Bloody Noses & Crack'd Crowns

Chapter 28

I DO NOT OWN THIS STORY. All credit goes to TheWeaverofWorlds on ao3

After hanging up the phone with Nell, Maggie called Andrea to tell her the news. Next she called Ben's Aunt's house. The phone rang and rang until someone picked it up, presumably Aunt Jean based on the grouchy female voice that greeted her.

"Do you have any idea the hour?"

"I'm so sorry. Is Arlene in?"

"She was called off to the hospital. Apparently there's been a kerfuffle out on Bowers' farm." Her voice was hot with interest.

Maggie dismissed the questioning lead for gossip and said instead, "may I speak to Ben?"

"Ben?"

"It's rather important," Maggie said, quickly losing her patience.

Aunt Jean muttered something about how it was always something before going to get Ben. Moments later he greeted Maggie with much more politeness than his aunt.

"Hi, Mrs. Tozier."

"Hello, Ben dear. I suppose your mother told the news before she left?"

"Not really. All she said was that there was an emergency out on the Bowers farm and the hospital needed her to come in."

"Well they got them," Maggie said, tears prickled at her eyes.

"All of them?"

"Presumably."

"Beverly's father?"

Maggie paused. "Yes. I suppose him too."

"Oh, okay. Good. I mean."

"Ben. You should call Beverly. Invite her over. CPS won't be called until tomorrow. She shouldn't be alone tonight."

"Aunt Jean would have a cow if I had her over this late."

"Tell your Aunt it's extenuating circumstances. I am sure your mother would agree."

Ben thought it over. "Alright. Thank you Mrs. Tozier."

Maggie hung up the phone and let out a breath.

"Ready to go?" Wentworth asked.

Maggie nodded.

"I still think I should get to come," Richie said from the couch.

"Not tonight, sweetheart. Things will be complicated enough there, I don't want you getting tangled up in it."

"But –"

"Richard," Wentworth said. "Your mother said no."

Richie fell quiet.

Maggie leaned down to kiss him on the forehead. "You've done so well, my love. But this is work for grown ups. We'll be back as soon as we can."

Richie huffed, but he knew better than to protest. He watched his parents leave, before radioing Stan. Misery liked its company.

–

Maggie and Wentworth met Halloran in the downstairs lobby. He had not even gotten past the front desk.

"You haven't been allowed up?" Wentworth asked.

"Afraid not. It's not visiting hours. I tried to explain, but –" here Halloran shrugged. How do you explain that your godson you haven't seen for twelve years because he was presumed dead has been fighting in illegal fight rings without sounding insane? You don't.

Luckily, Arlene came down.

"Oh thank goodness you're here. They're with me," she said to the guard on duty.