1.88 Zoe gets arrested

Zoe was enjoying the sun when the police arrived, “Ms Chase?” She looked up and replied, “Can I help you?”

“Ms Zoe Chase your bail has been revoked. You are to accompany me back to the station immediately.” 

Zoe snapped and argued with the officer then slapped him. The other officer forced Zoe’s hands behind her back and firmly said, “Now we are arresting you for attacking a police officer.”

“This is ridiculous; it was only a little slap.”

When Zoe was brought back to the station she was told not asked to see a psychiatrist. 

When the doctor walked into the office Zoe sarcastically asked, “Why do I need to see you?”

“Zoe, tell me about Hazel, your daughter?” Zoe straightened herself up and said, “She is my little girl.”

“Do you have any other children?” Zoe looked sad and replied, “No, after having my little girl, I found out that it would be best not to have anymore.”

“Tell me about your husband, Hazel’s father?” Zoe just stared at her and stayed silent. Dean Wright studied Zoe for a moment and then asked, “Are you pleased your daughter is married?” Suddenly she saw Zoe’s mood change, “My daughter is too young to get married and that man she is with is too old for her. He has corrupted my baby girl.”

“How old is your daughter, Zoe.”

“My daughter is fifteen years old and top of her class that is why they moved her up a year.” Dean Wright followed on with a few more questions about Hazel then excused herself to speak to the police. 

“What is your opinion?”

“Well at this point, I would say that Zoe Chase sees her daughter as a minor and therefore would see her husband Mathew as a man grooming her daughter. Zoe needs treatment not prison. I would like to do more assessments with her.”

“I will make the necessary calls but you also know that Ms Chase will be interviewed by another psychiatrist.” 

Dean Wright sighed at them but even she knew the rules. She was half way across the room when she felt arms around her, "We are in work." Randell didn't care and softly asked, "Are you going to home tonight?" She sighed then replied, "Ran, I will be home at 8, ok?" 

"Janice, please keep to your word this time." She bit her lip as she realised she put her clients before her husband, they had been married 20 years but lately they had hardly spent time together.

"I mean it, I promise." He kissed her cheek then went back to work.

She went back into the room to find Zoe on the phone, “Zoe who were you calling?”

“I’m trying to find my daughter. That man she is with is bad for her…”

“You do know your daughter is an adult and that Hazel is a year older than her husband. What if she was having a baby?”

“Is my baby having a baby…I’ll have to get things ready for her and the baby. The baby will need a cot and baby grows…” Dean Wright was very concerned and said, “Hazel isn’t pregnant, well not that I know of but you need to consider wanting the father of your grandchild dead would not make your daughter happy.” Zoe looked at her and said, “I love my baby but if Andrew wasn’t good enough for her then why would this Matt be. Also she needs to marry a man with money who would die soon.”

“So you know your daughter is an adult but you want her to marry an old man?”

“I want my daughter to be settled and rich. There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for your daughter.”

“I do agree with you on that but there are times that you have to let go, like now Zoe.” She laughed at the doctor and said, “You never let go of your baby.”

Matt and Hazel were enjoying time in the pool, “Matt, stop it you’re not being fair.” He kissed his wife and replied, “I don’t know about that baby.” 

Hazel swam to the end of the pool and Matt followed her and then chased her. 

When he finally got his wife he said, “I love you and I couldn’t be happier.” Hazel bit her lip as she looked at her husband, “I love you so much but I don’t want to be here.” 

Matt traced the outline of her face and said, “I know baby just think of this as our honeymoon.” 

Hazel pushed him away and replied, “I know your right but I’m worried about my mum. I know what she did was wrong but she is still family and you take family seriously.” Matt held her and softly said, “You are right I do take family seriously but you have to remember one thing you are my family.”

Hazel was about to answer Matt when the phone went and Matt answered it. He mouthed to her that it was Uncle Estevan, “What is wrong?” Estevan went on to explain that he’d had a call from the police and Zoe was going to be under physiatrist care for a while.”

“Does that mean we can go home?” Matt looked at her, “No, we can’t go home yet until your Mum has been prosecuted.”

“But you said…”

“There will still be a trial but Dean Wright is trying to get her hospital treatment rather than prison.”

“Hospital treatment…is she that sick?”

“Yes baby she is but if she accepts the treatment maybe one day we can while come her back into the family.” Hazel looked worried but as always Matt calmed her down. “Matt, I miss her.”

“I know you do but believe me when she is better I will welcome her home.” Matt was surprised when Hazel asked, “When this is all over can we go back to your home town.” Matt was pleased to hear Hazel say that but added, “We will see when it is all over and we are free again.”

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.