11 May, Paul''s apartment, City K


    Paul paused and looked directly at Monica while stroking Abigail''s hand that he was holding.


    Taking strength from Paul, Abigail said "Monica, we love each other. Last night was simply a c.u.mulation of us not talking about things. My husband," Abigail turned and looked Paul in the eyes before turning back to her sister, "knows that he overstepped with respect to some friends, but having talked through things he was right to get as angry as he did with my friends who were using drugs here."


    Abigail paused, and along with Paul they realised the shock on Monica''s face. Taking the opportunity Paul added "I guess you were not told that bit of information."


    Coming out of her shock, Monica said quietly "No, but…"


    "Monica, we need to clear the air. My wife does not need to be put in the middle of her sister and her husband. But that situation made a real difference. The moment I walked in and saw what was happening, my heart was in my mouth. Yes, I overreacted, and we have had that out, and it resulted in an argument. Abigail will tell you I was a mess when we were talking, but in the end, we were honest with each other about everything. Do not ask us to tell you about it, it is between us, but we both realised that our own actions, and unwillingness to confront issues was causing problems for our marriage."


    "Hmmp! As if I believe you."


    "Sis, he is right. I get that you want to protect me, particularly as you know what our mother did to me, but I just need you to be there for me. We recognised…"


    Paul, sensing that Abigail was becoming emotional, pulled Abigail into his arms, interrupting her. "That, yes, we rushed our marriage, and there were reasons for that, however in the end we both suspect that being married is where we would have ended up at some time. We love each other, as much as I suspect you love your husband."


    "As if!" came Monica''s cynical response.


    "No, it is the truth. Monica you remember that your mother tried to force you into a relationship with me when we were eighteen. It took me three minutes into our first meeting to know your heart lay with your husband, not anyone in our parents'' social group. Trust us to know what we want, even if we are blind initially."


    Before Monica could respond, they were interrupted by Paul''s mobile phone. He quickly picked it up and placed it on speaker before saying "Matthew, what can I do for you?"


    "You know what has happened in City F?"


    "Phillip told me when he rang with his request. We only have a small hospital facility in City F which has already been offered to the authorities for help. I have called together a trauma team from here, and other locations that have been offered to the military and I understand in the next couple of hours will be flown in, along with supplies."


    "I have a favour if you can do it. I cannot confirm, but I suspect Lexi was in the Mall when the explosion happened…"


    "Get her on a flight back here…"


    "Not the favour I was going to ask but thank you for that. I need someone to tell her brothers for me."


    "You want me to do the dirty work, why not John or your subordinates?"


    "John has his own issues, as he apparently met his girlfriends'' father last night," with that Monica could not help laughing. Joseph, Ben, and David confessed to them last night before Joseph left with Matthew that Bronwyn''s father was Head Honcho. That would have been an interesting meeting as she suspected that she was her father''s princess and he was worried that his daughter was going to be stolen from him.


    "Who is there with you?"


    "Beside my wife? My sister-in-law, who I guess by her reaction knows something about that."


    Monica with a smirk, called out "You think my husband would keep that secret from me for too long, boss?"


    Resigned Matthew said "Not possible Monica. What are you doing there?"


    "Having an argument with my sister and brother-in-law, which by the way is none of your business. But I will send him on his way to do what you have asked."


    "You better." Responded Matthew, quickly ending the call.


    As soon as Paul ended the engaged tone on the phone, Monica turned and said "You heard him, you better get and tell his brothers-in-law about the situation, or there will be hell to pay."


    Paul turned to Abigail, asking "You will be alright?"


    "Paul, go. We will just go in circles with Monica if you are here. If I talk to her, maybe we can move forward."


    "If you are certain." With that Paul leaned over and kissed Abigail gently. As he pulled back, he leaned his forehead against Abigail and looking into her eyes, quietly added "Remember I love you."


    Abigail, feeling emotional said "And I you. But go and do that favour for your friend. I will let you know what I am doing." Abigail leaned in and kissed Paul gently before pushing him and loudly adding "Now go."


    With a chuckle Paul said, "Yes Dear," and headed out.


    As she heard the door shut Monica turned and said, "You know he is playing you."


    "Monica, get a grip. It is my marriage, and unless you are willing to respect the door is behind you."


    Monica shook her head and said "That is not what you were saying yesterday. You hated him and wanted out because he was treating you like you were nothing."


    "That was yesterday, and in his own broken way he finally broke through with the truth to me, when he got the message that I was ready to walk. I hated doing that, but we needed it. However, he hurts me he knows there will be hell to pay, and I will not let him off because I will walk."


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