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Chapter 123 — Action Plan
"What the strange story!" Kelly surprised when Mason finished his story. "I think that this Colin just a crazy man. After so many years he starts to blame you but more so unreasonable!"
"Well, he really believes that I somehow trigged his fall. I met him today — and because just be late for dinner," Mason said slightly pretending about the latter. He had plenty of time to reach the father's house but he needed to think through things.
"Did he say it?" Mary asked. "Does he think you really wanted to kill him?"
"Yes, he does. The accident has been arranged, and me is responsible for it."
"But why did he wait so long?"
"He was hoping to recover, but now lost hope."
The silence falls in the living room of Capwell's house.
"Do you think he has a chance of winning the case in the court?" Eden finally asked.
Mason frowned.
"Such cases are extremely rare."
"May a judge to dismiss his claim?"
"Hardly. There are no such grounds."
"Then we must take into our own hands the case," Eden said with enthusiasm. "We'll find out what happened and present the real killer to your Colin."
"It is unrealistic," Mason seriously looked at his sister. "Twenty years later where are you going to look through? In addition why I should try to clear my name for him? I came across and not tried to kill him!"
"You need be to clear your name in any case," CC said. "The only difference is where you going to do it — in court or not."
"And it will be much better for your business if all would work out the behind the scenes, right, father?"
"Not just for my business, Mason."
"Once the father agrees then everything is agreed," Eden's eyes shining. "Cruz, you'll be able to take out the case from the police archive? We want to look at the results of the investigation and then make a plan."
"I will try. But it will be difficult. As well recreate the scene of so old crime."
"The risk is too great, Cruz. I do not want to Mason get in jail just because in someone's memoirs Colin would look like an innocent victim and Mason was vengeful thief."
"And we must find those who studied with you then. And then go to the place, I mean the school," Kelly picked up.
"And questioning you and mom," Ted added and slapped Mason's shoulder: "Do not worry, we will solve this case."
"I'm hope," Mason sighed. In part he felt relieved that his half-siblings supported him. After the conversation with Colin he also came to the conclusion that he's need to investigate the case. However he would prefer to do it alone. The case was too personal for him.
Mason and Mary returned home. Chip and Samantha deeply asleep in the backseat, and Mary cradling Mickey and looked at Mason.
"The day was heavy," she finally said. "How are you?"
"Sometime would be better."
"Is it because of Charlie?"
Mason paused.
"Lets not talk about him. This is not the time or place."
"Okay. But do not close on me, please... Do not go into yourself."
"You do not like what you can see."
"Do not decide for me."
Rest of the way they drove in silence. Mason takes older children upstairs, and Mary went with Mickey in the nursery and then alone downstairs back in the living room.
To her surprise she found here her younger sister with some papers in hands.
"What is it?" she suspected asked.
"Uncle Larry came along. He brought these papers and told me to give it Mason. Seems it's about the guy who was on the cemetery."
"MacLean?" Mary was amazed.
"What about MacLean?" Mason asked running downstairs.
"My uncle asked me to give it you," Christie said handing the papers. "And I'm going to bed," she yawned and left out.
Mason looks though papers and sat on the couch. Mary sat down beside him.
"Mason, leave it for tomorrow."
"Uh-huh. Now," Mason did not take away from the documents. "Damn!" He said after a while.
"What is it?"
"Mr. Duvall dug inside story of our "friend" Corey. You were right," he looked up. "This guy has no relation to McCormick's family. He has great acting ability and works for Colin Stewart."
Mary's heart sank.
"Are you saying that you and I have watched his role in his own show?"
"Looks like it. Apparently Colin no let me out of his sight and was aware of what happened to me for long time. However he did not really dug deep. I noticed that he did not during our today's meeting. He referred to my psychotherapy session when I was a kid and said that he knew about its content. But if he really knew he would be understood that I done nothing wrong."
"Why do you think?" Mary put his chin on his shoulder.
"Because Colin said that I trigged the accident. If he knows what was really bothered me then he would have understood: I am distressed that my scream could cause his downfall. That is an involuntary part rather than a deliberate will to cause harm. No, he dug up on tops and draw conclusions according to his theory about my bad will."
"Maybe you're right."
"By the way..." Mason somehow awkwardly glanced at Mary. "Judging by your uncle's papers, McCormick is quite alive and well."
"And you are not happy about," Mary said after a pause.
"I don't want to pretend. I would prefer that he was lying in the grave. Unlike you."
"I also want not pretending. I feel relieved that he is alive."
"What we are both honest," Mason smiled his stunning smile and pulled Mary close him. "I hope it does not kill us."
"Do not kill," Mary echoed listening to the resounding beat of his heart. "I wonder why Colin kidnaps you?" She murmured into his shirt.
"I think it was the attempt to frighten me. Or perhaps he planned to knock me out the balance. By the way, McLean is not really in early twenties and already around thirty. And his real surname Longstick. He was twice expelled from the university's drama class and then he some time hanging around the state yet did not get to work with Colin."
"Uncle Larry held thorough the job."
"I am grateful to him," Mason slowly said. "I had to check McLean."
"You were too confident that he is Mark's brother."
"Yes, my mind is overshadowed by emotions."
"But now everything falls into place. And we can concentrate on investigating the secrets of The Great Valley School. Mason, do you think there really was the attempted murder?"
"I do not know," he broke the long sigh and rose to his feet. "I never thought about it from this angle."
"Let's go to bed. Let's leave it all on the morrow."
"It is unlikely that I can," Mason frankly said.
He went to the bar and poured himself the brandy. Mary did the same.
"We are right," she said softly feeling the pleasant warmth spreads inside. "And your father is on our side."
"Just because the publicity would hurt his business," Mason snorted.
"He loves you. And I think he feels guilty. Sophia told me how he first lashed out at you. And when he realized what it was about he tries to help you."
"The attractive idea but I do not believe in it."
"Just do believe me. Today all were on your side. Including Charlie."
"Charlie?" Mason looked at her.
"He heard as me and Sophia talked with your problem with Colin and offered to investigate this case for you not get to jail. So do not anger God, Mason."
"I would not dare. Once he returned me you back," Mason embraced her, pressed his lips to her hair. "Lord, how I love you."
"As I love you. I love you very much. Let's go to sleep, Mason."
"Come to bed so it will be more accurate."
Mary laughed, and they began to upstairs in the bedroom, holding each other's hands.
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