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FINDING THE TRUTH
Chapter Ten
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Before the car had even stopped, I'm half way out of it. Elliot must've seen us pull up as he opens the door in time with my marching stride, so there was no hesitation in my entering the house.
"Where is she Elliot?" I almost snarl.
"Ana's not here little bro... Come have a drink, you look like you could use one" he teases, as he places his arm over my shoulder. I shrug it off and he jumps back slightly, feeling my anger and tension.
"I won't ask again Elliot...Where is she? and I don't mean Ana" I growl and attempt to storm down the hallway, but Elliot blocks my path.
"Stop right there Christian" Elliot snaps. "I don't think your in any fit state to see Kate right now, you seem kind of angry, and I won't have you upsetting my girl" Elliot states, while standing his ground infront of me.
"Your girl" I growl. "What about my wife?.. Your girl has..." Kate's voice sounds from behind me, causing me to cease my rant.
"It's okay Elliot, We do need to talk" she utters as she approaches.
Her voice is quiet, almost reserved, very unlike Kate but her tone doesn't alter my mood. I'm livid with her, interfering like this, taking Ana away from me. I spin round, storming towards her and I can't control my hostility any longer.
"Where is she kate? What have you done? Wh..." she cuts me off sharply.
"I haven't done anything Christian, well, I haven't done anything that Ana didn't want me to... But... Come, let's grab a drink and we'll sit down and talk about this" she tries to steer me towards the kitchen but I can't control my temper any more.
I hold my breath, trying to contain the rage that I have building up inside me at this moment, but it's no use, I need to know.
"I don't want a fucking drink Kate, I want my wife" I virtually yell in her face. I just want to grab her, shake her till she tells me what I need to know. "Kate.."
"Please Christian, I don't want this to turn into a slanging match, I promise I will tell you everything, just..."
"You're damn right you'll tell me everything" I snap, as I take a step towards her.
"Please, just come and sit down Christian and try and stay calm. You're no good to Ana like this and I will not talk to you in this mood... Ana is my only priority and I will only do what's best for her, so it's your choice, calm down... Or leave" she states as she stands in front of me.
She crosses her arms across her chest defiantly. She raises her eyebrows at me waiting for my response. God, this woman is annoying. I almost want to laugh at her. Who does she think she is, trying to talk me down like this? I would... Aaahhh.
I start to pace the small hallway and I can feel everyone picking up on my mood. I'm really not helping myself here. She has my answers, she knows where Ana is and I need Ana back. I will not be without her again... I sigh heavily, resigned.
"I need five minutes outside... Pour the wine Kate... Taylor" I snap, as I head for the door. Taylor is soon on my heels.
As I step outside, I breath deeply and take a few minutes just to calm myself. I won't know what's going on until we talk, so I have to play by her rules.
Taylor's phone starts to ring. I turn to face him but the conversation is over quickly.
"Sawyer's on his way here, Sir, he has information from Escala" I notice his brow furrows, and I look at him quizzically, "He has images of Ana... I don't know anymore Sir. Shall we go back inside? Sir, the sooner we know what we're dealing with... The sooner we'll have Ana home" he heads back into the house and I follow, trying hard to stay focused. I need to find Ana, and if that means dealing with Kate, them so be it.
Walking back into the house, we head straight for the lounge. Kate and Elliot are seated, but Elliot rises when I enter the room, quickly passing me a glass. "Thank you" I mutter, as I take a seat.
I sit in a chair opposite Kate and wait for her to begin. She's silent, for what feels like a very long time.
"Kate... Tell me, please, what's happened? Where's Ana" I can't keep the desperation out of my voice. She finally pity's me and begins.
"I don't know were to start Christian, it's all so..." she utters as she looks at me slightly bemused, if I'm not mistaken. I frown at her, because that's not what I want to hear or the response I expect. I cut her off.
"Where is she Kate? I don't care about the details... I want my wife back, just tell me where she is, that's all I need to know" I ask, trying hard to keep my emotions at bay. I wait... and... wait.
"I can't tell you that" she replies, eventually. "Ana doesn't want to see you right now, she says that she can't" Kate explains, but her voice is quiet.
I'm not sure if she's trying to keep me calm, or if she's genuinely remorseful about withholding information from me, but either way, we're not getting anywhere here.
"So, you know where she is, you just can't tell me where she is?" I clarify, and Kate nods her head. "So she's safe? And the baby's okay?" I ask quickly. Kate nods her head again, while smiling softly.
"They're both fine Christian, well Physically anyway" she says with a smirk. Why is she smirking?
"What does that mean Kate? Physically. Is Ana okay? and I would like a straight answer" My temper is starting to rise along with my voice. I've had enough of all this fucking around. I stand.
"Don't start shouting at me Christian, or we won't get anywhere" Kate snaps and once again, her tone and words rein me in. "Sit down Christian, keep quiet and I'll start at the beginning" I glare at her for a moment, but realize I have no other choice but to give in.
Slumping heavily back into my chair, I nod to her to begin. She sighs heavily before looking at Elliot. I see a look pass between them, and my brow furrows. Does Elliot know something? Why hasn't he told me where she is? I stare at Elliot until I catch his eye. He smiles apologetically at me and shrugs. What the fuck does that mean, God, these two test my patience but I manage to hold my tongue.
"Yesterday, as you know, I met Ana for lunch and well, when I did, she was... Very upset" Kate pauses as she looks up at me, warning me silently not to butt in. "She told me what had happened, we had lunch, then she asked for my help getting her away... So I did... I'm sorry Christian, but..."
"What upset her Kate?" I interrupt. "What happened to her? Why did you both go to Escala? What did she need to get away from?" I have so many questions, because I still don't seem to be getting any answers from her. My head is spinning. Why won't she just spit it out?
"We, never went to Escala, Ana did. I called her before lunch, I was running late, she needed to go to the safe in Escala for a piece of jewelery, so while she had the time she went to pop in, and that's when... Christian I don't know how to say this, Elliot and I, we..." she falters while looking at Elliot for assistance. Since when has Kate Kavanagh needed back up? Oh, this must be bad.
"What happened at Escala Kate?" I urge.
Please, woman, just fucking spit it out, I curse internally. She nods at Elliot and reluctantly continues.
"She met her Christian... Your... Your" she utters, as she looks around the room. Spotting Taylor, her brow creases as she worries whether to carry on or not. I nod in approval.
"Ana thinks... Oh god... She thinks you're cheating on her Christian, she believes that you've had some other woman at your beck and call for over five months" she stuns me by gushing.
She looks at me dubiously with wide eyes, watching my reaction. I can't help but jump to my feet as her words sink in. Both my hands angrily, and instinctively, start running through my hair. Elliot stands and moves closer to Kate, Taylor shifts, also ready to intervene. I can't help my anger now, and don't try to hinder it as it begins to build.
"What the fuck" I yell. "What the hell do you mean cheating? What other fucking woman?" I ask, as my mind races. It's as bad as it can be. Why would Ana think I would cheat on her?
"Why? Kate, why does Ana believe this?" I can't get my head straight. Ana know that I love her, knows that I love our baby. I would never cheat on her, would never even consider it. I would...
"So you're not?" Kate asks. I shake my head vehemently. "You haven't got a girlfriend, some beautiful blue eyed, leggy brunette, that you tie up in Escala?" I don't answer her, I just scowl. "And you don't go frolicking in the park with her and her dog?" she asks me, and there is laughter in her voice, and it's really starting to piss me off.
Why is she smiling? What the fuck is so funny? And who the fuck has a dog?
"Of course not, I would never cheat on Ana, she knows that, you know that... Tell me where she is Kate, we need to sort all of this out, I need to speak to her now" I implore.
I'm pacing, trying to regain control, as Kate's smirking and Elliot's indifference, is starting to piss me off. I still don't know where Ana is, or when she'll be back, and Kate is still smiling.
God, I need to sort this. Ana thinks I'm cheating on her, how could she even think that? Ana and our baby mean the world to me, she knows that. I turn to leave the room as my frustration rises. Fresh air is definitely needed.
"This isn't funny Kate" I can't help snapping, as I catch sight of her wide grin. Her amusement gets me instantly riled.
''How Kate? How could Ana believe this? What did this woman tell her exactly? and who the hell was she? Find out Taylor, now" I snap and he instantly leaves the room.
"She told Ana everything... How long, how often, how you both met" Kate giggles and glances to Elliot. I can't help butting in as they share their private joke.
"And how exactly was that? How did this fuckin grand affair begin? Tell me Kate... and stop laughing, this is in no way funny" I frown with a growl. God, how could she possibly find all of this amusing? Fuck, she is infuriating.
"You met while you were out jogging in the park apparently... You fell on your ass" she splutters and begins to laugh heartily now.
I can feel my heckles rise as my hands involuntarily ball into fists, and Kate doesn't miss it.
"Oh, lighten up Christian, no one believed it. Elliot and I both fought your corner, we didn't believe it for a second" Kate utters, off handedly, and I can't help my angry response.
"I don't give a flying fuck if you believe it or not, Ana does and that's were the problem is... Details Kate, now" I demand, as I glare at her.
"That's just it Christian, I don't think Ana does believe it... But her stupid emotions and fucking raging hormones have her all tied up in knots... She reacted badly to meeting this woman, she was in bits when I was with her" I feel myself huff with frustration as Kate continues. "In her head, Ana knows it's not true, but her body responded to the emotions she felt during the meeting with this Madderson... And well, she freaked... Ana is so worried about hurting her baby that she wants no contact with you, nothing... She thinks just seeing you, even hearing your voice to explain, will..." Kate's reasoning drifts off, as she shrugs while smiling at me, sympathetically.
"So what the hell are we going to do? How do we explain... If she won't let me near her?" I ask, my worry evident. Kate shrugs once again. "How... How can I possibly make this right? And who the fuck, is Madderson?" I yell.
My rant is caught short by Taylor's return into the room. He has a file in his hands, which he quickly hands over. My brow rises, hopefully this will shed some light on what the hell has been going on.
"Pictures, Sir" Taylor explains, as I open the file. "They're stills from the CCTV footage from Escala's car park, Ana and this Madderson's encounter... And Sir, Sawyer would like a word" Taylor's tone is clipped, and as I glance at Sawyer, he looks slightly apprehensive but now is not the time to hear Sawyers problems. Taylor can deal with it.
Hold the file, I'm dreading what I might see when I open it. What if this woman actually physically harmed Ana? What is she laid a hand on her? She obviously must be deranged if she believes we are having an affair. I don't even know anyone named Madderson.
I slowly open the file and the story of their meeting slowly unfolds in picture stills. A car entering, parking in our bay. Ana entering, watching as, Oh god, I see where this is going, she looked so much like... And the car, I've seen that before... Ana looking distressed, being assisted, them talking... I dread to think what she must've told her.
Oh god, the kneeling, what an image for Ana to get stuck in her head... The woman leaving her, entering the elevator unaided... Then Ana's obvious pain, it's spread all over her face, all over her body. The last image of Ana leaving the garage is heartbreaking. Oh Ana, why didn't you talk to me?
The last few photos, are of a man entering the elevator, then the couple departing together sometime later.
"Sawyer" I scream.
I stand, turning sharply to face the door. Sawyer is hanging back, looking very wary. For such a big guy, he sure looks very small right now.
"Is this true? Is this woman your girlfriend?" I ask urgently. My relief, soon taken over by anger, because I don't understand why she would lie to my wife.
"No Sir... Well, yes... But she's now my fiancée, I proposed last night... Over dinner" his voice is small and contrite as he answers.
"Oh, congratulations" Kate starts, but I silence her with a sharp look. Sawyer quickly continues.
"I'm so sorry Mr Grey... Maddy never realized who she was talking to. I've spoken to her about this and well, Maddy was just being friendly Sir... Mrs Grey, asked questions and Maddy just answered truthfully. We have been together for five months, we did meet while I was out running in the park, I can only see her when time permits, yesterday was unexpected because you released me early... In your words Sir 'It doesn't take two suits to watch a closed boardroom door'... I'm so sorry Sir, we both are. We never meant to cause Ana so much pain, forgive me Sir... Do I still have a job?" he asks dubiously. He looks between Taylor and I and I can't help my small smile. I sigh, resigned at the ease of the mix up.
"Of course you do Sawyer, and you will appease yourself right now. Kate, give Sawyer Ana's address, this is not open for discussion" I state firmly, but she interrupts me anyway.
"Christian, you can't just turn up there, Ana isn't strong enough. We need to approach this carefully, being faced with all of this could do her more harm than good. We need to think this through" Kate's voice is full of concern.
"You're right Kate, but Sawyer's still going to watch her, I will not leave her and my unborn baby unprotected. I will remain here with you, but sawyer is going, so address, now Kate" The look on my face give Kate no leeway. Sawyer needs to check on her, she's been on her own far to long, anything could of happened to her... to our baby...
"Are they safe Kate?" I ask, as Taylor pulls out a notebook and pen and hands them to her. She nods her head at me and scribbles down the address, passing it to Sawyer. He turns to me before he heads out.
"Sir... I have Madderson in the car with me... I thought it might help" he still looks sheepish, but I nod.
"That's fine, she might be needed, but don't let Ana see you, either of you. Keep a safe distance, buy the fucking house next door if you need to, but do not cause her anymore upset"
"Of course. Sir" Sawyer states.
"Sawyer, once you've seen Ana, let me know immediately that she's okay. Make sure that no harm has come to her, that no one has..." I'm drawn away from Sawyer by a chuckling Elliot. Turning to face him, my eyes harden.
"What's so funny now?" I growl, but it doesn't deter him as he chuckles louder. Fuck, he's more annoying now, than when we were kids.
"Chill bro, honestly, the last thing on earth you have to worry about, is anybody getting... near Ana" he glances to Kate, who joins in on his humor. God, these two deserve each other, they are so... Enough of all of this.
"Go Sawyer, now" I order, and without another word he leaves. More than relieved to be out of the firing line I think.
"Now, Kate... What are you going to do?... You took her away from me, so you can help me bring her back" I state firmly, while looking at her expectantly.
"Christian, we can't just show up, it would overwhelm her. She's not thinking straight, so we need to reach her without her reacting. We need to inform her with no stress... we..." she's starting to ramble, so I cut her off.
"Fine, I have an idea. Elliot I need your office and Kate, we will leave to see Ana in a hour" Without waiting for a reply, I turn on my heel and head out of the room with Taylor close to my side.
I'm going to bring my wife home, my son home, and I will do what ever it takes.
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