1.87 In hiding

When Mathew and Hazel arrived at the house they found Estevan waiting on the steps. “How was the journey?” 

Matt hugged his uncle and replied, “So glad you are here and the drive was ok.” Hazel looked at Estevan as he opened the door to the house waiting for the lecture but was surprised when he said, “Congratulations on getting married.” Hazel smiled and said, “Thank you for doing this…”

Estevan sat down and was quickly followed by Matt and Hazel, “How are you feeling Hazel?”

“I’m just in shock that my Mum would do this to us.” Estevan looked at her and said, “Hopefully she will get the help she needs.” Matt still worried about his wife’s safety asked, “Will she go down for this?” Estevan was never one to sugar coat anything for Matt and answered, “She could still get away with this after all they are still relying on Hazel to press charges.” Hazel clasped her hands together and said, “What if I’ve changed my mind, maybe I don’t want too.” 

Matt went to say something but Estevan stopped him and talked to Hazel instead. “Hazel, do you love Mathew?” She looked at him and responded, “With all my heart but why would you ask?”

“My mother hated anyone I wanted to date and when I wanted to marry my first wife she hit the roof. We argued so much that in the end I cut her from my life. I will admit she never tried to kill Holly but if she had then I would have pressed charges.”

“But don’t you talk to her now?” Estevan paused for a moment and said, “When she first turned up after many years, I wasn’t happy to see her, believe me and it took her a long time to mend the bridges between us. Zoe wants Mathew dead because she wants him out of your life and I know you will always love your mother but I’m afraid to say that you will have to choose.” 

Hazel looked at the floor and with a sigh she replied, “You are right I do love my Mum but Matt is my husband so I will press charges and hopefully one day she can be in my life if she gets better. I’m really sorry for all this.”

“Hazel you have nothing to be sorry about; it is your mother that needs to be sorry. Now I’ve left money for you, there is food in the fridge. I’ve also sorted out about your university placements so don’t worry about that.” 

Matt was looking out the window when Estevan noticed and went over to him, “Your parents are angry but not at you but at Zoe. Your mum is upset because she said that you two had grown closer and now she feels heartbroken but she is glad you are safe.”

“I miss them all but we have no choice do we?” 

Estevan looked out the window with Matt and replied, “Not if you and Hazel want to stay alive but I will make sure that nothing happens to either of you.” Matt looked at him, “Thanks Uncle Estevan I really appreciate this,” then he hugged him.

“I’d love to stay and chat but I have to get back home as I’m sure Nathan is running Dawn ragged. If I were you too I’d take this opportunity to have a little honeymoon.”

After Matt closed the door behind Estevan he looked at Hazel and said, “He is right we should take advantage.” Hazel smiled as she went to make a drink, Matt came up behind her wrapping his arms around her, “I know you are upset but let’s concentrate on us and have fun.” 

Hazel rested her hand on his and replied, “Ok.” Suddenly she felt his hands roam her body and she couldn’t help but bite her lip. She tilted her head back as Matt planted kisses on her neck and he whispered in her ear, “How are you feeling now?” Hazel was trying to catch her breath and managed to say, “Relaxed…” 

She forgot about her drink as Matt turned her around to face him, “Any ideas about how to stay relaxed?” Hazel knew exactly what her husband was after but the more he teased her the more she wanted him. However she was trying to stay in control, “I have a few ideas, a bit of sunbathing, swimming…” Matt was trying to get Hazel to cave and the more she talked the softer the kisses became then he said in a whisper, “Skinny dipping sounds fun.”

Hazel closed her eyes trying to stay focused but Matt was getting to her and she didn’t know much more she could take, “I never said skinny dipping.”

“But you mentioned the pool,” as he kept up the intensity. 

Hazel wanted to answer but she couldn’t because her body had grown weak to his touches and she started to remove Matt’s clothes. They were making their way to the back door to head for the pool but they never made it that far as they collapsed in each other arms where they stood. 

After they had explored each other Hazel asked looking into his eyes, “Will it always be like this?” He smiled sweetly at her, “I hope so.” Hazel planted a kiss on his cheek when they heard a knock at the door and Hazel jumped, “Oh no, my mum is here. They let her go, see not even your uncle can protect us.” 

Matt held her and calmly said, “It’s not going to be her. Now go upstairs while I answer the door.”

Matt answered the door accepting the parcel when the postman said it was for Estevan. 

He put it to one side and called his uncle. “There is a parcel here for you.”

“The parcel is your university work; sorry I forgot to mention that. You and Hazel are still registered but when they post anything it will be address to me. They will ring me to let me know it has been posted then I will let you know. If you don’t hear from me do not open anything.”

“Understand but what if…” 

Estevan sighed and said, “Remember I can read minds and if they are lying to me then I will know.” After they ended their conversation, Matt called Hazel down and while he hugged her said, “I told you not to worry; Zoe is out of our lives for a long time.”

Zoe yelled, “No excuses, I want him dead and my daughter home with me.”

1.86 Who poisoned Hazel

Mathew sat by her bedside while Hazel lay there. 

When the doctor walked in she asked Matt to step outside. “Mr Dark, the results came back from that hamper. It was found to contain arsenic.” Matt was visibly shaken and shouted, “What!”

“Your wife is going to be fine because you acted quickly and she was able to tell you what she had eaten before passing out.” Matt collapsed on the seat behind him, “When can I take her home?”

“In a few days but she needs to rest and eat properly first.” Matt got up from his seat and said, “I need to be with my wife right now.”

“I understand Mr Dark but to let you know in these cases the police have been informed and will want to speak to you soon.” 

When he opened the door the phone rang and so he closed the door and answered it, “Uncle Estevan I’m…” Estevan interrupted him, “Spencer told me about what you did and I should be angry but I’m not however I am concerned about Hazel’s safety. William told me about your new mother in-law and I did a background check on her. Lexy told me she has a reputation known as a black widow and now she is broke. Men won’t touch her because of the rumours and that is why she wants Hazel to marry into money so she can have the lifestyle she has come accustomed too.”

“This is a joke, right?”

“No and believe me I wish it was. When you have spoken to the police call me straight back.”

“Ok,” Matt hung up and went in the room, he saw Hazel stir and smiled at her, “Haz, how are you feeling?” Hazel looked at him and said, “I feel tired, what happened?” Matt wasn’t sure how to tell her but he knew he had to, “Babe, you were poisoned. They found arsenic in the food hamper…”

“No that’s not true, please Matt tell me you are making this up.” Matt held her hand and asked softly, “What didn’t you tell me Haz?”

“Please don’t make me…”

“Haz, its ok. Please tell me.” 

Hazel looked at him with tears running down her face, “There was no note but I recognised the writing on the parcel, it was from my Mum and when I saw the cakes I thought it was a sorry hamper and the cake was just how she used to make them.” He squeezed her hand and replied, “It will be ok…”

“Oh Mathew; why would she want to kill me?” Matt thought for a moment and said, “Maybe it was meant for me and not you. Haz you need to tell the police.”

“But she is my mother…” Mathew took a deep breath and said, “She is known to the police as the black widow…” Hazel stopped him as she tried to sit up, “What are you trying to say?” 

Matt was about to answer when Zoe barged in and looked shocked at what she saw, “Oh I was told Mathew was poisoned and dying but I can see I was misled.” Matt wanted to punch her but he kept his composer for Hazel’s sake and what hurt them more was the fact she didn’t even ask if Hazel was ok. The doctor who had followed Zoe into the room said, “No one mentioned poisoning.” 

Zoe looked at the doctor, “When the condition was explained I naturally assumed it was poisoning.”  The doctor wasn’t convinced, “Have you once asked about your daughter’s condition?”

“I…I was about too.” The doctor held the door open and said, “Please step this way,” Zoe looked at Hazel who now turned away. When the door closed Hazel asked, “What happened to the Mum I knew, why is this happening?” Matt held her close and reassured her it would be ok. “Please tell me at least my Dad died of natural causes.”

Matt got to the door and saw Zoe being questioned by the police, he could see the anger in her face and when he walked out she yelled, “He tried to kill my daughter.” 

The police looked at her and said, “Explain how the package arrived with your handwriting on it and was sent from your home address.” Zoe looked shocked at the information they had then she watched as Mathew approached her, “Did you kill her father?” 

Zoe looked at him and suddenly the expression softened, “I loved him but he died by his own hand. I never told Hazel because it would have killed her…”

“Killed her? What about you, trying to kill her now?”

“I wanted you dead and out of the way not my baby girl.” 

The policeman looked at her and said, “Zoe Chase, I’m arresting you on suspicion of the attempted murder of your daughter Hazel Dark and her husband Mathew Dark. You don’t have to say anything which you may later rely on in court.” 

Matt was furious, he wanted more answers for Hazel but now the police were about to take her away when Zoe got free and ran into the room where Hazel was and locked herself in the room. Matt tried to shake it free but it was stuck and as the police were trying to get in Zoe approached her daughter.

“I’m told I’ll being going away for a while but you need to hear things from me now. I loved your father but he committed suicide. He used drugs and I begged him to stop but they took over the man I loved and one day after taking you to school, I found him dead in our bed. He left a note saying he couldn’t give us a good life and we were better off without him. Since then I took what I could get to give us a better life. This man you have married, I don’t approve of him as he reminds me of what your father was like, a daydreamer going nowhere.”

“Mum I know you loved Dad and thank you for telling me the truth but as for Mathew you are wrong about him. I can’t forgive you for what you did to me either.”

“I understand but maybe one day.” 

She kissed Hazel’s forehead and said, “I am sorry about you eating the cake.” Then she straightened herself up walked over to the door and opened it, “I’m ready officer.” 

Matt ran past them to Hazel and asked, “Babe, are you ok, did she do anything?”

“No just said sorry and told me about Dad.” The doctor walked back into the room to make sure Hazel was ok while Matt excused himself to call Estevan, “The Mum poisoned Hazel but the police have her in custody.”

“She still might escape any jail time so listen and carefully.” Matt listen to his uncle very carefully then said, “I don’t know what to say but thank you.” 

He put the phone down when Kay appeared, “I spoke to the doctor and Hazel will be fine.” Matt hugged her and said, “I can’t believe this. We should be having fun because we just got married.”

“I know, I know.”

“Where is Jake?”

“He is doing a double shift this weekend but between us I wish he would give up the job after all he runs his Dad’s company with Kirsten.” Matt looked at her, “Would you give up being a doctor?”

“No.” Matt replied, “There is your answer then. Look I need to be with Hazel right now. Take care of yourself and that baby.” 

Kay pulled Matt back, “What do you mean?” Matt sighed, “I’m taking Hazel away for a while because of her Mum and I can’t tell you where so don’t ask and I’ll contact you when I can.”

“Matt you don’t have too…”

“Kay I have too as Hazel is my priority right now.” 

He gave her a hug and whispered, “Love you and look after that baby and make sure Charlie behaves for Mum and Dad.” Kay was already emotional due to the pregnancy and said, “Miss you both already.”

“I will too but until I know Hazel is safe I can’t risk anything,” then he walked through the door closing it behind him.

1.85 Panic

Matt had let Hazel sleep in after a long night of passion. 

He didn’t even notice Hazel come out of the room and creep up behind him and when he finally did he pulled her into an embrace, “Morning babe, sleep well?” Hazel ran her hand across his face, “I did but come back to bed.” Matt smiled at her, “I was just catching up on studying…” 

Hazel interrupted him, “We only got married yesterday,” as she tried to entice him. Matt finally pulled her close and sweetly said, “I know and I’m sorry, you are right this weekend should be about us not university.” He looked into her eyes and added, “I know it is not much of a honeymoon but…” Hazel put her fingers on his lips and replied, “The important thing is we are together. Did you tell your Uncle William you are married?”

“I spoke to him this morning and he wasn’t impressed and neither was Art but the twins are doing well. I did tell him about your Mum though,” there was a pause as Hazel got up and asked quietly, “What did he say?”

“He hit the roof that she investigated him…” 

He stopped when Hazel got up to walk away but he grabbed her and softly continued, “I know what you are thinking that I asked them to kill her but I didn’t and they won’t. However if she continues down this route if you want, they will give her a warning.” Hazel just stood there not looking at her husband, “I love her even if she is a bitch. I was hoping that she would come around and be happy for us, for me.”

Matt lifted her chin so they had eye contact, “I want that too especially if we have children because I’d love them to know all their grandparents because I never knew mine.”

“Can we talk about something else other than my mother?”

Matt kissed her and asked, “What would you like to do? Beach, breakfast, explore or anything else you can think of.” Hazel smiled at him, “Breakfast would be nice as I’ve definitely worked up an appetite.”

Matt excused himself as he needed the bathroom and while he was gone there was a knock at the door. Hazel answered it and accepted the delivery. It was a hamper and Hazel couldn’t resist trying a cake. When she heard Matt walk back in she put them away, grabbing her jacket and left the house with Matt.

They found a small place that sold food and draped themselves in each other while they ate breakfast and after explored the town. When they came to a park Hazel sat on the swing and asked, “When do we have to leave the house?” He kissed her before answering, “We have to leave in the morning; I could only afford the weekend.”

Hazel sighed, “Ok, it’s just I was hoping to spend more time with you.”

He gave her a hug and replied, “I will make it up to you I promise.” 

“You don’t have too.” 

When they got back to the house Hazel gasped in shock. “Haz, what is it?”

“I had an appointment with the doctor yesterday but I missed it because what was going on.”

“Is everything ok?”  Hazel looked worried as she said, “I was supposed to have that pill injection again.” Hazel didn’t wait for a reply as she rang the doctors. Matt watched his wife speak on the phone patiently waiting to hear what was going on and when Hazel finally put the phone down Matt asked, “What did they say?”

“They said as long as I get it within the next few days I will be fine.” Matt looked relieved, “We need a home first before we have a baby.” 

Hazel cuddled him and said, “I know we do. Where are we going to live?”

Matt look at her and said, “I love Lucky Palms but it’s not my home and before you say anything I know Dad moved to the town but I didn’t grow up there.”

Hazel was shocked, “What about Kay and Charlie?” He glanced at her, “They can visit or I can visit them, sorry I mean we but I miss being home.” 

Hazel was not sure what to say at this point and after the long silence she said, “If you still feel this way towards the end of university then we can live there.” Matt looked surprised but then smiled as he said, “Thank you. It could be I just need to visit under better circumstances, I mean after the funeral things were bad for a while between Uncle Will and me.” Hazel cupped his face as she replied, “He doesn’t hold a grudge against you and you know that. What if we visited them next holiday?” 

Matt smiled as he kissed her gently and suddenly their hands were roaming each other’s bodies as they deepened the kiss.

They were almost at the bedroom door when Hazel went limp and collapsed. Matt started to panic and dial for an ambulance. She lay there in his arms as he waited for someone to arrive. He tried to wake her and eventually she spoke, “Matt I don’t feel good.” 

He told her to stay still and that help was on it’s way. “Haz, can you tell me what is wrong so I can explain to the doctor?”

“I’m not sure…I ate the same as you. No wait when you went to the bathroom earlier there was a parcel delivery. It was a food hamper. I ate a cake from it, I was going to show you but we left to get breakfast and I forgot,” then Hazel passed out again. 

When the ambulance crew arrived Matt was in a state as he tried to explain what Hazel had told him. As one crew member took Hazel to the ambulance, the other member bagged the hamper to be tested. 

He rang Kay in tears and she told him that she would be there at the hospital soon but not before contacting the hospital to find out what was going on. Matt then got in his truck and followed them to the hospital.