I'd been in a filthy mood throughout the entire trip. Somehow, I'd slept through Anastasia's promised phone call after her SIP interview. The call came at 3:00 am on Friday morning Taipei time, and after hours awake thanks to bad dreams, I must have been so zonked out I just didn't wake when she rang. She'd left a message saying it had been a combination of group and individual interviews, and she'd had the opportunity to interview for an assistant to an editor position. Disappointed to miss her, I tried to call her back when I woke at 6:00, but her phone went straight through to voicemail. I knew she did that when she was at work, and it was 3:00 pm Seattle time, so rather than call her work phone and disturb her day, I texted her I was sorry to have missed her call and I was glad the interview had gone well.
The rest of Friday was a complete write-off. I battled it out in the boardroom with the shipyard representatives until 7:00 pm. I had only an hour off before I was obliged to attend a dinner function with the owners and senior management, and being 4:00 am Seattle time, there was no chance to call my girl. By the time I got back from dinner at midnight, it was Friday morning in Seattle, and Ana had already left for work. So again, I settled for a text message saying how much I missed her before calling Andrea and asking her to find an excuse to visit the eighth floor and report back by email how Anastasia was going.
Not being able to speak directly with Anastasia was doing my head in. If it weren't for the frequent updates via Sawyer and Reynolds, I'd be going out of my mind. I wanted to hear my girl's voice—and I wouldn't say no to more phone sex like the other night, either. That had been hot! When Saturday likewise found Ana and me missing one another's calls, reduced to conversing via text, I was close to murdering someone. My interactions with the Taiwanese had gone from barely cordial to glacial, and I was being even more of an asshole than usual. I didn't appreciate traveling halfway around the world to renegotiate a deal that had already been agreed upon months before. I didn't want to be there, and I made sure as hell everyone knew it.
I was asleep in my suite of the Mandarin Oriental Taipei when Taylor entered my room at 3:00 am Sunday morning. Aware I rarely got enough sleep, I knew Taylor wouldn't wake me for anything less than an emergency.
"Mr. Grey? You need to wake up, Sir. There's been a security breach with Ms. Steele at Escala."
Hearing security breach and Escala in the same sentence had me sitting bolt upright, wiping my bleary eyes.
"What's happened? Is Ana ok?!" I asked frantically, any number of horrifying scenarios playing themselves out in my mind.
"Ms. Steele is fine, however, Mrs. Lincoln paid her a visit. Sawyer has just removed her from the apartment."
A string of profanity spilled from my lips. I cursed Elena damned Lincoln in every language I knew, before starting in on Reynolds and Sawyer. They were paid to keep Elena away from Anastasia, yet somehow my girl had had to endure the botoxed bitch in our home. The place I'd promised Ana she would always be safe.
"You can tell Sawyer and Reynolds they're out on their ear once we get back to Seattle," I growled, getting out of bed. "I told you I didn't want her anywhere near Ana. How did this happen?"
"From the limited information Sawyer provided, Mrs. Lincoln approached the Escala reception desk who called through to the apartment. Reynolds was off duty, and Ms. Steele was alone in the apartment as Sawyer was with Gail fetching some shopping. It appears Ms. Steele approved Mrs. Lincoln's access."
Ana let Elena in? That didn't make sense. With Elena and Van Ryn's connection unknown, Elena could have done anything to Ana. I closed my eyes for a moment, imagining Anastasia drugged, bound and gagged, in the back of a truck bound God knows where. The idea was too frightening to imagine.
"Fuck this. I've given these fuckers enough of my time. Taylor—get us tickets on the next flight to Seattle. I need to get home."
There was no mistaking the look of relief that crossed Taylor's face. I'd been a prick to deal with ever since we left, and no doubt he was missing Gail, too.
"Did Sawyer say how Ana is? Is she alright?" I asked, wondering how much damage control I'd need to do once we got back to Seattle. If she'd run, Taylor would have led with that, so I was hoping she was not too upset.
"He said she seems fine. She's currently sitting in the great room drinking wine and watching Mary Poppins. Perhaps you should call her?" he suggested, knowing it had been days since I'd talked to her.
Mary Poppins? I ran my hands through my hair in agitation. More than anything I wanted to hear my baby's beautiful voice, but I was presently furious at my girl's lack of self-preservation. If I spoke with Anastasia, now, I'd end up shouting, and I didn't want to derail an already precarious situation. There'd be plenty of time to talk when I got home.
"I'm too angry to speak with her just now. Just get us booked to Seattle ASAP."
After the last few days, Jason Taylor deserved a raise and a week or two off. Three hours later he had us on a direct flight to Seattle. Securing us the last two seats in first class, Ryan was relegated to a middle seat in cattle class—not something to be desired on a long-haul flight.
Per my instructions, Taylor had not informed Sawyer, Reynolds, or Gail we were returning early. I think he liked the idea of surprising his girl as much as I was anticipating surprising mine. I regretted ever agreeing to go away while Ana's stalker had yet to be arrested. In retrospect, I should have sent Ros or told the fuckers to go to hell.
Settling in with a glass of scotch an overly solicitous flight attendant brought me, I spent the first part of the thirteen-hour flight drafting emails to send once I was back in Seattle. As well as lighting a fire under several of my departments whose fuckups had necessitated my trip, I'd be requesting a meeting with agents Tjhai and Armstrong. It had been nine days since they'd interviewed Anastasia at Escala. Barney had given them everything they needed on a silver platter tied in a fricking pink bow—surely they should have arrested Van Ryn by now? That they hadn't made me worry about their commitment to the case. Looks like I needed to light a fire under their asses, too.
Signaling the bleached blonde female flight attendant over, frowning as she reminded me of Elena, I asked for another drink. It's just a pretty face, I thought, ignoring her simpering and fluttering eyelashes as she fetched me what I'd asked for. Divining she'd get no joy from me, after bringing me my second drink, she turned her charms on for Taylor. No more interested than I was, he asked for a diet coke then went back to reading his novel.
The first few times we traveled, Taylor was strictly business the entire time. While he still kept a careful eye out, especially when we flew commercial, he'd become a bit more laid back over the years. I'd discovered he had a penchant for political thrillers and never flew without one. Since a lot of his job involved sitting around waiting for me, I guess it made sense to have something on hand to pass the time.
Closing my eyes, I dozed to pass the time. I'd never properly sleep anywhere I could be observed, however, I allowed myself to lie back and indulge in thoughts about Anastasia. I was still livid she'd put herself at risk by seeing Elena. However, with Van Ryn, and presumably Elena herself, under observation by the FBI, I hoped the danger was somewhat less. Now I knew Ana was the one who'd allowed Elena into our apartment, I was willing to at least hear Sawyer out before I dismissed him. Reynolds, being off shift, wasn't responsible so he could stay.
I was hoping, when I returned, I'd be able to convince Ana to go away with me for a week. Never one to vacation, a week with no responsibilities, just my girl and me sounded appealing. But first I'd have to deal with the shit-show that was Elena.
One blessing of being in first class is we were first off the plane. Stepping out onto the abandoned concourse at 3:30 am, Seattle's drizzle and chill were in distinct contrast to the weather we'd left behind in Taipei. Still, I was home—exactly where I wanted to be. Rather than have security collect us, Taylor called for a town car. I switched my phone back on, with numerous missed calls and messages coming through.
Fourteen missed calls from Ana, as well as several text messages. In the last one, she asked whether I was angry with her and if that's why I hadn't called. I hadn't even considered she might think that. While at first, I was furious she'd spoken with Elena at all, during the flight the anger became self-directed. If it wasn't for my fucked-up past, Ana wouldn't have to deal with Elena. I wanted my former Domme, my abuser, out of my life, once and for all.
Scrolling through my other messages, one from Elliot caught my eye.
Bumped into Ana at SIP offices on Thursday, and she said she'd baked a chocolate cake for dad. Went around there today and he ate the last slice in front of me :(
"Fuck!" I growled, startling Taylor as he supervising the driver loading our luggage into the rear of a dark Lexus.
"Everything ok, sir?" he checked.
"I hope so," I mumbled, more eager than ever to get back to Escala.
Stepping out into the apartment at 4:00 am, Taylor bade me good night and dragged his suitcase toward the hallway that led to the security room and the staff living quarters. The apartment was dark, lit only by the light coming through the windows, although I could see light seeping into the hallway from Ana's room.
Shucking off my shoes, and loosening my tie, I padded towards her room. I didn't want to wake her, so I'd slip into bed beside her and grab a couple of hours sleep until she woke, and then we could talk.
Cautiously pushing the door to her room more open, I dragged in a ragged breath as I looked around me. It wasn't what I saw that bothered me—it was what I didn't see. The room—the blue room, as Gail called it—was empty. Nothing on the nightstands. No clothes, trinkets, or books and Ana's jewelry box was missing from its place on top of the dresser. A quick check of the closet, then the bathroom showed they were equally bereft. Every hint that Anastasia Steele, WSU graduate, and jobseeker, had ever stayed here was gone.
She must have run. Between Elena, SIP, and me foolishly not calling to say I was on my way home, Ana must have decided to leave. It was the only explanation. I'd been waiting to get home to tell her I loved her, but I'd left it too late.
I sat on the side of the bed, my head in my hands, wondering how I could ever adjust to a life without Anastasia in it. Quickly realizing that was an impossibility, I'd have a shower then get security to find out where Ana went to. Abandoning my suitcase in the great room, I padded down to my bedroom, opening the door to see a blessed sight. Dimly lit by moonlight, Anastasia was curled up in my bed, cuddled up with my pillow. Looking around, it was immediately apparent why the blue room was empty—all of Ana's belongings were here in my room. Our room. My girl hadn't run!
I stripped down to my boxer briefs, leaving my clothing where it fell. My shower forgotten, I wasted no time slipping into bed beside Anastasia, nuzzling against her and slipping an arm around her as I spooned her from behind. My eyes closed, I was asleep almost immediately.
I woke just after 10:00 am alone in bed. Using the bathroom and showering, I wandered out to the great room to see Ana sitting with a cup of tea at the breakfast bar.
"Good morning," I said, unsure what sort of reaction to expect.
"Hey," she replied, turning and giving me an almost sad smile. "When did you get back?"
"About 4:00 am," I replied. "You looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you."
Ana nodded, sipping at her tea. The one time I wished Gail, Taylor—hell anyone—were here to break the awkward silence, they were conspicuous in their absence.
"I'm sorry I didn't call. I was missing you so badly, and when I heard Elena had been here, I just wanted to get home as soon as possible."
"Did you finish your business?" she asked.
"In a manner of speaking." I felt no need to elaborate further. The Taiwanese could go hang for all I cared right now. My sole focus was Anastasia. "So, you met with Elena?"
"I did. Are you angry?"
"Not anymore. At least not at you. I'm angry that you have to deal with my fucked up past. What did she have to say?"
"Nothing important. When I told her I live here, she thought I was a sub. I told her I wasn't—that you and I care for one another—and she flipped out telling me you can't love.."
I was still on the second sentence. "And do you?" I blurted out.
"Do I what?"
"Care. And live here?" I couldn't keep the anxiety from my voice.
"All my clothes are in your closet, aren't they?" Ana snapped. "Of course I care!"
With those words, my universe filled with joy and light. Taking the cup of tea from Ana's hand and placing it on the counter, I lifted her from the stool, pulling her to me and kissing her hard.
"Oh, baby! I was so worried. I thought you might not want me anymore." Peppering her face with kisses before nuzzling her hair, I kissed every part of Anastasia Steele my lips could reach.
"I'm still cranky with you," she said, unconvincingly. "I know about Seattle Independent Publishing…"
"Let me explain?" I asked, sitting on her stool at the breakfast bar before pulling her to sit on my lap.
She nodded, resting her arm around my shoulders.
"A few months before we met, Jerry Roach from SIP approached me about GEH potentially investing. They've been struggling, and without some capital would go under. At the time it seemed there was no benefit for GEH, so I didn't look any further into it. A bit later, Ros thought we should acquire a printing arm. Presently we contract all the GEH and subsidiary printed materials out. It would save a fortune to do these in-house. When you mentioned a career in publishing, it brought to mind Roach's pitch for SIP. He'd said lack of access to printing presses was an issue. Because of their small run sizes, they were often pushed back in favor of publishers offering larger runs. I discussed it with Ros, and she agreed if GEH owned SIP and the printing presses it was a win-win. Ros ran the numbers, and it was worth going for, so GEH acquired SIP. Other than the initial meeting with Roach, signing the agreement, and tasking Elliot with overhauling the SIP building, I have been completely hands-off."
Ana sat for a moment, considering my words.
"You had nothing to do with my interviews there?"
"Not a thing. You have my word. Ros is dealing with the acquisition. Our team identified digital publishing as an enormous opportunity, so Roach has set up an expansion plan which Ros approved, however, Roach and the SIP team are completely in control of hiring and firing. You have my word, I've had nothing to do with any of it."
"And Ros?"
"Has not put your name forward, either. I had planned to tell you when I got back from Taiwan. I just didn't want you to go in for an interview wondering if I'd had something to do with it. If SIP, soon to be Grey Publishing, offers you a position, it is entirely on you and your merits. If they don't, or you choose a position elsewhere, then that's fine too, baby."
"I did like the vibe at SIP," Ana said, sounding much more animated. "The first interview for the admin position didn't sound like much, but the second interview for the assistant to an editor position was wonderful. I interviewed with two editors, and they were amazing! We talked about genres and trends in publishing, as well as the threats and opportunities of digital print. It felt more like a chat between friends than an interview. And the salary range they mentioned was pretty good for a graduate!"
"Once SIP is officially Grey Publishing, it will be even better," I commented. "All GEH companies benefit from our generous health and superannuation plans."
"And you promise me, if they make an offer, it had nothing to with you?"
"You have my word. Now, about your clothes in my closet… Does that mean…?"
"That I'll move in with you?" she asked, blushing slightly.
"Yes…?"
"Then yes. Yes, I'll move in with you, Mr. Grey. I have some conditions…" she warned, cut off when I lifted her and carried her off toward our bedroom.
"Conditions shamitions," I growled, covering her mouth with mine until I reached the bedroom where I slammed the door shut and threw her onto our bed.
I would have happily spent the rest of the day in bed with my girl, but Taylor interrupted us in the early afternoon knocking at our bedroom door.
"Mr. Grey? Lunch is ready, and your father is here."
I groaned. I wanted to bury myself in Anastasia once again, but clearly, it wasn't about to happen. Dressing, and telling Ana to do likewise, it wasn't long before we were both at the dining table, about to enjoy a chicken Caesar salad alongside my father. My father commented he hadn't expected me to be back yet, then he shared with us his news.
Van Ryn had been arrested around the time I'd left Taiwan, and was now in FBI custody. He was probably still being questioned as we spoke, however, it seemed like he was no longer a threat to Ana or me. Filling my father in about Elena's visit—Ana giving more detail about what they'd discussed—Carrick mentioned Elena had called, and that as agreed he'd confirmed I was in Taiwan. Yeah, I was still cranky, but I could now see Ana's point of view. She thought the more information we had about her intentions, the better. The three of us had just finished eating when Taylor appeared.
"Mr. Grey? The FBI are here to see you. Should I let them up?"
My father and I glanced at one another. I did not respond until he nodded.
"That's fine, Taylor. Please invite them up."
Before I knew it, Gail was cleaning away the remnants of our lunch and putting on the coffee machine ahead of our visitors. I asked Dad if he knew why the FBI was visiting me, but he shrugged, just as perplexed as me.
"Agents Armstrong and Tjhai," I greeted, ushering them into the great room. Ana and Dad were already sitting on the sofas.
"We thought we'd be meeting you alone…" Armstrong said, out of sorts.
"I returned from Taiwan in the small hours," I explained, despite not needing to. "As you know, Ana lives here, and it's been a while, so Dad dropped over for lunch."
"Your father is here, but your mother isn't?" Armstrong questioned.
"I was in the area," Dad said with a tight smile.
"Of course," Tjhai said, glaring at Armstrong. "We're here with news for you."
I noticed my father slightly adjust in his seat. At the same time, I slipped my arm around Ana's waist.
"We've arrested Brian Van Ryn on suspicion of abduction and human trafficking. Other agents are questioning him, but the evidence is overwhelming, and it's all but a foregone conclusion he will spend the rest of his life in prison."
"And the women?" Ana asked, speaking before the rest of us had a chance to.
"Van Ryn is being cooperative. Either way, it will be life for him, but his conditions depend on how forthcoming he is," Armstrong admitted. "Our colleagues are getting as much information as they can. The Bureau intends to track and recover as many women and children as possible."
Anastasia moaned painfully. "There were children, too?" she gasped.
"We're still discovering all the information," Tjhai said vaguely, shooting Armstrong a shut the fuck up look that was thankfully not observed by my girl.
"And what about Elena Lincoln?" I asked. After visiting my woman, I was disinclined to offer her any protection. "Do you have any news on her?"
The agents looked at one another, before staring significantly at my father. Reading the subtext, I suggested Dad look at the new flower boxes Gail and Ana had placed on the balcony a week before. We all waited until Carrick closed the door.
"You're off the record," I said, pulling Ana even closer to me. "What do you know?!"
Tjhai gave me a rare smile. "Mrs. Lincoln is not involved in the human trafficking." My heart sank, and I truly wanted to punch something. I'd hoped that would be my way to get rid of the bitch. "However, as part of the investigation we examined her home and business computers, we've discovered Mrs. Lincoln has committed major income tax fraud. She's ripped Uncle Sam off for hundreds of thousands…"
I froze. As a partner in her salons—albeit a silent one—I could be considered complicit in this, even though I did not know what was going on. As though reading my thoughts, Tjhai continued.
"It will be a week, max before we move on her. I can't advise you how to proceed, however, were it me, I'd instigate an audit on Elena Lincoln and the salons immediately. Once it is proven she cheated you as well as the government, she'll be going away for a long time."
Dad had been wise to step out for this part of the conversation. What he didn't hear, he couldn't be questioned about.
"That doesn't explain how Lincoln and Van Ryn knew each other," I stated as I worked everything else through my mind.
Armstrong looked at Tjhai, who smirked and nodded.
"Off the record," he said, still smiling. "Van Ryn explained as a bartender he works a lot of up-market functions. According to him, from time to time drunk lonely women offer to pay him for his, erm, services at the end of the evening. At some time in the past, one of those women was Mrs. Lincoln."
Ana turned to glance at me in confusion. I had a fair idea what Armstrong was saying but waited for him to spell it out.
"An evening of… um… romance?" he eventually stuttered, seeing Ana's confusion.
"Are you saying Elena paid Van Ryn for sex?" I asked, trying to contain my mirth.
"Apparently so," Tjhai replied, rejoining the conversation. "We only have Van Ryn's recollection so far, however, his description was quite expressive."
"Expressive how?" I asked. I hated to have to think about Elena, let alone discuss her.
"Van Ryn said while her face looked alright, she was a walking advert for Spanx. He described her as an ugly woman with a snatch so scary even spiders didn't want to reside there."