Chapter 26
Pulling up to the front of the house, Laura glanced nervously at the front door. Looking at Remington, she asked, "Could you see if anyone is in the main hall? I, um… don't think I want the staff to see me dressed like this…"
Remington leaned forward to give her a light kiss, "For you, my bride, absolutely. I'll make sure your reputation is kept intact here at Ashford Castle. No need for any of the staff to see you dressed as Tracy Lord, although, I might ask that you leave that on for just a little bit longer… If you wouldn't mind, that is."
Laura just smiled, "Let me guess, Johnny is not fully satisfied after the tryst on the road?"
Pulling her close, Remington whispered in her ear, "Not at all, Laura. Johnny was fully satisfied. I, on the other hand, would like to take full advantage of my wife in this very provocative outfit."
"How much time do we have before you need to call O'Brien?" she whispered back.
Remington leaned back, smacking his lips appreciatively, "Less than an hour. More than enough time for a quick tumble, wouldn't you say?"
Laura smiled, "Just make sure the coast is clear, Mr. Steele."
Extricating himself from the car, he strolled up to the front of the castle, making sure no one was outside. Opening the doors, he glanced around first. Not seeing anyone, he walked further into the main hall. He took a final look toward the kitchen without seeing a single soul. He moved quickly toward the door, waving at Laura to move. She had decided to leave her shoes off, in case she needed to make a run for it. The gravel was rough under her feet but she continued to move toward the door.
Just as she started to enter, Remington heard Mickeline whistling near the kitchen. He closed the door almost completely on Laura, leaving it open just a crack as Mickeline appeared before him.
"Mr. Steele! I didn't hear you come in," Mickeline greeted him.
"Mickeline, hi, yes. How are the plans coming for the conversion? Did the bank approve the changes I suggested?" Remington thought fast.
Mickeline looked at Remington's attire for a moment but simply shook his head, "Yes, my Lord, that was a simply brilliant idea. You wouldn't happen to know where Mrs. Steele is at the moment, would you? I have a question regarding the guests you will be having in 2 weeks time."
"Mrs. Steele? Right this moment, no, no, I don't think I know where she might be. She mentioned something about going down to the lough, I believe," Remington said nervously as he held onto the door so Laura wouldn't open it fully.
"In the dark?" Mickeline asked confused.
"Yes, well, she said something about the moonlight on the water… " he tried.
Mickeline smiled, "Ah yes, the moon is supposed to be full in the next night or two. I can understand."
"Oh, Mickeline, is the cook still around by any chance?" Remington remembered the conversation he and Laura had about the scones.
"Yes, he's still in the office. He was working on a menu for the conversion," Mickeline explained.
"Would it be possible… would you mind asking him if he would make us some scones again for tomorrow morning? We will be needing some for the Dunne family as we plan on visiting them first thing in the morning," Remington asked.
"Will do, my Lord. I'm sure it won't be a problem. Have a good evening," Mickeline walked back toward the office.
As soon as he turned the corner, Remington pulled the door open and rushed Laura inside and up the stairs, both of them laughing. Inside their bedchamber, Laura laughed, "The moonlight on the water?"
"Well, Laura, I couldn't very well tell him you were hiding outside, now could I?" Remington laughed along with her.
"No, I suppose not. But, Mr. Steele, we are wasting time," she said suggestively, raising an eyebrow as she sauntered toward him.
"I guess we are, Mrs. Steele," he replied, pulling her close. Kissing her deeply, he removed her leather jacket and quickly unbuttoned her blouse. Stepping back for a moment, he took in a breath sharply. "Laura, if I knew fully what was under that… We never would have left," he exclaimed.
Smiling at his obvious pleasure at the teddy she wore underneath, she ran her hands up his chest and reminded him again, "Time."
Remington answered with a searing kiss that left her breathless. He quickly removed the tight leather skirt, mumbling compliments the entire time. Without a word, he picked her up and deposited her on the bed. He made quick work of his own clothes, finding his place on the bed beside her.
He spent a few minutes, appreciating her beauty, her face flush with desire, freckles standing out against her pale skin, the dark satin and fishnet stockings complimenting her slim figure. "Laura, you are a vision," he said huskily.
Without saying a word, she pulled him close, finding the sensitive skin along his neck and collarbone. Remington covered her body with his, making full contact and without a warning, entered her. Laura's response was to clamp down on the skin on his neck, marking him as he moved within her. It didn't take long before the two of them were gasping for breath, tumbling over the precipice of bliss, Laura calling his name as she descended first, Remington right behind her. As they lay together, hearts racing still, Remington pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. "Laura, my love, if I have failed to remind you at all these last few days, you are simply amazing."
"As are you, Acushla," she replied, looking up at him. "Not that I want to ruin this blissful moment, but what time is it?"
Remington leaned over to gather his watch off the nightstand. "We have 10 minutes to dress appropriately to use the telephone downstairs, love," Remington groaned as he squeezed her one last time before getting up. Quickly, he found a pair of pajama pants and pulled his robe on as well. Laura rolled her stockings off one at a time, slipped out of her teddy and quickly pulled on sweatpants and a shirt with her robe, tying it tightly around her waist.
Together they walked down the stairs to the study. Remington looked at his watch for good measure, then picked up the phone, dialing the number on the back of the matchbook he had picked up. Slipping into the Cockney accent of Johnny Todd, he asked the bartender for David O'Brien. When O'Brien answered the phone he immediately asked, "So, we 'ave a deal, mate?"
O'Brien stuttered for a moment, "Mr. Todd, your reputation has preceded you. Mr. McDonough is more than happy to meet with you tomorrow morning around 11:00."
Remington nodded toward Laura, "He wouldn't be yankin' me chain at all would 'e? I don't tolerate funny business. Know what I mean?"
He could hear the panic in O'Brien's voice, "No, no sir. No funny business. Like I said, Mr. McDonough is well aware of your activities and is very happy to meet with you."
"Well then, I'll be seein' Mr. McDonough at 11:00 tomorrow. Where does 'e wan' us ter meet, eh?" Remington nodded again at Laura.
"Are you familiar with the mines at Galmoy?" O'Brien asked.
Remington smiled, knowing the man was completely hooked, "Da mines? Why in bloody 'ell would 'e want' ter meet there?"
O'Brien could barely contain his excitement, "You don't know? That's where he hides the shipments."
It was everything Remington had not to burst out laughing at the man's honesty. He had to cough to cover up the giggles he knew were coming. "Da mines, it is, mate." Hanging up the phone, he immediately began a fit of laughter that had Laura laughing right along with him.
When it finally subsided, Remington was able to explain, "That man has no idea how to keep a secret. I'm sure everyone in that pub heard him announce where McDonough hides his drug shipments. As you heard also, we have our meeting. Tomorrow at 11:00 at the mines. That means we meet up with Christian and Pace, you get into place by 10:00."
"It sounds like the chips may be beginning to fall into place," Laura rubbed her hands together. "Now a phone call to Detective Doyle and we can call tonight a success."
Dialing Doyle's number, Remington happily tapped on the desk, listening to the phone ring. When Patrick answered the phone, Remington didn't bother with pleasantries, "The meeting's on. 11:00 tomorrow at the mines no less."
"Wow, Mr. Steele, I'm impressed. Can I ask how you did it?" Patrick was nodding in awe.
"Ah, well, you'll get to see it with your own two eyes. How quickly can you get a team together? I'd like to push to get the shipment out on Sunday if possible," Remington informed him.
"I can pull that team together in 12 hours if need be," he replied.
"Excellent, my good man, excellent. Expect my call tomorrow then. I'll let you know the time we plan to get the shipment running. You will of course have to pose as the driver I suggested. Will that be a problem?" Remington asked.
Doyle couldn't believe the course of the events before him, "A problem? Absolutely not."
"Well, then, until tomorrow," Remington stated as he hung up the phone.
Laura looked at him, smiling again, "Now we wait for Christian to call."
Remington looked at his watch. "We have a little bit of time, Laura. How about we head into the kitchen and I'll fix us something to eat. I realized we haven't had a proper meal this evening."
Remington put his arm around Laura to lead her into the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator, he started pulling salad items out and stacking them on the counter, along with some leftover grilled chicken, feta cheese, and avocado. As he began slicing the vegetables, Laura couldn't resist stealing a piece here and there, popping them into her mouth. After a few minutes, their salads were made and he had even managed to whip together a quick vinaigrette. Carrying everything into the study as they waited for Christian's call, they reflected on the events at the pub. It wasn't long before they had finished the last few bites of salad when the phone rang.
Remington picked up the phone, immediately accepting the charges from Christian.
"Mr. Steele, I couldn't believe you two today. How in the world…" Christian began.
"Slow down, slow down…. Listen Christian Mrs. Steele and I are in need of both you and Pace's help. We'll meet you at Pace's camp to go over all the details around 9:00 tomorrow morning. Does that work for you?" Remington told the young man.
"Our help? You need us? Okay, whatever we can do. Pace is beginning to go stir crazy. He really misses Sarah," Christian explained.
"Well, with your help, we can get him home Sunday," Remington tried to assure him.
"Well then, tomorrow 9:00 am it is! Thank you for your help, my Lord. I know Pace really appreciates everything you are doing to help him get home safely," Christian answered.
"Stay safe tonight, we'll see you in the morning," Remington hung up the phone. Turning to Laura he simply said, "Well, Mrs. Steele, let's get a good night's rest. Tomorrow is going to be quite the adventure from the sound of things."