Wounds to Bind

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

Takes place after Saturday morning in the Red Room. Christian has issues. Ana has issues. They will take time for therapy and address their issues. HEA. Originally written in 2015; proofed and reloaded 2023. Anonymous rude reviews will not be uploaded. Thank you EL James for your characters.

24. Chapter 24

Wounds to Bind Chapter 24 – 'No matter what you're going through, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it may seem hard to get to it but you can do it. Just keep working towards it and you'll find the positive side of things.' –Demi Lovato

September 19 – 3PPOV

"Any coffee left?" Sawyer yawned. These five o'clock monthly staff meetings at Grey House were a killer after the busy weekend they had.

Taylor passed the carafe. "We've got mushroom, bacon and cheese personal-size quiches, grape-kiwi-strawberry fruit salad, mini croissants, juices and coffee." He indicated the buffet. Sawyer ignored the food and poured a twelve-ounce coffee mug full of strong black coffee.

"Settle down," Welch ordered. "We've got one hour to cover past, present and future. Let's get started." He nodded at Taylor, who segued into a synopsis of the Elena Lincoln situation, ensuring the forty-eight people in the room understood Elena Lincoln was forbidden access to every member of the Grey family, residences, businesses, subsidiaries, etc. She was barred from access to Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele, their families, their homes and their businesses. Welch reiterated the no-contact order included electronic access – phone calls, emails, texts, faxes, etc. Elena Lincoln's security team was not in place to provide protection, but as a Grey barrier, preventing access. Once she was within five-hundred yards of a no-go zone, security would intervene.

Security teams covered the weekend antics of the Grey family. Carrick and Grace had a Friday night symphony event, a Saturday golf date and lunch, Sunday church and spa time for Grace and Frannie on Sunday afternoon. Mia checked in at one club Friday night, a restaurant Saturday afternoon, another club Saturday night and another restaurant at lunch on Sunday. She now owned stock in those entities via Mr. Grey. She spent late Sunday afternoon at Aqua Spa with Kavanagh and Steele. Aqua Spa had been vetted after the first time Kavanagh and Steele used the salon. Grace Grey and Frannie Trevelyan would patronize Elaia at the Hyatt which Celeste Kavanagh used. Their first trip would be with Celeste and with Kate's grandmothers – making Elaia at the Hyatt a group day for the older ladies.

Kate Kavanagh and Ana Steele spent the weekend at Iron Springs Resort. Kate will review half a dozen resort establishments between now and November first for a Seattle Times article. Kavanagh and Steele enjoyed the cabin, wood stove, lots of DVDs, take and bake pizzas, wine, playing Scrabble on the balcony in the afternoon, and walking on the beach. They returned late Sunday afternoon for the spa date with Mia Grey at Aqua Spa. They spent the rest of the weekend in their condo. The Grey brothers spent Friday night at a sports bar, gliding Saturday morning and mountain biking Saturday afternoon. Saturday night was gourmet burgers, beers and Pay-Per-View ball games. Sunday, they went sailing.

Taylor covered the upcoming holidays. The Boss submitted a tentative schedule for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day in Aspen. He submitted a tentative plan to spend Veteran's Day weekend in New York with Mia to introduce her to her new partners. Mr. Grey intended to use the GEH jet to transport every possible member of his family to these weekend jaunts. Guard duties would be determined and assigned by seniority.

Welch covered the transfer of stock to Mrs. Lincoln, Mia and Elliot. Staff was no longer required to observe and protect at these businesses. The security staff would be reassigned to Grey House, Grey Annex and protection of any future businesses which Grey House acquired. Welch covered the upcoming press conference for September thirtieth. His announcement was surprising, but the security team was well-trained to not exhibit emotions.

XXX

******** Seattle Nooz *******
Sorry for the late notification on this piece of news…we had difficulty getting confirmation let alone the reasons why. Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey was seen with her mother, Francis Trevelyan, at Elaia Spa at the Hyatt on Sunday. They joined Celeste Kavanagh's group of three. The ladies were getting the works…including massages and lunch. The lunches resembled circular art works served with pomegranate and cranberry Bellinis. This was the Grey ladies' first foray into a salon not owned by Dr. T's friend, Elena Lincoln, in the past several years. Dr. T. made six months of regular appointments for the both. Voices might carry…but we're not hearing any dirt.

Mia Grey, Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele (Kavanagh's roommate) were at Aqua Spa on Sunday afternoon. Aqua Spa has been in business for six months and specializes in 'build your bliss' spa packages which can include hair, nails, waxing, wraps and massages served with gourmet lunches or refreshments. Mia stated she loved the emphasis on services for younger women, including a fun atmosphere and knowledgeable aestheticians. The three ladies opted for the Polished Professional package – hair, nails, facials, body waxing and massages.
******** Seattle Nooz *******

September 23 – APOV

"While Harley is interrogated by your boss, I asked to speak to you," Shawn and I are at the to-go-station to pick up orders.

"Did I do something?" My back is to Jack so he can't read my lips.

"I'm not sure who is investigating Harley. His cover story is solid; no one will find anything they shouldn't. Both Harley and I underwent background investigations when he applied to the SEC and when I applied with the Washington Bureau of Investigations. I investigated Harley when we began dating and vice versa. Neither of us wanted ex-lovers or unknown baby mamas jumping out of the bushes with guns. We underwent background financial checks when we bought the house. Neither of us have applied to buy a car, or obtain a credit card, so I think this background check is personal. I just want you to be aware."

"What can I do?" I observe Shawn's carefree face.

"Just be careful, girlfriend. Watch your three, six and nine to ensure you aren't being followed. I'd go back to the gun range tomorrow and watch who observes you." Shawn suggested. "You can always call Harley or me if any situation makes you uncomfortable. Hey, what happened with Botox Bitch anyway?"

"I heard her business partner cut ties. The split hasn't been announced in the papers yet, but will be before the end of the month." I shrugged. "Christian sent me an invitation to attend the press announcement and lunch with his family. This weekend I have to pen a polite refusal."

"If you need a shoulder to cry on, let me know. I've cried many an unmanly tear over relationships. Harley is the best thing that ever happened to me. I believe him when he says the same thing about me to me." Shawn preened a little.

"I have decided to just get through the holidays," I tell Shawn. "If I say I'm anxious for the resolution of the SEC investigation with Harley, will you understand and not think I'm an ungrateful bitch?"

"I understand completely. Harley will update you when he brings you home. Oh, did you bring your checkbook? I found items for your spring capsule and you will love them."

"How in god's name did you get the shopping gene which somehow missed me?" I teased.

"Because you got the tools gene. The fix-it gene completely skipped Harley and me. Fair's fair. You already have the hottie female body and personality which makes Grey's heart go pitter-pat. Life wouldn't be fair if you knew designers like you know types of woods, if you could walk in high heels as easily as you shoot a gun, or if you could fix your hair as easily as you clean a fish."

"Remember…Alki Beach Sunday if we have a beautiful day. I'll probably have roommates with me. No drinking, and we all bring picnic baskets." I remind Shawn.

XXX – CPOV

"Tonight, I'm using a water-based lotion on your face. Most of my clients prefer water-based lotion when massaging their face. I start with your jawline, massaging chin to ear and back. Then I go up the sides of your face by your ears. I stop at the temples and come across your cheekbones to your nose and then massage down to the jawline, up to the cheek bones and down again. Then I massage your forehead down to your brow line and then massage around your eye sockets. I deep tissue massage the sinus area. I will massage across to your temples, down the sides of your face to your jawline. Then I will massage the front of your neck. I will have you turn over and I will massage the back of your neck. Then you can put your shirt on, sit up and I will massage your scalp. If you have any questions or concerns, please stop me and communicate." Sela reiterated. "Are you ready to begin?

XXX

"Stop," I barely hear my voice. "Please stop…"

Sela's hands leave my head and she steps away. "Breathe," she says.

"Can't…chest tight." I whisper.

Sela observed me for a minute. "Can you remove your t-shirt and remove the torso bandage?"

"Minute…" I whisper.

"Take your time Christian…we're not in a race." Sela assured me.

Once my breathing was almost back to normal, I removed my t-shirt, and the torso bandage and put my t-shirt back on. Breathing became a little easier, but several minutes passed before I could take a deep cleansing breath.

"Better?" Sela inquired.

"Yes, I'm sorry," I apologized.

"Don't be sorry…but can you tell me what happened?"

"Flashback…I was lying in bed with my mother, not Grace, but Ella. She was stroking my hair and singing to me."

"Did you recognize the song she sang?" John's stylus is posed over his tablet for the answer.

"Ella sang a stanza from The Long and Winding Road by the Beatles. Many times I've been alone, and many times I've cried. Anyway, you'll never know the many ways I've tried." My voice thickens with emotion.

"Was the memory painful?" John paused.

"I remember being happy because Ella was cuddling and singing to me. However, this was a new memory, and therefore I was at a loss about how I felt…feel," I am unsure how to categorize this feeling.

"You mean this was flashback you've never experienced before…not even in a nightmare or a dream?" John queried.

"I don't remember ever experiencing this before," I searched my memories of Ella.

"How do you feel…afraid, exhilarated, or confused?" John continues to take notes.

"Confused…you know how things are out of focus when you first wake up…and then the image sharpens and everything comes into focus. I felt like that, which made me curious," I pause momentarily. "I wonder if Ella sang to me a lot. She had a beautiful voice in my memory. I wonder if I inherited my musical ability from her."

"I believe she touched your life in more ways than one," John responded wisely.

September 24

"Elliot took off early with Christian to go mountain biking again," Kate grimaced. "I'm off to brunch with Mom. She recreated three of my previous bridesmaid gowns, with before pictures. She created a space in her shop for the after projects. I'm taking pictures of the dresses and the after projects as one of my April stories – what to do with those bridesmaid or prom dresses. Mom uploaded another dozen DIY dress projects to a special section on her website."

"Good luck, what will you do while your mom is busy with a client?" I rolled my eyes at her.

"I know you have never looked at a bridal magazine, let alone ripped a picture of a wedding dress or wedding idea out of one. Do you ever think about your wedding?" Kate points at a tote filled with bridal magazines. "I've been collecting a binder of tear pages since I was thirteen when Mom designed her first wedding collection."

"Who's getting married? I need to learn how to date first." I set my gun case and gear box on the kitchen table and grabbed a bottle of green tea from the refrigerator.

"You won't learn to date if you don't date," Kate scolded. "I'm worried some Billy Bob will see you shooting a gun and want a white shotgun wedding."

"You should be worried about the single police officers who see me and wonder how I'll look handcuffed to their bed." I teased.

"Handcuffs can be fun – but you need to wear wrist sweat bands under them to keep them from leaving welts." Kate advised.

"TDMI, what are your plans for tonight?"

"Date night with Elliot. Movie and dinner – Moneyball and the Hard Rock." Kate checked her phone.

"A sports movie – what bet did you lose?" I teased.

"I have two words for you…Brad Pitt," Kate informed me. "Ethan wants to see Moneyball too. You are more than welcome to come with us."

"Pass. I'm invited to Claire's for movie night. We're watching three international films and eating paired courses during the evening. I'm skipping the sleepover; I'll be home late."

"Ana, I know you didn't talk about Christian before, and I know you won't talk about him now. I'm worried you are keeping busy so you don't think about him. I'm worried you will have a meltdown if you don't deal with him, soon." Kate's concern is touching.

"There's nothing to deal with. We met; we had a brief fling; he hurt my feelings. I walked away; I'm moving on. He is the one pushing...the flowers he sent to Mom's house, and the invitation to the press conference and lunch with family."

"You haven't moved on," Kate argued. "I try to set you up on dates, but you're not interested. Ethan's asked you out a few times; but you're not interested. Elliot asks how you are, because he cares, and I have nothing to tell him."

"I'm not discussing Christian with you, Elliot or Mom. If tomorrow boasts nice weather, I'm going to Alki Beach with ladies from work, and Shawn and Harley. You and Elliot are welcome to join us…Ethan too. However, no one tells Christian. I won't endure him frowning at my friends while trying to chat me up." I slung my purse over my shoulder and picked up my gun case. "I need to go; I have things to do."

XXX

"Miss Steele," Sawyer encounters me at the lockers at Target Rippers. "Are you leaving?"

"Ana, just call me Ana," I explain. "Yes, I'm done shooting. I need to clean my gun, reload my clips, clean my gear box and prepare to go to girls' night out at a friend's house."

"Would you like to go get coffee?" Sawyer offered.

"Not really, but I have cold tea and tasty bits at the condo. You can sit on the balcony with me and clean your weapon if you brought your cleaning kit with you. Otherwise, you have to share my kit with me." I suggest.

"I have a cleaning kit in the trunk of my vehicle. I'll follow you to your condo." Sawyer holds the door open for me and walks me to my car. I can tell he approves of me putting my shooting equipment in a foldable crate which I cover with a sheet. He follows me to the condo. There is a space open which Elliot uses. Sawyer parks and follows me up to the condo. I hand him my gun case and gear box and point to the balcony. I slip into my room and turn on the audio jammer for the condo. I hand off the cleaning kit and supplies to him.

Sawyer spreads two microfiber towels out on the balcony table. I bring a pitcher of cold chai tea, glasses and a large tray of nibbles to the patio. I have asiago cheese breadsticks, chunks of cheese, chunks of seasoned roast beef, quartered Asian pears and blackberries. "Help yourself," I pour tea for him and hand him a plate and napkin.

I fill my tea glass and plate some nibbles, eating a cube of cheese and pear quarter before I begin. I scrub my hands with disinfecting wipes before opening my gun case. We talk about Target Rippers, upcoming shooting competitions he plans to enter, and how much I like shooting with Dad at the wilderness range by Lake Sylvia. He double checks my gun cleaning and approves. I load the clips with bullets, and lock my gun and clips away in the case. I stop for nibbles before I begin cleaning the gear box. Sawyer finishes cleaning his gun and reloading his clips. He helps himself to more nibbles. We talk guns and our favorite shoot-em-up scenes from movies. We both laugh about the faux but fun Mr. and Mrs. Smith but give RED kudos. Futuristic movies – I vote for Terminator and he votes for Matrix but Robocop gets a solid mention from both of us. Old West movies – I vote for Silverado and he votes for Tombstone. We discuss The Untouchables before Sawyer thanks me for refreshments. I carry the dishes to the kitchen and he offers to put my gun case, gear box and cleaning supplies away. Sawyer. grabs his gun and gear from the balcony, and locks the door behind him when he leaves.

XXX – 3PPOV

Sawyer checked the recorder in his pocket and was dismayed to only tape white noise during his and Miss Steele's gun cleaning session. Mr. Grey would not be happy. However, Sawyer could provide a solid layout of the condo now.

XXX - APOV

Amber, Emily and I join Claire and her two girl cousins for movies and dinner tonight. I'm not staying for the sleepover. We all agreed to bring laptops and search Pinterest for outfits we like. My tote has my binder with my list of clothes, 200 sheets of the blank Style Soduku frames with 16 squares, and 100 plastic sleeves. I want to transfer some of Shawn's list of ensembles into workable squares for a few weeks of clothes.

I wear the casual ensemble I bought in Georgia. I really like the floral tennis shoes. I bring plenty of money to pay for my share of tonight's dinner. I'm staying for movies, but not for the sleepover. My friends are anxious to shop consignment again since I wore the red angora sweater with the black pencil skirt and Michael Kors shoes and bag to work. They will be shocked at the contents of my closet from the week SIP moved to the list in my binder now.

XXX

His huge bed welcomes us. He's teaching me sexual positions…and tonight is 69. He gently thrusts his cock into my wet and willing mouth while his mouth teases my slit.

'So sweet…so responsive…so wet…MINE.' The hot breath from his words cascades over my sex, and I'm so wet. I'm so needy. I'm so hot. I want him, deep in me and I suck hard at him when he's embedded in my mouth. I don't care if I can't touch, I reach up and grab his ass, pulling him deep in my mouth. His fingers slide into me…thrusting in and out of me at a steady pace…rhythmic…not too fast to make me come…not too slow to delay our satisfaction. I grind against his mouth and he grinds against mine. I moan and explode in his mouth as he explodes in mine.

…I wake and my heart is pounding and I cannot breathe. Damn…I'm having wet dreams of Christian while PMSing or during my cycle. What the hell is that about? I'm glad I'm at home, in my own bed. I would not want to explain this situation at a sleepover.

September 25

I wound my fingers in her hair and reclaimed her pouty mouth. I enjoyed kissing her, but I enjoyed making her nipples harden and elongate. I nuzzled her breasts, licked her nipples until they were dusky pink, sucked them into my mouth, and nibbled on them until they were swollen and tender and made her wetter. I slid my fingers into her. I loved making her lose control and grind herself against my fingers.

My cock throbbed against her hip, aching with need to thrust somewhere warm and wet and soft as velvet. IF I kept her mouth busy, she couldn't ask all those damned maddening questions she has but there was no time to reposition myself. I wanted to feel her soft swollen lips close over my cock. I wanted to feel the movement of her tongue, flicking, circling, sliding over my cock…but there was no time…I moved between her legs and thrust upward, entering her deeply before I exploded. I loved when she threw her head back, arched her back and clamped around my cock when she came. My cock throbbed and I felt my hot wetness…as my aftershocks of ejaculation subsided.

And the vision of Anastasia, warm and soft and sated dimmed…

The night air cooled my hot body, soaked with sweat and sticky from another wet dream. Three o'clock in the morning…I can't call, email or go see Ana in person. As I'm showering, I compose a note in my head, saying all the things I want to say. Then I know to scale back about fifty percent because I don't want her to think I've gone off the deep end.

Dearest Ana,

I'm sorry. I should have said I'm sorry when you were crying. I should have said I'm sorry before you stepped into the elevator. The world does not have a hole large enough to bury the enormity of my actions. I know what I've done, and I can't hate myself enough for hurting you. I wish I could take my actions back, but I can't. All I can do is try to show you how much I regret punishing you and ask for your forgiveness. I will never forget the look on your face that morning… disillusion, anger…and love.

Saying I'm sorry isn't enough, but I SWEAR it will never happen again. I've shown you how bad it can be…please let me show you how good we can be together. I want to be the kind of man you deserve…someone strong, loving, caring…who is open to sharing his life with you. I know you are scared because we became so close so fast…and the depth of what I feel scares me also. I don't want to walk away from you. Please don't give up on us. Please give me a chance to show you I've learned my lesson. Please give me a chance to prove we can be happy together again.

I will slow down…I will wait however long it takes. I would love to have that morning back, to hold you in my arms. I would tell you I loved you first. I think I loved you that first night in the Heathman. All I could do was lay there and watch you sleep. Our first kiss in the elevator was magic.

I'm driving to your condo, and leaving this on the windshield of the Audi. This is not the safest form of communication, but I need to talk to you. Elliot and Kate refuse to give you messages. Please call me by Friday night. I'd like to take you sailing on The Grace, where we can have lunch and a serious discussion. If we make time to be together, we can work through this.

I really want a second chance with you. This is new to me also…I'm bound to screw it up…but give me a chance.

Christian

XXX

I slip out of Escala and get into my R8, remembering the drive with Ana from Seattle to Portland. I park in front of her condo and walk into the parking garage. Her Audi is parked in Kate's spot. Her Ford Focus is parked in hers. I put the note on the Audi windshield. Her name is prominent on the front of the sealed envelope. I hope Kate gives my note to her. I would leave my note on the Ford, but she might not check the car before Friday. I don't dare slip my note in the front door of the building – I have no guarantee when the concierge would see her and give it to her. I walk back to the R8, purpose in my step, and nod at Ryan who obviously raced out of Escala to track my car. I'll drive responsibly back to Escala, go back to bed for a while, and hope sleep does not elude me for the rest of the night.

XXX

I wake to grey skies and raindrops beading and rolling down my window. The weather reminds me of the day I left Escala with a bruised ass and broken heart. I cry several minutes of useless tears, until I give myself a headache. I email the coworkers, explaining I'm staying in today, out of the rain. I wish them good luck while shopping. I email Shawn and Harley too. They both regret we're not going to Alki Beach. When I wake again, I'll order grocery delivery. While my kitchen is not as nice as the dream kitchen at Escala, I'm comfortable working there. Italian beef stew…lots of crusty ciabatta bread…amaretto cheesecake brownies…maybe an Italian Crème Cake. Today would be a great day to play my favorite six-hour Pride and Prejudice DVD while doing chores, laundry and playing in the kitchen.

Kate emails she is hanging out at Elliot's mancave. They are watching Netflix and eating pizza.

I offer to feed them, and Ethan if everyone's home by seven. Between chores, laundry and cooking I browse Pinterest and Amazon. I answer emails from coworkers, friends and Mom. I watch P&P, sighing over Darcy's curls…but Christian's are better. I search my bookcase for my copy of Pride and Prejudice. I haven't read P&P for a while. I could read manuscripts on my tablet…but I just can't rouse the energy. 'You need to learn to manage my expectations.' How about my expectations, Mr. Grey? I'm like Lizzy Bennet…I've spent too long in the company of my literary romantic heroes. My ideals and expectations exceeded the reality of a control freak with rules about food, clothes, sleep and exercise. Every time I think kindly of Christian…I remember he owes me an apology for discussing me with the Bitch Troll.

September 26 – 3PPOV

"The note will cost you," Leila stubbornly insisted, hanging tight to the envelope she took off the red Audi A3 in Miss Steele's garage just after dawn yesterday morning. She was up early Sunday and did not see Sir come and go…but she recognized the Audi A3 and she recognized the handwriting on the note. "I've learned the hard way not to trust you. Don't offer a full spa day in exchange for the note. I want $2K and a full spa day."

"I'll give you the money for the note, but I want to know what you've been doing since you hit Seattle," Elena opened her safe and took out the money.

"You don't mind if I count? Like I said, don't trust you…not since you advised me to tell him I wanted more. We'd still be together if you didn't interfere." Leila would not let Elena back into her good graces.

"Do you really believe your version of the events? You did everything possible to get Grey to commit to a relationship with you. You learned to cook and select wine; you learned about music and art. You took to caning like a wayward student. Eighteen months was plenty of time for Grey to make your contract into a relationship if he wanted one." Elena snapped.

"Fine, think what you will. But he's not with her. I've done more to keep them apart than you will know. Every time he goes near her condo, I tweet he's in the area. His security gets spooked and removes him before he can see or talk to her. All you're doing is recruiting brunettes he won't consider." Leila handed over the note after she counted her money. Leila knew the brunettes haunting Esclava, Post Alley were party toys for other clients.

"Christ, she's got him pussy-whipped," Elena swore after reading the note. "Christian knows people like us don't do love. There's another five hundred dollars if you step up your game."

"Like how?"

"This was on the windshield of her Audi, right?" Elena counted out cash.

"Yes," Leila watched Elena's actions, not her face.

"Vandalize the Audi so she can't drive the car; he can't get close to her to replace the Audi. Besides, in jeans, Converse and a hoody, you'd fit right in. People would think you were her. The damage must look like she vandalized her own car to get him to pay attention to her. At least the police will believe that possibility after a call from a concerned citizen." Elena plotted.

"Interesting, but I require payment upfront. I'll let you know when I'm done." Leila could get in and out of Christian's condo without detection. She acquired pieces of Ana's clothes. She acquired funds. She had been close enough to touch his hair twice, and stroke his beautiful face. When he woke almost immediately last time, she melted into the dark, hoping to get away before she was caught. Dressing like Ana would allow access to the Audi. If she could access Ana's condo, she might have a chance to conduct more research. If she knew why Sir wanted more with Ana Steele and since she knew how to emulate Ana Steele…she could secure her place in Sir's life again.

September 27 – APOV

"Ana, can I take your car?" Kate asked.

"What's wrong with the Audi?" I stuff low heels in my tote. I'm wearing a short sleeve, dusty blue fit and flare dress for today's editorial meeting. The dress pairs well with navy low heels and navy bag from Kate's closet. I wear small silver hoops and an intricate silver chain.

"Someone vandalized the Audi. Slashed tires, smashed windshield, and scratched words. Elliot planned to fill the tank for me this morning, but the car is undriveable." Kate was furious.

"Do I want to see the Audi?" I ensure I have my tablet, pocket size audio jammer, and a navy cardigan.

"Not unless you want heartache over how bad the Audi looks. Christian chose a pretty car." Kate almost whined.

"I thought the car was pretty," I agreed. "You can take the Focus, but I must go; I need to catch the bus to work."

"I'll take both of you to work," Ethan appeared, dressed for the day and jingling his car keys. "I don't feel comfortable with either one of you being alone this morning. Then I'm coming back to wait for the police."

"Better tell Christian first, he needs to know. He'll decide what to do." Lord, please get me out of here before Christian comes to look at the car.

XXX - CPOV

"You won't like my information," Taylor warned. "I accessed the CCTV tapes from Miss Kavanagh's parking garage. A brunette, dressed in jeans, a hoody and sneakers, destroyed the car. She used a knife on the tires, a screwdriver to carve the profanities into the paint, and a cricket bat to destroy the windshield."

"A brunette?" I frowned.

"I accessed the CCTV tape, and you can't see who the brunette is, except for a fraction of a minute. Her face is reflected in the side mirror. I recognized Leila Williams. I ordered a sweep of the area. We found the cricket bat and screwdriver discarded in a Salvation Army drop box six blocks from the condo. She believed the car belonged to Miss Steele. The profanities were meant for her. Williams is still in possession of the knife she used on the tires."

"FUCK!" I shouted. "Why can't we find her?"

"I have a security team watching the ex-subs who live in Seattle. Miss Williams may be staying with one of them. We know she isn't with the husband, his family, his extended family or his friends in Portland. We know she isn't with the boyfriend's family, extended family or friends in Seattle. She doesn't have an address with utilities. We've had no recent hits on her phone. She's not working or paying taxes, there are no hits on her SSN. She's not in college and she has never had an art exhibit. She's not posting on her Facebook page. She's not posting on friends' pages either." Welch reported.

"We've been tracking Reed and Williams' finances. Miss Williams sold her car when she left Reed. She paid off a lot of bills and hired a divorce lawyer. The divorce proceedings have not been filed. The lawyer hasn't seen her since the boyfriend died. She paid off her charge accounts and closed them when she left Reed. She closed her bank account in Portland, and doesn't have a new account in Seattle. No debit card to track. She hasn't bought a replacement car. We believe she's moving around on public transport, since Second Strike saw her on the same bus as Miss Steele. We have feet on the ground, but she's in the wind." Barney reported.

"What is the status of the low rent motels check?" I look at Welch and Taylor.

"Nothing in a twenty-block circumference of Miss Steele's condo. We're still looking." Taylor replied.

"Well, tighten Elliot's security and as an extension – Katherine Kavanagh's security." I ordered.

"Which means tightening Miss Steele's security?" Taylor checked.

"Yes. She can argue if she wants, but I will keep her safe." I will not back down on this issue.

"You won't be happy about the next news flash either." Taylor warned him in advance. "Someone called the Secret Witness hotline for SPD. They said Miss Steele vandalized her own car to get you to visit her."

"Don't tell me, SPD contacted Grey House to ask about Miss Steele and my relationship." I shake my head in exasperation.

"Yes, I asked to see the CCTV tape for the garage when the car was vandalized – and I showed them the attacker used her left hand when scratching the words on the Audi. I explained Miss Steele was right-handed. I said they ought to use a facial recognition program because the brunette was not Miss Steele. I explained the Audi was on loan to your brother and Miss Kavanagh because her car had been totaled over Labor Day weekend. I pointed out the Ford Focus is registered to Miss Steele. I suggested, after a review of the time stamp on the tape, they talk to Katherine and Ethan Kavanagh, Miss Steele's roommates. When the car was being vandalized…Miss Steele should have been asleep." Taylor related.

"SPD ran a preliminary search on petite brunettes who live in a five-mile radius around Pike Place Market. There's over fifty brunette women between the ages of eighteen and thirty from five feet tall to five feet three inches tall. You don't want to know how many young brunette women live in Seattle." Welch warned the Boss. "SPD said they weren't using their men to track down three hundred women and double-check their whereabouts. SPD said your insurance company can put boots to ground if they desire!"

September 30 – CPOV

******** Seattle Times Business Section *******
Grey Enterprises Holdings announced Christian Grey has stepped away from personal investments. "I felt the need to concentrate on current mergers and acquisitions which Grey House has undertaken. My time is better spent managing our full schedule in the next quarter. I gifted my personal interests in the Esclava Salons to my former partner, Mrs. Elena Lincoln. I gifted my personal interests in a dozen restaurants and nightclubs to my sister, Mia Grey. Mia graduated from a culinary academy in Paris and is better suited to partner with the owners of the restaurants and night clubs. She's certainly more social than I am." Christian Grey laughed. "Finally, I gifted my interest in Grey Construction and its subsidiaries to my brother, Elliot Grey. Additionally, I gifted him a dozen empty buildings which I own in Seattle. His company will renovate the buildings and either sell or rent them."

Questioned if he was ill and attempting to clear his schedule for medical reasons, Christian Grey grinned and challenged everyone to a foot race. "I'm in excellent health. I need to concentrate on Grey House. You can consider my stock gifts as a redistribution of my personal interests. Mia will announce the grand opening of her event planning company, Grey Calendars, before the holiday season begins. Elliot just hired a new work crew, many of whom are family men who have been jobless in the construction downturn. He is excited to work to keep his work crews busy through the next calendar year."

When asked about the plans for the Esclava Salons chain, Mr. Grey explained, "That's a question for Mrs. Lincoln. As I said, I no longer have day-to-day interactions with my previous private investments." When asked about future plans for Grey House, Mr. Grey smiled again. "Mergers and acquisitions information is embargoed to protect stock interests in the companies we are bringing under the Grey House umbrella. I have no comment."

Grey House facilitated the merger between Seattle Business Printing and Seattle Signs. Their grand opening is October 1. The last company acquired by Grey Enterprises Holdings was Seattle Independent Printers which became Grey Publishing in July and moved into empty office space at Grey Annex. GEH sold the SIP building to Christian Grey who gifted it to Grey Construction. Previously, GEH purchased a company which manufactures fiber optics, a company which manufactures solar batteries, and subsidized a grant program to WSUV to study agri science.
******** Seattle Times Business Section *******

XXX

Ana has not responded to my note. Should I try telegraph? Skywriter? Intermediary? Fuck, why is this so hard? Today's media release was easier than ever before, but I felt a need to smile and jest with the media. I don't need the world knowing I'm fifty shades of fucked up. The businesses I've acquired already know what a cold bastard I am. I must keep Ana and how I feel about her in the shadows. Paparazzi doesn't need to scent on her. I don't want to be the cause of problems in her life. Since the Audi was destroyed, I made Sawyer offer her transportation to work when he's driving Mia, but she refused. Where the hell are we in the search for Leila? Fuck, I hate my life.

XXX

"John, she doesn't want anything to do with me unless I get touch therapy. I'm in touch therapy, but I need time." I shook my head. "Will Ana wait until I'm done, or do I get benefit of the doubt?"

"How do you feel about that?" John kept his tablet at the ready to note Christian's answers.

"I'm miserable without her. The only time I'm not miserable is when I'm working. Right now, I'm working with Mia to polish her business plan. I agreed to fund Grey Calendars as a Grey House subsidiary for five years. After that, Mia and I will discuss the next phase of her business plan." I pause. "What is keeping Ana so busy she can't meet with me to discuss therapy?"

"Is she attending school? Working overtime? Working with her dad? Hanging out with friends? Hanging out with coworkers?" John took a deep breath. "I'm hesitant to hear your answer because I feel you are still stalking the girl."

"Ana told me, when we first got together, she didn't want to be with me every weekend. She returned my gifts; she sent back my flowers. I wrote her a letter telling her what I was changing about myself so we could be together, but she never replied. I told her to feel free to contact me whenever she wanted. I don't want to rush her, but why hasn't she responded?" I am frustrated.

"How did you send the note?" John has one eye on me and one on Taylor.

"I left the note on the windshield of the Audi. I was afraid if I left the note on her car, she wouldn't see it until Friday." I admit.

"Do you know if she received your message?"

"No. The car was trashed twenty-four hours later." I admitted.

"Did you think Leila might have taken the note before she destroyed the car?" John points out the obvious, which I have missed.

I stared at him.

"When you find Leila, ask about the note. Ask who helped her evade you. Ask what Leila wants. Ask what she needs." John noted. "Now, let's discuss exactly what you are doing following Ana. She told you she wanted to be left alone."