Grammar is not my forte: including the placement of these suckers -;-!-,-:-?-.-


WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS... (All caps & dots)... for my Pinterest page, it is updated, regularly.


WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS...

Chapter 56: Another plane ride another country:

Ana's POV:

Waking up, I feel so rested and I am glad we did not go to the ball. We had a ball of our own. Christian is gently snoring, and as I run my fingers through his hair he smiles.

"Good morning. How are you feeling Ana?"

"If I said great would you believe me?"

"I would."

"Well then as I do not tell lies, my butt hurts, if you must know."

"Ana, why did you not wake me?"

"It is just a little tender. I mean it's not used to stuff going in, the stuff usually comes out Dear..." He laughs. "I'm serious. Now, when are we leaving Venice, you did say? I forgot."

"Well as we are not doing more trips or meetings we can go when we are packed, I will inform Captain Bagley."

"Okay, where is she stopping, is she here too, only I haven't seen her, don't tell me she sleeps on the plane?"

"She stops in a small hotel near the airport. She and the crew usually only stop the night, this is the longest I have ever stayed here. Now, you and your backside, how sore on the scale of one to ten?"

"Four, I rubbed creams in and around it and winced a little."

"You should have had more training, but as ever. You had to have it your way."

"I know I am relentless and eager to please and to learn and asking for more is how I am doing it. Can you order breakfast and tell them we are leaving and tell..."

"...This isn't my first time this Ana. Sorry, I was a little harsh, but please stop worrying. What do you want to eat?"

"Muesli and yogurt please and tea, green tea I think? Yes green tea we are flying again." I get up and pack. I have packed more than I need and some, most of them actually are still unworn. The ball gowns didn't even get a twirl. I have finished packing bags and zipping away suits when breakfast arrives. I am already knackered too. I sit down to see Christian has ordered himself a stack of pancakes and bacon, now I want that too. I eat mine and smile when he gives me three and some bacon.

"How did you know?"

"You are drooling; I ordered more because despite the healthy breakfast you ordered I knew the lure of pancakes would be too much, so welcome to the dark side Ana."

"You know me so well. Where did you say we are stopping in Vienna? Did I tell you I thought they were the same place Vienna and Venice, they sound so alike?" I sound like a dumb shit. "Sorry I knew they were different country's derr, I meant to say don't they sound like they should be in the same place?"

"They do, you have a point. We are stopping at my Uncle Gersham's place there. He is going to the same ball so we will be his guests."

"Is it big enough for the others?"

"Yes, it has enough room Baby, stop worrying."

"Okay. Where is in Vienna?"

"In the suburbs, just outside of Vienna actually, it is great for skiing in winter, we spent a few winters there, Ana it was the best place to go to ski. Well, it was until I got the place in Aspen, do you ski Ana."

"I do actually, Dad taught me. We only skied locally though, there were no fancy places for us. How the hell do you manage all your properties, sorry you have a property manager, shit Christian do you think I am getting this pregnancy brain thing?" He laughs. "Hey I am serious, it's a known fact."

"No Ana, I just think we have had a lot going on. Do you have any properties in Vienna?"

"Nope... The rest are back home. All the European ones have been snapped up. At least I think they have? Now, eat those before I do."

"Ana, did I tell you, you are very bossy?"

"You tell me once or twice a day. I like bossing my boss around."

"Somehow I get the feeling you do. Are we all packed?"

"Yes. How long are we in Vienna for?"

"Three days, it's just a flying visit, then we are in Germany for another week, if all goes well there it could however be just a couple of days, we have earmarked a week though. Then we are in Gibraltar, it has no time frame as I'm only looking at the place. It could be too small. Then we are in London for another few days. And all dependant on what Uncle Gersham has to say about giving me Freedom. Then we may have to tag on a far eastern trip. To Hong Kong, but that will be as short as I can make it!"

"I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I can't wait to get home."

"I don't know, spending time with you has it's perks Ana. I may miss you too much and you would have to come to work with me."

"And do what sit on your desk doing nothing?"

"Umm, on my desk doing rude and wonderful things, actually."

"I have to work for a while anyway; I don't want to let Ros down."

"She will be fine Ana; you can read from home, yes?"

"I can thanks to the internet. I can work anywhere they have a connection to the web. Oh crap, Kate, I need to call Kate... We got a little caught up last night."

"We didn't do much dancing Baby."

"We didn't, but the fireworks going off when we you know when we..."

"Umm, that was like the perfect end to that wonderful experience and one you are now paying for."

"Can we do it again?"

"I think we will let your butt rest for a while, but yes, as with everything we do the list is getting longer."

"Sex in a car next..."

"I guess that is a must? We did it in the book..."

"We need to rerun through the book, in case we are missing something?"

"Take it from me Ana, we are not missing anything, if anything the book is tame compared to our European adventures."

"I guess so. Now, Kate I need to see why she has not called this number too." I grab my magical phone that is fully charged and sit on Christian's lumpy lap.

"Sorry, I have a problem."

"I can feel it. Wait until we finish with the call and I may do something about it."

"Okay that sounds like a plan, but for now, pull down your panties, please?"

"Why? Oh... You want to... Whilst we... I haven't anything on under this robe, forward thinking Mr Grey, what do I get for my forward thinking?" He released the beast.

"You get fucked hard with this. Now that's it Baby, arghhh, Ana yes..." I sit on the beast and as he slides in I grown. "Now, sit back and tie your robe tightly and don't wiggle, let's take this really slowly."

"I feel like we are being very naughty and very kinky."

"I feel like doing you, now ask for the Skype session Baby, and don't come."

"How can I stop myself, I sometimes come just watching you walk across the floor?" He grins. Kate's swollen face appears on the screen.

"Wow Kate, what is the matter?"

"I had a reaction to something in the meal I ate. I have had a shot and well it will go down. You look flushed is it hot there?"

"It's getting hotter yes Kate."

"Hello Kate how are you coping?"

"Oh hi Christian I didn't see you hiding there. I am fine; it's annoying not knowing either way. Dad is acting like he is a born again man. He and Elliot are bonding."

"Is that a bad thing Kate?" I ask as Christian's arms come around my waist tighter and he wriggles his dick inside me like he is looking for that spot again and when he hits is I clench so tight he groans. "How are you and the baby?"

"We are fine, it's hard to believe it but I think Elliot has finally grown up."

"That I have to see. I thought he would forever be the Peter Pan of the family."

"When are you back Christian, I know I have asked you before, but I really need Ana back, you have had her too long." He laughs and moves so slowly it is intense; it is nothing like when he fucks me hard. It is different and I'd say nice, but that is way better than nice.

"We have just been discussing this, with any luck we will be back on schedule."

"I'm sorry, but I need someone to talk to. Mia is in a world of her own and I know she said she hates Ethan, but she is hurting and nobody can get her to talk."

"Mia? Is she eating and looking after herself." Christian asks and jolts inside me, oh god. "She doesn't eat when she is depressed."

"We are making sure that she eats, and she is eating well. I guess she just needs time. How is Venice Ana?"

"Wet." Like me, his hand reaches down and he pinches my sex, I tighten so hard at the shock of how wild it feels, he bites my shoulder. "I don't like it very much. It's so different from anything I have ever experienced, but the water and the tourists are both too much. It is packed everywhere you go. It's beautiful and the hotel is amazing, but Venice isn't big enough for this many people and I am still frightened it will f-in sink." She laughs so loudly when Christian groans and moans at the back of me, she misses him tell me I can come. Like I could stop if I tried!

"I liked Milan, that was a nice part of Italy."

"Fashion stores and shoe shops is not visiting Milan Kate."

"Where is Elliot?" Christian asks, he is moving deeper within me and I am wiggling.

"He is with Natty, doing her quote for the salon. Are you two okay, you look like you are in pain, what... Ewe Ana, Christian are you having sex, whilst talking with me?" Nope, nope we are having a fumble... "Ana..."

"No okay we are not.. Now what phone number have you got?"

"Your new one now, I didn't save it to my phone sorry I have this pregnancy brain thing."

"See I said it was real..." I say without thinking. "Mia could have that, I was right Christian Mia could have that." He smiled as he bit my neck.

"Good catch Baby."

"Listen as much as I love you both, I know you two are up to no good and I am feeling a little icky. See you when you get back..." She ends the call and I let out an oh fuck or four, Christian stands and I am bent over the table and he pounds into me, I hold the table as it rocks and the things fall off it. Oh god this is good.

"Ana come for me, come for me now..." I explode as he orders me to come and I find it such a turn on I do as he asks, he finishes with a flourish and holds me tightly as he does. After we stop panting he slaps my butt and I tingle. "Ana, that was very much needed, now let's shower and change and get the bags in here they guys can take them to the plane."

"I can't believe we did that in front of Kate. Christian what came over you?"

"I enjoyed it, did you not?"

"I did yes, but you seemed so, I don't know in charge, I guess?"

"I was, and you liked it. Now, let's shower." He carries me to the shower and we wash. I can't put my finger on it, but that was different, as though he was getting off, literally at fucking in front of someone. I put it to the back of my mind, because it was good, but it was also too risqué. We change and I pack away the hand luggage. I come out to see the ninja's have cleared the bags. Christian is texting. I guess it's back to work? I watch him closely.

"Ana, has something upset you?"

"No, well yes, I mean what came over you?"

"I don't know what you mean Ana, did you not like it?"

"It was different, I mean you don't like me looking too sexy in public, yet you fucked me in front of Kate."

"And your point is?"

"It was different. It was rude. It was not us?"

"Okay, we won't do that again. Simple. Are you ready?" I nod. "Let's get going." I followed him to the launch; he held his hand out to help me in. Luke and Gage were already in the boat. There is a chill in the air. As we headed towards the airport dock, Christian texted again and again. I am in a funny mood; he does this all the time, so why am I being snarky now? He smiles as he puts the damned phone away.

"Sorry, but if I am to have some time with you Baby I have to do some work before hand. Now, what is the matter with you?"

"I don't know I think I got out the wrong side of the bed, that's all."

"Ana, are you feeling okay?"I shake my head, I feel so emotional and unusually teary.

"I think so; but I don't know, I feel, I feel..." I cry, bloody hell I sob uncontrollably and I am pulled into Christian's chest and he hugs me.

"Ana are you feeling moody and confused?" Between sobs I answer Gage. As Christian pulls me tighter into him.

"Yes, why is it something bad? I knew it, I knew there was a reason for it and that I feel odd for a reason." She laughs. As Christian soothes me and kisses my head.

"Umm, hormones. Mr Grey, Ana will be all over the place and quite possibly all in the same conversation. My mother was like a walking time bomb. One minute she was with the fairies and in the next she was channelling her inner Lucifer. I was so afraid of the mood swings I went to stop with my grandparents until she had the twins. She was murder."

"Thanks for that I thought I was going mad."

"I need to read up I really thought, when we..." I cut him off before he tells the pair of them about our Skype sex with poor Kate. I am hormonal, I get grouchy when I have my lady days, but this was totally different. He won't be the only one getting a darned book. "I wonder if we have any on the books already, perhaps in our E-books section, can you do that please Ana?"

"I'll check, I really did feel like, well not me." He leans in and hugs me.

"You felt okay to me, and if it was the public performance, we will not do it again. We are here Ana."

"Christian, are we skipping out on paying the bill, only we didn't sign anything?" He laughs for a moment and then realises I am serious.

"They charge the credit card Luke gave them. I don't think I have ever skipped out on a bill. Elliot has, many times, he steps out to take a call and I end up footing the bill. Let me help you out Ana, here watch your step, its wet."

"Thanks, I won't be sorry to see the back of water for a while. I mean it was very nice but I don't think I want to live here anymore?"

"Okay, we will not get a home here in Venice then."

"I wouldn't, I hear they are going with crap telecommunications, and I do like a good Wifi hot spot." He smirks and hoists me in the air and spins me around, boy he's in a playful mood. We are at the plane in the blink of an eye. I could actually do the whole Pope thing and kiss the ground. Luke laughs and is smiling.

"Luke Sawyer, you are afraid of water, I get it now the face, you were afraid of the damned water all along... You are smiling now because we are on terra-firma. Why did you not say anything?" Christian listens and smirks, he knew and brought him here. Poor Luke.

"I like my water at the edge of the property and preferably half a town away, I did not like that stay at all. I had nightmares thinking we would sink. I am okay on a ship, its meant to be on the water, a big assed hotel and gardens, that just wasn't right and I don't care what you say Gage, the restaurant we went to last night moved." They all laughed as we climbed on board the plane. Christian was laughing too.

"You should have said, point duly noted Sawyer is not a Venice person. Does Jason know?" Christian says, oh thank the lord, he didn't know bless him.

"He does and he thinks it's hilarious. I will be fine once I see the back of this place." He says his mood is very much improved already. The captain is waiting by the doors.

"Captain Bagley, did you have a good time?" I ask as she nods her head and sort of curtseys, oh gawd not her too, "cut that out, please? I am not the queen, a simple hello is fine."

"I did, I did some painting Mrs Grey. I have spent some time painting a beautiful Venetian water colours. And you, did you enjoy Venice?"

"I did, thank you. How long is it to Vienna?"

"A little over an hour Mrs Grey. It is just a short hop overland. Mr Grey, will you be joining me in the cockpit?"

"I will thank you, Ana will you be okay?"

"Of course it is Christian, please go and fly the plane. I have emails to read and answer. I want to ask Dad and Sally what the new place is like, and if he knows when are Mr and Mrs Taylor back in Seattle?"

"Next week, now go and take a seat, are you really okay?" He answers that question. Of course he would know.

"Yes, I promise I have things to do for an hour." He left me to my own devices, like I could get into trouble on this place, especially with four body guards.

"Would you like a water Ana?" Gage asked.

"Yes please, could you come and sit with me please, if that's okay Luke?"

"Yes M... Ana, its more than okay, we can't even have a game of poker the flights not that long."

"You could get a couple of hands of snap in." They all laugh as the door is closed and we head off down the runway. I take a few photographs from the air and watch as the floating island disappear. Luke smiles and salutes the darned things.

"Ana, are you okay?" Gage asks. Do I look that worried? I have been pondering something since Paris and I don't want to ask in case I don't get the reply I need or would like.

"I wanted to ask you about stopping on with me when I work from home, it will be so boring for you, would you still want to babysit me?"

"I have already had this discussion with Mr Grey, he says we will be all allotted our own homes on the island and Natty is thrilled that we get our own place, as we share with the loudest people in Seattle at the moment. I wouldn't worry about me Ana, I can always find things to do, besides I like to ride and love horses, so I think if it's okay with you, I will stop and babysit the bosses wife a while longer, because she is only going to get scattier."

"Good, I mean you're okay, I'd hate to have to train someone else, because you were murder at first." She laughs and drinks her water. "Did you tell Natty about your windfall?"

"I didn't have too we have a joint checking account, I had some explaining to do, she was relieved that I wasn't selling drugs and doing illegal stuff. She is a little more relaxed now that Blades is on a secure footing, she has even decided to let Razors Edge go and concentrate on Blades."

"She is selling Razors Edge?"

"She never owned the building and a friend of ours wants to open a tattoo parlour and its in a good location and ripe for doing well."

"Have you got a tattoo?"

"Yeah got one to annoy my parents, when I told them I was gay, they went loopy."

"Is it hidden, only I haven't seen it?"

"Its covered when I have a dress on, with a good concealing cream."

"What does it say?" She pulls up her shirt sleeve and its quite tasteful.

"I am what I am and I make no excuses. It's a song. It has a couple of cards, the ace and a deuce of hearts, its rather nice, and did the job perfectly."

"Derr I know... Gloria Gaynor, I did rollerblading to that back in the day. I wanted a tattoo, but Nene hated them, they are in her opinion for marking a harlot, for prisoners or the Bratva, the mob men in Russia. I never dared get one before and now I doubt Christian would like it." She nods her head.

"Taylor has some nice ones and Luke has one on his arm."

"Really?"

"Yes Taylors are on his shoulders and are very good."

"Do they hurt?"

"No, no they don't, but I wouldn't have one again, seriously, they are fun for a while and then damned hard to get rid of."

"I don't think I will get one, because I hate needles. So, do you think us moving to the island is a good idea?"

"Luke has seen the aerial photos and its huge. It's wide open to the possibility of invaders to the island, but then again everywhere has those possibilities. You won't know if it's for you until you go and see it."

"I like the idea of it. I just don't like that it landed in my lap."

"It's better you have it than the mad Russian spies. I don't mean your brothers."

"I did wonder if they were spies you know."

"Taylor checked them out as did Welch and Barney. Other than their parents dodgy dealings with the Kremlin, they are squeaky clean. I wouldn't worry Ana, from what I have seen of them they are good men." I drink my water and stare out of the window as the plane dips.

"Have we really been on here for an hour?" Gage checks her watch.

"Yes. Ana did you empty your safe, only you are not wearing your watch?"

"Oh yes I have the contents in my bag there. My dodgy one from Chinatown was in the end only right twice a day, and one of those I am never up to see. It died so I gave it a burial at sea, or rather in the canal. I can't wear the blingy one because it is too..."

"Blingy?"

"Yeah, blingy. I will get a decent plain everyday watch when I go for my camera. Wow, did we dip again?"

I look out of the window and I see the buildings flying by the window and realise we are landing. I grip the arms of the chair and hope to god they land us in one piece. Which they do and as we land I relax. Gage gets up to see to her things and I thank her for the company. I didn't even unpack anything. So I await Christian's appearance back by my side and it's not long before he joins me and customs head onboard. I am a seasoned pro and hand them my passport and smile. Again we sail through the inspection and I relax, I wonder if I do look like a drug smuggler, because they make me feel like I am up to no good. The guys put the bags in the waiting cars and I again tell them to leave those big trunks. That is when I realise I haven't read Violets journals not once whilst we were there. I take them again in case I get board. I really do want to know about her.

"Ana, did you have a good flight?"

"Yes, my man is as smooth in the air as he is between the sheets."

"Good to know. Did you get anything done?"

"Nope, Gage and I talked tattoos."

"You have none, are you thinking of getting one?"

"Yeah a tramp stamp with back of buddy I belong to Mr Grey..."

"No Ana. Absolutely not, you do not belong to me, no Ana, please don't."

"I was not serious; I hate needles for a start, but Mr Grey, I do belong to you and you belong to me. I would quite seriously have Ana's man on your head."

"But you are not a man."

"Still not funny Christian."

"I try... Now, let's get you to Uncle's house it's not too far away, a straight run in fact."

"How do you know how to get there? I mean the streets have funny names and the signposts are foreign and yes I know we are the invaders, but how do you know?"

"SAT-NAV and GPS."

"What did we do before technology went mad?"

"Fifed and farted around with huge paper maps, Mom and dad only ever argued when it came around to map reading."

"I can't ever imagine Carrick and Grace arguing."

"They didn't very often; perhaps I pushed them into them when I was younger. I did seem to be able to find an argument easily."

"You were a troubled boy."

"I was a troubled man until very recently. Ana I am so very different now, in fact some will say that I have lost my edge, but I haven't. I am now channelling that into work only."

"You have said that a time or two. I don't think it is all down to the book though or Ethan's phsyco babble, I think it was the near death experiences you had."

"How..."

"Mia, she was worried about you. Did you see a white light?" He laughs.

"No Baby I didn't. I heard people in the room, it was like I was in a cave and they were at the mouth of it. Distant and unable to see me there, flapping my hands and screaming like the man in Edvard Munch's The Scream?"

"Another scary picture. I only ask because people say they have had an out of body experience, some people say their relatives came for them. Oh get me I am being very morose... Sorry."

"Its fine nobody has asked me that before. Trust it to be you." We have been driving for about half an hour when we pulled up to a large pale yellow house and I know I wowed.

"It is nice isn't it?"

"Do your family only go supersized?"

"It would seem so, I was very surprised to find out after my uncle died that this had been sold. I guess we know who he sold it to."

"Umm, himself. So, those steps, are they the only way in?" He laughed again. "Christian, there are loads."

"No, we will drive into the garage and take the indoor steps."

"Thank god, or you would be knackered carrying me up and down them." Uncle Gersham is stood waiting for us in the garage and I know I wowed again. The garage is filled with all types of cars...

"So you two like your cars it would seem?" They both laughed and said yes. They hugged and I am sure Christian is getting emotional.

"Hey, what's with the face son?"

"It's just so good to be able to do this; I missed it that's all."

"Come in out of the cold. There is a chill in the air today, you are early and so your rooms are not ready."

"No matter we can do them, or rather I can do them, and Christian can't make a bed to save his life. How are you?"

"Ana, I am fine. I had a lovely time with Jane and Alex. I believe they came to see you?"

"Yes, well we saw Alex for a deep conversation."

"I bet it was. When he asked me to help him I was more than a little shocked at the story unfolding. I mean it would make a good spy novel. Now, would you like tea Ana?"

"Yes please, do security have rooms?"

"Yes, yes, of course where are my manners, your rooms are at the back of the house facing the gardens, take a right at the end of that corridor and there are five empty rooms, my security are in the others, go through. My guys will take your luggage to your room Christian; I have taken the liberty of placing you in your parents room. Your bedroom is just as you left it."

"Really how long has it been since you have been here Christian?"

"Five years ago, before I got Aspen. It was winter and it was snowing too much to ski."

"It was a bad winter I remember the cold." His uncle tells me.

"Doesn't it have to be snowing and cold for skiing?" I ask

"Yes, but it is not advisable to ski in the fog, visibility was a foot in front of your face."

"Elliot fell in the pool as I recall?"

"He did, and nearly froze to death." They both laugh and we are shown to a cosy lounge and the fire is roaring. "Sit please Ana." A tall gentleman came into the lounge, I saw him at the ball walking behind Uncle Gersham. "I see you recognise Wesley, my, what are you Wes?"

"Sir, if I ever figure that out I will let you know, what can I do for you?" He winks; he's Gersham's very own Jason Taylor.

"Can you see to it Ana and Christian's bags are taken to the cream room. Is Marie in the kitchen?"

"Sir, she is bring through lunch and drinks to the dining room. Are these all your cases?" I think he is trying to be funny.

"No I left three trunks in the plane."

"Good god, I have yet to see a woman travel light, did you pack the kitchen sink Mrs Grey?"

"Nope, do you need one?" Gersham laughed. Christian just shook his head. What banter is funny, well mine is, I think?

"Please come through, alas the view is just of the mountains in spring, in winter the snow up there looks amazing, this window is an ever changing living picture frame."

"Uncle, why are you here in Austria?"

"The same reason as you, I was invited. I think the organiser, Bret Tech, want access to my satellite."

"You have a satellite, as in a dish or as in one in space?" I say.

"I have two or three in space; it is why I have, or rather why Freedom has the Asian market sewn up. It is also why Christian here was in Paris to start negotiations with us. Now Ana, how did you find Paris and Venice?"

"Umm," A chair is offered to me and Gersham smiles as he pulls it out, "I loved the places, just not the palaver that went with them. You know..."

"...With the mess your grandmother started. I know. Welch kindly kept me updated. Who'd believe that really happened? I certainly didn't, I guess stranger things have happened in the world."

"Not much stranger I mutter."

"Christian, please sit. Now, please relax there is nothing here but peace and quiet, I am trying to figure out which house to keep and which I need to sell, I think my skiing days are over. I seem to be gravitating to keeping my Parisian apartment and the one in New York."

"Why are you selling them Uncle?" Christian asks. "Do you need to?"

"No, but I no longer have to hide in Hong Kong either. I am not a globetrotter anymore and slim lining the homes I have is just one of many things I am doing to make life easier. Including gifting you the family business. Argh Marie, this is my nephew Christian and his lovely wife Anastasia. Anything they need can you see to it they have it?"

"Yes Sir, do you require me to unpack your cases Ma'am?"

"No, I can do that thank you; we are only here for a couple of days. I need to stream line my wardrobes, like you are doing your homes Gersham."

"Please Ana; call me Uncle, I like hearing it from Christian and Gersham sounds so stuffy and formal and you are family dear girl."

"Okay, Uncle. This is a really nice home."

"It is yes. Now, eat please, this looks wonderful Marie." She nods and then disappears. I would have said call me Ana, but he seems to like his staff to call him Sir. I taste the soup and quickly take another spoonful because it tastes amazing. "It is very good is it not? I hope you are not a vegetarian? Chicken soup is best made with chicken I find."

"I was for all of two seconds, but alas I love bacon and chicken and meat in general. Besides being a vegetarian nearly killed me, it was only sheer chance that girl didn't serve us Death Caps."

"So I heard; I like my mushrooms to be of the un-deadly type too." He and I laugh as Christian just watches.

"Has Jorgia taken the news of your being alive well?"

"She isn't returning my calls; I think she thinks I want the business back, businesses she no longer has. She did hit me up for a loan."

"And you gave it her of course?"

"No, no I didn't, she can have the money if she goes into rehab and stays there for as long as it takes to get herself clean and back to good health. Her mother's health is fading and she thinks she will be getting her hands on what she has left. She is in for a rude awakening. Her mother is broke, her last husband saw to that."

"Oh..." Christian says. "So, Mom and Dad say you have something to tell me, and it will explain you gifting me Freedom?"

"Christian, as usual you cut straight to the chase. I taught you well. Can we eat lunch first?" Marie comes back with a tray of pills. I scan them and give Christian the look.

"Sir, your medication. Please do not think of throwing them away again. Can you make sure he has them Sir?" Christian nods. Marie leaves the tray and I stare at the amount on there.

"How long have you got left Uncle?" Christian stops eating and does as I do and stares.

"I have more than enough to put my affairs in order and make amends, to you my daring boy. Now eat up, we will talk later and it's not all doom and gloom. Eat, please eat." I had finished the soup and watch as he takes the pills. Christian finishes his and seems worried. I know just who he will be talking to later. Marie brings out a tray of subs and Christian smiles. "You do still live off these don't you Christian?"

"Yes, yes a habit I got from you. I would order them when you took me and Elliot for our usually Saturday drive; when we'd at that roadside 'restaurant' you would order them and so Elliot and I would order them too, they were the best."

"Why did you say restaurant like that?" I say and they both laughed.

"It was a road side truck stop and it was well before these new fangled food trucks were invented. It was an old couple who's farm was not doing so well. The wife's cooking was amazing."

"Didn't they open a proper restaurant when I was in my teens?"

"They did, they used old train coaches..."

"Wait, they aren't the Ruby's diners are they?" I ask.

"They were my friends so I helped them start off their business; their farms now provide their meat and food for their diners."

"I remember them well, they were nice people. Their kids have them now and they are doing well."

"I love the one in Portland," I say with my mouthful of the Italian Sausage and tomato sauce, "my dad used to take me in there all the time."

"I used to take Christian and Elliot in it too, who knows, perhaps we were all in there one weekend and never knew it?" Christian smiles.

"I wouldn't put anything past this fate thing. I mean who knew the boy you helped mom and dad adopt was your own nephew?"

"Are you mad at me?"

"No, far from it, grateful for it in fact."

"Good, good, now I hear that Elliot is your brother Ana, as in half brother, how did he take it?"

"Like Elliot I guess, easily and happily. He is milking the dowry thing from Christian, they were fighting over Maurice the last time they spoke, that and Darling the surf board being amazing."

"I heard that too, I hope they find the missing people. I am glad Eamon was saved, his newspaper kept e well informed. Speaking of which have you seen the photos the Nooz have of you looking rather worse for wear Christian?"

"That must have been the epic night I had with the guys from work."

"You went drinking with your employees, whatever next, are you adopting a few kittens?"

"No, two puppies..." They laugh.

"Why are you laughing?"

"His mother was not a lover of pets, of any kind, so my home had all the ones the boys 'adopted'! Be warned he loses interest in them after a while. There was a reason Grace said no, he was very fickle with them."

"Okay tell her everything bad about me, why don't you?"

"Aww, I think it's cute. You had pets."

"It was mainly Elliot, he was a stray dog magnet and he has continued to pick them us to this day."

"Christian Trevelyan Grey, be nice." I say. "Kate isn't a stray..." He laughs.

"I was being serious; he finds them all the time, actual dogs. People tie them to his building site fences. Some people..."

"In all fairness, you only lost interest in the animals the summer you..." Christian cuts off his uncle; I know what that summer meant.

"...Enough, Ana knows. I don't want to rehash that time in my life, but yes, I couldn't go and see you as much after that summer. I did like Buster very much."

"Buster?" I ask...

"He found this scraggy old mutt scavenging in his new schools trash cans and rescued it, he skipped school if I recall, and brought it to me to save. He was such a mess too; he'd been hit by a car and was struggling to walk."

"Was he okay, Buster?"

"He was, he had a very good life and died of old age long before I went to live in Hong Kong, Christian was devastated."

"He was old when I found him, but he was the nicest dog ever, and I know that sounded very preppy, but he was a sweet tempered mutt." Christian looks sad.

"Don't tell me, he was a Bull Dog?" I say.

"He was an English Bull Dog actually, why?" Uncle asks me.

"I asked could I have one, I want my children to have a dog, because all children need a dog. Boy's especially." He smiled; okay I really hope I have a girl now.

"They do, so when you get to the Island you are getting a dog then?"

"Yes..." I say, we are not telling anyone about the invader just yet, but I know he wants to shout it from the roof tops.

"Good, now eat the subs before they go cold. I have photos of Buster somewhere in one of the houses. I will find them. Eat Ana, eat please?" I eat and watch as Christian devours his food. As his uncle tells me the tales of their Saturday road trips and the holidays skiing here. The lunch time meal was eaten and we retired to the comfortable lounge. I wonder what is wrong with Uncle Gersham. I guess we will soon find out?


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