Chapter 41 - May
Happy New Year! The story is winding down. There are one or two chapters before we race over the finish line! Thank you for the views and reviews!
May 1
The Kavanagh and Grey families met at Boeing Field to take the Grey House jet to the Virgin Islands for the Kavanagh-Grey nuptials. Extended family members were booked on commercial flights over the next three days. Hotel rooms were booked. The yacht for the wedding ceremony and reception was booked. The Washington wedding planner had a cohort in the Virgin Islands. Security teams discussed events and family members requiring protection.
This week Adrian, Chase, Ros and Barney conducted executive staff interviews. When Christian returned to Seattle on Monday; interviews for the Chief Financial Officer and for the Global Marketing Manager would be conducted via Skype with potentials.
~X~
Hannah coordinated the mailing for the 'Save the Date' bookmarks for Ana and Christian. The ladies from Grey Publishing met in the conference room after work and assembled the 'Save the Date' bookmarks for mailing. They hand addressed the bookmarks. Then they assembled the wedding invitations and hand addressed them. Hannah would mail the 'Save the Date' bookmarks tomorrow. Ana would mail the invites a month before the wedding.
Ana's coworkers discussed what they would wear to her wedding. They all hoped for plenty of dance partners, cold champagne…and secretly coveted catching Ana's bouquet.
~X~
Elizabeth enjoyed her shopping trip at Bravern Center. She had the works completed at Esclava, Bravern. She was surprised at the lowered prices and at group pricing for an entire day of beauty. She listened carefully but there was no mention of the missing owner, Elena Lincoln. 'They say she met a man and never returned to the U.S. That won't end well…it never does when you let a man rule your life!' Elizabeth hadn't cared for Elena Lincoln. Jack was the one who thought they might get information about Christian from her…but it never happened. The thirty-year-old man who worked on her hair, face and nails, listened carefully when she related she had nerve damage around her eye.
Franco suggested she never have her eyebrows waxed, to ensure she didn't get burned inadvertently. He recommended threading her eyebrows, or having electrolysis. There was no time today for an electrolysis appointment…he recommended a follow up appointment. Elizabeth explained she was relocating out of Seattle. Franco recommended consulting a good aesthetician when she was settled.
They discussed her wardrobe. Franco recommended cognac lowlights for her hair and cinnamon highlights for her hair. With depth to her color, and a good cut; Elizabeth felt positively spoiled. Franco suggested natural French manicure; but if she wanted colored acrylics; he suggested taupe nails with a copper, chocolate and bronze stripe for interest. She opted for the taupe nails. When her day of beauty ended; Elizabeth enjoyed giving Franco an excellent tip. It was too bad he was gay…she would have enjoyed sharing a bottle of good wine and a few laughs with him.
Elizabeth enjoyed a late lunch at Mariposa, and went shopping at Hermes Paris. She bought two chocolate leather belts, a pair of taupe and a pair of copper leather gloves, and three silk scarves in autumn colors. At Nieman Marcus she purchased three scoop neck silk tanks in brown, sand and cinnamon. At Louis Vuitton she purchased two signature shawls in bone and cappuccino and a bronze leather clutch. It had been fun today…just handing over her debit card and purchasing anything she wanted. Days of stringent budgeting to afford a day at the salon were gone. Elizabeth could not wait to purchase an oceanfront condo or home, and designer décor to go with it.
May 4
When Ana left the bathroom of their hotel suite; Christian was already in bed. The duvet was neatly folded and draped over the loveseat at the end of the bed. He was propped up on pillows in bed; his right hand tucked behind his head. His left hand splayed across his abdomen, barely touching the sheet which conformed to his body. His developing erection was outlined through the folds of the sheet…
"Pretty dress," he smiled, his eyes smoldered. "Lose it."
"Sexy sheet," Ana commented. "Lose it."
His eyes widened in shock for a moment and then he slowly pushed the sheet off his body.
Ana couldn't take her eyes off him. "Touch yourself."
"You know I don't like to do that," Christian argued.
"I know," Ana said softly. "But I want to see you touch yourself while I torture you by stripping slowly."
"Oh fuck…" his hand fisted his semi-erect cock as he watched Ana strip while blatantly eye-fucking him. She slowly unzipped the flirty rose-colored sundress, and untied the halter straps. It slid down her body. She stepped out of it, tossing it across a chair.
"Pretty panties," he commented. "Take them off, don't take off the stockings."
Ana hooked her thumbs in the rose pink lacy bikini panties and with a few hip wiggles…slid them to the floor and stepped out of them.
Christian's torso muscles rippled as he struggled to breathe slowly. "Leave the stilettos on…I want to feel them wrapped around my ass. Bring me your panties."
Ana gracefully dipped and picked up the panties, walking to the bed with them hanging off one finger.
He took them, crumpling them in one fist, brushing them across his cheek before inhaling her arousal. He swung his legs off the bed and stood before her. "Hands," he restrained them with her panties. "I'm going to be very rough with you. I've been thinking about this since you dressed to attend the rehearsal dinner, sans bra. Fuck delayed gratification… I want you now!" He lifted and pressed her onto the bed. "Hands over your head. Hold on."
She gasped when he entered her, thrusting hard and deep. He paused to savor the feel of Ana accommodating his rigid cock. She wrapped her legs around his hips, her ankles pressing into his ass cheeks. He was right…it was a fast, hard romp which barely took the edge off their desire for one another.
May 5
On a large party yacht at sea in the Virgin Islands, Elliot addressed his bride. "I cannot promise to never disagree or argue with you. I promise to always do my best to support you physically, financially and emotionally through our difficulties. I will never intentionally hurt you or endanger your trust in me. You are the love of my life and I will respect and cherish you for the rest of our days." He kissed Kate's forehead to the sighs and swoons of female guests.
Their first dance was 'When a Man Loves a Woman.' A gourmet surf and turf menu was served with good white and red wines. There was no cake smashing in one another's face. Ethan caught Kate's seafoam green garter with navy blue ribbons and rose pink ribbon roses. Mia caught the wedding bouquet of seafoam and rose flowers with navy ribbons and lace.
Kate's something old was a pair of pearl earrings owned by her grandmother, Agnes. Her something new was her dress designed by Celeste. Her something borrowed was an etched gold bracelet loaned by Grace. Her something blue was the petite navy blue ribbons attached to her seafoam green garter. Eastman gave Kate an 1896 Indian Head penny for her shoe with a sweet note: May your love be as strong and last as long as this penny.
After every possible picture was taken, everyone danced until sunset before the yacht returned to dock to let everyone depart. Ana danced with fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and friends of the couple…including José. Christian danced with the mothers and grandmothers of the couple…and his beautiful fiancé.
The picture Ana dreaded being posted on social media would be the picture of Ray in a navy suit; Bee in a periwinkle dress; and Ana in her rose bridesmaid gown. Elliot insisted on Ray and Bee as two of his guests. He personally paid for their transportation and hotel suite. Ray remarked Elliot wanted to live dangerously…because Carla would surely stab a voodoo doll in his honor.
~X~
Back in their hotel suite which overlooked the ocean, Carrick and Grace opened the care package created for them by the ship's caterer. "I really like this Bourbon Spice Cake," Carrick served both of them the large pieces of the three tiers of the wedding cake with a cold bottle of Dom Perignon. "You didn't eat very much," he scolded Grace.
"I lost my appetite when I overheard a couple of the servers discussing Rio." Grace admitted. "The State Department and the U.S. Embassy are warning American citizens to exercise due caution and care when visiting Rio."
"I'm going to say something…and then I want to spend the rest of the day with my loving wife," Carrick prefaced his discussion of Elena. "I didn't want to think about Elena…especially while we were busy with the lawsuit. However, something Bee said struck a chord. Elena said she met a man…what if that man was part of a group who kidnapped Elena; thinking she would be a great candidate for ransom? Only they didn't realize until too late that Christian was no longer partners with Elena. What if they cut their losses and disposed of her body at sea?"
"I never thought about it in that way before." Grace admitted. "I suppose we should consider it…since kidnapping was on Jack Hyde's agenda. We should check with Christian regarding the K&R's for the family and Grey House. Enough of Elena. Our first child is married. Our second child set a wedding date. Our third child caught the bride's bouquet today. While I don't want Mia and Ethan to rush to the altar…I heard them discuss what they would like for a wedding."
"Should I arrange a mortgage on the house? Take out a loan on the business?" Carrick asked.
"Destination wedding…a vacation chateau in Nice…60-75 people at the most. Mia picked out a Dior gown she wants. Ethan said half their work was done because Kate and Elliot already established the main guest list." Grace enjoyed watching relief and joy flit across Carrick's face.
~X~
The weather radio announced spring precipitation flash floods. Darius moved to high ground; double staked the tent to withstand wind gusts; and settled for the night. He was grateful for the free life he lived, a propane heater, a waterproof tent and ground cover, a sleeping bag to keep him warm to several degrees below zero, and hot food. They were down to their last two gallons of water. Mrs. Feldman would pick them up around dusk at the highway tomorrow. He and Morse slept easily though the steady downpour of rain. No thunder interrupted their sleep with PTSD issues.
~X~
Outside of Las Vegas, Patrick O'Reilly rolled down his window, enjoying the cool desert air of Nevada. He appreciated the darkness of the desert and the quiet. He turned the CD volume up and sang at the top of his lungs to Hotel California by the Eagles. This county road would save him almost an hour of drive time. He was delivering an empty flatbed to the home office in Santa Monica. This trip didn't pay the best; but he took the job because it meant being home for a few days before he went back out again.
Patrick knew he shouldn't have had that giant steak and potato burrito…but with medium Verde salsa, extra cheese and sour cream…he could not resist. He reached for the Tums to quell his heartburn. It wasn't heartburn…it was a massive myocardial infarction which hurt one moment…and killed the next. His hands gripped the steering wheel while he lost control of his breath; his bowels and his consciousness. The truck jackknifed at the bottom of the hill… blowing out the lights on the tractor and trailer. The vehicle sat there…straddling both lanes…an ominous looming predator waiting for another kill.
~X~
Just after ten o'clock, Elizabeth Morgan drove a scenic backroad of Las Vegas. She had a great time in Las Vegas the past few days. She was up $8K from joining a Texas Hold 'Em tournament. She probably should have stayed one more night in Las Vegas; but she knew to take the money and run. That's why she was relocating to the East Coast.
Elizabeth was in an exceptionally good mood because she chatted up a tax consultant during down times at the tournament. Since Jack's money was an inheritance, and since Grey Publishing's money was a compensatory settlement…she did not owe taxes on almost 3.5 million. She would pay taxes on her wages, the sale of her condo and the sale of her furniture. However, her medical payments would help offset her tax debt. She had some donations to offset her taxes also. She had time between now and the end of the year to find a nonprofit which would provide her a better society of friends…something like the Greys' Coping Together foundation.
There was nothing between Las Vegas and Santa Monica she really wanted to see. Distant flashes of lightening lit the sky; making her appreciate the darkness of Nevada's desert where neon lights didn't infiltrate. This back road out of Vegas was supposed to lessen travel time to Santa Monica by almost an hour. The I-15 South was supposed to be a smoother ride. However; she would drive as fast as she felt safe in this rain.
An hour later; Elizabeth thought she should return to Las Vegas. She felt a slightly nagging headache coming on; and her right eye twitched intermittently from straining her eyes. It was becoming more difficult to see where she should be going in this downpour and the dark. Unlike Seattle, where constant precipitation regularly cleared oily residue from highways…intermittent precipitation in Nevada meant the first real storm of the spring would wash an excess of oily residue off the road.
Without warning; as Elizabeth descended a hill; the car began hydroplaning. Before she could get her new Mercedes under control; it was overtaken by a flash flood. The wall of water forced her car under a stalled flatbed trailer ahead of her. The convertible top of her car was sheared off in the crash…along with Elizabeth's head. Her head and her purse flew backward, lodging in the boot for the convertible top. The aluminum suitcase slid backward into the space between the seats. The momentum flipped it up and out of the vehicle. The car's momentum ended when the car was firmly embedded under the flatbed trailer. The white convertible top filled and flapped in the wind like a sailboat on the ocean.
Elizabeth's locked, aluminum laptop briefcase, holding a little over $2 million in cash, flew into an engorged creek bed where the flash flood carried it fifteen miles west of its original location along with traces of blood from Elizabeth's decapitated body.
"Ms. Morgan, this is Onstar. We detected a vehicle crash. If you are unable to respond; we will notify authorities." Onstar waited for a response which never came. Onstar called the Nevada Highway Patrol; reporting the GPS positioning of a vehicle crash.
~X~
Nevada Highway Patrol was busier than usual during the first strong rain of spring. A sixteen-car collision on the I-15 resulted in a conflagration which required two station houses and four ambulances in addition to eight highway patrol vehicles.
Waiting time for LVMPD to investigate the normal number of vehicle incidents on a weekend stretched to a five or six hour wait. Rookie police officers and rookie NHP were assigned to emergency calls. Smash and grabs; minor fender benders; traffic law infractions; and missing or stolen vehicles were delegated to the bottom of the response duty assignments.
Nevada Highway Patrol received the Onstar notice before midnight. One patrol vehicle from Laughlin and one which patrolled I-15 south toward Primm were diverted to the accident. By one a.m. two Highway Patrol, one Clark County CSU van and a coroner's van began processing the scene. The CSU van set up six sets of generator-run highway lights. Two wreckers were called to the scene – one for the Mercedes and one for the tractor trailer unit. The jaws of life was needed to separate the Mercedes from the trailer. The bodies of both drivers were transported to the morgue. CSU and the coroner were thrilled to have the head and purse of the Mercedes driver neatly lodged in the boot of the convertible top. It meant not having to walk grids in the dark until the missing head was found.
Both vehicles were transported to the large garage at CSU for processing. Nothing seemed to be missing from the Mercedes; despite the evidence of a flash flood. The interior of the Mercedes was clean – no fast food wrappers, or mail. The glovebox held a portfolio with registration and insurance papers. It held a flashlight and a spare pair of designer sunglasses. The trunk held two suitcases and a cosmetic case. The car was registered in Seattle, King County, Washington. The identification in the purse identified the driver as Elizabeth Morgan. CSU accessed the cell phone in the purse. There was an ICE number which simplified the issue. The coroner notified Mr. and Mrs. Morgan of Richmond, Virginia about their daughter's death due to a car accident. After the autopsy; the Morgans could claim their daughter's body, and make arrangements for the disposal of her car.
The County Coroner, who taught forensics at UNLV, called his senior forensic students to the morgue in the middle of the night. He believed in hands-on training and used the decapitated body as a quick lesson. "Decapitation is not instantly fatal. It is, however, a quick death because it deprives all other organs of involuntary functions, such as breathing and circulating oxygenated blood. Unconsciousness occurs within ten seconds because of brain ischemia. The difference between decapitation and exsanguination is notable. Depending on physical factors; people can die from losing half to two-thirds of their blood which usually takes a few minutes."
He discussed the difference between decapitation by guillotine or sword. The class discussed urban legends of heads sheared off by cables stretched between two immoveable objects. He explained about decapitation by blunt force trauma…which was the case of their corpse. While there had not been enough time for bruising to occur, liver mortis was evident in the lower extremities of the body. There was significant blood loss. Blood splatter evidence occurred when the head departed the body and landed in the boot.
The tractor of the tractor trailer unit was a bit messy. CSU logged each piece of trash and piece of clothes. Eventually they found a cell phone. It also had an ICE listing. Until the autopsy was complete; the coroner did not want to make the notification call. It would be ten in the morning before the coroner had proof of a myocardial infarction which terminated the truck driver's life at approximately ten o'clock last night. He had been dead almost an hour before Elizabeth Morgan's car collided with the trailer. The coroner called the owners of the tractor trailer unit to let them know their employee was deceased. His office would be in contact when they could claim his body and their equipment.
Las Vegas news buzzed with vehicle incident reports from last night's rain and flash floods. Reports of a multiple car accident on the I-15 gained notoriety. Young newlyweds; who visited a drive-through chapel not one hour before the crash; were careflighted to Sunrise Hospital. They were the only survivors of a sixteen-car accident. They had broken bones, contusions and first degree burns.
The City of Las Vegas knew a longshot when they saw it. Airlines provided free flights for family to be with the couple. Hotels offered free rooms and meals to out-of-state family members. The chapel, not to be outdone, provided a calligraphied wedding certificate in a silver-plated frame for the couple since theirs was destroyed by fire. Las Vegas mini-marts and convenience stores posted signs on donations jars to help offset the couple's medical bills. Big box stores donated suitcases of clothes to the couple; since their possessions were destroyed in the ensuing fire. A cell phone company provided free cell phones and a year's service to the couple.
A new round of donations occurred when the hospital spokesperson announced that Mr. and Mrs. Chaz Harrison and unborn child were in serious, but stable condition. Handmade quilts and afghans; nursery furniture; and maternity clothes were donated. Baby clothes, baby toys, and any possible baby need was donated. Free cigars and champagne was donated. U-Haul donated a 20-foot truck to hold the donations until the young couple were released from the hospital and could return to their hometown of Tucson, Arizona.
The young couple would appear on camera within 72 hours. They would express condolences to people who lost family and friends in the accident. They would thank the firefighters and EMTs who saved their lives. Sandwich shops donated food and drink to the NHP, firefighters, EMTs, and wrecking crews who worked the accident scene. They donated food to the CSU and coroner's staff. Two of the major casinos donated Wednesday-night BBQ buffet tickets to all the workers. The biggest movie theatre in Las Vegas held a fundraiser for the couple; but gave free tickets to everyone who worked the accident scene and their families.
The deaths of Patrick O'Reilly and Elizabeth Morgan were noted in the Highway Patrol's incident reports for the week. Otherwise, they slipped anonymously into the nether world. NHP was accustomed to wrecks on this road. It had six spots where a flash flood could overcome a vehicle. Locals knew to never drive this road in the rain. There were flash flood warnings posted regularly for fifty miles.
May 6
The next morning Darius packed and prepared to return to Las Vegas. This had not been a good trip for him. He found an odd rock…which he believed was a meteorite. The brown stone; a little bigger than his fist, was pockmarked all over. His equipment identified it as mostly iron; which hinted it was a meteorite. He would take it to the geology professor at UNLV. Maybe it would make him a couple hundred dollars. He hoisted his pack and whistled for Morse.
Morse however, planted his paws and growled about three seconds before the hillside under Darius's feet crumbled; taking him on a fifty-foot slide from hilltop to creek bed.
The creek bed was dry yesterday afternoon; and had pools of standing water this morning. Something stabbed Darius in the ass. 'Please don't let it be a discarded needle from some junkie,' he prayed. He collected trash he found during his hikes and took it back to the city with him; but he didn't like picking up discarded drug paraphernalia.
Darius stood and removed the offending object from his ass. 'Holy Fuck!' It was an arrowhead, about three inches long, one inch wide, made of bronze brown flinted stone. He checked his butt. The rough slide and arrowhead punched a hole the size of a dime in his pants. However, the discovery inflated his estimation of this trip.
Morse bounded down the crumbling hill and turned to bark at him. "I hope whatever you find is better than that dead rabbit you centered on two days ago," Darius nagged affectionately. When he stood to join Morse, Darius paused. In the sand at his feet was a gold rock, the size of his thumb tip. He realized it was a gold nugget. He dug it out, put it in a leather drawstring bag with the arrowhead. He spent another five minutes using his mini garden rake in the sand around the find. He found three more nuggets about the size of pencil erasers. 'Whoo hoo! Replacement pants!'
Darius removed his prospecting detector from his large backpack. It was a wonderful retirement gift for himself. The first time he used the detector after a big event; he found coins, several pieces of jewelry and an antique silver thimble. Darius walked west grids up the creek bed for three miles. He found a total of six silver nuggets and four gold nuggets. He would use the detector as he walked the creek bed east to the highway.
Suddenly Morse growled and centered…low to the ground. Darius's heart spiked and he had trouble breathing. That was Morse's stance when he found a cadaver or a bomb. Darius pulled his binoculars from his pack, and proceeded to scan the area. He looked at the object which made Morse growl. 'Fuck'. It was a brushed aluminum briefcase. He knew from his military training…you don't pick up a discarded object…you never pick up a foreign weapon. He searched his pack. Maybe he could fashion a hook, attach it to his rope and play cowboy.
He opened the beef jerky and the water bladder, offering Morse a treat for his find. Sitting there, examining the contents of his backpack, he realized the passage of time. He slathered sunscreen on; to protect him…because there was no shelter on the creek bed. The pools of standing water disappeared under the desert sun. Finally, he sacrificed the antennae of his solar-operated weather radio, fashioning it into a hook. With duct tape and rope; he fashioned a throwing hook.
It took 20 minutes to play cowboy and hook the handle. He lay prone and gently pulled the laptop case…while Morse patrolled and growled between him and the case. Nothing exploded. He estimated the case weighed close to 60 pounds. Too heavy for a laptop, cables, etc.
When the case was free of brush and sand, Darius moved to the other side of it. He gently pulled the rope and hook; setting the case upright. He waited. A mercury switch should have engaged when he first pulled it. It should have engaged when he set the case upright. Morse stopped growling and prowling and approached it. He sniffed it within an inch of its construction and then sat…indicating it was all clear. Darius approached; it was locked with a combination lock.
He brushed the case clean; sliding it inside his empty backpack. He appreciated his spatial abilities when repacking his backpack. He and Morse shared the last of the beef jerky and more water. He consulted his compass. East was the highway where Mrs. Feldman would collect them at dusk. "Let's go home boy."
Darius fired up his prospecting detector. He hung gloves and the mini rake off his belt loops where he could get to them fairly fast. He hung a spare canvas bag off his waist also; to carry trash as he found it. He had five hours to clear about 15 miles of creek bed. Rather than detect the entire creek bed; he would concentrate on dips and bends where nuggets might become trapped.
By the time Mrs. Feldman appeared; Darius and Morse were rested and refreshed. Darius picked up seven more silver nuggets. They ranged in size from pencil erasers to dimes. It had been a good trip after all with the meteorite, arrowhead, gold and silver nuggets. He hoped there was nothing illegal in the aluminum briefcase. However, if it was really bad…he could abandon it on Tuesday when Waste Management picked up the motel's dumpsters.
~X~
Darius borrowed the drill from Mrs. Feldman's handyman tools. He carefully opened the case…and almost passed out. 'WTF?' The padding of the laptop case had been removed to make space for cash…lots of cash. Darius was thankful for the latex gloves he pulled on before starting this task. Darius counted 200 banded $10K stacks of $100 bills, with the name of Northwest Federal Bank, Seattle, Washington filled the case. A manilla envelope held $8K, with information about a Texas Hold 'Em tournament in Las Vegas. Darius sat in stunned silence for a moment…some gambler lost their bank of $2 million! He said a quick prayer of thanks that the cash wasn't from a bungled drug or weapons buy.
When Mrs. Feldman found over $1K in suspicious funds in one of her motel rooms; she locked the door to the room and called the police. When the Crime Scenes Unit had time; they came to process the room. He knew she was saddled with undercover officers in one of her units for almost a month when she found $50K in a duffle bag in a closet. Then she had to wait year before the funds were split 50/50 between the police and her. She learned to count the down days on the money unit and on the police unit as losses on her taxes. Those claims were verified with police reports.
She donated everything she found (clothes, toys, books, etc.) to charity to offset her taxes also. There were many times she asked Darius to conduct a preliminary search on a unit. If Morse fund drugs and weapons…Mrs. Feldman locked the room and notified the police. A few times a year; Darius gloved up and removed sex toys and magazines, and used and unused condoms from rooms before Mrs. Feldman deep cleaned and disinfected.
Given Mrs. Feldman's interactions over potential drug money…Darius was not about to admit to finding an aluminum briefcase filled with money. First things first – sell the nuggets and meteorite. Put the arrowhead aside; it was too cool to sell for the pittance people offered for it. He added it to his collection of items found in parks and parking lots after big events. Someday his big, clear fishbowl would be filled with odd finds like the thimble, pen, keyring, etc. He always sold the jewelry he found to his favorite pawnshop after the twentieth of the month if he was running low on funds.
Tomorrow he would go to the assay office. His scale said his gold nuggets weighed almost two ounces. One ounce of gold was an easy $1500. His silver nuggets weighed a cumulative five ounces. Silver was a steady $30 an ounce. Three thousand for nuggets made this one of his more lucrative trips.
May 7
"Where did you find this?" UNLV Geology professor, Dr. Dan Shirland asked.
"On my mining claim in the desert. I found some gold and silver nuggets and an arrowhead too." Darius showed them to Shirland.
"Mills, I'm sure this is about 500 grams of pallasite meteorite. My university budget is exhausted for the year," he paused, regret in his voice. "However, I'm so sure of what it is; I will use my personal funds to buy it from you. Will you sell it for $50 a gram."
"The thing is…I need a bill of sale because I've decided to buy a travel trailer. I have friends in Washington who invited me to move there. I can't stroll into an RV place and plunk any amount over $9K on the desk without involving the IRS." Darius needed as much from the meteorite as possible.
"I'll buy your meteorite and your access to your mining claim for a total of $25,000. There could be more of these meteorites, and I want them." Shirland could not quit caressing the rock. Polished and sliced, the meteorite was worth $200 a gram.
~X~
"Morse, I'm buying two of the biggest T-bone steaks I have ever seen…and a case of Heineken. You get the bones and Mrs. Feldman and I get steak, a huge package of onion rings and another of breaded shrimp. We're going to eat and drink…and burp really loud." He hoped the steak and beer would put Mrs. Feldman in a good mood. He needed to tell her he was leaving Las Vegas.
Darius allotted a week to buy a trailer. His truck needed to be road ready. He needed supplies. He needed to warn Bee he was incoming: I-95 North out of Vegas to Carson City; Carson City to Reno; Overnight in Reno. Reno I-80 West to Sacramento; Sacramento I-5 North to Medford; Overnight in Medford. Medford I-5 North to Portland; Overnight in Portland. Portland I-5 North to Montesano.
Armed with his $25K and sales report for the meteorite, Darius searched for a camper he could haul with his truck. At a third lot; he found a refurbished camper. It was white with an American flag painted on the back of the camper.
"Original in 2000, rebuilt in 2005," the salesman offered him a copy of both layouts so he could determine the difference. The entry door, at the back of the trailer opened to café au lait linoleum tiles from the door through the bathroom and kitchen to the front of the trailer. The walls inside were oak wainscoting and cream painted drywall.
"The second owner removed benches, bulkheads and front door to create a living space for one person. RVs are notorious for being easy to burgle. The second owner made several security and physical upgrades. The windows are double-paned polycarbonate with better locking mechanisms. The entry door has no window; is reinforced; and comes with a deadbolt lock. The entry door in the living area was replaced with a modified bay window of double-paned polycarbonate."
"The skylight; which offered an easy way to break and enter; has been replaced with the solar water tank. The second owner removed the picture window from the bedroom, installed double closets; cupboard and shelf over the bed, and the raised platform bed to provide storage. He blew extra insulation in the trailer to deaden noise and keep the trailer warm in winter. He removed the carpeting from the trailer except for the bedroom and replaced it with easy to clean linoleum tiles."
Darius examined the bedroom first. A skirted platform 2.5 feet off the floor would hold a queen-sized mattress. The platform was tall enough to hide 18-gallon storage totes. Both closets on either side of the bed had dual rods to hang clothes up and down. The previous owner installed a cupboard between the closets, and a shelf above the bed; twelve inches wide, and the full length of the bed between the closets. Darius was grateful for the edge on the shelf, which would keep things from falling on his head. One outlet was located there for a lamp and alarm clock. Across from the bed was a built-in nine drawer dresser, with a 36-inch-wide by 12-inch-tall wall-mounted mirror.
The bathroom had three-quarter sized sink; but a full-sized shower and toilet. The previous owner built a ceiling high storage unit. It straddled the toilet and utilized the space above it. The leg storage shelves held 24 rolls of toilet paper. The upper doors opened to shelves for bed and bath linens. The sink cabinet had an organizational unit for toiletries. The previous owner installed a medicine cabinet the width of the sink and counter with a light bar above it. Towel bars were fastened to the outside of the shower door. The previous owner turned the linen closet into a cleaning supplies closet.
The original owner selected option two for the kitchen when he bought the RV. The stove was located next to the sink, with an 18-cubic-foot refrigerator and a hutch on the other side of the kitchen. The hutch easily held dishes and cookware, along with 14 days of food. The second owner removed the dishwasher; and installed a stacked washer and dryer. The second owner increased the countertop by using a big cutting board which fit over the stove.
The second owner installed a floor to ceiling, corner desk unit with bookshelves in the living area. There was a small space for a portable mini TV on one shelf; a CB unit or boombox on another; and space for a laptop on a dropdown desk. Shelves for books had the same trim on the front of the shelves to keep things from falling off.
The living area was bare; but the paperwork showed it could hold a loveseat, coffee table with storage space, and floor lamp/end table on the main wall of the living room. A small wall outside the kitchen area was marked with 'freezer' so Darius could buy an 18-cubic-foot upright freezer for the trailer. A bistro table and two chairs fit in the modified bay window.
The second owner made modifications to the outside of the rig also. The rear storage, attached to the back of the trailer, held three five- gallon propane tanks. Attached to the top of the trailer was a long rectangular 20 gallon solar-heated water tank. It fed the ten-gallon water heater for long road trips.
"How much?" Darius asked; once he was assured his towing gear was compatible with the trailer's towing gear.
"Twelve grand includes new tires; weatherproof undercoat and a 99 point inspection. It can be ready in two days."
"Sold." Darius bought an online insurance policy for the trailer and gave them information to register the trailer for him.
May 8
Darius dropped his truck at the mechanic to ensure it was road worthy. Mrs. Feldman gave him a lift to the VFW. He promised to post an ad there for a handyman at the motel. If she had no takers from the VFW; she would advertise in the paper.
Darius spent the afternoon ordering things he needed. His pension and his income tax were deposited on the first of the month. He would use his debit card for paying for Amazon prime purchases. He could put supplies under the bed in the trailer – food for him; food for Morse, office supplies, and toiletries. He needed new bed and bath linens and blackout drapes. He would buy a firesafe to hold his important papers and his small stash of cash.
The $8K in the briefcase would pay for a new laptop, printer, and new electronics. It would pay for a good queen-sized mattress, living room furniture, upright freezer, bistro table with cutting block top. He would buy an extra sized bean bag bed for Morse to sleep on. Two soft sided briefcases to hold cash. He would stash them inside the bean bag chair. One of his first nights in the trailer; wash a $10K stack and dry it to remove drug residue. Iron, place in a Ziploc bag and stash inside the firesafe. Burn the bank label.
May 11
Christian and Ros were in complete agreement. Batwari from Elite Engineering of Egypt joined GEH as their new Global Operations Manager. Out of the second list for the Chief Financial Officer; Christian and Ros hired Artie Jones from F5 Networks. He worked at F5 Networks as the Assistant Chief Financial Officer for three years; and had worked in the company's corporate finance offices for seven years. Artie's second in command would be Lewis Rushton, Senior Financial Analyst of Contour Technologies out of Bellevue.
The three men would join Grey House by July first. Batwari was aware he would be based in New York, with occasional trips to Seattle, London and Taiwan. He hired an international house hunting firm to find a decent condo in New York. Jones and Rushton lived in the Seattle area which was a godsend.
Ros and Chase had the conversation with Carmena Caprioglio. She was not happy to be reassigned to the third position in Grey House's Finance Department and threatened to quit if GEH did not reconsider. Chase refused to reconsider and accepted her verbal resignation. Caprioglio suggested she transfer to New York to work with Grey House New York's Finance Office. Chase informed Caprioglio her antagonistic attitude toward Ms. Drake and Miss Steele was a factor in his acceptance of her ultimatum. Chase reminded Carmena of Olivia Blandino's termination due to attitude. There was an established procedure for cases such as this. She signed termination papers, accepted her severance package and signed a nondisclosure agreement which embargoed the names of the new employees and their positions until Ros announced it on July first.
Ros sent security with Caprioglio to ensure she emptied her office and took her personal possessions with her before departing. Barney locked her out of Grey House's financial system so she could not sabotage anything before she left. All her pass cards to the building were invalidated; and her access to the Grey House website and email was terminated.
Chase covered the personnel changes in IT. Barney was pleased with his new head engineer and his new head tech researcher. Additionally, he was pleased with the three new executive assistants for the IT department.
May 13
Christian sent flowers to Carla in addition to Grace and Frannie. Carla's card simply said, 'Thank you for the most wonderful young woman in the world.' He sent a box of cigars to Ray with the same message. The man had been an exemplary parent. Christian did not expect a thank you from Carla; and was not surprised when he didn't receive one. He gave Grace and Frannie an 8x10 picture in a silver plated picture frame. His navy tux and her rose dress looked well together.
May 18
Darius sent Bee an email confirming his itinerary; departure date and arrival date. He suspected Bee would be happy to see him…but she would be ecstatic to see Morse. Tonight he was taking Mrs. Feldman to a seafood buffet and a movie. He appreciated the help and support she had given him the last eighteen months. It took the better part of this week to stock the trailer to his specifications. He scrubbed and painted the kitchenette.
Darius requested a copy of his medical records. He had the address of VA services in Seattle. He had a list of RV campgrounds in and around Seattle. He had the information to apply for a mining claim in Washington. He felt he was ready for the next phase of his life.
~X~
Elizabeth's parents flew into Las Vegas to claim her body and possessions. The coroner provided three copies of her death certificate. Monday they would have Elizabeth's body cremated in Las Vegas. They would bury her ashes by her great-grandmother for whom she was named.
Her car insurance company arranged for a Mercedes dealer in Vegas to buy the car for pieces parts. They would send a check for her insurance claim once Elizabeth's parents returned to Richmond. Their lawyer would handle moving Elizabeth's bank accounts from Washington to Virginia. He would contact Grey Publishing to let them know of Elizabeth's passing. They were no longer responsible for her wages; but her family would file for her life insurance. The new will needed to be filed in Virginia with a copy of the death certificate. Elizabeth never revealed the class action lawsuit to her parents or sister; and therefore; they had no clue Elizabeth had been awarded a $2 million settlement.
~X~
Grace invited Carla and Bob and Ray and Bee to Seattle for Memorial Day weekend. Setting up the house on the sound was number one on the list of things to do. Finessing wedding plans was number two. Everyone was invited to Rory's Roadkill for a Memorial Day fundraiser for the Washington Warriors complex.
Christian and Ana determined the main points of their special day before the announcement to the families. Carla's biggest objection to Ana's wedding at this point was the date and the colors. "No one marries on MONDAY. Since you aren't pregnant…you don't have to rush the wedding and you can pick a more appropriate date." Carla argued.
"No one expects us to marry on a Monday," Christian affirmed. "My security tells me it is an excellent ploy to keep the media from being a circus."
Carla's second objection was the colors Christian and Ana selected. Since Kate selected seafoam, rose and navy – Carla wanted Ana to replace the rose and navy which they chose. Christian explained he and Ana had personal reasons for their colors and would not make changes a month before the wedding. Grace didn't help matters very much when she explained Mia and Ethan planned to use navy, lavender and summer yellow as their wedding colors.
Elliot and Kate were scheduled to fly home the first weekend of June. Final fittings for tuxes and gowns would occur the second weekend in June. The rehearsal and dinner was June sixteenth with the wedding on June eighteenth. Bob and Carla would fly to Seattle, commercial jet, on Friday before the wedding. Ana felt she would be an old married woman before her mother ever admitted she spoke to Stephen Morton or his sisters.
May 25
"You're a lousy wingman!" Darius scolded Morse. "You're supposed to tell me when a pretty girl is present so I have time to comb my hair and pop a breath mint. Unless you plan to chat her up first so I have time to make myself presentable!" He laughed when Morse padded around the reception desk at Grey Publishing and politely sat next to Claire. Morse waited until Claire was off the phone before he extended a paw to shake with her.
"Hello, my name is Claire," she shook with Morse. "Is he yours?" She observed Darius, who appeared in khaki cargo pants, brown boots, and a chocolate T-shirt which hugged his perfect biceps, six-pack and trim waist. His black curls were high and tight. 'He looks like God dipped a caramel sweetie in dark chocolate.' Her mouth went dry.
"He is Morse, my service dog. I'm Darius Mills. Does Annie Steele work here?"
"Yes," Claire maintained calm while calling Ana. "Damn woman! Is there a good looking man on this planet that you do not know?" She listened to Ana name off half a dozen men who included Sam Heughan, Kevin McKidd, Seth Green, Ewan McGregor, Prince Henry, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender…
"Tell her I'm not a ginger," Darius's amused voice interrupted Ana's list.
"Dream Marine, Darius Mills, and his wingpuppy, Morse, are asking for you." She listened to Ana deny knowing the pair.
Once Darius explained Annie's father sent him; Ana explained she's e right there.
Ana gathered Prescott and went to the lobby of Grey Publishing. "Sorry, I'm trying to clear my desk before the weekend and I forgot Dad was sending someone with park benches."
'So this is Bee's future stepdaughter.' A very pretty brunette appeared with another beautiful black woman. Darius was nervous. "Twelve park benches; ready for assembly; painted sage with forest green wrought iron frames? Supposedly for a wedding in a month?"
"Ana Steele," she shook his hand. "This is Prescott and Claire. Prescott is my close protection detail. Claire is my friend and the best receptionist in the world. The park benches are for staging in the wooded areas of our property on the sound. The seating for the wedding is white wooden chairs."
"Morse, come meet the other pretty ladies," Darius welcomed the German Shepherd who came from behind the receptionist counter. Morse tipped his head up and observed Ana and Prescott.
"Ha," Claire gloated. "I got a shake."
"Are you headed back to Montesano when you deliver the benches?" Ana asked.
"I'm supposed to meet Ray and Bee at the house on the sound. We're helping unload and assemble furniture and rooms this weekend. In case you don't have room to bunk Morse and me; I need directions to an RV campground." Darius offered.
"I have two project managers who don't take direction well from the interior decorator. The three of them act like I'm the kindergarten teacher. I rounded up a couple dozen family and friends to help unload furniture trucks tonight and tomorrow. I'll pay for food, libations, gas, housing, etc. in exchange for help with hammers, screwdrivers, nuts and bolts and furniture directions written in Chinese." Ana offered.
"Works for me. I need directions to get to the house." Darius explained.
"If you can wait, I'm out of here in less than an hour. Prescott and I will take you to the house." Ana offered. "Can you stay in town for the Washington Warriors fundraiser on Monday? It would mean a lot to Ray and Bee. They are attending the BBQ with Christian and me. We have plenty of room for guests at Escala."
"What is the fundraiser for?" Darius asked casually.
"We're trying to raise at least $1 million to pay vets for construction work on the complex. The more wages we can get donated; the more people we can hire; the faster the complex becomes reality. The intake building is supposed to be done by Labor Day; the men's dormitory before Thanksgiving and the women's dormitory by Easter. Then work begins on the two buildings which will have apartments for vets and their families. Elliot wants to put in a track and field; RV campsites; etc."
"I would be glad to stay through the BBQ. As I'm moving to Washington; this would be a chance for me to get acclimated. Bee sent my resume to Grey Construction." Darius explained.
"I'll call José to tell him you're incoming. Sawyer is in the building. He can ride with Darius to the house." Claire reached for the phone. She was glad it was casual Friday…because instead of spending the weekend with family…she planned to check out a new, yummy man.
May 26
"What's wrong?" Taylor asked Gail.
"Morse is whining," she started to get out of bed. "Maybe he needs to go outside."
"No, that's an alert…maybe Darius is having a nightmare. I'll check on him. If he wakes, I'll suggest Morse needs a potty break. It will give them fresh air and a chance to collect themselves with dignity."
~X~
"Morning," Ana greeted the group of people around the table. Gail made breakfast for two dozen…and Morse. Bee sat on one side of Darius with Ray on her other side. She and Darius slipped bits of bacon and ham to Morse who sat between them. He quietly gobbled up the ham and bacon bits. Adrian and five guns joined them. Ana hugged Bee and Ray, shook with Morse and headed to the kitchen for tea. She wore jeans and a blue t-shirt with blue chucks. Christian was in blue jeans, a white shirt with rolled up sleeves and white trainers.
"Hello," Carrick entered Escala with Theo, Frannie, Carla and Bob. "Gail warned us to come to breakfast, and then we're working on the house today. Christian warned he and Ana want to take the boat out on Sunday morning. We might be working at the house on Sunday afternoon. Grace is on duty for the weekend. She will meet us at the house at dinnertime tonight. The men and I are breaking in the eating and lounging deck at the back of the house tonight. Gail, Bee and Ana are cooking sides in the new kitchen at the house on the sound. Bob and Carla have to return to Savannah Monday. The rest of us are at the Washington Warriors BBQ on Monday."
Hugs and hellos were exchanged. Ana tried not to compare the hugs of Christian's grandparents to the brief squeeze from Carla and Bob.
~X~
The master bedroom suite was painted in soft blue-grey with a navy accent wall. Christian and Ana were setting the master bedroom and ensuite to their own specifications. Carla and Bob were supposed to set the family room in the basement; but Carla had to view the entire house first.
"Is that huge nursery really necessary?" Carla crabbed.
"It's not huge. It's two bedrooms, a play room and an au pair suite." Ana commented.
"Don't you think regular guestrooms make more sense on this floor? You should have located the nursery and au pair suite in the basement." Carla sniped.
"Can you help Carrick, Frannie and Theo set the media and family room in the basement? Followed by the living room and dining room on the first floor. Since you disapprove of how we set the rooms on this floor…I won't ask you to help with any of them." Ana attempted to sidestep Carla's criticisms.
~X~
"I know," Gia Matteo commiserated with Carla. "I tried to talk them into tearing down the house and letting me build a new one of marine steel and glass…a real show stopper…a prestige project. As it is; we will barely have the servants quarters and garages completed before the wedding, in addition to the covered pool. We won't start the boathouse and pier until after the wedding. Then it's crunch time to complete everything by Labor Day Weekend."
"Not a prestige project," Christian called out to Gia. "This is our home. If you want to design a prestige project…wait for Kate and Elliot to come back from their honeymoon. Although I suspect they'll stay at Kate's condo until they are ready to have babies."
Christian didn't miss Carla and Gia rolling their eyes at one another. He deliberately turned to Ana and winked. "Are we staying in our home tonight, Mrs. Grey?"
"Not tonight," Ana sighed. "As Gia noted, the security quarters and garages aren't finished. After we take the boat out for a sail tomorrow; we still have a few dozen things to do at Escala before we finish here tomorrow. Monday we're at Washington Warriors from ten to two. Maybe next weekend when they are installing the security suite; we can hide out in our house."
~X~
"What's the matter," Claire asked Darius during a well-deserved break. They requested the task of assembling the outdoor furniture, including the park benches. Ana provided a map of where to place the benches. She had a layout of where to place the outdoor furniture on the back deck which faced an expanse of yard before hedges which separated the driveway and garages from the main house.
"Do you know that lady?" Darius indicated Carla.
"Ana's mother, Carla Adams," Claire explained.
"Is she…ill?" Darius frowned.
"Mentally? Physically? Karma-cally?" Claire shrugged.
"Physically," Darius continued to observe Carla.
"Morse picked up something, didn't he?" Claire sank back on her heels.
"Yeah…and from the way he reacted…I don't think it's very good news." Darius continued assembling furniture.
"Tell Ray," Claire suggested.
"I don't know…I believe he's trying to preserve distance between them." Darius looked doubtful.
"Carla wouldn't listen to Bee; so that approach won't work. You could talk to Dr. T." Claire noticed Dr. T. arrived and greeted Frannie Trevelyan.
"I'll ask Dr. T. to walk Morse with me, if you can make sure Mrs. T. has a fully-loaded pre-dinner drink." Darius suggested to Claire who nodded agreement. 'Improvise, overcome, adapt.' They approached the two ladies. "Could we take a walk?" Darius extended a hand to Dr. T. "I wouldn't ask, but it's important Dr. T." He quietly whispered to her.
Grace accepted the offer and began to walk the perimeter of the grounds with Darius and Morse. "What's so important that you are wasting your time chatting up a happily married woman?"
"Do you…are you… acquainted with Ana's mother, Carla Adams?" Darius and Grace followed Morse's leisurely exploration of the wooded area which formed the boundaries of the property. He pointed out the park benches nestled at the base of trees along a trail in the wooded area.
"A little…if she offended you…I apologize." Grace looked embarrassed.
"No, she didn't offend me. Morse is a service dog. He was a bomb sniffer before we retired from the Marines. I had him trained as a cadaver dog. Morse scented on Mrs. Adams. I don't mean he doesn't like her Chanel Number Five or there's an explosive in her heeled sandals."
"You mean…" Grace could not finish the sentence.
"I think she's ill…and from the way Morse reacted…I don't think it's something to be ignored." Darius responded. "Since Morse's cadaver training; he has scented on half a dozen people who did not know they were ill. I urged them to get checked…and it was serious all six times."
"Have you told Ana?" Grace paled and stumbled a little while they walked.
"No…I thought to tell you first…since you are a doctor." They continued to walk, but they kept Carla Adams in sight. "Tell Bee your suspicions, and then have her help you tell Ray."
"When everyone leaves for the evening, I will gather parents together with a plea that we're talking about the wedding. We'll have an intervention."
"Morse and I stepped in it didn't we?" Darius asked.
"I always thought she was a little hard on Ana…but if Carla is ill…it might be the reason her actions have been objectionable this past year." Grace paused. "If she is ill…Ray and I need to intervene. She might expect Ana to postpone the wedding or shorten the honeymoon. I don't think Ray will let that happen. She's missed every other important date in Ana's life…she should not be allowed to rearrange this one." Grace sighed. "Have you had a good time this weekend? I know Ray and Bee are anxious to have you settle, and begin work on the complex."
"We've had a good time. I've enjoyed meeting Taylor, Sawyer and Prescott." Darius's dimples were on display.
"Do you like Claire? Because I have a resident, Anya Agate, who I would like to introduce to you if you and Claire are just friends. Agate has been one of my best residents. I think very highly of her and her fathers. They are surgical nurses." Grace offered.
"Yes, I like Claire. There were three young ladies at Ana's office who seemed interested in me. Morse was interested in her. I trust him with my life." Darius grinned again. "I appreciate Grey House's offer of an on-call security position. Morse and I will check transportation and venues for safety. I appreciate Grey Construction's offer of a job when I can work. I have PTSD issues, which means sometimes I need to take time to decompress. Since I plan to acquire a new mining claim, I'll be spending Friday through Monday in the mountains."
"Bee told me you like being outdoors," Grace commented.
"I lived in Las Vegas for eighteen months after retirement. I spent two tours in the Middle East. Something about the desert appealed to me. Before I came to Seattle; I found a meteorite about the size of my fist. It made me $15K and allowed me to move to Washington. I like being around Bee and Ray…they are good people."
"Looks like dinner is ready." Grace sighed and straightened her shoulders.
~X~
"This is an impromptu meeting of the guns," Adrian welcomed Darius. "Staff…this is Darius Mills and Morse. He will work on call for Grey Security. He will work part time for Grey Construction and is a friend of the Steeles. You won't sign your paperwork with us until Tuesday; however; you can never mention anything which we discuss. There will be a nondisclosure agreement in your paperwork. We will arrange for your security badges and passes on Tuesday also. Morse will have a K-9 Kevlar vest to wear when he works for us. Security clothing will be provided for you also." He handed Morse a card with his Grey House email and his Grey House password.
Darius took a bottle of cold water for he and Morse. He reached in his pocket for a collapsible bowl. He poured some of the water in the bowl for Morse and kept the rest for himself. The BBQ dinner spoiled both of them –chicken, hamburgers, and fat footlong hotdogs. The sides were excellent also. Darius cooked; but it was not gourmet or compliment worthy.
"Settle; we don't have a lot of time and we need to cover some things before the group is ready to depart. First things first – the garages and apartments will be completed by next weekend. We will install the security suite next weekend."
"Do we have honeymoon assignments?" Sawyer asked.
"Taylor and Ryan for the boss; Sawyer and Prescott for Anastasia. There will be changes to the regular line up, as there will be a round the clock shift for Escala and one for Grey Sound." Adrian announced. "Be sure to check sit reps on the Grey Security site. There's an update in the Elizabeth Morgan situation. The boss ordered anyone who is approached by Troy Whelan to report the discussion."
The meeting was interrupted by shouts from the group assembled on the patio.
"Does anyone have a clue…?" Taylor nodded in the direction of the group gathered on the deck.
Darius stood to address the guns. "My dog, Morse, was a bomb sniffer when we were in the sandpit. When our group was injured; the ones who were alive retired. I convinced the Marines to let me have Morse as we had been together since his early training. I had Morse trained as a cadaver dog. We have not been able to function with a search and rescue group because we both still have PTSD and we aren't the most sociable. Having said that…Morse has identified half a dozen people who are seriously ill since then. He centered on Mrs. Adams. I discussed it with Dr. T. They are having an intervention."
"Rut-Roh," Prescott muttered.
~X~
Darius and Morse selected a quiet outdoor coffee bar at Pike Place Market which offered free WIFI. He accessed the Grey Security webpage to read sit reps. 'Forewarned is forearmed,' he reminded himself. He opened the one on Elena Lincoln. She went to Rio de Janierio with Grace Grey the Monday after Thanksgiving. She disappeared the night of a cocktail party which she attended with Grace Grey. She called and said she met a man and would not return to the hotel that night. She had not been in contact since. Her cell phone had not been used since the call to Grace Grey. Her credit cards and debit cards had not been used. The US State Department and the American Embassy simply reported she was missing since the first of December.
If…and only if…any member of the Grey family or Grey security was near the four Esclava salons (addresses provided) or the Lincoln residence (address provided) then the Grey security staff was urged to submit an observation report.
The second sit rep identified someone named Stephen Morton. His parole hearing was scheduled for June 25, 2012. Grey House Legal obtained a restraining order for Anastasia Rose Steele against Stephen Morton, Sharon Morton, Sheila Morton and a law firm called Merriweather and Mayes. An identical restraining order had been obtained for Christian Grey, and Raymond Steele. May first an identical restraining order was filed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; barring Stephen Morton, et al, from contacting Robin and Carla Adams.
The third sit rep caused Darius's spine to stiffen. 'Oh holy hell…what the fuck did you do?' Three pictures loaded before the text: Elizabeth Morgan; an aluminum sided briefcase filled with stacks of cash; and a picture of a wrecked Mercedes 350 convertible.
Elizabeth Morgan, previous HR Director for Seattle Independent Publishing/Grey Publishing died in a car accident in Clark County, Nevada on May fifth. Her itinerary claimed she was driving to Santa Monica to begin the second portion of her road trip. Her family claimed her body and possessions. She was cremated in Las Vegas, and buried in Richmond near family.
The sit rep reported a quote by Troy Whelan of the Northwest Federal Bank. "Against my advice; Elizabeth Morgan cashed her $2 million settlement check from the Jane Does vs. Seattle Independent Publishing class action lawsuit. The suit was settled via arbitration in January. I requested Ms. Morgan deposit the check in her bank account; to transfer when she decided where she would live. She refused to take the advice. She provided a locking aluminum-sided briefcase. I notified GEH of her request for cash; $100 bills; and nonsequential serial numbers. Since Ms. Morgan was not laundering money, paying a ransom payment, becoming drug dealer, or acting as a weapons dealer – Grey Enterprises Holdings had no reason to interfere. The bank did not track the serial numbers on the nonsequential bills. Elizabeth Morgan signed a document releasing Northwest Federal Bank from any culpability arising from her decision to transport such a sizeable amount in cash across the country."
There was a statement from Elizabeth Morgan's family. "We are horrified to learn Elizabeth failed to investigate claims of sexual harassment and sexual assault by John Hyde's interns. We did not know the class action lawsuit existed. We did not know the determination of the arbitration panel. We will not actively search for the missing funds. We wish to distance ourselves from the situation. If someone recovers the funds; we request you donate it to a non-profit which will make life better for someone."
Included in the sit rep was a CCTV tape of Elizabeth Morgan surrendering the briefcase to Silver Valley Casino security to lock in the safe while she participated in a Texas Hold 'Em tournament. When she was leaving the casino; Ms. Morgan retrieved the briefcase after she cashed out her $8K tournament winnings. She was seen on camera unlocking the briefcase and adding her tournament winnings. She locked the briefcase and carried it while following staff from the bell captain's desk.
The next CCTV tape was Elizabeth Morgan at valet parking. The bell captain rolled a luggage cart with her luggage to the valet station. The valet put the suitcases and cosmetic case in the trunk. Morgan tipped the bell captain and valet. She entered the vehicle with her purse and briefcase. She programed the GPS unit and departed.
The sit rep included the traffic accident report from Nevada Highway Patrol. The accident occurred before midnight; with a flash flood and speed contributing to the accident. Onstar reported the accident, with time and GPS location. NHP and Las Vegas CSU does not believe anyone stole anything from the vehicle as her decapitated head and purse were found in the convertible top boot. NHP does not believe anyone could take anything from the vehicle since it was tightly wedged under the flatbed trailer. The truck driver involved in the accident had his ID and funds intact also.
Darius swallowed hard. He recognized the aluminum sided briefcase, which he wrapped in a trash bag before burying it in the middle of a full trash bag before dumping it in the motel dumpster. He recognized the bank bands on the cash in the picture. 'Blood money. You can keep a finder's fee of a quarter of a million. However, you must find seven charities to receive a quarter of a million each. Dispose of the funds in a fashion where you are not suspected, questioned or caught. You have reconnaissance and a supply tour to conduct.'
May 27
Christian and Ana hugged Bob and Carla goodbye at Boeing Field. "Call us to let us know you arrived safely. Call us to let us know what your family doctor said." Ana kissed and hugged her mother goodbye. Morse's discovery unsettled all of them.
They stayed to watch the jet take off. "Bob will try to get her to the family doctor before the first for general tests. Referrals and advanced tests before the eighth. Some sort of answer before the fifteenth." Christian explained.
"In other words…be prepared for my mother to miss my wedding." Ana said stoically.
"I love you and you love me. No one will keep me from marrying you. Barney agreed to Skype the wedding to Carla and Bob if necessary. With the GEH jet; we can return home in 24 hours," Christian promised. "There is nothing on our honeymoon agenda which we cannot do at a different date and time."