Wounds to Bind Chapter 7 – "Why is it that a woman can see from a distance what a man cannot see close?" – Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native

Sunday, June 12 - CPOV

Striker provided a rundown of Ray Steele's day. He provided a video of Anastasia's grocery shopping trip. Seems she's reloading the condo with staples. I hope Kate Kavanagh appreciates her. I try not to be jealous when a pimply-faced youth helps carry Anastasia's groceries to her car. She is not overtly friendly; but she is nice to him.

"Enough with the food summary," I hear my stomach growl. I've liked pancakes and bacon since I was small. When Anastasia cooked our first morning, I admit I didn't appreciate her efforts as much as I should have. First of all; I was used to my submissives or Mrs. Jones cooking for me. Secondly, I was on a mission. I intended to continue Anastasia's sex education when we finished breakfast. "What else happened?"

"Miss Steele's roommate called while she was checking out. She assured him she's making lasagna to celebrate his homecoming on Thursday night. She said her dad is working on the condo this week and plans to head home by Friday afternoon. She told him she's batch cooking and feeding her dad's freezer and theirs."

I curse. The only thing stopping me from throwing my phone at the wall is it is the burner phone. If I destroy it; I don't get updates on Anastasia. Fucking Ethan Kavanagh will be alone with my Anastasia until Katherine gets home from Barbados.

I call Flynn. I want to know specifically why I can't put a CCTV unit in Anastasia's condo and discover what Ethan Kavanagh is up to. It's not stalking! I'm being protective. Besides, just watching Anastasia sleep will calm me and perhaps let me sleep also.

"You want to do what?" Flynn asked me to clarify.

"I want to put a CCTV unit in her condo for her security," I said.

"Do you realize stalking is a felony; and an unauthorized CCTV installation is invasion of privacy?" Flynn thundered. "Do you realize discussing this obligates me to notify the authorities if you continue this behavior?"

"I need to know she is safe!" I protested. I don't tell him I hired covert operatives to follow Anastasia. They have a rotating crew so she has no clue she's being observed and followed. They report directly to me – not Welsh or Taylor.

"What makes you think she's not safe?" Flynn asked.

"Katherine's brother, Ethan, returns home on Thursday. I know he wants in Anastasia's…" I began.

"Stop! Stop. Right. There. Do not finish that statement! I don't want the status of Anastasia's panties in my head. TDMI, Grey!" Flynn snapped. "Does Anastasia have her own bedroom at the condo?"

"Yes," I'm subdued by his anger.

"You said her father purchased five sturdy interior doors. Is it safe to assume one of them is slated for her bedroom and one for the main bathroom?" Flynn asked.

"I think two bathrooms and three bedrooms, yes," I said.

"Since you illegally acquired his credit card report… what else did he buy?" Flynn asked.

"A deadbolt system for the new security conscious condo front door. It can withstand 4000 pounds of applied force and it has a lockout system which can't be key bumped or picked. He replaced both the door and the lock." I pause. "The interior doors and locks are reinforced also."

"Has Anastasia ever shown interest in the roommate's brother?" Flynn asked.

"Well, she hugged him on graduation day…" I protested.

"Along with the rest of her friend's family," Flynn interjected. "Graduation day she agreed to try to be your submissive; so I KNOW she wasn't thinking about him. You said she had never been interested in any men before you. You were her first."

"Yes, well – now she's left me. How hard would it be for her to move on without me?" I feel more alone than when Ella died and I was alone with her for four days. "Plus Ethan Kavanagh is studying psychology – so how hard would it be for him to brainwash her into moving on without me?"

"First of all, I believe she has a strong character and is not prone to brainwashing. You couldn't entice her into the lifestyle, what makes you think he'll entice her into moving on? If she truly loves you; which I believe she does; she's not moving on yet. She's not a Dominant perfecting her mind-fuck techniques. She would not tell you she loved you after you hit her with a belt if she wasn't in love with you. You still have time to fix some of what's broken and then work on communicating with her. I think you could get this resolved to both your satisfaction if you would just talk." Flynn sighed. "Okay; task one was…"

"Get a good night's sleep and think about what led to the situation," I said.

"How is that working for you?" Flynn asked.

"The nightmares are back. I'm sleeping about four hours a night," I said. "Don't offer me sleeping pills because I won't take them. On the good side; I've started mergers and acquisitions research on two mobile telecommunications stations. They would be handy for national and international trips and in times of crisis." Grey House still has issues with the solar-powered tablet; but our solar technology is stabilizing, our battery life is extended and our wireless distribution network will bring Internet to the remotest parts of the world. Eventually, it will be free to point of delivery users, upgrading education and technology in third world countries.

"Do you realize your sleep pattern of four or five hours a night versus your submissive's sleep requirement of eight hours is quite the non-sequitur." Flynn pointed out.

"They needed more sleep than I did," I argued.

"I'm not convinced you cared about their sleep requirements; considering you woke them in the middle of the night for scenes in the playroom. If you get some sleep, you'll make more informed decisions." Flynn said. "Do you sleep better if you physically exhaust yourself?"

"Usually," I admit.

"Make a rotating schedule with your security. Run, kick box, swim, golf, etc. until you are so tired you can barely stand straight in the shower. Then get your ass to bed." Flynn paused. "I'm emailing you a list of ten foods to promote sleep. Give Mrs. Jones the list. After you work out and shower at night, make a smoothie of tart cherry juice, yogurt and banana. It will help you sleep."

I grumble. I'd love to put my ass in bed - with Anastasia.

Monday, June 13 - APOV

Dad made breakfast while I dressed. I created a clothing schedule over the weekend. Slacks on M-W-F and dresses/skirts on Tuesday and Thursday. Tuesday's meetings are for editorial staff. Editors meet with Marketing on Thursdays. Oversized tops to conceal my assets on Wednesday. I'd rather have Jack stare at my legs during editorial meetings than stare at my breasts or ass. Several of my purchases arrived on Saturday, including the hair accessories. Navy slacks, teal cashmere twin set, navy pumps and purse, small silver hoop earrings means I'm dressed for the day. I brush my hair into a left pony tail; fastening it with a navy-blue hair tie/ribbon. Do women really change purses every day?

I should have asked Kate about the purses when we Skyped last time. But I am waiting for Kate to ask about Christian. Mostly she relates how much fun she and Elliot are having in Barbados. Knowing she succumbs easily to diversion; I have a list. I will tell Kate about Pacific Place Mall and the boutique stores if I get desperate to distract her inquisitiveness.

Dad doesn't like it; but I take the bus to work. My e-pass came in the mail on Saturday. I need to feel comfortable riding the bus to work. He checks my pepper spray capsule, ensuring it is full and functional. He reminds me…a blast to the eyes…a blast to the crotch. Sit near the driver, in the long bench seat at the front of the bus, or the back seat where no one sits behind me. He hovers at the bus stop watching where I sit on the bus.

I am pleasantly surprised when Claire gets on the bus three stops later. I stash the manuscript I'm reading in my tote and signal for her to sit with me. We're both excited to see one another. It's nice to have girl talk. Claire returned to Seattle early this morning from a big family party in Tacoma. She tells me all about it; including the decorating details. It was high school graduation for three cousins, and the party consisted of over 100 relatives.

"I'm surprised to see you on the bus." Claire said. "You're not driving this week?"

"I drove my roommate's car last week because I had moving tasks to complete at lunch and after work. My dad's in town and we went car shopping Saturday. The dealer delivers my new car to SIP at lunchtime. I would love to give you, Emily and Amber a ride home tonight if you'd let me. I need practice driving in Seattle." I offered.

Claire explains she lives about twenty blocks from me; while Emily and Amber live within four blocks of one another and take a different route to work. Claire and I are at the door to SIP by 8:15 and I hit the ground running. I'm seated, sorting Jack's mail when he arrives.

"So, where did you go on Friday night?" Jack asked. "You missed drinks at Fifty's."

"Good morning to you too, Jack. I told you I couldn't go. My Father is in town; working on the condo before my roommates return from Barbados." I said evenly. I'll pretend we didn't see him following us on Friday night if that's the way he wants to play this game of 20 Questions.

"Don't waste office time contemplating home tasks." He took the pile of sorted mail from me. "There are author letters to print and mail. There are manuscripts to analyze. It's all the same work you did last week. I'll email you the list of materials to prep for the editorial meeting tomorrow." Jack hovers by my desk. He finally departs when he realizes I don't need further micro-managing.

I retrieve his coffee mug and head for the break room. I made two fresh pots when I arrived this morning and there is a scant cup of coffee to take back to him. I wait until there is an inch layer of coffee in the bottom of one of the pots to finish filling his mug. Yeah…coffee making will officially become my office pet peeve. I'm seriously considering buying a K-cup machine so I can make coffee quickly for him.

~~~ CPOV

"Car delivered at 12:30," Striker reported. "They parked her new car at the parking lot nearest SIP. She put the registration and insurance paperwork in a portfolio in the glove box. Mr. Steele moved a basket of emergency items from his truck to the trunk of her car. He had an extra umbrella, Seattle map, first aid kit and flashlight for her glove box. We were able to hack the security cameras at the parking lot. They ordered and picked up five brown bag lunches at the deli close to SIP. Dad walked her back to SIP where they obviously had lunch. He left before 1:30."

"Personalized or regular plates?" I inquire.

"Regular; we attached a tracker on the inside of her back bumper. It won't interfere with her phone signals. I emailed the frequency to you. I emailed detailed directions on how to access and download the tracker records. You can set it to start recording when the car starts moving or you can use real-time tracking. You can download daily. There is a maximum of 96 hours of recording time if you don't have time to download daily." Striker said. "If she's planning to take the bus daily; we need to put someone on it to watch and follow."

"Miss Steele gave three friends a ride home after work today. We're emailing pictures, names and addresses with light background checks. Preliminary information does not reveal anything to concern us. Miss Steele parked in one of the designated parking spots for her condo and used the interior elevator to her floor." Striker reported. "It appears she's in for the night with Mr. Steele." He paused. "Mr. Steele's truck is parked in one of the spots; Miss Kavanagh's car is parked in another; leaving one empty spot for Ethan Kavanagh when he returns."

~~~ APOV

This morning Dad painted Kate's bedroom and ensuite. Her accent wall is Amethyst Creme and her other walls and ensuite are Violet Mist, a pale lavender color. This afternoon Dad installed the linen closet and cupboard units in her ensuite. Tonight he's working on her master closet. He's glad she's keeping her closet walls white. I think he's sick of purple paint. He's removing the basic closet system and installing a deluxe one. The new one has two walls of single rods; one wall of double hanging rods, and double decks of shoe racks around three walls. The fourth wall, the smaller one where the door is, will have a floor to ceiling wall of 12x14 cubbies to hold accessories or stacks of clothes like sweaters or jeans. He's building out the shelf unit above the single rod; installing units which hold wire baskets for accessories, etc. He will recommend a central island unit for the closet which has a chair, dressing table, and jewelry armoire. I help Dad move Kate's furniture back to the perimeter of her room. He starts to work on her closet.

'Busy hands; calm mind' as Dad says. I prepare two dozen baking potatoes to make stuffed baked potatoes for Kate and my freezer while washing her bed and bath linens. We like stuffed baked potatoes with a green salad for a quick dinner. I make the cheese, broccoli and ham filling for the potatoes. I load the crockpot with ingredients for six quarts of marinara sauce. I'll need it tomorrow night when I make casseroles to feed Dad's freezer. When the timer sounds; I set the potatoes to cool. I put Kate's sheets in the dryer and start a load of bath linens. I make the stuffed potatoes and put them in single serve containers in our freezer. I clean the kitchen and put the dishes in the dishwasher. I set it to run at one o'clock when it won't bother Dad or me.

Ethan and his parents are coming home on Thursday. Kate and Elliot are staying in Barbados for another week; returning home the Friday after. I hope they are still in lust with one another after this vacation is over. I also hope their romance is not contingent on the state of affairs between Christian and me. I need to tell her face to face about taking a timeout from Christian. I'm banned from telling her details because of the NDA. I read two chapters of a manuscript and complete a synopsis while continuing to wash and dry Kate's linens. When the last load is done; I shower and get ready for bed. I bid Dad goodnight and take another manuscript to bed with me.

~~~ CPOV

I read Striker's report on Anastasia's personal emails, purchases, finances etc. He listed Ray Steele's credit card usage over the past week. I know what he's purchased and where it was purchased. Striker knows where Ray Steele is getting his future Internet service, email and training. I ask Striker to investigate Northwest Net. When I'm off the burner phone with him; I get an update from my Grey House security.

"Leila William's cell was used over the weekend near Grey House, Escala and Miss Steele's condo," Welch reported. "It has been used near the Esclava Salon, Post Alley. We've been checking the clinics. We don't know who removed her stitches, but we haven't seen her near any urban health center or free clinic."

"Track her usage, emails, Internet, etc. Attempt to establish a base location for her. Send me the report as soon as you can. We need to make informed decisions." I tell him.

Tuesday, June 14 - APOV

I am exceptionally vexed when the editors weed 1/3 of the material I prepped for the editorial packets and throw it in recycling. They throw the extra packets I made for their support staff in recycling also. I keep my mouth shut and breathe. I ignore their laughter about new staff being overly prepared for the meeting.

Amber and I are busy taking notes during the meeting. Or rather, my smart phone records the meeting because Jack orders me to keep the coffee carafes circulating. The main topic of today's meeting is who is attending what conference.

,

The editorial meeting ends at 11:45. Before Jack departs for a cigarette break; he gives me thirty minutes to clean the room. "After you clean the conference room; I need you to book flights and rooms for us at the New York publishing conference July 5-7. We'll fly non-stop, red-eye on July 4. We can sleep on the plane; register and get settled at the hotel. The first seminar starts at ten o'clock. Half of us are scheduled for New York and half will go to New Orleans the following week. I want our reservations made before you go to lunch today."

Amber pops back in the conference room, bringing a rolling 2-sided bookcase. Her editor is off on a cigarette break with Jack. She helps me load the bookcase; which her dad made especially for her for crap meetings like this. Amber says to get the rolling bookcase from her desk first thing on Tuesday mornings. The rail around the top will keep all the coffee service items from falling off. Manuscripts and printed materials fit on the shelves which also have a rail to hold everything from sliding off. She says I'll only make one trip with everything to set up the meeting.

I power down the electronics and start to wipe down the tables.

"What are you doing?" Amber asked, impatiently.

"Jack said I have thirty minutes to clean the room." I show her the cleaning list for the room.

"Sweet Goddess of Light," she muttered. "It's not your job to clean the room. That's why SIP has janitorial staff. Their schedule includes cleaning this room on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Post the cleaning list on the door. BTW; not even my obsessive-compulsive mother could finish that bullshit cleaning list in 30 minutes! Grab your end of the rolling bookcase. We need to hit the kitchen before lunch hour starts."

We stop in the kitchen to clean the coffee things. Amber shows me where to find the 100-cup coffee pot I should use on Tuesdays to make coffee. It's the only way to have enough coffee for meetings. She bought it as a Christmas gift for the office last year. She didn't have time to make numerous pots of coffee for meetings when the rest of the staff constantly raided the kitchen for coffee. She commiserates with me when I explain how hard it was to fill carafes with coffee this morning. I think I made ten pots of coffee to get five carafes full.

She explains everyone donates $10 each payday for coffee and kitchen supplies. Claire collects money, orders supplies and maintains inventory. Amber shows me where to find all the supplies needed for the coffee club (as she calls the editorial meetings). Since I'm the only tea drinker in the group; she recommends getting a carafe of my own to hold hot water from the kitchen water tower.

Amber explains her system for ordering lunches or making reservations for the editorial meetings. If she's out for any reason, Emily knows the procedure and provides backup. She explains it is kind of me to offer to pick up lunches for everyone on days I go to the deli. However, it's not my job to fetch lunches for everyone. She tells me to remind Jack about her and Emily's lunch duties if he decides to order me to handle editorial meeting lunches.

I make a bitchy comment about adding the bookcase and 100-pot coffee maker to the procedures manual instructions for setting up the meeting. Amber tells me to ignore Elizabeth's convoluted bullshit procedures manual. She'll email me the directions to find streamlined procedures on the server. She recommends saving them on a flash drive, not the desktop, to have instant access when I need it.

"Did Jack tell you to prep all the material for today's meeting?" Amber asked.

"Yes," I said.

"Jackass," she commented. She will show me where to find the agenda to prep next week. "Make three copies of materials for editorial meetings. One of the copies for Jack; one for you with notes; one to file with the minutes from the meeting. Support staff access the agenda to prep their editors for the meeting. Support staff print materials for their bosses and themselves. There's no reason for you to kill trees. Other than running your ass off this morning making extraneous copies and coffee, did you get any other work done?"

"No, I'm working through my lunch hour to get caught up. Jack wants the meeting minutes done before the end of the day. Plus, arranging for our travel to New York, plus everything else I'm supposed to do."

"Screw that," Amber said. "I typed minutes during the meeting. I'll send them to you. There's a format we use which is uploaded to the server for editors to access before the meeting next week. I'll bet Jack didn't tell you that either?"

"No," I shook my head.

"Jackass," she commented again. "Let's head to your desk to offload this stuff. I'll send you the procedures for travel. Support staff doesn't book travel arrangements. There's an online form you complete to request tickets, rooms, registrations, cars, etc. You just find the airline, flight times and numbers. When you save it; you have the option of auto submitting it to Finance. They coordinate the travel arrangements because they have the corporate account numbers. The form includes the link to the conference agenda, hotel information, etc. They usually negotiate a discount for the registration and hotel since a dozen of us register."

"Jackass," I commented and Amber laughed.

"The editors had a good laugh at your expense this morning. Don't let Jackass do that to you again." She commented. "He's a disgusting bastard; always in every woman's personal space. He watches you when you walk away to do something. He will spend his Friday afternoon watching you bend and stretch while filing. Don't ever go anywhere alone with Hyde – lunch, drinks, rides home, etc. Don't go to Friday night drinks at Fifty's alone. Complaining to HR won't help. Elizabeth Morgan only sees what she wants. Right now, she sees a pretty girl working closely with the object of her affections. She'll make your work life a misery. Prominently display Morgan's stupid procedures manual on a shelf in your workspace, but access the real thing off the server. It was created by staff who perform the work."

I offer to buy Amber's lunch for all her help today. She goes back to her desk and forwards a copy of the travel form for her editor and her to me. I make a few changes to it; such as Jack's name and my name. They are flying out on the nonstop red-eye on the Fourth of July. I request the editors sit next to one another in business class and Amber and I next to one another in coach. They are staying at the conference \ hotel. I request to share a room with Amber. Task complete. Finance has the request, Amber has a copy, and I have a copy for Jack if he asks. Only…his copy does not have the extraneous notes about my plane seat or room request.

Everything is sorted and put away from the meeting. Amber emails me with directions to find the minute form online and to find the real procedures manual online. I print and save a copy of the minutes to my desktop.

I gladly take Amber across the street for vegetarian wraps, mini veggie plates with dip and frosty cold lemonade. The only thing hot is my temper about Jackass. Amber lifts her 'no talking about work during lunch' edict. We discuss the editorial meeting, the upcoming conference, the procedures manual and my idiotic micro-management schedule.

Today Dad finished Kate's closet organizer. He changed out the hot water heater for the tank-less hot water system. While I cooked dinner, made two casseroles and baked six dozen of Dad's favorite pizza pinwheels; he installed the closet system in the living room coat closet, the main linen closet and the laundry center. After dinner I packaged everything in single serving freezer containers or freezer bags and did the dishes. I fill the crockpot insert with Italian Meatball Soup and set it in the refrigerator.

I left Dad with a cold beer, a Mariners game on TV and a good-night hug. I luxuriated in a long hot shower. I'm in love with the new hot water heater. Before I find myself remembering the hot shower when I returned from Georgia; I finish my shower. I brush and towel dry my hair; braiding it for bed. Damn…now I have Christian on my mind before I go to bed and I was doing so well only thinking of him once every hour today. New pajamas, new bed linens…and a manuscript. I'm ready for sleep.

~~~ CPOV

"Miss Steele went to lunch with a coworker. They discussed the editorial meeting. Her boss assigned her a bunch of busy work and there is an issue with the procedures manual for work. She and another coworker discussed the editor meeting from this morning during their bus ride home. Sending you a written report."

Striker paused, referencing notes. "The Saturday brunette got on the bus the stop after Miss Steele's stop. She did not attempt to make contact; but she covertly observed Miss Steele and her coworker. Miss Steele didn't know she was observed by the brunette or Second Strike. When Miss Steele got off at her stop, the brunette got off also. My man got off at the same stop. He went into a store and observed both. Miss Steele's dad waited at the bus stop for her and they walked home. The brunette sat on the bus bench observing Miss Steele until she entered her building. The brunette left; disappearing into the park by Pike Place Market. Sending pictures. Please advise," Striker said.

"TAYLOR!" I exploded when I saw confirmation Leila is following Ana. "Redouble efforts to find Leila Williams." I repeated Welch's conversation about tracking her phone usage to near Anastasia's condo. I don't tell him the Second Strike conversation. I don't want to explain I hired a PI to track Anastasia without Taylor's knowledge.

Then I download the tracker on Anastasia's car; it has not moved since she parked it Monday night when she returned home. I may know how Anastasia gets to work, how long she works, etc. I may know her work events from lunch and bus conversations. I have a tracker on her car. I can track her cell phone - and it only proves, like she says, I'm a stalker. I still want to bug her condo. I hired strangers for their silence and abilities to follow her because she knows my men. I appreciate their daily pictures of her. Today's light blue fit and flair dress is perfect for summer. She wore her hair down today. What's up with that? I will be careful not to discuss any of this with Flynn. I will keep her safe - for both our peace of mind.

Wednesday, June 15 - CPOV

Striker's report on Anastasia's day was standard, except Ray picked her up from work. Before I could ask, Striker explained. "Jack Hyde drank excessively at noon. Bragged he hired a pretty little intern to play chauffer for him. Hyde pissed off when he left the building with Elizabeth Morgan. She seemed eager enough to give him a ride. She took him to her house." Striker reported. "I will email you if he leaves but it looks like they are in for the night. Steele took his daughter by a charity drop box where she stuffed a full 30-gallon trash bag in it. We think it was bed and bath linens she replaced at her condo. I think you will enjoy the picture of Mr. Steele."

The pictures he sent were of Anastasia in navy blue trousers with an oversized periwinkle blue tunic sweater. She's wearing low heels and her hair is in a standard ponytail. The picture of Ray produces a chuckle. Ray is wearing a navy t-shirt with white lettering: "Don't touch my tools or my daughter." I ask Taylor the status of the background checks on SIP employees. He drops a four-inch stack of reports on my desk. Well; if I can't sleep tonight; I have reading material. I notice Jack Hyde's and Elizabeth Morgan's reports are not here. Mostly, it's research on lower level staff. Taylor says research on upper level staff is taking time.

I stare out the window of Flynn's office. "My staff is researching and vetting the therapists you recommended. I researched Traumatic Touch Therapy like you suggested." I said.

"How do you feel about that?" Flynn asked.

"I can stop at any time and restart at any time? Correct?" I asked.

"If you plan to tell Miss Steele you are in therapy and then quit once she returns to you - I do not recommend that course of action." Flynn stressed.

"I'm concerned about business trips. I will endeavor to keep them through the week and have weekends for TTT." I explain.

"Acceptable, if weekends include quality time with your family." Flynn said. "Any issues you feel like sharing?"

"I had a weird dream Sunday night. I lost a green toy car under the couch at our apartment when I was young. In my dream; I was in my green toy car and I got lost under the couch. My mother didn't know where to find me." I said.

"How did you interpret the dream?" Flynn asked.

"I was invisible in her life? I'm lost? I've been lost since I was a child? Cars are associated with power and ego – the little red sports car and aging men. Maybe life is passing me by. Maybe I don't know the direction I'm headed. Maybe I don't know when I will arrive." I shrugged. "Maybe it was empathy. Anastasia felt she lost her power and her voice when I bought her the Audi A3. I would do it again because her VW was an accident waiting to happen. I could not have lived with myself if she had be hurt."

"Sound like a thorough analysis," Flynn asked. "What else is happening?"

We talk about efforts to find Leila. I tell Flynn about Sawyer spotting Leila following Anastasia and her father. When Flynn asks how I feel about that; I remind him her email ordered me not to assign security to her. I explain I'm following his directives to not quiz Elliot about Anastasia. I complain I'm being driven to the brink of insanity between Anastasia's absence and Flynn's questions.

Flynn laughs.

I am not amused.

~~~ APOV

Busy day for Dad and me. I asked him to pick me up from work so I have an excuse not to drive Jack home. Dad worked on Ethan's closet and bedroom door, in addition to picking up the patio furniture and small propane grill. I marinate a London Broil while Dad assembles the grill and furniture. I toss a salad while Dad grills the meat and heats garlic bread for us. While we eat dinner, Dad and I talk about the Fourth of July. "I have the easy part," I teased Dad. "I'll cook enough food to feed a dozen people. You and José Senior have the hard part. You handle the men when the fireworks start."

"The VFW ordered combat arms earmuffs. We're making them available to vets during the parade and afterwards for the fireworks. I promised to pick them up from the manufacturer in Seattle to save shipping and handling fees." He cleared his throat. "I'm under orders from your mother to encourage you to spend the July Fourth weekend with Christian and not me."

"I'll email her over the weekend to let her know there will be no fireworks between Christian and me. Is Mom afraid you will introduce me to some eligible ex-military man who wants a wife who cooks and cleans fish?" I laughed. "Or is she afraid you will encourage me to give José a chance?"

"Annie, you know I'm friends with José Senior. We will always be grateful you and José were friends who helped us reconnect. But José is not the man I want for you."

"Why?" I'm surprised.

"I know José was arrested for marijuana possession. I know it doesn't seem to be a big deal in today's world – but José Senior worries it will impact his career choices. Companies he may want to work for may not want him because of his arrest record." Dad shrugged.

"Who do you want for me," I asked.

"The heart wants what the heart wants, Annie. If you wanted José or Ethan, or any of my younger friends or clients in Montesano, it would have happened before now. If you wanted Kate, I would have done my best to welcome her as a daughter. If you want Christian, you work out your issues with him. If you need time to figure out what you want; you should have time to do that without interference from your family, friends, coworkers, nosy neighbors, etc." Dad cleared his throat. "Enough chatter, you're supposed to Skype Kate. I'll clean the grill and the kitchen before I empty cupboards and drawers to install organizational kitchen units tomorrow." He hugged me and sent me to my room.

I research various topics online – free association research; wasting time until Kate is ready to Skype with me. Her parents and Ethan have transportation from the airport to home, so I don't worry. I will leave condo paperwork and a key with the concierge for Ethan in case he gets here before I get home from work. I explain Dad changed the front door and the lock. I give her the new security code. She asks if I've seen Christian and I tell her I'm busy helping Dad. I email pictures of her painted room and ensuite and her revamped closet. I tell her about Pacific Place Mall and she's too excited about adventures in shopping to grill me about Christian. The rest of our Skype focuses on her and Elliot having a good time in Barbados. She emails me a dozen pictures and explains where they are and what they were doing.

Thursday, June 16 - CPOV

Striker gave me a concise report of Anastasia's day. Public transportation, work, lunch with coworkers, public transportation, home for the night. Her schedule is becoming set more every day. The pictures of her in a dress remind me how much I love her legs. I wonder if she's wearing thigh high stockings. Ray dropped off replaced household stuff at Grey Construction's recycling business this morning and then picked up a shipment for the Montesano VFW. Ethan Kavanagh landed at SEA-TAC at four; he was at the condo when Anastasia returned home from work. I'm glad Ray is at the condo. It makes me feel better. Striker sends me a news byte.

******** Seattle Nooz *******
Eamon, Celeste and Ethan Kavanagh (Kavanagh Media) returned to Seattle late today. Rumor says daughter Kate is still vacationing in Barbados with…Elliot Grey! We'll have fun reporting the antics of Elate! (El-liot + K-ate)
******** Seattle Nooz *******

Friday, June 17 - APOV

"Good morning, Ana!" Ethan grabbed me and gave me a hug. I handed him a Chai tea bag and poured a mug of hot water from the electric kettle. "Good morning, Ray," he shook his hand. "Thanks for work on the condo; Kate's kept me updated. I'm sorry I was too tired to express my appreciation last night. We flew nonstop from Bridgetown to New York for almost five hours with a two-hour layover and then six hours, nonstop from New York to Seattle. Factoring in time zones; I feel like I was traveling for twenty hours. I wasn't the best company last night and Ana's lasagna knocked my ass out."

"My pleasure," Dad smiled. "Anything to make Annie's life easier and safer."

"Well, she might want to take your gun and shoot me," Ethan teased. "Ana, my parents would like to thank you by taking you to dinner on Saturday night. It's some charity event. They go every year and since Kate and I are back in town; they bought tickets for all of us. Mom and dad would like you to use Kate's ticket and attend with us." He told me.

"Ugh," I wrinkled my nose. "Promise I don't dance with anyone but you and you'll explain which spoon or fork to use."

"Deal," Ethan said. "Charity events like this are usually three to four courses at the most: starters, salad, entrée, dessert. Usually they have wine pairings for each course. I know you're not a drinker. Don't worry about refusing the wine and you can sip as much champagne as you want. Mom and Dad hired a limo for transportation Saturday night; you don't have to worry about being the designated driver."

"Thanks," I said.

"Mom said she'll take you Saturday morning to get your hair and nails done after you pick a dress. If you're worried – Kate knows the stock in mom's store and can advise what to borrow." Ethan shrugged.

"Dad and I are up early; he's taking me to work and going home to Montesano," I explained. "If you need to crash for a few more hours; the place is all yours."

"Ray, can you wait to go home for a couple hours?" Ethan asked. "I hoped to enlist your help moving the packed crates of Kate's winter clothes to my parents' home."

"Deal if you help me take the four packed ice chests to the truck to take home. Annie made a lasagna just for me; I didn't steal your leftovers." Dad teases Ethan.

"Speaking of which, here are the directions for reheating each of your dinners. I made extra portions of the pasta for the Chicken DaVinci and the Chicken Parmesan." I hand off printouts in sleeves which Dad can put on the refrigerator. "I also gave you a grocery list of the things I need for July Fourth." I reach for my purse and tote. "I have all your receipts for the week," I hand him a check for his expenditures.

"Pick you up after work, Ana? We can get dinner and catch up?" Ethan offered. "It will be an early night; I'm still suffering from jet lag."

"Can you come to Fifty's Sports Bar before six? Everyone from SIP goes there on Fridays. We can get a pizza. You would save me from having to drink with the boss." I asked, texting him the address.

"Her boss is an asshole," Dad said. "I'd prefer you kept him as far away from her as possible after hours."

"Sounds like a plan to me," Ethan said. "I'll deliver my tux to the cleaner. I'll unpack, catch a nap and then meet you by six."

"I'm the boss," a belligerent Jack thrust his hand out at Ethan.

"I'm a roommate, Ethan Kavanagh," Ethan shook his hand vigorously. If the man wanted a pissing contest, Ethan was in the mood to engage. "I'd rather not order dinner here. It looks like we'll be constantly interrupted by your coworkers." He said to me.

"Nonsense!" Jack barked. "If Ana wanted to be alone with you; you'd be having dinner at your condo."

"That's an idea," I reach for Ethan's hand and gave it a meaningful squeeze. "I stocked the cupboards and refrigerator, in addition to feeding the freezer this week. We can have a quiet dinner at home. I need an early night to be on time for your mom tomorrow morning."

"It's not fair for you to cook for us. We'll get takeout, watch a movie and hang out at the condo," Ethan said, tugging my hand and pulling me toward the door of Fifty's Sports Bar. "You can tell me about your job and SIP. I'll tell you about Barbados, moving in and registering for grad school this fall." He flashed a challenging look at Jack Hyde as he held the door open for me.

"Ana… I don't trust that asshole." Ethan said as we headed to the car. I'm sure his voice carried and Jack heard him. He was standing in the open door of Fifty's and frowning as we left the parking lot in Ethan's BMW convertible.

~~~ CPOV

Oh bloody hell. While I'm in the elevator on the way to Flynn's office, I'm serenaded by Al Green, How Do You Mend A Broken Heart:

I can think of younger days when living for my life
was everything a man could want to do.
I could never see tomorrow,
but I was never told about the sorrow.
And how can you mend a broken heart?

I just want to bash myself brainless on the elevator walls.

"Good evening Grey," Flynn shook my hand. "Are we tackling issues alphabetically or chronologically tonight?"

I stared at him, not understanding the question.

"Meaning are we talking Anastasia first or events which occurred this week?" Flynn asked.

"If I had realized tonight's topics would be so painful; I would have added a hangover into the mix; except I don't like losing control." I deadpanned.

"Ah, the great control issue…how's that working for you?" He grinned.

~~~ TPOV

While I'm waiting for the Boss; Welch sends an update on the mysterious guy from Miss Steele's email. His sister works at the deli close to SIP. He'll be in the vicinity of Miss Steele from time to time. Kudos for her for recognizing he was a creeper.

Gail sends me a risqué email, telling me how much she will miss me this weekend. She's visitng her sister in Eugene this weekend. She hints there is a surprise for me in the refrigerator in the staff quarters. It's marked 'liver and onions' so the other security staff won't touch it. I hope it's one of her apple pies, or some of her chocolate cake, or some of her mocha frosted triple chocolate brownies.

~~~ CPOV

I'm eating dinner when I get my nightly report on Anastasia's activities. She went drinking at Fifty's with the work crowd, but left there shortly after six with Ethan. She never finished the drink she was nursing. Striker reported Ethan Kavanagh met Jack Hyde. He didn't think they liked each other. Striker sent the scant information he has on Hyde's background - where he lived, worked, how long he had been at SIP, the name of the Boston publishing firm, and two addresses in Boston where he lived. He reports the next research will center on Hyde's life at Princeton. Fuck; I don't have a report on Hyde from Welch or Taylor yet.

I sigh and reach for the reports M&A shipped upstairs today. Potential site information for the plant in Detroit – not reading that right now. Potential site information for plant location in Savannah – not reading that right now either. Update report on Lucas Woods – yeah; I can handle that. He is in the wind, off having a whirlwind vacation paid for by GEH. We'll start dismantling his company come Monday morning. Asshole. His people deserve better. Elliot's home in a week. I'll have him look at Woods' building and give us options.