Hell and Determination (8 page)

Ben did all he could to convince Jo coming home would be in her best interest, it was her tenth day  the infection had cleared and she waited for the surgeon to re- set the bones correctly in her ankle.
                      Gillian had brought a new mobile with all her numbers reinstated, Ben’s new number had been added, and so had Lydia's though the reception on the mountain range couldn’t be guaranteed.
                       The thought of going back to the mountains was unbearable maybe one day when the past was laid to rest, she had toiled with the idea of returning to Seattle she knew Betsy would welcome the idea. The Macaba she couldn’t face, the loneliness of her apartment ,colleagues, though they meant well casting sympathetic glances, no she deserved a long vacation time to recover from her ordeal.
                      Six o'clock and she waited patiently, her foot now in plaster to her knee .Ben would arrive shortly he had never missed a day. Her Pa had returned promising Ben he would help with the running of the yard, temporally he had smiled, and though they were both aware he was relishing the idea.
                     Jo sought the corridor waiting for that broad smile to appear around the doorframe instead appeared an older familiar face.
                   Betsy, she cried taking in the wonderful vision of her friend, Jack stood in the background waiting to be notice, ‘Oh my God I don’t believe it,’ catching the sight of the man who had helped her find work all those years ago. Ben believed he was becoming an emotional wreck has the lump once again formed in his throat it was a sight for sore eyes.
Deeply moved by their presence, Jo felt exhausted they talked the matter over concerning her next move; plenty shop talk and idle gossip. At last she welcomed the thought of being alone with Ben. The mountain air had bronzed his face the blonde curly locks resting on his collar the warmth in those deep blue eyes. If his Brother hadn’t come along first she could have easily fallen head first for this Guy.
“Right,” Ben murmured stroking back the curls that draped her eyes, “decision time, Doc says you're well enough for home, is it going to be Seattle or the Cabin.”
Jess thought seriously, “I can’t go home, not yet- Betsy has been so kind I believe that would be the best solution at least till this can be removed,” tapping the plaster on her leg.
“Ok then, I’ll make reservations for the day after tomorrow, give Betsy time to go home and prepare your room.”

 
                                               
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Jo admired the cosy surroundings the sofa had been re-arranged near the window, giving excellent view of Downtown Seattle, folk bustling back and forth to Pike Place Market.
She would be content here till she could come to terms with the different direction her life seemed to be taking.
Ben arranged her luggage in the bedroom, Gillian had helped to pack clothes she would be needing temporary and would arrange for the rest to be sent on if the right decision had been made, and she quietly hoped she would change her mind.
Ben gave a comforting hug before leaving to catch the last flight to Trail, promising to return at the end of the week she had her mobile and would be able to keep in touch providing reception was available.
                              Jack was the first to come home from work looking mighty pleased with himself his broad smile lighting up his weathered face. “Somebody to see ya,” he announced almost pushing Scott into the room.
                          Scott modestly entered, alarmed when he noticed the bruising to her arms and face not quite as severe as they were, though still enough to remind him what that evil bastard was capable of.
“Make yourself at home lad, I’ll get the kettle on the boil, won’t be long before Betsy’s home decided to shut shop early today. “He babbled just relieved to see his Betsy in such good spirits these last few days.
Scott wasn’t sure what to say afraid of covering ground that Jo would sooner forget, yet recalling his own experience, his ability to talk was comforting at the time, he remembered the evil in the eyes of his assailant something he would live with till justice had been done.
Jo eased the situation reminiscing the night he had been attacked urging him to talk not only of his experience at the hands of Brandon, but the knowledge that hopefully soon he would be in custody.
              Betsy arrived soon after Jack had set the table ready for their evening meal, though always a bubbly character she appeared radiant hugging Jo and Scott, Jack glanced across at Jo shaking his head bewildered at her over enthusiasm. He kept silent not wanting to burst the bubble.
Jo appreciated the friendly respite, the end of the week had soon come around and she waited patiently for Bens return he had managed to phone keeping her updated on events concerning the company, he had been informed Brandon had been seen in the vicinity, though he didn’t share the information with Jo. Her Pa had decided to spend some time in Seattle he would keep his eyes open. Ben recalled that he was convinced something was in the air, Pa appeared different more chatty more confident and Betsy’s name had cropped up so many times.
                       Jo answered the phone, “Can I let myself in Lydia asked trying the catch on the door. “OH my God,” she announced the sight of her sister filling her eyes with tears of joy, “What a wonderful surprise, you look radiant,” life couldn’t get much better. “How did you get here,” she asked wondering if her Pa was here to.
Lydia rattled her car keys making herself comfortable beside Jo. “Pa’s coming in the morning; Has Betsy mentioned anything, concerning Pa? Lydia asked.
Jo gave her sister that quizzical look, “Something’s going on, Ben suggested Pa was behaving strange lately, Why what have you heard? She asked.
“Giles's mentioned something the other night, said Pa would like us all to be present at Betsy’s on Saturday, wonder what all the fuss is about?
“Sure sounds like something’s in the air,” Jo stated smiling. “He’s only known her a few weeks.”
“That’s all it takes.”  Lydia laughed giving her sister a gentle hug. “I hope you and the plaster can make room for one more tonight, not all high flyers you know.”
                            Saturday afternoon Betsy busied herself in the kitchen the air filled with the distinctive aroma of fresh baked pies cakes and spices. Not a word had been mentioned of the thoughts that circulated between them. Ben had booked the night with her Pa and Giles in a nearby Motel. At the moment all the guys were enjoying a Jar in the bar including Jack and Scott.
       Jo watched has Betsy paced the floor waiting for the Men to arrive, rearranging the preparation she had set out on the large table, she wanted to laugh and assure her friend everything was okay, but didn’t want to be a spoilsport ,obviously the speech had been prepared. Lydia positively glowed a tall replica of her sister, her dark hair clipped back in a banana comb, Jeans and cream lace top. At last the commotion could be heard as the Guys appeared in high spirits, her Pa seemed younger somehow, the beard had been removed completely, his hair grey, but respectable. She had never felt more elated as the crowd gathered to hear her Pa announce their engagement. He waffled on about the short whirlwind romance and how time passed them by. Jo for one couldn’t be more pleased and knew this was the feeling of everyone in the room.
Jo hobbled to the front door wondering who it could possibly be so early in the morning; Betsy had only been gone ten minutes, role on the end of the week when the plaster could be removed. Six weeks she had persevered and couldn’t take much more.
                “Mrs Jolene Gibbs” the officer asked, Jo was taken back with the title, “yes,’ “she answered. “I have come to inform you Brandon Gibbs has been taken into custody and one of our officers would like to go through your statement with you later today, would it be possible to attend the precinct at four.”
Jo rang Betsy repeating all she had been told, “Thank the Lord,” Betsy announced “I’ll get Jack to pick you up, you take It easy don’t go upsetting yourself.”
                                  Scott appeared looking worse for wear as they were about to enter the precinct, “Wouldn’t like to go through that again,” he grumbled removing his blonde hair from his forehead, “Identity parade, thank God he couldn’t see me.”
Jo’s hands trembled has her statement was read back to her, it will all be over soon the officer added. She was grateful he had been apprehended here and not back in San Jose.
                                  On the morning of May the tenth 2000 Brandon Gibbs was ordered to serve a minimum of three years in the FDC SeaTac Seattle. His cold glare directed towards Jo chilled her to the bone; Ben placed his arm around her shoulder watching has his brother had been escorted from the building.
                                    The year two thousand and one Jo received her absolute in Trail, relief that the bond had eventually been broken caused for celebrations, she had worked hard that year determined to place the past behind her. She had returned with Ben to the cabin the idea of her new adventure clear in her mind.
                           The position of the Cabin overlooking the lake was an ideal beauty spot, a perfect venue for weddings she was determined to put the nightmares to rest, placing all her energy into the new project. Ben had nothing but praise for the determination Jo showed, giving a helping hand anytime he could spare. The cabin had been among the sole ownership that he had fought for proving Brandon not fit to control his own identity, never mind a business, eventually he managed to buy his brother out at a price. The cabin he handed over to Jo has the rightful owner, she had invested altering the premises beyond  recognition  on the inside, the outside of the building was left the same apart from the Annex she had built for her sole use, Just like the cabin the window overlooking the lake.
Pa bobbed in on a regular basis, in his element advising her over simple projects. The bond between them  was finally sealed the night he talked of her Mother, the love they had shared, the loss he believed could never be replaced, and the pain he caused by his own insecurity.
                               Certain aspects of her turmoil never quite reached the surface, the abortion she discussed with Ben for she was aware Brandon had tried to soil her name all those years ago. Ben assured her the men at the timber yard new exactly what Brandon was, and had nothing but respect for the woman who eventually brought him to justice.
The venture was ready to go ahead, bookings had been taken well in advance and Jo felt the building excitement. Her first customers to hold their wedding  were her Pa and Betsy a display of white flower’s formed the archway that Lydia had displayed overlooking the lake, Jo felt quite emotional proud of what she had achieved in such a short time. Gillian had arrived with her Husband in tow, happy to be a part of this wonderful project already contemplating her own.
Betsy glowed in cream silk her hair arranged with tiny Daisies again a creation of Lydia’s, her Pa standing tall and proud aware of his family around him, the day was perfection and Jo relished the idea of gaining a step-mother.
Ben leaned on the side of Jo’s four wheel drive, drinking the light ale that had been placed in his hand. He watched as she mingled with the guest she appeared exquisite, her complexion dark with the midday sun, and the silk of the ice blue material skimming her gentle curves.  Watching has Scott placed his arm around her shoulder caused a sinking feeling that he couldn’t explain.
“Hey’ come on join the fun,” Lydia shouted her arm outstretched ready to drag him on the floorboards that served as a dance floor, Giles was waltzing around with Betsy in his arms laughing and joking, something Ben had noticed didn’t happen very often maybe this new step- mother was just the tonic he needed.” Easy on the drink “he yelled as his brother whizzed some young waitress around the floor.
                      Jo breathed deeply her green fluffy dressing gown feeling snug has she relaxed on the porch outside the annex reflecting on the day’s events. Ben stretched out,
glad to be rid of the suit and tie, comfortable in his jeans and t-shirt. The crowd had dispersed, family safe in the comfort of their beds. He quietly observed has she sipped the chocolate drink that he’d made, tired of the idle words that passed between them wondering if he could ever become more to her than Just Brandon's brother. Oh, he knew there were no similarities, He was a Gibbs and that alone surely would cause scepticism, He had become emotionally involved and how long he could keep a wrap on his feelings he had no idea.
So much had happened during the last seven years her life taking so many different turns.
Nineteen ninety five when she was first informed Brandon was to become her husband, seems so long ago  yet everything still so clear in her mind. She glanced towards Ben recalling the day he drove her to safety, and awakening the feeling she had first experienced in the hospital at San Jose.  His precious smile the awareness and warmth his closeness brings, nothing spoken between them just a bond so strong and the magnetism drawing them closer.
Ben felt conscious of the emotion developing between them such warmth in those eyes, instinct drove him to proceed taking her hand, he led her to the makeshift dance floor were soft music played for nobody else.
She was aware of the passion arising between them with the warmth of his embrace the devotion he displayed she was lost in a feeling so foreign and so alluring.
Lord how she ached for his touch, has he led the way to her bedroom.
Ben was captivated; her modesty blown to the wind has her dressing gown fell to the floor
exposing the exquisite figure before him, and the firm swells of breast he captured in a moment of forgotten frenzy. His eyes never left her face has he lowered her to the bed, wanting so much for tonight to be has special to her has it was for him.
Jo reached out fondling this fine specimen of a man, the mass of blonde curls formed from his chest down to the obviously excited arousal, bronze skin glowing from the heat of their body’s.
Her lips he savoured parting gently with his tongue searching seeking for the exquisite taste of her, devouring in the delight of her sensuality his hand caressing the firm swell of breast, slowly bringing her to the point of no return. ‘Please Ben,’ she begged as he tormented the very core of her body, his fingers stroking  bringing her to such heights she never knew existed, as he entered the sexual union created such a mind blowing  powerful experience she wondered if she could ever return to normality.
Smiling warmly she lay in his arms emotionally exhausted, Ben smoothed the wet strands from her forehead caressing her cheek with his fingers.
“I love you,” he whispered drawing her back to the comfort of his body.
“I love you to Ben Gibbs,” she whispered never realizing the word ‘Gibbs’ was of such importance.
                    Jo awoke wondering if she had dreamt the whole thing, Ben had left her bed without a whisper; there was no mistaking the way he had made her feel. Smiling to herself she placed the dressing gown around her shoulders made her way to the kitchen to where he had left coffee steaming in the percolator. She understood it wouldn't go down well with her Pa if he had been caught coming out of the annex. She strolled to the window where she had a good view of the car park, his pick-up had gone, and he had gone home to the Cabin he shared with Mike. She showered and dressed ready to help out anywhere she could but avoiding the kitchen for Carlos had made it quite clear that was his domain.
Her Pa and Betsy made their way to the dining area an air of dignity in the way they carried themselves, warmth and gratitude glowed from the depth of their eyes.
“Morning Jo,” Betsy greeted giving her step-daughter a gentle hug, “what a lovely day.”
In more ways than one Jo acknowledged to herself directing the couple to a seat near the window overlooking the lake. She walked gracefully amongst her guest making casual conversation, Gillian and Don made themselves at home commuting with her guest as though they owned the place, suppose in Gillian's case that was a habit that was hard to break. Lydia, Giles and Scott sat together amused over something that had been said. How good it felt too have family and friend together for the first time.