Wounds to Bind Chapter 25 – "No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it. Just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things." - Demi Lovato
September 19 – 3PPOV
"Any coffee left?" Sawyer yawned. These five a.m. monthly staff meetings at Grey House were a killer after the busy weekend they had.
Taylor passed the carafe over. "We've got mushroom, bacon and cheese personal-size quiches, grape-kiwi-strawberry fruit salad, mini croissants, juices and coffee." He indicated the buffet. Sawyer ignored the food and poured a twelve-ounce coffee mug full of strong black coffee.
"Settle down," Welch ordered. "We've got one hour to cover past, present and future. Let's go for it." He nodded at Taylor, who segued into a synopsis of the Elena Lincoln situation; ensuring the 48 people in the room understood Elena Lincoln was forbidden to have access to every member of the Grey family, residences, businesses, etc. She was barred from access to Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele, their families, their homes and their businesses. Welch reiterated the no-contact order included electronic access – emails, phone calls, texts, faxes, etc. Her security team was not in place to provide protection, but as a Grey barrier, preventing access.
Security teams covered the weekend antics of the Grey family. Carrick and Grace had a Friday night symphony event, a Saturday golf date and lunch, Sunday church and spa time for Grace and Frannie on Sunday afternoon. Mia checked in at one club Friday night, a restaurant Saturday afternoon, another club Saturday night and another restaurant at lunch on Sunday. She now owned stock in those entities via Mr. Grey. She spent late Sunday afternoon at Aqua Spa with Kavanagh and Steele.
Kate Kavanagh and Ana Steele took off on Friday night for a weekend at Iron Springs Resort. Kate is reviewing half a dozen establishments between now and November first for a Seattle Times article. Ocean, cabin, wood stove, lots of DVDs, take and bake pizzas, wine, playing Scrabble on the balcony in the afternoon, walking on the beach. They returned late Sunday afternoon, had a spa date with Mia Grey, and spent the rest of the weekend in their condo. Christian and Elliot spent Friday night at a sports bar; gliding Saturday morning and mountain biking Saturday afternoon. Saturday night was gourmet burgers, beers and Pay-Per-View ball games. Sunday they went sailing.
Taylor covered the upcoming holidays. Mr. Grey submitted a tentative schedule for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day in Aspen. He submitted a tentative plan to spend Veteran's Day weekend in New York with Mia to introduce her to her new partners. Mr. Grey intended to use the GEH jet to transport every possible member of his family to these weekend jaunts. Guard duties would be determined and assigned by seniority.
Welch covered the transfer of stock to Mrs. Lincoln, Mia and Elliot. Staff was no longer required to observe and protect at these businesses. The security staff would be reassigned to Grey House, Grey Annex and protection of any future businesses which Grey House acquired. He covered the upcoming press conference for September 30. His announcement was surprising but the security team was well-trained to not exhibit emotions.
XX
******** Seattle Nooz *******
Sorry for the late notification on this piece of news…it was difficult getting confirmation let alone the reasons why. Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey was seen with her mother, Francis Trevelyan at Elaia Spa at the Hyatt on Sunday. The ladies were getting the works… including massages and lunch. The lunches resembled circular art works served with pomegranate and cranberry Bellinis. This was their first foray into a salon not owned by Dr. T's friend Elena Lincoln in the past five years. Dr. T. made six months of regular appointments for the both of them. Voices might carry…but we're not hearing any dirt.
Mia Grey, Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele (Kavanagh's roommate) were at Aqua Spa on Sunday afternoon. Aqua Spa has been in business for six months and specializes in 'build your bliss' spa packages which can include hair, nails, waxing, wraps and massages served with gourmet meals. Mia stated she loved the emphasis on services for younger women, including a fun atmosphere and knowledgeable aestheticians. The three ladies opted for the Polished Professional package – hair, nails, facials, body waxing and massages.
******** Seattle Nooz *******
September 23 - APOV
"While Harley is getting interrogated by your boss, I asked to speak to you," Shawn said. We're both at the to-go-station to pick up orders.
"Did I do something?" I asked.
"I don't think it was you. I'm not sure if it's your boss or your ex-boyfriend, but someone's investigating Harley. His cover story is solid; no one will find anything they shouldn't. I just want you to be aware. Both Harley and I underwent background investigations when he applied to the SEC and when I applied with the Washington Bureau of Investigations. I investigated Harley when we began dating and vice versa. Neither of us wanted ex-lovers or unknown baby mamas jumping out of the bushes with guns. We underwent background financial checks when we bought the house. Neither of us have applied to buy a car, or get a credit card, so I think this background check is personal."
"What can I do about it?" I asked.
"Just be careful, girlfriend. Watch your three, six and nine to ensure you aren't being followed. I'd go back to the gun range tomorrow and see who observes you." Shawn said. "You can always call Harley or me if any situation makes you uncomfortable. Hey, what happened with Botox Bitch anyway?"
"I heard her business partner cut ties. It hasn't been announced in the papers yet, but it will be before the end of the month." I shrugged. "He sent me an invitation to attend the press announcement and go to lunch with his family. This weekend I have to pen a polite refusal."
"If you need a shoulder to cry on; let me know. I've cried many an unmanly tear over relationships. Harley is the best thing that ever happened to me. I believe him when he says the same thing about me to me." Shawn said.
"I have decided to just get through the holidays," I tell Shawn. "If I say I'm anxious for the resolution of the SEC investigation with Harley, will you understand and not think I'm an ungrateful bitch?"
"I understand completely. Harley will give you an update when he brings you home. Oh, be sure to bring your checkbook. I found items for your spring capsule…and you will love them."
"How in god's name did you get the shopping gene? And how did it miss me?" I asked.
"Because you got the tools gene. The fix-it gene completely skipped Harley and me. Fair's fair. You already have the hottie female body and personality which makes Grey's heart go pitter-pat. It wouldn't be fair if you knew designers like you know types of woods. It wouldn't be fair if you could walk in high heels as easily as you shoot a gun. It wouldn't be fair if you could fix your hair as easily as you clean a fish."
XX - CPOV
"Tonight I'm using a water-based lotion on your face. Most of my clients prefer it to an oil-based lotion when massaging their face. I start with your jawline, massaging chin to ear and back. Then I go up the sides of your face by your ears. I stop at the temples and come across your cheekbones to your nose and then massage down to the jawline, up to the cheek bones and down again. Then I massage your forehead down to your brow line and then massage around your eye sockets. I go back to the area where your 'third eye' is located and do deep tissue massage for the sinus area. I will go across to your temples, down the sides of your face to your jawline. Then I will massage the front of your neck. I will have you turn over and I will massage the back of your neck. Then you can put your shirt on, sit up and I will massage your temples and scalp. If you have any questions or concerns, please stop me and communicate." Sela said. "Are you ready to begin?
XX
"Stop," I barely hear my voice. "Please stop…"
Sela's hands leave my head and she steps away.
"Breathe," she says.
"Can't…chest tight." I whisper.
She observed me for a minute. "Can you remove your t-shirt and remove the torso bandage?"
"Minute…" I whisper.
"Take your time Christian…we're not in a race." Sela said.
Once my breathing was almost back to normal, I removed my t-shirt, and the torso bandage and put my t-shirt back on. Breathing became a little easier, but it was still several minutes before I could take a deep cleansing breath.
"Better?" She asked.
"Yes, I'm sorry," I said.
"Don't be sorry…but can you tell me what happened?" Sela asked.
"Flashback…I was lying in bed with my mother; not Grace, but Ella. She was stroking my hair and singing to me."
"Do you know what she was singing?" John asked.
"She sang the stanza from The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles," I shrug. "Many times I've been alone, and many times I've cried. Anyway, you'll never know the many ways I've tried." My voice thickens with emotion.
"Was it a painful memory?" John asked.
"I remember being happy because my mother was cuddling and singing to me. However, it was a new memory, and therefore I was at a loss about how I felt…feel," I said.
"You mean it was flashback you've never experienced before…not even in a nightmare or a dream?" John asked.
"I don't remember ever experiencing it before," I said.
"How do you feel…afraid, exhilarated, or confused?" John asked.
"Confused…you know how things are out of focus when you first wake up…and then the image sharpens and everything comes into focus. It was like that. I'm curious," I said. "I wonder if Ella sang to me a lot. I remember she had a beautiful voice. I wonder if I inherited my musical ability from her."
September 24
"Elliot took off early with Christian to go mountain biking again," Kate grimaced. "I'm off to brunch with Mom. She took three of my previous bridesmaid gowns – with pictures of the before – and created a space in her shop for the after projects. She took a hideous lavender and purple gown and made it into a skirt and padded stool for a dressing table. It looks great. She took the sage green gown and made it into throw pillows. They look great. She took the pinky-taupe gown and created great bed or bath curtains out of them. I'm taking pictures of the dresses and the after projects as one of my April stories – what to do with those bridesmaid or prom dresses. Mom uploaded another dozen DIY dress projects to a special section on her website."
"Good luck; what will you do while your mom is busy with a client?" I asked.
Kate points at a tote filled with bridal magazines. I rolled my eyes at her.
"I know you have never looked at a bridal magazine, let alone ripped a picture of a wedding dress out of one. Do you ever think about your wedding?" Kate asked. "I've been collecting a binder of tear pages since I was thirteen when mom designed her first wedding collection." She laughed.
"Who's getting married? I need to learn how to date first." I shrugged; laying my gun case on the kitchen table and grabbing a bottle of green tea from the refrigerator.
"You won't learn to date if you don't date," Kate said. "I'm worried some Billy Bob will see you shooting a gun and want a white shotgun wedding."
"You should be worried about the single police officers who see me and wonder how I'll look handcuffed to their bed." I said.
"Handcuffs can be fun – but you need to wear wrist sweat bands under them to keep them from leaving welts." Kate said.
"TDMI," I gathered my gun case and tote and headed for the door. "How do you feel about pizza and wine tonight?"
"Can't – date night with Elliot. Movie and dinner - Moneyball and Hard Rock." Kate checked her phone.
"A sports movie – what bet did you lose?" I asked.
"I have two words for you…Brad Pitt," Kate informed me. "Ethan wants to see it too. You are more than welcome to come with us."
"Pass, I'm thinking about punishing myself by calling my Mother." I laughed. "Actually, I'm invited to Claire's for movie night. We're watching Lost in Translation and eating oriental food; Under the Tuscan Sun and eating tiramisu ice cream, and Eat, Pray Love and eating gourmet chocolates. I'm skipping the sleepover; I'll be home late. We can do a spa afternoon tomorrow if you want."
"I need a spa afternoon," Kate said. "Ana, I know you didn't talk about Christian before…and I know you won't talk about him now. The thing is…I'm worried you are keeping busy so you don't think about him. I'm worried you will have a meltdown if you don't deal with him…soon."
"There's nothing to deal with," I said. "We met, we had a brief fling, he hurt my feelings, I walked away...I'm moving on. He is the one pushing...the flowers he sent to my Mother's house, and the invitation to lunch with the family. The constant weekend invitations to dinner at his parents' house."
"You haven't moved on…" Kate argued. "I try to set you up on dates; but you're not interested. Ethan's asked you out a few times, you're not interested. Elliot asks how you are, because he cares, and I have nothing to tell him."
"I'm not discussing Christian with you, Elliot or my Mother," I said. "I need to get going; I have things to do."
XX
"Miss Steele," Sawyer sees me as I'm getting my purse out of the locker at Target Rippers. "Are you leaving?"
"Ana, just call me Ana," I explain. "Yes, I'm done shooting. I need to clean my gun, reload my clips, clean my gear box and prepare to go to girls' night out at a friend's house."
"Would you like to go get coffee?" He asked.
"Not really, but I have cold tea and tasty bits at the condo. You can sit on the balcony with me and clean your weapon if you brought your cleaning kit with you. Otherwise; you have to share my kit with me." I offer.
"I have a cleaning kit in the trunk of my vehicle. I'll follow you to your condo," he holds the door open for me and walks me to my car.
He follows me to Kate and my condo. There is a space open Elliot usually takes. He parks and follows me up to the condo. I hand him my gun case and gear box and point to the balcony. I slip into my room and turn on the audio jammer for the condo. I hand off the cleaning kit and supplies to him.
Luke spreads two microfiber towels out on the balcony table. I bring a pitcher of cold chai tea, glasses and a large tray of nibbles to the patio. I have chunks of cheese, salami slices, cored apples and cold green grapes. "Help yourself," I pour tea for him and hand him a plate and napkin.
I fill my tea glass and plate some nibbles, eating a cube of cheese and apple slice before I begin. I scrub my hands with disinfecting wipes before opening my gun case. We talk about Target Rippers, upcoming shooting competitions he plans to enter, and how much I like shooting with my Dad at the wilderness range by Lake Sylvia. He double checks my gun cleaning and approves. I load the clips with bullets; and lock gun and clips away in the case. I stop for nibbles before I begin cleaning the gear box. Luke is finished cleaning his gun and reloading his clips. He helps himself to more nibbles. We talk guns and our favorite shoot-em-up scenes from movies. We both laugh about the faux but fun Mr. and Mrs. Smith but give RED kudos. Futuristic movies – I vote for Terminator and he votes for Matrix but Robocop gets a solid mention from both of us. Old West movies – I vote for Silverado and he votes for Tombstone. We discuss The Untouchables before Luke calls it an afternoon and thanks me for refreshments before he leaves. I carry the dishes to the kitchen and he offers to put my gun case, gear box and cleaning supplies away. I'm pleased to have to tell him where to find the cleaning supplies closet and the master bathroom. He grabs his gun and gear from the balcony, and locks the door behind him when he leaves.
XX – 3PPOV
Luke checked the recorder in his pocket and was dismayed to only tape white noise during his and Miss Steele's gun cleaning session. Mr. Grey would not like that at all. However, he could provide a solid layout of the condo now.
XX - APOV
His huge bed welcomes us. He's teaching me sexual positions…and tonight is 69. He gently thrusts his cock into my wet and willing mouth while his mouth teases my slit.
"So sweet…so responsive…so wet…MINE." The hot breath from his words cascades over my sex, and I'm so wet. I'm so needy. I'm so hot. I want him, deep in me and I suck hard at him when he's embedded in my mouth. I don't care if I can't touch, I reach up and grab his ass, pulling him deep in my mouth. His fingers slide into me…thrusting in and out of me at a steady pace…rhythmic…not too fast to make me come…not too slow to delay our satisfaction. I grind against his mouth and he grinds against mine. I moan and explode in his mouth as he explodes in mine.
…I wake and my heart is pounding and I cannot breathe…Damn it… now it seems I'm having wet dreams of Christian while PMSing or during my cycle. What the hell is that about? I'm glad I'm at home, in my own bed. I would not want to explain this situation at a sleepover.
September 25
I wound my fingers in her hair and reclaimed her pouty mouth. I enjoyed kissing her, but I enjoyed making her nipples harden and elongate. I nuzzled her breasts, licked her nipples until they were dusky pink, sucked them into my mouth, and nibbled on them until they were swollen and tender and made her wetter. I slid my fingers into her. I loved making her lose control and grind herself against my fingers.
My cock throbbed against her hip, aching with need to thrust somewhere warm and wet and soft as velvet. IF I kept her mouth busy; she couldn't ask all those damned maddening questions she had but there was no time to reposition myself. I wanted to feel her soft swollen lips close over my cock. I wanted to feel the movement of her tongue, flicking, circling, sliding over my cock…but there was no time…I moved between her legs and thrust upward, entering her deeply before I exploded. I loved when she threw her head back, arched her back and clamped around my cock when she came. My cock throbbed and I felt my hot wetness…as my aftershocks of ejaculation subsided.
And the vision of Anastasia, warm and soft and sated dimmed…My hot body cooled in the night air, soaked with sweat and sticky from another wet dream. It's three o'clock in the morning. I can't call, email or go see Ana in person. As I'm showering, I compose a note in my head, saying all the things I want to say. Then I know to scale back about 50% because I don't want her to think I've gone off the deep end. I go to my desk and compose a note.
Dearest Ana;
I'm sorry. I should have said I'm sorry when you were crying. I should have said I'm sorry before you stepped into the elevator. I will never forget the look on your face that morning… disillusionment, anger …and love. There is not a hole in the world big enough to bury the enormity of my actions. I know what I've done, and I can't hate myself enough for hurting you. I wish I could take it back, but I can't. All I can do is try to show you how much I regret punishing you and ask for your forgiveness.
Saying I'm sorry isn't enough, but I SWEAR it will never happen again. I've shown you how bad it can be…please let me show you how good we can be together. I want to be the kind of man you deserve. Someone strong, loving, caring…who is open to sharing his life with you. I know you are scared because we became so close so fast…and the depth of what I feel scares me also. I don't want to walk away from you. Please don't give up on us. Please give me a chance to show you I've learned my lesson. Please give me a chance to prove we can be happy together again.
I will slow down…I will wait however long it takes. I would love to have that morning back, to hold you in my arms. I would tell you I loved you first. I think I loved you that first night in the Heathman. All I could do was lay there and watch you sleep. Our first kiss in the elevator was magic.
I'm driving to your condo, and leaving this on the windshield of the Audi. It's not the safest form of communication, but I need to talk to you. Elliot and Kate refuse to give you messages. Please call me by Friday night. I'd like to take you sailing on The Grace, where we can have lunch and a serious discussion37. If we make time to be together; we can work through this. Can you give me another chance? Will you give me another chance?
I really want a second chance with you. This is new to me also…I'm bound to screw it up…but give me a chance.
Christian
XX
I slip out of Escala and get into my R8, remembering the drive with Ana from Seattle to Portland. I park in front of her condo and walk into the parking garage. Her Audi is there. Her Ford Focus is there. I put the note on the Audi windshield. Her name is prominent on the front of the sealed envelope. I hope Kate gives it to her. I would leave it on the Ford; but she might not check the car before Friday. I don't dare slip it in the front door – I have no guarantee the concierge would see her and give it to her. I walk back to the R8, purpose in my step, and nod at Ryan who obviously raced out of Escala to track my car. I'll drive responsibly back to Escala, go back to bed for a while, and hope sleep does not elude me for the rest of the night.
September 26 – 3PPOV
"It will cost you," Leila said stubbornly. "I need $2,000 if you want to know the contents of his note to her. I've learned the hard way not to trust you. So don't think offering to give me a full spa day will get you this information."
"I'll give you the money for the note; but I want to know what you've been doing since you hit Seattle," Elena opened her safe and took out the money.
"You don't mind if I count it?" Leila said. "Like I said, don't trust you…not since you advised me to tell him I wanted more. We'd still be together if you didn't interfere."
"You've really sold yourself a story haven't you? You did everything possible to get Grey to commit to a relationship with you. You learned to cook and select wine; you learned about music and art. You took to caning like a wayward student. Eighteen months was plenty of time for Grey to make your contract into a relationship if he wanted it." Elena snapped.
"Fine, think what you will. But he's not with her, and I've done more to keep them apart than you will know. Every time he goes near her condo, I tweet he's in the area. His security gets spooked and removes him before he can see or talk to her. All you're doing is recruiting brunettes he won't look at." Leila finished counting the money and handed over the note. The note told her everything she needed to know…the brunettes haunting Elena's Post Alley Esclava were party toys for other clients.
"Christ, she's got him pussy-whipped," Elena said after reading the note. "He knows people like us don't do love. There's another five hundred dollars if you step up your game."
"Like how?"
"This was on the windshield of her Audi, right?" Elena said.
"Yes," Leila said.
"So, vandalize it. She won't be able to drive it; he can't get close to her to replace it…if she'd let him. Besides, in jeans, Converse and a hoody, you'd fit right in. People would think you were her. It would look like she vandalized her own car to get him to pay attention to her. At least the police will believe it after a call from a concerned citizen."
"Interesting," Leila admitted. "I'll let you know when it's done." Leila was proud of herself for not revealing she could get in and out of Christian's condo without detection. She acquired pieces of Ana's clothes. She acquired funds. She had been close enough to touch his hair twice, and stroke his beautiful face. The last time he woke almost immediately and she melted into the dark, hoping to get away before she was caught. Dressing like Ana would let her get near the Audi. If she could determine a way to get into Ana's condo; it might give her a chance to conduct more research. It was obvious Sir wanted more with Ana Steele and Leila needed to know why. If she knew why and how to emulate Ana Steele…she could secure her place in Master's life again.
September 27 - APOV
"Ana, can I take your car?" Kate asked.
"What's wrong with the Audi?" I asked; stuffing shoes and lunch in my tote.
"Someone vandalized it. The tires are slashed; the windshield is smashed and there's words scratched into the paint. Elliot planned to fill the tank for me this morning, but it's undriveable.'
"Do I want to see it?" I asked.
"Not unless you want heartache over how bad it looks. It was a pretty car." Kate said.
"It was," I agreed. "You can take my car, but I've got to head out to catch the bus to work."
"I'll take both of you to work," Ethan said. "I don't feel comfortable with either one of you being alone this morning. Then I'm coming back to wait for the police."
"Better tell Christian first. Since the car isn't in my name anymore and I'm not the insurer, he needs to know. It's his call about what to do with it." I dressed for the day so my boss can leer at my legs. Lord, please get me out of here before Christian comes to look at the car.
XX - CPOV
"You won't like my information," Taylor said. "I accessed the CCTV tapes from Miss Kavanagh's parking garage. It looks like a brunette, dressed in jeans, sneakers and a WSU hoody, destroyed the car. She used a knife on the tires, a screwdriver to carve the profanities into the paint, and a cricket bat to destroy the windshield."
"A brunette?" I asked.
"I accessed the CCTV tape; and you can't see who it is, except for a fraction of a minute. Her face is reflected in the side mirror. It's definitely Leila Williams. I ordered a sweep of the area and we found the cricket bat and screwdriver discarded in a Salvation Army drop box six blocks from the condo. She believed the car belonged to Miss Steele. The profanities were meant for her. Williams is still in possession of the knife she used on the tires."
"FUCK!" I shouted. "Why can't we find her?"
"I have a security team watching the ex-subs who live in Seattle. She may be staying with one of them. We know she isn't with the husband, his family, extended family or friends in Portland. We know she isn't with the boyfriend's family, extended family or friends in Seattle. She doesn't have an address with utilities. We've had no recent hits on her phone. She's not working, there are no hits on her SSN. She's not paying taxes anywhere. She sold her car when she left the husband. She paid off a lot of bills at that time and hired a divorce lawyer. The lawyer hasn't seen her since the boyfriend died. She hasn't bought a replacement car. We believe she's moving around on public transport; since Second Strike saw her on the same bus as Miss Steele. She's not posting on her Facebook page. She's not posting on friends' pages either."
"She's not in college and she has never had an art exhibit that we know. The divorce proceedings have not been filed. We've been tracking his and her finances. She paid off her charge accounts and closed them when she left the husband. She moved her bank account from Portland to Seattle and took the husband's name off the account. But she's not accessing it through an ATM card we can track. We have feet on the ground, but she's in the wind."
"John suggested we check low rent motels – how's that check coming?" I asked Taylor.
"Nothing in a twenty block circumference of Miss Steele's condo. We're still looking." Taylor replied.
"Well, it's time to tighten Elliot's security and as an extension… Katherine Kavanagh's security." I said.
"Which means tightening Miss Steele's security?" Taylor asked.
"Yes. She can fight me on it if she wants, but I will keep her safe." I said.
"You won't be happy about the next news flash either," Taylor warned him in advance. "Someone called the Secret Witness hotline for SPD. They said Miss Steele vandalized her own car to get you to visit her."
"Don't tell me, SPD contacted Grey House to ask about Miss Steele and my relationship." I asked.
"Yes, I asked to see the CCTV tape for the garage when the car was vandalized – and I showed them the attacker used her left hand when writing the words on the Audi. I explained Miss Steele was right-handed. I said they ought to use a facial recognition program because whoever that is, it was not Miss Steele. I explained the Audi was on loan to your brother and Miss Kavanagh because her car had been totaled over Labor Day weekend. I pointed out the Ford Focus is registered to Miss Steele. I suggested, after a review of the time stamp on the tape, they talk to Katherine and Ethan Kavanagh; Miss Steele's roommates. When the car was being vandalized…Miss Steele should have been asleep."
"SPD ran a preliminary search on petite brunettes who live in a five-mile area around Pike Place Market – there's over fifty brunette women between the ages of eighteen and thirty from five feet tall to five feet three inches tall. You don't want to know how many young brunette women live in Seattle."
September 30
******** Seattle Times Business Section *******
Grey Enterprises Holdings announced Christian Grey has stepped away from personal investments. "I felt the need to concentrate on current mergers and acquisitions which Grey House has undertaken. My time is better spent managing our full schedule in the next quarter. I gifted my personal interests in the Esclava Salons to my former partner, Mrs. Elena Lincoln. I gifted my personal interests in a dozen restaurants and nightclubs to my sister, Mia Grey. Mia graduated from a culinary academy in Paris and is better suited to partner with the owners of the restaurants and night clubs. She's certainly more social than I am." He laughed. "Finally, I gifted my interest in Grey Construction and its subsidiaries to my brother, Elliot Grey. Additionally, I gifted him a dozen empty buildings which I own in Seattle. His company will renovate the buildings and either sell or rent them."
Questioned if he was ill and attempting to clear his schedule for medical reasons; Christian Grey grinned and challenged everyone to a foot race. "I'm in excellent health, I need to concentrate on Grey House. You can consider it a redistribution of my personal interests. Mia will announce the grand opening of her event planning company, Grey Calendars, before the holiday season begins. Elliot just hired a new work crew, many of whom are family men who have been jobless in the construction downturn. He is excited to have plenty of work to keep his work crews busy through the next calendar year."
When asked about the plans for the Esclava Salons chain, Mr. Grey explained, "That's a question for Mrs. Lincoln. As I said, I no longer have day-to-day interactions with my previous private investments." When asked about future plans for Grey House, Mr. Grey smiled again. "Because the mergers and acquisitions information is embargoed to protect stock interests in the companies we are bringing under the Grey House umbrella, I have no comment."
Grey House facilitated the merger between Seattle Business Printing and Seattle Signs. Their grand opening is October 1. The last company acquired by Grey Enterprises Holdings was Seattle Independent Publishers which became Grey Publishing in July and moved into empty office space at Grey Annex. GEH recently sold the SIP building to Christian Grey who gifted it to Grey Construction. Before that, GEH purchased a company which manufactures fiber optics, a company which manufactures solar batteries, and subsidized a grant program to WSUV to study agri science.
******** Seattle Times Business Section *******
XX
Ana has not responded to my note. Should I try telegraph? Skywriter? Intermediary? Fuck, why is this so hard. That damned media release today was so much easier than ever before, but I felt a need to smile. I don't need the world knowing I'm fifty shades of fucked up. The businesses I've acquired already know what a cold bastard I am. I must keep Ana and how I feel about her in the shadows. Paparazzi doesn't need to scent on her. That would create problems in her life and I don't want to be the cause. Since the Audi was destroyed, I made Sawyer offer her transportation to work when he's driving Mia; but she won't take it. Where the hell are we in the search for Leila? Fuck, I hate my life.
XX
"John, she doesn't want anything to do with me unless I get touch therapy. I'm in touch therapy, but it will take time." I shook my head. "Will she wait until I'm done, or do I get benefit of the doubt?"
"How do you feel about that?" John asked.
"I'm miserable without her. The only time I'm not miserable is when I'm working. Right now I'm working with Mia to polish her business plan for Grey Calendars. I agreed to fund it as a Grey House subsidiary for five years. After that, Mia and I will discuss the next phase of her business plan." I pause. "What is keeping Ana so busy she can't meet with me to discuss therapy?"
"Is she attending school? Working overtime? Working with her dad? Hanging out with friends? Hanging out with coworkers?" John asked. "I'm hesitant to hear your answer because you are still stalking the girl."
"She told me when we first got together she didn't want to do every weekend with me. She returned my gifts, she sent back my flowers. I wrote her a letter telling her what I was changing about myself so we could be together, but she never replied. I told her to feel free to contact me whenever she wanted, I don't want to rush her; but why hasn't she responded?" I asked.
"How did you send it?" John asked.
"I left it on the windshield of the Audi. I was afraid if I left it on her car; she wouldn't see it until Friday." I admit.
"Do you know if she received your message?" John asked.
"No. The car was trashed 24 hours later." I admitted.
"Did you think that Leila might have taken it before she destroyed the car?" John asked.
I stared at him.
"That should be one of your goals. When you find Leila; ask about the note. Ask who helped her evade you. Ask what Leila wants. Ask what she needs." John noted. "Now, let's discuss exactly what you are doing following Ana. She told you she wanted to be left alone."