Chapter 51
For the next few days the newsroom was busy between the hurricane Matthew hitting the east coast and the presidential campaign. Rory didn't have time to think about what Quentin told her about his reason for leaving HPG. She was worried about the Friday night dinner at her grandmother's home.
It was Friday afternoon and it looked like if she was lucky she would be able to leave by four pm. It might be possible to make it into Hartford by six thirty. She called Marty to make sure that he would be ready to pick her up by four. He told her that he would be there with his car and that he had two bags packed so that they could spend the night at his townhouse. They planned on returning Saturday morning to the city. Gabby would pack her closet in the wardrobe boxes and she and Liam would make sure everything would be at the apartment when they returned. They planned on going bed shopping before they returned to his apartment. Marty hoped that the dinner would not be too stressful on Rory. She had postponed her doctor's appointment for the following week. Gabby had been checking her blood pressure and so far, it had stayed in the normal range.
Rory was quiet on the ride to Hartford. Marty put the music on the radio for her and let her close her eyes to sleep. These last few days for him have been also stressful. The more he looked back at his files on the case he worked on the more he feared that the Huntzbergers had been involved with the Fontane family. He was anxious to find out from Dan what he found out while he was in France. He and Dan spoke a few times, but Dan said he would meet with him, Chris, Charlie, Colin, and Liam when he returned. Rory's phone began to ring. She slowly stirred and sat up.
"What was that noise?" she asked Marty.
"I think that was your phone," he told her.
She dug into her bag and found her phone. It was her grandmother. She hit the call button and heard the phone ring.
"Hello,"
"Hello, Grandma, we are on our way now. We should be there in 40 min. Is there something you would like us to pick up before we get there?"
"No, I just wanted to find out when you will be here. Will you be here by six?"
"Yes."
"Good I will see you at six."
Emily got off the phone and turned and looked at her guest.
"She will be here at six o'clock. Can I get you two gentlemen, something to drink while we wait?"
Gabby was in her apartment getting ready to go out with Liam. She smiled and thought that it would be nice to go out with someone and see the city. She had only been here for a few weeks and spent most of her time either at the hospital or at the office. She had met a few people. Most of them were Marty's friends. The ladies at the office were nice and the few nurses were either married or too tired at the end of their shifts to do anything. Her thoughts went back to Hawaii. She loved the island of Oahu. Her first week as a traveling nurse had her working in the ER room. Though her specialty was obstetrics, they were shorthanded, and she decided that she would help. That's when she met the young detective. Ian came into the ER with a bullet wound. It was just a graze from the bullet, but he still needed treatment. As she was cleaning his wound they began to talk. Once he found out that she was new to the Island, he asked her out. They dated for four months. Things were beginning to get serious. She was busy with her coursework and her duties at the hospital, but they found time to be with each other. As she was thinking back about their relationship she heard the knock on her door. She smiled and answered it. Liam was standing there looking very handsome in his white Henley shirt, jeans and leather jacket. She had chosen a black A-line skirt and a black and white striped top. She had put on her black wedge shoes and wore her hair down with soft curls that fell just below her shoulders. She grabbed her red paisley pashmina and black bag, they left her apartment. Placing his hand on the small of her back he guided her to the elevator. She felt a tingle when he touched her, and she smiled up at him.
Smiling down at her he asked, "How did your week go?"
"Good, but very busy. Seems like there are a lot of rich pregnant women here in this city."
"So, do I hear a little sarcasm in your voice?"
They heard the ping announcing they were in the lobby. They left the elevator and walked out of the lobby toward the Waterfront Esplanade.
"I thought we could walk to the pier. I made dinner reservations on the Hudson Pier 81. We can either sit below deck or go above, depending on how cool it is."
"That sounds like fun. Now to answer your question, no I am not being sarcastic, it's that I am not used to the women who feel that having a baby is an inconvenience. Rory and Steph aren't like that but most of the women that come to this office are trying to schedule the birth around their social obligations."
He laughed, "Yes the women from New York City are definitely a different breed."
They approached the pier and they boarded. He had made a dinner reservation for the 7:00 cruise. They walked over to the bar for drinks first. As they sat up on the deck bar, Gabby looked at the city that was all lit up. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She sat back and enjoyed her glass of rose and he had his Booker's Bourbon on ice.
"Tell me about your week," she said to Liam smiling.
He looked at her eyes. They seem to sparkle with the candlelight that was glowing on their table. He had forgotten what it was to date someone so honest, so pure. He was used to the girls from the cities and California. Like Logan, lately, he had been surrounded by models. It was refreshing to be around Gabrielle.
Taking a sip of his drink, he smiled, "Well we hired a news director. Doyle McMaster. He is a close friend of Marty and Rory. He has been writing screenplays and flying to California and is happy to work here. You might have met him and his wife Paris?"
"Paris as is Dr. Paris Geller? No, I saw her at the party but never met her. She has quite the reputation."
"Yes, she does, according to Logan, Rory and Paris are close friends, rivals in high school, roommates and best friends in college. Logan and Paris are not friends, they tolerate each other, but Doyle is happy to have a job, so he can be home with his two kids and wife."
The boat sounded its horn and began to move from the dock. The two of them walked over to the railings and watched as they slipped away from the pier.
Rory looked at Marty and said, "That was the strangest phone call. I think I better call Luke and find out what time he is arriving."
Rory quickly hit the speed dial number for Luke.
"Luke's"
"Hi Luke, this is Rory and Marty. What time are you leaving for my grandmother's?" she asked him.
"We should be leaving soon, Jess just pulled in. Is everything ok?"
"Well, I just got the strangest phone call from my grandmother asking me what time I will be at her home. She has never done that before. We should be there in about 40 - 45 minutes"
"We should be there when you get there. We will wait in Jess' car if we get there first, then we can walk in together. Rory, I promise it will be ok." he told her.
"Thanks, Luke, love you," she said as she closed the phone.
When Luke had gone to visit Emily, she confessed to Luke that she felt she had failed Rory like she had failed Lorelai. She told Luke that it was her fault that Lorelai had died and that she should have protected Rory from that Frenchman. Now he has left her with a child. Luke had reassured her that it wasn't her fault and that he knew that Rory needed her grandmother more now than before. He thought that tonight's dinner would bring the two Gilmore women together.
Marty reached over and took her hand and kissed it. They had planned on stopping at the townhouse first and change their clothes before going over there.
"Listen we will be at my house in 20 minutes. You have time to change and have a cup of tea. I want you to relax."
"Thanks, it's just that I never know which Emily I am going to get."
They pulled up to his townhouse. Marty drove his car into the garage and quickly walked around and opened the door for Rory. He hugged her and kissed her forehead. Then he opened the trunk and took out their overnight bags and clothes they had planned to wear for dinner. He never could understand the reason for dressing for dinner, but apparently, Emily felt the need to keep everything the same. Rory walked into the Master Bedroom and into the bathroom. She quickly began to get ready for the dinner. Marty walked over and filled the kettle with water and set it on the stove. His phone pinged, and he noticed he got a message.
Dugrey… Marty good to hear from you again. I just happened to be in Hartford settling some family business. I could stop by tomorrow morning.
Marty…. That's great, around nine am? Would that work.
Dugrey…. Perfect see you then. And congratulations on your engagement.
Marty put his phone away and walked into the master bedroom carrying her cup of tea. Rory was still in the bathroom.
"Princess, is everything ok?" he called to her.
"Yes, I am just finishing up," she said walking out in a black and pink dress, her hair down and curled.
"You look beautiful," he said kissing her on the lips, "I can't wait to take this off you later"
Wrapping her arm around her neck she kissed him on the lips.
"Now your turn to look handsome. Go."
He quickly changed into his black slacks his grey cashmere crewneck sweater and black leather jacket.
"You look so handsome," she told him and kissed him again, "Come on let's get this over with."
The two of them headed towards the car, and she sighed. Five minutes later they pulled into the driveway right behind Luke and Jess. All three men had their leather jackets on and looked handsome. Pulling the black wrap over her shoulders she stood looking at the door.
"Rory, you have to push the button," Jess and Marty said at the same time.
Luke kissed her forehead and said, "I'll do it, ready?"
She nodded and put his hand on her back. The maid opened the door. Berta gave Rory a hug then took her wrap, the men left their jackets on and they followed her into the sitting room.
As they entered Rory stopped dead in her tracks. There stood Mitchum and Logan Huntzberger.
"Grandmother what is going on?" she said coolly glaring at her grandmother.
"Rory, dear come and sit down. Luke, Jess, and Martin is it?" she said to them.
"What would you like to drink, Berta will you please bring the drinks for our guests."
Berta quickly brought some sparkling water for Rory. Jess and Marty both accepted a scotch and Luke took the beer that was offered to them. Rory sat down in a chair opposite from everyone, refusing to sit near Logan or his father. Rory looked at Logan who shrugged his shoulders at her. Indicating he had no idea what was going on either.
Marty stood behind Rory and placed his hand on her shoulder as reassurance that he was there for her. Luke and Jess found chairs not far from Rory.
"Ok Grandma, please explain why you insisted on me coming over for dinner. I am tired, and I don't have time for your games."
"Rory you're being rude to me and my guest. I cannot understand how your mother raised you like she did to be so rude."
"Grandma! Enough. I thought that you wanted to talk to me, but I guess there is something else on your mind?"
Luke looked at Emily and said, "Emily what's going on, I thought you wanted to make amends with Rory."
Mitchum and Logan had been sitting there quietly not saying anything. Logan was told by his father that they were going to stop at a friend's home for dinner not realizing where they were headed until they pulled in. They were arguing as they approached the door. Logan stood up and walked over to Jess and Marty and suggested that they go outside to talk. Marty looked at Luke and he nodded to go ahead, he would be there with Rory.
The three men walked out toward the pool house and stood outside.
"I want you both to know I have no idea what is going on between Emily and my father. If I had known I would have refused to go. I was told that we were going to dinner at a friend's home. Someone who may want to invest in my company."
"Logan, I think your father is in trouble," Marty said.
"What do you mean?"
"I have contacts with the FBI and recently some documents have surfaced implicating HPG was involved with the Fontane's money laundry scheme."
"What? That can't be?"
Inside the house, Rory was glaring at her grandmother. No one was speaking. Rory stood up and started to walk toward the door.
"Where are you going, young lady?"
"If you won't tell me what is going on this minute I am leaving, and you will never see me again."
"Rory, sit down," Mitchum said.
"Excuse me, Mr. Huntzberger, this is not your home and I am not interested in anything you have to say."
Luke followed Rory to the door, Berta had Rory's wrap in her hands. As she gave it to her she pulled the young girl into her arms and hugged her. Rory's eyes glistened with tears and she walked out the door.
The three men walked back into the front room. They looked around for Luke and Rory.
"Where's Rory?" Logan asked his father and Emily.
"She walked out," Emily replied.
"What did you say to her?" Logan asked as Marty walked out the door.
"We never said anything to her, we never got the chance. She just got up and walked out. I cannot understand my granddaughter's behavior. I am so sorry Mitchum. Your proposal was such a good idea. It would give Rory stability and the last name for her child."
"What are you talking about?" Jess and Logan said at the same time.
"Well, Mitchum suggested that since Logan and Rory love each other that we needed to push them to get married."
"I can't believe this. Don't you know anything?" Jess yelled.
"Your granddaughter, who is the only living relative that you have is engaged to be married. She doesn't love Logan. Ask him. He knows."
"That's right dad, if you had talked to me I would have told you that Rory was engaged. Rory and I have talked. We are in a good place now, but I think you just ruined it."
Logan and Jess turned and walked out of the house.
Emily and Mitchum just stood there surprised at what had just happened.
When Jess and Logan went outdoors, they found that Marty had taken Rory home. Luke told them that she was very upset, and he agreed that she should go back to his place. Since Jess drove Luke was waiting for Jess. Jess offered to give Logan a ride back to the city. They all decided to go to Marty's first to check on Rory and find out what Marty meant about his father being involved with the Fontanes.
When the dinner at Burke and Wills, didn't go as he planned, Mitchum decided to contact Emily Gilmore. He remembered that Emily always had a positive impact on Rory and he hoped he could convince her how the marriage of their children would be beneficial. As usual, Mitchum was his cunning self. He called Emily on the phone and convinced her that it would be the best for her granddaughter and her great-grandchild to be Logan's wife. They would have stability and money. Plus, they still loved each other. Mitchum always knew that Emily loved the prestige of the old money and he played his family's wealth and the prestige of the paper up to her. Reminding her that Rory would have the job of her dreams and a household full of help to raise her son. At first, Emily was skeptical but before long she was agreeing with Mitchum. She had been "Huntzbergerd".
Mitchum knew his son would not agree to this dinner if he knew where they were going, so he told him that they would be going to see someone who was interested in investing in his business. Mitchum was not expecting such anger from Rory or Logan. Once Logan left the room, he could see the distrust Rory had for him. He was surprised that she wouldn't even listen to him.
Emily apologized to Mitchum after Rory, Marty, Luke, Logan, and Jess left. After Mitchum left, she looked around the room and told Berta to put the food away. She walked into the study and stroked Richards desk. She looked up at the portrait that she had painted of Rory as a child. Rory was a beautiful child and now she was a beautiful woman, very headstrong. She could see her daughter in Rory but also her mother in law. Yes, the three Lorelai's were very strong, stubborn and independent women. Rory had become a smart, witty and confident young woman. She realized now that she had pushed her away. Suddenly she felt very alone.
Mitchum left soon after Jess pulled out of the driveway. He looked around for Logan and didn't see him. He tried calling him on the phone, but he didn't get an answer. He drove back to his house trying to think of another plan to get the money he needed to save his company.
Marty drove an angry Rory home. She never said a word. She sat there, he knew she should be ranting and it scared him to see her so quiet. He reached over and took her hand in his. She looked at him with tears in her eyes. They pulled into his garage and he walked around the car and opened her door. She sat there for a few minutes before getting up. He held her hand as they walked into the house. She walked to his great room and sat on the couch.
"Babe, I am going to call for some food to be delivered. What would you like, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese?"
"Nothing."
"Ror, you have to eat something, for the baby. Please?"
Just then the doorbell rang, and he walked to the door. There stood Jess, Luke, and Logan. He let them in.
"Maybe you can get her to eat. Luke, she is just sitting there not saying anything."
Jess walked over to her and put his arm around her. She put her head on his shoulder and began to sob.
"I miss my mother," she sobbed into Jess' shoulder.
He held her and let her cry. Marty and Logan stood there. Luke suggested they order Italian food and he and Marty could go and get it. Marty called up the restaurant and placed the order. Then Marty and Luke got into the car and left to pick up some liquor and beer.
"Did you find out what Mitchum wanted?" Marty asked Luke.
"It seems that he convinced Emily that Logan and Rory should get married. You know Marty I don't understand her. I have seen her manipulate things before but this is something different. I have no idea what Mitchum said to her to convince her that this was a good idea."
Marty shook his head. He now knew that Mitchum was desperate, but he still had no idea why he was getting his son involved. From what Liam had said, Logan had removed his money from HPG and was investing in his own company.
Jess got Rory to calm down and walked her to the master bedroom. He convinced her to lay down until Marty came back. She laid in the darkened room and thought about what was wrong with her grandmother. What reason would her grandmother have Mitcham at her house, and why was Logan there? She got up and walked to the bathroom. She needed to talk to someone and decided to call Colin. After washing her face, she walked out of the bedroom and over to the table where she left her purse. Logan and Jess were standing in the kitchen talking.
"Jess, what did Marty mean that he had documents and he was working with the FBI?"
"Well, Marty will have to explain that part to you, but when Rory was cleaning out Ace's things from her apartment she found some notebooks written in French. Steph and I have been translating them for her."
"Wait, you can read French?" Logan exclaimed.
"What is this? You don't have to graduate from an Ivy League school to read French. Can you?"
Um no, but...go on," Logan apologized.
"So far the entries have to do with his time in France and his involvement with Odette Fontane"
"Wait, you're telling me that Odette was involved with Ace? When?"
"From the dates, I saw it was the spring of 2012. When did you two get together?"
"The fall of 2012 we became engaged, in the spring of 2013 I broke it off when I found her in bed with the Tennis instructor," Logan told Jess.
"Well I haven't read through all of them, but some scan disks were found, and Marty found some documents on them about HPG, Fontane and money laundering."
Rory walked back into the kitchen and looked at them both.
"Logan, you honestly did not know that this was going on?" Rory asked him.
"No Rory I didn't. I swear to you." He walked over to her and grabbed her hands.
Marty and Luke walked in at that moment. Marty looked at Jess and Logan. Jess walked over to take the bags from Marty and whispered that it was ok.
Jess and Luke opened the containers of food and Marty went and got the plates from the cupboard. Rory walked back into the bedroom and called Colin. When Colin answered she told him what happened and told them that Logan had no idea what was going on. She explained that she heard the conversation between Logan and Jess and wanted to know what else was in the journals. Colin told her that they did not have it all translated yet. She reassured Colin she was ok and ended the call. She laid back on the bed and closed her eyes. Putting her hand on her bump she cried.
Marty pushed the door open. He walked in and saw her on the bed. He laid down beside her and pulled her into his arms. Immediately she began to sob.
"Sh, Sh, Babe, it's going to be ok. I am here. No one is going to hurt you, or your baby and I am not leaving you."
"What was he hiding from me?" she asked him.
"Rory, tomorrow a friend of mine from the FBI will be stopping by. He might be able to help us figure things out. Come on Little Ace needs to eat."
He told her and helped her get off the bed. They walked into the kitchen and all sat down to eat. Marty suggested that they all stay at his house tonight, but Luke wanted to get back to Stars Hollow and Jess wanted to head back to the city. Logan wanted to return to the city too, so Jess, Luke and Logan left after they were finished eating.
