Shadows and Exposures

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

This is a sequel to Avenge or Revenge. Sabine was submissive #eight to CG. She and Elena hated each other. Sabine and her fiancé, Aedan Keyes, kill Elena - making it look like a suicide. CG orders Franco to deal with the salons, staff, etc. Franco enlists Sabine's help but things go awry with hidden playrooms, ex-subs, Elena's ex, & someone looking for blackmail materials.

1. Chapter 1

This is a sequel to Avenge or Revenge. Sabine Falco was submissive number eight to CG. She is a numbers nerd who owns a successful accounting business (thanks to mentoring from CG while she was his submissive). She was never one of Elena's stable and they hated each other. Sabine and her fiancé, Aedan Keyes, killed Elena Lincoln - making it look like a suicide. Because of this, Locke and Keyes (a BDSM club) has to close doors a week early for the planned renovation. Sabine and Aedan plan to leave the country to get married, leaving their staff with the beginning renovation.

Elena has a will naming Christian as her executor and heir. Christian doesn't want to deal with it because of the potential fallout from the discovery that Elena is a pedophile. Franco has marching orders from CG to deal with the salons, staff, and the sub club. Franco enlists Sabine's help but things go awry with hidden playrooms, ex-subs, Elena's ex, and someone in search of blackmail material.

XXXXX
Shadows and Exposures: Chapter 1 – We're Going to the Chapel…

XXXXX
Monday, August 22, 2011
Seattle, Washington

******** Seattle Nooz ********
Guess who just arrived back in Seattle from their European honeymoon! You've guessed it correctly – the Gorgeous Greys: Christian and Anastasia! Rumors report Mrs. Grey is going back to work at Grey Publishing and Mr. Grey is going back to work at Grey Enterprises Holdings. "Greywatch" Twitter overflowed with tweets this morning – desperate for confirmation about "Baby Grey"!
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XXXXX
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Seattle, Washington

******** Seattle Nooz ********
Even from the grave…sources have reported the potential destination wedding and honeymoon for the owner of the underground club where Elena Lincoln took her own life…is in jeopardy! The club shut down a week early for planned renovation. The owner and fiancée are awaiting clearance from the Seattle Police Department to depart the country. Seriously, just because Elena Lincoln's marriage to timber mogul Lawrence Lincoln hit the skids - her death should not postpone the nuptials of Aedan Keyes and his fiancée Sabine Falco.
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XXXXX
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Grey House

Seattle Nooz kept Barney busy since the moment Christian Grey hired him. It became worse when Grey became engaged to Anastasia Steele. Barney didn't have time for their absurd gossip. He had serious enquiries to investigate. He printed everything and sent it forward to Welch. He would enjoy letting a self-replicating virus loose in their server to be activated when someone typed "Christian Grey" into a search engine or social media. The only thing worse than Seattle Nooz was Twitter. Some days Barney could barely keep up with the moment-by-moment crap posted. When someone in the know spotted Grey at a restaurant and posted it on Twitter – it became a flash mob of young women and men who desperately wanted Grey to choose them for a fuck and fund. It was no wonder the man purchased clubs, restaurants and private venues where he could access VIP or private seating and avoid interested paparazzi.

XXXXX
Late evening
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Aedan and Sabine's Home, Seattle

"It's done," Aedan announced.

"No observers?" Sabine asked.

"None; I emptied the storage space and the bars while Louie and Dominick moved the furniture to storage. I shredded everything that should be shredded. I destroyed everything else. Locker rooms are emptied, including the old locker system. Lost and found has been donated to charity. All the liquor is gone. Open bottles went to Louie and Dominick. Everything sealed went to storage. I left your notebook of layouts, color charts and furniture with Dominick. Trash service came by and emptied the full dumpster and left a spare empty one for construction materials. I had the CCTV trained on the dumpster to ensure no one rifled through it."

"What aren't you telling me?" Sabine expertly read his face.

"Detective Clark made an unexpected appearance while we were cleaning." Aedan saw a shadow cross Sabine's face. "He said we were "outed" in a Seattle Nooz article and showed it to me. I found it online." He handed her the printout.

"Well, it's less intrusive than the rest of the media has been," Sabine said.

"Clark asked if Elena had ever brought an underage youth to the club. I told him about the class we took from SPD, and showed him the new protocols. I swore no underage kids had been admitted into the club." Aedan shrugged.

"What did he say then," Sabine asked.

"He recommended we get a locked security fence while the renovation is underway. Something 10-feet-tall with a double gate system for big delivery trucks to get through. He doesn't want underage youth thinking a deserted night club would be a good place to party over Labor Day weekend. He says renovation can go forward, but we can't make changes to Suite A until the investigation of Elena's death officially closes. He said the coroner signed off on the death certificate but the body won't be released for the funeral until after Labor Day. I gave him a copy of our itinerary. I offered to be available via Skype if he has more questions. He said he would do his best not to impede our departure or disturb us while we are gone."

"Are you hungry?" Sabine asked. "I cleared the refrigerator and freezer today, and gave all the contents to Dominick. I took everything over to the apartment and put it in his refrigerator. I checked in on Melora and the business while I was there. She'll contact us if anything happens. The contents of the cupboard went to the St. Vincent de Paul's food bank. I can order dinner for us."

"No, we can order pizza or something later," Aedan said. "I'm tired and dirty. I want to go soak in the tub. Tomorrow we finish packing, review the itinerary, notify the security company, notify the housecleaning service and check into the Hilton Seattle. Will you come wash my back?"

XXXXX
Friday, August 26, 2011
Very early morning
Aedan and Sabine's Home, Seattle
Sabine's POV

How long have I been kneeling in position? I'm wearing nothing but panties, but there's something else. Am I blindfolded? The room is dark. I do not smell Declan. I do not smell Grey's playroom. I do not smell Aedan. There is a sweet odor of perfume…but who's perfume? It is not mine. I don't have a Domme…why am I in my panties in position? My breathing accelerates, not from anticipation, but from panic. Where am I? Then I begin to discern the reflective paint stars in on the ceiling in Suite A. But I'm not in Suite A…the walls fall away and I'm in a cell looking out at the stars in the sky…I'm captive in a cell. Captivity is a hard limit. A whip cracks in the air…but it's not a whip…it's a gunshot. I am target practice… Elena, dressed in leathers, barks out orders to a firing squad of half a dozen men who look like Grey…but they are not. They all bow to her before taking aim at me. Where is Grey…he said my safety was a priority…but I'm not safe. She stole that from me…

I wake in a panic. I slip from the bed, not wanting to wake Aedan. I'm in the bathroom, retching in the toilet, crying silent tears. I feel cold and dirty. I climb in the shower, and turn the water to scalding. I replay my nightmare in my head. Elena did not steal my safety. I mortgaged it when I plotted to take her life. Aedan destroyed the evidence. Detective Clark said the coroner determined it was a suicide and will release Elena's body after Labor Day for her funeral. I've been avoiding reading about her on the web and in the papers. However, after this morning's dream I should go research current news about her. I can set up an alert on my phone to notify me of any news articles about Elena. I just have to check my phone when I'm not around Aedan.

XXXXX
Late afternoon, Friday, August 26, 2011
Hilton Seattle near Sea-Tac
Aedan and Sabine's Hotel Room
Aedan's POV

"Room service in thirty minutes. There are points on the itinerary I want to cover with you one more time. Wednesday we take the train and ferry from London to Dublin, which is a six hour trip, but the scenery is worth the travel time, and we can rest along the way. My brother, Brendan, and sister-in-law, Mary Danielle, will be waiting for us. It's a three-hour drive to Ashford Castle. Thursday is the wedding rehearsal and dinner. Friday is the stag and hen parties. I have a wedding brunch Saturday morning with my family. You get to have a lie in, with breakfast in bed, followed by hours of primping with Mary Danielle and the female contingent of my family. Saturday afternoon is the wedding. Wedding dinner and reception following. Sunday we have a family brunch at Ashford Castle. We check out before noon and then it's the return trip to Dublin. We have a car and a room reserved for us in Dublin. We'll check in at the hotel and go out for dinner. We'll visit Ashleigh and Declan's graves first, then attend the seven o'clock mass at St. Agnes and light a candle for Ashleigh and Declan."

"I'd like that," Sabine smiled.

"The plans might change if Grandma Helene insists on a family dinner Sunday night. My family lives in Swords. Declan's family was from Dunboyne. Both towns are like suburbs of Dublin; like Everett to Seattle. Ashleigh's family lives in Dublin. However, I don't want to be stuck at Granny Helene's house in Swords for the rest of our time in Ireland. No matter what anyone wants; this new groom is taking his new bride back to their hotel room." Aedan smiled.

Sabine kissed him, "I like your way of thinking, Mr. Keyes."

"Two more things, and then I plan to take you to bed. It's supposed to be sunny for the wedding – which will make Granny Helene remark about happy brides the sun shines on. It's an Irish superstition that brides get pregnant easier if they marry in sunshine. Just beware, Granny Helene loves nagging at Brendan and I about making her a great-great-grandmother before too long."

"Thanks for the warning," Sabine laughed. "I will do my best not to hint we'll make a Baby Keyes Christmas present for her."

"The other Irish superstition claims the bride's home should never be entered by her or her new husband for at least a month. Supposedly bad luck follows the newlyweds for the rest of their lives."

"Is this why we're going to be gone for a month on our honeymoon?" Sabine chuckled.

"Partly – we don't need to borrow trouble," I couldn't have been more solemn if I tried. "Mostly, I don't want to be here for the destruction portion of the renovation. Let Louie and Dominick swing sledgehammers along with the construction company."

"Well, there's going to be trouble if I have to wait any longer for you to take me to bed," Sabine said. "We have to get an early start for the airport."

"Understood," Aedan said, scooping Sabine up in his arms and dumping her on the bed. "No fucking around all night long…"

XXXXX|
Friday, August 26, 2011
Very early morning
Escala, Seattle

Christian's Dream

"I'm going to ask questions and you will reply honestly," Elena, wearing silk gloves, caressed Christian's ass. He was standing but Elena tied him, hands and feet to her four poster bed. He went to her home straight after school. His parents believed he was in after-school study group; working to bring up his grades. Elena requested Christian strip them slowly between dances. After they were both naked, he gave her three orgasms with his hands and mouth. She ordered him to slip silk stockings and stilettos on her, followed by opera-length silk gloves. When he thought she would request he fuck her hard once he was aroused, he was mistaken - hence the silk ties which prevented his arms and legs from moving and pressed his lower belly and erection tight against the ornate footboard of the bed. "Did you get in any fights this week?"

Christian closed his eyes and wished he had a better answer. "One, ma'am. It was with Elliott. It was more of a wrestling match than a fight."

"Did you mark him?" Elena asked.

"I don't understand the question," Christian lied. He wanted to buy time, to make her understand Elliott goaded him into the wrestling match. Christian lost his temper, leaving a large bruise on Elliott's ribs.

"Bruises...welts...bites...did you mark him?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Elena hit him, her satin-gloved hand landing a strong strike against his left cheek. She hit him again, equally hard on his right cheek. Then her hand landed forcefully from below on his testicles. His erection was painfully forced into the hard wood of her bed on each strike. He bit back a whimper of anguish because Elena would strike more if he didn't keep quiet.

"Did you get any bad grades this week?"

"No, ma'am." His voice was surprisingly calm considering the ache in his penis.

"Did you get any exceptional grades this week?" She asked carefully, waiting to strike if she didn't like his answer.

"Yes, ma'am. I got an A on my book report in English class, and an A on my history test."

"Very good," Elena murmured and stepped behind him, stroking and caressing his ass for several minutes. Christian bit back his moan of appreciation at her strokes and caresses. She did not tell him he could moan; he had to stay quiet or be punished. He felt bereft when she stopped, but he did not beg her to continue.

"Were you rude to anyone this week?"

"No, ma'am."

"So you were polite when you punched Elliott?" Her voice betrayed her desire to strike him again.

"No ma'am, we were both shouting and yelling."

"You are displeasing me, Babe." Her voice hissed again. "Nine strikes, three for fighting, three for marking Elliott, and three for lying to me." She struck him, repeating her cycle thrice.

"Yellow," he whimpered at the ninth hit which landed forcefully upon his testicles and shot pain into his erect penis.

"A few more questions..." she grabbed his testicles and held them tight. He pinched his lips together to keep a moan of pain from escaping.

"Were you punctual for all your appointments this week?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Did you drink this week?"

"No ma'am."

"Did you eat properly this week?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Did you masturbate this week?"

"No ma'am."

"No erections at all?" She asked softly, her voice was the honey before the sting. She so wanted to punish him.

"I had erections ma'am, but I did not touch myself."

"How did you avoid that?" She asked casually.

"The morning erections, I ran until I was exhausted, then showered and went to school. The evening ones, I kept a pile of books on my lap while I studied."

"Did you study for a long time each night?" She let go of his testicles, and caressed him several times. He let himself enjoy her caresses. He doubted she would let him release his pent-up sexual needs this week because of the argument with Elliott.

"Yes ma'am...two to three hours each night."

"While I am displeased about the fight with Elliott, I am well pleased with your other answers." She released one of his arms and legs from their restraints and pushed him against the one poster where he remained tied. She retied his loose hand to the poster. "You may not come today because of the fighting." Then she stroked his erection once and walked over to the leather sofa and gazed at his body. He chanted in his head, 'I will not come. I will not come. I will not come!' He pictured her with a whip, beating him black and blue for releasing when she specifically denied him pleasure. 'I will not come. I will not come. I will not come!'

Once his erection abated, she untied his restraints, handed him a silk robe and let his exhausted body curl on the floor. When he stretched and moved into a seated position, she caressed his hair before she ordered him to dress.

As she drove him to school, she counseled him. "Follow the rules, Christian. They are for your benefit. As penance for fighting with Elliott, I put the girlie magazines you relinquished to me in a backpack in the back seat. I want you to apologize to Elliott for losing your temper and for bruising him. Then I want you to give him the girlie magazines as a peace offering."

"Giving the magazines to Elliott will make him think I'm gay." Christian said evenly. He was not about to anger Elena.

"Yes, but he will not ask if you are gay because it might piss you off and make you beat the shit out of him. Think of it as spreading the joy, Christian. Elliott is certainly not getting blow jobs from Cassidy Coleman or any other cheerleader at school. You, on the other hand, share your pleasure with me, which makes me desire and cherish you more."

XX

Christian woke with a start; covered in a cold sweat. Elena's plastic face with dead eyes and harlot red lips haunted him. He knew Elena never cherished him. Elena never cared about him. Elena never loved him. Elena just wanted to control him. He had never felt love until he met Ana. Ana loved him despite his faults. Ana cherished him despite his history. Ana loved him despite Elena's interference. Spooning closer to Ana, he vowed whatever it took – time, money, exceptional effort on his part…he would not allow fallout from Elena's suicide to mar their lives. Franco would handle everything; there was no need to upset his mother or Ana further. They both knew Elena named him executor and heir. He was determined to sell off the businesses. He didn't want to be tainted by them anymore. Any financial gain from Elena's estate would go to a nonprofit that worked with abused teens and their families. Flynn would help him excise his history with Elena from his life.

XX|
******** Seattle Nooz ********
Sources have confirmed, Christian Grey of Grey Enterprises Holdings, has been listed as the executor and heir of Elena Lincoln's estate. Rumor says Elena Lincoln snubbed a lot of people and charities with her will. Rumor says the death of Elena Lincoln only exacerbates the staffing and financial issues of the recently struggling Esclava Salons of Washington.
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XXXXX
Friday, August 26, 2011
Late Afternoon
GEH, Seattle

"You don't understand," Christian Grey informed Detective Clark. "Mrs. Grey and I are departing for Aspen early tomorrow morning with family and friends. My legal team received a copy of Elena Lincoln's will. I understand I am listed as her executor and her only heir. Per my orders; my legal team will establish a receivership for all the properties and assets, with Franco De Luca having power of attorney. He will receive guidance from a management team who will oversee the receivership. They will conduct a forensic investigation of Elena's assets and determine what needs to be done to either stabilize the chain of salons or sell them. Franco will take custody of Elena's body and organize Elena's funeral. Because I have international mergers and acquisitions concluding in the next year; it will be impossible for me to be in Seattle 24/7 to deal with Elena's will, funeral and businesses."

"Are you aware of the reason Mrs. Lincoln took her own life?" Detective Clark asked.

"No, she did not leave a personal message for me before she took her life. She has not been part of my family's social circle since my birthday, June 18." Grey said.

"Why is that?" Detective Clark asked.

"She did not approve of my engagement and impending marriage," Grey said.

"Why?" Detective Clark quirked an eyebrow.

'Elena Lincoln has known my family for years. She felt Anastasia was unaccustomed to the demands of my business. She felt the engagement was too sudden, as I had only meet Anastasia in early June. She didn't approve of our plan to marry before the end of July. She hounded my father to insist Anastasia sign a prenuptial. I did not appreciate her insinuation that Anastasia was a gold-digger. Elena was endeavoring to enlist the support of my parent's social circle in shunning Anastasia. Elena's disapproval and interference vexed my mother. My mother chose to support Anastasia and terminated her friendship with Elena."

"So you were out of the country when Mrs. Lincoln killed herself?" Detective Clark asked.

"Yes, Mrs. Grey and I were honeymooning in Europe." Grey explained.

"So you knew nothing of the potential sexual scandal which caused her to take her life?" Detective Clark asked.

"You should ask Elena's lawyer about her allegation in her suicide note. My security staff informs me of newspaper articles regarding Mrs. Lincoln. She did not have underage youth with her when we had business meetings. My family can tell you Mrs. Lincoln never brought an underage child to any social event attended by my family. Short of someone coming forward with evidence of such activities, the press can infer anything they please. We can neither verify nor deny the allegations."

XXXXX
Monday, August 29, 2011
Seattle, Washington

******** Seattle Nooz ********
Just back from their honeymoon in Europe, Christian and Anastasia Grey were photographed at the American Shipbuilding Association Dinner. Mr. Grey wore a black Tom Ford tuxedo; Mrs. Grey was dressed in a gold satin goddess gown by Stella McCartney. No sign of a "Baby Grey" bump yet!
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XXXXX
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Seattle, Washington

Seattle Security Systems sent Welch an email notification. Someone attempted to enter Elena Lincoln's estate at three in the morning, using a keyless entry code which had been assigned to Lincoln's staff members prior to her death. Welch started investigating the location of the housekeeper, butler, cleaning service, Isaac Reynolds and her preferred driving service. The intruder rode a 1980 Super Sport Ducati, no license. The rider was dressed in all black gear. Welch bet on Isaac Reynolds. He sent a search of the DMV database for six surrounding states. Isaac would know where literal bodies were buried at Elena's estate. They should have put a surveillance team on him when he departed.

XXXXX
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Seattle, Washington

******** Seattle Nooz ********
It's official! Blonde demi-god, Elliott Grey, brother to bronze demi-god Christian Grey, has popped the "M" question to his current lady love, Katherine Kavanagh, daughter of Keaton and Celeste Kavanagh of Kavanagh Media. Elliott is the owner of Grey Construction, the son of Carrick and Grace Grey. Everyone knows Kate Kavanagh is a "diamond"- so we're anxiously waiting to see the rock EG put on his woman's hand!
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XXXXX
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Early afternoon
St. Agnes, Crumlin, Dublin

"May the roads rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, may the rains fall soft upon fields, and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand." He bent to touch Declan's headstone. Sabine laid bouquets of white roses on Ashleigh and Declan's headstones.

"Rest in peace, my brother from another mother." He stood and took Sabine's hand and walked toward the church.

"Don't look back when we leave," Sabine whispered to Aedan. "Grandmother Bernadette says if you do, ghosts will follow you. Let's don't invite more trouble."

XXXXX
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Locke and Keyes
Instant messages between Dominick Craigan and Aedan Keyes

dcraigan to akeyes: CCTV recorded older model Audi with two brunettes parked outside the locked fence. They exited the car and read the posted signs. L&K closed for renovation. Security fence keeping out unwelcome visitors.

akeyes to dcraigan: Keep the outside CCTV running 24/7. Let me know if they return. If anyone tries to break in, contact the police.

dcraigan to akeyes: Detective Clark called the phone service. Elena Lincoln's body released to the manager of her properties, Franco De Luca. Investigation into the death of Elena Lincoln finished. Suite A cleared for renovation.

akeyes to dcraigan: Renovation plans for Suite A in book. Empty the furniture into storage.

XXXXX
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Seattle, Washington

******** Seattle Nooz ********
SPD has released the body of Elena Lincoln. The cause of death is officially listed as suicide. Elena's standing in the social circles of Seattle has been questionable lately, and now with the death of the founder, Esclava Salons are floundering. If you have gift certificates to Esclava Salons, better redeem them soon!
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XXXXX
Late Afternoon, Same Day
John Flynn's Office
Seattle, Washington

"Nightmares, again?" John frowned.

"Not the nightmares from my youth. Those only seem to resurrect when Ana and I have an argument." Christian paused. "They are nightmares about Elena."

'Can you be more specific?" John asked.

"They aren't nightmares in the sense that I wake screaming and thrashing about. I'm unsettled when I wake." Christian said.

"Unsettled?" John probed.

"I don't know how to explain it." Christian shrugged.

"Can you tell me the content of the nightmares?" John asked.

"Training sessions where I used a safe word." Christian blanched.

"I know there is more; I see it in your face. If you can articulate your feelings, or more of the nightmares, I will do my best to help." John said gently.

"The most recent one; it was a replay of the time Elena made me give my girlie magazines to Elliott."

"That bothered you because…"

"It made Elliott believe I was gay. A notion my family would believe until Ana came into my life." Christian admitted.

"How old were you?"

"I had just turned sixteen. We were still in the early stage of our relationship. She was checking to see if I was drinking, fighting, slacking off at school, pleasuring myself without her permission."

"So why the punishment?" John queried.

"Elliott and I got into a fight; I bruised him." Christian related the dream from start to finish. He included how unsettled he felt when he awoke.

"So instead of offering a verbal apology – she made you give up girlie magazines?" John asked in that infuriating way therapists have of making the patient come to their own conclusion.

"What's your take on this?" Christian asked.

"I have a theory but…" John said.

"But you want me to interpret for myself?" Christian laughed.

"Yes," John said.

"I think she had me give the girlie magazines to Elliott because she didn't want me experience normal sexual outlets. I also think they were a ruse to keep Elliott and me from bonding and becoming friends."

"And," John said.

"She lied when she told me she cherished me and what we had," Christian said.

"And," John prompted.

"She manipulated me using sex." Christian said. "Not just when I was fifteen; but even when she vetted submissives for me."

John nodded wisely, waiting for Christian to absorb this revelation and build on it.

XX
Early Evening, September 6, 2011
Elena's Home, Seattle
Franco's POV

I arranged for Elena's body to be picked up by a small funeral home located in a Seattle suburb. It cost a great deal, but they signed an NDA for Grey House. They will not announce Elena's funeral. I arranged for cremation and private service attended by written invitation only. The funeral home will allow me to print the private invitations and memorial cards for the service. Hopefully that avoids an outside printer and/or media attention. I have to find a picture of Elena for the service and one to scan and use on the memorial card. I find dozens of plain white cards to use for the memorial card and the private invitations.

Elena's address book is old. I don't know how many of those addresses are viable. There's no family listed in the address book. I can't access the computer at the house to find more recent information. Grey said he didn't know of any family. He wants nothing to do with the funeral and specifically asked me to not invite his family either. He recommended total anonymity if possible. Hence, no obituary in the paper, no visitation, and private funeral by invitation only. There will be no memory book, as I don't want the damned thing and there's no one to give it to.

I ordered two vases of long-stemmed white roses and two candelabra of slender white tapers for the funeral. I assured Grey I would pick up Elena's ashes and dispose of them at sea by myself. I've selected non-secular readings and songs for the funeral. The Unknown Shore by Elizabeth Clark Hardy and We Must Not Weep at an End by David Burrows for the readings at the start and end of the service. The songs I have chosen are Going Home by Kenny G at the start of the service and Time to Say Goodbye by Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli to end the service. The proposed obituary written by the funeral home will serve as the epitaph for the service. I planned an opening song, opening poem, epitaph, a few moments for verbal remembrances and goodbyes from attendees, closing poem, followed by closing song.

I will be expected to say something nice, and I think I will share my first day of work, Halloween 2006. I thought Elena was dressed as the Queen of the Damned and learned that was how she dressed all the time. I went dressed as Dean from Supernatural – jeans, jean jacket, old rock t-shirt, handcuffs, holy water, fake sawed off shotgun, crucifix and container of salt. I had to explain Supernatural to Elena. Told her that I was a hunter and her days were numbered. It didn't sit well with her. She did go bar hopping with me that night as a sign she forgave my rude comment about her black ensemble. We were a popular pair, winning a costume contest at one of the bars, which pleased her. We had a good time dancing; she was an excellent dancer. That is the story I will share with the crowd.

Things would be different if I felt a pang of sorrow or regret over Elena's death. I'd be glad the bitch is gone except that she left a huge fucking mess. Why didn't she just kill herself at her home? Take a bunch of pills while downing a bottle of expensive wine? I know she hated Sabine Falco, but why did she kill herself in a BDSM club? Outing Sabine and Aedan's club was like shouting "Fuck You" while appearing as a guest visitor to the Kar-trashian's nationally-syndicated reality TV show. Elena just had to get in one last dig at Sabine. If her suicide wrecked Sabine's impending marriage to Aedan, I would have torched Elena's body myself. Plus, the damned suicide note said she was killing herself because she was about to be arrested for pedophilia by the police and didn't want to go to jail. Detective Clark questioned the Esclava Salons staff over and over again about Elena's predilections. I told him I just worked for the bitch and wasn't privy to her secrets. I wasn't about to out the girls in her stable, out any Doms I knew she worked with, or out the women who passed through Grey's life. I wanted to donate Elena's body to science, but since she poisoned herself, by law I couldn't do that. I asked Detective Clark about the pedophilia charge. He indicated he could not discuss it because it is an ongoing investigation.

Am I expected to invite her ex? Lawrence Lincoln is a bastard. She was his trophy wife for years. She probably would have been his wife until he died, but the SOB caught her fucking around with someone and hospitalized her. He divorced her and left her to fend for herself with a penurious settlement and the clothes on her back. If he thinks she left anything to him; he's so wrong. With any luck, after no invitation to the funeral, Lawrence Lincoln ought to get the hint and go away.

I would go in search of champagne to celebrate my liberation from Elena Lincoln, but until I find all of her blackmail information…I am trapped along with a lot of other people. As god is my witness, I'm torching every piece of blackmail information in that huge fireplace of hers while gorging myself sick on gourmet hot dogs and s'mores. Then I'm digging out the champagne and going on a bender.

I believe Elena set me up with Cooper Caldwell. I always checked out my lovers before they became lovers. I hadn't strayed from a set routine in twenty years. The only time I ever had unprotected sex in my life was with Cooper Caldwell. Cooper swore he was 21 and had ID that looked legal. His medical paperwork announced he was clean. How the hell was I to know the boy was seventeen? Cooper wanted to lose his virginity, and he did. Three days after our perfect weekend getaway to a lovely bed and breakfast in Napa…Elena showed me pictures. Napa meant crossing state lines with a minor – Elena said it was a violation of the federal Mann Act. In exchange for her silence, I had to tell Elena every secret I heard from any of my clients – especially the brunettes whose bill was paid by Christian Grey. I relied on my scatterbrain gay hairdresser persona and perfected my acting skills while becoming a secret finder for Elena. She was seriously pissed that Mrs. Grey never discussed anything but hair, events and movies with me. When I let Anastasia know I enjoyed reading science fiction, she discussed older science fiction romances of H.G. Wells with me. If I walk away with the Esclava Salons when the dust settles, great; if not, I've started over before. I can do it again; but I won't walk away until I have found and destroyed Elena's blackmail evidence.

My biggest acting job is ahead of me. I have to facilitate the grieving of guests invited to Elena's funeral and make sure every one of them know she didn't leave them anything in her will. Damn Elena; I'm getting calls from dozens of young women, asking what is going to happen to them. After collecting her body from the Seattle Police Department morgue; the rest of the day was spent ironing out details with the funeral home, visiting lawyers, more lawyers, the bank and then the businesses. I drop the evidence bag of her possessions from the police inside her bedroom and close the door, which makes Elena's house resonate with silence.

XX

I talked to security when I entered and when I left. They assured me it had been a quiet night. I looked forward to a hot shower and a glass of wine before putting my thoughts to sleep for the night. Lost in my own thoughts, I did not realize I had been followed. As I unlocked the door to my condo, I lost consciousness.

XX

My head ached and my arms felt like they were on fire. I looked up and realized I was restrained to the towel bar in my bathroom. The ear buds of my iPod were inserted; music played at a medium low level. I could not hear anything going on in my apartment. I tried to drag my head against my shoulder to remove an ear bud; but my head ached too much to continue the movement. My throat was dry; my heart was racing. I breathed in and out slowly to relieve my feelings of panic. I'm not sure how much time passed. I knew three songs played so ten to fifteen minutes passed while I was trying to clear my head. I pulled on the towel bar, using all my weight in the process. When it finally ripped off the wall, I was able to slide my bound hands off it. I pulled the ear buds from my ears and tried to listen to sounds from the condo. When I didn't hear anything, I removed the duct tape binding my mouth and hands. I picked up the towel bar, realizing it wasn't much of a weapon, but it was all I had. I carefully opened the bathroom door and listened quietly. There were no sounds. I reached for my cell phone in my pocket, but it was gone. My wallet was gone, my keys were gone.

I tiptoed through the condo, and stood in shock at the disaster of my home office which greeted me. Someone had been through the desk, the files and my mail. My laptop was open, and files had been accessed. My cell sat beside it, turned on. My wallet was open, but nothing was missing. My keys are gone. The bag of white cards I brought from Elena's home had been dumped and searched. I reached for the cell and called Grey. He needed to notify security of the breach of my condo, laptop and cell. We needed to secure the businesses and Elena's house immediately in case my keys were taken as an attempt to access them.

XXXXX
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Elena's Home, Seattle

"It's done," Franco told Grey. "Private cremation at a small funeral home on Tuesday. Private celebration of life by invitation only to select staff and friends this evening. Over the weekend, I'm taking a ferry tour out of Puget Sound and disposing of her ashes at sea."

"I intend to distance myself from the Esclava Salons as soon as possible. Your paperwork for power of attorney is on file. You have a bare bones management team in place. You need to hire a forensic accountant. You need a cleaning service to clean the house. You need a real estate agent to sell the place. You need an inventory service for the businesses, followed by cleaning and repair. You don't have time to grieve." Grey curtly advised Franco. "However, I appreciate the memory card you sent over. I will share it with my mother."

"What did you find out about my break-in?" Franco asked.

"Barney replaced your laptop and cell; they are waiting at the new office for you. Locks have been changed at all the properties. Security pass codes have been changed at all the properties. Barney sent a secure email with the new pass codes. Barney is trying to track and trace your old cell. Any calls to your old cell will be forwarded to the new one. Barney is accessing your emails. There is a tracking program on them also. He's pulled the Esclava Salons website, and forwarded those emails to a secure site. If anything important comes through; he'll email it to you. In the meantime, he has created an email address for you through Grey House. I can assign a close protection detail to you for the duration of probate."

"I would pass on a CPD, but I don't like being alone in Elena's home. I agree we must keep the security on the businesses and the house. Do you have any clue where the playroom is hidden at Elena's?" Franco asked.

"Talk to Isaac Reynolds," Grey suggested. "I've never been to Elena's house. I cannot confirm or deny there is a playroom."

"Reynolds left the state on Monday after Elena's body was discovered on Saturday. Security let him leave with his personal items from the chauffer's quarters before six on Sunday evening. He left no forwarding information with the restaurant where he worked. He gets his mail at one of those private post offices – Mail 4 U." Franco clarified. "His cell phone says it is out of service. His email is no longer available. No one listed on his work application knows where to find him."

"I'll get security on it. We'll find out where he is and get some answers." Grey promised. He texted Welch immediately. "Any other outstanding issues?"

"The management team needs an IT manager to pull computers from the businesses; download the information to a central server and wipe them for donation to a nonprofit agency. Ditto with the computer at Elena's home. I need the Bravern Center computer pulled, and a new secure computer installed. Can Barney recommend an IT manager for the team?"

"I'll ask. Whoever we hire will need to be vetted by my security team. Anything else?" Grey's voice took on a brusque tone.

"Additionally, I need Grey Enterprises to vet an estate sales company for me. Two or three suggestions wouldn't hurt. There are 50 of them in Seattle, and right now, none of them want to take on Elena's estate. We may resort to hiring someone from out of the area, which means increased costs." Franco said. "Considering Elena's house is filled with oriental furniture, artwork and porcelains – maybe we should look for someone with expertise in that area."

'Consider it done. I have staff who can research it. My security informed me someone tried to breach the perimeter of Elena's home last night." Grey asked.

"I'm betting Isaac was the visitor to the estate who tried to access it using the old pass code. He's about the size of the visitor and he knows how to ride a motorcycle. He had a car at Elena's, an older federal-blue colored Ford Taurus. That's what he drove when he departed the estate. Whoever it was set off the silent alarm which alerted the security company. They called the police and me." Franco explained.

"Do you know what they were looking for at your home?" Grey asked.

"The only room tossed was my office. Someone's looking for something and I think it's related to Elena. The security company comes tomorrow to install a more robust system in the businesses, Elena's home and my condo. A locksmith is coming to change all the locks at my condo, the businesses and Elena's home. I've taken critical paperwork out of my house and put it in my safety deposit box." Franco said.

"Talk to the management team. If we need to increase security for Elena's home, the businesses and your condo…it will be worth it to not deal with continuous attempts at access." Grey said.

"I'm talking to the management team on Monday. I think the security company needs to sort Elena's mail and the mail coming to the businesses. We are receiving increasingly threatening letters from the fallout of Elena Lincoln's life." Franco requested. "All I need to see are bills."

XXXXX
Friday morning, September 9, 2011
Puget Sound Premiere Excursions

Franco slipped into the bathroom and locked the door. He opened the porthole window. Retrieving Elena's cardboard shoe box of ashes, he tipped it out the window and watched the ashes drift to the sea. He pulled a card from his pocket and read:

Into the dance of the stars and the planets…
We let you go
Into the hands of the star maker…
We let you go
Into the freedom of sunshine…
We let you go
Into the water which is life…
We let you go
Into the air which is life…
We let you go
May your troubled spirit rest in peace…

He threw three long-stemmed white roses into the water after the ashes and closed the window. He threw the empty box into the trash along with the garbage bag protecting it from leaking into his messenger bag. He washed his hands, straightened his clothes and went forward for the gourmet lunch promised in the brochure.

XX
Gail's POV

Ana's father has been in an accident. Mr. Steele has been careflighted to Portland. Ana and Sawyer are there now. Mr. Grey and Taylor are enroute. Mr. Grey did not leave instructions for Ana's birthday. I will just keep beds made, rooms cleaned, laundry done and the refrigerator stocked. Until they return, I'm at sixes and sevens as Downton Abbey would say. I miss Taylor every time he gone. I thought the Greys would be close to home this weekend because of Ana's birthday. I hoped I might see more of Taylor this weekend.

XXXXX
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Seattle, Washington

******** Seattle Nooz ********
Sources say Elena Lincoln's body was cremated, a private service for invited friends and acquaintances held, and her ashes disposed of at sea! Rumor says her only heir and executor of the estate, Christian Grey, did not attend any event marking the life of Elena Lincoln. Neither did her previous husband, Lawrence Lincoln.
Reporters at Seattle Nooz seem to be the only people mourning the death of Elena Lincoln. News tips and gossip gleaned from her salons over the years helped Seattle Nooz get scoop on many events, most notably the engagement of Christian Grey to Anastasia Steele.
****************************

XXXXX
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Seattle, Washington

Jack Hyde's lawyer didn't hesitate to pass on the message. "Lawrence Lincoln agrees to post your bail, under one condition. He helps you; you help him."

"What is the task he wants completed?" Jack asked.

"He needs you to keep Christian and Anastasia Grey off-centered. He's trying to access Elena Lincoln's estate. A three-pronged attack if you will – you, Elena's employees and himself. If they are constantly bombarded, Lawrence Lincoln can get onto Elena's estate without problems, find the materials she's using to keep her benefactor under control, and then it's the high life for both of you."

Jack Hyde considered the proposal carefully. He intended to get money from Christian Grey and extract revenge on that little whore Anastasia Steele. Christian Grey had taken enough from him already; he wasn't in the mood to share money, plans or alibis. However, to put his plans into action, he needed bail money. For the price of his bail; he could listen to Lawrence Lincoln's plans.

XXXXX
Sunday, September 11, 2011
GEH, Seattle

Locals Marry in Ireland
Sabine Clare Falco and Aedan Liam Keyes were married at Ashford Castle, County Galway, Ireland on September 3, 2011 with close family and friends present. Miss Falco is the owner of Falcon Financials, Lynnwood. Mr. Keyes is the owner of Locke and Keyes Nightclub, Seattle. The couple plan to tour Ireland and Italy before returning home to Seattle.

XX

Barney's tracking program got a pop on Sabine Falco in the life section of the Seattle Times. He read the article, printed it and sent it to Welch. He added the link from her Facebook page with the information he printed. He made the connection between Sabine Falco and Locke and Keyes early on, so anything connecting Elena Lincoln with Locke and Keyes was referenced twice to Welch.

There was another sensational article in a national tabloid about Elena Lincoln's financing of porn movies. Barney sighed and sent that article on to Welch also. Elena Lincoln was a perfect example of the quote, "the evil men do lives on after them." He set his search engine for another in-depth search of Elena Lincoln's life before Seattle. Barney set his search program for "Elena Lincoln" and "pornographic movies" just in case Welch asked about it.

XX
Lynnwood

Natalie Martello read the Seattle Times while sitting with Daniel. He had breakfast and a shower and was now back in bed, sleeping off the increasingly strong pain medications they gave him. In the life section; she read the wedding announcement for Sabine Falco. Sabine resembled her mother, Mary Clare except for her eyes. They were an obvious genetic link to her father. Natalie knew Sabine had been adopted by Carmine and Bernadette after Mary Clare abandoned her. Sabine was such a pretty child; much loved and cherished by her maternal grandparents. Natalie loved watching her when the church had children's events.

What should have been a happy event, the wedding of Natalie's only grandchild, had taken place in Europe. Natalie didn't have the opportunity to offer Sabine the use of her ornate Italian silver bridal bouquet holder, given to her by Daniel's great grandmother for her wedding day. It had been in the family for six generations. Natalie cut out the article and put it in a special white lace memory box she had stored in her closet. When Daniel died, Natalie could do as she damn well pleased and it would please her to meet her granddaughter before she died. Additionally, she intended to have her will redrafted and leave everything to Sabine; as it should be.

XX
Seattle

Lawrence Lincoln took great pleasure in shredding the life section of the Seattle Times. Fuck Elena! Fuck Grey! Fuck Franco! Fuck Locke and Keyes! That damned Elena killed herself and didn't leave money, the estate, her businesses or a client list to him. Having been married to the bitch; he knew her salons couldn't possibly keep her in her current lifestyle - an eight-bedroom house, a wine cellar and six-car garage on a one-acre estate overlooking the Sound? Shampoos didn't pay that well.

When he divorced Elena, he thought she would slink away into an unremarkable life with a drunk who would beat her regularly. Until he discovered Grey was sleeping with his wife, he thought he had a wife dedicated to providing him with the perfect home and perfect lifestyle. He didn't count on Grey's guilt financing a new lifestyle for Elena. She never admitted it; but it had to be money from Grey that paid for the first Esclava Salon. He still chuckled over the name…Esclava…slave. Elena said she was a slave to their lifestyle, keeping their home perfect, keeping her body agile and keeping her face youthful. Elena leaving everything to Grey accomplished two things – she humiliated Lawrence and marked Grey as her territory. He certainly didn't need Elena's money but Grey didn't need it either. It was time to have a conversation with his lawyer…and see if he could capitalize on Elena's death. Maybe he could take something back from that bastard after all these years.

XXXXX
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Escala
Gail's POV

When I returned to Escala tonight, I have a copy of the Sunday Seattle Times. It has a color wedding picture and notice of Sabine and Aedan marrying in Ireland. Of course, my curiosity got the best of me. I had to go look up Ashford Castle, Ireland on the web. Taylor thinks we should have a destination wedding. I don't think Ashford Castle will be it, and Las Vegas is definitely out of the question. I wonder if Taylor is up for a sunrise wedding on a tropical beach.

I search Sabine's Facebook page. There is a great picture of them biking in Central Park on Sunday before they flew to London. They stopped for pictures beside the Alice in Wonderland Statute and by Strawberry Fields, the tribute garden for John Lennon. There are a few shots of them in first class accommodations on the flight from New York to London. There are colorful shots of them at Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus in London. Aedan snapped a sweet picture of Sabine sleeping on the train from London to Dublin. She snapped an equally fun picture of Aedan on the ferry from London to Dublin, along with portside shots of his brother and family greeting them at the dock.

The next album is the stag and hen parties. Sabine and her attendant utilized the spa services at Ashford. That pampering was followed by a High Tea Bridal Shower with thirty women attending. Sabine commented that it was very "Downton Abbey." She wore a pretty grey dress with matching pillbox hat. It looked vintage Oleg Cassini/Jackie Kennedy. All of the ladies have lovely hats…no fascinators were allowed. There are lovely pictures of Aedan's mother, grandmothers and a great-grandmother, Helene. Helene's hat is very Victorian with feathers and lace and at least two and a half feet wide. Her ensemble looks like it came from Queen Elizabeth's closet. The men had a day of falconry lessons, skeet shooting, boating on Lough Corrib and horseback riding through the forest of the estate. Their day ended with poker, cigars and excellent scotch in one of Ashford Castle's drawing rooms.

The next photo album is a few dozen pictures of the wedding inside a private garden on the grounds of Ashford Castle. Then when I click on a video link, I am transported to the wedding. It looks like about 50 people attended the wedding. Everyone walks down the aisle to an instrumental version of Reign of Love by Coldplay. Sabine noted the groom's mother's family sat on the bride's side and the groom's father's family sat on the groom's side. A video of the groom and best man made Gail laugh. It showed them walking from the castle to the wedding altar, with their jackets off and slung over their shoulders. It shows them dressing at the altar…checking out one another's ties, cufflinks, vests, bottoms of shoes, haircuts. It's hilarious and gives the guests a good laugh. Our American weddings have the bride walking down the aisle last. UK weddings have the bride first. Sabine was pleased Aedan's mother and aunt acquiesced to her request for the American wedding tradition. His brother and sister-in-law stood up for them.

Sabine wrote on her Facebook page:
Something old – Ashford Castle on the shore of Lough Corrib in County Galway, Ireland. It is a medieval castle built in 1228. Aedan's great-grandmother, Helene Corcoran Keyes says she is my "something old." LOL – there's a great picture in the online albums of her in the garden at Ashford Castle. She looks like a garden sprite! I love the picture of her dancing with Aedan at the reception. She's in her stocking feet, standing on his feet. Her shoulders barely come to his elbows. It's nice to find someone shorter than I am! LOL
Something new – my dress – a spaghetti-strap, empire dress with gathered bodice and Celtic embroidery of the trinity knot beneath the bodice. It had a chiffon shawl for the evening. Everyone was disappointed I didn't wear a veil. I had planned to wear my hair down, but GGM Helene says it is tradition to have my hair braided – hence the elaborate Celtic braid which took two people and two hours to braid.
Something borrowed – sapphire broach from Aedan's great-grandmother Helene who worked with Aedan's mother to plan the wedding. They set it to begin at 3:30 in the afternoon because they said that if you marry on the upside of the hour (3:30-3:59) then your luck is always on the upswing.
Something blue – my flowers, my sapphire studs, my eyes
And a Tuscan fiorino in my shoe - Tradition says sixpence in UK, penny in the U.S. This is an 1850 Italian coin owned by Grandfather Carmine. He and Grandmother Bernadette were happy with one another for many years. I hope the coin brings Aedan and me the same kind of luck.

A picture of Sabine after she's dressed reflected her in a cheval mirror, with the blue of the water beyond out the window. Aedan wore a navy tuxedo with a sapphire blue vest and tie that match her eyes. Her wedding bouquet was created with white roses and blue orchids. His boutonniere was a blue orchid. She wore a sapphire broach that had been in the Keyes family for generations and sapphire stud earrings. The close-up picture of their wedding bands showed the gold and sapphire cufflinks she gave him for a wedding gift.

There is a darling picture of Aedan and Sabine against a rock wall at Ashford Castle. Attendant and family pictures are taken there also. Sabine and Aedan are obviously kissing in one picture, but she's holding her wedding bouquet up and blocking their kiss from the camera. Another sweet picture features them standing on a rock bridge, with their eyes closed and he's kissing her forehead. There's a sweet picture of them on a dock looking out at Lough Corrib, and the water is as blue as her eyes.

All the guests and wedding party stood in a circle around the Ashford Castle fountain while Aedan and Sabine threw coins. "My wish came true…" is the caption of the picture. The next picture is a stolen kiss inside what looks like a giant stone rook on the grounds at Ashford. It has very interesting stairs to the side of it. The next picture is of the bride and groom in a formal pose in the watchtower of Ashford Castle with Lough Corrib showcased through one of the arched windows. The blue of Lough Corrib is mirrored in his wedding clothes and her flowers. They pose again for a formal picture in a rock wall with an arch that leads to the gardens. They hold hands in the next picture, taken under covered pergolas at the garden. The bride, groom and attendants are in the picture taken at the stone arch main entrance to Ashford Castle.

The final picture is a great shot of them in a meadow with the castle and sunset in the background. I have to bookmark her page and show them to Taylor. He'll get a laugh out of the picture of the men walking from the castle to the ceremony with their jackets off and slung over their shoulders. The next photo album is from the reception. She thanked Aedan's family for making her feel welcome in their family and for planning the wedding and reception. They had a four-piece group play wedding music, and a DJ that Aedan knew from his university days for the reception. Taylor will probably get a laugh from the reception picture where Aedan has his hands on the top of Sabine's ass, but his thumbs and fingers form a heart shape against her dress.

Sabine posted the menu from the wedding: Baked Crab Tart garnished with a Smoked Salmon Rosette; Cream of Heirloom Tomato Soup with Goat Cheese Croutons; Roast Beef with a Jus of Roast Garlic; Sautéed Wild Mushrooms with Braised Whole Green Beans; and Rosemary Roasted Baby Red Potatoes. Shiraz Barossa Valley Bella's Garden wine served with the meal; Masottina Extra Dry Prosecco with the wedding cake. The wedding cake was butter pound cake with chocolate mousse filling and Grand Marnier butter cream frosting. The wedding cake was surrounded by crystal plates of hand-made chocolates. The wedding guest book was surrounded by wedding pictures of previous generations of brides and grooms in silver frames. I wrote it down as a future idea for a fancy meal to fix for Mr. and Mrs. Grey.

All the pictures on Sabine's Facebook page are lovely, especially the formal shot of the happy couple which was used in the Seattle Times. I will have to remind myself to go back and look at the rest of the honeymoon pictures the first week of October. They glow in the pictures, and I have to admit…I've seen that look before. Taylor has it when he looks at me. Mr. Grey has it when he looks at Ana. They are in love. I feel…relieved. That's the word…relieved.

XXXXX
Monday, September 12, 2011
GEH, Seattle
Welch's POV during phone conversation with Christian Grey

"They didn't catch whoever was trying to break into Mrs. Lincoln's home. Security postulates robbery, acquisition of information, or accessing the place as a crash or party pad. Elena's security team has secured the perimeter since her death was announced. We installed a rotating crew of twelve men since her death was discovered. No one except Franco De Luca has been allowed in the house since we removed the staff after Elena's death. We've got CCTV tape but the intruder stayed in the shadows and we did not get a good look at his face. He's about six feet tall, built like a linebacker." I explain. "We will have Esclava staff issues unless decisions are made. We're running background checks on all the employees of Esclava Salons. Nothing has popped on anyone yet. This quarter's taxes are due at the end of the month. Three of the regular suppliers are threatening to pull their contracts and are demanding new ones."

"Mrs. Grey has been contacted by Detective Clark. Jack Hyde is claiming Mrs. Grey sexually harassed him." Grey revealed. "Hyde is issue number one. Grey Management will deal with Esclava issues."

"My security team will increase our investigation of Hyde. In the meantime, we have assigned a close protection detail for Mrs. Grey's father. Hyde had been difficult to track. We don't want Mrs. Grey to be vulnerable while visiting her father." Welch announced.

"If he continues to improve, his doctor is allowing us to move him to Seattle tomorrow. For the good of Grey House, I cannot be connected with Elena Lincoln and Esclava Salons." Grey said. "De Luca and the management team have orders to figure out the finances, pay the bills, clear the house, sell the house, deal with the staff, and prep for a massive sale of the properties. Grey House is terminating the business relationship. If Grey House has to pay off the mortgages in order to sell the salons; my tax accountants assure me the entire endeavor can be claimed as a tax loss."

"We've shut down the Esclava website. Barney is trolling through it to see if there is any serious threat in the emails posted before and after Elena's death. We have security sorting through the mail for Elena and for the businesses. They are conducting a threat assessment. The salons have lost their viability as businesses. The number of appointments has dropped to almost nil. The businesses cannot operate in the red. Franco plans to close all the salons except the Bravern Center Escala and funnel all the remaining clients to that business."

"No other options?" Grey asked.

"The banks agreed to the establishment of a receivership and agreed to the recommendations of the management team. Before probate settles, they expect payment in full for all the mortgages." I explained.

"All the mortgages?" Grey's question hung in the air.

"She mortgaged the six salons and her home - twice. Additionally, Mrs. Lincoln sold the Esclava name to eight additional properties located throughout Washington. She was endeavoring to create her own franchise of salons." I handed him a folder. "Since the franchise salons seem to be a surprise to you; I believe she forged your signature on the franchise paperwork. The management team received legal notice from the eight franchise salons to return their franchise fees before December 31st."

"Call Franco and tell him I need to talk to him," Grey began to peruse the franchise paperwork Welch provided.

A/N: Franco's reading when disposing of Elena's ashes is paraphrased from Words and Responses for a Cremation Committal by Ruth Burgess.