Ben feels a hand on his shoulder and as he looks up, he is surprised to see his brother-in-law standing next to him in uniform. Despite living together, they haven’t spoken much nor has either of them made an effort to communicate and so this was surprising. Both the men don’t say a word for a few moments and then Oscar speaks.

“May I?” Before Ben can react, Oscar takes the glass from his hand and chugs the drink down in one gulp. “Whiskey?” Ben nods as Oscar sets the glass down next to him and sits beside him. “I should not be caught drinking on the job. Promise you won’t tell anyone.”

“Tell them what?” Ben asks as Oscar smirks.

“I think we need to talk,” Oscar says as Ben looks at him seriously.

“Did something happen?”

“You can say that,” Oscar replies. “I want you to forgive Fiona. Go back to her, talk to her, stay with her awhile. She really needs you right now.”

“What do you mean?” Ben says with a slight irritation.

“I mean she needs you. Things are falling apart right now and,” Oscar pauses for a moment and then continues difficultly. “She needs her brother.”

“She needs her husband as well,” Ben replies boldly as Oscar looks at him. “She keeps talking about you, all the time. I barely talk to her but I listen… sometimes. And though she apologised to me, she wants to sort things out with you as well. She misses you a lot.” Ben’s words are met with silence and as Oscar looked like he was searching for the right words.

“I just don’t think things will ever work out between us Ben,” Oscar says with a heavy heart.

“So, you don’t love her anymore?”

“I do,” Oscar admits painfully. “But love isn’t the only thing that keeps a relationship together.”

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“Then what is it?” Ben’s confrontational tone has made it difficult for Oscar to react calmly.

“Do you remember when I thought you killed Scarlet? I didn’t want you anywhere near Ann because I was afraid. But all the while, I overlooked the one man who could have hurt her the most and look at what’s happened,” Oscar frustratingly buries his face in his palm and orders a drink. “I’m not even sure what’s happened to Ann but… there’s something about her that was just different after that day and I have never forgiven myself for that.”

“You mean the way she kept defending a murdered?” Oscar looks at Ben as he sighs. “I guess I understand. She never mentioned what happened that day but, every time it was brought up she just… had this look in her, like…”

“She was hypnotized or something,” Oscar completes. Ben nods and Oscar is given his drink.

“I still don’t see what that has to do with Fiona.”

“I don’t know how this will help Ann. All these years I was hoping that she would come back to her senses but,” Oscar chugs his drink in one gulp yet again. “In many ways, I understand why Fiona put herself up to it. But I cannot give Ann another excuse to support that monster.”

“I guess I understand,” Ben says after a small pause. “Things are already complicated as it is but…” Ben’s words are interrupted by the front door opening. Hoping to escape this conversation they turn back to see who has entered. Ben has immediately forgotten what he has to say as a gentle smile causes even Oscar to stare. The men can’t tell if it’s the cold breeze from the rain outside but the man standing at the door, but a shiver ran down their spine. Calm and relaxed the man approached both of them as they kept their faces stone cold and ready for a fight but all they hear is a chuckle.

“Relax, we are not at war here,” Andrew pulls up a chair and sits next to the men as they stare at him suspiciously. “I thought I was the last guy you wanted to see but by the way you’re staring I think I might have been wrong.” The two men avert their gaze and briefly glance at try and sit back down as Andrew orders a drink.

“You seem well,” Oscar comments putting on a nonchalant act.

“Yep,” Andrew replies in an upbeat tone. “I think ever since I moved out I had some time to clear my head. Things are going good for me now; I got a job nearby and the doctor says my head is doing fine as well. So overall no complaints.”

“Good to know you’re so happy,” Ben says while sneaking a stare at Andrew who doesn’t notice.

“You don’t seem very happy,” Andrew’s words cause the atmosphere to freeze up. “You don’t seem to be doing well either Oscar.” Oscar pauses for a moment and then says with all hostility.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean how are things with your wife.”

“Soon-to-be ex-wife.”