Chapter 37- January 2012
New Year's Day
Christian opened one eye to see a glass containing tomato juice. 'DRINK ME' accompanied a saucer with two ibuprophen and a couple multivitamins – 'TAKE ME.' The tomato juice wasn't just tomato juice and it wasn't a Bloody Mary…it tasted like…lime?
He and Ana moderated their drinking at Adrian and Andrea's wedding last night. Ana danced with Adrian and Asher…which left Christian to dance with Andrea and Gwen. He had fewer touch issues; but he was still uncomfortable dancing with anyone but family and Ana. No, this hangover was courtesy of the bottle of Cristal they drank after their playroom pleasures; celebrating Elliot and Kate's text messages regarding their engagement.
Christian wanted to congratulate Elliot on his engagement; but he had to deal with his Kate issues. She might have been a smoking hot sugar and spice and everything nice strawberry blonde which Elliot could not resist. However, Kate's personality had a pinch of castrating bitch…along with a hint of intrusive, rude cunt…along with a drop of narcissistic, entitled twat. 'Oh fuck…I'm thinking in Ana cooking terms.' His head throbbed. He finished the tomato juice.
When the UDub marching band in his head was reduced to a ratta-tat-tat snare of a child's toy; Christian headed for the shower. Scalding hot water meant his body felt better. Jeans, white shirt, barefoot…he went in search of coffee.
"Ana?" He half croaked at Mrs. Jones.
"Media room…she's watching the Rose Parade. I just took coffee and food to the media room for you."
~X~
"We want a destination wedding in Barbados," Kate informed her parents. "Hurricane season is June to November. We're either getting married in April with a May honeymoon; or we're getting married in December with a January honeymoon. We can have 50 people in Barbados and 300 here. Christian's people agreed to show the wedding on closed circuit TV here in the U.S. to video guests."
"I want to get married as far away from a major news source as possible." Elliot added to Kate's comments. "I want Kate to have her fantasy wedding, because we don't plan to ever do this again."
~X~
Important news recaps from 2011 included the missing person's report for Elena Lincoln. She was missing and had been since she flew to Rio de Janierio with Grace Trevelyan Grey at the end of November 2011. The news suggested she met a man and was sailing around the world. Not very nice people suggested Elena had something to hide; since there was no legal extradition from Brazil to the United States. Franco de Luca refused to postulate where Elena was or what she was doing. Previous social friends gossiped. They would not be surprised if she had been caught in a drug war.
A few people from their social circle called Carrick and Grace seeking information about Elena. After hints of blackmail by the Lincolns; Carrick developed a response. They decided since Isaac was dead, and since Elena was missing…they did not want to be drawn into any more drama. They never heard the blackmail rumor before, and didn't plan to repeat the rumor.
Grace would never reveal she learned the location of Elena's fire safe. Nor would she ever reveal it contained pictures of her naked son or naked friends. Nor would she ever reveal she shredded pictures and had the trash incinerated.
~X~
"Welcome back," Ana hugged Sawyer. "Taylor's given me the panic room and the weapons locker tour."
"Thank you for the weekly food donations. Gail and you took good care of me." Sawyer hugged quickly and stepped away. Getting caught hugging Ana in the Boss's security office is not a good idea. Not if he wanted to remain gainfully employed. "Prescott is primary Monday, Wednesday and Friday? I'm primary on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday?"
Ana nodded. "However, I think I need both of you the week after Martin Luther King's Birthday. We're in court. Carrick wants me to be there."
"Prescott and I can do that." Sawyer assured her. "What's with the crate text? It's only one word."
"Sorry – I was purging thoughts from my head. I thought collapsible crates would be a good idea for carrying manuscripts to and from Grey Publishing." Ana explained her cryptic message. "I didn't remember to research for them."
"I'll find weather proof ones," Sawyer offered.
January 2
"Calm," Ana placed her hand on Christian's arm as he reached to unlock the door. "You must be excited to share the red room with me. You're humming."
"Thomas Tallis," Christian apologized. 'A scene…orgasm denial for both of us. Anastasia retrained spread eagle to the bed with silk restraints and a silk blindfold. A feather to start at her left hip and brush around the outline of her body. Then tease her breasts and apex with brushes of the feather. Then repeat the track of the feather with oil that warms her body. Then a sensual flog. Then use my oral skills to make her come at least twice before I sink my rock hard cock in her soaking wet sex. I will do my best to edge three or four times.'
Ana thought he could hear how fast her heart was beating. She loved those grey eyes and the coppery curls…and how she could touch him in their private life. It would be alright if she couldn't touch him in their playroom without permission.
Christian pulled her into his arms and felt the warmth of her hands on his biceps. He touched his forehead to hers. "Are you sure you want this, Anastasia? New Year's Eve was memorable…but I don't need the playroom; as long as you share my bed and my life."
"Aren't you the person who extolled the pleasures of anticipation?" Ana teased him.
January 3
"We loved it," Ana told the design group. "If you're willing to take everything down, and put it in storage crates, bags, boxes, whatever; we'll find a place in storage for it. Then you can reassemble it next year. The only issue – I don't like the Christmas tree skirt, or the aqua Christmas stockings. You can take those with you. I will search for ones I like better next year."
"Thank you for recommending us to Mr. Grey and Miss Kavanagh. Their emerald and gold tree worked out well. Thank you for the pictures of Ms. Bailey and Ms. Drake's rose gold and merlot tree. We're adding their color combination to our offerings next year." The spokesperson for the group announced.
"My dad and his girlfriend decorated a tree with copper and red ornaments, cayenne red lights and chocolate velvet ribbon garland. I'll send you a picture of it. Gail; I'm going to my home office to work. Will you bring me tea tray?" Ana headed off to her home office. Security and the décor staff let her do her thing while they attended their own tasks.
"You look very nice today," Gail complimented the black slacks and purple shirt Ana wore. Her hair was in a messy updo; but her makeup was flawless.
"Carla might Skype today if she has nothing to do in their temporary Boston quarters. I intend to distract any request for a tour of Escala." Ana thanked her for the tea tray and settled down to clear some manuscripts off her desk.
~X~
Elliot approved of the upgrades to his condo. He had planned to list it for sale; but discussion with his finance team convinced Elliot to keep it as a rental unit. They didn't have to search for renters. Two of the Washington Warriors, who were working on the housing complex, signed rental papers this morning. His office manager was thrilled with the quick turnaround. The two vets told José when to come take project pictures for the Grey Construction website. They also hung out with José…which helped lessen José's bitterness over Ana moving in with Christian.
January 5
Ana appeared in the media room; following the directions in Christian's text. She spent the day in her library/home office; reading and reviewing manuscripts. She was dressed in a cashmere sweater dress and leggings with ankle boots.
Christian sat on the soft as butter leather couch.
"Everything off except your panties," he ordered. Watching raptly as Ana stripped down to her underwear; discarding a navy bralette last. "Come here," he ordered.
She moved to him, allowing him to pull her across his knees. He smacked her right cheek, a little too enthusiastically. Ana's cycle was getting ready to start and she felt crampy and bloated. She yelped when the swat landed. "Too hard," she wiggled on his lap.
Christian massaged the heat of his swat before giving her another. Ana didn't yelp or wiggle this time. "I'd say that is the right strength…your ass turned rose pink. I do like the feel of my hands on you."
"Might I ask why I'm being punished?" Her small voice twisted his heart.
"Not punishment, baby. Foreplay. I want to fuck you in this room, on this soft leather couch. However, I can't do a sedate seduction like Captain Wentworth or Fitzwilliam Darcy. I need a little rough, and a lot hot, fast and deep. Don't worry about making noise…we're all alone tonight."
"In that case, please take your time teaching me about sensual spanking. I'll let you know if you're pushing my limits." Ana couldn't see his excited face.
"I'm glad to have your permission to spank away," he commented drily before giving her another swat.
January 7
"Plus – restaurant and setting. Minus – food and drink. I'm not inclined to spend another date night there," Ana discussed dinner with Christian. The media wasn't too intrusive. The restaurant opening was a fundraiser for an education group which advocated trade school options for graduating seniors in Seattle.
"I hated the food too…what didn't you like?" Christian asked.
"I wish the time they spent decorating the plates was used to taste the food." Ana laughed.
"We were not amuse-bouched," Christian punned. "Mrs. Jones left a prepared fruit and cheese platter in the refrigerator."
"That's a nice appetizer; but we need more food than that. How do you feel about omelets and toast with that fruit and cheese platter?" Ana rummaged through the refrigerator.
"Should I ring for Mrs. Jones?" Christian reached into the cooler for a bottle of Sancerre.
"No, I can make omelets and toast." Ana set ingredients on the counter, including the fruit and cheese platter.
"Are you cooking for security also?" Christian asked.
"They can order pizza if there's nothing to raid in staff quarters," Ana commented. "I'm just cooking for us tonight."
"Should we rent a movie?" Christian put place settings on trays.
"How about a Pay-Per-View comedy show? I could use a good laugh." Ana suggested. "We were both a little too serious at the restaurant. I would not be surprised to see tabloid headlines tomorrow which announce we've gone our own ways."
Christian took the wine, glasses and platter to the media room. He surfed for shows; and selected one. Ana finished making omelets and toast, and they carried trays to the media room.
"This is nice," Christian commented. "Too bad we didn't think of it before going out."
"We'll have to put it on our list of reasons to turn down an invitation," Ana agreed.
January 14
Ana strolled in to the media room; hopped up on the pool table and crossed her legs. She leaned back on the table; supporting herself with her hands planted behind her. She waited patiently for Christian to come find her.
"Do you want to play?" Christian asked. 'I will not look at those legs or tits because l won't be able to walk or play.'
"Sure, I can use a distraction," Ana hopped off the table. She strolled over to the cue rack on the wall and selected one.
"Break," Christian ordered, handing her the cue ball while he racked the balls.
~X~
Ana shifted nervously from foot to foot while Christian sunk the eight ball. "Best two out of three?" He asked.
"I don't think I can stand a triple tonight," Ana walked sedately out of the media room. Instead of heading to the bedroom, she floated up the stairs…losing her heels, dress, and bra along the way.
'WTF?' Then Christian heard a mechanical lock click. 'She went to the playroom! She's topping from the bottom…' Thoughts about how to punish Ana were overridden by an immediate understanding of the issue. 'Anticipation is excellent for the playroom…it becomes uneasiness in a court room. She must be stressed over the mediation hearings beginning next week. Give her a good release in the playroom, followed by a hot bath where you wash her hair. Then cuddle in bed. Be a sounding board if she needs to talk. Let her know she is wanted, loved, cherished.'
January 17
"Ladies…I asked you to come early today so I can talk to you about how the arbitration board will function. I would like for you to sit separately from one another…and not speak to one another during the hearing. I want to seat you in the order which you worked for Jack Hyde. Gwen," Carrick addressed her. "As the only consultant, you will sit separately from the interns." He lined up the interns…one on the very left of a row; one in the middle; and one on the very right of a row. He left a large empty spot where Ellison Towles would have sat. Ana was on the very left of the fourth row. Gwen was seated on the right end of the fifth row. Family members in attendance, along with Mr. and Mrs. Ellison, filled the seating behind Gwen. "Please feel free to take notes, but do not play games on phones, email or text during the process, etc."
"Where is Elizabeth Morgan?" One of the interns interjected.
"Ms. Morgan will not be in attendance during the hearings. She was released from hospice the week before Christmas. She has two medical appointments this week. She will watch the proceedings through CCTV in a small conference room in my office. Thank you, all of you, for wearing business attire. I ask that you do not discuss the case with one another in the halls or bathrooms because of media presence. Lunch time we have been given a small conference room. Lunch will be catered. It will be your opportunity to meet and greet; or to ask me any questions from the morning session." Carrick released a sigh of relief. No one wanted Elizabeth Morgan's blood at the moment. "Please be prepared to answer questions for the arbitration board."
~X~
"This is the arbitration board for the State of Washington in the class action lawsuit of Jane Does versus Grey Publishing. Plaintiffs include three current and eight former female employees. One intern is represented by her family." Security announced. "Everyone be seated." The three judges introduced themselves.
"Opening remarks, Mr. Carrick Grey?" The lead judge of the board didn't waste time with greetings or small talk.
"Upon seeing the news reports of John Jeremy Hyde assaulting Anastasia Steele; ex-interns learned John Jeremy Hyde had a history of sexually harassing female employees. His behavior was ignored by his supervisor and no corrective action was taken. The plaintiffs agree to be represented by Grey and Dawson Group. The plaintiffs agree to abide by the findings of this arbitration board."
"Opening remarks, Ms. Rosalind Bailey?"
"Grey Enterprises Holdings has always had a zero tolerance policy for drugs, alcohol, sexual harassment and any form of discrimination. Here are the personnel procedures and policy manuals for Grey House and for every company under the Grey House Umbrella." Ros motioned to a flatbed cart which was 2.5-feet wide by 5-feet long. It contained a 3-foot layer of binders. "Now, due to the merger and acquisition of Seattle Independent Publishing, Grey Publishing faces this class-action lawsuit. We ask the arbitration board to identify Seattle Independent Publishing as the defendant; not Grey Publishing. Seattle Independent Publishing did not handle their sexual harassment claims properly for five years. Grey Publishing discovered the situation within two months of the merger and acquisition."
After ten minutes of discussion; the panel agreed to change the name of the defendant from Grey Publishing to Seattle Independent Publishing (2000-2011) d.b.a. Grey Publishing, July 1, 2011.
~X~
"Where's Bee?" Elliot asked Ray.
"VA hospital; lady parts and birth control physical. Ana's in court with your father today. I don't feel like dealing with Grey House while Adrian's on his honeymoon. How about getting lunch with me? We can talk about a couple ideas I had for the complex – like putting in a track and field area. Bee suggested an RV parking area where vets who have RVs have a decent, safe place to park. Also, it could be used by visiting families."
"We've had a request for storage units, covered garages, WIFI, outdoor cooking and eating facilities, and a laundromat and quick mart close by. We've had a suggestion for a community garden. Christian's people will conduct a security assessment for the complex. Come on, I'll buy you an extra-cut New York strip steak for lunch, with baked potato and all the fixings." Elliot offered. "We can talk while we're eating."
"Fixings?" Ray double checked.
"Three different appetizer plates: onion rings, jalapeno poppers, and chicken fries; deep fried ravioli, mozzarella sticks and deep fried mushrooms; and spicy shrimp cocktail, salmon eggrolls, and crab Rangoon. Sides are three kinds of potatoes, Caesar salad, coleslaw, and braised asparagus. Six kinds of steak in petite, regular and manly portions." Elliot tried not to salivate, but his stomach growled. "I'm looking forward to the seafood appetizers, the manly New York strip, baked potato, and Caesar salad."
"Dessert offerings?" Ray persisted in the bullet points of the menu.
"Apple pie – not as good as Ana makes; chocolate cake – not as good as Mrs. Jones bakes; and vanilla bean ice cream with brandy-sauced cherries." Elliot led the way to his truck.
"What's up with Carla and Kate's social media?" Ray asked.
"Carla made a bitchy comment on Kate's social media page about Ana moving out and our refurbishing the condo. So Kate blocked her. Carla can send all the friendship requests she wants; but Kate won't see them." Elliot shrugged. "Kate won't discuss it; so what do you know?"
"Ever since the girls met you and Christian…Carla has been pushing Ana at Christian. 'Fix your hair. Wear a pretty dress. Quit hanging out with Ray and his friends. Get out of the kitchen and join Kate at events, clubbing, etc.' Which pisses me off considering her current stance. She doesn't want Ana living with Christian. Bob and I had words about the situation. We don't have an explanation for Carla's 180." Ray groused.
"I think it's because Ana didn't consult Carla before moving in with Christian." Elliot opined.
"I think it's because Ana hasn't consulted Carla about what to do since she was 16." Ray retorted.
"That too," Elliot agreed.
~X~
Christian removed his tie and wrapped it around his fist; listening to the synopsis of Ana's day. Sawyer reported she ate a good lunch and discussed the wedding with Gwen. Christian put his cell away and ran his empty hand through his hair. 'Preserve calm…control yourself.' "Taylor, in case I forget, please thank Gail for providing comfort food dinners this week while Ana's in court."
"While I hate the reason for it; all of us appreciate the chicken pot pie, shepherd's pie, macaroni and cheese, beef stroganoff, meatloaf, and spaghetti and meatballs which Gail has on the menu this week. Plus good breakfasts of pancakes, waffles, and muffins. She baked your favorite chocolate cake and Sawyer's favorite yellow cake with caramel frosting." Taylor was proud of Gail's efforts this week. "She ordered lavender bouquets for the penthouse because she said they promote relaxation. She bought lavender, and jasmine bubble bath, along with scented candles if Ana wants a long soak."
~X~
"Mom, I can't discuss it. Neither can Christian or Carrick. The arbitration board issued a gag order. They will include their findings in their quarterly report to the Washington Attorney General's Office."
"Did you dress appropriately for your court appearance? No pony…"
"Mom…remember you are allowed one criticism after three compliments. Carrick ordered us to wear clothes which we would wear to work. He wanted the arbitration board to see us as we would have appeared while working for Jack Hyde."
"I don't believe I'm being critical just because I want to know what you wore to court?" Carla's heavy sigh was scripted to force Ana to back off…but it didn't work.
'No, you haven't been critical unless you are Mrs. Bennet talking to any of her daughters other than beautiful Jane or lively Lydia.' "Mother…I like the way you create beautiful items to make my life beautiful. I like the way you select beautiful sapphire jewelry for my birthday and Christmas. I like the way you support my improving myself. That's your three compliments. This is your criticism…I don't like the way you ask Ray or Kate about the events in my life because I don't share the minutiae of my thoughts, decisions or actions on social media." Ana listened quietly for the explosion.
"I will call you later when I am not upset and when you are more open to discussing things with me." Carla calmly announced…like she was ordering a steak well done instead of rare. She hung up.
"THAT WAS A CRITICISM MOM…WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF COMPLIMENTS!" Ana yelled at the phone…and then burst into laughter. 'When was the last time I laughed about my mother?'
Christian heard Ana yelling at the phone. He sent an email to Taylor…he wanted to know what was going on in Carla's life…and that capricious head of hers.
January 18
"Ladies," Gwen and Becker set half a dozen small cakes on the table in the small conference room at lunch time. "After you eat lunch, will you sample the cakes and give me feedback? I'm getting married Valentine's Day." Before the end of lunch – Gwen had champagne strawberry for the bottom layer and red velvet for the middle layer. The top layer of the cake, intended for their first anniversary, would be one layer of each. The frosting would be white chocolate cream cheese.
Gwen brought her wedding binder with her every day. She and Ana discussed the wedding. Tuesday they discussed the venue (Whidbey Island Winery), invitations and guest list. Wednesday was selecting cake flavors, and discussion of the menu. Friday they would discuss music and flowers.
Thursday would be clothing. Ana and Gwen would have their final dress fittings at Nordstrom's February fourth. Ros would not reveal what she was wearing to the wedding, other than her clothing, shoes and nails were all merlot colored. Christian, as best man, would wear a black suit, with white shirt. His tie and pocket square were merlot and gold striped. Gwen planned to wear a rose gold gown. Ana's gown was rose gold until mid-thigh when it merged into merlot.
Gwen revealed the honeymoon would be a two week vacation in Perth, Australia. There was a two week festival there – art, music, street performances, comedies, theatre…and of course, the beach. They had considered Rio, but with the Elena Lincoln missing situation …it was better to avoid the place.
January 20
On a grey Friday afternoon in Seattle, the arbitration board was ready to render its findings.
The Class Action Lawsuit of Jane Does vs. Seattle Independent Publishing
Ten Jane Does were subjected to sexual harassment at the hands of their immediate supervisor, John Jeremy Hyde. One Jane Doe consultant was subjected to sexual harassment by John Jeremy Hyde. His actions include:
inappropriate remarks
inappropriate touch
leering
impairing someone's ability to move
emails and texts of a sexual nature
unwelcome flirting
sexual advances
sexual harassment
emotional distress
Nine Jane Doe employees subjected to inappropriate sexual actions of John Jeremy Hyde. One Jane Doe coworker subjected to inappropriate sexual actions by John Jeremy Hyde.
sexual assault with use of date rape drug
blackmail (video tape of sexual assault)
emotional distress
One Jane Doe employee was subjected to sexual assault by John Jeremy Hyde which resulted in Jane Doe terminating her life.
One Jane Doe was physically assaulted by her immediate supervisor, John Jeremy Hyde.
One Jane Doe coworker was physically assaulted by her coworker, John Jeremy Hyde.
Ten Jane Doe employees and one Jane Doe consultant stalked by John Jeremy Hyde:
followed to non-work events and social events with friends
social media monitored
feared for individual safety
Testimony given included:
Twelve depositions outlining the beginning and ending dates of the period of time the plaintiffs were subjected to sexual harassment, stalking, and/or sexual assault.
Nine plaintiffs were sexually assaulted while attending a conference (Book Expo, West Coast Writers, and/or National Reading Week).
One plaintiff was physically assaulted while attending National Reading Week Conference 2011.
One plaintiff was physically assaulted after John Jeremy Hyde returned to Seattle after the National Reading Week Conference 2011.
After drugging, sexually assaulting and electronically recording the initial sexual assault; John Jeremy Hyde attempted to blackmail five Jane Does into continuing a sexual liaison in exchange for keeping their position. One Jane Doe continued the sexual liaison for five years. Nine Jane Doe employees quit to avoid the sexual harassment and abusive work environment.
One Jane Doe was refused a job reference by SIP since she did not complete her 1-year internship after being sexually assaulted.
One Jane Doe was persecuted by SIP HR for her complaint; retaliation in form of poor work performance reviews.
Findings:
This arbitration board finds SIP failed to investigate the allegations of Jane Doe employees. SIP continued to assign ten plaintiffs to work with or for John Jeremy Hyde, creating a hostile work environment for them.
This arbitration board finds John Jeremy Hyde sexually harassed twelve employees; sexually assaulted ten employees; physically assaulted two employees and stalked ten employees.
Settlement
The plaintiffs agreed to arbitration. This determination of the arbitration board cannot be appealed. Additionally, this arbitration board finds for Jane Does vs. Seattle Independent Publishing. This arbitration board issues a gag order for all plaintiffs and for the defendant company Seattle Independent Publishing, d.b.a. Grey Publishing.
This arbitration board hereby orders the following settlement:
$1 million in compensatory damages and $4 million in punitive damages (each) for eight Jane Doe former employees who were assigned as interns to John Jeremy Hyde.
$2 million in compensatory damages paid to Ellison Towles parents: John and Elisha Towles.
$3 million in punitive damages to be paid to Sexual Assault Programs, Division of Criminal Justice, State of Colorado in the memory of Ellison Towles.
$1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages to Anastasia Steele.
$1 million in compensatory damages to Gwen Drake.
$1 million in compensatory damages for sexual assault; $1 million in compensatory damages for physical assault for Elizabeth Morgan. No punitive damages will be assessed because this arbitration board feels Ms. Morgan aided and abetted John Jeremy Hyde in his serial sexual predator activities by dismissing the allegations of female staff members.
Seattle Independent Publishing, d.b.a. Grey Publishing is ordered to pay the damages to the plaintiffs on or before January 31, 2012.
This arbitration board further orders Grey Publishing to:
Ensure their sexual harassment policy is complete and complies with federal and state laws.
Ensure every employee to receive a copy of the sexual harassment policy.
Provide sexual harassment training for all employees.
Provide sexual harassment reporting training for all supervisors.
Take complaints seriously and investigate them promptly.
Create a safe environment for the victim by not tolerating any form of retaliation.
~X~
Christian and Ros, with a handful of security, watched as Jerald Roach and Carrick Grey conversed with each of the ladies in a small conference room at Grey Publishing. Lance Beam had paperwork for the ladies to complete. GEH Finance processed checks for each plaintiff. Ana survived the overt interest in her by staying close to Gwen and their security staff. Claire arranged to take each lady on a tour of Grey Publishing; and they were able to say hello to staff they knew.
"Finance is dancing in their spreadsheets. They believed taking on SIP would be a tax break for us. Little did we envision a loss of $50 million in damages; in addition to training costs." Ros grimaced. "I cannot say I am sorry Hyde and Morgan are gone; because Gwen is safe."
"Ditto," Christian commented. "I'm ordering dinner delivered by Metropolitan Grill – crab cakes, shrimp cocktails, steaks, and lobster macaroni and cheese with sides and good wine. Also security is picking up white chocolate cheesecake ice cream. I'm turning off phones, media, etc. and giving Ana a head to toe massage/salon/spa weekend to help her relax."
"Gwen and I are unreachable this weekend. We have wedding issues to finalize," Ros informed Christian. "After March first we have four pressing issues – withdrawal from the brownfield site, and hiring three new employees to let us work less than 90 hours a week. I plan to have a life with my wife."
"Did you ask Gwen what she plans to do with her settlement?" Christian wondered.
"She's starting her own company – either Graphics by Gwen or Drake Designs. She wants to help three of the students she met in her illustrating class. I promised to help her with incorporation paperwork." Ros explained. "What's on Ana's agenda?"
"I offered to invest the funds but Ana refused. She's donating the entire amount to the Washington Warriors. They will use the money to purchase available land and buildings adjacent to the vets complex. Ray and Elliot are thrilled. Washington Warriors will list it as an anonymous donation so Ana won't be harassed for money by other charities." Christian didn't reveal Ana was pissed about Jessica and Coping Together.
Sunday, January 22
********Seattle Times********
Photo Caption: The Robert Burns Dinner and Fundraiser at the Seattle Convention Center on Saturday, January twenty-first raised $1.17 million for the Seattle Library System. Reading advocacy volunteers were spotlighted in the welcoming speech by Kevin McKidd. He awarded the prize for the Robert Burns look-alike contest to Donavan Douglas, of Tacoma, Washington.
Photo Caption: The Grey Brothers, with Kate Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele, attended the Robert Burns Dinner and Fundraiser. Yes, that is both the Grey Brothers in traditional Scottish regalia for the event. The kilts and dresses featured the tartan of Washington State. Is it our imagination…or does Christian Grey really carry off that whole 'ginger vibe' like Conan O'Brien, Prince Harry, and Kevin McKidd?
********Seattle Times********
~X~
Carrick Grey delivered the settlement check and copy of the settlement to Elizabeth Morgan. She signed a nondisclosure agreement. She learned her lesson in perfecting a poker face. When Carrick asked her plans; Elizabeth explained she was moving to the East Coast near her family. She planned to sell her car and condo by late May, and be relocated before July first. When Carrick left; Elizabeth ordered a gourmet dinner and a good bottle of wine to be delivered to her condo. She had six boxes of memorabilia from Jack's life and clutter from hers. Monday, she would find a commercial incinerator and reduce this part of her life to ash.
Leaving Seattle would be easier with Jack's funds and the Grey Publishing funds…and best of all…she didn't have to share her almost $4 with Jack…nor share a jail cell because she kidnapped Mia Grey.