Hi to all my old readers and new ones. With all my recent health issues I was struggling to continue with the Youngest Grey but was coming up with ideas for further along the line so I decided to takes the story forward a few months and Chapter 1 is from Carrick's POV, I'm still undecided about Chapter 2-it could be Matt, Grace or Hannah. Please let me know what you think, if you really don't like the direction I've taken then please let me know and I'll remove the story at the weekend. Best Wishes Mx

CARRICK

I knew I should have taken the ferry but thought it would be an easier journey by car. It's taken me two hours to travel to Port Orchard to visit Judge Griffin who's an old acquaintance and an expert in family law. I find a parking space near the court and walk to her office. She greets me warmly and we soon get down to business. After an hour or so she asks her assistant to bring coffee. I stand and go to the window to see the view. Port Orchard is a small town and I can see the boats sailing on Pugent Sound. I would give anything to be on a sailing boat now with all three sons but that isn't going to happen in the near future. A group of teenagers cross the town square, laughing and joking with each other. I am frozen with shock.

'Carrick, are you OK? You look like you've seen a ghost.' Olivia says.

'I'm fine.' I manage to stutter. 'I thought I saw someone I know but that's impossible.'

'The high school must be on half day today. The kids will be on their way to one of the coffee houses.' Olivia says as she comes to stand by me. 'Actually that year group are doing work experience this semester and a couple of the boys come here to observe one day a week.'

'Any potential lawyers?' I ask absentmindedly as I continue to watch the teenagers as they jostle each other. One drops a skateboard onto the concrete and then jumping onto it he skates around the group.

'The one on the skateboard surprisingly.' Olivia says.

'Why?' I ask.

'Look at him Carrick. Buzzcut, ripped jeans and always with that skateboard. He turns up like that in court for his work experience. My mother has taken a shine to him though and sings his praises. Very polite boy, obviously been brought up well.' Olivia says.

'What do you know about him and his family?' I ask.

'Hey why the interest?' she says and I shrug so she continues. 'Actually I don't know much about him. Mom says he doesn't talk much about his family. All he talks about is renovating a house, I presume it's the family home. If he's not here or at school then he spends his time working on the house. My brother Will owns the art gallery and he says he's a very talented artist. He won a school competition and although he agreed the gallery could display his work he refused to let it be sold and it would have done ten times over.'

'Name.' I mutter and Olivia gives me a funny look. 'Sorry, I'll explain. My youngest son left home unexpectedly three months ago and hasn't been in contact.'

'And you think that could be him.' Olivia exclaims.

'There's just something about him. I didn't get to see his face and he didn't have short hair like that but the mannerisms, the way he rides the skateboard they just remind me of him.' I shake my head. 'You must think I'm going crazy and I suppose I am but no word from him in three months and Grace is out of her mind with worry.'

'What happened to make him leave?' Olivia asks.

'An argument with one of his brothers.' I mutter.

'Christian.' She says and I nod.

'Matt was working for Christian after school. He'd had a couple of health scares but was getting over them when Christian caught him at the office injecting himself and you can imagine he lost it with him.' I say.

'Drugs.' Olivia whispers.

'That's what Christian thought and you'll have read all the media reports about the adoption. Christian's mom died of a drug overdose and seeing Matt with a syringe made him angry.' I say. 'Apparently Matt grabbed his bag and fled. He did stop at the house the next day when we were all out and took his passport and a few other bits. He left a note that just said 'It's not what you think, love always Matt.' I dread to think what Christian actually said to him to make him disappear like that.'

'I'm sorry Carrick and the boy on the skateboard isn't called Matt.' Olivia says.

'I didn't think he would be. I was just hoping.' I say with a sigh. 'Grace saw him once from a distance but he disappeared before she got chance to catch up with him. He'd had an appointment at the hospital. She managed to talk to the doctor who he saw, it was never drugs but insulin. He's diabetic but we didn't know. He hadn't known long himself, a week or so. It was a tough time for him, his girlfriend was in hospital, she's living with us at the moment and is five months pregnant with twins. She'd been bleeding and her mom was shouting at Matt saying that he always caused trouble and his girlfriend asked him to leave. He thought she didn't want him and he went to Grey House and that's when Christian saw him. He thinks Hannah lost the baby and would have been upset, they lost one but the other two are OK they would have had triplets but he didn't know. Sorry I'm not making much sense with my ramblings.'

'It's OK.' Olivia says.

'It just feels good to talk without worrying. Grace is so upset.' I say.

'Are you in a rush to get back to your office in Seattle?' Olivia asks.

'No, I didn't plan on going in today. I knew I had this meeting with you and wasn't sure how long all the paperwork would take.' I say.

'Let's take a raincheck on the paperwork and go for a walk in the fresh air to get coffee.' Olivia says.

'Sounds good.' I say.

'We'll probably end up in the same place as the teenagers. It's where I hung out with my friends after school and is still as popular today with all generations.' Olivia says. We head outside and are soon walking across the town square to the Pancake Palace. I open the door for Olivia and she enters. The teenagers are spread across a couple of booths on the far side.

'They are here. You never did tell me the buzzcut skater boys name.' I say.

'I forget, you should have reminded me and I could have looked up the paperwork.' Olivia says as she slides into a booth and turns her mug up the right way. I slide in opposite her and follow her lead in putting my mug up the right way as the waitress approaches and automatically pours us both a black coffee.

'Anything to eat?' the waitress asks.

'No thanks Goldie, we're fine.' Olivia says.

'You picked the right time to come in. The kids have almost finished and they only stay for one drink so will be going soon.' Goldie says. As if on cue the teenagers start making their way past me though I have my back to them so only see them from behind as they pass.

'Good afternoon Judge Griffin.' One of the last boys says politely as he goes to exit. I freeze, it's him. He glances at me briefly and then stares at me in shock. 'Dad' he whispers. He looks like he's frozen to the spot.

'Matthew.' I manage to say and Olivia looks at me with wide eyes. I stand and go to hug him but he stands back.

'I'm sorry dad.' He says quietly and I can see he's terrified.

'Sit down Matt.' I say gently. I know if I shout or even raise my voice slightly he will run. I hold out my arm pointing to the booth and to my relief he slips onto the seat and I sit down beside him so he can't escape.

'I'll give you some privacy.' Olivia says and I look at her gratefully. 'I'll walk to the gallery to see my brother before going back to the office. We can sort the paperwork another day but please call if I can help with anything.' She looks towards Matt who has his head down.

'Thanks Olivia, I'll be in touch.' I say as I stand again to shake her hand. I open the door for her, as I turn Matt looks up. 'Do you want to stay here or go somewhere else?'

'I I I don't know.' Matt says nervously.

'You looked really happy until you saw me.' I say. He shrugs awkwardly and turns to look out of the window. 'Matt, please talk to me.' He turns slowly and I see tears in his eyes.

'I'm happy here. I promised you when all the shit was kicking off that I would finish school and get my diploma. I registered as soon as I got here and am doing well and have made new friends. I bought a house, it was a wreck. Garden overgrown and so much work needed doing but it's kept me going these last three months.' He says. 'Did Judge Griffin tell you I was here?'

'No. I had a meeting planned with her about family law. We've known each other a long time. I was in her office when I saw you with your friends. I didn't realise it was you but when you rode the skateboard I just couldn't help but hope.' I say.

'I won't come home.' He says. 'I can't. I screwed up everything. Hannah, mom, Christian. Fuck Christian was so angry with me, I know he's been cross in the past but nothing compared to that afternoon. I wasn't doing drugs dad, I promise.'

'I know.' I say gently.

'You do.' He says in surprise and I nod a reassurance. 'Shall we go for a walk?'

'Sure.' I say and leave twenty bucks on the table.

'You'll be able to come again.' Matt says with a grin. 'Goldie will love you.' We head out towards the harbour and I follow Matt's lead, grateful to be spending time with him.

'You missed Thanksgiving.' I say.

'I celebrated on my own. I cooked a turkey.' Matt says. 'I almost called.'

'Mom thought you might of, she was on tenterhooks all day willing the phone to ring.' I say.

'Was everyone home?' Matt asks.

'Yes, including Hannah.' I say. He looks shocked. 'She's living with us now.'

'How is she?' he asks quietly.

'Good. Well. Healthy.' I say. I don't tell him about the babies as I don't want to scare him. 'Missing you.' I add.

'I miss her too. I got her to the hospital as quickly as I could dad. That was when her mom found out and she went crazy. Told me I'd ruined Hannah's life and that I was no good for her. I tried to argue back but Hannah pleaded with me to leave so I went to Grey House and Christian probably filled you in on the rest.' Matt says. He turns right suddenly, down a lane that I hadn't even noticed 'Has she said anything about our relationship?'

'No.' I say.

'We're married. She's my wife.' He says and I must look visibly shocked because he smiles at me. 'Don't worry, she signed a pre-nup. In fact she wouldn't get married without one. Everything that was my parents cannot be touched by her. It's only things that we bought together that she can have a share of and any future earnings that I make.'

'That's sensible but married.' I say still in shock.

'Yep. The weekend you all went to Portland for Ana's birthday and Christian left me off the invitation list and three days later I leave her. Some husband I am. I read in the papers about Mia being kidnapped and Ana saving the day. Are they OK?' Matt asks.

'Ana's pregnant.' I blurt out. 'Three months.'

'Oh.' Matt replies and looks thoughtful. 'Is Christian happy?'

'He is now. He wasn't at first, it wasn't planned.' I say.

'He plans everything dad so he must have been shocked.' Matt says as we round a corner and then I see it. A beautiful house.

'Wow.' I manage to say.

'The inside isn't finished yet. There's still a lot of work to do upstairs.' Matt mutters.

'Can I see?' I ask hoping he will say yes. He nods and leads me up the rest of the drive. As he drops his skateboard on the front porch he takes keys from his backpack and opens the door and leads the way inside.

'Welcome.' He says as I stand in the hallway.

'You did this.' I ask.

'Yes, all of it. I'll show you photos of what it was like before.' Matt says. 'Do you want a drink?'

'I'm ok thanks.' I say. I'm just eager for a tour of the house. The hallway is magnificent, an amazing beautifully crafted wooden staircase is in the centre with doors either side leading to rooms and what looks like an enormous kitchen behind that I can just make out through an open door. I follow Matt down the side of the staircase into the kitchen. 'You did this as well.'

'I had help with this, I didn't want to risk anything with the electrics. Here's the before photo album.' He says as he hands me a book. I flick it open and am shocked at the state it was in to how it looks now. It looks like two completely different houses and I've only seen the outside, hallway, stairs and kitchen. 'I did the garden first in September while the weather was still good.' He says and he goes to open the patio door and leads me out onto a raised deck.

'I'm just so shocked by everything.' I manage to say as I look across the enormous back yard. The lawn is something that I am envious of, a beautiful area of lush green.

'It's not at its best now but next spring I'll be able to do more work on it.' Matt says as he heads back inside before closing the door behind us. As I look up I see an inspiring piece of artwork. I walk over to see the signature of the artist. 'H Sullivan' says the scrawl.

'Did Hannah paint this?' I ask and Matt looks away without answering. He walks over to the fridge and takes a bottle of water out and drinks it almost in one go.

'No.' he says guardedly. It then clicks, something Olivia said about him being good at art and his name not being 'Matt'

'You painted it.' I say. He nods slowly. 'You won the competition with this and could have sold it many times.'

'Yes.' He whispers. 'What else did Judge Griffin tell you?'

'That you could be a potential lawyer, you're a great artist, you turn up for work experience in ripped jeans with the skateboard tucked under your arm and your names not 'Matt'' I say.

'Oh.' He replies and sits down at the kitchen table. I sit down opposite and wait for him to speak again. 'I was late registering for school here because the semester had already started. I just took whatever classes I could that had space in them and because I did so well last year I have almost all the credits I need. I'm studying pre-law, economics, fine art, photography and history. I'm maxed out on credits for math, English and science and I didn't want to do music as I didn't want to draw any attention to myself. My teacher entered the whole class into an arts festival and I won. I didn't expect it at all but now they seem to think I can paint. I couldn't sell the picture because Hannah was meant to be the artist not me and the signature on the bottom would have been the same as hers. When I registered for school I knew I couldn't be Matt Grey, everyone would know who I was so I got a haircut and renamed myself Harry Sullivan. The advantage of working for Christian was spending time with Barney and learning about all the techi stuff he did. I scanned my birth certificate and other ID and changed the names. I also tapped into my old school records and copied them and again changed the name before forwarding them to the school. Shall I show you round the house now?'

'OK as long as you keep talking.' I say as he stands.

'I've applied already for Olympic Community College to start next September and been accepted. I can still live here and get the foot ferry across to Bremerton.' Matt says and he shows me the living room, followed by a TV room, dining room, shower room, his study and two more large rooms that need decorating.

'What do you plan to study?' I ask as I now follow him up the stairs.

'Law.' He says and turns to see my reaction. I smile at him and he returns it. 'I need to keep my head busy and it will make me work. Math, accounting and science seem to be too easy and I need a challenge.'

'Would you consider ever working with my firm?' I ask.

'Maybe. I can't work with Christian again and if I want to work in the city it has to be something he's not involved in.' Matt says as he opens doors and walks in and out of three bedrooms. The master one is huge and there are a further two rooms that have been decorated and furnished. 'There's another five rooms up here as well as more bathrooms but I haven't had a chance to get them finished yet. I want to get the two downstairs rooms finished this weekend.'

'Are you working too hard?' I ask.

'No, just keeping busy. I have some good friends here and I go out with them occasionally, usually bowling or the cinema. I also spend a lot of time at the library, the lady that runs it is called Grace and she reminds me of mom.' Matt says as he walks back into the master bedroom. He heads towards the bathroom but leaves the door open. 'It's OK dad you can come in, I just need to check my blood.' I go and stand in the doorway and watch. 'It's taken me a while but I'm learning to live with all this now.' He says as he shows me the machine he's using before taking a pen like stick in his other hand which he sticks in his arm. 'Perhaps if I'd had these three months ago instead of the syringe then things might have been different.'

'Oh Matt I'm sorry.' I mutter.

'Me too dad but I'm alive and happy and there's no going back.' I say.

'Have you kept in touch with Jonty?' I ask.

'No, no-one. I left my blackberry on the desk at Grey House so didn't have anyone's cell numbers. If I'd called the home number I wouldn't have known who was going to answer so I just got through each day and before I knew it one week had passed and then another. I was shocked when I saw you today.' Matt says.

'Me too, I didn't think we'd see you again.' I say as my cell phone starts to ring. 'It's mom.' I add as I stare at the screen.

'Dad are you going to answer it?' Matt asks.

'No, I won't know what to say. Besides she'll think I'm still in a meeting.' I say as the phone continues to ring.

'Just answer it.' Matt says.

'And say what. Oh hi Grace I'm stood in Matt's new house where I've spent the last couple of hours. She'll want to know why I didn't call her earlier. We need to come up with a story.' I find myself saying.

'Just tell her the truth.' Matt says.

'You know the implications of that. She'll want to see you.' I say. He nods slowly as the phone rings out. Matt starts to walk downstairs and back into the kitchen. 'I'd rather tell her face to face.'

'That's probably best.' Matt says. 'Are you busy this weekend?'

'Not that I know of.' I say.

'You could bring her here, don't tell her where you're going or that I'm here. You could stay over if you want.' Matt says.

'It's Friday tomorrow, we could come after we both finish work.' I say hopefully.

'Sure that would work. I've got classes all day and finish at four.' Matt says. 'Do you think Hannah would want to come?'

'Matt there's something I haven't told you…..' I say before he interrupts.

'Is she seeing someone else?' he blurts out.

'No, no, nothing like that. Sit down.' I say. 'Matt, that day you took Hannah to hospital…

'And she lost the baby.' He says and puts his head down.

'Matt.' I say gently and as he looks up I can see how upset he is.

'Dad I don't want to talk about it, it still cuts me up.' He manages to say.

'Look Matt I need to tell you, yes Hannah lost a baby but there were still another two.' I say and wait for his reaction.

'I'm still going to be a daddy.' He says slowly and I nod. He stands and starts pacing up and down. 'I need to see her dad, I need to come to Bellevue with you now. I need to make this right.'

'Matt calm down. Hannah needs to take it easy and you turning up won't help.' I say.

'I thought you said earlier that she was healthy and well.' He accuses.

'I did and she is. Remember she is five months pregnant with twins.' I say.

'I know, I know. Is she still at school?' he asks.

'Sort of, she registered for online classes so stays home most of the time. She only really goes out for check ups or occasionally to the mall with Mia.' I say.

'Does she have everything she needs?' he asks now.

'Yes. In fact how do you manage for money? You haven't touched your bank account, sorry Christian checks regularly. In fact where did you get the money from to buy this house and do all the work?' I ask.

'The safe in Hawaii, I found the account details that daddy had set up for me. He'd obviously prepared everything in case anything should ever happen to him and mommy. There are accounts for you and mom as well as Elliot, Christian and Mia. I seem to have them all over the world. I have only used the one, it had five million dollars in it but I have been really careful. I got this house at a good price, you've seen the photos and know the state it was in. With all the work I've done I've probably spent about half a million and that includes the price I paid but it's worth at least four times that now.' Matt says. 'I won't sell it though, it's been a labour of love and I'm really happy here. I even sleep all night and sometimes lie in on the weekend.' He smiles at me as I laugh at his last comment.

'I didn't notice a piano.' I say and his face clouds over.

'I haven't played one since I left home.' He mutters and finally stops his pacing. 'Maybe I'll buy one soon.'

'Do you have everything else that you need?' I ask.

'Yes more than enough thanks.' He says. 'Dad I need to eat, I'm just having a chicken stir fry. Do you want some? I have plenty of stuff to make extra.'

'Sure, that would be great.' I say as my phone rings again.

'Is it mom again?' Matt asks. I nod. 'Answer it, go in one of the other rooms to speak to her while I cook.'

'Hi Grace.' I say as I walk into the living room and sit on one of the sofas.

'Hi Cary, what time will you be home? Are you still with Olivia in Port Orchard?' Grace asks.

'I haven't left Port Orchard yet and it took me longer to get here than I thought it would. I'll probably grab something to eat here and wait until the traffic is quiet.' I say. 'Have we got any plans this weekend?'

'No. It's the first quiet one for a while.' Grace says.

'Good. Pack a weekend bag for us I want to bring you here for a couple of nights. It's a beautiful place.' I say.

'What about Hannah? Mia is away this weekend and the boys had plans to take Ana and Kate to Portland. I don't want to leave her in the house alone all weekend.' Grace says.

'We'll bring her with us.' I say. 'Please Gracie, I'll explain when I get home.'

'What are you up to Carrick?' Grace asks suspiciously.

'Nothing. I just thought we could have a couple of days away. The town looks so pretty, they have all the Christmas lights up.' I say.

'You know how I feel about Christmas at the moment, after Thanksgiving I'm not sure I want to celebrate.' Grace says quietly.

'Grace please.' I plead. 'Trust me.'

'Have you heard from Matt and you're not telling me.' Grace says. How does the woman know everything? I swallow hard. 'Please tell me he's called you.'

'Grace are you sitting down?' I ask.

'I am now. Please Cary, have you got news?' Grace asks.

'Yes I've heard from him.' I say and I can hear her sob. 'Gracie, hold it together. I wanted to tell you while I was with you but I can't keep it from you, please don't tell anyone else yet especially Christian.'

'What did he say? Is he OK? Where is he?' Grace fires at me.

'He's good Grace, really really good. I'm so proud of him and what he's achieved the last three months.' I say.

'Will he be home for Christmas?' Grace asks.

'I don't think so, let's take it one step at a time.' I say gently.

'Cary, you know how I feel.' Grace says as she continues to sob. 'I just want to hold him my arms again and give him a big hug and then I can tell him off for all the worry he's caused.'

'You'll need to be gentle, he was terrified when he saw me.' I say.

'You've seen him.' Grace exclaims. 'I thought he'd just called. What did he look like? Was he well?'

'Calm down.' I say. 'It was an accident that we bumped into each other and we were both shocked. I could tell he was terrified though and he's been on the edge of tears a couple of times especially when the conversation turns to you or Hannah. We probably won't ever know what went on that afternoon between him and Christian but the way he talks it doesn't sound like he wants to meet him again in a hurry. I knew shouting wouldn't work and I've been gentle and encouraging and we've talked all afternoon.'

'Does he want to see me?' Grace asks.

'Yes, this weekend.' I say and I can hear the sobbing again. 'Please don't cry Gracie.'

'Oh Cary, I can't believe it. Are you with him now?' she says.

'Yes he's cooking dinner. Chicken stir fry.' I say. 'He's got the most amazing house, you'll see tomorrow. He invited us to stay.' I say.

'Does he know about Hannah and the babies?' she asks.

'Yes. He was ready to drive to Bellevue as he desperately wants to see her but I think it's best we come after work tomorrow. Just us and Hannah. He has school anyway until four. Where's Hannah now?' I ask.

'She's gone to the cinema with Mia and then they were meeting Ana and Kate for dinner so I'm home alone.' She says. 'I'm going to start packing. I'm so jealous that you've spent all this time with him.'

'Don't be, I think it's done him good just to have the one to one time with me. He's opened up more as the afternoon has gone on and by tomorrow he'll be ready for your fussing. Once you've packed you could always go to the mall and get him a house warming gift.' I say.

'I don't know Cary, I'm nervous about seeing him and I won't know what to buy.' Grace says and I smile. My wife loves to shop and all of a sudden she doesn't know what to buy.

'Dad, dinners ready.' Matt says as he comes into the living room. 'Sorry I didn't realise you were still on the phone.'

'It's OK I'm almost finished.' I say.

'Mom.' He says quietly. I nod and point to him and then the phone. He nods.

'Grace. I have someone here that wants to speak to you.' I say. 'Are you ready?'

'Yes' she whispers and I had the phone to Matt.

'Mom.' Matty says as he heads towards the kitchen with my phone. I smile to myself, things are going to be OK in time. I stand and walk in the direction that Matt has just gone in.