~~~~ Author's Note ~~~~
I know I have been away for sometime. I'm sorry that I had to be, but there were things beyond my control.
In May, a distracted driver hit my husbands truck and caused it to hit my car. Both vehicles were parked in front of my home at the time. Sadly, both vehicles were declared a total loss. We've been dealing with this for nearly two months and have just now finalized everything. We have been a one car family, which has made it hard to get day to day things done.
Last month we made a trip to inter my father-in-law's remains. That trip took a week, but was needed for our family.
Things are finally starting to calm down. I've been working on this chapter for awhile, but needed it to be just right before I published it.
I appreciate everyone's patience. I never expected my story to gain such a following and I truly appreciate every single one of my readers. Your support means so much to me.
I'm thinking about creating a Facebook page for people to follow me. If you would like that, please let me know.
Thanks again and enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 36
Christian's POV
Fucking Kate. She just had to be Mrs. Independent and now I'm in a situation I shouldn't be in. There is no way Ana is going to meet with this person. I cannot put her at risk like that. If she were to find out Kate is missing and knew she could do something to help her, well it's the whole Mia kidnapping all over again. The last thing I need is for my wife to try and play the heroine. I'm pacing in my office, trying to think, to come up with a way to deal with this on my own and not involve anyone other than security. I pick up my phone and dial the one person I know who can help.
"Taylor, please come to my office." I say and then hang up. I know Ana is with my mom and Teddy, so she will be adequately distracted for some time. Taylor comes in without knocking.
"Someone has taken Katherine. I just got a call from whoever is holding her. They used voice modulation software, so I don't know if the caller was male or female. They want Ana and me to go. I don't want Ana to know about this. After the Hyde incident, I can't risk her taking action." I explain to Taylor.
"I've got Barney checking traffic cameras for her car. If we can locate it, we might be able to find out where she went. It's the only lead we have right now" Taylor tells me what we are doing to find her and I keep pacing.
"They are going to send instructions somehow. Hopefully they will call back and we can trace it. Maybe I can convince them that Ana isn't here, that we had a falling out and she left me. Taylor, what should I do?" I ask him, my eyes pleading with him to give me the answers I seek.
"We need to inform Elliot of what is going on. Barney should have something to report soon. We know she took her car…" Just then Taylor's phone rings.
I remain silent as he speaks with Barney. My hope is that we can find out where she went and go get her without having to make Ana aware of what is happening. When Taylor hangs up, I let out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The past few weeks are starting to take their toll on everyone. Just looking at Taylor I can tell that he appears worn down. I can only hope he can make it through the rest of this situation. I don't know what I'd do without him right now.
"They were able to locate her car. She drove to Portland and then took a cab. We are trying to figure out what company she went with so we can find out where she was dropped off. However, knowing Kate, she probably wasn't dropped off at the place she was going to meet her source. I've got our people in Portland working on locating her."
"We need to tell Elliot. I hate that this has happened because of me." I tell Taylor as I finally sit on the sofa in my office. With my elbows on my knees and my head in my hands, I try to grasp everything that has just happened and figure out a way out of this for everyone involved. I just can't see this working out for everyone.
Taylor's POV
Stepping out of Christian's office, I walk down the hall towards the living area where Carrick and Elliot are sitting. I motion to Elliot to follow me out back. I can see the stress in his face, not knowing where Kate is has him in a frenzy. What I'm about to tell him isn't going to make things any better. We step outside and he follows me to the path that leads to the boathouse.
"What is it Taylor? Do you know where Kate is?" He asks with a look of concern on his face.
"We know she is in Portland, but there is more. Someone, whoever is behind everything with Christian and Ana, has Kate. We are in the process of trying to find out where she is being held. Christian already received a call from whoever is holding her. We don't know exactly what they want, but I'm hoping to have her location before they get back in touch." I explain to Elliot as his knees buckle and he starts to fall to the ground. I quickly grab hold of his arm to stabilize him. I see Christian approaching us as I move Elliot to a bench to sit down.
"I'm so sorry Elliot. I know this is all my fault. If it weren't for me, if it weren't for the things I've done, you wouldn't be going through this. I'll do anything I have to in order to get her back." Christian tries to reassure his brother.
At this point, I take a few steps back. They need time together and I need to check in and see if there are any updates.
Elliot's POV
My heart is racing. My mind is having trouble processing everything. I hear Christian talking to me, taking the blame for what is happening. He shouldn't be. He didn't take Kate. He isn't holding her against her will. I wouldn't have met her if it hadn't been for him agreeing to be interviewed for the WSU school paper. If anything, he helped me find the love of my life. I take a deep breath and turn towards Christian.
"Bro, it's not your fault. You didn't do anything. People are just evil. If it wasn't for you, I may never have met Kate and would probably still be your Playboy older brother." I say to Christian, causing him to smirk.
"Both our lives changed that day. Ana fell into my office and from that moment she had my heart. I didn't know that I could feel this way about anyone until her. She has shown me what life should be." He says to me as he looks up at the house.
"We will get Kate back. I can feel it in my heart that she will be fine. Now, how are we going to do this with Ana here? Because you know she will want to play her part and I don't want that little lady risking her life again." I say to my brother as I place my hand on his shoulder.
"I don't know what to tell her. Part of me wants to yell at her, make her hate me, so she will leave me. I'm going to tell her that I'm needed at Grey House. If she pushes me for more information, then I'll handle it. I will do what I need to in order to protect her. We will go there, but we won't be there long. We will take off in Charlie Tango and head to Portland. We know Katherine is there, but we don't know where yet. This way we will be in a good place to do what we need to." Christian tell me and I'm amazed by how much he has thought of in such a small amount of time.
"Let's tell everyone that we heard from Kate and she will be back in awhile. I'll say that I am going with you to see about the remodel you want to do at the office." I reply.
"I will inform Taylor and then talk to Ana. Hopefully things will go smoothly and in a couple of hours we will have Katherine back." He says as he stands and walks back to the house.
I take the next few moments to compose myself. I can't let the fear show. No one knows, but Kate and I decided a few months ago to start trying to have a baby. It took a lot of convincing, but when she finally told me she was going off birth control, I was so excited. I need to get Kate back so we can have that family I keep seeing in my dreams.
Ana's POV
With Teddy down for his nap, I decide to take a bath. Grace said she would listen for him if he woke up. I have missed this house. The security system has been upgraded and we now have even more security around the perimeter. I get some bath oil and add it to the tub and I undress. I haven't seen Christian in awhile, but I know he has been busy trying to figure out what happened at the hospital and finding the person who is after us. Once the tub is full, I get in and relax. This is exactly what I needed. I close my eyes and everything that has been going on leaves my mind.
I don't know how long I've been in the tub when I hear Christian enter the room. I hear him call out for me and I reply that I'm in the tub.
"You look very relaxed." He says when he sees me in the tub.
"I am. It is nice to be back home. It feels like we've been away for longer than a few weeks. Plus, I was sick of being in that hospital." I smile as he comes and sits on the side of the tub.
"I came to find you because I have to go into Grey House. There are a few things that need my attention. I've put them off as long as I can, but Ros needs my help." He says to me and gives me a kiss on my head. Something feels off to me, but I can't figure out what it is.
"Why don't I go in with you? I'd love to see Andrea and Ross." I ask him, knowing he isn't telling me something.
"I need you to stay here with Teddy and my parents. You need to take it easy. Plus, the threat is still out there. I want to know you're safe, and this is the safest place for you right now." He replies. I rise from the tub and he hands me a towel. I take his hand and step out of the tub. I take a moment to breath before turning to him.
"What are you keeping from me? You promised me there wouldn't be any more secrets. What is going on Christian?" I demand.
"Ana, it's just business. You know things have been crazy. Ros can handle most things, but there are a few things as CEO that I can only take care of." He tries to explain away, but I'm not buying it.
"Christian Grey, I know there is something you're not telling me. If something needs your attention, why don't you handle it here? I'm sure Ros could come by and bring you whatever needs attending to." I say as I walk over and put on my robe.
"Ana, please, just let me take care of this. I promise there is nothing to worry about." He says as gently grabs my shoulders and pulls me to him.
"If there is nothing to worry about, you shouldn't have a problem telling me what the fuck is going on. I shouldn't have to pry it from you. We are married. We are a team. We work better together than apart!" I start to raise my voice. I feel tears gathering in my eyes and I do my best to keep them from falling.
Christian takes a deep breath and closes his eyes for a moment. I know he is contemplating what to say next. I can only hope he opens up to me and tells me what is really going on. After a moment, I place my left hand on his face and give him a soft kiss on his lips. It's my way of telling him that we are okay, but I still need to know what is going on. He wraps his arms around me and holds me.
Christian's POV
My heart is breaking as I hold Ana in my arms. I know what I need to do now and it pains me more than anything. There isn't any other way. I know in my heart that it is the best way to keep her safe, to keep our family safe. I take a deep breath before I let go of her and take a step back. I pinch the bridge of my nose with my right hand before I tell Ana, before I push her away. Knowing what I'm about to do to her has me sick to my stomach, but I need her to cooperate with me this one time.
"I want you to leave. Just get on the jet with Teddy and get out of this house and as far away as possible. Leave me Ana and don't look back. I've brought too much danger into your life. I won't allow it to touch you anymore." I say sternly, keeping up the CEO facade I've perfected over the years.
Ana's eyes grow wide as I talk to her. Her eyes are filled with tears and I can see a hint of anger on her face. She is going to try to defy me, but she won't win this one. I am taking control of this situation. I can only hope that when this is over she will forgive me for being so harsh, for pushing her away, but I don't know what else to do. I need for the media to show that she is leaving me. It's the only way the kidnapper will accept that Ana won't be coming with me. I've put my family in enough danger. If sacrificing myself is what it takes to protect them, then it will be worth it.
"Why are you pushing me away? We are stronger together Christian. Don't let them do this." She pleads with me as she comes over to me and grips both of my hands. Her beautiful blue eyes feel like they are staring into my soul. I pull away from her quickly, causing her to gasp at my rejection.
"I can't do this anymore Ana. People are in danger because of me. I'm giving you an out and you are going to take it. The GEH jet is ready to take you anywhere you want. Your bags are already packed. Take Teddy and Ray and get out now. The jet is set to take you to the Montana house, but Stephan has been given instructions to fly you wherever you wish. I don't want you near me." I tell her before I walk out of the room, leaving my heart with her.
I make my way down to my office and slam the door. I lock it before I fall to my knees. All I want to do is go back to her and beg her to stay, but I can't do that. My head is in my hands as I weep. I haven't cried since the time Ana was kidnapped by Hyde. I don't know how long I'm sitting on the floor like this when there is a knock at the door.
"Sir, we need to get going." Taylor says through the door.
"Has Ana left?" I ask.
"She hasn't, but she is talking with Ray right now." Taylor tells me. I get up, wipe my eyes and compose myself before opening the door.
"Okay, lets go end this." I say to Taylor and he nods.
Ana's POV
After Christian leaves the room, I stand there in shock. Christian is pushing me away like he tried to do when we first met. I feel sick to my stomach. I take a moment to gather my thoughts and get dressed. My head is spinning, so I take a seat on the edge of the bed. I reach for my phone on the nightstand and call the one person who might be able to help me decipher what just happened.
"John, do you have a moment?" I ask as John Flynn answers his cell phone.
"Of course Ana. What can I help you with?" He asks and I hear the sound of a door closing behind him.
"It's Christian. He is pushing me away. He has pretty much ordered me to take Teddy and leave. He said he doesn't want me near him. His voice was so cold. He hasn't been like this towards me in ages." I confide.
"Ana, this is his way of protecting you. In his mind, he is the problem here, not those who are the threat. He sees it as he is the reason they are after you, so if he removes you from the picture, there is no reason for them to go after you. Do you see what I'm saying Ana?" He asks me and I take a moment to consider his words.
"I believe I do. Thank you John. Give my love to your wife." I say before I hang up.
I open the door and see my dad walking towards me. I smile at him and motion for him to come into the room with me. I peek into Teddy's room and see he is happily playing with Grace. I head back to my room with my dad beside me and tell him what is going on and how Christian is behaving. He is furious with Christian, but suddenly he becomes quiet.
"You need to do it Ana. You need to go. Have the window rolled down and be crying. Let the vultures at the front gate see you as you leave. Yes, this is a perfect plan." My dad starts blabbering and I can't help but giggle.
"So you see what he is trying to do as well?" I ask and my dad smiles at me.
"Your husband is a very smart man. Do you think you can do this? Can you make them believe you are leaving him?" He asks me as he holds my arms and looks me in the eye.
"Yes, I can do this. Let me say goodbye to Christian before we go." I give my dad a kiss before I walk down the stairs and go to Christian's office.
I knock on the door, but there is no answer. I open it and see that he isn't there. I feel my heart racing as I start searching for him. Finally I see Carrick and he has a grim expression on his face.
"He already left Ana." He says before enveloping me in a hug.
The dam breaks again and I begin to cry more and more. Grace brings Teddy down and Ray somehow gets me into the car. I can't focus on anything right now. I'm afraid to leave. I'm afraid that I'll never get to tell Christian that I love him. My dad drives us out the front gate and the media is there is force. My window is down and they snap plenty of photos of me in my rough state. They are screaming questions at me and I don't reply.
Once we are on the road, I roll up my window and close my eyes for a moment. I take my phone and send Christian a message.
I love you. Come to me when this is over. Xoxo - A
The drive to Sea-Tac is quiet as Teddy falls asleep and my dad is focused on driving. When we pull up there are no reporters. I let out a sigh of relief, as I wasn't sure I would be able to cry anymore. I greet Stephan and the new flight attendant, Diane, and help my dad get Teddy situated. He loves flying. Once he is in his seat he looks up at me with his blue-gray eyes.
"Daddee!" He screams out. I shake my head and give him a kiss on the forehead.
"Daddy isn't coming with us baby. It's just you, me, and Papa Ray." I try to explain to him, but he keeps calling out Daddy. Suddenly I feel that suge of electricity I felt when Christian first touched my hand when he helped me up in his office. I close my eyes and turn around, hoping that what I'm feeling means he is here.