Author's note: Seems there's some confusion about my two very different FSoG timelines, so I've edited the summaries. Hope it helps. And, the reason I wasn't more organized about it is that I never expected to post more than the first few chapters of "On the Rocks", but here we are;-)

I don't think it's in the books, but I've gone with "Cary" as an affectionate nickname for Carrick.

Thank you.

Chapter Twenty-two

Again, time seems to slow down, but it can't be very long because the sirens are still distant when I see Jason, who stands out as one of the few people not in costume or livery. Kavanagh is holding Mia's hand, and he's taken the wise precaution of donning a jacket over what's left of his ridiculous outfit. Not even Elena ever expected me to wear something like that. When they're close enough for conversation, I point towards the park—where music is blaring loud enough to be heard above everything else—and comment, "The party appears to have moved outdoors."

Mia glances that way, and guesses, "You're not hanging around for it though."

Hoping that she can't see my fear, I confirm, "We'll have to do karaoke another time."

She kisses my cheek, and says, "I'll hold you to that."

I force a smile, and agree "I've no doubt," before instructing Luke, "Stay with them until they're safe inside the apartment."

"Sir."

It's too dark to see Mia's eyeroll, but I hear the accompanying scoff, and she protests, "Christian, is that really necessary? Let the poor guy go home."

I'm not about to tell Mia about the men in hazmat suits, who have apparently vanished, but rest my hands on her shoulders to plead, "How about, just this once, you listen to your brother?"

She smiles, and says, "Yeah, okay." And then she kisses my cheek again before saying, "That's for Ana. Say goodnight for me."

"Will do." I shake hands with Kavanagh, and say, "Hope you're permitted back in before it gets colder."

He laughs, and says, "Me too. Last time I let Mia choose my costume."

The emergency vehicles sound close now, and Luke suggests, "Ms. Grey? We'd better get to the assembly point."

With a wave from Mia, they're soon out of sight. When I'm certain no one can overhear, I instruct Jason, "Update."

His gaze constantly scanning the passersby, who are milling like lost sheep, he counters, "Best get home first."

"They're still here?"

"If they are, they're hiding or dressed differently."

"Luke knows?"

"Yes, sir. He'll liaise with the police when they arrive."

I head towards the car, knowing that he'll follow, and command, "Then let's get the fuck out of here."

"Amen, sir." I sometimes forget that Jason has his own reasons to fear crowds and loud noises.

I'm impressed to see Denton waiting in the parking garage at Escala. She's the newest member of our team, but has already distinguished herself—and earned a bonus—helping save Mia from Sean. It also means that Kate and Elliot have no reason to linger, for which I'm grateful. I just want this evening to be over. Ana will never know what it cost me to appear calm. She's still saying goodbye to her friend when Elliot asks me, "I presume this is the first and last time you'll dress up for Halloween?"

"Abso-fucking-lutely." Even as I say it, and mean it, I know that I'd renege on that vow for Ana.

With a grin, Elliot says, "Then the least you can do is commemorate this momentous occasion with a photo." I presume that my face has conveyed my reluctance, because he quickly adds, "For Mom."

I smile, and concede, "You know me too well." I open the camera on my phone, and request, "Jason?"

When he's taken the group photo and returned my phone, Kate begs, "You'll send us a copy?"

A few seconds later, I confirm, "Done." And then instruct Elliot, "Do not post this online."

He laughs, and says, "Don't worry, bro, you're unrecognizable in that getup."

Kate assures me, "He won't." Her arm is still around Ana's shoulders, and she hugs her one last time, saying, "Well, we'd better go. Interesting evening."

I grunt a humorless laugh, and say, "That's one word for it. Goodnight."

Ana's arm is around my waist as we wave goodbye to them, and then she requests, "Darling, may I borrow your phone?"

Immediately concerned—our phones are a likely target for enemies and less scrupulous journalists—I ask, "Where's yours?"

"Uh, Mia has it."

I can't for the life of me imagine how that would have happened. "Your phone?"

Ana shuffles and can't quite look me in the eye to explain. "When the alarm sounded, I worried that it might be Laurent trying to kidnap Mia, and I never did order Welch to stop tracking me. So, while you were talking to Kate and Elliot, I told her to hide my phone in her costume. I forgot about it in all the excitement since."

After everything that's happened, it's amazing that I can manage a real laugh, but in fact it's loud enough to make Ana look a little wounded. I hold her tight, saying, "Sorry, baby, not laughing at you. It's just that, if you could see Mia's costume, you'd know that there's not much room to hide a cellphone."

She relaxes, and says, "Oh. Anyway, I was thinking Luke could drop it off either tonight or early tomorrow?"

"I'm sure that'll be fine. How about you get a fetus-friendly bath going while I call Mia? It'll take forever to remove all this makeup, and I could do with a soak after the evening we've had."

Ana nods her compliance and stands on tiptoes to kiss me. She then caresses along my jawline, saying, "I'd forgotten what you're like without the beard."

"You prefer me cleanshaven?"

With a quiet smile, she says, "Not particularly. As always, I'll take you however I can get you, Mr. Grey."

Even covered in fake bullet holes, she's beautiful. "We've suddenly got more time than expected. How would you like to take me tonight?"

Her smile widens, and then she confirms, "Yes, I'd like that."

Inside the apartment, Ana has barely left my side, when Jason says, "Sir, you wanted an update?"

Images of sudsy Anastasia in my head, I instruct, "Just the highlights."

With a curt nod, he says, "Police are at the scene, but haven't found anything amiss. They'll check security footage, to see if we can work out what happened."

"Mia?"

"Still at the assembly point with Sawyer. They should be allowed back in soon. He'll check the apartment first, and then keep an eye on the building for an hour or so, just in case."

"Okay, thanks. And, thank you; I'm sure that whatever they had planned was made much more difficult by you being good at your job."

He manages to avoid smiling, but his posture straightens with pride, as he says, "Any time, sir." When I don't comment, he adds, "If that'll be all?"

Sophie is probably here by now. "Of course. I'll see you Monday."

"Sir."

He's walking away when I make a decision, and say, "Jason?" When he turns to me, I suggest, "Look, I've been thinking...when the house is ready, how would you feel about managing security for the estate?"

He blinks a couple of times before asking, "Instead of accompanying you off the grounds?"

My heart is beating faster at the thought of not having him as my main CPO, but it doesn't prevent me explaining, "Yeah. Being with Ana...I'm getting better at trust. And, no offense, but any of our team could fill your shoes."

He grins, and says, "None taken." And then he frowns slightly, asking, "So, install and maintain a security system, monitor visitors and oversee staff?"

Damn, I hadn't thought that far ahead. "Uh, something like that; I'm content for you to determine your duties and hours. Basically, you'd be second only to Welch, and have a lot more free time, but also more money. Of course, I understand if you want to think about it, maybe discuss it with Gail."

He smiles and shakes his head, even as he approaches and offers his hand, saying, "No need, sir. We've discussed this; Gail will be thrilled, and Sophie will be ecstatic. Thank you."

I shake his hand, saying, "No, thank you. When I found it hard to trust, you were always someone I could rely on."

His smile lingers, as he again says, "Any time, sir."

In that moment, I decide something else. "Christian."

He nods, and solemnly obliges, "Christian."

I'm clean and wondering what's taking Christian so long when I sense a presence. I smile and say, "You'll need to top up the hot water, darling. Did you get waylaid by Mia?"

"Mia is missing."

A gulf of dread opens up inside me, and I can only echo, "Missing?"

"Anastasia, when the fire alarm went off, why did you think it might be Laurent trying to kidnap my sister?"

Please let this be a dream. Sitting up in the bath, I reach for him, asking, "Mia's been kidnapped?"

He doesn't take my hand, merely restating, "Why did you think Laurent might do this?"

"Uh, because he sort of did, in Paris. Though Mia dismissed it as nothing. Does she still have my phone? You can track her, right?"

"Police are on their way to intercept her now."

It sounds like he's leaving already. I reach for a towel, asking, "Ethan and Luke?"

"Ethan is unconscious, likely drugged, and Luke is being treated at the scene for cardiac arrest."

This can't be real. "Christian, talk to me."

His too-calm tone sends a shiver through me, when he says "No, I don't think that's a good idea right now." And then he's gone.

I don't waste much time nowadays wishing for my sight, but I do so now as I dress without even bothering to dry myself, and go after my husband. I'm almost to his study, calling his name, when Jay says, "Ana?"

When I reach for him, his forearm is under my hand, as I ask, "Mia's been kidnapped?"

"I'm afraid so, ma'am. Christian just left for the scene. He didn't tell you?"

Christian left without me? And when did Jay start using my husband's given name? Shaking my head, I let go of him, saying, "No, I...please, how are the guys? Luke had a heart attack?"

"Cardiac arrest, brought on by a modified stun gun, so they probably didn't mean to stop his heart, but it looks like he'll be all right, thanks to paramedics having responded to the fire. Last I heard, they wanted him to stay in hospital overnight, but I think they'd have to strap him down."

Sometime during that explanation, I stopped breathing, and now gasp in relief that Luke will be okay, before asking, "Ethan was drugged?"

His tone hardens to reveal, "People dressed as maintenance staff were handing out coffee to the residents and guests waiting to return inside. It seems Mr. Kavanagh's was laced with a mild sedative, but he'll also recover." When I can't speak, he adds, "Are you okay? Can I get you anything?"

My sister-in-law safe and sound. "No, no, I'm fine. Just, please, let me know_"

I'm interrupted by his phone ringing, and wait while he answers with frustratingly non-committal replies. When it's done, he reveals, "That was Welch; Mia's safe."

And I remember how to breathe. "Oh, thank God." I need to see for myself, and Jay is technically off-duty. "Where's Prescott? I need a ride."

"She's with Christian. He, uh, asked that I watch over you until he returns."

Something about how he says it makes me certain, "He ordered you to keep me here, didn't he?"

"I suspect that he was about to, until I made it clear that's not an order I'd ever obey." When I can't immediately think of a reply, Jay adds, "We didn't part on favorable terms."

I can't quite laugh yet, but it makes me smile, and I reveal, "Same." When I reach for him this time, he holds my hand while I say, "Thank you, for standing up to him."

He squeezes my hand, saying, "Any time, Ana. I do think you'd best stay here though; there's nothing you can do to help, and it's quite late."

I'm far too wired for sleep, but he's right. I release him, saying, "Yeah, okay. I suppose they would have ditched Mia's phone?"

"Almost certainly. That was very clever of you to give her yours. And no doubt the reason her abductors didn't get very far."

I can only hope it's enough to appease Christian. "Well, I'm going to make myself a cup of tea. Why don't you go back to Sophie and Gail? I'll stay here, I promise." When he says nothing, and makes no move to comply, I repeat, "Promise."

"All right, Ana. You know where I am if you need anything."

"Thanks, Jay."

I'm distracted enough that my cup of tea is cold before I finish it, so I'm tipping the remains down the sink when Prescott says, "Mrs. Grey?" I didn't know she'd returned, so just about jump out of my skin, and she quickly adds, "Sorry. I have your phone. And thought you might like an update?"

Putting the cup down before the trembling makes me drop it, I say, "Please."

When I hear something rest on the breakfast bar, I reach towards a black blur, and have my phone in hand as she explains, "Ms. Grey will stay overnight in hospital, but only has a mild concussion and a few abrasions, so she'll be fine."

I take a breath so deep it hurts, and ask, "Ethan and Luke?"

"Also fine. Luke discharged himself, and Mr. Kavanagh is now awake and with Ms. Grey."

"Christian too?"

"Uh, I'm not sure, ma'am. All I know is that he asked me to return your phone, and stay here until someone relieves me."

Not good. "Please tell me he has one of the team with him?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I don't know."

I force a smile and say, "Not your fault. Someone is guarding Mia though?"

"Currently a police officer. Tariq will be with her by morning."

"Thank you." Showing my phone, I add, "And for this."

She seems to understand it's a dismissal, saying only "Welcome, ma'am," before leaving.

I wait only until I'm sure she's out of earshot before checking my messages. There's one from Ethan that says, 'This is Mia. I'm fine, thanks to you. But I need a new phone. PS, I can't believe that fucker tried this again!'

It's amazing that, even now, she can make me smile, and it lingers while I type, 'I'm very glad you're both okay. Get some rest tonight, because I won't let go of you tomorrow.'

I've barely sent it, when Mia calls me from Ethan's phone, saying, "Fun party, huh? I seriously have the worst taste in men." I finally manage a small laugh, on overhearing Ethan's outrage, and Mia continues, "Present company excluded, of course. How are you?"

"Me? I'm not the one who was kidnapped. They hit you?"

"I think they intended to drug me, but I'd already tried that coffee from the lobby, and it's disgusting. Ethan was getting wobbly, and I saw Luke go down, apparently having some sort of fit. Next thing I knew, I was inside a van with a sore head and scrapes from hitting the ground."

"Your abductors are in custody?"

"Yeah. I don't think they'll say much though. They seemed real slick, and not a bit worried by the police. I mean, fuck, they nabbed me in public and pretty much under the cops' noses."

"Laurent was with them?"

"No, he's too careful for that."

"Then how do you know it was him?"

"Two of them spoke French, though they didn't give much away, and I heard his name mentioned. Christian says he still has information on Laurent, so he's gone to share it with the police."

Finally with a clue as to my wayward husband's whereabouts, I breathe a sigh of relief, and say, "Okay. Well, I'd better let you go. I really will need to see you tomorrow though."

"It practically is tomorrow already. I'll be at Bellevue by lunchtime. Mom and Dad need to hug me too, but I persuaded them to wait until then. See you there?"

"Sounds perfect. I hope you get some sleep. Give Ethan a hug for me?"

"Will do. Oh, Ana, it came out that Laurent tried this before. I'm not sure how Christian knew, but he seemed pretty pissed about it."

"Yeah, I think he sort of worked it out, and asked me about it. I don't lie to him, sorry."

"No need to apologize for that. I'm sorry to put you in it. You were only doing what I asked. Oh, Mom always said to play music and leave him alone when he's in a mood."

That makes me smile. "Yeah, so I've heard." Suddenly exhausted—as if my energy levels hinged on hearing her voice—I conclude, "Okay, g'night, guys."

They both say goodnight, and then the only sound is that hum of the climate control. I can't even hear Prescott, but at least the recent interaction solved the mystery of why I haven't quite warmed to her; she has never once touched me in any context. Mostly, people touch me much more than I'd like, but she avoided doing so even to return my phone. I'm curious why, but it can wait, because there's the more pressing issue of my AWOL husband. When I call him, it goes straight to message, so I hang up and text him, 'I'm getting worried. Where are you?'

'Don't worry. Go to bed. I'll be a while yet.'

Did he deliberately ignore my call? It's probably just as well, if he's still angry with me, so I merely reply, 'Thank you for my phone. Please stay safe. I love you.'

There is no reply.

I don't know what time it is, or when Christian finally joined me, but I wake with him in the bed, and automatically snuggle against his back. I'm confused by the fact that he's wearing pajamas, until the night's events flood my mind, sending a shiver through me at what might have happened. Christian startles awake, and then is leaving the bed. He's clearly still upset, but doesn't smell like he's been drinking. Where has he been? I retreat to my side of the bed, saying, "Darling, stay. I'll never need more than you're willing to offer." It's enough that he hesitates, and I beg, "Please." He settles back into bed without a word. Now wide awake, I ask, "Want to talk about it?"

He sighs, and says, "Go to sleep, Anastasia."

Of course, it's now impossible to obey, so I lie awake until my mind tortures me with an image of a vast chasm opening up between us, and then I'm silently weeping. I'm not sure why I couldn't earlier—perhaps it was shock—but I make up for it now, despite willing myself to stop. When a strangled sob is wrenched from me, I'm then surrounded by Christian, and cling to him while I force my body towards stillness. When I've calmed down, he kisses my forehead, and repeats, "Go to sleep."

Lulled by his warm body and cold compassion, I'm finally able to comply.

I'm again alone in the bed when I next wake. My phone is chirping a message alert. The most recent is from Christian, and says, 'Meet you at Bellevue. Please eat something.'

At least he's communicating. I consider for a moment, and then reply 'Yes, Sir,' adding an emoji of someone poking out their tongue, for good measure. Let him do what he wants with that. There are a couple of other messages—Kate and Mom—asking if I'm okay. I guess the kidnapping made the news, and resolve to avoid checking. I presume Kate and Ethan will join us at Bellevue, so merely send her a message to that effect. After checking the time, I call Mom, who sounds relieved when she answers, "Annie, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I swear. Just tired."

"Were you there when it happened?"

Unsure how much she knows, I reply, "Uh, not quite; someone tripped the fire alarm, so we'd already left. It's in the news?"

"Probably. But, no, Christian texted me last night, so that I'd know not to worry when I heard about it. He must have been frantic, poor guy. I'm glad his sister is okay."

If Christian told Mom, then Dad probably knows too, so I'd better call him next. I realize that I'd stopped listening, and ask, "Sorry, what was that last bit?"

"I said, I guess that's the perils of being adopted into a wealthy family."

Sounds like Christian only told Mom enough to alleviate her concerns about me. "Yeah. Look, Mom, I really am fine, and I'd better call Dad, okay?"

"Of course, sweetheart. Thank you, for calling me. I'm very glad that we agreed to protection."

What? "When was this?"

"Oh, weeks ago. There are always two of them nearby in a car, and one follows me when I go out." When I say nothing, Mom continues, "You didn't know? They were here when you last visited."

"Guess I forgot." It feels wrong, being so dishonest, but it's the best I can come up with right now. Just then, there's a knock on the door, so I conclude, "Gotta go. I love you, Mom."

"Love you too, sweetie. Take care."

I hang up, and instruct, "Come in."

The door opens, and Gail says, "It's me. I thought you might like to have breakfast with us?"

I'm really not hungry, but there's another life to consider. "Uh, I'd better eat something, but I'm not sure that I'll be much company."

"That's all right; Sophie mostly talks enough for everyone else."

It suddenly seems like the best idea. "Sounds perfect, thank you. When?"

"We're making pancakes, so any time in the next half hour."

The first tears of the day threaten, but I manage to keep them at bay to repeat, "Thank you."

I haven't long been at the Greys' home when Grace engineers some privacy to ask, "Everything okay, between you and Christian?"

I guess she noticed his cool greeting when I arrived. "Uh, he's upset about..." I trail off, unsure how much she and Carrick know.

"About the fact that Mia concealed the real reason she fled Paris, and told only you?" The hard edge to Grace's normally sweet voice confirms that Christian isn't the only one angry about it.

"Yeah. I'm sorry."

"For being someone my daughter can trust? Hardly your fault, Ana, and your quick thinking saved her, again."

I hiccup a relieved laugh, and say, "Hope Christian sees it that way. He's barely speaking to me right now."

Grace rests a hand on my elbow, to promise, "It's a good thing, sweetheart."

Utterly confused, and becoming increasingly depressed talking about it, I mutter, "Doesn't feel like it."

Grace takes a deep breath, and explains, "You know something of the state Christian was in when he joined this family. The worst of his physical symptoms had healed, though he remained mute for months. And it was a couple of years before he dared defy us. But Cary and I secretly celebrated that first rebellion, because we knew it was progress; it meant that he finally trusted us not to abandon him."

Oh. When I open my arms, she obliges with a hug as I say, "Thank you."

She ends the embrace, and holds me at arm's length to ask, "You understand now?"

My heart finally light, I smile and confirm, "He loves me."