Worlds Apart
Chapter 10
Joseph flipped off the lights in his office and went to sit on the edge of his single bed. With a grunt of effort, he tossed his shoes to the side and laid his phone, weapon, and wallet on the table. It was just after two in the morning and all he wanted to do was sleep. He had an early morning wake-up and had chosen to stay at the palace rather than go home to his apartment, something he seemed to be doing more and more often.
Not bothering to pull down the covers or undress, he lay down, silently blessing Miss Parker for her foresight. By far, it was more comfortable than the bales of toilet paper he'd once slept on in the security center.
Bates had called earlier to say they were behind schedule and Prince Philippe was insisting on driving. Joseph rubbed a hand across his eyes. Once it was announced that Philippe would be assuming the crown, he was going to insist the man stick to the backseat. They could not adequately do their job otherwise.
While he was not favorably impressed with the prince, he was glad Philippe was finally accepting his responsibilities; Queen Clarisse had been under a great number of demands during the past months, and with Philippe becoming king, Clarisse would be free of the pressures of ruling a nation. Intelligence and caring combined with common sense and wisdom…Clarisse was an excellent sovereign. Still, he could see the strain she was under and he looked forward to the day when she would be free of it.
Joseph had been truly saddened by the passing of King Rupert. The king had been a fair man workingtirelessly to help his subjects and Joseph knew that Clarisse had cared deeply for her husband. Nevertheless, Joseph could not help but be aware that Clarisse was now single…and he was still her employee.
Other items of concern buzzed through his head- the disagreements over plans for the militia's reorganization he was trying to sort out, the false alarm in the kitchen that'd brought half the staff running to see where the fire was when they should have been running outside to safety, and even the storm brewing over the mountains.
Yesterday, he'd heard from his banker in London- Cassie, now in her mid-twenties and Luci, fresh out of college, had applied to the bank for a loan to start up a design business. Unknown to the girls, he'd guaranteed the modest loan and it had been finalized that morning. They were showing good sense- starting small and with a definite plan. In other circumstances, he would have had his friend Micha take them in hand. Since her marriage many years ago, she had, of course, ended her modeling career, but she remained close to several designers and could be of great help. The risk of involving her, however, was too great.
Although he would dearly love to meet his sisters and aunt, he knew he could not, even though Morely Addington had left the girls alone as best as Joseph could tell. He'd heard rumors that the duke was in ill health, a consequence of his heavy drinking. Joseph felt nothing for his father. As long as Addington did not interfere with Cassie and Luci, Joseph would keep his promise and stay out of his father's life and away from his family. At the moment, there was no problem and Joseph continued to ignore the facts of his parentage.
Worrying never kept troubles from occurring, he told himself. Joseph put aside his concerns, clearing his mind, and within five minutes had dropped off as only those who'd had to catch sleep at odd times and places could.
An hour or so later, there was a noise at his door and Joseph roused to half wakefulness. It was Anton getting something from the supply room across the hall, he thought. He rolled over.
There was knock and a muffled, "Sir?"
His door opened and light spilled in from the hall. Anton stepped further in his room. "Sir? A lieutenant from the police department is here- says he needs to speak with you immediately."
"All right," Joseph replied tiredly, sitting up and resting his head in his hands. He reached for his shoes. "What's going on?"
"Don't know- must be something important, though. The lieutenant's pretty nervous."
Now wide-awake, Joseph snapped on the bedside lamp and shoved his wallet and personal items in his pocket, clipped his phone to his belt, then picked up his gun and slipped it into his belt holster. "Let's go see."
In the main room, the lieutenant drew him aside and Joseph closed his eyes as he listened.
Hadn't Clarisse suffered enough without this, too?
His men had overheard and stood by silently. He turned to them.
"Find the senior-most female staff member and ask her to meet me outside the queen's rooms along with Cates, and have a tray of tea sent up," he said. Pearson nodded and hurried away. He turned to Anton. "Call in all the heads of departments immediately, as well as Her Majesty's staff." The younger man reached for a phone and Joseph looked back to the lieutenant. "Can you send cars for the Prime Minister and Her Majesty's physician?"
"Yes, sir. I'll see to it at once."
"Thank you."
The police officer hesitated. "Mr. Coraza, your man… Would you want one of us to…?"
Joseph sighed. Bates- one of their own and a father of two. "No, one of us will take care of that."
The lieutenant nodded as he walked to the door. "We'll keep this from the press for at least a couple more hours- longer, if we can. Don't hesitate to call on us."
"Thank you, lieutenant." Joseph gathered his thoughts, making sure he had ordered everything that needed to be seen to immediately. Deciding there was nothing more at the moment, other than informing the queen, he headed for the door leading upstairs."Anton, I'm going to see Her Majesty. Please handle any issues that might arise and pass the word that should there be inquiries, no comment is to be made by anyone at present. And, Shades will be delayed- I'm sending him to Bate's home."
"Yes, sir." Anton swiped an arm across his eyes as he looked away. It was a moment before he could resume dialing.
On the way to the royal chamber, Joseph called Shades, broke the news, and issued more instructions for assistance to Bates' family. Somehow, he would find a way to see Bate's wife before the evening. By the time he reached Queen Clarisse's apartment, the butler and his wife were waiting in the hall with Pearson, a small tray of tea in the butler's hands.
"You wished to see us, sir?" Cates asked worriedly. They were dressed, but hastily so.
"Yes, I'm afraid I need your help. Mrs. Cates, I want you to wake Her Majesty. It is urgent I speak with her...there is upsetting news."
Gerta's eyes filled with tears, but to Joseph's relief she asked no questions.
"Cates, please join us. Once I have spoken with Her Majesty, please see to the recall of staff- Anton has already begun. When they've arrived, have them assemble downstairs." Cates nodded and slipped his arm around his wife. Joseph moved to open the door, then stopped and turned to Pearson. "See that no one disturbs us. Dr. Engle will be arriving as will Prime Minister Motaz, so please let me know as soon as they are here. Keep in touch with Anton and the front desk."
Joseph opened the door to the royal suite, turned on several lamps, and turned off the phone as Gerta went to wake the queen. Cates placed the tray on the table then took an unobtrusive position by the door.He was joined by his wife after a few minutes.
Clarisse emerged from her bedroom in a robe and slippers and Joseph quickly went to her.
"Joseph? What is it?" she asked, pulling her robe tighter about her.
"Please, have a seat, Your Majesty," he said taking her by the arm and guiding her to the sofa. She watched his face as Joseph sat next to her and took her hands in his. Her eyes widened. She knew. He spoke gently. "There was an accident late yesterday evening involving Prince Philippe. I am very sorry, but he did not survive."
Clarisse said not a word, but closed her eyes. When she opened them, all the joy and hope that had slowly returned over the past few months were gone.
"Joseph, I cannot bear this," she whispered, shaking her head. "I can't. Not this, too!"
"You are the strongest woman I know," he replied.
"No! No, this is more than I can take!"
She began to weep and she reached for him. Joseph gathered her into his arms, and with her head on his shoulder he held her, letting her cry.
"You are not alone, my queen. You are never alone."
Across the room, the door closed with a soft click, leaving them by themselves. For the next thirty minutes there was only the sound of her sobs and Joseph's gentle words.