A Fresh Start
Chapter Four
Ava is waiting outside the hotel when Jeffrey's cab pulls up and he gets out. "Are you hungry?" Ava asks, as she walks up to him.
"Yes." Jeffrey replies, smiling
"Something's different; your meeting went good."
"Yes it did, I'll tell you about it after I order something to eat from room service." Jeffrey said, as he walks into the hotel
"Alright, but we can go out."
"No, we need to talk." Jeffrey replies, walking into the hotel with Ava following him
A few minutes later, they are back in their room and Jeffrey is just hanging up with room service when Ava asks. "So what happened at this meeting you went to?"
"I vindicated a very close friend."
"Who?"
"Richard Winslow."
"Cassie's deceased husband, Tammy's adoptive father."
"He's also Edmund Winslow half brother. And do you know what happened to him?"
"Sure, he was killed in a car accident. What does that have to do with you?"
"Well, Richard had ties to the agency that I worked for and still do on occasion. Anyway Richard is the reason I'm the man I am today. About a year before Richard and Cassie left San Cristobel, Richard received several death threats, threats that his advisors took very seriously, seriously enough to bring in a decoy, me. Richard and I got very close, so close in fact that he changed my life.
"So how did you vindicate him today?"
"A few days ago, I received a call from an old colleague of mine, from the agency, giving me a head's up on an arrest they were about to make. That's why I had to fly to D.C this weekend. The agency was bringing in the person responsible for Richard's accident."
"So, who did they arrest?"
"Camille, Prince William's former wife and the mother to Cassie and Richard's adoptive son Will."
"Richard's ex sister-in-law tried to kill him."
"Yes."
"Why?"
"She blamed Prince William's rejection on Cassie and so she decided to take the one thing that Cassie held most dear…."
"Richard."
"Yes."
"So what was she arrested for?"
"Attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder."
"But you said he was killed."
"When Richard's accident happened, everyone accepted at face value that the man they buried was Richard. They looked exactly alike."
"Who looked exactly alike?"
"Richard's twin. The agency found Richard's twin about a month before Richard's accident. And then a week before Richard's accident, his brother had one as well, a much more serious accident. When Richard had his accident, Cedars wasn't equipped to help him, so the agents sent to investigate contacted officials here in Washington and recommended that Richard and his brother be switched. They were given the okay by the director."
"Did Richard know that he had a twin?"
"No."
"So, he's been in Washington all this time."
"Yes."
"If he had a twin, why did they make you look like him?"
"They wouldn't have if they had known but they didn't at the time. The assignment in San Cristobel was a good reason to change my looks at the time. Anyway, Richard had a twin brother if you put those two in the same room together I don't think even Cassie could tell them apart."
"Was Richard's accident connected somehow to his brothers?"
"Yes, but not till after Richard was moved to the hospital in DC and his brother was buried in his place did we figure that out."
"So, how did it all work?"
"As I said, when the agents arrived at Cedars, they realized that there was a chance to save Richard, but he couldn't be treated properly at Cedars, so they brought his brother in. This was after Richard talked to Reva, and asked her to turn the life support off, while Reva was at the chapel, the agents switched Richard with his brother and they flew him to Washington. Where he's being treated at the agencies private hospital." Jeffrey says, as there is a knock at their door. He goes to let room service in and waits until they leave before he finishes the story while he starts to eat.
"That still doesn't explain how you vindicated him." Ava says, reaching for one of Jeffrey's French fries. He smiles before he answers her.
"Camille left the States after Richard's accident."
"She wasn't suspected in trying to kill Richard at the time."
"That's correct that didn't come along until about three or four months after Richard's supposed death. Our agents uncovered a ring of state side terrorist and murder for hire. One of the men we arrested cut a deal he would give us the person responsible for killing Richard Winslow in exchange for a lighter sentence.
The agents showed him pictures of all of Richard's associates and he picked out Camille as the woman that approached and hired him to kill Richard. At first we didn't believe him, but the agents started to look into it and they found that Richard's car had indeed been tampered with.
"How?"
"The brake lines had been cut and the bolts holding the axel had been loosened, not enough to make the axel fall off right away, but enough that over time they would work themselves loose and the front suspension of the car would fall off. Either way, Richard would have an accident and could have been killed, either by brake failure or by the suspension falling off. An accident would have happened even if it hadn't been raining that night."
"You went to confront her today?"
"Yes, and oh you should have seen the look on her face when I walked into that holding room, like she was seeing a ghost. Well, I guess she was and then when I spoke like Richard. That really freaked her out, and with a little prodding and I do mean a little she admitted everything." Jeffrey says with a beautiful smile.
"Why did she stop at Richard, why not go after all of them?" Ava asked, eating another French fry.
"She couldn't get to William, he's too well protected. But she was only after Cassie. That leads me to my next problem." Jeffrey says putting his napkin on his plate and leaning back.
"What."
"I have to explain all of this to William and Cassie before the arraignment, and the agency charges Camille with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder on Monday."
"I can go back to Springfield if you want me too. I don't mind."
"Actually I thought it might be fun to go to San Cristobel together. I mean its part of your heritage, being that Olivia's from there, and it is a tropical paradise."
"Sand, surf, and tropical drinks, for one weekend, I can handle that."
"So, you'll go."
"Yes, I'll go. It'll be fun to see where my mom grew up."
"Well, where we'll be staying is completely different from were your mom grew up." Jeffrey replies, pulling his cell phone from his pocket and dialing a number.
"What do you mean?"
"Olivia didn't have a whole lot growing up, that's one of the reasons she was so desperate to get into that party that night."
"So, we'll be staying at one of the resorts?"
"No, we'll be staying at the palace."
"The palace of San Cristobel, like were a prince lives."
"Yes, like were a prince lives, and his name is William William Baptiste-Winslow."
"That's quite a name for a prince."
"Yes, well William was the name Prince George gave him, William Baptiste was the name his adoptive parents gave him and well, Winslow is his true name." Jeffrey says, as his travel agents answers the call on the third ring.
He takes care of their travel arrangements while Ava takes his tray out to the hall and starts to pack again. While he was at his meeting Ava had unpacked for them before she had gone to get something to eat. A few minutes later, Jeffrey is off the phone.
"So, everything is taken care of."
"Yes, we leave first thing tomorrow morning. So what do you want to do?"
"We can stay in if you like." Ava replies, trying to sound unconcerned about what they did.
"Oh no, you don't fool me." Jeffrey replies, standing up and walking towards the door.
"What?" Ava replies, following him.
"You don't want to stay in this room and we both know it. So, let's go." Jeffrey says, opening the door and ushering her out. "Have you ever seen the Washington Monument at night, or the Capitol, or the Lincoln Memorial? It's really cool." He says, as he pulls the door to their room closed behind them.
"I told you I've never been to Washington."
"Okay, we'll go see as much as we can." Jeffrey replies, putting his arm across her shoulders.
"Let's go see the Washington Monument first."
"The Washington Monument it is."
A couple hours later, they return to the hotel room, and after showers both of them go to bed as Jeffrey turns out the light Ava whispers half asleep "Night dad."
"Good night." Jeffrey replies, watching her through the dark until he falls asleep about an hour later.
He is sitting before a warm crackling fireplace, in the background he can hear the shower running, and the soft sound of her voice as she sings in the shower. Smiling, he leans back against the cushions and closes his eyes, imaging her. He feels the heat flood his body as image after image flashes across his mind.
After a few minutes, he hears the water stop and then he feels her fingers gliding through his hair as she passes by. Walking around the couch, he opens his eyes, and smiles at the soft t-shirt and shorts she always wears to bed. On her feet are the slippers he had bought her for Christmas last year, little kittens and he smiles as she sits down beside him. "Darlin, you look tired."
"I look tired, not handsome." Jeffrey asks, lifting one arm so she can lean against him.
"You're always handsome." Rebeca replies, laying her head on his shoulder. "But they're pushing you hard."
"Colonel Mathews wants to make sure I know everything I need to know. Lieutenant Russell is pushing you just as hard." Jeffrey replies, kissing the side of her head.
"So maybe she is, but…"
"Don't say you're younger than me." Jeffrey replies, pulling her to him.
"I won't even though…" Jeffrey leans over and kisses her, silencing her. After a few seconds he breaks the kiss. "That's not fair." Rebeca says, breathing heavy.
"Neither is comparing our ages. I'm only a few years older than you."
"A few, try fifteen. I think that's part of the reason my family had such a hard time…."
"Are they still hounding you about me?"
"No, in fact I haven't talked to them since Christmas. I haven't decided whether I should call and tell them that we're leaving again."
"You know what the reactions going to be Beca."
"I know, but I hate the thought of leaving the country and them not knowing that I'm gone. What if something happens over there? It won't be a complete shock if I at least do tell them I'm leaving. At least they'll be a little prepared if something happens."
"Do they care?"
"They care Jeffrey, I have to believe that."
"I can't believe they turned their back on you because you left to live your life or because of me."
"It's not just that. It's …."
"What else did you do, nothing, darlin?" Jeffrey says, lightly kissing the side of her head. "We need to get in the bed. Tomorrow is another day like today and I need some sleep."
"Is that all you need Lieutenant?" Rebeca asks, getting up and holding out her hand as she smiles at him.
"There are a few other things I can handle as well."
"I know there are." Rebeca squeals, as Jeffrey sweeps her up into his arm and carries her into their bedroom.
He doesn't bother with the light as he puts her down. The room is flooded with moonlight filtering through the lace curtains she hung on the French doors that led to their patio. Pulling her to him, he leans down, kissing her softly as he reaches for the hem of her t-shirt. For several seconds he holds her tightly, thoroughly kissing her as she wraps her arms around his neck, answering his rising passion with passion of her own. Releasing him, she takes a step back. "Take them off."
He watches her for a few seconds, contemplating what she has planned before he replies, "I out rank you."
"Maybe in the field, but in here I think I out rank you." Rebeca replies softly, her southern accent deepening.
"Alright." He says, giving in to her as she knew he would. Reaching for his pajama bottoms and tugging them down.
"The boxer's too." She says, watching him intently. It takes her a couple seconds to realize he isn't going to go any farther until she gives him something.
Crossing her arms, she reaches for the hem of her t-shirt and slowly pulls it up, revealing her upper body to him. She smiles as she hears his sigh as she tosses the t-shirt to the ground.
"Beca." He says softly.
But she doesn't reply. He would know what to do. Reaching, he pulls his boxers off. Sighing as he stands and faces her, he shivers as he watches her slowly run her tongue along her bottom lip.
"You want to do it?" He says his voice deep and soft, slowly shaking her head no. "You're making this harder, you realize that?" He asks, staring at her.
"Yes." She replies softly, reaching for the waist of her shorts and slowly tugging on them.
He watches intently as she bends over, pushing the shorts down her long legs to her feet. Standing, she watches him, caressing her body, feeling the heat intensify deep within. Stepping out of the shorts, she stands there waiting and watching. Taking a step forward and holding out his hand he waits for her to come to him, but she doesn't, instead she whispers, in a husky tone. "Lay down."
He feels the heat flood his body, with those two words. Walking over to the bed, he sits down first. Watching her for a couple seconds before he scoots back, laying against the headboard as she walks over to the bed.
Slowly running one finger up his leg as she walks up to him, leaning over she kisses him, pouring all of her passion into that one kiss, until he reaches up and tries to pull her onto the bed with him.
"No, I'm not ready." She whispers after breaking the kiss.
"Beca." He sighs, swallowing hard. As she walks to the end of the bed, kneeling beside him she slowly ran one nail down the center of his foot and smiles when he pulls away.
Straddling and kneeling over him, she works her way up his legs till she reaches his chest. Leaning over him, she nibbles as she moves up his stomach to his nipples, pausing to lightly kiss them, playing with them for a few seconds before she continues on up his chest to his neck.
Reaching up, he buries one hand in her hair. It's flowing around them, softly tickling him. "Beca, you're killing me. I don't know if I can hang on." He gasps, trying to direct her mouth with the hand he has buried in her hair. For a couple of seconds she lets him rest, kissing the side of his neck, moving up to nibble on his ear.
He feeling the heat of her breath washing down her neck and turning his head, he wraps his arms around her. He kisses her as he tries to pull her down on top of him. She resists until he breaks the kiss, looking into her eyes, he whispers. "I need to feel you against me. I need to feel your body, your skin, touching me. Please!" he pleads with her, kissing her again.
Lying against him, she can't resist the desperate desire she hears in his voice, or sees in his eyes. Leaning up, she kisses him as her hand slowly runs down his chest, lightly scratching him. She feels him shiver as her nails scratch across his chest, stopping for a couple seconds to play with his nipples before he pulls her against him, trapping her hand between them.
Reaching up, he buries his fingers in her hair as he kisses her fiercely, pouring all the heat, passion, desire and need into her. Slowly running his hand down her body till he reaches her breast, his hand gently caressing her nipple, distracting her for a couple seconds from the kiss until she remembers and she leans back, breaking the kiss.
"Ahhh, Beca, Please." Jeffrey groans.
Ava hears him cry out in his sleep, sitting up; she watches him for a couple seconds and realizes that he's dreaming. "I wonder who Beca is." She thinks as she lies back down and falls back asleep.
Slowly she runs her hand down his body, caressing and teasing him until she reaches his waist. Stopping, she looks up, watching him.
"Please." His eyes seem to beg as her hand moves lower and he feels her fist close around him, holding him tightly, slowly caressing him, as she leans up, kissing him for a couple seconds, before he pulls away. "You know what I want?" He whispers in her ear. "Harder." "Beca." He gasps, as he feels her fist tighten around him. "Faster." He gasps, as he begins to move his hips with each caress, pushing the passion burning inside him higher. She feels the moment he begins building up to release, kissing him, she releases him. "No." He groans. "I can't…."
He doesn't finish as she moves up, straddling him, taking his desire deep inside her. He feels the warmth and tightness close around him and he nearly looses control. His hands fall to her waist and he holds her still as he struggles to hang on. "Beca." He gasps as he feels her closing around him, squeezing him. "I can't hold on, baby. I can't." He groans. "Please." He gasps as he releases her and she starts to slide back and forth against him. Slowly he begins to thrust into her quivering body. He can feel the passion building inside her.
"Beca." He cries, as he buries himself as deep as he can inside her. Reaching between them, he touches her, caressing her as she rocks against him.
He hangs on by a thread until he feels her surrender, quivering against him as he thrust, once, and then once more, flooding her body with the passion burning deep inside him as she collapses against him "Jeffrey."
He thrust one more time as he wraps his arms around her and whispers "I love you Beca."
Slowly Jeffrey opens his eyes, staring up at the white ceiling as he tries to regain control of his pounding heart and breathing. "Beca." He whispers, as he reaches up and wipes away a tear.
Jeffrey woke the next morning to Ava gently shaking him awake. "Umm." He groans, slowly opening his eyes
"Come on, we've got a couple hours till we have to leave."
"Okay." He replies, reaching up and rubbing his face.
"I got some coffee made." Ava says, from the bathroom."
"Good." He replies, as he lays there for a few minutes before he pushes the covers back and sits up.
Sitting on the side of the bed, he runs his fingers through his hair; trying to erase the dreams he had the night before. He remembers vaguely dreaming about the last two weeks before they had left for St. Petersburg.
"Are you alright?" Ava asks, as she walks into the room
"I'm fine." Jeffrey says, standing up. "I'm going to take a shower."
"Alright." Ava replies, as she takes a sip of her coffee, watching him.
A few minutes later, she hears the water start to run in the shower. Reaching for the last of her clothes she packs them away before she sits down and starts flipping through one of the magazines she bought the night before.
Ten minutes later, the water stops and Jeffrey comes out with a towel around his waist, grabbing a change of clothes he goes back into the bathroom. Returning a few minutes later, as he pulls his t-shirt on, he sits down on the bed as Ava put the magazine down.
"Are you hungry?" Jeffrey asks, as he pulls on his socks and then reached for his tennis shoes.
"Not really." Ava replies, watching him. "So, who's Beca?"
"What!" Jeffrey asks, dropping his shoe as he looks up.
"I said, who's Beca?"
"Ahhh, she's no one." Jeffrey replies, pulling his other shoe on before reaching for his shave kit. "I'll be ready in a few minutes." He said, as he walks back into the bathroom with Ava watching him.
"I'll call downstairs and get us a cab for us." Ava calls
"Alright." Jeffrey replies, rubbing shaving cream on his face and beginning to shave. A few minutes later, he washes the remaining shaving cream from his face. Putting everything into his shave kit before he walks back into the other room.
"The front desk will have a cab waiting on us."
"Okay." Jeffrey replies, tossing the shave kit into his suitcase before he zips it up. Reaching for his cell phone and putting it in his pocket along with his change as he turns around. "Are you ready?"
"Yes, I've got everything packed. I'm sorry if I upset you asking about Beca."
"You didn't. She's just someone I used to know." Jeffrey replies, putting his suitcase on the floor and pulling the handle out. "Ready."
"Yeah." She says, pulling the handle up on her luggage and following him out of the room.
Jeffrey pulls the door closed behind them. The front desk has a cab waiting on them by the time they reach the lobby and Jeffrey goes to check out. A few minutes later they are on their way to Dulles International Airport. Before they take off Jeffrey pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and dials William's number. After a couple rings, he picks up.
"Hello."
"William, its Jeffrey." Jeffrey says, hearing the shouts in the background. "Where are you at?"
"I'm over at the villa with Cassie and the boys, they are in the pool. What's going on?"
"I'm headed to San Cristobel. We should land in about two and half, three hours at the most."
"I'll call the palace and have a car sent for you."
"Thank you, is Cassie there?"
"Yes, she's here. Do you want to talk to her?"
"No, I'll see you in a few hours."
"Okay, see you then."
William hangs up as they announce Jeffrey and Ava's flight. Returning to the pool, Cassie asks "Who was that?"
"Jeffrey, he's on his way down here. Says he has something he needs to talk to us about."
"Us?"
"Yes."
"What?"
"He didn't want to get into it over the phone." William replies, as RJ jumps on his back and they start playing in the water.
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