Wounds to Bind Chapter 52 – "To have lost is less disturbing than to wonder if we may possibly have won." – Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native
Sunday, April 8 – APOV
Cassie invited me to tea, along with a couple dozen female clients. I didn't plan to go, because I had already been out with Dad, Laura, Harley and Shawn for an Easter cruise. Bonner opined I needed to finalize things with Cassie and her classes. So here I am in a dress with coiffed hair…attending a tea at Cassie's house while Bonner walks the perimeter.
Cassie explained twelve rules for serving tea – either individually at tables or as a buffet. We learn how china is placed, how to use silverware, how to use napkins, how to arrange food on tiered servers and the proper layout of a buffet table. She explains how to prepare teapots and condiments.
"Look at your cup while it sits on the table. The handle should be at three o'clock. The correct way to hold your tea cup is make your thumb and index finger meet in the opening of the handle. Your middle finger rests under the handle, supporting the cup. You never hook your finger through the handle. You never crook your little finger." She models the behavior she wants us to emulate.
"It's not a rule, but I prefer to teach my students to stir their tea from twelve o'clock to six o'clock. Back and forth motions only and never touching the sides or bottom of the cup. Don't stir in a circular pattern from twelve o'clock to twelve o'clock. Tea is poured first, then condiments – milk, sugar, lemon – are added. Never serve cupcakes; you are not elementary school students. Scones are broken not cut. Once you spread butter or jam, don't smash them back together like a sandwich. Let's have tea," she drew us to the table.
"Our tea selections today are some of my favorites. We're having Spicy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Fingers, Herbed Cream Cheese and Cucumber Sandwich Triangles, Honey Pecan Scones, Orange Marmalade Mini Muffins, Asiago, Rosemary and Cherry Tomato Mini Quiches, Ricotta and Spinach Puffs, Green Tea Cheesecake Bites, and Lady Grey Shortbread Cookies." Cassie announced. "We have Oolong Tea and Chai Tea. I've found I enjoy sharing tea time with friends when I'm serving foods and tea which I enjoy…accompanied by flowers, candles, soft music and pretty dishes. Keep little containers of tea items in your freezer to make an attractive tea tray for you and your guests with minimal fuss."
I'm talking to Mia about arranging a tea for Kate's birthday.
April 9 – 3PPOV
The SPD decided to collect a few rotten eggs. SPD acquired the use of the gymnasium at Seattle Public High because schools were closed for Spring Break. They coordinated with the DA's Office, with the Public Defender's Office and the King County District Court (six judges, public defenders, bailiffs and court reporters). Everyone received a coordinated fax, phone call or email regarding Operation Hook, Line and Sinker commencing at midnight at Seattle Public High with chairs, desks, photography equipment, palm/fingerprint scanners and cubicles for public defenders or attorneys to talk to clients. Additional equipment would include everything needed to arraign quietly and quickly. Ten bail bondsmen were present to arrange bail.
The arrests would begin at four a.m. with the 25 young ladies who were part of Elena Lincoln's stable. They were transported to Seattle Public High, processed and arraigned. If they agreed to the plea bargain, agreed to testify against Elena Lincoln and agreed to cease their sex worker activities, they would be found guilty of one misdemeanor. They would be assigned 200 hours of community service, fined $1K, tested for HIV and STDs. and ordered to attend 16 hours of court–mandated sex worker classes which provided help to leave the trade. If they didn't accept the plea bargain from the DA's Office – they would be transported to the King County Jail and held for arraignment on multiple charges of prostitution. Some of them had worked for Elena for three years, with at least one or two steady customers a week, equaling 300 counts or more of prostitution. Three hundred counts of prostitution earned three years in a minimum security prison.
After all the young ladies had been processed, the SPD began rounding up the 200 johns listed on Elena Lincoln's files. Doctors, dentists, lawyers, businessmen, two retired college professors and one venerated judge were among the 200. SPD took them out of homes or businesses in handcuffs. If they accepted the plea deal with the DA's Office, they would be charged with a misdemeanor for one count of solicitation, receive a $5K fine, receive 200 hours of community service and attend 16 hours of court–mandated john school. They would be tested for STDs and HIV. Arraigned, photographed, fingerprinted and accepting the plea bargain…many of them returned to their lives in one hour.
The johns who tried to argue entrapment or false arrest were advised if they not accept the plea bargain, they would be transported to King County Jail and be charged with multiple counts of soliciting prostitution. They would be arraigned tomorrow. Evidence, electronic and photographic, of their history with Elena's stable quieted even the most vocal of the johns. Several of them had a lengthy history with Madam Elena. The DA expressed confidence the johns would plead to one count of solicitation, especially if they were shown the blackmail materials Elena Lincoln had on them.
Having been warned by Jason Taylor late last night, Eamon and Kate Kavanagh were in an unmarked SUV outside the residence of Lawrence Lincoln. As Elena left the property to meet with her lawyer, supposedly to discuss a plea bargain with the SEC and IRS, she was arrested for 200 counts of promoting prostitution. Eamon and Kate captured the arrest on video and at 8:15 a.m.; it went viral on the Kavanagh Media website. They followed the SPD who drove Elena past Seattle Public High…where she saw a line of her clients exiting police vehicles and entering the doors of the gymnasium.
Eamon and Katherine were not the only ones filming the day's events…Lawrence Lincoln allowed SPD onto his property to bag and tag evidence out of the pool house, while his lawyer videotaped the event. He was especially pleased when he gave the SPD the combination to the floor safe…and they removed nearly a million dollars. The IRS would be pissed and wonder how Elena Lincoln accrued those funds in a few short months or where she had hidden them during the previous search and seizure.
At nine, Taylor drove Christian, Carrick and Grace past Seattle Public High. They were just in time to witness three men from their social circle exiting police vehicles, waiting to be processed. As they drove away, the SPD put up roadblocks to keep people away from the school. Taylor warned them about the police blotter which would name 200 johns, 25 working girls and Elena Lincoln. He also warned them Seattle Times would investigate and create headlines for days. However, Kavanagh Media scooped everyone – Elena in handcuffs and the names of all the girls and johns and lots of pictures posted on Kavanagh Media's website before ten o'clock.
XXX – APOV
Kate called me at break time. "Check out the Kavanagh Media website! Elena Lincoln was arrested for promoting prostitution. Dad talked to the SPD. She's behind bars until her three cases go to trial – SEC, IRS and SPD. Dad swears she'll receive 50 years to life – there's that many charges against her. On the downside, Jack Hyde was released from jail on Friday."
"Well, I'm learning not to expect good things without bad. I wondered why a third CPO was assigned to me." I've already ignored sixteen calls from Christian since Saturday night. "I had my employee evaluation this morning. My rating was exceeds expectations." I don't have a book launch until October, and it's here in Seattle. Hannah kept my desk cleared during the launch and my time off last week. Things were a bit dicey this morning. Heaton introduced Bonner and my third CPO, Cynthia Rhoades to Grey Annex Security. Until Bonner's carry conceal permit comes through, she's nights and weekends in the condo with me…where I have my gun.
XXX
"What the hell was that?" I awoke. I dreamed I was naked except for thigh high stockings. I lay in the pose he liked, with my feet in the air. I'm lying on an oversized book – about the size of a bed, titled, 'The Ties that Bind'. I'm talking on a princess phone like I saw in a movie. 'Christian,' I purred into the phone…'Do you want to come over and read me a bedtime story?'
Tuesday, April 10 – CPOV
I emailed Ana and apologized for my meltdown in Las Vegas. I'm sorry I had to leave town this morning. I'm sorry I'm out of town for business for a few days. I miss her and tell her I miss her. I ask her to Skype with me. Ana refused to Skype; she preferred us to have a face–to–face, not electronic conversation.
After ripping my hair out of my head, smacking my forehead on the desk and smashing my smart phone…I count to 100 in French and Skype John.
Yes, Dr. John Flynn, I was an ass and yelled at her. Yes, I was angry because she wouldn't fire Prescott. Yes, I was freaked out because the thought of her being hurt and my not being able to fix it made me panic.
April 10 – APOV
I'm tired. I wonder if I can skip hanging out with Dad and Laura in favor of a hot bubble bath and an early night. Three authors needed their hands held today. One had a meltdown and argued with me over the use of bring versus take and her overuse of the word very. I explained a better description for very red is crimson, vermillion or blood red. Very angry is better expressed as aggravated, vexed or pissed off. Her plot is excellent, but she needs to use the Thesaurus feature of her word processing program.
"Ready to go," I smiled tiredly at Prescott and bid Hannah a good night. As Prescott and I approach the SUV, I stop in surprise. The minute I saw my ex–boss's handwriting on an envelope under the windshield wiper of the SUV, I backed off. I'm standing against the wall. I have a 180–degree view of the place.
"What's up, Ana?" Prescott is concerned.
I point to the manila envelope. "Jack Hyde's handwriting..."
"You're sure?" Prescott photographed the SUV and envelope.
"Yes, I'd know his handwriting anywhere." I affirm. "Hannah's been opening my mail and she hasn't mentioned anything untoward."
"Let's get you back upstairs," Prescott suggested.
"No," I refuse. "I'm standing right here until you call someone to come with gloves and a Ziploc bag and remove the envelope off the windshield. I don't want to know the contents. I just want to go home."
"I must inspect the vehicle to insure it was not tampered with." Prescott reached for her phone. "Sawyer, come escort Miss Steele up to the Security Office or Grey Calendars where she's safe until her father gets here." She told him about the envelope and paused. "Contents unknown, not lumpy, no guarantee there isn't poison on contents." She paused. "Yes, I'll wait for you to inspect it with me. She hung up. "Just hang on a second." She told me before calling someone. "Graham, pull the CCTV tapes of the parking garage. Look for anyone leaving a package on the black SUV in Anastasia Steele's parking space."
"You check with Mia in five minutes to make sure I arrived at Grey Calendars." I checked my watch.
"Seven minutes," Prescott negotiated. "I need time to call Taylor. I agreed to wait for Sawyer to open the envelope."
This time I did roll my eyes. "Just so you know, I plan to leave here and go home. Have Bonner check the condo. Dad and Laura have been out all day. I will not go to Escala, Kate's or Grey Manor." Great…in addition to Grey paparazzi – I have Jack Hyde fucking with me.
XXX
"Annie – I need you to listen to reason," Dad argued. "The envelope's contents concern me. Hyde burnt the edges of the Seattle Times article about Spring Fling, and a note which said Turn, Burn, Learn. You were in the background of two of the pictures, reading to kids. The condo is safe, our vehicles at the condo are safe. Laura and I are safe."
"Dad…I'm not stupid. I know Grey Annex security checks my mail, my phone calls and my emails. I know there are CCTV cameras at work. I know Grey Annex security team knows who I am. My parking place has CCTV coverage." I retorted.
"Secure…yes. Inaccessible, no. I need to know you are safe. I trust Prescott, Bonner and Rhoades. Allow Christian's men to follow you around to keep you safe." Dad urged.
"Prescott and Rhoades provide transportation and security from the time I leave the condo until I return. Bonner provides security when I'm at the condo. Ros's men check Grey Annex and my condo building intermittently because we don't want anyone to know their schedule. I don't want Christian keeping tabs on me. I already have Grey Security eyes on me when I'm out with Mia or Kate." I am sure there are more people in the periphery of my life than just paparazzi.
"Taylor said Christian wants to have someone following you 24/7 to keep you safe…but he hasn't." Dad argued. "Grey Annex is gun free – you can't carry there. Let Christian provide additional security until the first of July, after Kate and Elliot's wedding."
"Finally, I can give Kate a good reason to skip shopping," I celebrate.
"Will you be serious?" Dad snapped. "The engagement is announced. Kate and Elliot will continue to be news for some time. You are in proximity to her and your connection to Christian is news. Especially since the kidnapping attempt."
"They can follow, but they don't interfere unless there's a crisis. They coordinate with Ros's team who have the ultimate say in situations. Make sure Taylor understands Grey Security does not stop me from doing what I want to do. I'm not asking permission from anyone to live my life," I almost capitulate.
"Heaton will arrange your close protection detail. Taylor will arrange the escort detail." Dad explained. "Prescott says the SUV is safe. She's taking you to the condo. I'll be back after I run an errand. I'm buying a grill for your patio and buying things to barbeque for dinner. Laura will be waiting at the condo for you."
"Please get hot dogs. I haven't had a roasted hot dog since Halloween." I handed him a debit card. "I need a watering can for the patio plants. I need grill accessories. Please buy stuff to make ice cream cone s'mores. I haven't had them in forever either."
April 11
"Prescott," I stare at the flyer on my desk. "Whose bright idea was this?"
"Miss Grey," Prescott threw Mia under the bus. "She's working with the new multiplex theatre. They want her to coordinate the use of their theatres for training seminars in the mornings when they are not showing films. She's working with Washington Department of Employment and the Chamber of Commerce to create a list of seminars. As part of her help to announce the multiplex, she is coordinating a movie day for employees of Grey House and its subsidiaries. Do you know which showing you will attend?"
"I'll check with Dad and Laura to see if they want to attend. Then I'll ask Mia which showing of The Avengers I'm expected to attend. Do we know how Jack Hyde got into the parking level at Grey Annex?"
"No and he disappeared. Welch and Barney tracked his movements until he disappeared from Seattle. He sold his furniture and home decor to a consignment store. He sold his car to a used car lot. He drained Elizabeth Morgan's bank accounts, stole her good jewelry and disappeared into the wind." Prescott explained.
"Which means he's not here in Seattle, which means I don't have to look over my shoulder." I shrugged.
"Which means he could double back to Seattle without anyone knowing he's here until he strikes." Prescott argued. "We don't have intel on Morgan. We don't want her threatening you because of him."
"I've decided to work out at the condo in the mornings. Work from 8:30 to 5:30 daily. I'll stay in at Grey Annex unless my coworkers want to go out for lunch. I'll try to give you lunch schedules in advance. I'm dancing from 7-10 on Friday nights and 9-12 on Saturday mornings. I'll try to tell you the any other Saturday and Sunday plans as soon as I know."
"Understood," Prescott agreed. "You don't want to work out at Grey Annex gym anymore?"
"Not until after July one. I have a busy schedule until then." My condo doesn't have CCTV coverage like the Grey Annex gym. "Bonner is doing yoga with me each morning in my condo. After the wedding I'll be taking self–defense class on three consecutive weekends.'
April 13
"Tonight I'm massaging scars four and five on your front. We've desensitized one through three. You need more work on four and five. T–shirt off, lay down on the table. What are you doing for the weekend?" Sela's conversation preceded her touch.
"We're practicing for the surprise dance for Elliot's wedding. Some golf, some work. Mia arranged a movie and lunch date for the Greys, Kavanaghs and Steeles."
"Steeles?" John's head popped up from taking notes.
"Ray and Laura are in town, visiting Ana." I explain.
"What movie will you see?" John inquired.
"Avengers. I don't care for new movies, but Mia insists this one is a crowd pleaser."
"Do you get to sit by Ana and share your popcorn with her?" John asked.
"No, Mia has a seating chart. Mia, Ana, Kate, Elliot, Ethan, Eamon and Celeste in one row of seats. Laura, Ray, Dad, Mom, Me, Grandpa Theo and Grandma Frannie in the next row. Taylor, Sawyer and Prescott in the theatre with us, Mia arranged for us to have a private screening in one of the smaller theatres."
Sela worked on my two scars for thirty minutes. "Are you ready for a full chest massage?" I nodded and she began. "Our ten–minute hold and talk will be a question and answer session about Spring Fling. I saw great pictures in the Seattle Times."
"So did some of the unsavory universe," I tell them about Jack Hyde's cryptic but threatening note to Ana. "Any chance I had at apologizing to her and reconciling was destroyed when she heard me yell at Sawyer."
"How did that happen?" John asked.
"Mia told me about the situation. Ana was in Mia's office and heard me yell at Sawyer about getting some answers. Prescott was collecting Ana to take her home in a different vehicle and she overheard the call which was on speaker phone." I closed my eyes and shook my head. "Develop coping skills other than yelling. Otherwise Ana and I will be over before we restart."
April 14 – APOV
"Who is he?" Dad examined my dance partner.
"His name is Tom S. We don't use last names here for anonymity." I explained. "He's learning how to dance for his daughter's wedding. I'm about the same size as his daughter, so we practice together a lot."
"Hum," Dad hums in a noncommittal way.
"He's a gentleman, Dad; I feel very safe with him. I don't think anyone here would misbehave, but Tom walks Prescott and me to and from the car. We're not in a bad neighborhood, but it is busier weekdays. Weekends are a little sparse for people." I assured him.
"Free dance," the instructor called out.
"Will you dance with me, Dad? We're expected to dance an all fathers–daughters dance at Kate's wedding."
"I would be honored," Dad took my hand and guided me to the dance floor. We danced a waltz to Faithfully by Journey. Tom asked Laura, who decides to dance.
"Ah…using Laura to conduct covert surveillance?" I teased Dad.
"Pay attention to your steps and not the universe." Dad chided me, using one of Mom's favorite nags when she taught Dad to dance.
XXX – 3PPOV
Ray watched as Tom S. took a good look around the room before talking on his phone. Annie and Laura were in the dressing room. He watched Tom S. leave the building and walk out to a black SUV parked to the side of the parking lot. He was not surprised to see the window roll down to reveal Luke Sawyer at the wheel.
"Sawyer?" Ray approached the black SUV.
"Yes," they both turned to greet him.
"Now I know why you seemed familiar. Ray Steele, Annie's dad." Ray shook hands with Tom Sawyer.
"Tom Sawyer…named after my grandfather. His mother was fond of Mark Twain."
"So are you providing surveillance for Annie," Ray inquired.
"Yes and no," Tom prevaricated. "I make sure nothing happens to her here. I'm polishing my dance moves for my daughter's wedding in May. You'd better go. Your mom's looking forward to seeing you at dinner tomorrow, after church." He reminded Luke.
"I'll be there Dad, goodbye sir," Sawyer shook Ray's hand before departing.
"I'd appreciate you not telling Ana who I am," Tom appealed to Ray as they walked back to the building.
"Is there another threat to my daughter's safety?" Ray bluntly questioned Tom.
"Jack Hyde was released from jail the sixth of April after being picked up for a DUI. He liquidated his assets, relieved his girlfriend of hers and is in the wind. No one can find him. Luke is concerned. Ana's weekends jaunts with Kate and Mia are stressing the security team. They are worried about repeat attempts to kidnap any of the Grey ladies. I don't want you to be concerned, but you should be aware." Tom nodded in the direction of Laura and Ana who exited the dance studio with Prescott.
"So we're spending April finishing up the kennels and dog runs. Tundra will have her first litter by May first and we're keeping the puppies a minimum of eight weeks. We already have four people who paid a deposit for a puppy. The vet says she has four puppies in her first litter. Let's hope they are all healthy." Laura informed Ana. "I've picked four female names and four male names just to be covered when they come. They are all Inuit names beginning with A."
"Tom, this is my significant other, Laura De…" Ray started to say.
"No last names," Tom laughed.
"Laura D." She shook his hand.
"Tom S." He shook her hand. "Ana, thank you for the dances today. Laura, thank you for the practice."
"Did you finally settle on a song for your father–daughter dance?" Ana inquired.
"Father and Daughter by Paul Simon," Tom revealed. "The parents dance is Unforgettable by Natalie and Nat King Cole. I'm keeping a spare handkerchief in my pocket so I won't be a blubbering baby. I don't dare spoil my pocket square. I must look spiffy for all the pictures!"
"You'll be fine," Ana smiled. "Since Dad's here, you don't have to walk me to my car. I know you're just dying to go taste cakes."
"Cake tasting would not be such a torture," Tom groused, "if they gave us slices of cake or even cupcakes. We barely get a taste from one of those mini cupcake things they offer."
"Elliot says you need four to six cupcakes. He recommends scraping the icing of two, just to taste the cake flavor. Then eat the scraped icing to taste the flavor. He recommends two or more to taste the combination of cake and icing. I think that's his excuse to eat six cupcakes at one time," Ana laughed. "My friends are having a cheesecake tier for their wedding cake. Their mothers are just now adjusting to the thought of it."
"My future son–in–law and I want ribs as part of the wedding menu, but his mother and her mother say no," Tom appeared downhearted. "Too messy, they claim."
"There's always the rehearsal dinner or the bachelor party. If the two of you get desperate, take him out to lunch at a rib place and have a father and future son talk. Set up a once–a–month meal for ribs and man time." Ana waved goodbye to Tom.
"Speaking of ribs," Ray hinted.
"How do you feel about the barbeque place by my condo?" Ana suggested. "We can either call ahead and pickup or eat in."
"I vote eat in so Ray doesn't feed Tundra leftovers. The barbeque sauce upsets her tummy." Laura good–naturedly scolds Dad.
"Tundra's my little furry girl…she isn't ratting me out for giving her treats." Ray defends himself.
Laura rolled her eyes. "She barks the whole time we're in Montesano unless she's in the same room with him. He made her a special bed in the workshop with steps for her to run up and down. He feeds her cheese cubes which make her fart all night."
"Calcium is good for building bones," Dad shrugged.
I smothered a smile.
April 15 – APOV
Dad tells Elliot about the changes to the balcony. The Plexiglas barrier on the balcony is down and in storage. One of the pieces Dad brought is a vintage wrought iron chandelier. It's painted in navy enamel, like the rest of the furniture. He removed the generic light fixture from one end of the balcony and installed the chandelier over the eating area. The bulbs look like candle flames. Laura found cranberry colored pots in various sizes. She planted a trio of fresh herbs in each of the smaller pots and planted spring greens, spinach and scallions in the bigger pots. I love them and share the pictures with Kate and Mia. They think the patio is ultra–chic. Laura helped me measure the furniture so I can research Amazon for cushions for my new outdoor furniture. We talk about having christening my balcony with a BBQ if Saturday is nice.
We have lunch at Grey Calendars after we watched The Avengers. Mia arranged for fresh fruit, pasta salad and Italian roast beef sandwiches on ciabatta rolls, with coffee, juices and water. Christian and my cordiality saddens Grace but I can't think about it. Kate and Elliot banned all talk of the wedding. Theo and Frannie banned the use of cell phones.
Everyone wanders around and views the pictures and pillows, commenting on the events which Grey Calendars has coordinated. I take everyone for a tour of Grey Publishing. I show them my office. Christian looks at the windowpane of pictures on the wall and I'm sure he saw José's name, but he doesn't say anything except comment that it's a great grouping of pictures.
XXX
Dad and Laura left for Montesano after the movie and lunch. I give Tundra, Timber, Ila and Inuit love and hugs before Laura put them in the portable kennels for transport. Tundra is a little round pregnant Pomsky and I give her lots of love. I promise Dad I will behave and cope with security until Jack Hyde is found. I also reiterate I intend to go where I want to go, when I want to go and I won't ask for permission. He just shakes his head at me.
I call Mom after Dad and Laura leave. I tell her about the movie with the Grey, Kavanagh and Steele families. She automatically assumes Christian and I are together and is so excited I think she tuned out everything else. We talk about bridal showers for Kate. She asks what Christian and I have planned for the bachelor–bachelorette parties. I explain it's a destination event for just the wedding party. For the rest of the phone call she gives me advice on destination bachelor and bachelorette parties. God: when does she have time to research this stuff?
April 16 – APOV
My patio is my new favorite place to read and daydream. I love the skyline at dawn and dusk. I'm looking out at the skyline, standing on my balcony, reveling in the almost clear spring morning. As I work on yoga stretches and warm up, I saw movement in the dark and stepped back into the shadows. Christian and Taylor run past my condo. WTF? I stayed in the shadows and watched as they passed. Watching them run is quite…enjoyable. So were hot showers after he worked out…I yell at my ninny self to finish up my yoga. There are things to do today.
April 20 – CPOV
"You did very well tonight," Sela covered me with a warm blanket. "I massaged all your chest area, including the scars. Next week I'll begin with individual massages of your back scars."
"Works for me," I snuggled into the warm blanket. I wonder how much a blanket warmer costs. I might invest in one if Ana doesn't return to my side pretty soon.
"I would like to show Miss Steele how to do a deep tissue massage for your back once you reconcile. I know you said she can touch your front now, but I would like an opportunity to work with her." Sela let the subject drop after seeing my face. "After the ten–minute hold and questions, we're playing water polo. Did Jason bring his suit?" Sela asked.
"Yeah, but he wasn't happy about it." I almost laugh.
"At least he and John can go topless. It's optional for you, but I can't go topless." Sela retorted.
"I brought a suit with a built in muscle shirt," I snuggled under the warm blanket. "I get Taylor on my side."
"That's fair, John's almost as tall as you are. He can reach the long shots easier than I can."
April 21 – APOV
Mia arranged for a private dining room for us at the Mile High Club with Celeste and Grace. I appreciated the warning so I could dress up. I choose my blue floral spring dress with carnation sweater and white heeled sandals and purse. I wear the pale pink pearl earrings and necklace Shawn found at the rummage sale. They were new with tags and had never been worn.
"Mom," Kate sighed. "I'm shopping for honeymoon lingerie this afternoon. Tomorrow, we're shoe shopping. I'm trying to find comfortable shoes I can wear for the wedding. OH…you should see the garter I ordered for Elliot to hang off the rearview mirror of his truck. I got a pretty one, white satin and lace and blue ribbons for the toss." She pulled up a picture of a mini tool belt garter she specially ordered.
"Ana, Mia and I are double checking the guest list and invitations next week. Mia created a database to track the RSVPs as we get them." She paused. "We've been specific – no children at the wedding. No children at the reception. Registry info is on my Facebook page." She spotted Celeste's face. "Sorry mom, I'm not having a flower girl or a ring bearer."
"I have the wedding photo list and I printed out half a dozen of the special pictures I want." Celeste ignored Kate's mini–meltdown and reached for a small folder of pictures. "I want a picture nook, especially during cocktail hour. Picture nook, guest book, wedding favors and finding assigned seats will keep guests busy so there will be less over imbibing."
"Just keep the bartenders on their toes. No hard booze at the reception. Beers, champagne punch, wine and non–alcoholic drinks." Mia reiterated. "It's in the contracts. They won't serve what you don't schedule. They are closing down the bars an hour before the reception ends. Once the cheesecake is served, it's strictly non–alcoholic drinks and whatever wine is on the tables."
"The heart–shaped family group picture is great," Kate gushed, passing it around for the ladies to see.
"We have two photographers, one with the girls and one with the guys. Both will be present at the church, one for close–ups, one for distance shots. Photos at church after the wedding for thirty minutes include the heart picture. Your friend José is at the reception with the photography nook. Before the reception starts, the long–distance photographer will set up the panorama picture of all the guests. Video tape of wedding and reception. Two sets of candid photographers." Mia added Celeste's pictures to the photography folder.
"Elliot wants real trees for the corners at the reception. We can set them up for the reception and then Grey Construction will take them out and plant them at Spokani Eden. Elliot has a list of nurseries where to get the live trees." Kate explained. "We'll put the photography nook in one corner and then the trees in the others."
"What are we doing about the special wedding songs?" I am bored to tears with wedding planning.
"We've nixed Girls Just Wanna Have Fun for the bouquet toss and The Stripper for the garter toss." Mia stated.
Kate nodded her agreement. "I arranged for a bouquet to toss. I'm having mine preserved in a Lucite display box for my home office."
"Here's twelve possible hairstyles," Mia passed the printouts to Kate, bypassing Celeste. "Every one of them should work with your hooded cloak at the wedding."
"Kate, I thought we talked about a French twist or a classic double chignon." Celeste protested.
"Elliot wants me to wear my hair down. I'm letting him pick six possible styles he likes best. I'll have my hair fixed in each of the styles, test them with the cloak, take pictures and Elliot can choose. I'm not marrying myself Mom. Elliot must have some choices in our wedding and reception. Which means his wanting trees, helping to choose the food and wine and helping with the seating chart are important to him."
"Once we start receiving the RSVPs, we'll firm up the seating arrangements." Mia promised.
"Mom, table one is reserved for six grandparents and my godparents. Table two is Elliot's aunt and uncle, two sets of my aunts and uncles and Elliot's godparents from Detroit. Tables three through six are people who are important to Elliot and me. I don't want someone in the first row of tables staring at Ana and making her uncomfortable. Elliot doesn't want anyone at the first row of tables eye–fucking Christian."
"Katherine!" Celeste was shocked.
"MOM! Six girl cousins with plus ones, along with six boy cousins and six plus ones equals 24, which is three tables of family. Half of them are aggravated I'm not using their precious as a flower girl or ring bearer. Half the girl cousins are aggravated to not be part of the wedding party because they don't get a chance to throw themselves at Christian." Kate criticized. "Sorry, but all of my extraneous relatives are relegated to the second row of tables at the reception. I've decided if they vex me – I'll put them at the perimeter of the room."
Mia read out the schedule to us to diffuse Kate's growing ire. "Wedding at 2:30. Thirty minutes for the ceremony. Thirty minutes for church photos. The cocktail hour food is a food station of Chinese 5 Spice Chicken Wings, Thai Shrimp Cocktail, Sweet Potato, Leek and Cheese Crisps, Spring Rolls, and Peach and Citrus Fruit Skewers.'
"We're taste testing all of those offerings at lunch today in addition to lobster salad," Kate explained.
I remember what Ros said about wings and skewers and smother a smile. "My mentor, Ros Bailey, says you shouldn't have bony food or skewer food for parties. She says it is too messy." I suggest.
Kate looks to Mia. "Boneless wings? Mini skewers on toothpicks in place of skewer sticks?"
Mia added the changes to the menu. "Introduction of the bride and groom at four p.m. followed immediately by the bride and groom dance. Followed immediately by the father–daughter dance, mother–son dance and bridal party dance. Followed immediately by serving food by 4:30. Five o'clock begins the scheduled dances such as all father–daughter, all mother–son, all family, grandparents and godparents, the gift girl and usher dance, money dance, etc. Cheesecake cutting by six p.m. followed by open dance for all guests. Bride and groom last dance, throwing bouquet and garter and the happy couple exit at seven. Reception ends at eight."
'If I ever marry – I will elope,' I seriously thought to myself. 'Better to ask forgiveness than deal with six months of this hell.'
After lunch with the moms, I shopped with Kate and Mia at Pacific Place Mall. Kate wanted to shop Victoria's Secret to find lingerie for the honeymoon. Mia looked at swimsuits. I looked with her. I have two tankini suits and two cover ups in coordinating blues, but they are years old. I buy two new suits. I buy a bandeau top and classic brief in raspberry. I bought a demi halter top with a classic bikini bottom in navy. Mia found a Hawaiian print gauze big shirt I can use for a cover–up. The small Hawaiian print in navy, purple, raspberry and lemon yellow, will cover my scar this year. There's a great raspberry hat, tote and beach shoes on the display. Mia suggests finding raspberry colored sunglasses to coordinate.
I want to hide out in the dressing room until we leave. Sawyer and Anders shut the store so we're not overrun with paparazzi. Prescott guards the dressing room entrance to keep excess salespeople out. Kate leaves with three bags of lingerie. I tell her TDMI when she explains about the bag of lingerie she gave Elliot so she could shop today. Tomorrow, when we are looking for shoes, she's putting three pairs of his favorite stilettos in a bag to harass him. Is she into spanking…because Blonde God Grey might not put up with her pushing his buttons?
XXX – CPOV
"SHE'S DOING WHAT?" I shouted at Sawyer.
"I'm not telling you what Miss Steele is doing. I'm explaining Miss Mia accompanied Miss Kavanagh and Miss Steele to Victoria's Secret at Pacific Place Mall. Miss Kate shopped for honeymoon lingerie. Miss Mia gave fashion advice to a friend who bought swimsuits. Anders and I stood guard outside the store to keep creepers from entering. Prescott stood guard between the private dressing rooms and the main sales floor."
"Fine," I grit my teeth. "Just keep them from being followed by creepers." I do a Hail Mary pass with my cell phone across the living room and watch it shatter into hundreds of tiny shards. I'll bet Taylor's regretting teaching me how to throw a football. Damn…I should have taken my phone to the garage, fired up the R8 and run the phone over a few hundred times.
I will buy a company and dismantle the damn thing. Please let there be an idiot out there who doesn't know how to run his company. I'll buy it, fire his stupid ass, penalize or fire his idiotic board of directors, restructure his company and take care of his employees. That will help…but so will breaking into Ana's condo and stealing her damn swimsuits. I wonder if she bought them to wear while she visits her mother. Christ…did she buy a bikini? Taylor has given Barney marching orders to clear any requests regarding Miss Steele through him. I know Taylor's trying to keep me from obsessing and pissing Ana off. Fuck, I don't know how to hack her credit cards or bank account and I don't know how to hack the CCTV at the mall. I miss having Striker follow Ana so I know she is doing.
XXX – APOV
It's sunny. warm and a proper day for the beach. I wear one of the new swimsuits I bought. Kate and Elliot played in the water with one another. Ethan and Mia walk the beach. I lay down on my large beach towel under a large beach umbrella, and apply sunscreen to prevent burning. I'm drinking lime water and reading. I enjoy the fresh breeze and fall asleep…when I awake the sun is setting, and the tide is going out. My friends are nowhere in sight. There's a heart shape around me…created from sea shells. Only it's not just a linear heart…it's the word 'mine' spelled out over and over and over creating the heart. When was Christian here?
"Ana," Bonner woke me. "Are you alright? You were moaning in your sleep. Were you having flashback dreams of the shooting?"
"Are you sure I wasn't groaning in my sleep?" I prevaricate. "I was having a nightmare about Kate inviting Mom to her wedding. I was trying to walk down the aisle while she brushed my hair, fixed my makeup, and nagged at me to walk sedately and stand tall."
"Mothers!" Bonner exclaimed. "I just made a pitcher of chai tea. I was about to make a tea tray and watch the three–hour Death Comes to Pemberley special on BBC America. Join me?"
"Oh god!" I groan. "More Mrs. Bennett. I wish I knew how to brew a calming draught. I'd ship it to Mom to drink before we Skype."
"There's nothing to know – it's just opiates or laudanum in an alcoholic cocktail," Bonner laughed. "You can work on sitting and standing or walking during the commercials. Or you can do a stair walk in a long skirt and heels if you feel like doing yourself a harm."
"I think I'll pass on the stairs," I stretched. "What do we have for tea goodies?"
April 22 – CPOV
Dinner conversation included discussing Ana's dance lessons. She claimed her waltzing is deplorable. She may take a second set of classes in just the basics before the wedding. I try to concentrate on my Chicken Picata, lemon garlic angel hair pasta, balsamic green beans and asparagus tips. It's a good thing we're at the Kavanaghs this week, because I need all the wine Eamon pours me. Sawyer and I discussed his dad taking dance lessons with Ana. I feel better about her dance classes.
"My instructor is a fan of clean and simple. The guy she dances with tends to have a lot of extra hand and body moves. My classmates and I feel really…inept…compared to him." Ana admitted. "I don't…flourish."
I'm glad Barney and I are leaving on business tomorrow morning and not returning until late Thursday. I wish Ana would talk to me, or would accept Skype requests. It's obvious she's riding with Prescott and won't accept a ride with me. Kate and Elliot are giving us both looks. Whatever they are thinking, Kate smirks at Elliot. He scowls at her and then scowls at me. What the fuck did I do now?
April 25 – APOV
Tom says I look exhausted when we have dance class. Prescott hovers by the wall. "I am a bit tired," I pass it off as dealing with cranky authors. He doesn't need to know I'm PMSing. I agree to practice with him on Friday night. He wants to work on his father–daughter dance.
Bonner made great seafood linguine with salad for a celebratory dinner. Her carry conceal permit came today. She's excited about her new condo, which is in the same complex as Prescott. Rhoades is with me this weekend, so Bonner offered to arrange a shooting time for all of us at Target Rippers. I tell Bonner if she can get Prescott to join us too, I'd like to take all of them to lunch on Sunday.
April 27 – CPOV
Sela massages my back – scars first and then a whole back massage while John and I talk about Jack Hyde's disappearance and Elena Lincoln's arrest. I explain Charlie Tango I is stored in a hangar at Boeing Field until after Jack Hyde goes to trial…which won't be soon since the fucker disappeared. I explain I bought Charlie Tango II because I want my own helicopter. We've increased security at Boeing Field to prevent sabotage to the GEH jet or CT 1 or CT 2.
April 28 – APOV
"WHO INVITED MY MOTHER?" I yelled. We've forgone shopping/spa day for sitting at Grey Calendars, finalizing wedding invitations. We ate a light lunch to prevent nodding off while checking lists, but the task is tiresome. We split the list in thirds. We're playing round robin with the list, which we split in thirds. I now have the first third of the list, and am checking addressed invitations against Mia's main list.
"OMG – it's not supposed to be your mother!" Kate snapped. "It's supposed to be Ray and Laura – not Carla and Bob!"
Mia intervened. "This is why we are double checking before mailing on May first. We're mailing en masse so everyone has an equal opportunity to receive their invites at the same time," She took the list from me and used a black permanent marker to mark Mom off the list. She pulled the invitation from the mailing tray. She opened the outer envelope, stuffed the contents into a new envelope and wrote Ray Steele and Laura Denison on the envelope with Dad's address. She added them to the master RSVP list.
"I need a drink," Kate moaned.
"NOT EVEN," I warned her.
Mia thrust a cold diet soda at Kate and recommended a fifteen-minute break.
My inner goddess recommends valium…something as large as the rock on Kate's finger.
April 29 – APOV
"Love is never having to say you're sorry," Kate intoned while I washed my hands in the powder room.
"That's bullshit. He owes me an apology…which begins with I'm sorry and continues with such catch phrases as I'm an ass or I'm an idiot or…
"I'm a controlling bastard?" Kate suggested.
I rolled my eyes at her. "Be nice! I'm sure I'm too friendly with my security team for his comfort level. Plus, my security team is all females who carry guns. He doesn't like my target practicing with Bonner, Prescott and Rhoades. We followed target practice with a girls' only lunch."
"Chauvinistic and controlling," Kate commented.
"Knock it off Kate," I gave her a look.
"I'm still pissed at him and I have every right to be," Kate argued. "I know how much you disliked number three…yet he tried to kidnap you because he thought he thought he could get a payoff from Mr. Moneybags."
"I wish you wouldn't call Christian names," I chided her. "It's rude and demeans all he does for underprivileged people. Besides, my therapist says using not-so-nice nicknames gives people power over you."
"So I should quit calling Elliot my blonde sex god?" Kate smirked.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes. "Christian and I need to discuss your bachelor and bachelorette parties. Try not to aggravate him."
"Just be nice to him during dinner so Mom doesn't hyperventilate," Kate advised.
XXX
"I warned Grace I'm in charge of seating arrangements tonight and dinner topics," Carrick warned. "Everyone turn off your phones. No discussion of work, no discussion of Ana's accident. No discussion of the wedding. I'm sitting at the north end of the table, Mia, Ana, Kate and Celeste on the east side. Grace is on the south end of the table and Ethan, Christian, Elliot and Eamon on the west side." Carrick held Grace's chair and the men fell in behind him. Christian holds my chair, but does not say a word.
Starters were Asian Yellowfish Tuna Spring Rolls with sesame and ginger dipping sauce. The topic for starters was what are we reading? Mia mentioned a New York Times best seller which was currently being read by Grace and Celeste. I'm reading children's books about the Fourth of July. I haven't been asked to conduct a reading corner by the Women's Health Center, but I want to be ready if I am. Today's book was a new releases, Red, White and Boom. I think kids will love it. Kate is reading a bodice ripper…
Panty shredder…I pinch myself under the table to get my brain off Christian and into the conversation at the table.
Dinner was Crispy Five Spice Duck, Thai noodles, and cole slaw made from bok choy, carrots and mint with a citrus dressing. The entree conversation topic was the last movie we saw. Carrick begins the answers this time by saying Avengers…which is echoed by all of us. We dissected the film.
Dessert was Baked Asian Pears with Ginger and Starfruit Sauce. The dessert topic of conversation was the Coping Together event being held the second Saturday in July. Grace says the tickets for the event go on sale May first. Kate and Elliot will miss Coping Together again this year because of the honeymoon. I promise Grace to help in any way possible, once the wedding is over. Mia asks me to come to planning meetings, but I refuse of my current schedule which pleases Christian.
