Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me
Chapter 12
Greta becomes ill. Malone discovers something disturbing
Marguerite ended up rocking Greta to sleep, while sitting in the rocking chair in the middle of her room.
She always found rocking her child to sleep just as soothing as Greta probably did. It had given her time to think about what Roxton had proposed an hour ago.
Return to the plateau? God, she did not want to do it. She didn't want to give up any creature comforts for any amount of time. Marguerite didn't know what she found more insulting: the idea itself, or Roxton's pretending that they were making the trip for Challenger, and not himself.
She stood up, then walked over to Greta's crib, placing her in it. She then turned away and began to pace the room.
Was this really such a big thing? If tourists were littering the plateau by the dozens, then they themselves would not end up trapped there again, would they? Marguerite shook her head. No one even knew for sure that that Hargrove girl had been telling the truth about that. She certainly didn't own up to being an ape!
A noise outside interrupted her thoughts. She peeked out of a window to see Challenger and Veronica climbing into one of the cars. Marguerite looked away. Veronica was probably going to Malone to tell him all about Finn's betrayal. Marguerite would have to find some time alone with Challenger, so she could ask him to take Finn back to the plateau with him.
She walked over to the crib again, smiling down at Greta's sleeping form. She then tip-toed away from the crib, and over to the door, gently shutting it. She then leaned against the door. Now the only person left to deal with was Roxton.
Marguerite headed down the hallway to her room. Maybe a nice, relaxing bath would help her think things out.
She opened the door to her room, stepped in, closed the door, then gasped. For Lord John Roxton, has slipped in between the covers, naked, and was patting the space beside him!
Marguerite looked back towards the door, before approaching the bed.
'John! Have you lost your mind? I think Finn is still in the house!'
Roxton's eyes were laughing at her. So was his mouth!
'This is a very big house, Marguerite.'
'I realize that!'
'Yes, and since you never really gave me a guest room to sleep in, I figured this room, yours, was where you wanted me to stay.'
Marguerite crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look.
'You did, hey?'
'Yes, and you said you were coming up here for a nap.'
Roxton then got up out of the bed. Marguerite was mesmerized at how magnificent he was. Then again, he was always magnificent, just not always naked!
Marguerite half glanced back towards the bedroom door. While it was closed, it was not locked. But that wouldn't be a problem, would it? Finn was probably packing and sulking in her room.
Roxton walked up to her and began unbuttoning her blouse, while carrying on a conversation at the same time.
'I'm sorry I upset you earlier.' he said, as her blouse dropped to the floor.
Marguerite was a little thrown by the apology, as he soon caused her skirt to fall off of her, as well.
'You didn't upset me, John. I just wasn't prepared for the idea of a honeymoon on the plateau.'
'Yes, but, you have given me plenty of hints that you aren't interested in a life of adventure, and that you'd like a more stable life for Greta.'
His nearness to her, and the fact that John had now removed all of her clothing, was fogging her responses.
'I never said I didn't want adventure...per say...I just don't want...'
Why couldn't she think?! But then again, the feelings of losing control were all too familiar to her. And she had never felt this way with any other man, but Roxton.
Roxton picked her up suddenly, swinging her into his arms. Marguerite stared into his eyes, entranced.
'Let's take a 'nap'.' he said.
Marguerite smiled. 'I take it we're not going to get much sleep, are we?'
Roxton mouthed the word 'no', before kissing her soundly, then lowering her on to the bed.
****
Malone sat at a table in a small waiting area at the Massachusetts State Hospital. He didn't want to be there.
His paper had not been covering the story of Challenger, the ape-creature or Elizabeth Thomas's nervous breakdown, in the hard-hitting manner that the competition had. Or so his mother reminded him. She had also hinted that if the story was too close to him, maybe he should assign someone else to cover it.
Ned rubbed his eyes. He hadn't had a decent night's sleep since this whole nightmare began. And now he had to 'interview' the psycho that had murdered Jessi. He hoped Challenger would understand.
Ned stood up and began walking around the room, while he waited for an attendant to bring Elizabeth Thomas to him. The purpose of this interview was so he could get her view of things. He snorted. Elizabeth Thomas's 'view' was the same as common knowledge to everyone in this town. She had tried to steal Greta, murdered Jessi Challenger...and sicced a monster on Gladys! Poor, poor Gladys.
Ned also felt as if he hadn't spent any quality time with Veronica. Maybe that was what was bothering him. For the last time he had been at Marguerite's estate, he could've sworn he saw Veronica rolling her eyes at something Finn said. He couldn't imagine what could be the cause of tension there, but he had been tired then as well, thus he hadn't had the energy to find out what the problem was.
A door opened, and a haggard looking Elizabeth Thomas was brought in and sat down. Ned continued to stand. The attendant nodded to him.
'I'll be right out there.' he pointed.
Ned nodded. The guard would be right outside of the door, in case Mrs. Thomas had another letter opener up her straight-jacket!
Ned watched as the guard left and closed the door. He then looked at Elizabeth. She didn't much look like the society matron and neighbor that he remembered. But, one of the reasons he even agreed to meet this woman, was because she would not talk to any other reporter, from any other paper but the Boston Journal. That gave the paper an advantage, one that he could not afford to turn down.
Elizabeth spoke first.
'Thank you for coming, Mr. Malone. How is your fiancee?'
Ned sat down across from her.
'Not that it's any of your business, but she's quite sad. A member of our family is gone.'
Elizabeth smiled. She looked coy.
'Jessi Challenger wasn't really related to her...or anyone else in that household.'
Ned rolled his eyes and stood up. He couldn't do it! There was no way he was going to interview this despicable woman! Her tone itself, told him she was not one whit sorry about the pain and suffering that she had caused.
'Our interview is over. I know what I'm going to write.'
'I think you'd better listen to what I have to say.'
Ned didn't like her tone. It was almost as if she were ordering him to stay and listen to her hogwash!
'I've heard what you had to say many times before. Your husband was cheating on you with another woman, instead of letting go, or maybe even being a woman he could care for, you manipulated a sick girl into murdering them...and other people!'
Elizabeth began to look angry!
'I never told Renata to harm anyone but Edward and that slut you used to be involved with! Ha! You didn't think I knew that, did you?'
Ned shrugged, not willing to give her the satisfaction of seeing his outrage.
'What does it matter? Your going to spend the rest of your life in here...or probably prison. You don't seem crazy, Mrs. Thomas. I'm sure it won't be long before the doctors around here figure that out. Then you'll be doing time in prison, where you belong. Goodbye.'
Ned began to walk towards the door again. But Elizabeth called out to him again.
'You'd better listen to me.' she said, in a more controlled voice.
Ned looked her up and down. This was the second time she had made that cryptic statement. He folded his arms and yawned, not from boredom, but lack of sleep.
'What? Tell me what I should be listening to? Why should I bother to give you the time of day?'
Elizabeth stood up and walked over to him. Ned considered calling for the guard. Then again, he wasn't so out of it that he couldn't defend himself against a 125 pound woman!
'For little Greta's sake.'
Ned frowned. He also began to feel more alert.
'What the hell are you talking about?'
Elizabeth turned away suddenly and began humming. Ned rushed up on her, grabbing her and swinging her around!
'Don't threaten Greta!'
Elizabeth wrenched away from him! She then smiled again.
'If Jessi had only just given me the child. I could've given her the cure.'
Ned grabbed her again and began to shake her even harder! Elizabeth began to scream. Two attendants rushed in and separated the two of them!
'What have you done?!' Ned practically screamed.
Elizabeth continued to smile. As she was dragged from the room, she called out to him.
'The poor child is probably burning up with fever by now! The poor thing! And you'll have to go back to that awful place if you want to save her! Let me know when you want to help me get out of here!'
Ned stared after her, open mouthed. He then wrenched away from the attendant holding him back and rushed out of the room as well. He had to get to Marguerite's estate! He had to find out if Greta was alright!
***
Challenger had said he was going to walk around a bit, when he left Veronica outside of the Boston Journal. She asked him if he wanted company, but he smiled gently and told her to see to Malone, and that he would come in once he had seen the sights.
Veronica watched him walk off, sad that she could no nothing to ease his pain. She then walked into the Journal.
She saw a couple of familiar faces, and waved hello's, before approaching Ned's office. His secretary smiled uneasily at her.
'Hello, Mildred. Is Mr. Malone in?'
Mildred rubbed the side of her face.
'No...but, Mrs. Malone is in. I was just leaving for lunch, if you'd like to wait until he returns...'
'Go ahead and take your lunch. I'll be fine.'
'Really?' Mildred asked.
Veronica nodded, patting her shoulder. Vivian Malone was making herself unwelcome, yet again.
Veronica smiled at Mildred, then walked towards Ned's door. She then stopped, took a deep breath, then swung it open...hard!
Vivian was looking at things on Ned's desk, when Veronica made her entrance. She jumped.
'Neddie I...oh...it's you.'
Veronica gave her the fakest smile she could muster!
'No, it isn't 'Neddie', it's moi, Veronica.'
'Yes...the jungle savage. Well, as you can see, Neddie is not here. Maybe you should go home and wait for him.'
Veronica slammed the door behind her. Mildred jumped back, since she had been trying to peek in and listen.
'Or, maybe you should go home, Mrs. Malone. I'm sure Ned will not be pleased to hear that you were in his office snooping, while he was out.'
Vivian stood up.
'When I look around in this office, I am not 'snooping'. This paper is a family legacy. My husband used to sit in that chair! I have every right to be here! I'm not leaving!'
Veronica sat down.
'Neither am I.'
Vivian's eyes flashed. She then gave Veronica a fake smile in return.
'You know dear, I don't know why we seem to always be at cross-purposes?'
'Because you're hateful and mean?' Veronica pretended to ask.
Vivian laughed lightly. Veronica rolled her eyes. God! Maybe she had better leave! She was more insulted by her mother-in-law's phoniness than her genuine malice.
Vivian smirked. 'No. Because I have always had the sense that you would be so much happier back in your native jungle, where you really belong.'
Veronica took a deep breath. There it was: insult number two. Or was it the third one? She had just come here to talk to Ned about Finn. She didn't need this. Veronica stood up.
'I'll talk to Ned later. Goodbye Mrs. Malone.'
But Vivian moved quickly, so that she was in front of her.
'If you care anything about my Neddie, you'll get out of his life for good! It was a noble effort dear, getting yourself gussied up, and living under that Von Bubrik woman's roof, a person of dubious quality. And under her tutelage, you tried to shed your savage ways...but you have failed, and quite miserably. And there is no shame in that, dear. For breeding is something you're born with. It can't be adopted or learned.'
Now, Veronica had had enough!
'Did you pay Jack Farrell to investigate me?'
Vivian seemed a bit thrown by the change in subject. She tried to cover.
'What? Whatever are you talking about?'
Veronica knew she had her!
'Ned was very disturbed by a check he found made out to Jack Farrell, from you. He said you made up some sort of excuse, but, your son did not believe you. You might as well confess now. Let Ned get an early start on hating you.'
Vivian's eyes widened.
'How dare you! How dare you! Yes! Yes I did give that money to that poor, sweet boy! And I've regretted it every day since! Because if I hadn't asked him to keep you from my boy, then maybe he would still be alive today! You, that damned Professor, that Von Bubrik woman...that heathen girl that you claim is your sister...the lot of you have corrupted my boy!'
Veronica backed away slightly. Old Vivian wasn't holding back!
'I want you to leave my boy alone! Do you hear me? I want you to stay away from him!'
Veronica began to back away even more. Vivian was beginning to invade her space. Then, the older woman shoved her!
Veronica, without thinking, back-handed Malone's mother with such force, that she fell back against a couch, breathing heavily. Vivian then put a hand against her lip. It was bleeding.
'Why....why you heathen!!!' she screeched. Her hands went up in clawing motions, as if she were going to leap at Veronica and scratch her eyes out. But then, one of her hands dropped suddenly, and curled over her heart. Her eyes went wide and she dropped to the floor! Veronica rushed over to her.
****
Challenger returned from his walk early, finding city life more disenchanting as he walked. There were parts of the plateau that Jessi would've liked, he was sure. Now she would never have the chance to see the beauty of it.
He walked into the Boston Journal, and soon, was outside of Ned's office. Challenger saw no one around at the secretary's desk. He walked up to the door to Ned's office, gave a sharp knock, then opened the door.
Veronica, who was crouched over Vivian Malone, turned her head quickly. There were tears in her eyes. Challenger closed the door quickly and hurried over to them.
'Good God! What happened here, Veronica?'
Veronica just shook her head. Challenger felt for a pulse on Vivian, then shook Veronica by the shoulders!
'Veronica! Veronica, what happened here?'
Veronica's eyes met his.
'She was right, Challenger.'
Challenger tilted his head and released her.
'Whatever are you talking about?'
Veronica licked her lips.
'She told me I was a jungle savage, that I would never be good enough for Ned. And my first instinct was to hit her...like I would've hit an apeman or a headhunter on the plateau. She was right...I will never get used to this type of life!'
'No! Now you listen to me! We don't have time for this! She's not dead, but she needs medical attention.'
Veronica shirked away from him, standing up.
'And what then?'
Challenger looked confused.
'What do you mean? She'll go to the hospital and...'
'And what, Challenger?! What do I tell Ned? That I slapped the hell out of his mother?! And what about her?! She's going to tell the police! God! Haven't you learned anything about how things work?! Especially after what...'
Veronica stopped talking suddenly and turned away. Challenger stood up and walked over to her. He rubbed the back of her shoulder.
'It will be alright, Veronica.'
Veronica turned back towards him.
'How? Tell me, please...how do I fix this? This isn't like encountering ape men in the jungle, hurting or killing them to defend yourself, and then skipping back to the treehouse! There are laws here! And I would've never raised a hand to her if she hadn't come at me first!'
'Alright, Veronica. But chances are that Malone's mother, if she lives through this, will be too embarrassed for people to know she was fighting with her son's fiancee! I'm sure it will blow over.'
Veronica stared down at the unconscious Vivian Malone.
'She hates me, Challenger.'
'I'm sure that isn't true. She just needs time to adjust.'
'Adjust to what? Her son being happy? She told me she paid Jack Farrell to take me away from Ned! And there's no telling if Finn had a bigger role in this whole thing than she's letting on!'
Challenger closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had been shocked to listen to Veronica's vent about Finn, on the way in to the city. But there were two sides to every story. Surely, Finn had not been as cold-blooded as Veronica made her out to be, had she?
'Vivian Malone hates me. I thought that too, you know, that once Ned and I were married and settled in, she would get used to me. She'd have to. That woman down there made it clear to me that she has no intention of getting used to anything that doesn't suit her...including me!'
Veronica then turned and headed towards the door. Challenger hurried after her.
'For God's sakes, Veronica! Just let me see if I can help! Maybe bring her around again...'
Veronica stopped. What kind of person was she turning in to? That she would leave Ned's mother to die...no matter how horrible she was...what had she been thinking?
Veronica turned and nodded at Challenger. They then hurried over to Vivian.
****
'What are you thinking?'
Marguerite looked up at Roxton, as she lay in his arms. Being with him again had reminded her that she did not want to live her life without him. Yet, why did she always need to remind herself of that? Had she really been willing to stay behind with Greta, while Roxton traipsed around in the jungles of South America with Challenger?
She propped up on one elbow. Roxton was leaning back against a bunch of pillows, resting against the headboard.
'I was thinking, that I guess, a short honeymoon on the plateau wouldn't really hurt. And if there are tourists trashing the place, and killing the things that make it dangerous, then I suppose it wouldn't be so bad for Greta.'
Roxton pulled her up so that she sat up in bed. She modestly pulled some of the sheet around her. He tried to refrain from smiling. He had already decided that wherever they lived, there would be nothing between them when they were in bed.
'Do you mean that? Because we don't have to.' he said.
She nodded. 'I know. But, there is something in me that is somewhat curious about the condition of our former home. And, maybe the time here alone will help Veronica and Ned.'
Roxton said nothing to that. Marguerite touched his hair.
'What?' she asked.
He sighed. 'I guess I just don't understand Finn. A lot has been done for her, and you would think she could try act decently.'
'John...'
'Well, we didn't have a lot of time to get to know Finn before we left the plateau. But we do know Veronica. It broke my heart to see her looking so betrayed.'
Marguerite smiled. It broke Roxton's heart to see anyone defenseless hurt. But Veronica could take care of herself.
'Veronica and Ned will survive this. I'll ask Challenger to take Finn back with him...it will give Ned and Veronica time to themselves...as a couple.'
Suddenly, there was a loud scream! Roxton jumped up and began looking for his clothes. Marguerite scrambled to find her own.
'Now what?!' she asked.
But Roxton was half dressed and out of the room, before Marguerite could grab her blouse. He hurried down the hall and was met by a frightened looking Finn. She was holding Greta, who was turning red!
'She's so hot, Roxton! What's happening to her?!' Finn asked hysterically. She was half crying.
Roxton took Greta from her and almost panicked when he held her. She was literally burning up!
Marguerite came out of the room and looked down the hallway. When she saw how red Greta was from afar, she began to scream. She ran to them, pulling her out of Roxton's arms. She began breathing rapidly and looked at Finn.
'Call that doctor that came here to check on me! Call him now, Finn!'
Finn ran downstairs. Just as she had reached the first floor, the front door opened, and Malone ran in!
'Ned?' she asked, puzzled. 'What are you doing here?'
Ned could see by her face something was wrong and his heart dropped again.
'No, you tell me what's wrong? Is it Greta?'
Finn's eyes widened. 'Yes! My God how did you...'
'Elizabeth Thomas told me! That crazy woman has poisoned Greta!'
Chapter 12
Greta becomes ill. Malone discovers something disturbing
Marguerite ended up rocking Greta to sleep, while sitting in the rocking chair in the middle of her room.
She always found rocking her child to sleep just as soothing as Greta probably did. It had given her time to think about what Roxton had proposed an hour ago.
Return to the plateau? God, she did not want to do it. She didn't want to give up any creature comforts for any amount of time. Marguerite didn't know what she found more insulting: the idea itself, or Roxton's pretending that they were making the trip for Challenger, and not himself.
She stood up, then walked over to Greta's crib, placing her in it. She then turned away and began to pace the room.
Was this really such a big thing? If tourists were littering the plateau by the dozens, then they themselves would not end up trapped there again, would they? Marguerite shook her head. No one even knew for sure that that Hargrove girl had been telling the truth about that. She certainly didn't own up to being an ape!
A noise outside interrupted her thoughts. She peeked out of a window to see Challenger and Veronica climbing into one of the cars. Marguerite looked away. Veronica was probably going to Malone to tell him all about Finn's betrayal. Marguerite would have to find some time alone with Challenger, so she could ask him to take Finn back to the plateau with him.
She walked over to the crib again, smiling down at Greta's sleeping form. She then tip-toed away from the crib, and over to the door, gently shutting it. She then leaned against the door. Now the only person left to deal with was Roxton.
Marguerite headed down the hallway to her room. Maybe a nice, relaxing bath would help her think things out.
She opened the door to her room, stepped in, closed the door, then gasped. For Lord John Roxton, has slipped in between the covers, naked, and was patting the space beside him!
Marguerite looked back towards the door, before approaching the bed.
'John! Have you lost your mind? I think Finn is still in the house!'
Roxton's eyes were laughing at her. So was his mouth!
'This is a very big house, Marguerite.'
'I realize that!'
'Yes, and since you never really gave me a guest room to sleep in, I figured this room, yours, was where you wanted me to stay.'
Marguerite crossed her arms, giving him a knowing look.
'You did, hey?'
'Yes, and you said you were coming up here for a nap.'
Roxton then got up out of the bed. Marguerite was mesmerized at how magnificent he was. Then again, he was always magnificent, just not always naked!
Marguerite half glanced back towards the bedroom door. While it was closed, it was not locked. But that wouldn't be a problem, would it? Finn was probably packing and sulking in her room.
Roxton walked up to her and began unbuttoning her blouse, while carrying on a conversation at the same time.
'I'm sorry I upset you earlier.' he said, as her blouse dropped to the floor.
Marguerite was a little thrown by the apology, as he soon caused her skirt to fall off of her, as well.
'You didn't upset me, John. I just wasn't prepared for the idea of a honeymoon on the plateau.'
'Yes, but, you have given me plenty of hints that you aren't interested in a life of adventure, and that you'd like a more stable life for Greta.'
His nearness to her, and the fact that John had now removed all of her clothing, was fogging her responses.
'I never said I didn't want adventure...per say...I just don't want...'
Why couldn't she think?! But then again, the feelings of losing control were all too familiar to her. And she had never felt this way with any other man, but Roxton.
Roxton picked her up suddenly, swinging her into his arms. Marguerite stared into his eyes, entranced.
'Let's take a 'nap'.' he said.
Marguerite smiled. 'I take it we're not going to get much sleep, are we?'
Roxton mouthed the word 'no', before kissing her soundly, then lowering her on to the bed.
****
Malone sat at a table in a small waiting area at the Massachusetts State Hospital. He didn't want to be there.
His paper had not been covering the story of Challenger, the ape-creature or Elizabeth Thomas's nervous breakdown, in the hard-hitting manner that the competition had. Or so his mother reminded him. She had also hinted that if the story was too close to him, maybe he should assign someone else to cover it.
Ned rubbed his eyes. He hadn't had a decent night's sleep since this whole nightmare began. And now he had to 'interview' the psycho that had murdered Jessi. He hoped Challenger would understand.
Ned stood up and began walking around the room, while he waited for an attendant to bring Elizabeth Thomas to him. The purpose of this interview was so he could get her view of things. He snorted. Elizabeth Thomas's 'view' was the same as common knowledge to everyone in this town. She had tried to steal Greta, murdered Jessi Challenger...and sicced a monster on Gladys! Poor, poor Gladys.
Ned also felt as if he hadn't spent any quality time with Veronica. Maybe that was what was bothering him. For the last time he had been at Marguerite's estate, he could've sworn he saw Veronica rolling her eyes at something Finn said. He couldn't imagine what could be the cause of tension there, but he had been tired then as well, thus he hadn't had the energy to find out what the problem was.
A door opened, and a haggard looking Elizabeth Thomas was brought in and sat down. Ned continued to stand. The attendant nodded to him.
'I'll be right out there.' he pointed.
Ned nodded. The guard would be right outside of the door, in case Mrs. Thomas had another letter opener up her straight-jacket!
Ned watched as the guard left and closed the door. He then looked at Elizabeth. She didn't much look like the society matron and neighbor that he remembered. But, one of the reasons he even agreed to meet this woman, was because she would not talk to any other reporter, from any other paper but the Boston Journal. That gave the paper an advantage, one that he could not afford to turn down.
Elizabeth spoke first.
'Thank you for coming, Mr. Malone. How is your fiancee?'
Ned sat down across from her.
'Not that it's any of your business, but she's quite sad. A member of our family is gone.'
Elizabeth smiled. She looked coy.
'Jessi Challenger wasn't really related to her...or anyone else in that household.'
Ned rolled his eyes and stood up. He couldn't do it! There was no way he was going to interview this despicable woman! Her tone itself, told him she was not one whit sorry about the pain and suffering that she had caused.
'Our interview is over. I know what I'm going to write.'
'I think you'd better listen to what I have to say.'
Ned didn't like her tone. It was almost as if she were ordering him to stay and listen to her hogwash!
'I've heard what you had to say many times before. Your husband was cheating on you with another woman, instead of letting go, or maybe even being a woman he could care for, you manipulated a sick girl into murdering them...and other people!'
Elizabeth began to look angry!
'I never told Renata to harm anyone but Edward and that slut you used to be involved with! Ha! You didn't think I knew that, did you?'
Ned shrugged, not willing to give her the satisfaction of seeing his outrage.
'What does it matter? Your going to spend the rest of your life in here...or probably prison. You don't seem crazy, Mrs. Thomas. I'm sure it won't be long before the doctors around here figure that out. Then you'll be doing time in prison, where you belong. Goodbye.'
Ned began to walk towards the door again. But Elizabeth called out to him again.
'You'd better listen to me.' she said, in a more controlled voice.
Ned looked her up and down. This was the second time she had made that cryptic statement. He folded his arms and yawned, not from boredom, but lack of sleep.
'What? Tell me what I should be listening to? Why should I bother to give you the time of day?'
Elizabeth stood up and walked over to him. Ned considered calling for the guard. Then again, he wasn't so out of it that he couldn't defend himself against a 125 pound woman!
'For little Greta's sake.'
Ned frowned. He also began to feel more alert.
'What the hell are you talking about?'
Elizabeth turned away suddenly and began humming. Ned rushed up on her, grabbing her and swinging her around!
'Don't threaten Greta!'
Elizabeth wrenched away from him! She then smiled again.
'If Jessi had only just given me the child. I could've given her the cure.'
Ned grabbed her again and began to shake her even harder! Elizabeth began to scream. Two attendants rushed in and separated the two of them!
'What have you done?!' Ned practically screamed.
Elizabeth continued to smile. As she was dragged from the room, she called out to him.
'The poor child is probably burning up with fever by now! The poor thing! And you'll have to go back to that awful place if you want to save her! Let me know when you want to help me get out of here!'
Ned stared after her, open mouthed. He then wrenched away from the attendant holding him back and rushed out of the room as well. He had to get to Marguerite's estate! He had to find out if Greta was alright!
***
Challenger had said he was going to walk around a bit, when he left Veronica outside of the Boston Journal. She asked him if he wanted company, but he smiled gently and told her to see to Malone, and that he would come in once he had seen the sights.
Veronica watched him walk off, sad that she could no nothing to ease his pain. She then walked into the Journal.
She saw a couple of familiar faces, and waved hello's, before approaching Ned's office. His secretary smiled uneasily at her.
'Hello, Mildred. Is Mr. Malone in?'
Mildred rubbed the side of her face.
'No...but, Mrs. Malone is in. I was just leaving for lunch, if you'd like to wait until he returns...'
'Go ahead and take your lunch. I'll be fine.'
'Really?' Mildred asked.
Veronica nodded, patting her shoulder. Vivian Malone was making herself unwelcome, yet again.
Veronica smiled at Mildred, then walked towards Ned's door. She then stopped, took a deep breath, then swung it open...hard!
Vivian was looking at things on Ned's desk, when Veronica made her entrance. She jumped.
'Neddie I...oh...it's you.'
Veronica gave her the fakest smile she could muster!
'No, it isn't 'Neddie', it's moi, Veronica.'
'Yes...the jungle savage. Well, as you can see, Neddie is not here. Maybe you should go home and wait for him.'
Veronica slammed the door behind her. Mildred jumped back, since she had been trying to peek in and listen.
'Or, maybe you should go home, Mrs. Malone. I'm sure Ned will not be pleased to hear that you were in his office snooping, while he was out.'
Vivian stood up.
'When I look around in this office, I am not 'snooping'. This paper is a family legacy. My husband used to sit in that chair! I have every right to be here! I'm not leaving!'
Veronica sat down.
'Neither am I.'
Vivian's eyes flashed. She then gave Veronica a fake smile in return.
'You know dear, I don't know why we seem to always be at cross-purposes?'
'Because you're hateful and mean?' Veronica pretended to ask.
Vivian laughed lightly. Veronica rolled her eyes. God! Maybe she had better leave! She was more insulted by her mother-in-law's phoniness than her genuine malice.
Vivian smirked. 'No. Because I have always had the sense that you would be so much happier back in your native jungle, where you really belong.'
Veronica took a deep breath. There it was: insult number two. Or was it the third one? She had just come here to talk to Ned about Finn. She didn't need this. Veronica stood up.
'I'll talk to Ned later. Goodbye Mrs. Malone.'
But Vivian moved quickly, so that she was in front of her.
'If you care anything about my Neddie, you'll get out of his life for good! It was a noble effort dear, getting yourself gussied up, and living under that Von Bubrik woman's roof, a person of dubious quality. And under her tutelage, you tried to shed your savage ways...but you have failed, and quite miserably. And there is no shame in that, dear. For breeding is something you're born with. It can't be adopted or learned.'
Now, Veronica had had enough!
'Did you pay Jack Farrell to investigate me?'
Vivian seemed a bit thrown by the change in subject. She tried to cover.
'What? Whatever are you talking about?'
Veronica knew she had her!
'Ned was very disturbed by a check he found made out to Jack Farrell, from you. He said you made up some sort of excuse, but, your son did not believe you. You might as well confess now. Let Ned get an early start on hating you.'
Vivian's eyes widened.
'How dare you! How dare you! Yes! Yes I did give that money to that poor, sweet boy! And I've regretted it every day since! Because if I hadn't asked him to keep you from my boy, then maybe he would still be alive today! You, that damned Professor, that Von Bubrik woman...that heathen girl that you claim is your sister...the lot of you have corrupted my boy!'
Veronica backed away slightly. Old Vivian wasn't holding back!
'I want you to leave my boy alone! Do you hear me? I want you to stay away from him!'
Veronica began to back away even more. Vivian was beginning to invade her space. Then, the older woman shoved her!
Veronica, without thinking, back-handed Malone's mother with such force, that she fell back against a couch, breathing heavily. Vivian then put a hand against her lip. It was bleeding.
'Why....why you heathen!!!' she screeched. Her hands went up in clawing motions, as if she were going to leap at Veronica and scratch her eyes out. But then, one of her hands dropped suddenly, and curled over her heart. Her eyes went wide and she dropped to the floor! Veronica rushed over to her.
****
Challenger returned from his walk early, finding city life more disenchanting as he walked. There were parts of the plateau that Jessi would've liked, he was sure. Now she would never have the chance to see the beauty of it.
He walked into the Boston Journal, and soon, was outside of Ned's office. Challenger saw no one around at the secretary's desk. He walked up to the door to Ned's office, gave a sharp knock, then opened the door.
Veronica, who was crouched over Vivian Malone, turned her head quickly. There were tears in her eyes. Challenger closed the door quickly and hurried over to them.
'Good God! What happened here, Veronica?'
Veronica just shook her head. Challenger felt for a pulse on Vivian, then shook Veronica by the shoulders!
'Veronica! Veronica, what happened here?'
Veronica's eyes met his.
'She was right, Challenger.'
Challenger tilted his head and released her.
'Whatever are you talking about?'
Veronica licked her lips.
'She told me I was a jungle savage, that I would never be good enough for Ned. And my first instinct was to hit her...like I would've hit an apeman or a headhunter on the plateau. She was right...I will never get used to this type of life!'
'No! Now you listen to me! We don't have time for this! She's not dead, but she needs medical attention.'
Veronica shirked away from him, standing up.
'And what then?'
Challenger looked confused.
'What do you mean? She'll go to the hospital and...'
'And what, Challenger?! What do I tell Ned? That I slapped the hell out of his mother?! And what about her?! She's going to tell the police! God! Haven't you learned anything about how things work?! Especially after what...'
Veronica stopped talking suddenly and turned away. Challenger stood up and walked over to her. He rubbed the back of her shoulder.
'It will be alright, Veronica.'
Veronica turned back towards him.
'How? Tell me, please...how do I fix this? This isn't like encountering ape men in the jungle, hurting or killing them to defend yourself, and then skipping back to the treehouse! There are laws here! And I would've never raised a hand to her if she hadn't come at me first!'
'Alright, Veronica. But chances are that Malone's mother, if she lives through this, will be too embarrassed for people to know she was fighting with her son's fiancee! I'm sure it will blow over.'
Veronica stared down at the unconscious Vivian Malone.
'She hates me, Challenger.'
'I'm sure that isn't true. She just needs time to adjust.'
'Adjust to what? Her son being happy? She told me she paid Jack Farrell to take me away from Ned! And there's no telling if Finn had a bigger role in this whole thing than she's letting on!'
Challenger closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He had been shocked to listen to Veronica's vent about Finn, on the way in to the city. But there were two sides to every story. Surely, Finn had not been as cold-blooded as Veronica made her out to be, had she?
'Vivian Malone hates me. I thought that too, you know, that once Ned and I were married and settled in, she would get used to me. She'd have to. That woman down there made it clear to me that she has no intention of getting used to anything that doesn't suit her...including me!'
Veronica then turned and headed towards the door. Challenger hurried after her.
'For God's sakes, Veronica! Just let me see if I can help! Maybe bring her around again...'
Veronica stopped. What kind of person was she turning in to? That she would leave Ned's mother to die...no matter how horrible she was...what had she been thinking?
Veronica turned and nodded at Challenger. They then hurried over to Vivian.
****
'What are you thinking?'
Marguerite looked up at Roxton, as she lay in his arms. Being with him again had reminded her that she did not want to live her life without him. Yet, why did she always need to remind herself of that? Had she really been willing to stay behind with Greta, while Roxton traipsed around in the jungles of South America with Challenger?
She propped up on one elbow. Roxton was leaning back against a bunch of pillows, resting against the headboard.
'I was thinking, that I guess, a short honeymoon on the plateau wouldn't really hurt. And if there are tourists trashing the place, and killing the things that make it dangerous, then I suppose it wouldn't be so bad for Greta.'
Roxton pulled her up so that she sat up in bed. She modestly pulled some of the sheet around her. He tried to refrain from smiling. He had already decided that wherever they lived, there would be nothing between them when they were in bed.
'Do you mean that? Because we don't have to.' he said.
She nodded. 'I know. But, there is something in me that is somewhat curious about the condition of our former home. And, maybe the time here alone will help Veronica and Ned.'
Roxton said nothing to that. Marguerite touched his hair.
'What?' she asked.
He sighed. 'I guess I just don't understand Finn. A lot has been done for her, and you would think she could try act decently.'
'John...'
'Well, we didn't have a lot of time to get to know Finn before we left the plateau. But we do know Veronica. It broke my heart to see her looking so betrayed.'
Marguerite smiled. It broke Roxton's heart to see anyone defenseless hurt. But Veronica could take care of herself.
'Veronica and Ned will survive this. I'll ask Challenger to take Finn back with him...it will give Ned and Veronica time to themselves...as a couple.'
Suddenly, there was a loud scream! Roxton jumped up and began looking for his clothes. Marguerite scrambled to find her own.
'Now what?!' she asked.
But Roxton was half dressed and out of the room, before Marguerite could grab her blouse. He hurried down the hall and was met by a frightened looking Finn. She was holding Greta, who was turning red!
'She's so hot, Roxton! What's happening to her?!' Finn asked hysterically. She was half crying.
Roxton took Greta from her and almost panicked when he held her. She was literally burning up!
Marguerite came out of the room and looked down the hallway. When she saw how red Greta was from afar, she began to scream. She ran to them, pulling her out of Roxton's arms. She began breathing rapidly and looked at Finn.
'Call that doctor that came here to check on me! Call him now, Finn!'
Finn ran downstairs. Just as she had reached the first floor, the front door opened, and Malone ran in!
'Ned?' she asked, puzzled. 'What are you doing here?'
Ned could see by her face something was wrong and his heart dropped again.
'No, you tell me what's wrong? Is it Greta?'
Finn's eyes widened. 'Yes! My God how did you...'
'Elizabeth Thomas told me! That crazy woman has poisoned Greta!'
