Chapter 33 ~~ November first – where conversations are too long, and kisses are too short
November 1
Ana was scrambling eggs and flipping pancakes. Ray and Bee were dancing to September by Earth, Wind and Fire while they set the table. Ray turned the music down so everyone could hear Prescott's announcement.
"HE DID WHAT?" Both Ray and Ana yelled.
"He fired Luke Sawyer." Prescott lowered her voice in hopes it would make Ana and Ray quieter.
Ray turned to Ana.
"I don't have a choice," Ana halted Ray's suggestion she should not leave Montesano. "Sawyer saved our lives. That high handed, controlling, manipulative…jealous, damned man!"
"I can't return to Seattle, Prescott. I'm trusting her with you. If anything happens to my Annie, holy hell and Ray Steele are going to rain on someone's parade." Ray snatched up the phone after reading the caller's identification. "NOT NOW CARLA!" He ended the call and dropped the phone back in the cradle. He turned the ringer off on the land line and on his cell phone.
"Give me her email address. I will email the phone numbers for Carrick Grey, SPD and Adrian Welch. I will let Mrs. Adams know Ana can't discuss the situation per instructions from her lawyer and the SPD." Prescott beamed like her day improved significantly.
~X~
"Spank or slap?" Ros's magenta Louboutins tapped out a staccato of frustration.
"Excuse me." Christian almost sputtered his coffee over Barney's carefully constructed technical reports. It was cold. He didn't want it anyway. His head hurt and he could not concentrate. He would have stayed home, but he believed work would get his mind off Ana.
"I've had three people complain about your attitude today.. So if one more person interrupts my day because of you, I'm either going to slap your face or spank your ass. Consider yourself warned." Ros pivoted and slammed his office door on the way out.
'Spank? I would love to turn Anastasia's beautiful pale skin rosy like her pouty lips. I'd bury myself in Anastasia for the remainder of the day, and all of tomorrow, and possibly the day after. I just want to fist Ana's ponytail in my hand and grind against her. I fantasize about fucking her senseless every time I think about those blue eyes, or how her hips sway. Fuck!'
Christian locked himself in his private bathroom attached to his office at Grey House. He could not remember a time when a simple thought made him so hard. He needed relief. He needed Anastasia. He needed…he needed to clean himself up because one minute he was hard as a rock and the next minute he exploded. What should have been a pleasureable release was marred by the headache and body aches. It was an embarassment that he wasn't able to keep himself in good order and under control. 'Crap, I forgot to get a flu shot.'
~X~
Sawyer couldn't look Ana in the eyes.
"What do you mean, you no longer work for Grey Security?" Ana sounded amiable, but she really felt thermonuclear.
"Taylor knows him better than any of us. Taylor says Mr. Grey cares for you…really cares for you…more deeply than he's ever acted about anyone…" Sawyer yawned. "He feels I failed to keep you safe."
"I will not allow him to play Monday morning quarterback when we were defending our lives. You took two bullets for me. You gave me a weapon to defend us." Ana would have stomped her foot, but she wasn't hurting her foot before she kicked Christian's ass. "I'll be the first to admit I didn't want a CPO. However, I will not allow you to be fired because you did your best to protect the both of us."
"Taylor says you didn't know him before May so you don't know how much you affect the boss. He is drowning in his feelings for you. Throw the man a life line, for God's sake, Ana! I'm not the only one affected by his feelings for you. Ros and Andrea said he's like a rogue bear batting at the world with a wounded paw." Sawyer closed his eyes.
"The only person I'm saving right now is you. That asshole!" Ana stormed from Sawyer's hospital room with fire in her eyes and a target in mind.
'You go get him, Anastasia. I'll be right here when you get back.' Sawyer closed his eyes and ignored the world.
~X~
"How are you?" Christian observed Ana. 'She came to see me.' His mind was overwhelmed by her presence. He did not stop to consider why Ana came to see him.
"How are you?" Ana was coolly polite.
"How do you think I am?" Christian shouted; his self-control evaporated. He slammed his hand down on the desk. "You have no concept of self-preservation!"
"I would say, at this moment…you have no concept of self-preservation. I've defended myself successfully…twice…against people with guns. You have aggravated me, and this time, it is a no-holds-barred and no-grudges-ignored street fight." Ana snapped.
"What for?" Christian regretted shouting. His head throbbed louder than his voice.
"For thinking you control my life? For thinking you could fire Sawyer for getting shot while trying to protect me? For your ex-sex slave attempting to kill me? For Elena's sex slave stalking me, threatening me since May? For whatever sin you committed against Jack Hyde which made him attempt to hurt you through me? Explain to me again how firing the man who defended me was a 'smart' move on your part?" Ana airquoted smart.
Christian was silent.
"You will reinstate Sawyer. You will pay his medical bills, and give him time to recover." Ana left Christian's office. 'I hope he feels as bad as he looks! Sawyer and I can't be the only ones suffering from this situation!'
Andrea anticipated Miss Steele would depart as quickly as she arrived. Mr. Grey had a conference call with M&A in less than ten minutes. After she showed Miss Steele to the boss's office, she rang for the elevator, holding it for her.
Ana appeared right on time and took an express ride to the lobby. When the elevator door opened; she observed a scene of confusion and chaos…which was definitely not the way Christian preferred Grey House to run.
"Ambulance incoming!" The security guard at the reception desk yelled at the reception staff. "Put them in the express elevator…" he glared at Ana for just standing there, holding the door open; surveying the chaos. "Stand there!" He snapped at her. "Keep that door open! We need it for the paramedics."
"Who are you addressing?" Taylor's voice was clear and distinct despite the background mutterings and exclamations floating over the radio in the security guard's hand.
The security guard eyed Ana and responded. 'Miss Steele."
"Tell her to come back here!" Taylor yelled. "Grey is down!"
"Down?" Ana asked.
"He collapsed just after you left. He hasn't regained consciousness." The security guard explained.
"Is she on her way back up?" Taylor's voice boomed over the radio.
Ana let the doors close and hit the button for the twentieth floor.
~X~
"What happened?" Ana asked Andrea within seconds of stepping off the elevator. "Please move…" Ana addressed Olivia; who blocked her path to Christian's office.
"Olivia; go back to reception!" Andrea snapped. "Phones need to be answered; standard no comment. Understand?"
"This is all your fault," Olivia crisply informed Ana. "He's not eating or sleeping because he's besotted with you. Instead of ensuring his own health…he's busy keeping tabs on you, worrying about you and not worrying about his company!" Olivia marched off.
"She hangs out with Elena Lincoln, doesn't she?" Ana asked Andrea.
"I signed an NDA for Mr. Grey. I don't discus him, his business, his schedule, his travel plans, his family, or his friends." Andrea gave her a look…one that said Andrea knew more about the situation than she was allowed to reveal. She tapped her engagement ring…which told Ana to talk to Adrian.
"Miss Steele," Taylor appeared at the door. "This way please." He held the door to Christian's office open. She could see Christian laying on the beautiful dove grey Berber carpeting of his expansive office.
"Christian," she tried to run to him.
"Let Ryan work on him," Taylor held her back. "Ryan was an Army medic; deployed with troops in Iraq."
"I believe it is dehydration compounded by exhaustion," Ryan said. "I don't have supplies to treat him. His heartrate is erratic, and his breathing is labored."
"Paramedics are here!" Marquez's voice bellowed from Taylor's radio unit. "I put them in the elevator; ETA in two minutes."
"Clear a path," Ryan advised. "Miss Steele; please move away from the door. Perhaps take a spot by the couch until paramedics examine him."
~X~
Ana waited in a Grey House SUV which followed the ambulance to the hospital. Welch and Prescott drove her to the hospital while Taylor rode with his boss. After 30 minutes, Taylor texted Welch to bring Ana to the private waiting room down the hall from the room where Christian was located.
Elena approached the private waiting room from one end of the hall. Ana approached from the other. "You're not family! You shouldn't be here." Elena attempted to block Ana's entrance to a private waiting room.
"As you are not Christian's family, nor his medical staff…you have no right to decide if I'm welcome here or not." Ana pushed past her and entered the window walled room. "I was present…"
"I know," Elena waved an imperious hand.
"Olivia didn't waste any time reporting to you, I see," Ana rolled her eyes, noticing Elena restraining herself from slapping Ana's face. 'Geez…what is it with these people and rolling eyes?'
"I don't know what you're talking about," Elena snapped.
"How much do you pay Olivia Blandino to spy on Christian for you?" Ana watched Welch's reaction to her question. He handed Ana an audio/visual jammer and closed the door to the windowed, private waiting room. He and Prescott took opposite sides of the door. "I know you are persona non grata at Grey House and its subsidiaries, along with Grey residences and Grey businesses. No one I call friend is barred from my home." Ana observed Welch texting someone.
"I'm not the enemy," Elena announced. "I don't appreciate you telling the police Isaac was your stalker. I don't know why you are trying to drag me into your murderous situation."
"I'm not dragging you into the situation. You drove into it, rolled down your window, looked at the body on the sidewalk and drove away." Ana crossed her arms over her chest. 'Damn, why didn't I buy a carry conceal purse when I had the chance?'
"His ditzy grandmother and bitchy sister may think you're perfect for Christian; but you will never be what he needs," Elena scoffed. "He is too busy with his billion dollar international empire to spend time training you to satisfy his sexual desires and remove his daily pressures. He needs an experienced submissive in his home and his life."
"You want to be that submissive, don't you? You dream of being 'the' woman on his arm, on the red carpet and in his life." Ana's words oozed with contempt. "I'll bet it makes your hoohaa dance to know you taught 'the' Christian Grey how to fuck."
"I led him to the truth of who he really is." Elena snapped. "Without me, he would be in jail or dead, and he will say the same. Do you think you're the first woman he hoped would save him? Grace saved him as a child. I saved him as a teenager. I don't see you saving him as an adult…especially when situations like this happen."
"The truth of who he really is, or your twisted version of who he is? Forgive me if I don't believe you…considering you remade Isaac Reynolds into a Christian Grey clone. I don't trust pedophiles…especially manipulative ones who beat and fuck teenage boys." Ana understood Elena didn't like her 'smart mouth'.
"You're just a boring repeat of his crack whore mother and his submissives. Do you think he wants you for love and marriage and happily ever after? He's just looking for another long-haired brunette, with pale skin that he can flog and fuck to make his dick happy between business deals." Elena asserted.
"If that were true, he would have installed one of your potentials in the submissive bedroom. He would be unavailable to his family on weekends. He's changing. He doesn't need you to play procurement officer or be his business partner." Ana refused to sit down. She wasn't having this woman looming over her.
"If you want him to be happy…if you want to be happy…you'll give him up. You are far too independent and not the least bit submissive." Elena's face announced she thought her arguments were carrying the day.
"Whatever happens between Christian and me is none of your goddamned business, Mrs. Robinson. Leave us the fuck alone!" Ana did not have her temper under control.
"You're awfully brave for an unarmed woman, Ana Oakley." Elena's eyes narrowed into angry slits. They would have flayed Ana if it was possible.
Welch opened the door to allow a nurse to speak to her. "Miss Steele, he is asking for you."
Ana left the private waiting room to follow the nurse. Prescott followed behind.
"I forbid you to go into his room!" Elena shrieked at Ana.
Welch intercepted Elena; keeping her from stopping Ana.
"You what?" Grace's shocked voice echoed down the hall. "Ana, excuse us, Elena and I need to talk. I believe Christian is asking for you." She waited to address Elena once Ana disappeared down the hall. Welch held the door to the private waiting room open. Grace gestured for Elena to return to the room. Welch closed the door after Grace entered.
"What are you thinking; forbidding Ana to see Christian?" Grace demanded.
"That girl is responsible for Christian's condition," Elena pointed angrily in the direction where Ana disappeared. "All of you are blind where it comes to that girl. She not good enough for him but none of you can see her true colors! She's a manipulative, mouthy, little gold digger! What will you do when they have an argument and she shoots him?"
"The doctor says Christian's condition is from not eating, not hydrating and not sleeping. He's not suffering from a broken heart or lovesickness as you suggest." Grace chided her friend.
The door to the room opened again. "Dr. T.," Welch interrupted. "Mr. Grey is asking for you. You're not requested or welcome, Mrs. Lincoln." He blocked Elena from following Grace.
"Nonsense, I'm his oldest friend," Elena protested to Welch.
Welch leaned down and spoke icily to her. "Old is a given; friend is debatable. His security team underestimated your hold on him. He believed he owed his life to your help and attention. Once upon a time he was young, beautiful and stupid when it came to you. I'd say he's grown up and completely aware of your interference in his life."
"I'm not leaving until I see him," Elena snapped and sat down. Welch nodded at hospital security who arrived.
"Mrs. Lincoln," hospital security approached. "We've been asked by the Grey family to remove you from the hospital. Mr. Grey does not want to see you. He does not want you bothering his family. Medical staff have been given orders not to give you any information about Mr. Grey's condition." They assessed her stiffening body. "We are here to escort you to your car. Leave, or we will request SPD charge you with trespass."
"Trespass? Who do you think you are threatening? The hospital is a public place!" Elena assumed her Domme demeanor, staring down the hospital security.
"The hospital deems it trespass when you have been asked to leave and refuse. If you are removed by SPD; you will be charged with trespass which is a misdemeanor. The hospital has an excellent lawyer. We have not lost a trespass case in three years. Our two favorite judges don't let someone like you off with a fine anymore. It's 200 community service hours which are assigned to be served with us. We will assign you to serve your time at the free clinic at Westlake Plaza. They need someone to dump their trash and wash the floors after the drunks and druggies puke or piss on them."
"This is not over," Elena threatened Welch, as she prepared to depart.
"Don't make me wait," Welch taunted her. "My security staff are experts at whipping ass." He watched her depart, and then called Ros and Chase. "This is a termination demand for Olivia Blandino. She is a security risk. She informed Elena Lincoln about Grey being transported to Northwest. Lincoln was here before Carrick and Grace Grey. I want Olivia Blandino gone by the end of the day. Pay all wages and vacation days due her. Make it loud and public. Escort her to Chase's office with six security guards – close protection formation. All six stand outside Chase's office. All six return her, in formation, to the reception area to get her personal belongings. Then all six escort her, in formation, to the garage to retrieve her car. One security vehicle leads; one follows; she is escorted three blocks from Grey House. Block her cell phone. Do not let her call anyone until she leaves the building. Route all furious phone calls from Senator Blandino or his staff to HR. They do not have access to Mr. Grey."
~X~
Carrick and Grandma Frannie joined Grace in Christian's room. "I asked for a private room, instead of staying in the ER and drawing the attention of the world." They talked about his condition. He blamed his condition on stress from dealing with issues for the brownfield site in Detroit. He must return to Detroit the week before Veterans Day and did not look forward to the trip. He announced GEH would donate the reclaimed land to the city of Detroit as soon as possible. He didn't want to build anything in Detroit; especially if it meant returning there frequently.
"I'd like to talk to Ana…privately," Christian requested.
"Please remember you cannot discuss the current investigation," Carrick warned them. "I have to return to work; I have a deposition this afternoon. Elizabeth Morgan is talking to the police. Grace and Frannie will wait in the private waiting room down the hall."
Frannie and the Greys hugged Christian and Ana before they moved off, closing the door to the room. "Audio/visual disrupter," Christian laid a lit piece of equipment on his bed table.
"Audio/visual disrupter," Ana pulled a lit piece of equipment from her pocket. "Why would Elena Lincoln attempt to bar me from your hospital room? I thought you gave up your partnership with her?" Ana stood near the window. The grey day depressed her, but it did not distract her as much as looking at Christian's face.
"It's a long story; we should start at the beginning." Christian indicated Ana should sit and make herself comfortable. "My biological mother was a crack addict and a prostitute. Her pimp abused her and me. I have twelve scars, five on my chest and seven on my back. Her pimp used me as an ashtray to keep her under control."
Ana gasped.
"It's why I wear the sleeveless tank with swim trunks in the pool. I can't bear to have anyone see my scars. Ella, my biological mother, died of an overdose after my fourth birthday. I was alone with her body for four days. When we were found, authorities took her body away, and I was taken to the hospital. That is where I met Grace. When I was released from the hospital; I was sent to a foster home for ninety days while the Michigan Department of Child Services attempted to find family members."
"Grace and Carrick Grey approached MDCS, wanting to adopt me if no biological relatives were located. They were given permission to visit me at my foster home. John Jeremy (Jack) Hyde, known as J.J., thought they were seeking a new child to adopt. He thought he was a better choice than me. I understand he 'acted out' after he discovered the Greys adopted me and would not return to the foster home where we lived. He transferred from Detroit schools to high school in Chicago and then New Jersey. He achieved a full ride scholarship to Princeton. He graduated Summa Cum Laude. He worked for a Boston publishing company until he met Jerald Roach at a national conference. Roach offered him a job. When he researched SIP and Seattle – he learned Grace and Carrick lived and worked in the area. He found information about me and my company."
"Adrian found files about me, and my family on Hyde's computer after his death. He found a copy of our WSUV picture, Kate's interview and pictures, your resume and a copy of the letter inviting you to interview. He had the clippings from the Portland robbery and your collapse at graduation. He used a background check program to learn about you. Hyde thought there was something between us. He planned to use you to punish me."
"Was his background check more intrusive than yours?" Ana's question was far from innocent. Christian ignored it and continued his explanation.
"Hyde hated me because Grace and Carrick adopted me. We suspect he planned to make my mother feel guilty when he gave her his power of attorney and made her the executor and the beneficiary of his estate."
"I'm sorry he's been obsessed with you since you were four and he was eight." Ana watched a burst of daylight filtering over Seattle before the sun was blanketed in clouds. "Is Grace acting as executor and beneficiary of Jack Hyde's estate a conflict of interest for the interns who are represented by Carrick?"
"The court doesn't think so; I don't care what the media thinks. Mom is settling Jack's final expenses, selling his car and condo, and paying Elizabeth's medical bills. Dad has been preparing the interns for mediation. He convinced eight interns to not list Elizabeth in their lawsuit against John Jeremy Hyde and Seattle Independent Publishers. Grey Publishing doesn't have deep enough pockets to ride out a class action lawsuit which is why Dad's pushing for mediation. I think Grey House will ultimately pay out for the situation and add it to the losses on their taxes."
"Why eight? He had nine interns before me." Ana could count as well as she could read. 'Was one of his interns in love with him, and didn't object to what she experienced from that bastard?'
"The family of Ellison Towles, the letter writer, is suing SIP/GP for wrongful death. Towles became depressed after Hyde's attack and killed herself. She went to work for him in July; he assaulted her in September; she killed herself in December. Her family intends to go after Elizabeth for depraved indifference. They know if they want to be represented pro bono by Carrick; they must give up prosecuting Elizabeth. If they want a standalone, depraved indifference murder case, they can list Elizabeth as one of the defendants. However, it might be two years before their case comes to court. Dad is waiting for their decision by November tenth. He would like you to join the mediation because Ros wants Gwen to join." Christian checked the IV bag dripping into his arm. He had to have blood tests done when it was empty. The doctor advised he might have to stay for a second bag of saline.
"What will stop those eight women from coming after me?" Ana asked.
"They are grateful you stopped Hyde from continuing his activities."
"How do you know they are grateful?"
"Dad recommended your Grey Publishing emails be monitored for contact from those ladies. Barney also scrubbed a few dozen emails from Hyde's business contacts who accused you of leading Hyde on. I asked Barney to send their emails to their HR and bosses. I imagine several of them will complete sexual harassment training to stay gainfully employed. In case you wonder; no one at Grey Publishing has voiced that belief."
Ana remained quiet for a minute. "I see. Sins of omission and commission…and I've been the pawn in people's gamesmanship."
"I don't think of it like that. I think of it as attempting to protect you." Christian protested.
"Do you think I don't know to protect myself? I learned to sidestep overt interest in me through living with my mother. Ray taught me self-defense."
"While I'm unhappy because you had to defend yourself in New York; I am glad you could. I'm sorry Elizabeth Morgan was assaulted. I'm sorry she felt she had to shoot Jack Hyde to defend herself." Christian looked at his IV bag and rang for the nurse. "You should go back to the waiting room for fifteen minutes. The doctor wants lab tests."
Ana stepped out when the doctor and nurse arrived. She informed Grace Christian was being seen by a doctor. Grace returned to Christian's room to discuss Christian's case with the ER doctor. Ana sat with Frannie. They discussed the shooting.
"I don't know if I could defend myself against anyone," Frannie finished binding a six-foot long muffler she made from grey cashmere wool. "I have to fringe that, but it's for Christian. Don't betray me." She took two large diameter knitting needles from her tote. She cast five dozen stitches on one in hot pink cashmere yarn. With the large needles she created stitches which looked lacy.
"I had Sawyer. He was wounded, but he helped defend us." Ana could not stand to be complimented for killing someone.
"We've had bodyguards for a few years. I don't even think about them anymore." Frannie confided. "You are such a pretty girl. I hope Christian realizes how wonderful you are."
"You like me because you like my lasagna," Ana teased.
"I like you because you are the first girl to make Christian smile. That boy is too serious. He was a serious child. He loved picking strawberries with me, and apples with Theo. He was the best little pea sheller and green bean snapper. He loved working in the garden with me because it was quiet. He was amazed that people could grow food. I think that's part of why he supports the farms at WSUV." Frannie told Ana how Christian was nonverbal and could not be touched as a child. She told Ana about Christian's early teen years…fighting, drinking, and expulsion from various schools. That all changed after he turned fifteen. Frannie related how Christian found rowing and how he excelled at the sport. "I think there are trophies in Grace and Carrick's boathouse," she revealed.
"The doctor wants to test his blood again after he has a second IV bag and eats something. He's asking for you," Grace informed Ana.
~X~
Christian was settled back in bed, with an IV in his arm, and a large vanilla milkshake in his hand. "Shall we begin again?" He held up the still functioning jammer.
"Frannie tells me you have a lot of rowing trophies," Ana laid the groundwork for asking him about Gothica.
"You know about Mom's formula for extending our education through Kate's interview? I rowed and kickboxed, played the piano and spoke French. I rowed in high school and college. I like it, but I didn't have time for it when I was busy starting my company. Elliot, Mia and I ski and swim, and Elliot and I golf, sail, hike and mountain bike."
"Mrs. Robinson claims without her influence you would be in jail or dead. She said you would agree." Ana watched Christian's face.
"I was drinking, fighting and being expelled from school. Elena taught me self-control. Instead of hoping I would outgrow my temper or stop the path I was headed down; Elena held me accountable for my education, my temper and my actions. Elena taught me how to dance….and how to fuck," Christian knew this statement could make Ana flee… but he had to be honest with her. "Elena knew where and how to touch me."
"People call that grooming. She seduced you."
"I was her sexual submissive for six years. No, my family doesn't know about my singular tastes. I would prefer they never learn, but with Leila's death, and Isaac's death…I am not convinced it will remain private. There's already rumors that I'm gay…you add clone Isaac into the mix and the rumors get really ugly."
"I told you when I signed your NDA…I will never talk to anyone about you or anything we discuss during my time with you. You can tell me anything. I won't tell anyone."
"Anytime this conversation becomes overwhelming; we can stop."
"Just keep talking," Ana bit her lip. 'Do I really want to hear more.'
Christian shifted uncomfortably in bed, staring at Ana's lips before he cleared his throat and continued. "I was determined to leave Harvard and start my life. Starting my life began with starting my own business. My parents were angry I dropped out of Harvard. They would not give me access to my trust fund until I graduated from college or turned 25. Elena listened when my parents wouldn't. She funded my business plan. I could have done it another way. I could have gone back to Harvard for that last year of school and then used my trust fund to establish Grey House. I could have asked Grandma and Grandpa Trevelyan to co-sign a small business loan. I considered asking Elliot; but he used his trust fund to start Grey Construction. He wasn't exactly in a position to co-sign a loan."
Ana indicated Christian should continue.
"Part of starting my life was walking away from a sexual relationship with Elena. I planned to leave the lifestyle, but Elena convinced me I could be a Dominant and pursue my company goals. I learned to release work stress and angst in the playroom. Elena started as my submissive…teaching me how to be a Dominant. She would book us into training clubs to help me refine my skills. I would only attend clubs where we wore masks and went by fake names. We watched a lot of scenes. I attended weekend seminars to learn to use toys, restraints and furniture."
"Elena's husband, John Lincoln, caught us together. He assaulted her, broke her arm, abandoned her and divorced her. I felt guilty because I was the catalyst for her situation. I became her business partner." Christian admitted. "It changed the tenants of our relationship. She wanted to continue as my training submissive; but I could not bear to touch her when she was injured. She found Dominants and submissives who would train me. I did not want that. There were issues."
"Such as?" Ana wondered how many times his mind screamed 'RED' before he learned to ignore it.
"I would not go to a club and use whoever was trolling for a Dominant that night. I wanted Safe, Sane and Consensual. I developed my list of rules which included monogamy, no drugs, and no drinking to excess. I developed the contract. I developed a nondisclosure agreement. I told Elena my problems with finding a submissive. She took on that task, vetting submissives for me. She would ensure they had their medical clearance; they were on birth control; and they were single. She selected potentials who had hard and soft limits which mirrored my own. I was pleased with her vetting process until my last submissive. My submissive decided to get a prescription for antibiotics; knowing they would negate her birth control. She planned to get pregnant. I wanted to beat the shit out of her for attempting that stunt. However, something in my head stopped me. Flynn and I talked about it for two months before I met you."
"Since I resemble your other submissives; did you want me to be your submissive?" Ana asked.
"Yes, no and maybe. Yes, the thought of you in my playroom was enthralling. No, because the thought of Katherine Kavanaugh being your roommate made me uneasy. I could not take the chance of her asking questions about my life. I couldn't take the chance of my family learning about my singular tastes. I thought maybe we could get past this and have an honest conversation about us."
"Did you discuss scenes and sexual satisfaction with Mrs. Robinson?" Ana's question laid the groundwork for what she believed.
"I would tell her you call her that…except we're not speaking." Christian paused. "I don't know how happy she will be to know you've learned about us."
"She is the one who dropped all the hints. He doesn't fuck where he sleeps. I taught him to dance. He was a juvenile delinquent before I turned him into a business god." Ana's voice was dismissive.
"Elena recommended I send my submissives to Esclava for salon treatments. Because she vetted them for me; they felt comfortable discussing our situation. When Elena and I had lunches or dinners, it was business, with a side of community talk." Christian admitted.
"Wow…you had your submissives sign an NDA…but you engaged in locker room talk about them with your procurement officer." Ana didn't care if she sounded bitchy. "That's voyeuristic and smarmy as far as I am concerned. Did she use the information she learned about you to train the new potentials? When did she acquire Isaac Reynolds and begin creating her own personal Christian Grey doppelganger? Christ, what is it about you? The money, the power, the sex?"
"It's just a pretty face," Christian threw his milkshake cup in the trash.
"I sincerely believe Mrs. Robinson molested you. Most men, who are introduced to sex when they are teenage boys, usually don't consider their much older sex partner a predator. Simply reverse the sexes and consider how you would feel if a 40 year old man introduced your 15 year old sister to sex."
Christian's frown turned into closed eyes. He drifted off to sleep. Ana understood how that happened because she felt tired for a week after she experienced dehydration in May. Ana notified Grace that Christian was sleeping.
"He'll sleep for a while if you want to get lunch." Grace squeezed Ana's hand.
"No, I'll go back. I have work to keep me occupied while he sleeps." Ana returned to Christian's room. She had not been working very long when Grace appeared with a boxed lunch for her.
"Roast beef and sharp cheddar cheese on ciabatta bun, with lettuce, tomato and cucumber. Seven veggie chopped salad. Mustard or mayo packets for the sandwich, ranch dressing packet for the salad. Chocolate chip and macadamia nut cookie for dessert. Cold green tea to drink." Grace announced.
"Thank you, that is very kind of you," Ana thanked her. "I am sorry about earlier," she apologized. "I should not have been rude to Mrs. Lincoln. I put you in a difficult situation, and I apologize."
"You don't owe me an apology," Grace shook her head.
"Yes, I do. I would never allow you to talk to Kate that way. It was wrong of me. I have no excuse." Ana blushed, embarrassed.
"Ana, you are a lovely young woman. You are the first young woman to interest Christian. However, you are not the first victim of Elena's rudeness." Grace spoke honestly about her 'good friend'. "She's always been protective of Christian."
"I don't like her. I don't trust her. However, I will be polite to her if it is important to you." Ana sighed.
"Eat your lunch," Grace chided. "The doctor was not happy with Christian's erratic heart beat when he was admitted. He also doesn't like the results of his blood and urine tests. He wants administer IVs to Christian overnight. Frannie and I are going to lunch, and then we're going to Grey Manor. Have Welch or Taylor call me if Christian tries to leave A.M.A. Welch or Taylor will ensure you two are not bothered." Grace checked Christian's monitors one more time. She left a light kiss on his cheek and brushed his curls off his forehead.
~X~
When Christian woke, Ana left the room to let the nurse conduct her tasks. Taylor handed her a milkshake for him. "Try to get him to finish it. It's got vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in it."
Ana gave Christian the vanilla milkshake. He looked at the full bag of saline. "Guess I'm here for a little while longer. While you have me captive; you may as well ask more questions."
"Is it true Leila Williams Reed made you her executor?" Ana glanced out the window. Perhaps the view was not as wonderful as the one from his office or from his penthouse, but it beat staring at the walls.
"Yes. She wasn't well…" Christian started to explain.
"Don't you dare! Don't you dare tell me she wasn't well! I'm the person she tried to kill! Sawyer's the person she wounded! Was she the tramp stamp Elliot saw in your penthouse?" Ana could not blunt her voice any more than she could blunt the question.
"I think so, because it happened the same day as your break in. However, the tattoo must have been a temporary one. Leila didn't have one when they autopsied her. She stole your clothes and the codes to the penthouse. I think she sent you the playroom files." Christian watched Ana, warily.
"Trying to warn me that you would break my heart…like you did hers?" Ana asked.
"Perhaps. Her journal said she loved me. She wrote they all loved me."
"She sent me a card after Jessica was injured. She said she knew I loved you. She said they all loved you too. I enjoyed shredding it. By the way, it came to the condo, not GP; so I saw it. I told your security it was a wedding invitation." Ana sighed.
"Guilty – my security staff has been watching your mail and emails at Grey Publishing." Christian drew a long sip from his straw. "Not just yours, but Morgan's also."
"So they all loved you…and hate me…including Mrs. Robinson." Ana couldn't stop the fury which spewed from her when she thought of that woman.
"I sincerely doubt they all loved me. I endeavored to be a good Dominant. I never ignored their hard and soft limits. I always provided aftercare. I ensured they were healthy. I was monogamous and demanded they be monogamous also."
"Why did you terminate with them?" Ana asked.
"Incompatibility, timing, or they wanted more." Christian shrugged. "Flynn has made me aware that I was a rude, insensitive dick when I terminated with some of them."
"More?" Ana deliberately misunderstood.
"Boyfriend and girlfriend relationships; love; commitment," Christian's voice portrayed all the feelings he felt about 'more'. "I never understood 'more' until I met you."
"Was there ever anyone who didn't want more?" Ana asked.
"You tell me. You saw the list of submissives and the reasons I terminated." Christian ran his fingers through his hair.
"Sabine Falco. She didn't care about your money. She needed a business mentor. I applaud her brilliance at selecting you. She's the one who walked away because Elena was fucking with her" Ana asserted.
"Yeah…and I was a bastard about it. She fell ill within twelve hours of our termination. That would have negated the contract between us. Mrs. Jones went to the hospital to see her. I felt I disappointed Mrs. Jones. It was not a pleasant feeling."
"What was it about Leila which made you contract with her for 18 months?" Ana truly felt curious about Leila.
"She was lively, and fun. I helped her attend UDub to get her degree. She was talented. I think she could have made a living as an artist. She learned to cook gourmet, and she learned about wines. She followed the rules and rarely misbehaved. When she misbehaved, it was deliberate and enjoyable for both of us."
"So I learned during my research. Of course, I don't understand how a disciplinary spanking is sexually arousing…but that's just Vanilla Ana expressing her opinion."
"A submissive and I would negotiate a three-month contract. We continued to renew until there was an issue which caused termination. Leila and I started with a three month contract, and renewed it twice, then we signed a nine month contract. We were preparing to sign another nine month contract when Leila told me she wanted more. I was angry and terminated with her. She claimed Elena said after 18 months, I should collar her and take our relationship to the next level."
"Of course since Mrs. Robinson 'saved' you…you refused to listen to any of the submissives who spoke against her." Ana practically snapped out the words. "Since they were getting their bits waxed at Esclava, Post Alley, she could brainwash them."
"I think that is a harsh assessment." Christian defended his relationship again.
"Speaking of brainwashing...Elena claims not to know Isaac was stalking me." Ana twisted her fingers in her lap.
"Correct," Christian nodded. "Elena swears she didn't know about Isaac robbing Clayton's Hardware or stalking you."
"Yeah…and Olivia Blandino is a natural blonde," Ana rolled her eyes at Christian and noticed his frown. 'Geez, these control freaks don't like eyerolling. Will that be one of the first things he tries to change about me?' "I think you have a dragon which needs slain."
"Elena…" Christian stretched three syllables into six.
"If the animal print fits," Ana was incredibly calm for someone who had no clue how to muzzle a dragon.
"I could just pay her to go away…" Christian offered.
"I didn't know NASA was offering one way trips to space for black holes," Ana knew she wasn't wrong about Elena. "I am not assuming Elena masterminded anything. I don't assume; I overthink, remember. You cannot convince me Isaac Reynolds needed to rob a mom and pop hardware store in Portland. You cannot convince me he stalked me for any reason other than revenge. I think she wound him up and sent him careening in my direction. I find it curious that the only vehicles on the street during the situation was Isaac on his bike, followed by Elena in her SUV which is an exact copy of your fleet. Of course…Leila and I resemble one another. Isaac resembled you. We're just one big clone party, like the Blonde Minion Tour and Men in Black at Grey House."
"I did not want SPD to show you either Leila or Isaac's bodies, but Ray insisted." Christian complained.
"I recognized her when they showed her to me. I did not tell SPD about the playroom files. Leila worked for SIP on July eighth when we had the acquisition meeting with Ros. I interacted with her that day…so I claimed that was when I had seen her before."
"But you couldn't identify Isaac?"
"I was looking for someone tall and lean like you. He muscled up. SPD showed me Isaac's shoulder and thigh wounds, from a gun, received about a few months before his death. The wounds were healed but the scars had not faded. There was also evidence that he had a broken arm from when Adrian drop kicked him."
"How do you know that?" Christian asked.
"The coroner showed me the X-ray of the broken arm and recalcification. Playroom files said Leila was in Portland with her husband."
"They divorced; she was living with Geoffrey Barry here in Seattle. He was killed in January in a car accident on the I-5. You should know…she owned the blue RAV-4 which followed you. Welch, Taylor and I believe she somehow accessed the files; copied them and sent them to you. She is responsible for hospitalizing Jessica Jackson. I paid two years of wages and benefits to the District Court of Spokane to hire Jessica beginning January first. Coping Together gave the Spokane Family Courts a hefty grant to help some of their programs. I think it will be a long and fruitful alliance. Because Jessica Jackson was injured by Leila; I'm paying Jessica Jackson's medical bills and paying off her student loans." Christian explained.
"I think you need to make sure your ex-ladies are put away where you think they are." Ana observed his face. It was a task already done.
"Do you want your clothes back from Leila?" Christian asked. It was a complete non sequitur but he needed to halt this conversation trail. It would not provide answers for either of them.
"Not just no…but HELL no," Ana snapped. "Donate them to charity…or since you've been so generous with Jessica Jackson, send them to her."
"After paying Leila's final expenses, which includes transporting her body to Connecticut for internment; the remainder of her estate goes to her younger sister. An estate furniture company purchased her furniture and decor. A personal assistant is packing her personal items – pictures, jewelry, clothes, electronics - to ship to her sister. Miscellaneous household goods will be donated to charity. She was working as a waitress and stripper at a members only nightclub. The personal assistant sold Leila's costumes, etc. to other employees at the club instead of giving them to her sister. We've arranged for her laptop to be wiped before it is sent to her sister." Christian examined Ana's body language.
"So…you're paying off Jessica's bills…but you fired Sawyer." Ana's temper was on the rise again. "Why did you fire Sawyer?"
"I was angry with you for disappearing, without telling anyone and without having Prescott or Sawyer with you." Christian scolded her.
"Have you fired Mia's detail when she ditches them? I needed time away from everything and everyone. My tires being slashed was the preverbal straw. I rode the ferry to Bainbridge, visited bookstores, had a wonder lunch at a sidewalk café, and wandered around the island. No one knew who I was. No one was interested in what I was doing or where I was going. It was complete freedom. I needed that. While I did not know it at the time… Bee watched my back. Assigning Prescott and Sawyer to me was not a stupid move. What was stupid was firing Sawyer after he saved our lives."
"You saved your lives…with his gun!"
"He moved me out of the line of fire; putting himself between me and the street; like a good little close protection officer. You assign him to protect me and then you fire him when he does. God…you are just like my MOTHER."
"Your MOTHER?"
"Ana, dear, thank you for dusting the living room, but you did it wrong. You always dust from high to low, so any dust falls on the floor. Then you vacuum clockwise, beginning at north, and move the furniture as you go." Ana mimicked Carla. "You don't get to Monday morning quarterback how Sawyer and I survived my deranged doppelganger!"
"I don't see how we will have a chance with one another if you are telling me how to control my staff!" Christian shouted.
"I don't understand how you have any staff the way you are such a control freak! You are the rudest, most self-absorbed person I know…and that's saying a lot because I know Jessica Jackson!"
"I have a lot of things to do…I can't always be a nice guy!"
"So go and do your lots of things. If you insist I have a protection detail, then it is Sawyer and Prescott!"
"I thought I would assign Stevens to you." Christian suggested.
"Who is Stevens?" Ana frowned.
"He was the guy who was with you until the police took you downtown."
"The dickhead? The one who thinks I'm a pain in the ass assignment?" Ana related Stevens' comments. "Just so you know…Prescott will be the only close protection detail allowed in the condo. I talked to Kate, Dad and Bee. I'm tired of falling over people. I'm tired of the entourage."
"Get Taylor."
Ana retrieved Taylor from the hall. She whispered, "Sorry" before she shut the door behind her. "Prescott, we need to find a powder room."
"I suggest the one connected to the private waiting room; although Mrs. T. and Dr. T. left." Prescott watched Ana's face. "What happened?"
"Christian wants to put another CPO on me while Sawyer heals. Stevens," Ana wrinkled her nose.
"As long as we get Sawyer back eventually; I can work with another CPO, but I want another female." Prescott commented.
"Female?" Ana was amused.
"I don't like some of the 'big boys'. I relate better to ex-military security staff because I know I can depend on them. I'm not as sure about previous law enforcement. I know Stevens. It wouldn't hurt my heart if he was assigned to guard a subsidiary in Alaska; or if he was assigned to work the parking level at Grey House. Welch tries to keep that position for new staff or as punishment. Eight hours in the glass box, checking plates and cars. It is quite humbling." Prescott airquoted 'big boys'.
"How do you do that?"
"What?"
"Maintain your equilibrium when your world resembles San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake."
"Living through a war zone puts things in perspective. Just ask Bee what is important in life." Prescott opened the door and ensured no one was standing around in the hallway.
After Ana washed her hands, she paused and stared out a window where she watched the sun battle the grey skies for dominance. 'You and Christian are like Seattle's weather…it shines when it shines…and it's dark when it's dark.' She put on fresh lip gloss, squared her shoulders and returned to Christian's room.
~X~
"I think we veered off topic…" Christian attempted to change the subject.
"No I think we're rolling right along. You need to quit reaching for the handbrakes before you ensure I fastened my seat belt properly."
"All of this mess is my fault…and I'm sorry," Christian apologized.
"Did you make Elena Lincoln into an obsessed pedophile bitch who created your doppelganger? Did you break Leila Williams Reed…or did the grief of losing her lover cause her to derail? Did you cause John Jeremy Hyde to be a rapist, who was jealous of your family life? It's one thing to be angry at yourself about things you have done…but STUPID for you to assume guilt for things you did not do. Please fix things with Luke Sawyer."
"Otherwise, I don't have a chance with you…do I?"
Ana stared at him like he was more of an imbecile than she thought. "Did we ever have fun together?"
Christian shrugged.
"No, I'm serious. Name one time we had fun together."
"Laser tag?
Ana smiled. "You were quite inventive that day."
"And no one caught us…" Christian smirked. "It was the black tactical gear…it gave me all kinds of ideas…"
"Christian…I believe neither of us are strong enough to battle this onslaught by ourselves. Individually, we never stood a chance against your Mrs. Robinson, your criminal doppelganger, my deranged doppelganger, or Jack Hyde's obsession with you. Since the story broke about Isaac and Leila and the shooting…more of my doppelgangers might come out of the woodwork. More of your doppelgangers might come out of the woodwork."
"Are you thinking if we teamed up, we might have a chance to battle the crazies?" His hopeful voice accompanied a small smile.
"You and me against the world?" Ana suggested.
"There's strength in numbers…or so they tell me," His smile faltered into a grimace of pain.
"What? Are you in pain?" Ana asked.
"No, I think my stomach rumbled. I guess two milkshakes aren't enough food." He rang for the nurse. "Am I out of here pretty soon? I'm hungry."
"The doctor wants you to stay overnight. He wants to monitor your heart for 24 hours. Dehydration affects your muscles…and your heart is a muscle. Since your IV bag is empty; I'm to take you for laboratory tests. They will take at least an hour, possibly longer." The nurse noted his vitals on his chart. "Then it's back to bed with another IV. I can order a food tray after labs."
"I will go then. Call Grace. I'm sure she wants to know your status." Ana bent and gave Christian a chaste kiss.
"We need to continue this discussion…" Christian thought the talk took too long, and the kiss was too short. "Will you come with me to Detroit if I am cleared by the doctor?"
"Perhaps…" Ana gave him a smile instead of the yes he desperately wanted. "Are Ros and Gwen going?"
"Perhaps…" Christian suggested.
Ana gathered her purse and tote. "Oh and get over yourself because Bee and I are feeding Sawyer while he recuperates. I owe him for saving my life; half a dozen lasagnas will not kill me." Ana sashayed out of the room before he could respond.
~~XX~~
A/N: Sorry I didn't post yesterday – Life does get in the way sometimes. So, I'll post Monday, Wednesday Friday this week.