Chapter 11
Ana cried silently in the tub, ignoring Christian, trying to come to terms with the danger she suddenly found herself in and wondering who would possibly do this to her. Part of her was aware that she was naked in a large tub and that Christian was washing her; washing her everywhere. She should feel embarrassed being naked in front of him, but she didn't. She didn't feel anything at all except fear and exhaustion. The only enemy she had was Kate. Kate might be jealous, but she wasn't stupid. She might be rich, but was she wealthy enough to do everything that had happened? It made no sense!
She felt Christian as he bundled her into a warm fluffy robe and started blow drying her hair. She wondered idly why she couldn't remember him washing it. Sneaking a look at his face, she saw nothing but guilt and defeat. She felt her spirits sink. If Christian Grey couldn't keep her safe, no one could. The next thing she knew, he was carrying her to bed. He offered her tea and anything she wanted to eat. Ana couldn't swallow past the lump in her throat. She shook her head no and started to cry harder because Christian was so kind. He slid in beside her and pulled her close, whispering reassurances until they both fell asleep.
Christian awoke and looked at the clock, surprised at the time. He gently eased himself away from Ana and stood standing there, he just looked down at her sleeping. She was so god damned beautiful. He felt anger surge at the thought of anyone even thinking about harming her. He padded out of the room silently as the rage inside him slowly bloomed.
Taylor knocked and then entered. He knew immediately that Grey was already at his limits. He looked at the tell-tale signs, from his eyebrows to his lips, to the redness on his ears and face, Grey was going to blow sky high the first chance he got. Taylor immediately revised what he was going to say and the order in which he would reveal things. He needed Grey, cool, calm, and collected. He needed that sharp mind that never missed a thing. He needed the CEO businessman, not Ana Steele's boyfriend. Taylor closed the door behind him firmly.
Christian glared at him. "Well, what the fuck is going on? What the fuck happened today? You think what happened today is going to make her feel fucking safe? Well? Talk to me god damn it!"
"Sir. There have been developments." Taylor replied calmly and reached for the bottle of scotch and two tumblers. He glanced Grey's way and saw the quick nod and poured two fingers into each.
"Sir," he started, handing one tumbler to Grey, "We have uncovered info on Katherine Kavanaugh. She has been dealing with a Mexican drug cartel and giving them info on local gangs in Seattle. In return, she got cocaine to sell on campus from local gangs like Deuce 8. This been going on for a while. Barney has her on security tapes accepting packages from a car and then running back into her building. It looks completely innocent until you find out who the guy is and who owns the car. Then it's not so innocent. Your laptop, sir."
A face lit up on the screen in front of Christian. Dark, Hispanic and cruel looking. He heard Taylor drone on, the man was a collector for Deuce 8. He was known as El Aguila. It means 'the eagle,' and like an eagle, once he got his claws into you, he never let's go. According to the video, Kate had only just started exchanging vast sums of money with El Aguila. The last time he gave her the package, she didn't give him any money.
"Sir, Welch and I agree, she stiffed El Aguila and blamed Ana. She probably told him Ana has the drugs. This would explain the break-in at her apartment. Unfortunately, there's more. Surveillance on Elena Lincoln revealed a great deal. First, we weren't the only ones watching Mrs. Lincoln. There was someone from security for Kavanaugh Media. We assume that means Eamon Kavanaugh is involved. Sir, if you would look at the video of Ms. Kavanaugh..."
Christian stared down at his laptop watching Kate Kavanaugh pull into Elena's driveway. Kate Kavanaugh!
"You will notice sir when she arrives, she is empty-handed. When she comes out, she is carrying a small box. Ms. Lincoln walked her to the car and seems quite happy."
"Please tell me you are not thinking what I am thinking, Taylor."
"We think Elena just sold some of her videos, but we all know Ms. Lincoln. She never puts all her eggs in one basket, and she would never deal with someone like Kate unless she was just using her. She might have sold her blank tapes for all we know. It's when she starts dealing with some of your business competitors that we will have a real problem on her hands."
"You don't think this," Christian extended his hands to the laptop, "is a real problem? A gang of drug fiends after my girlfriend? Her very life is at stake! How dare you, Taylor!"
"Sir, if I could explain..."
"Explain what?" Christian roared as he stood and started pacing.
"The F.B.I. is involved."
"What?" Grey screamed and began flinging everything he could get his hands on at Taylor.
Taylor was able to catch the laptop and used it to shield himself from the smaller items. The tumbler of scotch hit the laptop solidly, exploding into pieces, nicking his forehead and jettisoning scotch all over Taylor. When there was nothing left to throw, Christian sank back down in his chair and looked at Taylor glumly. He mumbled an apology.
"Sir, it may not be as bad as it sounds. Reynolds used to work for the FBI and Welch has connections there as well."
"What good can that do us?"
"I don't know sir, but never underestimate the value of friendship."
"Do we have any plans?"
"We are working on it, sir."
"Well, work faster. I'm almost afraid to ask, but is there anything else?"
"We thought it might be a nice time for Mia and your mother to visit France?"
Christian's head sagged, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He thought about it but then just simply said "No. Not yet."
"But sir ... "
"No. I said fucking no! You can make up a backup plan though. Have you increased security?"
Taylor bit his tongue as another errant stream of scotch washed over the small cut on his forehead. He used his handkerchief and swiped it away, answering, "We've doubled the security on everyone except you and Miss Steele. You are both under maximum coverage."
"Good. Get back to work."
On the other side of town, Eamon Kavanaugh sat at the head of a table listening to his chief of security give his report on the Elena Lincoln surveillance. Security explained they were not alone. Grey security was there as well. Also, there was an unexpected guest. The screen on the wall came alive, showing video of his daughter arriving at Elena Lincoln's house, in her own car, no less. Watching the victorious grin on her face, Eamon was sure she had purchased at least one tape. Well, his daughter owed him that tape, at the very least. Without it, how would he ever get his business back?
He was planning how to approach Katie when he heard his security say FBI. He looked up startled. "What do you mean FBI?"
Security went on to explain the FBI had Elena Lincoln under surveillance. Kavanaugh asked why but no one knew, though there were rumors. Rumors that she liked young men, very young men, young teenagers between 13-16. Kavanaugh growled his distaste and found his thoughts wandering to Anastasia Steele. Katie had said she was selling drugs and had stolen her jewelry. He hadn't believed it then, and he didn't believe it now. Anyone who knew anything about Grey knew he abhorred drugs of any kind. He'd seen the footage from the bridge today, and it was scary stuff. The ratings had skyrocketed. If Grey was still associating with Anastasia Steele, it meant only one thing. Katie lied. He sighed in disappointment. Reluctantly he gave security orders to investigate his own daughter. He needed to speak to Grey.
