Chapter 10. Mr. Randal C. Drake's demands
Jareth sat in the rear of the sedan, reading over the schedule for the afternoon's performance and ignoring the woman who was seating in the front staring daggers at him. He had chosen to treat her with cold politeness when he had to, other than that he treated her as she didn't exist.
David Cortland drove the car with a wickedly pleased smile on his sly lips. His pretty, pampered and spoiled cousin was not used to receiving the cold shoulder treatment as most men fell like dogs at her feet. He had to respect this man, and wondered what kind of woman would turn the head of the Fencing Master. He has his suspicions, as did his father, but both kept them to themselves.
Anise looked at the cars in the parking lot of the mall; she detested these impersonal shops, and hated the people who shopped there. "I don't see what your father expects to gain by this… performance."
"Good will," answered the man in the back seat going over his list.
Nodding David agreed. "It's a matter of being in the right place at the right time, cousin. Holiday shoppers could turn into holiday students."
"It will take time to clear out the lowlifes…." Muttered the girl disgusted with both men.
--
Sarah had found that everyone but the cleaning crew were gone when she came out of the locker room to find Toby waiting for her. "Shopping?" he moaned again.
"Toby Thanksgiving is in less than two week, and then we have a very short time to plan for Christmas… I just wanted to get some ideas…" Sarah tapped his nose. "Don't you want to get your mother something, nice?
He looked at her as if he'd seen a ghost, "I hadn't thought about that…."
Sarah wondered why it was suddenly so important to her. Not that she'd ever really thought that much about giving when she was Toby's age. Getting had been more her style back then, but right now, making this Christmas a good one for Karen was all she could worry over. Besides it kept her mind off the r-rated dreams she was having.
Leaving their fencing gear stored in the trunk of Sarah's car, the pair prepared to wander about in the corridors of the mall. Sarah head her name being called and turned to find Della and Daisy waving her down and coming at her and Toby.
"Why didn't you tell us you were coming to the mall?" Daisy tucked her arm into Sarah's.
"It was a last minute decision," Sarah said carefully.
Della looked at Toby with a smile. "I'll bet it wasn't yours."
"You got that right," he quipped, he was not happy about being in the mall with one female, now he was stuck with three.
Della snapped her fingers, getting Daisy's attention. "Let's give Sarah and Toby some time," she looked at Toby with a smile. "You and big sis meet us in center atrium and we'll go do lunch, how's that sound?"
Toby nodes enthusiastically, before grabbing Sarah's hand so there could be no more changes in the plan. "Thanks Del, you're a pal…" He shouted back at the Bronx gal.
Daisy looked at her companion. "What was that about?"
"The kid does not need to be dragged into every cosmetic shop in joint," Della pointed to the next store on their list. "I think a little alone time is good for Sarah and Toby."
--
Phillip watched as the final touches were put onto the area where the fencing demonstration was to take place. The mall had arranged for the center atrium area to be ringed by bleacher like seating. They had used this space for concerts by the local talents, or when the book store brought in named authors. He was not surprised that Carmine had wanted to cover the event for the splashy new Woman's section. He was surprised that Carmine wanted it to be his cover page story.
Carmine was looking very pleased with himself and the world around him. He had a photographer at his disposal, and a journalist who was well versed in the world of classical sports. He was surprised to find Phillip attending the mall demonstration, and told him so. "Well, Mr. Publisher, what are you doing here?"
"Making sure you don't get into trouble," Phillip teased lightly. He looked at the gathering crowds. "Looks like a decent turnout,"
"Cortland always gets good play," Carmine shrugged. "The man has style..." He motioned the photographer to keep looking for the best shots. "I see a few other press boys are here," He motioned toward an area where Randal Drake was making his presence know, "And the vulture has descended." He said with a grimace. There was no love lost between Randal and Carmine, and the world knew it.
Phillip tapped the shoulder of the once famous jet setter. "Keep your claw in, kitty." He warned. "Randal is not the reason we are here today…. Keep that in mind." Carmine back waved the publisher and moved toward the photographer.
--
Sarah saw the little portrait studio, read the name of the store and mused. She'd gone to school with a boy by the same last name and wondered if he could be related to the owner. She pulled Toby into the little studio behind her. She was sure she'd discovered the perfect gift for Karen.
"Oh," a voice said timidly from behind them. "I didn't know anyone had come in…. what with the event in the atrium…"
Sarah turned to see a pleasant looking young man, thin, and fearfully shy. "Aren't you Cory Landings?" she held out her hand. "I think we went to school together."
Taking her hand, the young man's face lit up. "Sarah Williams! What on earth are you doing back here? I thought you were off to New York to make a name for yourself."
"Mislaid plans," she said lightly. "Cory, this is my little brother…Toby…Tobes, I went to high school with Cory…"
Toby smiled and Cory nodded. "What can I do for you?" he asked Sarah turning his attention back to her.
"I'd like a portrait of the both of us… I want to give it to our parents." Sarah said winking at Toby who looked pleased with the idea.
"A brother, sister portrait, what a lovely idea." Cory said. "And I am already set up… I had a portrait scheduled that canceled at the last moment." He led them to the area that was set up for photos to be taken. "Just toss your coats there and we'll get you poised."
Sarah accepted the comb Cory handed her, and she lightly touched up Toby's hair. Then she pulled her hair free of the braid, and let it cascade in glorious waves over her shoulders. She touched up her lip gloss and took a seat on the pedestal that Corry had just finished draping. Toby took his seat in front of Sarah and they began the photo shoot.
Cory commented several times at how photogenic the pair was. How easy it was to capture wonderful pictures with them. He did several serious ones, a few comical and a few whimsical. Within a half of an hour he was finished. Looking at Sarah he sighed. "I don't understand how it is you're not still in New York. However…" he shrugged and smiled. "Give me a few days and I'll have a great selection for you to choose from… and we can talk about the frame you want and all that other business." Sarah took out her credit card and placed the purchase on it. She purchased a package deal that included her getting the proofs of all the shots. Cory wished them a happy day, and watched as they left his establishment.
"Wow," Toby gushed. "That was fun!"
"I told you it would be," Sarah teased. She looked at her watch, "I think we should head to the center atrium to meet up with the girls and go have lunch," she said distractedly.
"Hey, there's Mr. Cortland!" Toby shouted and waved toward the man in the dark blazer with the School's crest. "Mr. Cortland!"
Cortland heard his name, saw Toby coming rushing his way and smiled. "Toby!" Sarah walked slower toward the man wanting to at least appear dignified. Cortland watched her move and smiled his approval. "Miss Williams, how lovely to see you."
"Mr. Cortland," She greeted him warmly.
Anise was setting up the foils for the demonstration and glared over at Sarah. "What's she doing here?" she demanded aloud.
David looked over his shoulder, "Shopping," he suggested as he continued his work.
--
Jareth had sensed the presences of the Williams children. He looked through the crowds for the distinctive pair. It was Sarah he spotted first, with her unbraided hair cascading down her shoulders, and framing her face. He found his heart racing as he gazed upon her. She was more beautiful than he'd recalled. All the hurt, all the disappointment, and all the rage he'd once felt vanished from his soul. Once more he recalled what had drawn him to the girl, and he marveled at what a lovely woman she was turning into. "Mine," he whispered to him self. "All mine."
--
Randal C. Drake looked down his nose at the crowds gathered. "Rubes," he muttered. "Utter and total Rubes…" he hated having to cover events like this, but enjoyed the fact that he was still the top dog in the press in this area. He lorded his importance over even the local press boys and girls. He caught a glimpse of Phillip Reynolds, he grudgingly respected the publisher. However the little flamboyant gnat at his side, he detested. Carmine Regatta was a fallen faded angel and should have had the good graces to stay out of the lime light. He was going to take great pleasure at writing something scathing about him.
He was jotting down notes when he heard a child shout the name of the owner of the Fencing School. He looked up to see the blond boy rush over, followed by a woman who looked all too familiar. He watched the creature glide across the floor with the style and grace of a swan. Narrowing his vision, he placed her.
--
Sarah was extending her hand to Cortland when a voice made her freeze in her motion. "Well, Well, Sarah Williams," Randal bellowed for all to hear; "Daughter of the somewhat famous and questionably talented Linda Williams." His voice had a cutting edge to it, and he sneered at her. "Last I heard you were strutting your stuff on the cat walk at…'Diana Roths'"
Cortland, ever the gentleman didn't allow Sarah's hand to hang in the air long, he ignored Drake and raised the girls hands to his lips and bowed over the clutched hand. "Ignore him, my dear." He advised quietly. "He's looking to make a scene."
Head held high, face schooled, Sarah veiled her eyes with dark lashes. "I know."
Toby turned, and glared at the man who was now advancing toward Cortland and the girl. He sensed danger to his sister and glared at the man.
Drake moved past the boy, thinking him some child from the crowd and not considering that he was with Sarah. "Planning on doing a bit of cat walking here?" He sneered.
Sarah turned, giving the man an icy reception.
Anise, from her vantage point snickered at the girl's predicament. David glared at her, and looked about to warn Master Dé Danann that there could be trouble. He didn't have to, as the man, masked already for his performance was moving toward the confrontation. Anise, seeing the master move demanded that David stop him. She was rewarded a cold glare.
"Or don't you strut here?" Randal asked feeling powerful.
"Leave my sister alone," warned Toby darkly. "Or else you'll be sorry."
Randal, amused by the boy's show of bravado chuckled. "OH are you going to give me trouble sonny?"
"He won't have to," a crisp English accent cut through the air.
Sarah turned; as she did a shaft of sunlight broke into the atrium. It bathed the advancing figure in Cardinal Red, he looked as if he had just stepped out of the beams and was part of them. Tall, avenging and powerful, and Sarah felt her heart race.
Randal C Drake didn't know who this man was, but instinctually knew this was not someone he wanted to run afoul of. "I beg your pardon?"
"It is Mademoiselle," the figure bathed in golden rays of sunlight declared coldly to the man. "That you owe your apology to." He was poised as he stood now beside the girl. "Mademoiselle," he greeted her cordially. "I'm glad you've arrived," he turned to Cortland. "You have reserved a place for the young lady and her brother did you not, Cortland?" His voice was commanding, and not to be questioned.
"Of course, as you requested." Cortland said as if this had been planned out long ago. "Right beside me, Master Dé Danann."
Randal's face went pale, "Master Dé Danann?" he repeated. "Not the Master Dé Danann?"
Placing a hand to the small of Sarah's back, the man in the mask answered coldly. "I doubt there could be two." He escorted Sarah to the seats reserved for the Fencing School staff. After bowing over her hand he moved to the staging area where David was preparing to act as his opponent. Toby quietly sat down between Sarah and the owner of the school.
Anise was acting as referee and had to stay along side of the staging, but she was clearly not pleased to see Sarah. "What is she doing sitting with my Uncle?" she demanded as Master Dé Danann accepted the foil she was holding out to him.
Jareth cocked his head to one side, "Sarah is my guest." He answered coldly at being questioned.
Anise glared over her shoulder at the girl.
Sarah was making sure Toby was settled, she saw both Della and Daisy taking seat in a row a couple of levels above as she looked about the crowd. She waved and turned her attentions to the stage where David and Master Dé Danann were advancing to salute each other, they turned in unison and saluted Cortland and the crowd facing the same direction as the owner of the school. Then as they turned to salute the crowd behind them, Sarah gasped. Hanging down the back of the Fencing master was a queue of fine strands of pale blond hair that reached down to the center of the Master's back, tied back with a cardinal red and black ribbon. The sight of the pale color and the fine strands triggered a memory. Sarah had never seen anyone with that same color or fineness, only one being had ever in her memory had such glorious hair.
The Master smiled under the mask, and faced his opponent "En garde. Prêt. Allez", Anise called out, and the men began the bout.
Sarah buried the memory, 'lots of men have blond hair,' she scolded herself mentally. 'This is not him… this is not…' she refused to even think his name. She looked over at Toby who was watching the match with excited and thrilled eyes. He was safe, he was sound and he was beside her. She had won him back, and the cost didn't matter. She could bear the slings of arrows from cads like Randal C. Drake. She could withstand any disappointment that had been heaped upon her. Toby was safe, and he was beside her, enjoying his life. She looked at the men fencing and admired the style and grace with which the master moved. Once more she told her self this was not her greatest fear, her adversary, her… beloved foe…. Sarah calmed her fears.
--
Carmine had witnessed the verbal assault on Sarah, and had also witnessed the rescue by the masked avenger in Cardinal Red. It did his heart good to see someone like Drake put into his place with such style and refinement. He took out his note book and began to jot down a few notes. Phillip read over his shoulder and frowned but didn't stop him.
--
Randal was back in the V.I.P. press area, feeling like his nose was out of joint. He had never cared for Linda Williams as she was impervious to his advances. Once he'd gotten wind of Sarah being in New York he had made it his business to cause her as much trouble as he could without being ratted out. He had told agents that the talentless daughter of a Broadway actress was going to be seeking representation. He had made it difficult for doors to open for the girl. So easy since he was using more than mortal powers of persuasion. He had dark magic on his side, and right now he felt he was going to need it.
--
The audience in the atrium applauded loudly as pair ended their demonstration, with the man in Cardinal Red as the victor. He bowed to the audience, and gave a salute in the direction where the girl was seated. Members of the crowd turned to see who he was saluting, and a murmured of 'Who is she?' quickly followed.
David removed his mask and began to speak to the crowd, telling them some of the history of Fencing as an artistic form of self defense and then as the marshal art it had become. He spoke eloquently, and the crowd listened in rapt attention. Anise stood at attention, cold and unfeeling like a statue. But the master stood behind David flexing his arm and playing with the sword. David invited a few gentlemen from the audience up to try their hands against the master. AS they were being covered in the protective gear, someone in the audience called out asking if the Master wore any lady's favor.
Sarah shot a glare up at Della, recognizing her Bronx accent.
"There is a lady present who if she will be so kind, can grace me with a favor." Master Dé Danann announced. For a moment Anise looked as if she was pleased, she reached into her pocket, ready to pull out her linen handkerchief. Her face fell as he passed her by and stepped toward the crowd. Women all over the arena were waving handkerchiefs and scarves and hair ribbons his way. He didn't stop moving until he came to where Sarah was seated, bowing to her he then knelt and extended his sword arm. "Mademoiselle," he crooned from behind the mask, "If you will?"
Sarah blushed as she pulled the ribbon she'd used earlier to hold her braided hair in place while she was taking her lesson. "I hope you know what you're doing," she whispered for his hearing only.
--
Carmine urged his photographer to get the shots of the girl tying her favor to the man's arm. His face was lit up like a torch. "Bless you Sarah," he crowed.
--
"I always know what I'm doing," He whispered back. He rose from his knee, "You do know that the traditional reward for success is the lady's kiss, don't you?" He turned toward the group of men awaiting him. "I intend to collect my reward, Mademoiselle," he said saluting the crowd who were cheering him on. Sarah blushed, when even Toby was cheering him on.
--
Randal had seen Carmine urging the photographer to move closer and get better shots. He turned to the photographer with him and snapped his fingers to alert the man to get a better position. If that idiot Carmine wanted to wage war, Randal was ready.
--
Sarah along with the rest of the crowd was amused by the comical way the Master pitted himself against the rivals chosen from the audience. He played well to the crowd, light heartedly and gently. At one point taking on all three and then again one at a time much to the crowd's pleasure. Using an electronic sensor in each of the men's protective chest vest, it was tallied how many times the Master struck a blow that was counted up. When the demonstration came to its conclusion, the audience rose in standing ovation of the Master. He bowed and again saluted the lady seated with Cortland. The crowd began to cheer and demand that she reward him.
Sarah hesitated, until Cortland whispered something in her ear. She smiled and motioned Toby to stay in his seat. She moved gracefully with poise and elegance toward the staging area where the man in Scarlet awaited her. He tipped his mask up ward, so his mouth was visible, but his eyes and the rest of his face remained shielded. Sarah blushed as she closed her eyes, stood on tip toe and placed a kiss to the cheek of the man, instead of on his lips.
"Cheat," he whispered as he pulled the mask back down. Knowing only Sarah had heard, as the crowd was cheering loudly. He bent over her hand and released her to return to her seat. He watched go, and turned to leave the stage.
The crowd began to disburse, and Cortland excused himself. Sarah looked at Toby who was smiling at her like a loon. "Oh you liked that eh?" she asked.
"I know I did," Della quipped with a cat that ate the canary smirk.
"I did too," Daisy gushed, falling over dramatically. "That was so romantic!"
Della wriggled her eye brows up and down. "So, Sarah, who's the hunk and does he have a brother?"
--
Carmine was grinning ear from ear as he and Phillip passed by Randal C. Drake. The man from the New York paper glared at the pair. "Get me all the dirt on that… fop!" he demanded from the little mousy assistant at his side. "And find out everything you can on the Williams girl…"