Wounds to Bind Chapter 6 – 'Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires.' – Shakespeare, Macbeth
Friday, June 10 – CPOV
"Turn off the fucking music!" I swear at Bastille. He's listening to some reggae song with messing with my heart lyrics. Some of the lyrics strike a chord in me and I'm immersed in thoughts of Anastasia again.
Bastille taps a foot-access remote and turns the music off. "Music and lyrics aren't your problem, Grey! I don't know where your damn head is, but concentrate on what you should be doing." He shakes his dreadlocked head at me. "Rule number one: never enter a ring if you aren't there one hundred percent!"
'I don't say anything. I want him to kick my ass…beat the fuck out of me…knock some sense into me…' and I get my wish. Bastille closes in and puts me on my ass. I will have a bruised ass if I don't start fighting back.
XXX – APOV
The clothes Taylor bought me are the ensemble for the day. Kate left low-heel dark denim wedges, jacket and hobo bag for today's clothing assignment. I probably should have worn something else for casual Friday because the entire conversation Christian and I had the first morning at the Heathman floods my brain. He was an enigma to me, and was more alluring than I realized. 'You're here because I can't leave you alone.' Christian's memories haunt me.
Dad announced he is making breakfast for us. I laugh. Unless he went to a drive thru, Dad is making tea and toast.
I finish getting ready for work, but I can't distract myself from thinking about clothes. I need to buy a few basic pieces each month to forestall clothes lectures from Mom and Kate. Pinterest said to buy basics in a signature color, an accent color and neutrals. I need to find a plum jacket. I will take Kate's jacket to the cleaners this weekend to remind me to look online.
Dad drops me at work, agreeing to meet for lunch at Fifty's. He will complete an inspection of the condo this morning and will create a list of things to be done. We'll talk about his recommendations at lunch. Kate told me to save the receipts for her parents for taxes. They will consider Dad's work and expenses as my rent for July and August. If I buy the furniture for the patio, the cost will be my rent for September and October.
"Interesting night last night?" Jack laid a copy of the Seattle Times on my desk. The picture of Christian viewing my sun-ray picture accompanies a review of José's exhibition. "You didn't mention photographic modeling experience in your job history." His voice is smarmy, like I modeled for Playboy or something.
"Jose's pictures are always interesting," I pulled his 5x7 framed photograph of Lake Sylvia from my tote and set it on my desk. "José is a family friend. Our fathers were in the military together. I helped José transport and set up for shoots when I had time while I was in college. I didn't know about the pictures until he gave me a photo release to sign. José invited Mr. Grey to the exhibit during the photo shoot for the graduation article. I understand Mr. Grey left the exhibit before I arrived." I need to access Seattle Times online so I can read the review of José's exhibit.
"Looks like Christian Grey was entranced," Jack hinted…like he was hoping I would spill the deets.
"Looks to me like Mr. Grey viewed the exhibit. He's profile to the pictures. The visible one is for my mother and the visible frame holds one is for my father." I need to learn to cope with the media. They followed Dad and me throughout the gallery. Perhaps they thought Christian was coming back and they could get a money shot of us. First the WSUV picture and now the picture of Christian at Portland Place. 'WTF, Mr. Grey? What part of your anal retentive, controlling contract and rules don't you understand?'
"You were on time this morning?" High-Inquisitor Hyde demands an answer. "You were out of state on a work night!"
"Master Sergeant Raymond Steele taught me arriving early is on time, arriving on time is late, arriving late is unacceptable. Trust me, I was 'on time' this morning. My ex-military father dropped me off 15 minutes early. There should still be fresh coffee if you want some." I deflect his overt interest in my evening.
XXX – CPOV
"Kickboxing tomorrow morning, golf tomorrow afternoon," Bastille read the schedule. "You know, sometimes I see more of you than I do my girlfriend."
"Yeah, and I'm sure she puts up with your ass better than I do," I'm not in a small talk mood.
"You're just in a bad mood because I put you on your ass several times this week." Bastille laughed. "Escala or Grey House tomorrow morning?"
"Escala, meet you in the building gym. Bring purchasing and installation information I need for a practice dummies." Then I had a brainstorm. I'll bring Dad and Grandpa Theo with me to the greens. Dad will wipe the smug grin off Bastille's face. Grandpa Theo's antics will distract Bastille from nagging about my form and follow through.
"See you on Saturday. I'm flirting with the lovely Andrea before I leave. Don't call her for anything in the next ten minutes." Bastille closed the office door behind him. Swagger, the man definitely has swagger.
I called Dad. "Are you where you can talk without being overheard?"
"I am now, Christian," his voice fades a little. I hear him close the door to his home office. "How can I help you?"
"I am buying a company, but I believe the CEO is stripping assets. Ros wants us to give the CEO time to acclimate to the change in administration. He knows the members of my security team. I need an independent, outside investigator to watch him and report. Can you recommend someone?" I lie, and am relieved I don't feel guilty.
"Second Strike Investigations," Dad cited their information. "We've used them for several of our toughest cases. They are thorough and discreet. Your man will never know they are following him."
"I need to meet covertly with them. Taylor sits in the SUV when he drives me to Dr. Flynn's office. Is it possible for Second Strike to arrive at Flynn's building before nine tomorrow morning? Ask them to meet me in the public bathroom on Flynn's floor so we can talk." I give him the address.
"Will we see you Sunday for dinner?" Dad inquired. "Your mother has been asking about Ana. We're hoping to see her again soon."
"I don't know if we can make it Sunday. Her father is in town and it sounded like they have a busy schedule for the week. However, I'd like you and Grandpa Theo to golf with Bastille and me tomorrow afternoon. I'm kickboxing with him early in the morning. Then I have an appointment with Flynn. I'll buy lunch at the club at one o'clock and then we can golf?" I suggest.
"Sounds like a plan, Christian," Dad's voice is pleasantly surprised at my invitation. "I'll call Theo and we'll ride together."
XXX – APOV
Dad brings a copy of the Seattle Times. We both hope the review and picture of Christian will be enough PR to help José sell most of his exhibition. We talk about the deluxe organizational units for the closets, kitchen cupboards and both bathrooms. He purchased the paint and supplies for Kate and my bedrooms and her attached ensuite. Kate wants time to consider wall colors for the rest of the condo. We'll live with white walls in the main areas for a while. I give Dad a picture of the patio furniture and propane grill to purchase and assemble. Lunch is over sooner than I wanted. Dad begs off touring SIP because he has places to go and things to do before he picks me up at the end of the day.
God bless my Dad. Working on the condo this week will distract my brain from thinking about Christian. 'I won't think about Escala's white walls. I won't think about the red room of pain. I won't think about the grey sweater he wore in the Portland Place picture. I remember the grey sweater from the elevator and how soft it was…before my hands were restrained over my head…before I was so thoroughly kissed and my brain scattered over the elevator walls.'
XXX
"Annie…we're being followed." Dad's hands tightened on the steering wheel.
"Black SUV?" I can't see the car in my side mirror.
"Charcoal grey and silver Lincoln town car."
At the end of my work day, we are headed to a store to purchase security doors. I turned around to look at the car.
"Why did you look?" Dad scolded. "Rule number one – you do not engage people following you, especially if they are intent on road rage or causing an accident to kidnap or hurt you. Rule number two – complete a four square to make sure no one is following you. Rule number three – if you are being followed, go to the nearest police station or Highway Patrol office."
"I wanted my boss to know I am aware he is following me. Tonight is company happy hour at Fifty's Sports Bar, where we had lunch. I don't know why Hyde is following me." That man vexes me!
"Well, since Hyde wants to play games, let's roll the dice." Dad turned right, right, right and parked at the first available space. Dad retrieved his locked gun safe from the locking tool box in the back of the truck. Hyde did not stop or look at me, but continued to the light. When the light turned green, he turned left and headed back in the direction of SIP. Dad slid his gun safe onto the floor behind his seat and we continued to the store.
"Obviously, I need to visit SIP and meet your asshole boss," Dad growled. "I knew there was a reason to pack my T-shirt."
I laughed. Dad's T-shirt says, 'Don't touch my tools or my daughter.'
XXX – CPOV
"DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER," Taylor snapped. "Grey House Communications is inundated with phone calls about the Portland Place picture. Everyone wants to know who the pretty girl is, especially since they recognize her from the WSUV graduation picture. Dr. T. called Andrea to check your schedule. She wants to know when you and Miss Steele are coming to dinner again."
I swore. "Tell PR to use the magic words: no comment."
"I suggest you explain Mr. Steele is in town, working at Miss Steele's condo. She's not available for dinner until Miss Kavanagh returns from Barbados." Taylor advised.
"I'll deal with Mom," I promise. "Anything else?"
"Have you changed your mind about assigning security to Miss Steele? Interest in her has increased since the picture." Taylor noted. "Are we still running background checks on her coworkers?"
"Absolutely no one follows Anastasia until Raymond Steele leaves town. Yes, I want background checks on everyone working at SIP." I gave Taylor an expanded list of who to investigate. I want background checks on everyone who lives in Anastasia's building. I want background checks on companies or businesses located near SIP.
"I assigned Ryan to infiltrate SIP and fact find for us. Miss Grey ditched her security team three times this week. They're fed up with her and she claims they're worse than being chaperoned by Sister Helena. I transferred Miss Grey's security team to Grey Annex. I assigned Sawyer the senior CPO position for Miss Grey and with approval to select two more security staff. One should be a woman to follow her into the gym, powder rooms and dressing rooms. She uses dressing rooms and powder rooms to ditch her team."
"Acceptable," I appreciate his work to keep Mia staffed with security. " Is everyone else's security working out?"
"Affirmative…Elliot's CPO, Anders, is getting a great tan in Barbados." Taylor noted wryly. "If he and Miss Kavanagh become serious, she will need a CPO team."
"Let's hope Elliot's besotted with Katherine Kavanagh and stays in Anastasia's sphere. Saturday morning I'm working out with Bastille, followed by a session with Flynn. Then I'm having lunch with Dad and Grandpa Theo at the club, followed by eighteen holes of golf with Bastille. Coordinate with their security." Since I'm not spending nights and weekends with Anastasia at Escala, Taylor is not having quiet nights with Mrs. Jones. I feel bad for both of us. I email my thought to Flynn; he might be amused.
June 11 – CPOV
XXX – APOV
We kiss and Christian's hands caress me, first dropping down and flattening on my spine, pushing me against his erection. One hand cups a breast, brushing against my hard and demanding nipple. Then the spine hand moves down and cups my ass.
Christian slowly walked me backwards to the couch and laid me down, pinning my hands above my head. 'I want to take you to my playroom,' he said, while his lips torture the little hollow by my ear.
I awake, my heart pounding and not just because Christian makes my heart pound. He overwhelms my emotions. The last Saturday morning in the playroom taints enjoyable memories. I snuggle into my covers and cry quietly. When the tears finally stop, I feel like my brain took a long, hot, relaxing bubble bath, releasing some of the pain in my head. Maybe the next round of tears will release some of the pain in my heart.
XXX – CPOV
I massaged and kneaded her ass, causing her blood to come to the surface of her skin, giving her ass a beguiling blush like her cheeks. She moaned as my hands manipulated her fine, fine ass. I could tell her blood was boiling as her pulse throbbed. I imagined her empty channel was throbbing also, waiting for me to fill her. I kissed from the hollow beneath her ear down her spine and nuzzled her buttocks. She moaned but didn't move because I ordered her to not move. I stroked my hands lightly over her body, watching her tensions fall away. She wasn't expecting me to reach under her sensitive ass and put my fingers in her. "Come for me," I ordered and felt her flow all hot and wet over my hand. My cock throbbed; goosebumps prickled my skin; a heart I didn't believe I had leapt in my throat. 'Anastasia…'
I croaked as I awoke alone in my room. I dress for a run as pink and red licked the horizon, the sun soon to rise. I wasn't going back to sleep any time soon.
XXX
"We're alone. I've activated an electronic jammer so no one can overhear our conversation or watch us on tape." Jake Striker met me in the public bathroom at Flynn's building.
"I need you to sign this," I hand him an NDA. Once he reads and signs, I explain my situation. I'm not hiring him to follow the CEO of a company. I'm interested in a woman. I explain I can't have my security team follow her because many of them are as well known to the press as I am. I explain I need to know her schedule, where she goes, who she sees, etc. I explain her ex-military father is well-versed in watching for strangers and may be armed. Striker assures me his company is totally discreet.
"Rule number one of Second Strike: we don't proxy stalk for anyone. Not even for someone as rich as you Mr. Grey." Striker assumes one of Taylor's don't-fuck-with-me stances.
"I'm not asking you to proxy stalk. I need someone to keep an eye on Miss Steele and ensure her safety. Since the WSUV picture and the Portland Place picture, the media is curious about her. Business partners are curious about her. Her boss gets drunk and causes problems for her at work. Her roommate is dating my brother. They are currently in Barbados. Miss Steele is new to Seattle. Plus, I require background checks on anyone who interacts with her." I explained.
We exchange vital information and I give him $20K I took out of my home safe. He gives me a burner phone for secure communications. He gives me an email address where I can send an NDA for him to print and his staff to sign. He'll scan and email the forms to an email account he created for me at his company. The account is my name at secondstrike dot com. The password is my initials and client number. The burner phone is WIFI accessible and I can attach it to a printer to view or print anything I need without Barney knowing.
XXX
"Grey, I don't mind seeing you at any time, but I'm not functional until I have coffee." Flynn made large K-cup French Roast coffees for each of us. "What's on your mind?"
I tell him about the art exhibit Thursday night. I share the Seattle Times review of José Rodriguez's art show, complete with my picture. I tell him how Anastasia refused to go to the show with me, but she hired a driving service. I am angry she put herself at risk by riding with an unknown man.
Flynn explained in simple, succinct terms. Anastasia rejected my BDSM lifestyle before she left Escala last Saturday morning. She is not my submissive. She doesn't require my permission for anything she does in her life. She doesn't have to obey my commands. She doesn't have to honor my rules. She does not have to reveal her plans. She does not want a security team. She does not want the car, electronics, clothes, or money attached to the position of my submissive. She does not want to be bothered.
Flynn explains if Anastasia decides she wants to be with me, she will make that choice. She is her own person and does what she feels is best for her life. Obviously, she can protect herself – she hired an ex-military man to transport her to Portland and deliver her to her ex-military father. Then Flynn reminds me Anastasia suggested I not attend. If I went, planning on seeing her, and coercing her into talking to me, then I need to reconsider what I am doing.
I don't want media following Anastasia and discovering I'm following her. I would rather endure an Elena-ordered body wax than endure Flynn's lecture. However, his comments are just foreplay for the painful discourse to come.
"We're discussing residual topics from Wednesday evening: Anastasia's tears, Anastasia's abhorrence of your contact with Mrs. Lincoln, Anastasia talking in her sleep, but not talking to you when she is conscious." Flynn consults his notes.
I sigh. "You're leading me on a dark path…"
"Not at all, I'm the light at the end of the tunnel," Flynn retorted. "You feel an undeniable attraction to Anastasia. You claim you can't stay away from her. She intrigues you. She liked the touch scene but not you inflicting pain on her. You are divided by your worlds. Your safe business life, a normal life where your family and Anastasia reside, and the lifestyle. She's trying to rip down the fortress which holds your past hostage in your head while trying to find the right combination to the lock on your emotions. Trying to force Anastasia into your pre-conceived notions of how she should act…you are setting yourself up for failure."
I frowned at Flynn.
"I believe in Fate. Otherwise, I never would have met or married Rhiann. I would never have moved to Seattle, nor met you. I believe you were ready to change your life when Anastasia fell through your office door. I believe Fate arranged for her to interview you, not her friend. Let's get started." Flynn took a deep drink of coffee. "You believe in rule…I have rules. Rule number one is you don't use nicknames for anyone. Everyone is identified by his or her name. Rule two is take all the time you need to examine issues or answer questions. However, you will not shut down and refuse to cooperate."
XXX – 3PPOV
Jake Striker reviewed the information he gleaned about Christian Grey. The picture from the WSUV graduation and from the art gallery matched the driver's license photo of Anastasia Rose Steele. Jake's ex-military background pinged alarms in his head. Obviously Grey knew the Miss Steele. They had been in proximity to one another. Since her roommate was seeing Grey's brother, they would be in proximity to one another again.
Second Strike's crew would follow and report. They would investigate and complete threat assessments on anyone in Miss Steele's proximity. If she required intervention, his staff would ensure her safety. If they were proxy stalking this young woman, he'd terminate the contract.
XXX – APOV
I ask Dad to take me car shopping. I explain I returned the red Audi A3 Christian bought me for graduation. "I don't want stuff from him. He insisted I sell Wanda. I'm just trying to replace her with a good used car I can afford."
"You are so UNLIKE your mother," Dad murmured.
"You know Mom blames you when I misbehave," I teased him.
"Apples and oranges," Dad replied. "Come on, let's go find you a good, safe, used car."
We cruise four car lots with possible vehicles. I skip the high-pressure test-drive spiel at three of them until I spot what I want. While the fourth salesman, who reminds me of Jack Hyde, zeros in on Dad, I'm approached by a young woman in her late twenties.
"What are you seeking," she asked.
"Peace on earth, good will to men. However, I would settle for a reliable used car." I quip.
She laughed. "How much can you afford to spend?"
"Eleven thousand which includes all-weather tires, anti-rust proofing, documentation fee, sales tax, extended warranties, etc.," I list my needs.
"I've got a 2008 Ford Focus hatchback, electronic release, with just over 50K miles. I've got a 2009 Ford Fusion with less than 50K miles. The Fusion still has some factory warranties available. Both cars will take most of your eleven thousand mark." She accesses the stats for both vehicles on her tablet and shows them to me.
"Let's test drive the Focus while Dad wanders the lot," I suggested. "I don't care for the salesman talking to him. You won't share your commission with him if I buy this car?"
She winked at me and handed me the keys to the Focus. While I'm driving, she enters an appointment in her tablet calendar app with my information. Then she gives me one of her business cards with today's date and time. If anyone asks, we planned to meet up this morning. She understands about aggressive salesmen. Their smarmy salesman poaches appointments who arrive early.
I explain I sold a vintage powder blue 60s Beetle. An older model Ford is actually an upgrade for me. Leslie says if the company receives my insurance paperwork by nine on Monday morning, management will register and deliver the car to me at lunchtime so I don't waste work time at DMV.
Dad is relieved when I return. "Did you find a car you want? Jake wanted to show you a couple of cars."
Sneaky, snaky Jake stepped forward to shake my hand.
"Thanks for entertaining Dad while I test drove a car. Leslie probably mentioned the two vehicles you showed Dad." I am polite to Snaky Jake, but I will not do business with him.
Dad laughed, "I doubt it! I had sticker shock when he showed me a 2012 Ford Fusion."
"Heated leather seats, dual exhaust, all-weather tires, all-wheel drive, excellent crush zones, minimal miles," Jake expounded. "Buying an older model car or getting a loan?"
"Buying," I watch Leslie and ignore him.
"Well, whatever you plan to spend on an older model would be a really good down payment on the 2012 Ford Fusion. We can give you a good deal on an extended warranty, gap insurance, excellent rust-proof undercoat, window tinting, car registration and delivery service. I'd be glad to take you to the manager to run numbers. We have various funding plans." Jake gestures for Dad and me to follow him.
"Sorry, Leslie arranged for me to test drive the Focus this morning. We're writing up the paperwork." I jingle the keys in Jake's face. I slip my arm through Dad's, hauling him along in the excitement of buying a new car. I promise to feed him pizza when we finish the car paperwork.
Dad laughs as I sign paperwork in various places. "Split personality much?" He pointed out none of my six signatures match one another.
"Since final payment is electronic withdrawal, I won't worry about the signature on a check," I laughed. "Thank you for understanding I don't need a car which costs more than my college loan."
"You really returned the Audi to Christian?" Dad reconfirmed my story.
"Left the keys on his breakfast bar, left the car in his private parking area." I hide how much pain I was in at the time.
"I checked the safety stats on the Focus. I'm a lot more comfortable about you driving the Focus in Washington winters than Wanda," he admitted. "I'm also happy with the 3G navigation system."
XXX – CPOV
"She went where?" I grilled Striker, impatient for the reply. "Can you get the stats on the used 2008 Ford Focus hatchback she bought?"
"Done," Striker responded. "Excellent condition, low miles a 150-point inspection, and excellent maintenance records. Miss Steele bought an extended warranty. The car company will register and deliver the Focus to her office by noon on Monday so Miss Steele doesn't have to go to DMV."
"How much did Miss Steele pay for the vehicle?" I disapproved of Anastasia test driving the car without her father. Since her test drive was with a female salesperson, I cannot complain. I can't tell Flynn why I'm pissed off at Anastasia again, because I'm not supposed to track her movements.
"We'll know once the paperwork goes to DMV on Monday morning," Striker replied. "While we're at DMV, we can put a tracker on the Focus. The Steeles shopped at a computer store." Striker provided a synopsis of their purchases at the computer store, including the donation of her old flip phone with manual and accessories. They shopped for a large take and bake pizza, salad, sodas and beer before returning to the condo.
"Anything else to report?" I stare down at the paper where I've written Anastasia's name, along with car…saleswoman…DMV…pizza.
"I hacked Raymond Steele's credit card. I'm emailing a list of his purchases since he came to Seattle." Striker noted. "We hacked the traffic cameras around SIP when she got off work last night. We caught the license plate number of a vehicle following the Steeles from her work last night. The car belongs to Jack Hyde; the editor Miss Steele works with at SIP."
"Keep an eye on the Steeles and put a man on Jack Hyde. I need you to check her financials and her credit card purchases this last week." I want to know what this stubborn streak of hers cost. "She relocated to Seattle with her college roommate who is seeing my brother. I don't want her to overextend her finances getting settled."
XXX – APOV
When we leave the car lot, our next stop is Second Byte. Dad thinks I'm there to donate equipment, but I buy a laptop, printer and cell phone for him. I explain they are an early Father's Day gift. The salesman tells Dad they are an excellent business investment. I make Dad take the receipt for his taxes. He can take pictures of projects on his cell phone and then download the ideas to his laptop.
The salesman teaches Dad to take pictures and then email pictures to me, to himself, or attach the cord and download pictures into a folder on the laptop. He teaches Dad how to make calls, check voicemail, recharge his phone and how to add people to his contact list before we leave. The monthly cost for his cell will be added to the cost for the landline. The salesman explains the cell can be considered a business expense, along with a portion of the monthly bill.
To ensure Dad's laptop and printer installation goes without a hitch, the salesman contacts Northwest Network Service in Montesano. They will arrange installation of Dad's laptop and printer, installation of his Internet access and email, and register Dad for eight beginning computer classes starting in July on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I promise we will practice taking, emailing or downloading pictures to his laptop. I promise to teach him how to surf the Internet to find materials he needs or project ideas. Once I donate my flip phone, charger and user manual, I feel I've accomplished a lot. I tuck the donation receipt in my purse.
I empty my closet contents on my bed. Dad moves my bedroom furniture to the middle of my bedroom and covers everything with paint cloths. He replaces my sliding closet doors with louvered folding doors to give me access to the closet. Then he dismantles the single shelf and rod in the closet. He installs my closet organizational unit which is supposed to hold up to twelve thousand pounds of clothes.
I laugh silently to myself. The rods and sections are adjustable. I skip the evening gowns option and split the hanging space into two sections for dresses and for skirts, shirts and pants. The shelving unit in the middle of the closet will hold folded jeans.
Dad installs dual level shoe racks on the floor of the closet which gives me the giggles. The closet is too damn girly for me. I'm used to sliding doors, one rod and one shelf. Since there are online lessons on how to be a submissive, there must be online lessons on how to use organizational closet units. I add closet organization lessons to my research list. After Dad paints my room, he replaces my bedroom door with an interior security door.
After Dad works on the condo and after I pack boxes of clothes out of Kate's closet…we get a case of cabin fever. Dad wants to clear his head before he resumes working. I need to clear my head before I rearrange my bedroom to include the furniture Dad brought me.
Ever since I was small…I've had a thing about organized rooms. Most military housing is the same from base to base. There isn't a lot you can do with small bedrooms. I always kept my room clean and organized to function well. Having areas to accomplish different tasks helped me cope. I never had to search for homework in the dressing corner…or search for class books in the sleeping area. I also settled in faster at a new base when my room was organized.
I foresee Kate wanting to spend time at Pacific Place Mall near our condo. There are a dozen clothing stores and half a dozen accessory or shoe stores. Dad and I walk for blocks before the stores become more exclusive. I appreciate the opportunity to explore the area around the condo. Kate will be pleased. There are plenty of small boutiques to feed her fashion passion.
Dad spots an antique store. While he's busy looking around the store, I sit on a bench outside the store and observe my surroundings. I am startled out of my musings. There is a black Audi SUV parked outside a beauty salon. I get a glimpse of the driver and think I've lost my mind. Not Christian, but a Christian doppelganger, drives the SUV. I doubt he's as tall as Christian, but he's lean. The copper curls are definitely color enhanced. I'll research when I get home, but I'd bet November's rent Mrs. Robinson owns Esclava Salon, Post Alley and the SUV. I'd bet she has a type…a copper-haired, grey-eyed, tall and lean, muscular type. A type too stupid or too stubborn to realize Mrs. Robinson abused him. I'm instantly pissed at both of them. Mrs. Robinson needs shackled by the law and Christian needs some sense knocked into him where she's concerned.
Dad showed me a couple pictures of items in the store. We talk about the projects he has in the shop as we wander back to the condo. The park near Pike Place Market is great. Dad and I decide to walk the perimeter of the park to determine if I am safe to run there. Dad points out the security cameras on businesses which face the park and the open, clear viewing areas around the perimeter.
"We're being followed," Dad muttered to me. "Brunette on our six. We picked her up near the antiques store." Suddenly, there's a screech of brakes…causing me to look at the sound. A black Audi SUV screeched to a halt in the middle of the empty street. My stomach roils with anger and anxiety. Is Christian following me, or it the SUV from the salon?
I stand on the curb and wait for a minute or two until I see Sawyer roll his window down. He's talking to someone. I wish Christian didn't need a security team. Why do all his body guards look like professional killers or trained assassins? I'd like to visually compare the Secret Service against Christian's band of black-suited unmerry men. I'd bet good money the Secret Service looks wimpy.
'Oh, I exercise control in all things, Miss Steele,' he said, impassively.
'Not this time, SIR, I will be in control of my life.' Snarky Ana is getting some air. I walk to the edge of the parking lane, taking pictures of the SUV and the license plate. My actions cause Sawyer to look up at me. "Sawyer," I greet him as I snap a close up of his face.
"Miss Steele, please get in the SUV. I don't feel you are safe…standing in the middle of the street." Sawyer's eyes are uneasy.
"I'm not in the middle of the street. I'm standing in the parking lane in front of a functioning camera which is recording this. Sawyer: if I catch someone employed by YOUR BOSS following me – I will call the police and report a stalker. I will seek a no-contact order. The threat of his NDA will not stop me." I walk back to the sidewalk and join Dad. "Just need a minute, Dad." I email Sawyer's pictures, along with the picture of the man and woman from Thursday night to the webmaster at Grey House and address the email to Christian. I repeat what I told Sawyer and add a codicil. "I am perfectly capable of leading my own life without direction from you. My actions are none of your business. Quit following me."
"I was wrong, the brunette wasn't following us. She was window shopping like you. I think you scared her off by approaching…" His voice was a question.
"Sawyer, who works for Christian." I silently fume.
Dad clears his throat. "Do not ever compromise your safety to take pictures of anyone ever again. What if he decided to kidnap you, assault you, or just steal your phone? Annie, I taught you better than what I have observed lately. All the security doors and carry conceal permits won't keep you safe if you act without thinking."
"Sorry, Dad. I just seem to lose my common sense around anything connected to Christian Grey." Silently, we finish our walk. I've disappointed Dad twice in less than twenty-four hours. I can't bear a lecture on how to be safe. I can't deal with more lectures right now, not from Dad, Mom or Kate. Not when I know Christian Grey has a printed list of rules about how to live my life.
Packages from Amazon await me at the concierge desk. My blackout drapes arrived. Dad installs the drapes for me and helps me rearrange my room. I wash the new bed and bath linens before using them. Dad hangs the shelves and bulletin board on the wall above my desk. I reload my closet while he installs organizational units in the main bathroom.
'Wait a bloody minute!' I pause while hanging up my clothes. 'Where the hell is Kate's clothing ensembles binder? She must not have one…she takes too damn long to get dressed sometimes. So why do I have a list of what to wear?'
My inner goddess laughs. 'Because you have a new job and you're not used to wearing anything other than flannel shirts, t-shirts and jeans with Converse. Suck it up, buttercup. Get out of your head and into your life.'
I'm looking forward to eating pizza, drinking a soda and watching a baseball game with Dad. I will not think about my life.
XXX – 3PPOV
Striker reported the Steeles' activities for the late afternoon to Grey. He reported Mr. Steele was alert and interested in everyone in the vicinity of Miss Steele and himself. Striker did not report the brunette tailing the Steeles. She disappeared after Miss Steele confronted one of Grey's security staff. His man got several shots of the brunette. A facial recognition program revealed she was Leila Leigh Williams Reed, last known location, Portland, Oregon. Her background check revealed a deceased boyfriend, a pending divorce and partial college education. She sold an older model Audi in September, paid off bills and hired a lawyer. He could not find rental agreements, credit card transactions, or newly opened bank accounts, or any useful financial information on Leila Leigh Williams Reed in the last six months. Men like Christian Grey had stalkers. This brunette had Striker on high alert. What if she was a delusional stalker who thought Miss Steele was her competition for Christian Grey's affections?
Per Grey's orders, Second Strike Investigations began researching Jack Hyde. He lived within eight blocks of Pike Place Market in a condo complex. Striker's IT man, one of the best IT people on the West Coast, hacked the server at Hyde's condo complex and obtained Hyde's rental history. Hyde used the WIFI available at the complex, but his personal firewall was not a commercial product. Striker's IT worked to decrypt and hack Hyde's firewall. Meanwhile, Striker continued the background check on John Thomas Hyde.
XXX – APOV
I folded Kate's clothes while watching the game. Each commercial break I carry baskets of folded clothes back to the bed and haul full baskets to the living room. The pile of clothes on Kate's bed is finally folded when the game ends. During the game Dad and I talked about the condo. Kate's closet installation and painting her room and ensuite are the next two biggest tasks on Dad's to-do list.
After the game, Dad and I move the boxes from Kate's closet and ensuite to Ethan's room. We move Kate's furniture to the middle of the room and cover it with paint drop cloths. Dad will start painting Kate's room and ensuite tomorrow. I'm ready for a hot shower and quiet time. He settles down on the couch to watch a soccer game on ESPN.
Alone in my room, I research Esclava Salons. Elena Lincoln, a bleached blonde in her mid-fifties, owns four Esclava Salons. The cougar, with blood red nails and lipstick, wears black leather pants and a zebra stripe shirt in her picture. Grace's friend Elena, who introduced Christian to his BDSM lifestyle, was forty when she preyed on Christian. Esclava Bravern's client gallery includes pictures of Grace, Mia and an older woman who must be Christian's grandmother. Christian said he pays for spa days for his mother, sister and grandmother. Christian's doppelganger, Isaac Reynold, wearing a grey cashmere sweater and black jeans, is included in the Post Alley salon staff pictures. I won't sleep if I continue researching Mrs. Robinson. I set the alarm for early in the morning. Dad and I have things to do.
XXX – TPOV
Grey House IT forwards an email to me, which is from Miss Steele to the Boss. I delete Sawyer's picture and forward the email to the Boss. He will be pissed about Miss Steele demanding he leave her alone. I'll take him for a long run. Reynolds can guard him if he goes to the Escala gym. I anticipate a long night before he exhausts himself and falls asleep. Pictures Miss Steele's driver took of Miss Williams and an unknown male are forwarded to Welch immediately. The Boss doesn't need to know an unknown Tom Cruise wannabe ogled Miss Steele.