ll take care of it myself.

Godfrey placed the next cosmopolitan down on the side table for Vittoria and then took his leave. Suddenly, Tristan’s phone rang. It was from Dr. Peyton Ashland, informing him the good news that Brendon Roberts had finally awakened.

Peyton: I’m sure Callum will be glad to hear that.

Tristan: Yeah, well, he’s locked up somewhere in this house, working on his novel. Apparently, he’s not to be disturbed under any circumstances for the next forty-eight hours.

Peyton: How do you know this? Are you at his house now?

Tristan: Yes, and I know what you’re thinking. It’s a long story. My apartment was broken into yesterday, and Callum offered his hospitality.

Peyton: Be careful. It starts out that way and then, well, you can imagine what comes next.

Tristan: Anyway, I’ve got to go now. Give Brendon my regards! (snapping his phone shut and beholding the blanched, scared face of Vittoria) Yeah, you heard me, Siciliana! As if our fucking day couldn’t get any better, Brendon Roberts awoke from his coma earlier this morning.

KYLE WALGROVE AND HEATH ALCOTT’S HOME, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Kyle turned the key in his lock and went straight for the kitchen, his stomach fiercely growling. The door slamming shut awoke Heath from his nap on the living room sofa, and he raised his head to see his partner rush for the refrigerator.

Kyle: Hey Babe! Didn’t think you’d be home at this hour. (rummaging around inside the fridge) Where the hell is the chicken salad you made last night?

Heath: It should still be in there. I haven’t touched it.

Kyle: Damn it! There’s hardly any left. Are you sure you didn’t eat any? I thought the bowl was full when I left early this morning. I swear sometimes there’s like three people living in this house—or at least a third person eating the food. Maybe you’ve got a tapeworm.

Heath threw himself over the sofa edge and rushed over to Kyle, smacking his ass as he bent over to look further into the fridge. Kyle straightened himself and turned around in time for Heath’s lips to meet his in an unexpected kiss.

Heath: You didn’t come home for food. (his hand reaching for Kyle’s zipper) You came home for a quickie.

Kyle: Babe, I didn’t even know you were home. I thought you were at work.

Heath (successfully pulling out the head of Kyle’s penis): I quit my job.

Kyle (reactively jerking away from Heath): You what?

Heath: I got bored.

Kyle: That’s not an excuse to leave a job you’ve been at for several years. Why didn’t you tell me? We could have talked this over.

Heath (bursting into a hysterical laughter): When are you ever home for us to talk civilly about anything?

Kyle: Heath, I’m not understanding why you’re doing this. You loved being a firefighter.

Heath: Well, I was growing tired of rescuing cats stuck in trees. (moving toward Kyle) Anyway, at least you lucked out today. I can blow you before you head back to work.

Kyle: Frankly, Heath, I’m not in the mood right now. I’m still in shock that you didn’t feel like telling me first before making this big decision.

Heath (suddenly lashing out): You’re never in the mood anymore! And as for my decision, it was mine to make, and I was going to tell you last night, but you got called away once again with yet another attack in the park. I’m fucking sick of you never being here for me!

Kyle: Heath, I’m sorry you feel that way, but I (suddenly his cell phone rings… he thoughtlessly answers it as Heath stands there, fuming at his inconsiderate gesture)

Heath (upon Kyle’s snapping the phone shut): Let me guess. That was the station again, and there was a mass murder in the park this time, and you’ve got to go now.

Kyle: You’re right. That was the station, but they were calling to inform me that Brendon Roberts woke from his coma a few hours ago. I need to get to the hospital and see if he remembers anything about the attacks on him and Nathan. Don’t go anywhere this evening. We need to talk when I get back.

Heath: Fine, I’ll be here. Remember I’m unemployed now.

Kyle (walking over and surprisingly kissing him): You know I love you

As the door shut, Heath couldn’t determine if what Kyle had said was a statement or a question.

HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL, CHLOE DALTON’S ROOM

Allison stepped into Chloe’s hospital room, observing the sweet figure at rest. She grasped Chloe’s hand and held it to her lips, lightly kissing it. Suddenly, Chloe’s eyes opened almost as if by the sheer touch had awakened her from her sleep.

Chloe (groggily): Allison?

Allison: I’m here. Don’t overexert yourself with talking.

Chloe (vision slowly adjusting to her surroundings): Where are we?

Allison: We’re in the hospital.

Chloe blinked her eyes. She tried to move in the bed but felt powerless. What was wrong?

Chloe: Why are we here?

Allison: You don’t remember our walk in the park last night. We had an accident.

Chloe: An accident?

Allison: Do you remember the horse on the horse trail?

Chloe taxed her mind to think back to her last recollection. She remembered having a nap after the argument and then slowly the remaining pieces came to her mind in fluidity. She recalled them getting into the car, riding to the park, classical music playing in the car as they turned into the park. The images of the sunset floated across her mind, along with the handholding, and then the image of them walking down the horse trails… Allison bending to tie her shoelaces… and then Allison falling over.

Chloe: Oh, my God, you were shot! I remember it now.

Allison: You don’t remember what happened afterwards?

She once more willed her mind to go back in time. She then saw the wild creature, racing toward her, her inability to move… its hooves rising upwards before they came down colliding into her…

Chloe screamed loud in that moment as if reliving it. She reached her arms out for Allison. Something was terribly wrong. She felt it now, having regained full possession of her faculties. And then the realization struck her much harder than the horse’s hooves ever could.

Chloe (alarmingly): Where’s my baby? I can’t feel my baby.

Allison: Chloe, honey, I don’t know how to tell you this, but the baby—

Chloe: Don’t say it, Allison! (tears streaming down her face)

Allison: Honey, there wasn’t anything the doctors could do to save the both of you.

Chloe: They should have saved my baby instead of me.

Allison: Honey, the fetus was only about thirteen weeks old. There was no way it would have survived without you, and you were our top priority. I was not about to lose you.

Chloe balled her hands into fists, slamming them into the bedside railings.

Chloe (screaming): Why! Why! Why is this happening to us? God knew I wanted this child so badly. Why did you have to take it away from me?

Avril Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_DV_1dnGh4) begins playing softly in the background as Allison comes over to the bed, sits on it, interlacing her hands with Chloe’s.

Allison: We’ll get through this together.

Chloe: The third time’s a charm, right? Three miscarriages! I guess I’m just not fit to be a mother.

Allison: Don’t say that!

Chloe (turning over onto her side, away from Allison): Why should I even bother trying again?

Allison (sighing): Honey, there’s something else I need to tell you.

Chloe: What else is there to say?

Allison: Th-they had to perform an emergency hysterectomy.

The silence that followed was death-inducing. Chloe felt that a part of her had been taken away forever. She felt hollow in that moment. Allison attempted to reach over and wrap her arms around her, but Chloe pushed her away.

Chloe: Why did you let them do this?

Allison: Honey, there was too much internal bleeding from the accident. They had to do it.

Chloe: I can never have a baby, Allison.

She broke down and this time Allison put her arms around her, cradling the crying figure. Allison wouldn’t let her go despite Chloe attempting to push her away.

Allison: You know I’ll love you whether or not we ever have children.

There was a knock on the door before Nurse Jackson entered, duly informing Allison that Brendon Roberts finally had awoken from his three week-long coma.

Allison: Thank you, Nurse Jackson. I’ll be in to see him shortly. (turning to Chloe) Did you hear that, sweetheart? Brendon’s awake.

Chloe: That’s great. Why don’t you go check on him?

Allison (lovingly brushing hair away from Chloe’s forehead): Will you be fine? I won’t be long.

Chloe: Give him my regards.

Allison (bending down to kiss her): Be right back.

As soon as the door closed, Chloe broke into a gut-wrenching wail of misery, her hands touching her abdomen, futilely feeling for any sign of life beyond her own. She knew in her heart there was none… nor would there ever be!

BRENDON ROBERTS’ ROOM, HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL

Brendon Roberts had been conscious for nearly two hours. Nathan immediately phoned the school and informed them that he would not be coming in today. He stayed next to Brendon the entire time the doctors came in to check his vitals. He wanted to call everyone and tell them the good news, but he didn’t want to move one millimeter away from Brendon. For the first few hours, Brendon didn’t speak one word, his only communication his magnetic smile. Nathan really didn’t care as long as he was alive and conscious. Allison came shortly after he had awakened, and his eyes glowed with traces of remembrance of all his loved ones. Kyle showed up shortly after lunchtime, Brendon’s megawatt smile increasing with further recognition of another face. Kyle was duly informed that Brendon had not yet started speaking when Kyle indicated that he wanted to question him about the attacks. Nathan reluctantly took Kyle outside the hospital room to engage in a chat with him.

Kyle: You must be on cloud nine now. He’s awake, and it won’t be long before he wants to run another marathon.

Nathan: Yeah, well, I’m worried about more pressing matters. What exactly am I going to tell him about Justin?

Kyle: The truth, Nathan. He’s still missing.

Nathan: Have you got any idea where he is? Any leads?

Kyle: Yesterday, we were informed of the possible identity of Justin’s drug dealer, but we haven’t been able to locate her.

Nathan: Her? It’s a woman? Who?

Kyle: Her name’s Vittoria Morelli, and here’s the grand shocker: she’s Tristan’s roommate.

Nathan: What!

Kyle: Yesterday, I spoke with Chloe, who claimed that she saw Vittoria dealing drugs to Justin the same day he eventually went missing.

Nathan: You don’t think she had anything to do with the attacks on Chloe and Allison?

Kyle: The thought did cross my mind. If Chloe positively identifies her as Justin’s dealer, she’s in hot water, especially as she’s already on parole. They’ll really throw the book at her.

Nathan (urgently): Then bring her in for questioning!

Kyle: I told you… we can’t locate her. She wasn’t over at Tristan’s last night, and no one answered the door when I went by earlier today.

Nathan: Have you checked with Tristan?

Kyle: I haven’t seen him since last night. I went by the realty company this morning, and they informed me that he no longer works for them. Now, he’s mysteriously not answering his cell.

Nathan: Well, you need to find both of them, Kyle. I have a hunch that wherever Tristan’s roommate is, that Justin is not too far from her.

HEATH ALCOTT’S HOME, WEST HOLLYWOOD

Heath had taken a nap after his semi-explosive argument with Kyle but had grown restless since. He knew that Outrunners had training for both running and swimming at Lake Balboa on Monday evenings. He felt that would invigorate his spirits. He wrote Kyle a note, telling him he’d be back home by nine and to wait for him. It’ll be interesting to see how he reacts, coming home and not finding me here but having to read a note. It’ll be a taste of his own damn medicine!

Heath stepped outside onto his porch, instinctively checking the mailbox. There was the usual assortment of junk mail and bills, but there was also a large manila envelope. It oddly had no postmark and no return address but was addressed directly to him. He tore it open and pulled out a long piece of cardboard, his eyes dilating at not only the message on it but how it was conveyed.

It had definite traits of a classic poison-pen letter in spite of there being no ink used whatsoever. Instead, all the letters and words came snipped from pre-printed documents, such as newspapers and magazines, and glued to the hard surface—the mixture of black and white and color providing a kaleidoscopic horror that suddenly rattled Heath’s nerves. He no longer felt like running or swimming, but rather wanted to crawl inside himself.

The message simply stated:

YOU’RE HORNY A LOT
MUST HAVE BEEN A WHILE

I KNOW WHO’S FUCKING YOU

AND IT’S DEFINITELY NOT KYLE

DR. PEYTON ASHLAND’S OFFICE

Peyton finished with his session with a client at 2 pm, and then called his secretary, telling her to cancel the rest of his appointments. He needed time to think as his mind was a complete wreck. Both Allison and Chloe were badly injured in some attack last night in Griffith Park, and he knew Callum must have had something to do with it. Otherwise why had he so blatantly stated that I was to be his alibi? But Callum only got out the car twice, and each time was just for less than a few minutes. There’s no way that he could have run from the top of the hill all the way to the horse trails in that short time. Nevertheless, Peyton knew that providing an alibi for Callum might drive a stake into his relationship with Allison as she was hell bent on placing the blame on Callum. He began to fear Allison's wrath.

His body ached from lack of sleep, having sat in the hospital all night with Bralen, giving Allison moral support. The bad news about Chloe losing the baby really shook him to the core, and then Allison asking him if he would be there for Chloe as she knew the grief would really take its toll on her.

Damn you, Callum! I have to get that DVD! Peyton’s mind cast back to his brief conversation with Tristan this morning when he had told him that Callum would be cooped up in his house, working on his next published novel. That means that he won’t be walking freely about his house. Peyton suddenly got an idea. He needed to get over to Callum’s place. Maybe he would find a way to get into the safe with Callum none the wiser. He needed to cancel his evening appointment with Bralen as they had planned to play tennis.

Peyton: Hey, Bralen, could we reschedule our tennis match for another day?

Bralen: Sure, that’s fine. How’s Allison?

Peyton: Well, she’s got me doing stuff for her. I’m going to be Chloe’s friendly shrink.

Bralen: I feel so bad for the both of them. It’s really tragic.

Peyton: I agree. Anyway, I have to go now.

Bralen: Are you heading to the hospital? I already got a group memo from Henrietta that she’s planning a homecoming party for Brendon, and she wants to know if I want to be on the planning committee.

Peyton: Count me out on that one! I don’t want to be anywhere near that shindig, especially if Callum got that same memo.

Bralen: What’s your beef with him?

Peyton: It’s a long story. Anyway, call me later tonight. Perhaps we could “finish” what we started last night.

HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL, MONDAY EVENING

Detective Kyle Walgrove was about to leave the hospital, not having gathered much information from Brendon Roberts who hadn’t spoken a word all day since he had awakened. He ran into Allison on his way out Brendon’s room.

Allison: Hey Kyle, I forgot to ask you if you had a chance to interrogate Callum last night.

Kyle: Yes, I did. I went over to his place, and according to him, he was with Peyton the entire evening.

Allison (shocked): With Peyton? He’s lying, Kyle.

Kyle: How do you know that?

Allison: Peyton would have told me last night if that were the case. He wouldn’t keep that from me.

Kyle: Maybe he didn’t want to add to your stress last night, knowing how much you dislike Callum.

Allison: I’m telling you that Callum is behind this! He has a grudge against me.

Kyle: Look, Allison, I spoke with Nate earlier today, and we both think that Vittoria Morelli may have something to do with this.

Allison: Who?

Kyle: Vittoria Morelli. She’s Tristan’s roommate and the person—who according to Chloe—was selling drugs to Justin. She has a lot to lose if Chloe testifies that she was the drug dealer.

Allison: Tristan wouldn’t be friends with an attempted murderer. My gut still says Callum.

Kyle: Well, there’s another person who could clear this whole mess up for us.

Allison: Who?

Kyle: The horseback rider. He was out of the operating room earlier today but was still unconscious.

Allison (jerking Kyle): What are we waiting for? I’m sure this man can identify who fired the gun.

They went to the nurses’ station to inquire about the room number for the equestrian. The man’s name was Vladimir Popov. He was on the fourth floor, which meant they would have to take the elevator down three stories. When they got to the nurses’ station on that floor, they caught it in a complete state of disarray. The patient Mr. Popov had gone missing from his room nearly an hour ago.

KYLE WALGROVE AND HEATH ALCOTT’S HOME

Heath sat on the side of his bed, his head resting in his cradled hands. A bottle of vodka sat prominently on the little bed stand. He had decided to come clean and tell Kyle the truth about Tristan. What if whoever sent that message to me sent one to Kyle as well?

Sia’s “Breathe Me” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGOhNFZmtAo) begins playing prominently in the background.

His mind racked with confusion, Heath fell asleep on the bed. He was awakened several hours later by Kyle sliding into the bed, his body giving off much heat. Heath suddenly felt Kyle’s strong hands reaching around his torso and pulling him back to where their bodies touched. Always one to sleep nude, Heath’s body had a natural reaction to the unexpected embrace. He then felt Kyle’s hand slide over his left hip on its ultimate journey to his erect cock.

Kyle (whispering into heath’s ear): Are you awake?

Heath (smiling and turning over to face Kyle): I am now.

Heath forgot all his present worries and in that moment felt sexually charged. His mouth went straight to Kyle’s neck, kissing all around it as his nose inhaled the strong manly fragrance of Kyle’s cologne, still potent after a long’s day work. Heath moved his mouth farther southward, his cheeks tickling from the sensation of Kyle’s trimmed chest hair. His lips latched onto one of Kyle’s nipples and suckled on it while his hand reached into Kyle’s underwear and began to arouse his erection.

Kyle: I’ve missed this!

Heath: Let’s take this into the shower!

Kyle (groaning): I’m feeling fine lying on my back.

Heath grabbed him and jerked him out the bed. They went into the shower, Heath turning on the hot water, and feeling it rush over their rock hard bodies. Their bodies went together, Heath slipping his tongue into Kyle’s mouth as his hands gripped onto Kyle’s firm buttocks. The passionate kissing continued until Heath erotically bit into Kyle’s shoulder. The shock resulted in a natural yelp of pain before Kyle responded defensively, taking Heath and throwing him face-forward against the shower wall, his cheek and nose nearly flattened with the impact. A fraction of a second passed before Heath felt the familiar prick of a rigid cock entering him. Heath pressed his hands against the wall to balance himself against Kyle’s firm penetrations that jarred his whole body. Kyle nibbled on the nape of Heath’s neck as he continued his ardent lovemaking.

Moans began to escape Heath’s lips, and he began breathing deeply, feeling the oncoming of his orgasm.

Heath: I love you, Tri—

He caught himself before making an error.

Kyle: What were you saying?

Heath: I said I love you… try to be harder with me.

Kyle: I’m not sure if I like this hardcore stuff you’re into. You already look as if you’ve been bruised around your neck.

Heath: I’m sexually evolving. I wish you’d go along with it.

Kyle reluctantly obliged, becoming more aggressive with Heath, pressing his body even harder into the shower wall as he gave into his lover’s demands. The tempo of the penetration became harsher and less gentle with Heath spewing inciting profanity and his moans reaching a gut-bursting upsurge, the moment crowned by his ejaculation hitting the lower wall, and being almost washed away with the pelting water of the shower fixture. His lover’s orgasm at last achieved, Kyle moved away, secretly in disgust with himself.

Heath: Aren’t you going to finish?

Kyle: I’ll do it in the morning.

Heath (disconsolately): Suit yourself.

They showered themselves in silence for the next few minutes, Heath thrilled that he was able to get Kyle to fuck him. On the other hand, Kyle wondered what had happened to the innocent man with whom he had originally fallen in love.

CALLUM’S HOME, HOLLYCOVE ESTATES, TUESDAY MORNING

Vittoria and Tristan were having breakfast in the dining room, enjoying all the bounty of Callum’s wealth. Tristan had gone to the hospital last night, taking a basket of get-well-soon items to Brendon’s room under the guise of checking out his status. Brendon hadn’t spoken much, but the problem still existed. The crowbar was missing, Callum and his power were temporarily out of commission, and Brendon Roberts may testify at any moment—and neither of them was sure of what he may recall from the night of the attack.

Vittoria: Are you going back to the hospital today?

Tristan: Yeah, I have to check on Brendon. Make sure he doesn’t remember anything that may criminally indicate us.

Vittoria: I think Callum is working on that even while we speak, and he’s still in the damn cellar.

Tristan: What do you mean? What’s he done now?

Vittoria: Well, last night I thought I saw something strange. There was a man being brought into the house, and he was in a wheelchair.

Tristan: A wheelchair? Were you hallucinating? Are you taking too much of your weed?

Vittoria: Look, I know it sounds strange, but I think it was the horseback rider who was injured when I shot at Allison and Chloe.

Tristan: What the fuck? Why would he be brought here?

Vittoria: Why else? So Callum can keep him quiet about my involvement in this. I’m not even sure if the man could see me from his distance. I was well-hidden behind a huge shrub.

Tristan: Well, we’ll have to give Callum mad props for covering your ass. It really makes me wonder what else he’s got up his sleeve.

Vittoria: I was going to scout through the rest of this palace to see if I can find this man. Make sure my suspicions were correct.

Tristan: Well, you be careful. I’ve got to go job hunting now since I was fired from the realty office.

After Tristan took his leave of the property, Vittoria went scouring through most of the mansion in search of the room where the horseback rider was being kept, but to her amazement, she found someone else whose sudden appearance had her eyes nearly popping out their sockets. It was Justin! He had just come out one of the rooms and gone into the bathroom across the hall. Vittoria rushed to the closed door and anxiously awaited his exit. Once he came outside, she slipped behind him, having withdrawn a knife from her purse, dexterously positioning the blade right at his Adam’s apple.

Vittoria: You breathe one word about me dealing to you, and I’ll cut you off your dick. You hear me?

Justin: Look, I don’t know what your problem with me is. I haven’t ratted you out to the cops.

Vittoria: You won’t get the chance if I have anything to do with it.

Justin: Why are you doing this?

Vittoria: They’re trying to put the blame on me for your supposed “disappearance.” All the while, you’ve been here luxuriating in this mansion.

Justin: It was Callum’s idea. Besides, I don’t want to go back there anyway. I can’t stand Nathan.

Vittoria (finally lowering the knife): Well, you’re eventually gonna have to be “found” so that the heat can be taken off me. Just remember when you reunite with your family, I didn’t deal you any drugs.

Justin (being shoved away): Okay, whatever!

He marches off and heads down to the pool. It was then that he realized that he had to get away from the mansion, particularly as his life may be in danger.

BRALEN JONES’ APARTMENT, SANTA MONICA

He is on the phone with Allison Trudeau.

Bralen: My evening was awful. Peyton canceled his tennis and dinner date with me. We were on the phone some last night, but he got called away on an emergency. One of his patients attempted suicide.

Allison: Not to make light of a serious subject, but perhaps Peyton should take a page from his patient and try to end it himself, because I’m livid with him for not telling me that he was with Callum last night.

Bralen: I’ll warn him to watch out for you.

Allison: He can’t avoid me. We both work at the same place, although I’ll be on hiatus for awhile until I recover. Anyway, now that I’ll be spending more time away from work, I can get around to interviewing you for the club newsletter.

Bralen: Sorry to cut this short, Allison, but I’ve got to get some training in this morning. I’m dead set on bringing home gold from Beijing.

Allison: The whole Outrunners club will be proud of you no matter what you bring home.

Bralen: Hopefully, the medal comes with a hot swimmer stud.

Allison (laughing): Bye Bralen!

HOLLYWOOD HOSPITAL, SAME TIME

Having ended her phone call with Bralen Jones, Allison went back to check on Chloe, who was asleep. She then went to Brendon’s room as the nurses had already been talking about how Brendon Roberts had regained some of his motor abilities and had already verbally asked for Nathan.

Allison (entering his room): How are you today, soldier?

Brendon: I’m fine. Feeling a little groggy! Where’s Nathan?

Allison: I think he’s on his way. I know he has to go to the academy today to finalize commencement preparations.

Brendon: Have I been out that long? It’s late June already?

Allison (seeing Peyton outside the room): Hang on, Brendon. I’ll be back. Why don’t you occupy yourself with reading some of those cards and gifts on the stand next to your bed?

Brendon (looking at the overabundance of cards and gifts): Wow, I wouldn’t have imagined I had this much support from LA Outrunners. I thought I was considered a tyrannical president.

Allison (exiting): Be right back. (accosting Peyton outside) What the hell were you thinking?

Peyton: What are you talking about?

Allison: Were you with Callum last night?

Peyton (feeling cornered): Yes, Allison, I was with Callum right up until I got the call that you were at the hospital with Chloe.

Allison: Were you with him the entire evening until that point? Did he ever leave you for an extended period of time?

Peyton: A-Allison, I think you need to—

Allison: Don’t think, Peyton! Just tell me the truth! Are you covering for Callum’s involvement in what happened to me and Chloe at the park?

Peyton: No, I knew nothing of what happened to you two.

Allison: Peyton, God so help you if you’re lying…

Peyton: Allison, I would never betray you…

Allison: Then why didn’t you tell me last night you were with Callum?

Peyton: I think right now you should be concerned with Chloe.

Allison: I am concerned with Chloe, and I want to bring to justice the asshole that did this to her. Do you know she can no longer have children? They had to perform an emergency hysterectomy.

Peyton: Oh, Allison, had I known that, I would have—

Allison: You would have what? Stopped Callum before he had gone too far?

Peyton: I didn’t know… Oh, Allison, I’m so sorry… I thought we were going for a ride.

Allison: Ride? Where? (suddenly dawning on her) Were you at the park last night?

Peyton (growing hesitant): Allison, I think you should—

Allison: Fuck what you think I should do! Answer the goddamn question, Peyton! Were you at the park last night with Callum?

Peyton (running his hand through his hair): I was with him the entire time. He couldn’t have done what you’re accusing him of…

Allison: You’re covering for him. Why? Why would do this when you know what he’s cost both me and Chloe?

Peyton: I’m only telling the truth, Allison. He couldn’t have done what you’re saying…

Allison (belligerently walking up to his face): Oh yeah, well, I could tell the truth about you to the medical board…

Suddenly, Kyle comes around the corner to inadvertently witness the scene.

Peyton: Allison, you know you can’t do that!

Allison: Why not? You want me to lie for you just like you’re lying for Callum? What has he got on you, Peyton, besides the obvious? He’s blackmailing you, isn’t he?

Peyton: Don’t be paranoid, Allison. All I’m saying is that he couldn’t have shot you and fired at Chloe.

Allison: Just know that I’ll do everything within my power to stop you if you’re covering for him. One word from me about your past with him and you’re done for…

Kyle (clearing his throat as a sign of his entrance): Allison, is there a problem?

Allison (turning around to face him): No, Kyle, why do you ask?

Kyle: It just looks a bit awkward, the way you’re lashing out at Peyton. Is this about his evening with Callum Sutcliffe last night? I told you already that we’re following up another lead.

Peyton: Like I said, Callum couldn’t have done it.

Allison: Butt out, Peyton! (to Kyle) Fine, you and LAPD do what you have to… follow what leads you may have, but I know that Callum is behind this! Anyway, I need to check on Brendon.

She leaves them and heads down the hall to Brendon’s room. Kyle stares at Peyton.

Kyle: You all right? What was that about?

Peyton: Nothing. You know Allison’s temper.

Kyle: Okay then. I’ll see you later. Take it easy!

Peyton (taking out his cell and dialing): Hey, Drake, I wanted to ask you about your background in the locksmith industry.

Allison walked back into Brendon’s room, agitated to her core. Brendon was in the bed, propped against the pillows, his face in a downright state of perplexity and bewilderment.

Allison: Brendon, what’s wrong?

Brendon: W-What’s this?

The cards and get-well-soon gifts were littered about the cover of the bed, and he was staring intensely at something that looked like photos in his hands. Allison journeyed over to him to get a better look, immediately wishing she hadn’t once the images had taken hold of her vision. They were pictures of Nathan and Callum together outside the Starbucks in West Hollywood. One photo showed Callum holding Nathan’s hand across the tabletop, and the other showed Nathan and Callum kissing.

Brendon’s eyes burned into the images, his mind feverishly searching for possible answers. He looked up at Allison, whose own stare of disbelief coincided with his. At precisely that moment, Nathan entered the room.

TO BE CONTINUED…