The Price Of Being a King...(Part 3 and on)

[demigod]

(Cain’s face was red, with sheer fury and rage as Debbie and Andy stood before him.)

Cain: What the hell is going on here?!!

Debbie: Nothing, I told ya, we were just messing about!

Andy: Honest Cain, that’s all it was.

Cain: Shut it before I smack your face in! That looked serious to me Debbie, what have you been up to?!

Debbie: I told you, we were only mucking about!

Cain: Hang on…You…its him isn’t it?

Debbie: What are you talking about?

Cain: Its him, that’s why you had the condoms isn’t it? You been sleeping with Andy!!

(Debbie and Andy both looked at each other, the jig was up.)

Andy: Yeah, she has.

(Cain looked on totally infuriated.)

Cain: HIM! He’s the best you an do? A poxy farmer whose wife left him for his brother, a loser like that!!? You’re just like your mother a little t@rt! Despite all my efforts you still turned out to be a little *sleeper just like her!!

(Andy walked closer to Cain.)

Andy: Don’t speak to her like that!

(Cain did no more than draw back his fist and wallop Andy straight on the nose Andy fell on the floor blood pouring out of his nose. Debbie ran over to his side.)

Debbie: Leave him alone!

Cain: Oh, I am not even close to finished yet. As for you madam, do you realise what you have done?

(Cain grabbed Debbie and pulled her back to her feet as Andy still lay on the floor bleeding.)

Cain: You made me look a fool, you probably had a good laugh at me behind my back too didn’t you? Stupid Cain, its all happening right before his eyes and he cant see it! Do you know Debbie, I don’t know why I try with you, you’re a lost cause just like that tart of a mother of yours.

Andy: It were never like that Cain.

(Cain released her and then gave Andy a boot in the ribs then walked into the kitchen and leaned on the table. Debbie began to cry.)

Debbie: Stop hitting him dad please.

Cain: I don’t know why you call me dad, you don’t treat me like one!! Now shut up and let me think!

****

(Tom and Charity each were taking it in turns to look at things concerning the wedding.)

Tom: You know Charity, I think we have been dragging our feet long enough, I reckon its high time we kicked this wedding into high gear.

Charity: Seriously?

Tom: I am indeed Charity, we need to get this wedding going or else it will be a funeral not a wedding.

Charity: Hey, you got plenty of years left in you.

Tom: Maybe, but I want to be happy now, and this wedding is going to slow for my liking.

Charity: Oh aye?

Tom: Yeah, I’m used to speed.

Charity: In that case, let’s put the pedal to the medal.

(They kissed each other. Tom pulled away as he saw the two tall figures of Carl and the even bigger Max walking up to the house. Behind them, Jimmy and Sadie, next to them was Matt and Lydia walking side by side.)

Tom: Looks like they are here.

Charity: I wonder what this is all about.

Tom: I don’t know love, but we are about to find out.

(Tom opened the door and Max and Carl strode in past their, by comparison, diminutive father. Then in walked Sadie, Jimmy, Matt, and Lydia.)

Lydia: Thank-you for this Mr King.

Tom: No need to be thankful my dear, it’s a pleasure to have the family together for once. And call me Tom.

Lydia: Ok, no problem.

(They all filed into the living room.)

Carl*to Max*: I wonder what the golden boy is going to say?

Max: Ha, you know what Matt’s like, the sun shines out of his crack as far as dad is concerned, and he likes to keep it that way. Whatever, I just want to get to the pub; I have not had one single pint all day.

Carl: I know the feeling; I have not so much as sniffed a pint either.

(Sadie and Lydia each occupied a corner as the whole family made small talk.)

Sadie: So what is the big news then Lydia?

Lydia: Oh its not big really, but I think we should wait a moment.

(Jimmy and Matt too were having a little natter.)

Jimmy: So what is this about then? You haven’t got her pregnant have you?

Matt: No, nothing like that.

(Max spun round and looked at his other two brothers, but breathed a sigh of relief. Then turned back to Carl.)

Carl: Bet you a tenner he is just going to announce they have moved in.

Max: Bet you a tenner, he is going to announce some sort of business deal or something.

Carl & Max: Deal!

(The younger King brothers shook hands. Matt stood up and Lydia with him, Sadie sat with Jimmy on the arm of the sofa, Charity and Tom sat down on the sofa and Max and Carl remained by the window.)

Matt: Basically thanks for meeting like this, its nice the family can get together on occasions.

(Max and Carl looked at each other and grinned.)

Matt: Essentially after much deliberation, Lydia has agreed to move in with me permanent, and we are going to be a proper couple.

(Tom got up and shook Matt’s hand)

Tom: And not before time too lad! I am very pleased for the two of you.

(Max handed Carl his tenner. Carl grinned happily. Sadie gave the pair of them a very disapproving look.)

Matt: Actually dad, that’s not all. We have decided to resurrect the holiday park scheme that was grounded under the Tate’s we have a site lined up and everything, it’s a joint venture.

Max & Carl: Tiebreak.

(Carl sounded less pleased about it though, as he grudgingly gave Max his money back. Which Max hastily pocketed again.)

Charity: One that I hope will benefit the company as a whole right Matthew?

Matt: Naturally.

Tom: In that case, all the best to you both, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship, King and Sons in a loose partnership with Carter Holdings. This should be good.

Lydia: Oh it certainly will be.

Tom: In that case, I suggest we all go to the pub to celebrate.

Jimmy: Excellent idea dad.

Max: A pint!! Yay!! Finally!!!

Carl: Matt’s paying, so make that too right Max.

Max: Absolutely! 2, 3 or whatever it takes to satisfy the thirst, right brother?

Carl: I’m with you on that.

(Max and Carl headed out the door with Tom and Charity in tow, Tom was shaking his head at the antics of his youngest sons. The rest of the family followed as well.)

****

(Back at Andy’s farm. Andy was sat in the kitchen still nursing his broken nose, Debbie with him, and Cain paced the floor.)

Cain: Right, I decided what to do, for one thing we are leaving first thing in the morning, moving out. As for you, you child molester, you can be thankful to God that I am not going to kill you for what you did. You got off light with that nose. Very light, in fact I don’t even know why I was being so generous. The way I feel now I could kill someone. Ok then, I’m going upstairs to pack our stuff.

(He looked disdainfully at Andy.)

Cain: You can help look after your loser friend, because I don’t want to look at you for the moment.

(Cain walked upstairs they could hear him stomping about. Debbie gently helped Andy to mop the blood that was still trickling out of his nose.)

****

[demigod]

This story began on P4 of this thread by the way...
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(The King family in all their glory marched into the Pub, led by Tom King. He walked up to the bar, Louise walked over and greeted him.)

Louise: What can I get you Tom?

Tom: Champagne all round please. We are celebrating, could you bring it over?

(Louise looked at Max worried, Max shook his head so slightly you could barely see it. Tom and Max joined the rest of the family in the corner. Lydia walked over to Louise.)

Lydia: I’ll pay for this.

Louise: Ok then. 34.75 Please.

Lydia: You needn’t have looked worried, we were not celebrating your news. Me and Matt have moved in together permanent.

Louise: That’s nice.

(Louise got Lydia’s change and handed it over. She took it and then sat with the family. Louise then realised what Lydia had said previous and she did then look very worried. She collected the champagne and brought it over to the table.)

Lydia: Wont you join us in celebrating, ah, but you cant can you because…<br>
Louise: I am not allowed to drink while I am working. Enjoy!

(Louise then hurried away she was worried no doubt. Max too had picked up on the exchange and he too wondered, he looked at Lydia with narrowed eyes through his facemask.)

Lydia: Matt, I think I left my phone in the house I was expecting a call.

Matt: Hurry back then love.

Lydia: Actually my feet are killing me, could you go?

Matt: Im discussing the caravan park with my dad love, cant it wait?

Sadie: Max, you have been doing nothing all day why don’t you go and fetch it, you haven’t started your champagne yet either.

Lydia: Good idea, here you go. Its in the kitchen on one of the counters I think.

(Lydia threw the keys across the table to him, Max picked them up and walked pas the bar, he walked up to the bar and Louise came over to him looking worried.)

Max*whispering*: Get me peanuts then come back.

(Louise did as he asked and returned.)

Max: What is the matter, you like you seen a ghost?

Louise: She knows, Lydia knows.

Max: About us?

Louise: Yes, that I am pregnant, Im sure.

Max: I never told anyone.

(Max fumbled in his pocket to pay her he whipped out some coins and dropped them on the bar.)

Max: I have to pick up something for her, we will talk later.

Louise: She is looking at us.

Max: I better move.

(Max lifted the peanuts and headed outside. He crossed the street entered Matt’s house and looked for the phone, he couldn’t find it, he left to return to the pub. He saw something strange by the bus stop, he noticed it out of the corner of his eye, it was one of his masks dangling from the corner of the shelter. He headed up to investigate, low and behold it was his mask.)

Max: What?!

(Two rather big men wearing balaclavas came from round the back of the bus stop.)

Man 1: See something you like kid?

(Both men had brass knuckles on their fists and were clad in black tracksuits. The first man who spoke he didn’t recognise the voice. Max backed off a bit, the two men jumped him.)

****

(Back in the woolpack.)

Matt: Where the heck is Max?

Sadie: You know what Max is like, he probably cant find it.

Matt: I’ll go over and see.

(Lydia grabbed Matt’s arm and held him down.)

Lydia: No, hang on, give it a bit more time, he probably bumped into that farmer lad he is friendly with.

Matt: You’re right.

****

The beating Max was taking outside by the bus stop was like nothing ever before, his mind wandered as each blow registered hammering his strength a little lower, he remembered back to the fire and the flames, this was like that. He could feel wet on his face and his eyes were stinging, he was trying to defend himself but it was to no avail. The two men drove him through the bus stop, demolishing a section of it in the process reducing it to splinters.

Then the second man delivered a crushing blow across the youngest King’s head which sent him falling to the floor. Max’s eyes rolled back in his head and then closed

(The first man leaned down and examined him. He was happy that Max was out cold.)

Man 1: You want to see what he looks like under there?

Man 2: Sure, just do it fast huh?

(That voice jarred Max who was on the brink of unconsciousness, it snapped him back into consciousness, the mask was removed. He forced his eyes opened to slits, but the blood was in them and he couldn’t see very well, all he could see was two black blurs standing over him.)

Man 2: My God. You are one ugly piece of work…finish the job.

(The first man walloped the exposed face of Max King with his left hand which thankfully did not have knuckles on it. Max’s head snapped back and he now totally blacked out completely. The first man went through his pockets and took the wallet and his gold watch; also, he took out a pendant which was in his jacket pocket that he intended to give Louise. The Two men ran off towards a white Skoda Octavia that was parked nearby. They got in.)

Man 1: Mission accomplished Steve.

(The second man removed his balaclava it was Steve, Lydia’s assistant.)

Steve: Yeah, now get us out of here man!

(They sped off in the Skoda, as Max lay bleeding profusely by the roadside, his face was re-masked this time, with his own blood which completely covered his entire face and began to drip down onto the road.)

****

(Lydia’s phone bleeped with a text message back in the pub. She grinned after she read it, then she looked at Louise and grinned slyly again unnerving the poor barmaid.)

Matt: What I thought your phone was in the house.

Lydia: I must of made a mistake, sorry dear.

Matt: Anyone important?

Lydia: No, just the network informing me about special offers and what not.

Matt: Oh right.

Charity: Where the heck is Max, he’s taking his time.

Carl: Knowing Max he is probably pulling the house apart trying to find it. You may have some cleaning to do when you get home Matt.

Matt: Very funny.

(Lydia smiled and sipped her champagne slowly.)

To Be Continued…

[irishgal]

Can't wait for more

[cass]

Oh god what will happen to poor Max!
I want to strangle that Lydia; she is evil!

Looking forward to the next one DG; It's gripping!!

[magenta635]

OMG that was brilliant DG, it had me on the edge of my seat. I agree with Cass that Lydia is a nasty peace of work. I hope Max is ok.

[demigod]

I dont know whether to have Max die from his injuries or not, I'm glad it went down well, I thought it was rubbish.

[magenta635]

What about poor Liouse...mind there would be many other avenue's to explore if he did die

[demigod]

As you all are doubtless wondering Max's fate, here is a little bit of the next section.
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Part 12

Max’s hulking form lay motionless on the ground, by now a small pool had formed near to his head and yet more blood still flowed out of his cuts. Little did he know salvation was about to take the form he least expected.

(The King’s were still in the pub celebrating and laughing.)

Jimmy: I tell you one thing, it should be a laugh, you usually get a lot of eccentrics in those caravans.

Matt: I couldn’t care less, as long as they pay.

Lydia: Indeed.

Tom: Carl, get us another bottle hey.

Carl: Right.

(Carl went up to the bar and ordered the Champagne.)

Carl: Another bottle of champers please Louise.

Louise: Some celebration, pity your little brother is missing it.

Carl: Odd that, I wonder where the hell he has got to, oh well…thanks Louise.

(Carl took the Champagne back to the table. Shadrach staggered into the pub, he walked up to Louise.)

Shadrach: Give us a pint please.

Louise: How are you tonight Shadrach?

Shadrach: Not too bad, I were nearly put of me ale though.

Louise: What could possibly do that?!

Shadrach: That big feller, what’s his name, Mick…no…hang on, the big one who wears the masks.

Louise: Max?!

Shadrach: Aye that’s him.

Louise: So…?!

Shadrach: Well, someone done a number on him and he is laying flat on his back by the bus stop.

Louise: Oh my God! Are you sure?!

Shadrach: Yeah. Now, I’ll have a pint please.

(Louise plain ignored him and ran round the bar over to the King table.)

Louise: TOM!!

Tom: Steady on love, what’s wrong?

Louise: Shadrach said Max has been hurt, by the bus stop.

(Tom shot to his feet.)

Tom: What?!

(Tom went over to Shadrach.)

Tom: Is this right?

Shadrach: Yeah.

(Tom pinned Shadrach in a chokehold against the bar, and venomously hissed at the Dingle drunk.)

Tom: Why didn’t you say anything when you walked in!!!??

(Tom released Shadrach who coughed and spluttered slightly. Sadie leaned over to Jimmy.)

Sadie: So that is where Max gets his temper from.

Tom: Jimmy, Carl, Matt come with me now.

(Tom led the remaining King boys out of the pub and looked in the direction of the bus stop, he saw his young son laid out on his back. Sadie, Lydia and Charity followed behind the men as they charged over toward the fallen King. Louise too followed but didn’t dare get too close. A crowd of other too followed out of the pub.)

Tom: Oh please God no…Not again!

(Tom observed the crimson mass that was covering Max’s face, which by now even through the blood showed signs of swelling. Sadie and Charity both covered their mouths with their hands. Louise edged closer.)

Lydia: Is he still alive?

(Tom placed an ear on his chest, and then over Max’s mouth, the left side of Tom’s head came up red with blood.)

Tom: I can’t…I can’t tell.

Jimmy: Dad, here.

(Jimmy handed Tom a hanky.)

Tom: Well, don’t just stand there someone phone for a goddamned ambulance!!

(Sadie reached into her bag and phoned the ambulance. Louise ran back into the pub she was starting to cry. Tom gently began to wipe away the blood on his face the hanky was dyed red completely)

Tom: Oh…sweet Jesus! Give me another handkerchief!!

(Charity handed Tom a hanky. He then proceeded to continue in his efforts.)

Tom: Oh Jesus Christ, please don’t be dead son!

(Tom cleared the face and saw Max’s eyes were firmly shut. Tom couldn’t help it he broke down.)

Sadie: Ambulance is on its way.

Jimmy: Who did this? Did anybody here see this?

(There was a general consensus that nobody had saw it. Matt lifted Max’s right arm and it just collapsed down.)

Matt: He’s limp…<br>
Charity: Tom…<br>
(Charity tried to comfort Tom, he threw her arms off.)

Tom: No!! This is not right!

(Jimmy noticed Scott Windsor surveying the scene looking somewhat satisfied, Jimmy grabbed him by the scruff of the neck)

Jimmy: You! Did you do this?!

Scott: No, get your hands off me!

Jimmy: We all know you didn’t like him much and you did give that rapist a thrashing and left him for dead, this is your style Scott!

Scott: I didn’t! I swear! I wasn’t even here, I was with my mum!

Viv: He was!

(Jimmy released his grip on Scott and set him loose.)

Sadie: Jimmy please calm down. This wont help Max.

Carl: Oh my God I can’t feel a pulse!!

Tom: What!!?? Did you do it right??

Carl: Yes! I cant feel nothing!

Tom: Where is the goddamned ambulance!!

****

(Louise was in the back room she was sat on the sofa and cried, she stroked her abdomen thinking of the baby for a moment and then carried on crying.)

****

(Tom had cleaned up Max’s face again, the scarring and burns plainly visible, the red blotching on his left eye was swollen up almost as high as the tip of his nose. His nose had been spared from breaking thanks to the protection guard that was in his mask. The lines and scarring plainly visible, the right part of his face had escaped the burns largely and only had minimal scars, the left was a different story that was a mess by comparison. The right half betrayed the image somewhat, as it showed remnants of a face that was far from ugly.)

Charity: I think I hear the ambulance coming!

Tom: About bloody time too!

Lydia: I hope he is not dead.

(The ambulance backed up and the paramedics went to work, they shooed everybody back and began to examine him. Everybody watched in awe and anticipation of what would happen next.)

Paramedic 1: Get the stretcher quick! Are you the father sir?

Tom: I am yes.

Paramedic 1: Right, your son is still alive, but barely, we need to get him to the hospital, fast! Can you come with us please, you can give us a few details on the way.

(Lydia now looked very much concerned at that piece of news.)

Tom: The rest of you follow us to the hospital! Move it!

Carl: But we been drinking!

Tom: I don’t care, just get there!

(Max was loaded into the ambulance he had a breather mask on his face and was strapped into the stretcher. Tom jumped in with him, the doors were closed and the ambulance sped off.)

Jimmy: Right lets move!

(The crowd dispersed in the process.)

Matt: Lydia are you coming?

Lydia: No Matt, I cant watch no more its too upsetting. I need to go home.

Matt: Lydia!?

(Lydia ran off back to Matt’s cottage, Matt chased after the family to get to Holdgate Farm to get to the Hospital. After a swift sprint, all of the family, Sadie, Jimmy, Matt Carl and Charity climbed into Tom’s Mercedes M class 4x4. Charity went to drive.)

Carl: No today, better let me handle this one Charity.

(Carl climbed into the drivers seat and started the engine the V8 sprang to life and then Carl opened it up full throttle and sped off after the ambulance.)

****

[demigod]

(The pub was all talk about the accident, everybody was there discussing the fate of the youngest King. The pub was busy, Louise was in the back still not composed.)

Chastity: Where on earth is her majesty Louise? We are swamped here!

Bob: We can handle it love, no problem!

Chastity: Speak for yourself Bob!

Diane: I’ll just see where she is then.

(Diane walked into the back room and saw Louise crying.)

Diane: Are you alright.

Louise: No…I saw Max, he’s dead Diane, nobody can look like that and live. And I agreed to keep the baby and he’s died!

Diane: We don’t know that he is dead for sure, I were there, the paramedic said he was alive when he examined him. So I can tell you he isn’t dead, nor do I think he will die, he’s a strong chap that Max King. But you stay here and get yourself together love, my God, you have spent a lot of time in this room over that lad, I hope he’s worth it.

Louise: He is!

Diane: I was hoping you’d say that, take as long as you need.

****

(Meanwhile in the Mercedes.)

Jimmy: Come on Carl, step on it! Edna could drive faster than this!

Carl: I’m doing 80! Any faster and we’ll need an ambulance!

Jimmy: We should of let Charity drive!

Sadie: Jimmy please…<br>
Matt: Come on Carl, put your boot down!

(Carl complied and opened the car up further bringing it up to higher speed again.)

****

(Tom anxiously followed Max on his stretched easily keeping pace with the others despite his advancing years. They wheeled him into a different room in the hospital. The doctor blocked Tom’s path.)

Doctor: Sorry Mr King, you’ll have to wait here.

Tom: Why? What’s happening?!

Doctor: We have to get him to surgery now, his right lung has collapsed and one of his ribs is broken and pressing against the lung itself it is possible that the rib punctured the lung and maybe not, regardless, we have to operate quickly.

Tom: Oh my…<br>
(Tom rubbed his head and sat in the seat and buried his head in his hands. The rest of the family soon entered the waiting room. Sadie and Charity sat either side of Tom to comfort him, Jimmy and Matt paced.)

Matt: What’s going on? Where is Max?

(Tom was beaten, flat, subdued, he had no fire in him anymore.)

Tom: They took him to surgery, he, his right lung has collapsed and the doctors reckon that one of his ribs has punctured it.

(Jimmy and Sadie stared at each other wide eyed in disbelief.)

Tom: If he dies…I’ll have failed him again…

Sadie: No, you have not failed anything Tom this is not your fault.

(Tom became calm and extremely focussed in every word that came out of his mouth

Tom: Maybe not…but…whether he lives or dies…whoever did this to him is going to pay, and pay dearly, of that you can be certain!

****

(Lydia was pacing back and forth in the cottage, the doorbell went, and she walked over and opened the door. It was Steve, he followed her in. He was smiling, she slapped him clean across the face.)

Lydia: You stupid fool!!

Steve: What?

Lydia: I ask you to do one simple thing, and you go and screw it up!

Steve: We did the job!

Lydia: Yeah, you left him lying in plain sight, and in addition to that you didn’t even kill him!

Steve: No, the beating we gave him, nobody can take a beating like that and live!

Lydia: How many of these have you done Steve? Yet, you screw this one, the most important one of all up? I ought to have YOU killed for this!

(Steve panicked and looked very scared.)

Steve: Miss Carter, please…I, there is no way, he is gonna die!

Lydia: He better had or else our little suicide idea for Tom goes down the tubes doesn’t it…?But if he doesn’t die Steve, YOU WILL!!

(Steve became terrified at his boss’s venomous claims.)

****

(Back in the pub still the beating was the talk of the town.)

Scott: Well, I think he had it coming.

Dawn: Like Frank you mean?

Scott: Yeah, but I didn’t do this one.

Dawn: I know.

Scott: You do?

Dawn: Last time you and Max clashed he mopped the floor with you.

Scott: He didn’t mop the floor with me that is a bit of an exaggeration.

Dawn: If you say so.

(Viv and Betty too had reconvened at the bar to discuss the situation.)

Diane: Ladies I will thank you to keep such wild speculation like that under wraps. We don’t know the facts yet, and that is an absurd claim anyway.

Betty: I know Diane but I was just saying.

Diane: Please Betty, do try and behave yourself, a young man’s life hangs in the balance and for you to speculate his family is trying to do him in is frankly not on.

Viv: It’s a possibility, he is the handicapped one, maybe the others were jealous because of the way Tom treated him.

Diane: Either way, I’ll be grateful if you ladies would shut it. Thanks.

(Diane walked through to the back with Louise.)

Diane: Nothing yet love, sit tight hey?

****

(Jimmy and Sadie were in the corridor, having a cup of coffee.)

Sadie: This is terrible what has happened.

Jimmy: I know…I cant believe it.

Sadie: This is my fault, I was the one that volunteered him for the job, and she had her phone on her anyway.

(Sadie said genuinely remorseful. Jimmy walked over and put his arm around his wife, both and he and she for the first time in a while felt comfortable together.)

Jimmy: Its not your fault ok, it could have been me or Carl or Matt, it was just luck of the draw it was Max. Don’t blame yourself Sadie, nobody else does.

Sadie: I haven’t been a good wife have I?

Jimmy: Well, if you overlook the lies and treachery and stringing me along, you have been alright. I just wish we could have a baby.

Sadie: Jimmy you know, how I feel…<br>
Jimmy: I know, and I wish that you didn’t.

Sadie: I’ll do it.

Jimmy: Hey?

Sadie: I’ll have the baby.

Jimmy: Do you mean that?

Sadie: Yes, I want our marriage to work, I don’t want to lose what we have, and I know you have made sacrifices for me and perhaps I should make a sacrifice for you.

Jimmy: Sadie, I…I don’t know what to say…I cant believe this.

Sadie: I know me either.

Jimmy: Don’t do it under duress Sadie, you got to want the baby.

Sadie: I, do, sort of. I want to try, if only for our sake. But now is not the time or the place to discuss this.

Jimmy: No it isn’t.

Sadie: I have missed you.

Jimmy: Me too.

(Jimmy and Sadie hugged each other, and then walked back into the waiting room where Charity and Matt were helping to keep Tom calm. The doctor also walked into the room.)

Tom: doctor…?

Doctor: The operation is over Mr King.

To Be Continued…

[cass]

Please don't let Max die!
Why does she want Tom to commit suicide?
Oh dear I do so want Lydia to be found out!

Tell us more DG; this is thrilling!

[irishgal]

Wow, cant wait. Wont be online till Monday it will kill me not knowing what happens next!

[magenta635]

Wow!!! the plot thickens You can't keep us in suspense like that - finger crossed for Max.

[demigod]

Part 13

(Tom sat impatiently before the doctor.)

Tom: Well?!

Doctor: The operation went better than we could have hoped for, thankfully, Max has made it. His vitals have stabilised and are actually beginning to strengthen even at this early stage, we are confident he will make a complete recovery.

Tom: Oh thank-you doctor you don’t know how grateful we are!

(Everybody hugged everybody else, the relief went around, unfortunately the doctor was not smiling.)

Matt: Is there something else?

Doctor: Yes, unfortunately, Max is, as a result of the severe injuries he sustained, mildly comatose at the moment.

Sadie: When would he regain consciousness?

Doctor: That I cannot answer because at present we just don’t know, it could be hours or days till he comes round, in the meantime, the police have been notified and they will be conducting enquiries.

Tom: But he is going to be ok right doctor?

Doctor: I have a few concerns, one of the ribs on his right hand side was broke off completely so we had to fasten it back on, we were able to save the right lung, but a good portion of his lungs tissue was damaged.

Carl: Well what does that mean?

Doctor: Essentially that if a single lung can be characterised as working at 100%, Max’s right lung is now only working at about 60-65%.

Tom: Will that ever improve?

Doctor: No Mr King, unfortunately damage like that is usually permanent, but since he is in fairly good shape he ought to be able to be able to do everything he did before without breaking into too much of a sweat…Right, I have to be getting on, for the moment, he is fine and in the best of care, right now I suggest that you all go home and get some rest, the worst part is over, its easy from here on in.

Tom: I want to stay.

Doctor: Mr King, I can assure you, Max is in no danger now. Its onward and upward from here.

(Sadie rubbed Tom on the shoulder.)

Sadie: Tom, the doctor is right, you look terrible. You should go home and get some rest, if anything changes the hospital will phone us.

Charity: Yeah come on Tom, you wont be no help to Max in this state.

Tom: I appreciate your concern ladies, but I am not moving and that is final.

Jimmy: Dad, don’t argue hey? We all need to go and get a bit of rest.

(Tom looked at the concerned look on the faces of his family and reluctantly nodded his head.)

Tom: Alright but I am coming back first thing in the morning. You will ring me if anything changes between now and then right doctor?

Doctor: Of course Mr King, immediately.

(Tom nodded and allowed himself to be led out by Charity and Sadie, Jimmy and Carl walked behind, Matt stalled a little.)

Matt: Here you are doctor.

(Matt handed the Doctor a 20 pound note.)

Matt: Buy yourself a few drinks on us. We are all very grateful.

Doctor: I didn’t want to mention this because I wished to avoid upsetting your father further. But had Max of been allowed to lie there for just five minutes longer, there would have been nothing we could of done. As it was it was touch and go.

Matt: I see…<br>
Doctor: Anyway, if there should be a change we will let you know.

(Matt shook his hand and walked after the family. He caught up with Carl.)

Carl: What were that about?

Matt: Nothing to worry about Carl…nothing to worry about.

****

(Lydia walked up to the pub. She walked in, the pub was all abuzz over the beating. Lydia walked up to the bar.)

Lydia: Could I have a G and T please Diane.

Diane: Coming right up love. I thought you would be at the hospital.

Lydia: No, it was simply too upsetting, I couldn’t face it.

Diane: I know, it’s terrible when you can’t even walk down the street without getting the thrashing of your life.

(Lydia received the drink and poured it down her neck in one.)

****

(On the way home in the Mercedes, Tom was sat in the back with Charity and Sadie either side of him, Matt drove, Jimmy was in the passenger seat, and Carl had to make do with the auxiliary seat in the boot.)

Tom: It just doesn’t make any sense, who would do this…Who COULD of done this to him?

Sadie: Tom, you must stop going over it, you know now that the worst of it all is over. Max is well on the way to recovery.

Tom: Come off it Sadie, you saw the state on him.

Charity: Tom, for once I agree with Sadie wholeheartedly, Max will be just fine, and you know it.

Jimmy: What’s the matter with you? You got a face like a smacked arse!

Matt: You’d know.

Jimmy: What were that in aid of?

Matt: Nothing, I’m just tired and a bit stressed, be glad to get home and put my feet up.

Carl: I’ll be glad to just get out of the baby seat period.

All: Shut up Carl.

To Be Continued...

Its tiny I know, but, I had my own little accident to contend with, more to come!

[magenta635]

Yesss Max survives, Lydia won't be happy. Can't wait to see how the rest of this turns out.

[giantlady]

I have spoilers...if anybody wants to know give me a PM!

[matthealyisfit]

Fantastic! Max survived, great! I bet matt suspects lydia... after all hes not stupid!

[cass]

Thanks DG that was great...

Oh I am so glad Max is still alive! I can't wait to hear what Lydia as to say when she find out...

Looking forward to the next installment...

No Giantlady I will pass on the spoilers I want to be suprised when I read it... Thanks anyway!

[giantlady]

I so badly want to even write a mini spoiler, but its more than my life is worth, DG would be very mad at me if I gave away secrets.

[irishgal]

Thanks GL but i will pass also on spoilers too cant wait for the next instalment.

irishgal

[demigod]

DISCLAIMER: May not be medically accurate.

Part 14

Max lay in the bed, the bleeping of the heart monitor was driving him mad, he could hear it, but he couldn’t open his eyes and he couldn’t move. He was conscious and unconscious simultaneously. He heard lots of people talk to him, but he couldn’t respond to any of them. It was like he was trapped in the blackness, with nothing to do or think about the days inevitably were very long for him. It was clear his mind was not ready to release him back to consciousness yet.

(Louise stared out the window wondering. The door was knocked.)

Louise: Come in.

(Betty opened the door and entered the bedroom.)

Betty: Hello love, here I were just wondering do you want me to clean in this bedroom?

Louise: Yeah, please. I was just getting up to go down anyway.

Betty: Here, have you heard anything more about that Max King, three days now its been, and he still hasn’t come out of the coma.

Louise: I…I haven’t heard no.

Betty: Still I bet his father must be in agony, knowing Tom King like I do, he is bound to be upset. But at least me and you can be chirpy this morning because it is a beautiful day in winter!

Louise: I have to go…<br>
(Louise pushed out of the room and past Betty leaving Betty looking more than a little confused by this reaction.)

****

(Steve and Lydia were sitting opposite each other at the table in the café.)

Lydia: Luckily for us, he hasn’t regained consciousness. But its only a matter of time, once he wakes up the game is over.

Steve: Maybe I should go an see him later today?

Lydia: We cant try that, itd never work. Boy, you really messed up this time Steve.

Steve: But why Lydia? Why all this sneaking about, we could take everything we want without all this nonsense.

Lydia: You have been playing too many Grand Theft Auto games, we cannot just blast our way to power.

Steve: Why you even shacked up with Matt? We don’t need him.

Lydia: We did, from him I have gained an understanding of the way the business works. So when I am in charge and back to power, I will be able to crush my enemies under my heel!

Steve: The crushing is my favourite part.

Lydia: They took everything, left me with nothing! Well don’t you worry, I’ll get it all back, and then some, because the King’s have more than my family could ever have dreamed, sometimes you have to rob Peter to pay Paul.

Steve: What about Matt?

Lydia: We shall keep him handy until I have no…<br>
(Viv walked by facilitating a pause.)

Lydia: No further use for him, then he too shall be eliminated.

Steve: Great, I’ll be happy to destroy that slick little man.

Lydia: Destroy is such a messy word, I prefer eliminate, its so much tidier.

(They both laughed over their coffees.)

****

(Back at Holdgate Farm. Tom darted downstairs.)

Charity: Steady up, where’s the fire?

(Charity grimaced.)

Charity: I’m sorry I didn’t mean…<br>
Tom: Don’t worry about it, I’m going to the hospital.

Charity: I’ll get Zoe to look after Noah and then I’ll come with you.

Tom: No, I want to be on my own Charity. I have some things I need to say. It’s the waiting, waiting for him to open his eyes, to do something other than just lie there.

Charity: I know its hard.

Tom: Not as hard as it will be when I learn who did this, then they will pay.

(Tom walked out of the house.)

****

(Diane and Louise were behind the bar, Diane looked happy enough, but Louise was more miserable than she herself ever thought possible.)

Diane: Penny for them?

Louise: Try a million for them.

Diane: Oh…I see.

Louise: Diane, he still hasn’t regained consciousness, and I have not seen him. I need to see him.

(Diane went quieter.)

Diane: You cant, the hospital will be crawling with King’s you will look suspicious.

Louise: I don’t care, I am going anyway, can you cover for me?

Diane: I can, but I really don’t know how sensible a course of action this is.

Louise: It isn’t, its insane, but since I have been with him for the first time in a long while I have taken leave of my senses, and do you know what concerns me the most?

Diane: Aside from the age gap, no.

Louise: When I am with him, and we talk and we are together and then that sickly feeling of happiness and eternity comes over me, and I totally lose myself in a much smaller world, I love it.

Diane: Ok, now if that doesn’t sound like love to me, I don’t know what does. Anyway, you better get going.

(Louise smiled weakly at Diane and then made her way out the back.)

****

(Tom looked at Max’s body on the bed, he edged closer cautiously and quietly.)

Max in his own blank world was aware that someone was in the room with him, he felt frightened every time this happened it was like he was constantly worried about his attackers coming back for him. But the shuffling and breathing sounded similar. He instantly guessed it was his father come to see him.

(Tom sat next to Max in the seat by the bed.)

Tom: Hello son, I know you can hear me and I know that things have been bad recently and you have not had the easiest life ever. But right now, I need you to come back to us the sooner the better. I wish I could have been able to fix this…<br>
(Tom gently touched the left part of Max’s exposed face.)

Tom: But I couldn’t, nothing they could do they told me. All my money and it was worth nothing because it couldn’t help you. I failed your mother and I failed you, but I need you to come back to me. We all miss you, you know, the sooner you wake up the sooner you can get home.

Max was now teetering on the brink of consciousness, there was one last barrier before him, and he had to get past it, in his mind he waged a war against himself trying to overcome the minds desire to stay switched off, he was struggling to hear his father and he then struggled against himself more and more. But he couldn’t, quite get through it. Tom was still talking and he was still listening but all the way fighting against everything. The best he could do was to pop his left eye open, and for the first time in days a brief image was able to enter his head. It was not much but it was enough, the eye shut quickly.

Tom: I want to know, how guilty I feel, about the 8 months you were institutionalised. I never wanted that, I wish it could of all turned out different. I’d happily bear the scars if it meant you didn’t have to. You know that don’t you?

Max wanted to nod but there was no power to do so.

Tom: I think I need some air, I will be back in a moment or two, I need to be strong for you, if I stay I’ll become weak at a time when you need all our strength.

Max wanted to somewhere somehow reach out and grab his father, again the body refused and remained there limp. But now he had something, an image, it was the side of Tom’s head, and what looked to be a ceiling. He thought about that, and then he realised, that when he concentrated, he seemed to become more composed and things made more sense. He knew now, his only way out of this mental prison was to focus on a destination and try to get there.

(Tom walked into the corridor and bumped into Louise.)

Tom: Hello Louise, fancy seeing you here.

Louise: Yeah…How is Max?

Tom: Still unconscious, but, the injuries are healing and the swelling is going down and the bruising to his face is fading. But…some scars never heal.

Louise: Tom, I…need to see him.

Tom: I see, I didn’t think you and he got on that well.

Louise: We didn’t, not at first, we…its…I just want to make sure he is ok.

Tom: I’d prefer it if you didn’t love, he is unmasked you see and, Max never likes to be seen without his mask.

Louise: Tom, I am…Oh my God, I cant believe this, I…I.

Tom: Louise, what is it, you aren’t making any sense.

Louise: I’m pregnant Tom.

Tom: I see, well, congratulations. I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.

(Louise sat down in a seat and hung her head.)

Tom: Oh…I see.

(Tom sat with her.)

Louise: We were going to tell you all soon enough. You are not mad are you?

Tom: No, just a little surprised. In any case, I think you and me have a lot to talk about.

****

[demigod]

(Lydia walked up to the door of Holdgate Farm. She knocked the door.)

Charity: Lydia! Hi, what brings you up here?

Lydia: What indeed. You are what brings me up here you cheap hooker, because of you I am forced to soil my hands on something that should be making a grotty street corner look nice. Tell me Charity, do you miss the kerb crawlers?

(Charity’s mouth fell and hit the floor nearly totally shocked.)

Charity: You are looking to get a slap lady!

Lydia: I do so deplore violence…Steve, Justin!

(At her command, Steve and the aforementioned Justin appeared from down the bottom of the garden and walked up to the house. Charity tried to slam the door, but Lydia stopped her by pushing against the door.)

Lydia: Come on you two cement headed gargoyles! Get a move on!

(The men complied and forced their way into the house grabbing Charity as her screams echoed round the area. Lydia walked in and shut the door.)

****

(Tom and Louise were sat in the canteen at the hospital having a cup of coffee each.)

Tom: Now let me get this straight, Max had a wild party at Home Farm and he rowed with Jimmy and Sadie, and then he stayed with you. You both got drunk and then that is how the affair started?

Louise: Yeah.

Tom: That does not sound like ideal circumstances with which to bring kids into the world.

Louise: I know it isn’t Tom, but now we do love each other and we are happy together. Max wants me to have the baby, and I want it too.

Tom: So you both kept it quiet. Why?

Louise: The age gap, we knew it was wrong. But I hoped if anybody could appreciate our dilemma its you.

Tom: What does that mean?

Louise: You and Charity have a much bigger age gap than me and Max.

Tom: That’s different though.

Louise: It isn’t Tom, not in the slightest. All we want is to be a family, and now you have another grandchild.

(Tom rubbed his head strenuously.)

Tom: For the moment at least, I think it would be better if we kept your relationship and pregnancy under wraps until he is back on his feet and better. At the moment, my sons recovery takes priority over everything.

(Louise nodded in agreement with him, she still looked sad.)

Tom: Cheer up love, I am glad that you told me and don’t worry about a thing, no grandchild of mine will ever have to go without.

(Louise now smiled a bit stronger.)

Tom: How did you get here?

Louise: On the bus.

Tom: Tell you what, let me go and say goodbye to him first and then I can take you back to the pub ok?

Louise: Thank-you.

****

(Back at Holdgate Farm. In the kitchen.)

Lydia: Where is Justin?

Steve: Putting Charity in the car.

Lydia: Everything is as it should be, all signs of struggle cleared away. Suitcase packed and removed. Note on table, we are all set I think.

Steve: I knew you were good at forgery, but that note you left on the kitchen table as good as it is, will it hold up to the scrutiny of old man King?

Lydia: It ought to. Now that Charity has, how shall I say, “Departed” Tom will be left even more vulnerable and when he learns what has really happened to his prostitute bride at a date I see relevant to reveal the info, we shall see if his will to live maintains.

Steve: What is the next part of the plan?

Lydia: Phase 2, we need to spilt Jimmy and Sadie up.

Steve: Oh?

Lydia: They have been having a lot of marital difficulties, and my “people” have collected some incriminating photos of James King in a passionate clinch with the secretary, that little slapper Chloe. What’s more, Max knows too, he saw it all happen. An anonymous letter through the post with said photos paper clipped to it and that’s all it will take to bust up the royal couple.

Steve: I like it. What about Carl, Matt and Max?

Lydia: Carl is an idiot, I have no worry about him. Matt I still need for the foreseeable future. As for Max he is a threat to me, after he comes home if he were to have a little “accident” that’s all it takes. Jimmy is going to get so depressed and overdose himself while he is getting drunk with me.

Steve: That all sounds good.

Lydia: Good, now get out of here quick, I am staying here to look after the baby, then when Tom gets home, I’ll leave. We shall talk later, now get out of here quick!

****

(Jimmy and Matt each sat in the office of King and Sons at a separate computer.)

Jimmy: So how is this holiday park thing progressing?

Matt: What?

Jimmy: The holiday park that you and Lydia are doing?

Matt: Oh that, its fine…<br>
Jimmy: Just fine?

Matt: We have more pressing things to worry about here Jimmy, like the fact that our youngest brother is lying in a hospital still comatose from a beating he was given by some lowlifes.

Jimmy: That doesn’t sound like you.

Matt: I am concerned is all, something is not right Jimmy I can feel it. We have been losing business, Max nearly got beat to death. Something is not right, I just cannot put my finger on it, its like somebody wants to see us fail badly.

Jimmy: Don’t talk daft, all businesses have this trouble from time to time.

Matt: Ours has never had it, till now that is.

Jimmy: You’re just being paranoid.

Matt: I am not prone to paranoia Jimmy, you know that.

****

Max strained in his unconscious state pushing and pushing against what lay before him. He wouldn’t bring himself to accept what was happening, but he had little choice it was the only explanation. It made sense, for now Max in his odd mental state had figured out at long last what was really happening. He strained with every fibre of his being and then in one glorious moment his eyes opened and remained open. He had made his way back; he was back at long last wide awake. He sat up in bed and groaned in pain slightly as he felt all the bumps and bruises over his chest, his left eye was rolled to the left in its socket. There it was next to him, the heart monitor, the thing that had caused him no end of distress.

Max got out of bed snatched up the monitor and tossed it against the wall smashing it, he then ripped the pads off his chest and caught his breath, in walked a nurse.

Nurse: Oh my God you are awake.

Max: Where’s my father?

Nurse: He is at home.

Max: I have to see my brother.

Nurse: Excuse me?

(Max walked forward to the nurse who backed away reflexively fearing another outburst of violence from the scarred young man.)

Max: I am not going to hurt you, I’m just a bit disorientated, but right now, please get me a phone immediately, I have to talk to my brother.

Nurse: You need to return to bed young man, you have had a traumatic experience.

Max: I know, which is why I need to have the phone, I have to call my brother!

Nurse: First we need to get you back into bed, then the doctor will look at you and then we will see about a phone call…The police have spoke with your family, no doubt now you are awake they will want to talk to you.

Max: I am sure they will, all I need is to talk to Matt, it is of paramount importance you don’t understand!

Nurse: Please get back into bed.

(Max grudgingly complied, he was still too weak to mount any form of serious protest.)

Max: No problem, I can wait.

To Be Continued…

[irishgal]

How will Matt react to Lydia now?

Where had Charity departed too?

Jimmy was a bold boy!

looking forward to more!
;D

[magenta635]

Wow!!! This is fanatstic, so many twist and turns. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[cass]

Wow DG it gets better and better!

Will Max be able to warn matt?
And I think Charity is dead hence why she made a comment about her being “Departed” ...
Oh this is so frustating having to wait!

[matthealyisfit]

This is great! im hooked on all parts of the story! damn that lydia is evil! she reminds me of maya from corrie! keep it up!