A father's redemption

II. Losing Control

John looked through his contacts before deleting and blocking Isobel's number. Taking in a deep breath, John looked out of his car window before exiting the car and heading towards the Founder's Hall.

"The coroner's office has officially ruled Vicki Donovan's death a drug overdose. Her family has been notified, the truth will stay in this room and we can put this behind us."

"Thank you, Sheriff. And on to a more pressing issue, John Gilbert has asked to say a few words." Mayor Lockwood stated, nodding towards John. John noticed Damon standing next to Sherriff Forbes and bit his tongue, drawing a few droplets of blood. As the Mayor shook his hand, John faked a smile. "Welcome back John, it's good to see you."

"Hello everyone, it's wonderful to see you, I wish it were under better circumstances."

"Who is he?" Damon asked the Sherriff discretely.

"Elena's uncle. His name is John but I call him Jackass." Liz whispered in response, eyes narrowing at John. John glanced over the duo with cold, blank eyes.

"A hospital blood bank in the neighboring county of Amherst has reported several break-ins over the past two weeks. 7 hunters, 4 campers, and 2 state employees have been reported missing as well. All of this is within a 75-mile radius of Mystic Falls." John began to explain in a matter-of-fact manner before Mayor Lockwood interrupted him.

"Okay okay, no need to get alarmed right at this moment." John tilted his head slightly, glancing at the mayor in annoyance.

"Meaning he doesn't want to cancel the Founders' Day Kick-off Party," Liz explained to Damon.

"You think all of your problems are over but I'm here to tell you, nothing's been solved. This issue isn't going to be swept under the rug." John explained, causing Damon to get slightly uncomfortable at the knowing look John gave him.

Later that day, John and Jeremy sat in the kitchen, eating takeout while Jenna stood near the sink, eating her own.

"I've no interest in the Founders' Day Kick-off Party," Jeremy stated.

"Sure you do, it's tradition," John stated, taking a quick glance at Jenna.

"Far be it for us to break the tradition," Jenna replied sarcastically.

"The Gilberts have been a part of this town for a hundred and fifty years. We're one of the founding families and with that distinction comes certain obligations including going to the party. One day, when you can appreciate the significance, I'll tell you all about your heritage." John explained to Jeremy and Jenna.

"Hmm, the Gilbert family legacy. I forgot how sacred it was. I'm not a Gilbert so I was never cool enough to hear it." Jenna stated, causing John to look at her and reply.

"I told you earlier. You are a Gilbert now." Jenna smiled sarcastically, nodding. 

"Why does she hate you?" Jeremy then asked.

"We used to sleep together." John stated simply, causing Jenna to throw a bag in retaliation.

"I'm standing right here." 

"This is abuse!" John called out jokingly, causing Jeremy to laugh.

"Not if you're a jackass." Jenna replied, causing Jeremy to hit his head on the counter as he struggled to breathe from laughing. Later that evening, John made his way to the Founder's Hall where music was heard blaring. John noticed a figure standing on one of the balconies and made his way toward them.

"Damon, right?" John called out, hiding the disdain in his voice.

"John." Damon greeted, turning around.