December 19th 1994
I watched the trial coverage on WLPC, or whatever station that Tiffany Hill usually broadcasts from, so I wasn't surprised when Monica came and told me that we were having company, specifically Edward's newly revealed grandson and Mary Mae Ward.

Personally, I was disappointed that I hadn't been able to figure out that this was the source of tension between Edward and Mary Mae. With Edward one should always calculate the chances of an extra-marital (or nearly extra marital, in this case) affair.

I answered when the Ward's came to the door. She looked as comfortable as she would walking into the corner store. He looked like he had something on too tight. I led them to the parlor.

"Mrs. Ward and Justus Ward," I announced

Edward stood as Mary Mae entered the room. Everyone looked uncomfortable. Mary Mae and Justus went to sit on the couch with Lila and Edward by the fireplace. "What can I get you to drink," Edward offered.

"Is that tea?" Mary Mae asked, nodding toward the silver service on the table. That was my cue, I quickly moved around Lila to the coffee table.

"Do you take lemon, or milk and sugar?" Lila asked.

"I take it plain, thank you," Mary Mae said, much to my relief since there was no milk left on the tray. "Justus?" Mary Mae gave her grandson another opportunity for tea.

I poured the cup of tea. Edward moved towards the bar. "Maybe Justus would like something stronger," Edward suggested.

"Nothing, thank you," Justus refused. He might not want an alcoholic restorative, but Edward did and he poured himself a bourbon.

I handed Mary Mae the cup of tea and she said, "Thanks."

"Thank you, Reginald. That'll be all," Lila dismissed me. As I left I heard her say, "Mrs. Ward, I'd like to tell you how very much I admired the courage it must have taken to stand up in the courtroom and acknowledge Edward as your son's father."

As I headed towards the kitchen to see if there was enough liquor left to restock the bar, I thought to myself that all in all, finding out that Justus was a member of the family was one of the more placid things to happen to the Quartermaine's in 1994.

It wasn't very long before Edward started going through the house and gathering family members to introduce to his newly discovered grandson. Monica was feeling well enough *to come down and the boys were actually both in the house at one time.

After everyone had settled themselves, Monica started the conversation as I served the hor's douvres. "We met when your grandmother was in the hospital. And then again at the Nurses' Ball."

"Yes, of course," Justus said politely.

"As I recall it was quite an evening," Mary Mae understated. Though I'd not actually been there, I'd heard of the falling scenery and abortive tango.

""Yes, I spent most of it in the closet," Alan reminisced. Mary Mae gave him a curious look. "It's a long story," Alan said as he reached over to shake Mary Mae's hand. "I'm Monica's husband, Alan."

"You were against the incinerator," Mary Mae recalled.

"Yes, I was," Alan agreed. "You recall my son, Jason."

I set the tray of hor's douvres down on the table behind the couch. Jason, standing behind his grandmother, said, "She sure does."

"And this is his brother A.J." Alan motioned to the young man, who was seated by Edward.

"Mrs. Ward, Justus," A.J. said in greeting.

"I see the family resemblance," Mary Mae said to keep the conversation rolling.

"We have Dad to blame for that," A.J. said.

"Actually they're half brothers, but Jason has been mine since he was an infant," said Monica. Well, if they were going to get into a discussion of the complex family relationships, I was leaving.

As I went through the door, Ned echoed my thoughts. "This family is used to complications, believe me."

I went upstairs and busied myself putting away unused Christmas decorations and tried not to think about complications.

December 21st 1994 Winter Solstice
I had already let in one guest that morning; the interesting, Miss Myrna Slaughter. Edward came down and I left them breakfasting together. A brief time later Justus Ward arrived. I led him to the parlor as Edward had earlier instructed me to do. "Mr. Ward is here, sir," I announced.

"Oh, show him in, Reginald," Mr Quartermaine said as he got up from the couch.

Justus was right on my heels and did not need to be ushered in. "Come in," said Edward and he reached out to shake Justus' hand. "Come in," he repeated, perhaps because of the younger man's obvious reserve.

I slipped out of the room.

Later that same day, I heard from the upstairs maid that Edward had left in a hurry, Ned and Justus with him, off to the courthouse. I worried as I knew this must mean that the verdict was in. But I didn't have long to wait. Mr. Quartermaine and company arrived home expeditiously. *They were all so excited and happy that I didn't need to be told that the verdict was 'not guilty'.

Ned and I went down to the wine cellar to bring up a case of champagne. When we got back upstairs, Jason, Monica and Alan had all arrived.

Ned and I popped open the first two bottles of champagne. "There you go," I said as I handed the bottle to Jason to pass down to his father, which he did. Jason gave me another bottle to open.

"Congratulations, Father," said Alan enthusiastically. "Justice was indeed served. And I gotta tell you, I was proud of your grace under fire."

Ned had taken his bottle over to Edward and was pouring him a glass. "Thank you, Alan," Edward said.

Jason whispered to me, "Guess no one will mind if I have a few glasses today, huh?"

I didn't comment. He was one of the few people around here who even worried if he were drinking age or not.

The lovely Miss Barret sashayed into the room. She slapped Jason on the back as she passed by. "Hey, I just heard the good news."

There was a chorus of yeahs, the loudest from Alan, as Brenda went across the room to hug Edward. "Of course, I had to hear about it on the radio, guys." She moved back to face Jason. "God forbid, anyone should actually tell me." As she moved past I handed her a glass of champagne. "Thanks," she said, casually.

"Well, you're one up on me," said Jason. "I heard two people gossiping in biology class. A.J. found out when Tiffany Hill called him and asked him for a statement at the office."

Alan, still holding the bottle of champagne, said, "Yeah, he's on his way home. We actually found out at the hospital, me and Monica, from Amy. Did you know that she's the Voice of America now," Alan joked.

"Well, it happened so fast," Ned explained. "That Grandfather barely got into court on time."

"Where is Monica?" Brenda asked.

"She went up to bed," said Alan.

"She has the right idea. Personally I'd like to sleep until Christmas morning," Lila said happily.

I had already had a glass or two, and felt inclined to toast. "It's going to be a splendid Christmas this year," I said holding up my glass. I should know better.

"Oh, right you are," Edward chuckled.

Alan got up from the couch and Brenda took his place there beside Lila. "Lila, you really need to get some rest," she said, concerned. I poured myself another glass of champagne as Brenda said, "So promise me."

Lila smiled. "I intend to tuck in early tonight and just think about what a wonderful day it was."

Brenda smiled back. "Oh, good, and, if you need any last minute help with Christmas, I'll be back here tomorrow, okay?"

"Oh, thank you, Darling, but I think everything's all organized. And I want all you young people to dance and party and have a wonderful, wonderful, holiday," said Lila.

"Grandmother, we can manage that," Jason said as he sat down on the couch.

Brenda got up. "You," she said, pointing at Ned, "On the other hand, need to be at the gatehouse at five sharp." She moved around to the back of the couch where Ashton was standing beside me.

"I'll be there," said Ned confidently. I drained another glass of champagne. "I can make my meeting at ELQ and be back in time to catch the bus," he assured her.

"Ned, you absolutely cannot be late," she insisted.

"Are you crazy? I wouldn't miss this trip for the world," said Ned. "Reginald," he said as I started pouring myself yet another glass. "More champagne!" I poured out the bubbly. And the celebration went on.

December 22nd 1994
On the previous occasions when Police Commissioner Sean Donely had visited our not so humble mansion to throw around inaccurate speculation, it hadn't worried me so much. Now, however there was a whole pack of Quartermaines who had heard my confession to attempted murder. To say the least his arrival at the door did nothing for my nerves. Nor did the remark I overheard as I entered the parlor.

"I for one hope that this family is through with murder, attempted, accidental or accomplished, once and for all," Lila declared. Me too.

"Sorry to interrupt," I said. "Commissioner Donely is here,"

"Well, show him in," said Edward as if there were no reason in the world why anyone in the house might be nervous at the arrival of a cop.

Steeling myself, I went to show him in. It continues to amaze me, how poor Sean's hearing is. I could clearly hear the conversation as I moved to the foyer to fetch the policeman, but Sean still seemed to have that keen interest in potted plants.

"What's this all about?" I heard A.J. wonder aloud, more worried than his Grandfather about the impending visit.

"I'm sure he's here to apologize," Edward replied smugly.

"Commissioner Donely," I announced Sean, who fortunately still seemed unaware of my existence as a person.

"Sorry to intrude," Sean began. "Oh, how are you, Lila?" he schmoozed.

"Much better, thank you, since the onus of Bradley Ward's murder has been lifted," was her happy reply.

Edward motioned with his hand. "Well, speak up, Sean. Don't be shy."

"What do you think I'm going to say, Edward," Sean asked him, genuinely perplexed that anyone was expectiing anything at all from him.

Edward scowled. "Well, how about uh... Sorry, Edward for falsely accusing you of murder and for subjecting you and your family to needless hell these last few months." Now there was an unrealistic expectation. If Sean apologized to everyone he falsely accused there wouldn't be enough hours in the day.

"I only did what had to be done, considering all the evidence," Sean insisted. Hah! What circumstancial evidence he did have had been handed to him on a silver platter by Luke Spencer and Justus Ward. "However I will offer an apology of sorts," he finished.

A.J. couldn't resist the opening. "Ah gee, you sure you can spare it." Apparently not, as Sean offered no further sort of apology.

"Well, then the next question comes to mind," said Edward. "Why are you here?" Mr. Quartermaine walked over to where I was standing at the wet bar. He held out his glass and I filled it with the only liquid in the vicinity, water out of the crystal pitcher.

"It seems," said Sean, "I still have an open matter on my desk; the attempted murder of Katherine Bell."

The pitcher slipped from my suddenly numb fingers and crashed to the ground. Maybe I shouldn't have reacted so strongly to Sean's statement. After all he had come to the mansion saying the same things before with no noticeable result. But now things seemed so much more precarious. A secret isn't a secret once it's been shared.

"Ahh!" Edward exclaimed as he wiped off his clothing.

"Forgive me. This is so clumsy," I apologized and backed away from the bar. I made sure that Sean couldn't see my face, which undoubtedly had guilt written all over it.

"It's all right, Reggie," Lila assured me.

"No, no. I'll replace that," I moved backwards until I reached Lila's chair.

"Don't worry, dear," Lila took my hand. "I never did like that pitcher anyway. Edward's Aunt Phoebe gave it to us and she always had the most dreadful taste."

"Oh? Did you think so?" Edward 's concern over her opinion of his aunt was genuine. Police questioning was a casual event for him.

"I just feel terrible about this. I'll clean up that mess right away," I said as I turned towards the door.

"Fine," said Lila as I left the room, "But just don't fret about it, please." I fled down the hallway, calculating the distance to the Canadian border, but reconsidered and went to the broom closet.

I had recovered some semblance of calm when I returned with a broom and dustpan to the parlor.

Sean was holding forth, "...until mayhem stops befalling people that this family doesn't seem to get along with. So I'm afraid you're stuck with me."

"Well, state your business," Edward told him.

"Miss Bell is still annoyed at the attempt on her life," said Sean. I set the dustpan down by the wet bar. Sean must be understating. I'm sure Katherine was more than annoyed.

"Oh, I see. I see this is all about Katherine putting the squeeze on you," A.J. said cooly. I knelt down to pick broken glass off the table top and carefully began placing it in the dustpan. "Well, I gotta tell you, I empathize with you. That's a heck of a vise grip she's got here."

"Hmm..mmm," Sean affirmed. "She certainly makes a case for herself, all right, but then again, that shouldn't surprise any of you, hmmm?"

"Miss Bell thrives on attention, the more lurid, the better. You know I wouldn't be at all surpised if she drugged herself, just to cause this family grief." Lila said. Now, I know all these people knew I had confesed to the crime in question, but they were all as cool as could be; old hands at cover-ups, even the revered Lila.

"And meanwhile our esteemed police department stumbles all over itself to play right into her hands," Edward scoffed.

"That's a very interesting theory, but then again she would have been taking quite a gamble, hmmm?" said Sean.

"Don't you get it? That's what she does," A.J. declared.

"With her own life?" Sean said with disbelief.

"With all due respect, Commissioner, I'm not sure you realize just how devious Katherine Bell really is." said A.J.. However devious she is, she has nothing on this Quartermaine heir.

"Oh, I have plenty of time, A.J., so why don't you enlighten me?" Sean sneered. Usually I would have taken this opportunity to think that Sean had nowhere near enough time to be 'enlightened', but I was too nervous.

"Well, I think that there's the distinct possibility that Grandmother is on to something here. I mean, I can see Katherine getting an idea in her head and not really stopping to consider the risk to herself. I mean, think about it, she was after the prize; half of Ned Ashton's fortune. Setting one of us up to take the rap, well, that could have just been icing on the cake for her," A.J. improvised without compunction.

I lifted the broom and dustpan quietly and circled around Lila and behind the couch, stopping to lurk at the far table. Sean did not appear to take note.

"In other words what you're saying is that this was just an elaborate hoax to acquire money," Sean interpreted.

"Well, I'm saying that that is definitely a possibility. At the very least she could have been setting one of us up for another blackmail attempt," said A.J..

"Yes, it is a possibility, at least another angle. Well, I really must be going," Sean said, cutting short the interview without actually asking a single investigative question.

"We'll see you again, Sean," Edward said. That was more of a prediction than a hope.

"Oh, thank you, Edward. Thank you for your time. A.J." Sean said in farewell, "Lila, always good to see you. I'll be in touch. Good evening."

Sean shuffled out. I was still a little stunned as I watched him leave. Edward waved for me to follow Sean and make sure he went out. I reached the foyer just as Sean was walking out the front door.

"Grandfather?" I heard A.J. say in the other room and then nothing further.

The door swung shut behind the police commissioner. I locked it shut and hurried back into the parlor. Edward heaved a sigh and relaxed.

"Fine handling, A.J.," Edward praised his grandson.

Feeling less than well, I crossed behind the couch.

"You think he bought it?" A.J asked.

"Well, made him leave, gave him pause that's the main thing," Edward said, pleased.

I loosened my tie and collapsed into the armchair.

"Edward, look at Reginald," Lila said with concern.

I began to feel distinctly faint and leaned over to put my head between my knees.

"What? What in the world has happened to you, man?" Edward demanded.

Upright again, I said, "I can't do this anymore. I don't have the constitution for it." I wiped my forehead with the white cloth I'd been holding.

"Come on, what's the problem," A.J. asked. Cold blooded. The whole family didn't even blink at this kind of thing.

"The problem is that I'm about to lose my freedom and it's making me claustrophobic already," I said, as I began unbuttoning my vest. I really wasn't all that worried about Sean discovering my involvement, but if the PCPD put their minds to it they might put a competent investigator on the case who in no time at all would spot that I was the person with opportunity, though my motive was weaker than some others.

"Oh, what the devil are you babbling about, man?" Edward groused.

I stood up. "There's no other choice. I have to turn myself in." It would be quicker that way; less trouble for everyone in the long run. If they'd just see it that way.

"No!" Lila was adamant. "You will not turn yourself in, Reginald."

"No, we won't stand for it," Edward agreed.

"But, sir, I..." I started to explain my reasoning, but he would have none of it.

"But nothing. Now, we have had more than our share of scandal and we have taken ourselves out of the running. Why do you think I'm bending over backwards to be nice to Justus? Now I forbid you to implicate this family in one more crime. Is that clear?" Edward laid down the law. And here I'd thought he was being nice to Justus out of pure family spirit and didn't want to turn me in out of kindness. Okay, so it was only a very thin illusion.

"Quite so, sir," I capitulated since I really wasn't that enamoured of surrendering to the authorities.

"Now I don't want to hear another word about it," Edward said with finality. He turned to Lila. "All right, Lila, let's go in and see what Cook is in such a flap about."

"Oh, I suppose we've put it off long enough. Whenever Cook demands a meeting with the two of us it strikes fear in my heart," Lila said as he pushed her out of the room. The respect in which Cook is held constantly amazes me. I keep trying to get a peek at her paycheck to see if it's reflected there.

A.J. got up to make sure his grandparents were no longer in earshot. "You know, Reggie, I might have a way out of this for you," He told me.

"What?" I asked, certain that there was no less than excruciating way out of this.

"Well, I think Grandmother might have given us the solution when she said that poor Katherine poisoned herself," said A.J..

"That was just a stalling tactic. I poisoned Miss Bell we both know that," I said, wondering if had forgotten all the wonderful Halloween scenes.

"Yes, we know that, but see the idea, Reginald, is to keep that information from the general public," said A.J.. I was abashed. It was the first time A.J. had directed his talent for sarcasm at me. "Listen to me," he continued. "I'm gonna need your help to pull this off."

"What can I do?" I asked, against my better judgement. If A.J. was going to pull something off, the long-term consequences were probably not going to be good.

"Did Katherine leave anything behind? Anything that maybe, say had her fingerprints on it." A.J. asked me.

"There's a small jewelry box. If you remember she was on her way up the stairs to get it when she took that header," I informed him. This I had learned second-hand from Mr. Ashton when he was in an expansive mood.

A.J. found this humorous. "Heh, heh, heh, that's perfect. Listen I need you to get that for me. And be very careful. Don't touch it. We don't want any other fingerprints on it. And some of that medicine you slipped *her too." A.J. said.

"Why?" I asked him, though actually I could make a pretty accurate guess.

"So that I can fix everything," A.J. said smugly. "Reggie I'm gonna become your hero. Let's go." A.J. patted me on the shoulder. I crossed back behind the couch and A.J. went in front of it. I left the parlor and headed upstairs. Fortunately, Monica wasn't home and Lila and Edward were in their conference with Cook, so obtaining the medicine was not a problem. Miss Bell's rooms were empty now, Mr. Ashton having moved out promptly to another set; unpleasant associations, I suppose. Still, I was careful, not wanting one of the maids to observe me removing the jewelry box. Nevertheless it took only a short time before I returned to the parlor.

A.J. was pacing when I entered. "Good," he greeted me. "Got it?" I handed him the jewelry box in the cloth I had wrapped it in. "This is beautiful. This is perfect. You got the pills?" he asked.

I pulled them out. "Mrs. Quartermaine's digoxin and Dr. Quartermaine's quinobarbitol," I catalogued.

"Great! Why so glum? Come on Reg, everything's gonna be great." A.J. said with a frightening lack of conscience.

"Yes, so you say." I was beginning to have my regrets all ready. It was obvious that he intended to plant this 'evidence' on Ms. Bell and that might only cause further trouble.

"So it is," A.J. insisted.

"Look, you have to understand where I'm coming from on this," I tried to explain to him. "I don't want to be a party to anything that's going to cause anymore trouble for this family."

"Yeah, my family," A.J. said possessively. "And I don't want to do anything that's going to hurt them either. So trust me. I told you I'm going to fix everything, and I will."