Chapter 47: Damage
It's been said that obsession is a way for damaged people to hurt themselves even more…
Charlotte rose at dawn to soothe another restless night with a glass of water. She fumbled in the dark, finding her way through Jack's house. After two weeks of post-recovery it still did not quite feel like home, but as Declan and Carl slept soundly down the hall in their rooms, it was hard not to rationalize the decision was for the best. Even on nights like these when Jack was working late, it left Charlotte in a peaceful state. But it was her own thoughts that plagued her, leading her to slowly wander into the living room to stare at photos on the mantle. Amanda's picture resonated, along with the persistent guilt that she would never see her again.
And that it's a sign of weakness to allow our enemies to see how much pain they have inflected.
Conrad peered close in the mirror of a dinky, small bathroom and inspected his wounds. There was a small cut at his temple and slight bruising from a run-in with a hand by the docks before narrowly securing passage aboard a freight liner. Never in a million years would he have expected to be imprisoned for the past seven months, only to escape and stow aboard a cargo ship in the past week. But the cost seemed trivial as he reflected on how it all led to his eventual freedom. He straightened the uniform he had stolen from the man he ambushed and finally emerged. He was ready to blend in and desperate to start a new life free of pursuit – that is, if he could prevent Aiden from finding him.
But the greatest vulnerability comes from believing we are too broken to love…
Nolan retrieved his car keys from the foyer, pausing to glance over at Daniel, asleep on the couch. He sighed at the remnants of what had become an evening ritual for the other, up late studying police coverage of David's reunion tour with Victoria until he eventually passed out. Their latest sojourn had taken them to Washington at the site of Amanda's grave, and he expected Daniel was just as incensed and disturbed by the visit as was Emily, who he was on his way to see. It was painful to leave him behind while he went to see the other, and despite his own misfortunes in love, Nolan still held out hope that perhaps things would change for them soon.
Because all of us are damaged, but the greatest tragedy is letting it define our existence…
Emily slowed her stride down the halls of a familiar law office, glancing at the sign beside the first door. Weinstein Group Divorce Consultation, it read. She came to a full stop and adjusted the glasses on her nose, an accessory that complimented her ponytail coif and crisp white suit. Her ensemble was an appropriate reflection of what brewed beneath the surface – determination, a quality that never faltered regardless of what obstacle came her way. Before she left Grayson Manor that morning she had decided this would not be the first exception. With full certainty she gripped the door handle firmly, raised her head high, and walked in.
END MONTAGE
"Based on these projections, I think it's safe to say we can expect full support of the working class, and even double the increase from the woman's vote in the next polls—"
Lyman ceased speaking mid-presentation, as the door to his conference room suddenly opened. He and roughly ten others immediately looked up, focusing on the unexpected visitor. "Ah, excuse me," Lyman addressed, quickly recognizing the intruder. "Mrs. Grayson? I'm afraid this is a private meeting."
Emily came forward, undeterred by his remarks and still sporting her smart attire from earlier that morning. "Well, when you refused my calls for two weeks and didn't respond to any of my emails," she countered, businesslike. "I assumed you preferred a conversation in-person?"
Lyman grinned, and tried to turn on his Southern charm. "For that I do apologize, but with all due respect, if this is in regards to your charitable organization, I've been more than generous—"
"I'm not here for compensation," Emily cut him short, clutching the shoulder strap of her bag. "And if I were, trust me; the damages would far outweigh your estimation. I need to discuss the terms of your legal separation and divorce."
With that, the committee gathered let out a murmur of surprise. Again, Lyman tried to deflect, feigning innocence.
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean," he attempted to convince the others. "Charlotte and I couldn't be happier!" He met eyes with Emily, slowly sensing she was not backing down. He grew more serious of his response. "Mrs. Grayson, this is not a good time, as I said I'm in the middle of a presentation for the next hour."
"By all means," Emily pretended to concede, eyeing an empty seat at the far end of the table. "I'll just wait here." She settled in without his permission, producing a tablet from her shoulder bag.
Lyman shifted uncomfortably, intending for her to stand outside. But with his committee audience staring impatiently, he was pressured to allow it. "Very well then," he went on uneasily. He faced the monitor, gesturing to the next slide. "As I was saying, these projections are extremely favorable…"
While he babbled on, Emily focused on her tablet and secured access to the Bluetooth connection in the room. Unbeknownst to Lyman, she seamlessly overrode the server and when he turned his back to the screen to gather his notes, an unexpected image suddenly appeared behind him.
"Mr. Ellis!" one of the committee members gasped, followed by several other whispers of shock in the room.
"What is it—" Lyman furrowed his brow curiously and at last turned to look. Instantly his face crumpled with humiliation. There on full display were the incriminating photos taken by Charlotte of him and his financial consultant for all to see. "What the—!" Lyman exclaimed, whirling around to face the others and spying Emily with a vicious smile at the other end.
"This is completely inappropriate—"
"What's the meaning of this—"
"Sir, what does this mean for your campaign—"
The responses came in rapid fire, distracting Lyman from accosting her right away. "Ah, ah, everyone this meeting is uh, adjourned," he dismissed them frightfully as the photos continued to flash onscreen. They only worsened each with more and more compromising positions until Lyman finally got up to physically clear the room. "Please, I promise I can explain – just give me a moment—" he pled, ushering them out.
With the room emptied, it left solely Emily behind. She watched Lyman with a muted grin as he closed the door and angrily whirled about to face her. "Ready to discuss my terms," she posed calmly, checking her watch. "Or did you still need the hour?"
Lyman approached her with angst. "Is this your idea of a joke?!" he asked vehemently, pointing at the screen.
Emily stopped the slide show and then stood. "No, Mr. Ellis," she informed with purpose. "Consider this a preview of the onslaught that will ensue if you contest any of the conditions outlined in this contract." She reached over to slide a fresh document across the table to where he stood. "Sign and initial where it's marked or those pictures will be the least of your concerns," she finished coyly.
Irritably, Lyman snatched up the document, realizing he was beaten. "And what am I supposed to tell my committee," he dared, unable to see it as a fair trade.
Emily shrugged. "Well, you can either trust them with your secret," she implied, glancing at the screen. "Or you can take the cautious way out and announce your decision to drop out of politics? But I imagine either option will lead to you eventually being disbarred once Charlotte presses charges for a countless list of other offenses…"
Lyman glared at her remark, but one look at her expression told him she was serious. Though it pained him to do so, at last he grunted and searched for a pen, scribbling his signature angrily. Emily glimmered triumphantly while he complied.
"Charlie's a lot smarter than I gave her credit for," Lyman grumbled when done, angrily shoving the papers over. "I should have known she'd have another copy of those photos," he guessed in defeat.
Emily merely absorbed it with grace, folding the document neatly back into her shoulder bag. "I can neither confirm nor deny that allegation," she replied airily, brushing past him to head for the exit.
Lyman called out to her just as she was a pace shy of walking out. "I hear her father's alive and well," he added, drawing her to stop short. "The victim of some elaborate cover-up?" he guessed, shrugging with wonder. "I suppose it was foolish of me to think I stood a chance with a Clarke."
Emily held her tongue at the irony. She adjusted her eyeglasses, exuding a sophisticated air before calmly walking out and whispering under her breath.
"More than you know."
SCENE
"You were right."
Victoria looked up from where she stood a few paces out from Amanda Clarke's headstone, quietly recalling her last experience at the scene. It had only been months since she met Emily there under false pretense, only to wake up bludgeoned and restrained at Claremont psychiatric. But the grisly details had elongated her time there, making moments like these when David stared at her for response, all the more surreal.
"Right about what?" she replied at last, walking over with interest.
David sighed down at the morbid reminder of his loss. "I shouldn't have come here," he admitted solemnly. Something about being there on the cemetery grounds and seeing her name was triggering a sea of memories. "I thought it would give me something to hold onto," he confessed. "Some way to reconcile all the things I … seem to have lost."
Victoria drew close, forcing sympathy in his moment of need. "And?" she probed, curious if the experience was bringing anything back to mind.
David shook his head solemnly. "If anything, it only makes me feel more alone," he resolved, rubbing his forehead in acceptance. He flinched suddenly, hearing the shutter of a camera nearby and they both turned their attention to where several photographers had once again found their location. "Though it's clear that's the furthest thing from the truth," David added gruffly, not enjoying the audience.
Victoria leaned in as a shield, ushering him away from the site. "In time they'll let you be," she hoped. "But I assure you, you're not alone. I have no intention of leaving your side," she promised, taking hold of his hand. "And you still have a living child you deserve to finally meet."
Recognizing the familiar topic, David sighed at last. "Charlotte," he presumed, sensing the coercion coming. For the past two weeks, Victoria had consistently made mention of her.
Victoria followed his assumption with an emphatic nod. "She's home finally, resting," she elaborated. "I spoke to her this morning and discovered she's been staying with Jack Porter." With that she glanced towards Amanda's grave, hoping it would sway him. "He was Amanda's husband."
"That's right," David recalled from previous discussion. "She and Jack had a son?"
"Yes, as does Charlotte," Victoria explained, more hopeful that it would brighten his chances of agreement. "David, you have an entire family waiting to know you, if you'll just let them. Please," she tempted with a smile. "Let me take you to begin the life you deserve."
David eyed her closely, still sensing an uncertain agenda beneath the surface. He had yet to uncover what it was, but knew from his time with her there was an unspoken reserve about going back to the Hamptons—which made her offer stand out all the more. "You would do that for me," he confirmed. "Even in spite of your wish never to return?"
Victoria nodded, masking her assertiveness with the reassurance of her smile. "I want to do whatever I can to make you happy."
SCENE
By the time Emily returned to Grayson Manor it was late afternoon. Nolan had just finished feeding Summer when she entered the kitchen and eagerly swept her up in arms. "Ah, there's my sweetheart," she coddled, hugging her close and swaying. "I missed you all morning."
Nolan looked on affectionately, giving her the once over. "You sure you want to do that in all white?" he appraised of her crisp business suit. "I know you like to live on the edge but, I just fed her lunch…"
Emily tossed a towel over her shoulder to appease him. "Any update on my father?" she switched gears, heading for the downstairs nursery.
"Still in DC with Victoria," Nolan replied glumly, following her through the house. "Completely surrounded by paparazzi I might add," he continued, pulling up the live feed from his phone. "Which I'm guessing means you still don't want to contact him?"
Emily placed Summer down and busied herself in her bureau, pulling out a change of clothes. "He doesn't know he is, Nolan," she reminded solemnly, stacking her items into a little pile. "Much less who I am. What would that accomplish?"
Nolan respected it with a break of silence, reflecting on the current state of things. Since David's press conference it was clear that Emily's desire to see him was slowly deflating, especially after his declaration that Victoria was the only one he wanted by his side. But he knew his friend well, and was certain that for all her attempts to cope without emotion, she was burning up inside.
"With all due respect Ems," he pressed gently. "He hasn't seen you yet. I mean, how do you know that wouldn't trigger something?" Emily glared at his argument, but did not dissuade it. Nolan pushed further. "After all, he did save his granddaughter—"
"—who he might have helped Victoria kidnap in the first place," Emily inserted, less optimistic. "There's no way to prove that was done out of instinct—"
"—except the fact that we know Victoria's been filling his head with lies," Nolan flipped it right back, stepping in closer. "Which, if so, he may be desperate for someone to rescue him with the truth; I can't believe you're not doing anything about this!" His frustrations started to mount. "The least you can do is go to the police about what she did," he forced in a soft whisper.
Emily closed one of the bureau drawers just as swiftly and shot a look in reply. "And then what—have her turn right around and implicate him? Victoria will do anything to save her own skin, even if it means letting him take the blame!" Rather than continue arguing, she shook her head to clear it, and finished packing the small bag with Summer's things. "No, before I do anything I need access to him alone. And right now Victoria isn't leaving his side."
Nolan shrunk back, frustrated that it was the one thing they could not intercept. The sound of the front door interrupted his thought process, and he curiously looked at Emily. "Expecting someone?" he guessed.
"That's Daniel," Emily replied, surprising him. While his expression changed to hopeful, she reached over to lift Summer back into her arms and brushed past, taking the small bag with her.
Daniel lingered in the foyer, wistfully glancing at the large family canvas on the wall while he waited for Emily. When she finally approached there was an unmistakable tension, coupled with a subtle air of longing as she passed Summer into his arms.
"She's eaten," Emily avoided it, focusing on their daughter. She adjusted her outfit and helped the diaper bag onto his free arm, preoccupying herself. "She needs to go down for a nap soon."
But Daniel would not go so easily. He nodded to the instruction, holding Summer close while still persisting. "Em, can we talk?"
At last Emily caught his eyes, and Daniel sensed just the slightest note of shame. "I told you I'm not ready—" she begged off.
"It's been two weeks," he interjected, prepared for it. "I'm respecting what you asked but come on, how long is this going to go on?"
"Daniel, I'm trying—" she argued, feeling strongly that her decision to let him take Summer alone was enough.
"You're avoiding me, is what you're doing," he argued just as strongly. He couldn't help but glimpse her business attire. "And obviously staying occupied," he appraised. His instincts were always keen to when Emily had a new plan.
"I was taking care of an errand for Charlotte," she informed, with a spark of defiance. "And the rest of my time I've spent focused on my father, if that's alright with you?"
Daniel cooled the argument with a gesture. "I'm not accusing you of anything," he clarified, changing his expression to one of plea. "Em, we've barely spoken since he came back. Let me help you through what you're feeling right now…"
Emily appeared to consider it, pausing momentarily before meeting his eyes with conviction. "You already are," she asserted, glancing at Summer. "By making sure she's safe… for now that's all I'm ready to trust you with." She enforced her stance by taking a breath and standing back.
Daniel took the hint, and declined to push any further. "I'll bring her back tonight," he accepted it ruefully, and the concern was evident in his expression as he left, wondering if this was merely the ending phase of their rift, or the beginning of their family's dissent.
For Emily's sake, Nolan remained out of sight during the exchange, but he came up afterwards. "Unsupervised visits with Daddy," he surmised, eyeing Daniel's exit. "How very… gracious of you, I suppose?"
Emily ignored his mocking. "I was telling the truth, Nolan," she insisted. "I am trying."
"But just not listening?" Nolan reminded her. "Daniel's more than willing to help. Not to mention he's spent each waking moment at my place following David's every move—even into the wee hours of morning," he offered emphatically. It was becoming habitual now for him to plead his case while Emily kept a cool distance.
"I know," she acknowledged, silencing him. "And it's not that I don't appreciate it, I do. It's just—"
"You need to be in control," Nolan finished, preceding her. "Trust me, I get it," he resolved, backing towards the kitchen sourly. It never ceased to amaze him how easily Emily returned to old habits. "This isn't my first revenge rodeo," he added slyly.
Emily followed after him. "Good," she retorted, using it to leverage a request. "Because I need your help to track someone."
Nolan made a big show of turning in surprise. "Oh, and you're trusting me to do it?" he exaggerated snidely. "Wow, big day for you."
Emily overstepped his remarks, expecting them as a result of his divided loyalty. She rested her palms on the counter, sliding her tablet across in explanation. "These photos were sent to me by an undisclosed recipient last week," she explained. "I used them as leverage over Lyman this morning— he agreed to step down from the ballot and give Charlotte a divorce."
Pleasantly surprised, Nolan eased off his scolding to inspect. "Nice work," he admittedly genuinely. "I should've known you were all done up for a morning takedown."
Emily nodded, hoping he would understand that she was gradually coming around. "I can't identify the sender, but I have my suspicions." She leaned back to conclude the assignment. "I'd like you to confirm for sure."
Recognizing it was a small sign of progress, Nolan gradually came around. "Well, if it means things are getting back to normal around here," he affirmed, dragging one of the photos into the editor app and digitally placing two red lines to form an 'X' over Lyman's face. He looked up at her afterwards. "Consider it done."
Emily thanked him with a kindred look that cemented their comradery. "Find out who's trying to help us – and why."
SCENE
Aiden struggled to push all concerns to the back of his mind as he concentrated on the road in front of him and increased speed. After a nearly foiled escape from Ryker's Correctional he had lost his tail on Conrad, and after informing Krovnaya they reacted by adjusting his assignment. He shuddered to think who would be taking over his place, but he had to maintain focus on his mission. It was his last chance at meeting their terms and finally getting Niko's location in exchange.
As the moment for action grew nearer with each second, he tightened his grip on the wheel and zeroed in on the checkpoint ahead – the entrance to The Riverhead, a high-end residence in center city, New York. It was currently swarmed with paparazzi who awaited the arrival of the most publicized figure on the news at the moment: David Clarke. To them, he represented a symbol of justice for the wrongly accused. But per the instructions he had received from Krovnaya, he had just become Aiden's next target.
With calculated precision, Aiden bore down on the gas pedal as he spied David exiting the car on the traffic side, not ten feet from where Victoria stood on the sidewalk. Impelled by her intuition, she suddenly looked back to watch him cross and noticed the car speeding in his direction.
"DAVID!" she exclaimed in a bloodcurdling scream.
David was a moment too slow to truly heed her warning. He looked up at the last second and Aiden continued at a furious pace headed right for him – only to swerve at the last minute and veer out of his way.
The sound of screeching tires and David's unsuspecting jolt drew the attention of the entire crowd around them, and Victoria rushed over at once to his aid. "David—are you alright?!" she begged, unable to fathom how narrowly he seemed to escape death yet again.
"I'm fine," he whispered, shaking slightly in shock. His senses were disoriented but he could have sworn he glimpsed a tattoo on the driver's arm. Before he could say any more they were quickly enveloped by a police escort, making their entrance to Riverhead congested to say the least. Paparazzi only continued to swarm until finally several attendants came over to usher them to safety.
Meanwhile, Aiden sped away without recourse, having completed his mission exactly to his intent.
SCENE
"Here you are – one last signature and you can become Charlotte Clarke again."
At Emily's coercion Charlotte scribbled on the final page of the document she had brought over. "I can't thank you enough for taking care of this after it blew up in my face," she replied sincerely, peering up at her sister. "I should've listened to you."
Emily overstepped her admission, not interested in making her pay any more than she already had. "I'm just sorry things couldn't go according to plan," she offered instead.
It elicited a shrug from Charlotte. "In a way, this was always the plan," she admitted, gazing down at Declan Jr and Carl playing at their feet. The sight of the boys warmed them both, as did the coziness of Jack's furnished home. It was quiet and serene, even with TV blaring in the background to entertain the children.
"I know I took a chance with Lyman," Charlotte elaborated. "But I never really considered abandoning who I was. I just wanted to put things right."
Emily returned the papers to her bag, matter-of-factly. "Well now you have," she closed the subject, and stooped down to pick up her nephew. After a moment of coddling, the need to be reflective became contagious. "I should have been honest with you from the beginning," she returned sincerely.
For the first time since reconnecting, Charlotte wore an expression of true understanding. She nodded to convey that it was now just history between them, and got up from the table. "Well, while we're being honest," she transitioned, moving into the next room. "My mother reached out to me this morning."
Emily furrowed her brow, placing Declan back into the play area with Carl so she could follow. "And?" she probed with interest.
Charlotte turned to face her. "She's back in New York with David … and she wants to bring him to finally meet me." She studied Emily's countenance, expecting uneasiness to follow.
But instead Emily brightened, sensing it as an opportunity. "You should," she encouraged. "He deserves to see his daughter."
"I'm not his only daughter," Charlotte reminded in an even tone. Again she waited for Emily to react more fully.
At last Emily sighed, letting her inner thoughts flow. "Well, I'm sure Victoria has led him to believe as much, taking him to Amanda's grave—" she added bitterly.
"I know," Charlotte acknowledged, immediately returning to her side. "And it's the reason I'm going to tell her not to come." She rushed to insert before Emily could argue. "Look, I've given it a lot of thought and I'll never be able to forgive her for what she did to Amanda. Or you," she added adamantly. "She kidnapped your daughter! And if David is her puppet that's not the father I want."
As much as Emily agreed, it was hard not to see things differently on the other side of the spectrum. It was the same argument she had made to Nolan, and yet she felt Charlotte deserved more. "I know how you feel," she sympathized first. "He's not the father I remember either… but right now all he has is Victoria to tell him anything. This could be our only way to get to him alone."
For a moment Charlotte seemed to absorb it, but her countenance quickly changed. She motioned to the television behind Emily, where a news break was suddenly flashing onscreen. "I don't think that's going to happen any time soon," she deduced from it, and at last Emily turned to watch, scowling as she read the bottom line.
"This just in, police are doubling security for recently exonerated public figure David Clarke—he was nearly struck by a vehicle today, in what appeared to be an attack on his life…"
SCENE
Nolan stood at the entrance to the Southampton Beach Club, surveying the inside from a distance until his glance fell on one particular patron at the end of the bar. With a conclusive chuckle he sauntered over, quietly slipping into the next seat at the counter.
"Well, well if it isn't little Arson Annie?" he announced his presence, startling the unsuspecting woman to his left. She looked up from beneath a large-brimmed summer hat but despite her clear intent to be incognito, there was no mistaking – it was Louise.
"Ugh, how did you find me?" she lamented, shrinking away in surprise.
Nolan reached out gently to stop her from running off. "Ah, newsflash Lady Ellis," he reprimanded. "You're not as discreet as you think. If not for the ridiculously obvious cyber trail you left from your IP," he began; eyeing the tablet she had open on her lap. His eyes trailed next to the array of auburn tresses peeking from under her hat. "There's always your fire engine red mane," he described, finding it ironic. "Hm, fitting."
"Look, I don't want any trouble," Louise begged, albeit somewhat tipsily. "I sent those pictures to help Charlotte."
"And they did," Nolan affirmed with a cavalier nod. His expression changed to one of interest. "But I'm here to figure out why you didn't just skip the attempted murder in the first place?"
She tensed slightly; waiting to make sure the bartender was out of earshot. "It was an accident," she explained in a low voice. Her eyes pleaded insistently for him to understand. "I–I immediately regretted it. But I just couldn't go back to that place."
To Nolan, it still held little value. "Because Claremont was so much worse than a little hard time in prison?" he taunted sarcastically. "'Cuz ah, hate to break it to you but, that's where you're headed once the police find out."
"Fine, then take me in!" she finally charged back, startling him. Her outburst elicited a few looks and she lowered her voice once again, leaning in to explain. "Look, you don't know me alright? Before I started trading secrets with Victoria, I was just a simple girl from Savannah. Now, I'm not even half of the person I used to be." She pulled away then, staring off into space. "If this is the fate I'm meant to have then… so be it."
Nolan absorbed her partial confession and realized there was more to her than met the eye. Her presence there now appeared to be more of a depressed refuge spurred on by guilt rather than a private hideout. Sympathizing, he softened his approach. "Fate can be a hard thing to figure out," he offered thoughtfully. "Whereas, damage—like the kind you seem to have experienced—could be a good thing. Often times it leads to a change of heart?"
He waited to see if it struck a chord, but she stayed mellow. "Yes, well for some of us it's too late," she reflected. "You're right – I should've tried to help that girl instead of running off. I wanted to when David came around asking who was inside but, I just got frightened—"
"Uh, wait back up a sec," Nolan swiftly interrupted her. "David? I thought Jack pulled her out."
Louise shook her head no. "Jack would've recognized me," she pointed out. "I didn't realize who David was at the time but it was him who saved her… turns out he's an actual good person," she paused, thinking back to their last interaction. "He even helped me to break free from Victoria—that is, right before he went back to playing her paramour, hmph!"
While Louise took a long gulp of her drink, Nolan tried desperately to piece together everything she was saying. "So David is the one who saved Charlotte?" A thought occurred to him he simply had to pursue. "What about Emily and Daniel's daughter – did he help Victoria take her?"
Louise shook her head adamantly, swallowing the last from her glass. "David had no idea about that," she informed. "As soon as he discovered what she had done, he asked for my help to return the baby – he wouldn't rest until she was safe." She shook her head, still mystified by it all. "I just don't understand why he insists on protecting Victoria now?"
Content to find answers in the bottom of another glass, Louise signaled the bartender for another round but Nolan interceded. "Ah, something tells me David has more up his sleeve than we think," he guessed. Yet having it confirmed that he was instrumental in saving Charlotte's life and Summer's return was enough for the time being.
"But until then–" he begged Louise's attention. "Don't you think it's time you started fighting for the right side?"
SCENE
"You know, if you think you can mend fences by bringing in an adorable infant…"
Margaux began her disclaimer from behind her desk at LeMarchal Headquarters, only to relax into a broad smile after lifting Summer Grayson into her arms. Instead of finishing with a hardnosed retort, she giggled instead. "You may be on to something."
Daniel grinned from across the room, relieved he had made the decision to keep his appointment with Margaux. Having Summer with him was already softening the air, and he desperately needed their meeting to go well.
"I just wanted to bury the hatchet," he explained, taking the seat before her. "It's obvious you've been sour at me ever since I declined your offer last year."
Margaux enjoyed playing with Summer a little longer before addressing him. "Your career choice wasn't the only reason I kept a professional distance," she admitted discreetly, finally returning her to her father. "But lucky for you I was talked off my stance," she alluded coyly, sorting through papers on her desk.
Daniel secured her back into her carrier and took advantage of the distraction. "I gather you and Officer Hunter had a little pillow talk?" he inserted. Shocked, Margaux snapped up immediately, and Daniel made an unimpressed face. "Come on – I'm not that out of the loop. I've known since the Memorial kickoff you two were together."
It irked Margaux to have details of her personal life repeated back to her, and she couldn't resist retaliating. "Mm, well the rumor mill works both ways," she settled back into her seat. "I hear Emily put you out of the house after your daughter went missing?" she posed, glancing down at Summer.
Daniel scowled in return, sensitive for the same reasons. So far they had handled the kidnapping incident without any leakage to the press, which only confirmed Margaux had heard it from Ben. It spoke volumes to their relationship that she had not ran with that morsel either, but regardless it was to his advantage.
"Relentless as always," he commended her investigative skills. Their gazes deadlocked in fair acknowledgment of each other's prowess until he finally motioned for her to look at the proposal on her desk. "Now that we know neither of us is backing down – what do you say we discuss what I came here for?"
Margaux lifted it into view – it was the property deed to the beach house. "Am I to assume this is some sort of retaliation towards Emily? I imagine she'll be incensed to find out you're selling the coveted property next door."
"Actually, it's the opposite," Daniel answered cautiously. "You see, I'm not selling the house – I want to give it to David Clarke."
Margaux cocked an eyebrow, skeptically. "That's quite the gesture."
Daniel braced himself for a careful explanation. "Emily knew Amanda better than anyone," he began. "And she would have wanted this for him. I just want to help her to do that."
Still unsure, Margaux swiveled back and forth in her chair. "Well, I certainly understand the interest with David's return being so publicized…" she paused to fold her arms. "I'm just not sure why you need my help to do it?"
"I understand you own the rights to David's first public interview," Daniel affirmed, receiving her nod. "What other setting would be better to have it, than in the home that was taken from him? Not only is it the perfect place, but it might even endear him to a more open account," he added cleverly.
"Or perhaps endear Emily more to you?" Margaux saw through to his endgame.
Daniel ignored it with persistence. "Come on, Margaux – would you really consider passing up this opportunity, just because something good might come out of it for me?" He preyed on her sentimentality. "I'd hate to think we're too far gone from wanting happiness for each other."
Any hesitancy on Margaux's part was easily dissolved by his choice words. Now more than ever, she had a renewed appreciation for what it was to have happiness. And while she had held off from making it public, perhaps it was the next step to cement her relationship with Ben.
She put the thought aside to answer Daniel's request first. "Not at all," she replied confidently, leaning forward. "I think we can reach an agreement."
SCENE
Aiden waited until he had reached the edge of town before locating a safe house to hide out in, and finally making the dreaded call to Krovnaya. Once connected, he began by delivering the news they were waiting to hear.
"The mission was a failure," he informed, adding desperation to his tone. "I tried to get to David but he jumped out of the way. He was heavily guarded; it'll be twice as risky now."
His new contact, Viktor, was less than understanding. "Thanks to your inability to follow through," he chided him.
"Hey—you were the ones who pushed me to go after him instead of Conrad!" Aiden fired back angrily. "Now I've lost leads on them both."
"We've put our own intelligence on tracking down Conrad – David is your priority. You claim to be an assassin?" Viktor tested his integrity.
Aiden grimaced, wishing he had never divulged so much in return for information that it appeared was never coming. "Yes?" he confirmed hurriedly.
"Then stay on target. Conrad we need alive – David is better off dead."
Aiden accepted the harsh reality with a thud, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Despite his attempts to get around it, there seemed to be no way to avoid what they were asking. With his prolonged silence, his contact questioned him again. "Are you declining the assignment?"
He took a nervous breath. "No…" he collected himself. "No, I'm just saying it's going to take some time."
"For your sake it better not take too long. We can always dispatch a replacement for you."
With that Viktor terminated the call, leaving the threat as incentive for Aiden to complete the job. But for his sake, it was only a ghastly reminder that he was walking a dangerously fine line. Being at the helm was perhaps the only thing that kept David safe, but would not be for long if he were replaced. And either solution meant sudden death for them both.
His options were quickly dwindling and though it was against every instinct he had, he knew there was only one other alternative… returning to the Hamptons.
SCENE
Emily was in such a meditative trance when Daniel returned to Grayson Manor that evening, she did not even hear as he traversed the steps to the upstairs. He was halfway through their bedroom when she finally turned from where she stood in place on the balcony, startled to see him behind her.
"Sorry," Daniel whispered, noting their first instance in close quarters for quite some time. "I called up but you didn't answer." When she didn't turn him away he remained in place to study her, missing the familiar sight of her wistful gazes at the precipice of their room, missing the room itself. He looked around to assure nothing had changed but it was the same, leave for his notable absence.
"Summer?" Emily's instincts were first check on their daughter.
"Asleep in her crib," Daniel answered, adding with emphasis. "I checked."
With that assurance Emily let out a small breath and returned her gaze back over the ocean. Daniel relaxed and habitually joined her side. "You alright?" he verified, taking a step closer.
Emily answered without turning. "Someone tried to attack my father today."
Daniel gaped in shock. "What?" Of course, the one afternoon he had other matters to attend to, there had been a development. He took another step to fill the space next to her and let her continue.
"The police don't have any leads," she explained. "I asked Nolan to hack the database and the only description my father gave was that the assailant had tattoos on his arm, nothing else."
Daniel narrowed his eyes, somewhat triggered by the description. But he quickly moved on in support. "I don't understand; who would come after him?"
"I don't know," Emily replied, helplessly glancing below. "Maybe the same people who wanted to make sure the world thought he was dead?" she guessed, shrugging as she fought to stay still. Her instincts finally impelled her to turn briskly back towards the bedroom. "They've amped security ever since; there's no way I'll get through. And if not that, then there's Victoria at his side 24/7—"
"Forget about her," Daniel called after her, following her in. "I know you think she's filling him with lies—"
At last Emily doubled back to face him with a sharp look. "You're saying she isn't?"
Daniel faced his palms up in protest. "I'm not defending her, I'm just asking you to give David credit for being a little wiser than you think. Maybe he just needs the right setting to get his bearings—"
"He just came back from Amanda's grave," Emily countered wryly. "He's seen photos of her and believed it was his daughter, I think I'm giving him the amount of credit due—" she cut herself short, marching into their bedroom even though she had no real purpose other than pacing worriedly.
Sensing it, Daniel caught her midstride, forcing her to look at him. "But he still doesn't have the full story," he reminded her. "He hardly has anything to go on except what's given him—" It struck a familiar chord. "—something we share in common."
Recognizing the subtle dig, Emily sighed in his arms. "Daniel, what do you want from me?" she asked calmly. It was the softest she had been since their separation but he could not be sure if she was truly wearing down or merely exhausted.
He straightened his stance, seizing the opportunity. "I want you to tell me you forgive me," he stated. "Em, we both made mistakes. I should've been there for you – I should've told you the moment my mother reappeared, and I didn't. I'm sorry. But how long can we stay apart like this…" he suddenly reached out to caress her face.
"Please," she resisted at last, catching his hand. "I can't."
"I know you're scared," Daniel acknowledged, recognizing her familiar ways. "Just give us a chance to start over. You need me here with you to get through this," he asserted, wishing sometimes he could simply will her to accept that she was human. "You can't do it alone. I know you don't want to admit it but… you need your family to help you through this. All of us."
Emily pressed her lips inwards and bit down, looking away. It was hard not to admit he was right, but there had been so much angst and fear between them, that part of her was hesitant to risk it all again. Yet at the same time she knew she had to give in along the way somewhere. If not for her father, then at least for Daniel – she could not shut out the men in her life forever, especially the ones she loved most.
"What do you want me to do?" she asked again, hoping Daniel would not ask for it all at once.
Ever insightful, he knew better than to press her comfort levels. Just one small request was all he needed. "Tomorrow night—meet me at the beach house," he pled.
It troubled her slightly to think of it. Although she had met Charlotte there briefly at the beginning of summer, neither of them had actually been inside since Amanda's passing. "I don't know Daniel…" she started.
"I know, I know it's been ages, but trust me," he insisted, nodding at her with certainty and kissing the back of her hand. "I'll take care of everything. You'll see… you won't regret it."
SCENE
"Entre vu!"
Margaux pushed the door open to the beach house with a grand gesture of welcoming, standing back so that both David and Victoria could walk through. It had been a long day's journey for them from Washington and the exhaustion shown on their faces on the ride over. But one step into the restored cottage, and it seemed to change both their countenances. Seeing things going according to plan, Margaux signaled the perimeter of security from the porch, and from a distance Ben gave the all-clear to get the patrol cars to back off. Fortunate for her, their personal connection came as a benefit when a private moment for the two was needed, as was the case now.
While David entered slowly with a mystified appraisal of his surroundings, Victoria hung back and waited for Margaux. "I don't understand," she whispered under her breath. "How did you get the deed to this house? Emily would never sell to you."
Though she had long valued Victoria's friendship, Margaux was beginning to question her unending aversion to Emily. How could she be so sure? "She didn't," she agreed fairly. "But the deed to this house was not left in Emily's name…"
Her sentence trailed off and served as an introduction to Daniel, who they could now see was standing in the living area. "Hello, Mother," he saluted her briskly, masking his contempt with a superficial glaze.
"Daniel," Victoria gasped, inadvertently clueing David in that it was her son. She glanced at him worriedly before glaring back at Margaux. "I thought I was clear that we're not comfortable with visitors – what is he doing here?"
But before Margaux could respond Daniel was quick to interject. "As much as I can sympathize with what it's like to have an unexpected visitor in the house," he dug at Victoria perniciously, stepping between her and David. "This isn't about you." He then turned and handed over a folded document to David, extending his other hand. "I came here to personally make amends with Mr. Clarke."
Margaux stepped in to escort her back towards the door. "Perhaps we should give them a moment?"
Victoria raised a baffled eyebrow. "You knew about this?" she dared her.
"This may come as a shock to you, Victoria," Margaux challenged. "But there are some agreements that I make without your permission. And if you'll indulge me, I'd like to discuss the terms of our own—" she stopped to glance at David. "Specifically the exclusive interview you promised once David returned?"
Upon her words, all eyes went to David in anticipation of how he would react to both the house and an interview that Victoria had promised without his permission. But his countenance remained calm, even agreeable. "It's alright," he replied, nodding kindly to Victoria's fearful expression. "Like I said I've got nothing to hide… I just wish there was more I remembered that I could share."
Daniel interceded, lightly guiding him by the arm. "Well, sir, it's our hope that being here where you used to live will help you to do just that," he paused intentionally to look at his mother. "To help you call to mind the truth," he emphasized, glaring at her. "That is, everything from your past."
When he returned his gaze David he was slightly unnerved, but ultimately appreciative. "Thank you, son," he looked at the deed in his hand. "That means a lot." With a final glance at Victoria, he gestured his comfort. "It's alright – I think I can take it from here."
"Why don't we let David enjoy this moment alone?" Margaux added in suggestion, ushering Victoria out without a chance for her to protest. Daniel watched as his mother was forced to leave, finally earning the first phase of comeuppance that was long overdue.
With them eventually escorted by the police off premises, it finally left Daniel alone with David. At last he felt he could speak in honesty to the man he had yet to call his father-in-law.
"Sir, as I was saying," Daniel faced him, suddenly filled with grave solemnity. "I must apologize to you on behalf of my father's actions – what he did defies words and reparations need to be made. I was hoping this house could be the first step towards making things right—"
"No—no, please," David suddenly interrupted him, surprising him with a mirrored look of contrition. "It's me that should be apologizing."
Daniel's brow wrinkled, unsuspecting. "Whatever for?"
"You're Victoria's son—you live at the Manor just down the beach?" David reaffirmed, following with a nod. "Then there's something that you need to know, before you go any further: the truth about what really happened when your baby girl went missing."
SCENE
The sun was setting as Nolan made his way through the conservatory, entering Grayson Manor from the rear to find Emily slipping on her heels in the Grand Room.
"Hm, you look spiffy?" he commented. Her snug fitted black dress was reminiscent of the fashion that marked her first summer in the Hamptons, and her hair was down, styled around her shoulders. When she looked up to acknowledge he realized she was even wearing lipstick. "I didn't realize I was reporting for baby duty so you could have a night on the town?" he had to pry.
"I'm not," Emily met his inquisitive look. "And I wouldn't do that to you," she absolved him of the thought firmly.
Nolan shrugged. "Not that you don't deserve it," he clarified his intent was not to be judgmental. His hands rested in his pockets as he casually took the seat that once belonged to Victoria, stationed at the head of the room. "It's just, don't you think an au pair might be a worthy investment with your increasingly busy schedule?" he hinted.
Emily secured the strap on her left heel. "You know I won't leave my daughter with a stranger," she reminded him, standing at last. "But I don't intend to make a habit of this. Daniel just asked me to meet him at the beach house to talk."
"Alone?" Nolan verified, suddenly changing tune. "Say no more," he agreed, sliding out of the posh seat to follow Emily into the main hall. "Sounds like a reconciliation is in the works…"
With a quick peek on Summer, Emily secured the door and took her purse from the table. "It's just a talk," she repeated, but her tone was less dismissive than normal.
"Uh-huh, and that's just a killer LBD," Nolan shot back, grinning as she walked away. She hit him with a glare and he finally backed off. "Ok, ok, mums the word – but before you run off to go make nice with baby daddy? I wanted to let you know your hunch was right."
Emily turned back midstride to the front door. "So it was Louise that sent the photos?"
He ducked his chin in acknowledgment. "And get this—she said David is the one who saved Charlie, and he convinced her to go rogue on Victoria. It was his idea to bring Summer in – he had no idea what Victoria was up to!" He stalled his excitement, waiting for Emily's reaction.
Despite her previous uneasiness, the affirmation had the desired effect. It washed over her like a wave of calm, returning a light to her eyes that Nolan had not seen in weeks. Rather than speak, she merely digested it and he finally couldn't wait.
"Ems, do you realize what this means?" Nolan reasoned, edging closer. "Not only is Louise in our corner but—"
"Victoria may not have the control over my father she thinks she has," Emily concluded, still ultimately puzzled albeit relieved. "So then why stay with her?"
"Maybe he's more in the know than he's letting on? Maybe this whole 'amnesia' thing is just a pretense so he can plot his own revengenda?" Nolan was full of possibilities but each lacked certainty. "Whatever the reason, that is a discussion for another day… when you finally get your moment with him," he surmised. It was clear that she was finally coming around to the notion.
"But for now, you've got a date with the other leading man in your life," Nolan smirked, switching gears as he walked Emily to the door. "So trot on over and ah, feel free to stay the night." He stepped back, adding a suggestive smile. "I think Danny's earned it."
Emily could not help rolling her eyes, ever conservative by nature. "I'll be home before late," she assured him, but Nolan knew better.
He trailed away, swinging the door shut behind her. "I won't wait up."
SCENE
"So you knew your mother was behind the kidnapping?"
As heavy as David's question was, after nearly twenty minutes of discussion it came more casually than expected. Daniel nodded in response and met the unsure gaze of a man who was clearly tortured by a past he did not understand and a family he was slowly coming to learn about, though much had yet to be revealed.
"My mother has been the cause of more loathsome acts in the past few years than anyone could imagine," Daniel elaborated, facing the truth for himself. "Thanks to my father's connections and her own conniving she's gotten away with most of it – but not anymore. I refuse to let her try to convince you she's been in your corner all these years."
David absorbed it, confirming the concerns already brewing beneath the surface. "I trusted Victoria against my better judgment," he admitted. "I protected her because she was the only living person who seemed to remember who I was. I thought she could help me… I never expected she would do what she did."
Realizing David's knowledge of his mother's wiles was limited to the incident with Summer, Daniel jumped to elaborate. "All things being said, I never feared that my daughter was in any danger. My mother simply retaliates when she doesn't get her way," he admitted with an irritable grunt. "But it pales in comparison to what she's truly capable of. If you knew the things she did to your daughter," he had to sigh at the overwhelming truth. "You'd never believe it."
"Amanda?" David was all ears, resting his hands on the table between them. "What do you mean?"
Realizing it was not as simple to answer, Daniel averted it altogether. "Let's just say there's a lot you don't know about what happened to Amanda while you were locked away." He stopped himself there, not wishing to get ahead. "I'm afraid it's ah, not for me to share."
"It's just as well," David replied conclusively. He grimaced, blaming himself for the gaping holes in his memory. "I fear I may never recover what I lost with Amanda. It's not enough that I was kept from her but… who she was, how she turned out… it's all so foreign to me when I can barely remember half of my life." He shook his head. "All those years I was in prison – I don't have a single memory of her reaching out to me."
Again Daniel felt a sinking feeling, knowing better that his memory was actually correct. But the deeper they treaded it was more necessary than ever to get him face-to-face with the only person that could give him answers. "Mr. Clarke—" he began.
"Please, son," he insisted. "Call me David." Daniel smiled at the kind gesture and he went on. "You've been more than helpful to me – and it's nice to know someone I can say I've met for the first time… not someone I've simply forgotten."
Deeply understanding, Daniel nodded and leaned in with an offer. "What if I told you there was someone who could give you all the answers you're looking for – someone who remembers more about you than anyone else? Would you want them to be here to help you through this?"
"Of course," David shrugged, languidly gazing around his house. "I'm just not sure that person exists," he then sighed in defeat. "Excuse me, for a moment," he asked and got up from the table, presumably to walk around for a bit.
Seizing the opportunity, Daniel took out his phone to call Emily, praying that she was close to arrival. This was the moment she had been waiting for, and clearly the one thing that was keeping David from finding out the truth. "Em," he panted when she answered. "Are you on your way?"
"I'm walking up the back porch," she responded, and Daniel looked up to see she was in fact on the other of side of the house. He inwardly cursed himself for not anticipating she would come in the back way. "You fixed up the place?" she observed, seeing the lights on from the outside.
He jumped up to meet her in but was a few steps short of being intercepted. Emily walked through the sheers and before she could get to him, David returned from his stroll about the house, crossing directly into her path.
For a solid moment they both froze, Emily more notably losing her breath upon standing mere inches from the man she thought she would never see again. Her father's face was all the more clear and undeniable in person, his presence bringing immediate tears to the corners of her eyes.
As if in harmony with her emotional trance, David too stared back with intrigue and while there was no visible reaction he could not ignore a strange stirring in his heart. There was something about the woman that stood before him, something he ought to have known from just her eyes. He noticed the glassiness from her tears and his own face contorted; wondering what was behind her misted expression.
"Hello," was all he could manage, and he said it rapidly, extending his hand.
"Mr. Clarke," Daniel rushed to make the introduction, coming up from behind. It was not exactly the reunion he had planned but he was relieved it was finally happening. "Ah, David," he quickly corrected, eager to just say it. "I'd like to introduce you… to my wife."
He nodded to Emily, prompting for her to finish the rest but she still could not catch her breath. Her eyes could barely shake free from their lock onto David's to glance over at Daniel, read his meaning and then look back again. He was hoping for her to say it, to declare who she was, to seize this most prized moment he had created for her. And yet under the extreme pressure, she could not fight her instincts. The most she could do was overcome her shock to finally reach out and shake his open hand but there were still no words.
Awkwardly, David attempted to find them for her. "Pleasure to meet you," he offered, still sensing something intriguing in her face. "Mrs. Grayson, I presume?"
From the corner of her eye she could see Daniel's insistent expression, urging her to correct him with the words that might possibly set his memory free. I'm Amanda Clarke; she heard them in her head, loud and clear. But when her mouth finally opened to respond, they fell short of the task.
"Emily," she answered instead. The awareness of her identity was all that remained when the shock finally subsided and she said it again, shoring it up with confidence. "Please, call me Emily."
END OF CHAPTER
A/N: Welcome again readers! First off I have to thank all the new followers on the story who have reached out to me in recent weeks – it's truly so heartwarming to have your added support and know you're enjoying this ride! I apologize for my short hiatus but I was on vacation, still brewing away with ideas for this exciting last season. Sorry to say it is dwindling down slowly but surely but there's still more in tow! So on that note, what did you think so far? David and Amanda – reunited! But are they? It was always my dream to have them get that final scene together when his house was returned and I couldn't help but include Daniel as an instrument in this version. I know it precedes the way the reunion played out on the show but stay tuned for more on why Emily chose not to identify herself, and what's to come once Victoria inevitably finds out. As always there's more drama and revenge coming, but I hope you're enjoying thus far! And hang in there for Demily, things are slowly progressing! I threw in a special takedown to kick off this chapter to make up for the lag :) :) As always your FEEDBACK and REVIEWS are hugely appreciated! Leave me your thoughts, I can't wait to read! Catch you all very soon ~ Love and Reve8e~ MothToANewFlame
