Summary: Kathryn's dealings with her mother are not over yet and Annette freaks when she meets her fathers new girlfriend.
Authors Note: The next chapter of this (which should be pretty involved and interesting, I hope!) will be posted tomorrow or Monday so look for it.
Chapter 8: Every You, Every Me
* Kathryn *
"I'm sorry to have to tell you this Kathryn but I don't believe your mother will ever fully recover from the accident."
I didn't break down into tears right away. Instead I went for the more subtle approach and slowly let my eyes water with one single tear rolling down my check as I took in what the doctor was telling me. Long ago I had perfected the act of crying. Sobbing and wailing was easy but just a few tears was tricky. Lucky for me I was a master of this particular art.
"But, but I thought..." I whimpered as if trying to hold back my sobs. "Dr. Davenport told me she was going to be okay."
Dr. Lewis nodded as he put a comforting arm around my shoulders and led me to a chair. As he sat down beside me I could tell the old pervert was trying to catch a glimpse down my shirt. Unable to help myself I leaned forward just slightly and then watched in amusement as he tried to focus on my face instead of my cleavage. "He was right Kathryn, your mother will live. However there was permanent damage done to her spinal cord and it appears she will not be able to walk again."
My eyes widened in horror as I whispered "ever? You're telling me she's going to be in a wheel chair for the rest of her life?"
He nodded gravely "yes I'm afraid so. Also when she was hit the sudden impact caused her to have a stroke. There is history of heart problems in your family that your mother didn't know about. That coupled with the accident caused the stroke."
"Oh my god" this part actually surprised me.
"Yes luckily your mother is a strong women. Most people wouldn't have survived such an ordeal."
Stubborn is more like it. It was just my luck the bitch didn't die but in a way I was sort of glad. Simple death would be so easy and no where near enough painful. However being paralyzed for the rest of her life would be unbearable for her. I couldn't wait to tell her.
"Can I go to her room now and see her?"
"Yes it should be all right." I stood up to leave when he stopped me. "There's another thing I should warn you about. The stroke caused a speech impediment. Her speech is slurred and it might be hard for her to communicate."
"For how long?"
He sighed "we aren't sure. With some time and a good speech therapist it might improve but there's no way to tell."
I nodded sadly as I went to embrace him "thank you doctor for all your help."
"Oh it's my pleasure" he responded holding me perhaps a little too tight.
Pulling away I made my way down the hospital corridor towards her room. I stopped suddenly outside one of the doorways when I realized it was the same hospital room Court had been in. The same one I ended his life in. It was empty as I stood in the doorway and recalled how it felt to pull the life from him. I thought it would give me a chill inside to remember that particular memory but all I felt was empty and cold. As I wondered why that was a small voice in the back on my head told me 'because you are empty and cold. There's nothing in you anymore but hate'. Shaking the thought away I quickly walked down the hall to my mothers room.
When I came to her room I was stunned by what I found. There was my mother lying in her lonely hospital bed with a long cut on the side of her face, her arm in a sling and her mouth hanging open slightly like one of the old people in a geriatric home. I watched her for a moment like an artist admiring there work. Stepping inside I didn't say anything as I closed the door behind me and shut the blinds.
"Hello mother" I addressed her sweetly while pulling a chair beside her bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Ka..thr.." she could barely speak my name. It came out like an assorted jumble that made me want to giggle in delight. However I contained my joy with a cool, sympathetic smile.
"Oh mother I'm so sorry this happened. Do you have any idea who did this to you?"
She shook her head no as a tear ran down her face. Once again she mumbled something that came out like "remember."
Taking her hand in mine I told her "don't say anything, save your strength. You're going to need it. You know you're very lucky mother." When she scoffed at this, or at least tried to I smiled. "Yes you are. I was sure that after I hit you, you were dead. In fact I would have bet money on it. Oh well...I suppose being stuck in a chair for the rest of your life will be adequate enough revenge for everything you've done to me."
My mothers eyes went wide in horror as she realized what I was telling her. She started to shake while attempting to pull her hand from my grasp. However I held on to her tightly all the while smiling at her. When she tried to call out in was completely inaudible and I laughed cruelly. "Now mother save your strength. It's not like anyone's going to come in her anyway."
When she tried to reach for the call button I pulled it away from her. "Mother I don't have time for these little games. I have a dinner date to get ready for this evening and a meeting at four."
"Why?" she asked me as a tear fell down her face.
Leaning in closer to her I demanded "why do you think? You never loved me mother. I was just another accessory for you to own or a way for you to hold on to daddy. I was never a daughter to you. When I was in trouble you threw me out of my own home and then stole money that was rightfully mine. Then you turn around years later and demand I give you money?" I laughed coldly "you're such a fool. You had no idea your own accountant has been draining all your finances this past year. Then again why would you suspect such a thing of the man you've been screwing."
She shook her head at me as she muttered a slurred "no."
"Yes, afraid so. You see Andrew works for me. I hired him to help me dismantle your fortune. Now as of this morning you will find you are completely broke and Andrew is off sunning himself on some beach in Fiji." I sighed "I thought letting him keep the money was the least I could do given he's had to take your ass to bed nearly every week for the past year. He has your money but I however am keeping the townhouse for sentimental reasons you understand."
At this my mother started twisting about on the bed trying to pull her hand from me as she called out. I watched her for a moment before getting up suddenly and holding her still. "Knock it off before I finish the job I started" I hissed menacingly. Immediately she stopped her wailing as she looked up at me fearfully.
Smiling I told her "now since you did survive your little accident I've decided to offer you two options just as you did me when I was at my lowest. Seeing as you have no money, no family or friends to take care of you, and now have no way to snag yourself a husband you really have only two choices. You can either stay in a half way house where they keep all the rests of the penniless cripples or you can stay on the street and try to climb your way back up the social ladder just as I had to."
Shaking her head at me she began to tremble as I finally let go of her. "Either way from this point on I'll have nothing more to do with you and if you get a foolish idea like telling someone it was me who hit you I will have someone finish you off mother."
Once again she started to babble and scream but I only smiled and shook my head at the pitiful women. Reaching out I smoothed her hair as I bent down and kissed her forehead "good bye mother."
I started to leave all the while she was calling out to me in her jumbled speech. Before I left however something occurred to me. Turning back I said "oh by the way, happy mothers day."
Closing the door with a satisfied smirk I sighed in contentment. A nurse walked by the room and looked startled as she heard my mothers shrieks coming from the room. Pretending to once again be near tears I told her "I don't know what's wrong with her! One minute she was normal and the next she started to scream all these awful things at me."
The nurse nodded sympathetically "it's all right dear. We probably just need to increase her meds."
While the women went into my mothers hospital room I rolled my eyes and headed down the hall. I was planning to go to my car when a police officer approached me. It was officer Curry, the same man that contacted me to tell me about the accident. "Is something wrong?" I asked. "Did you catch who did this?"
He nodded a small proud smile on his face "yes we got the man in custody ma'am. We traced the break fluid and the hair samples we got at the scene to one of your mothers former employees."
"What?"
"Yes a Mr. Kratz, he was one of her drivers who she fired awhile back. According to the staff he was very angry at your mother and threatened her on several occasions. Apparently he even has a record for armed robbery and statutory rape."
"Oh my god, that's horrible!" I exclaimed as I turned away from him to contain my smile. Drake told me he would find someone to pin it on but I never thought he would do such a good job as to find a disgruntled employee with a record.
"Are you going to be okay miss?"
Turning back to him I smiled "yes I'm fine thank you. I'm just happy you caught the man who did this. I should be going now, thanks again for all your hard work."
He blushed "it was no problem."
Giving him one last grateful smile I walked out of the hospital to the black car awaiting me in the parking garage. I decided against driving the jag until it was completely clean. Sliding into the back seat I pulled out my cell phone and dialed the house. Drake picked up "how'd it go?"
"She's alive but barely, I'll fill you in on the details later. By the way good job with Mr. Kratz. I couldn't have done better myself."
"Thank you, I do my best."
I laughed "I'm on my way to that meeting before I have dinner with Ben tonight. I'm planning on taking the jag with me so make sure it's ready. I don't want any of that bitches blood on it."
* Annette *
A few weeks after getting thrown out of my fathers house I got a call from him asking me to dinner. He mentioned nothing about Kathryn so I didn't bring it up. I actually hoped maybe he had come to his senses about her and scene her for the snake she really was. However before hanging up he told me he had something important to tell me at dinner that made me more than a little apprehensive.
I invited Owen to come along with me as my date. My father knew him and liked Owen a lot so I knew it wouldn't be a problem. Yet I was apprehensive about referring to him as my boyfriend. Although Richard was still adamant about the divorce and had moved out of our house I wasn't over him. I loved him but I also loved Owen as well in a different sort of way. It was safe to say things were a mess.
We were having dinner at a nice Italian restaurant in Manhattan. As Owen pulled up his SUV he sighed "Annette are you sure this is a good idea?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't it be?"
"You are still married won't it be, I don't know, a little awkward to tell your dad we're seeing each other. Maybe it's a little too soon."
I nodded "you're right, as usual. I won't tell him we are seeing each other. Tonight we are strictly platonic friends."
Leaning into me he cupped my chin and whispered "at least until we get back to my place, right?"
"You're so bad" I laughed leaning in to kiss him.
"You have no idea."
We kissed for a long moment until I realized we were running late. "Come on we have to go."
Getting out of the car we headed into the restaurant when something caught my attention. Parked a few cars a head of us was a black Jaguar that looked just like Sebastian's. The car had all but disappeared when Kathryn left town so I assumed she had taken it with her. However she still wouldn't be driving it around, would she?'
"What is it?" Owen asked pulling me towards the door.
Shaking my head I looked back at the familiar automobile one final time before sighing "nothing, lets go in."
When we arrived the hostess told us the rest of out party was already there. "Party?" Owen asked me. "I thought it was just us and your dad."
I shrugged as we followed the hostess. As we got to our table I realized what she meant by party. Sitting with her arm wrapped around my father was Kathryn dressed in a sexy black dress. I gawked at them in surprise as we approached. "Daddy, what's she doing here?"
"Hello sweetheart" he greeted me calmly with a peck on the check. "Now I don't want you to get upset but I invited Kathryn to join us for dinner."
"Why?" I eyed Kathryn suspiciously as she sat looking up at me with a phony smile.
"Well we have been seeing each other for awhile and we thought it was time we told you."
"We?" I repeated shocked. "Daddy are you out of your mind? Is this the important news you had to tell me?"
"Annette" he whispered to me as he glanced around the restaurant to see if anyone was staring. "I wanted to have a nice dinner but if you don't want to do that then maybe we'll leave."
Glancing at my fathers date I could tell she was eating this whole thing up. Even though I would like nothing better than to walk right out of there I knew it was just what Kathryn wanted. She wanted to cause problems between my father and me but I was going to be damned if I let it happen.
Forcing a smile on my face I sat down across from her "I'm sorry daddy I was just a little thrown by...this. Of course we'll stay."
My father smiled obviously pleased "good, thank you dear. Well it's nice to see you again Owen. I take it you two were working late again?"
Owen and I exchanged looks before he nodded and replied "yes sir we were working and Annette asked me along. I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not"
"So Annette" Kathryn addressed me like we were old friends. "How is GATT coming along?"
I hated that I had to sit there and be pleasant with this witch. How could my father not see that everything out of her mouth was bullshit? It sickened me to think she already had him wrapped around her finger. Glaring at her I muttered "fine."
Sensing the tension my father cleared his throat and asked "so Annette, how's that husband of yours?"
I flinched at the question completely caught off guard. "Richard's fine daddy."
"What does Richard do for a living Annette?" Kathryn inquired
"He's in between things at the moment."
"Oh" she replied as her and my father exchanged a look.
"What?"
"Nothing it's just your father was telling me about him and pardon me for saying so but he seems so unworthy of you Annette. I mean you're so smart and ambitious I would think you'd like someone with those same sort qualities. You know a guy like Owen, rather than some one who won't even move into the city for you."
My mouth fell open as I hissed at her "who the hell do you think you are? You know nothing about my life! You think just because you're sleeping with my father it gives you the right to pick apart my marriage."
"Annette" my father said trying to keep calm. "Kathryn was just pointing out something we were disc-"
"Why are you discussing my marriage with her?" I demanded.
"Kathryn is my girlfriend and we talk about these things from time to time."
"Girlfriend?"
I felt Owens hand rest on mine as he whispered to me "Annette maybe this isn't the time."
I knew I shouldn't lose my temper, however my anger was already consuming me. Ignoring his request I turned to my dad "do you have any idea who your 'girlfriend' really is? God daddy wake up! She's a lying tramp who is only using you to get back at me. Can't you see she doesn't care about you. You're only a pawn to her just like every other man. Just like Sebastian was" I whispered.
"Annette I know you two have your problems but I am your father and you will show me some respect. I care for Kathryn and I am very aware of who she is but apparently you don't. Now either apologize for the way you spoke to her or we are leaving."
Looking across the table at Kathryn her face remained blank as she awaited my reply. I knew I could just lie and pretend to apologize but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I could not for one more second pretend to be polite to her. Glaring at her I said "I would sooner die than apologize to that vindictive whore."
"Fine" my father said rising from his seat "if you can't act civil, Kathryn and I will be leaving."
As she got up from her seat Kathryn sighed "I'm sorry you feel this way Annette. Maybe someday you can look past what I've done."
"I wouldn't count on it."
My father went to get there coats and Kathryn followed after him then stopped. Bending down she whispered in my ear "by the way I know some good divorce lawyers. Tell Richard to give me a call."
Looking up at her in disgust she winked at me before catching up with my father. Turning to Owen I rested my head against his shoulder "what have I done? She set me up and I walked right into it."
"It would appear that way."
* Kathryn *
Later than night while Ben laid beside me snoring I tried to plan my escape. Against my better judgment I had agreed to spend the night after we had sex. He was so pathetic pleading with me to stay with him that I almost felt bad for him. Hardgrove was such a loser. I guess he must have been the one to pass on that particular trait to his daughter.
I grinned as I thought about Annette at dinner earlier that evening. The stupid bitch had walked right into my trap. I knew if I just pushed her a little she would eventually loose her temper and she did. All I had to do was mention her marriage, that was something I was going to have to remember for the future.
The only thing that threw me was seeing Owen. I guess little miss muffet was wasting no time. However that too worked out to my advantage. While the Hardgroves bickered with one another they were completely oblivious to the fact that their dates were keeping themselves amused. Closing my eyes I could still feel Owen's long fingers sliding in and out of me even as I laid in Ben's cheap Wallmart sheets.
Turning over I scowled at the old geezer. I wasn't sure if he was a light sleeper or not but I decided to take my chances that he wasn't. As quietly as possible I crept from the bed then grabbed my purse and a dress shirt from his closet. Making my way downstairs I buttoned it up and headed into his den.
Making myself comfortable in his big leather seat I turned on the computer. While it booted up I pulled a floppy disk from my purse. Before going out that evening Thomas had handed it to me along with instructions on where to download it onto his computer so Ben wouldn't be able to detect it.
Since we started seeing each other last week I had been trying to sneak away to get to his computer but I never could. Guess tonight was my lucky night. After I did as Thomas instructed I waited impatiently for it to download. Turning back towards his desk I examined some pictures resting on his desk. One was of his late wife. She was frumpy and plain but had Annette's blue eyes. "I'm guessing you were just as boring as your bitch daughter."
I flickered my finger at her face just as the computer beeped behind me signaling it had finished downloading. Smirking I took out my disk and put it in my bag. I was almost home free when a voice called out behind me "what are you doing?"
I froze only for a second before turning to find Ben standing behind me. He was smiling pleasantly but his eyes were suspicious. Giving him my best smile I explained "I couldn't sleep so I was just checking my mail and making some calls to find out if there was anything more on my mother."
"Oh of course I didn't mean to sound..."
Getting up from the his chair I sighed "you don't trust me do you Ben?"
"Of course I do" he smiled cupping my face. "It's just I was thinking about Annette. I really wish the two of you could get along."
Nodding sadly while wrapping my arms around him I replied "yes I've tried but I don't know what else to do. She won't except me as a part of your life."
"Well she's going to have to because you are a part of my life."
Pulling him closer to me I murmured "I'm so glad to hear that."
* * * * * *
"We have a problem"
The following week while working in my office I looked up as Drake came charging in. Sighing I leaned back in my chair and asked "what is it?"
He tossed the latest issue of the New York post at me and instructed "turn to page three."
Taking the paper I opened to page three and scanned it. For a moment I couldn't tell what I was looking for until I saw a small article in the corner that read 'Promising Juliard Student Takes His Own Life'. "Ronald" I sighed as I read over the article.
"Yes it appears he hung himself in his apartment. Didn't even leave a suicide note. I had someone get this out of his room before the police found it" he said handing me the videotape with Cecile on it.
Staring down at the tape I asked "does Cecile know about this?"
Drake shrugged "I don't know but when she does it's going to be a hell of a lot harder to control her."
"Don't worry about Cecile I'll take care of her." I started to walk out of the room then stopped suddenly "and send some flowers to his family."
"Will do boss."
As I made my way up the stairs I felt a slight pang of guilt. Not for Cecile since I honestly could give a shit about her feelings but I did feel bad for Ronald. This I hadn't planned for and wasn't exactly thrilled about. True I had done a number on Ronald and I didn't regret it but I didn't want him dead either.
Still I wasn't one for sitting around and feeling guilty for something I couldn't change. It was in the past, time to move on. However I knew Cecile wouldn't feel that way when she found out. Drake was right now that Ronald was gone so was my ever slipping leverage on her.
With a sigh I opened her bedroom door not bothering to knock. Walking into the room I found it empty so I called out for her but got no response. I found out why when I opened the bathroom door and found Cecil passed out with a needle and a vile of heroin beside her. Bending down I picked it up to find it empty, never a good sign. "Oh fuck" I sighed.
God how I hated surprises.
- to be continued (Please Review)