C3 Turning Point
Many years later Matthew Judge walked into the house of Theodore Swift in New York. He was just setting foot on the second step of the grand staircase when he heard the sound of violent shouting. Upstairs the door of Theodore's study was violently flung open. Through it ran Theodore's daughter Caitlin, her blonde hair was swirling around her in a tangled mess and tears falling from her eyes. Utterly blind to her surroundings Caitlin failed to notice Matthew or the loose section of carpet on the stairs. In a sudden motion Caitlin's foot caught on the loose carpet sending her tumbling down the stairs into Matthew. They fell backwards down the stairs, hitting the floor with a thud, Caitlin landing on top of Matthew. The force and shock causing them to have a momentary loss of consciousness.
Opening his eyes Matthew stared up into the emerald eyes of his master's daughter. She was stunningly beautiful. Matthew became aware of the intimacy of their positon. Caitlin was sprawled on top of him, her hands were laid on his chest and his body was touching hers. In a moment time seemed to slip into a different dimension.
"Matthew…thank you…." Caitlin said softly, her hands still on his chest.
"It is quite alright Miss Swift, accidents happen," Matthew replied softly.
It was the first time Caitlin had called him by his first name. Matthew felt his heart beat a little faster. If they were found Theodore would kill them both.
"I'm sorry if I've hurt you," Caitlin said, her voice betraying her distress.
"I've had worse," Matthew replied gingerly sitting up. "I am surprised you care if I'm hurt."
"It is my fault, I'd hate to think I caused you pain," Caitlin replied, a trace of self-reproach in her voice as she slid onto the floor.
Sitting on the floor Caitlin and Matthew looked at one another. She was now sitting next to him yet one of her hands remained on his chest. Guided for a force without a name Matthew placed the hand bearing his ring over hers. Drawing a green handkerchief from his top pocket Matthew tenderly wiped the tears from Caitlin's eyes. Surprised yet warmed by his tenderness Caitlin smiled at Matthew. For the first time Caitlin truly saw Matthew Judge for the man rather than her unwanted shadow and enemy. Her heart was racing yet she had never felt safer. Putting away the handkerchief Matthew gently put a hand on the side of Caitlin's face.
"Caitlin is there anything I can do to help you?" Matthew asked softly.
"I…I wish there was…if you could. No Matthew you cannot help me. No one can help me. I'm free for a while longer but one day I'll be trapped."
"No one can take away your freedom," Matthew replied softly.
"You seem of certain about that. You have saved my life, name anything and it will be ours," Caitlin replied smiling sadly.
"A single kiss is all I ask," Matthew replied.
"Then it shall be yours," Caitlin replied.
Looking at her Matthew gasped, he had not been expecting her to grant his request. Caitlin took in how handsome Matthew was, a wild jolt of excitement racing through her. Staring into each other's eyes Caitlin and Matthew smiled. Gently with uncertainty and wonder Caitlin and Matthew leaned in.
"CAITLIN MATTHEW JUDGE!"
The harsh voice broke through the enchantment causing both to pull back. Theodore Swift was walking down the stairs, his eyes fixed intently on them and suspicion written across his face. On the landing above William Goodnight stood watching the scene.
"What in the Devil's name is going on?" Theodore snapped.
"I tripped on the carpet. Mr Judge was walking up the stairs. We fell down them. We must have black out. He was checking to make sure I had not hurt myself too seriously," Caitlin replied meekly, knowing the best deception of pretending to seem innocent.
"Are you hurt Caitlin? Judge what injuries does my daughter have?" Theodore asked, his voice changing from anger to concern.
"Bruising and a sprain ankle. I'll need to examine her properly to make sure and bind it," Matthew lied smoothly.
"Caitlin I will take you to the library. Judge fetch your bag," Theodore replied briskly, scooping Caitlin into his arms.
Laying in her father's arms Caitlin allowed herself to be carried away while Matthew was helped to his feet by William.
A short time later Matthew walked into the vast library to find Caitlin laying on a sofa. Her left leg was devoid of clothing and resting up on a soft cushion. Theodore was sat in a chair beside her. Nodding to Theodore, Matthew set his bag down on the floor next to the sofa. With practiced ease Matthew began to examine Caitlin. In intimacy of the situation was clear to both of them, a half second covert look between them convey their feelings. Probing the ankle Matthew's fingers elicited a gasp of pain.
"Miss Swift you have badly sprained your ankle. You will need to rest it for at least three days and keep it up as much as possible. The other bruising should heal in the next few days. In my professional opinion you have been very lucky not to be more seriously injured," Matthew said.
"I am lucky to have such a skilled surgeon to take care of me. Rest assured I will follow your instructions Dr Judge," Caitlin replied as Matthew bound her ankle.
"I'm pleased to hear it. You make a very good patient Miss Swift, most people kick up a fuss when I order rest," Matthew replied grinning.
"I would be a fool to ignore your advice," Caitlin said raising an eyebrow. "The way the ring you wear how did you come by it?"
"It was a gift from my Father for my eighteenth birthday. It is a family tradition to give a young person a ring once they reach eighteen," Matthew replied holding the ring to the light.
"I have not heard you mention your father before, what is he like?" Caitlin asked curiously.
"He's a senior doctor at a hospital in Richmond. He regularly writes for the medical journals," Matthew replied proudly.
"So then medicine runs in your family, your father sounds a fine man. I am surprised you've never mentioned him," Theodore said calmly.
"Family has never come up and I'm not the best at remembering to write home," Matthew chuckled.
"Then it sounds as though you owe your family a letter Captain Judge," Theodore chuckled.
"Recon I do," Matthew replied picking up his bag. "Miss Swift I'll examined the ankle in the morning. Remember don't put any weight on it."
"I will remember Captain Judge," Caitlin replied.
Leaving the room Matthew took the stairs two a time. Entering his bedroom set his bag down on his desk. Walking over to a window he looked out over the gardens. For the first time in many years he had felt proud to be a Judge. Glancing down at his ring a smile appeared on his face as his mind ran over the evening's events. The feeling of Caitlin's hand on his. How Caitlin had been so willing to grant his request for a kiss. Then to the library, able to share a laugh with his employer. For the first time in year the fact he was a Judge didn't feel him with shame. Could his inheritance be a blessing? Could he Matthew Judge redeem the family name?