Wounds to Bind Chapter 56 – "What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do – especially in other people's minds. When you're traveling – you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you." – William Least Heat Moon, Blue Highways

June 1 in the Marshall Islands (May 31 in Seattle) – 3PPOV

"Luke," Amy called her big brother while on her honeymoon.

"Why are you calling me on your honeymoon?" Luke prayed. Please don't let Amy or Doug be hurt!

"Doug and I leave Sunday, Marshall Islands time, for Australia for five days." Amy outlined their itinerary. "After Australia, we are spending a week in Japan and a week in Hawaii. Then we fly home to Seattle."

"Are you telling me your itinerary because you plan to drop Doug's inert body out of an airplane, or are you in trouble?" Luke laughed.

"Doug and I stopped at a bank to get funds and met one of the clerks. Hand to heart – he looks like the guy you and Dad were watching to keep him away from the young woman at Dad's dance lessons." Amy asserted.

"Her name is Ana and his name is Jack Hyde," Luke clarified. "I've got a picture of him, I'll email it to you right now. What name is he using?"

"Jonathan Ormond. He works at the International Bank of the Marshall Islands in Majuro. He told us to call him Jack which is how I twigged it was him. He's strawberry blonde and lost 40 pounds, but I'm sure it's him."

"Marshall Islands doesn't have an extradition treaty with the U.S." Luke almost swore.

"Your boss needs to send someone unknown to the Marshall Islands for a vacay and have them scope him out." Amy suggested.

"You realize there's a reward for information leading to his arrest?" Luke revealed. "The reward is big enough you and Doug could either buy a small house or put a sizeable down payment on a larger house."

"Be still my heart!" Amy laughed.

June 1, Seattle – CPOV

"What are your goals for June," John's stylus poised above his tablet.

"I made a list. One more month of wedding planning and pre-wedding crap. I will survive family dinners discussing the wedding arrangements. I will survive the silly both gender wedding showers. I will survive Elliot's bachelor party. I will survive the rehearsal dinner. I will survive the wedding. I will survive the reception. I think I should send Sela a thank you note with an offer of a paid vacation anywhere with her husband." I attack my breakfast.

"Well, you have thought about it," John commented, sipping his coffee. "So what do you need with me at this hour of the morning?"

"I just learned of a serious situation with my company. One of the students who was awarded a fellowship flew to Brazil over Memorial Day weekend. We don't know how it happened…but someone knew he worked for us. He was kidnapped within one hour of stepping off the plane."

"Are you blaming yourself for this situation," John pried.

"You know I do," I admit. "His kidnappers didn't waste time contacting his family. They sent their demands straight to Grey House. Our kidnap and ransom team flew to Rio this morning. The safe house, in well-guarded compound outside Rio, is accessible by helicopter. I'm not about to feed the kidnappers more hostages."

"What will you do?" John seems surprised I have not had a meltdown.

"Boat, helipad, ocean…keep in contact with my K&R team. I'm determined to get our student back healthy and whole. I'll pay for his medical bills. I thought I was doing a good thing for six areas and for six students. I had Ros contact the other five students and tell them travel is postponed for company reasons. They think we're waiting for the fiscal year to turn over. We don't want them in harm's way. I may decide to sell my overseas holdings to minimize the danger to my people. Everyone's protection detail is tightened. We're trying to keep the kidnapping out of the news so we don't spark copycats. I'll do what work I can from the boat, and take the GEH jet from Rio to Seattle as needed."

Then I told him the past and present status of getting Jack Hyde back in the United States. He told me about Leila's relocation to Connecticut. She is home with her family. She has regular therapy sessions. She is still grieving for her boyfriend, but improved every time John talked to her.

One problem in my life seems to be settled. Now if we can deal with the hostage situation, finalize Elena's plea bargains, get Jack Hyde returned to the U.S. and get Elliot married…I might be able to catch my breath. I'm glad I graduated from touch therapy with Sela; the thought of starting all over again would depress me. As it is, I want to be in Ana's arms, comforting her and taking comfort from her. But once again, the baggage of my life interferes with us.

XXX – APOV

"I'm attending a bridal shower at a golf course," I moaned to Shawn after we ate oriental take out. "I haven't a clue what to wear."

Shawn shook his head at me and dived into my closet. "Blue small floral fit and flare short-sleeve dress with a sweetheart bodice. You can take your carnation pink cardigan if it gets cool later. Wear it with your pink pearl necklace and earrings, white wedges and purse." He hands me articles of clothing.

"That's what I planned to wear for the second shower." I handed him a list I roughed out for the rest of the events. "The first shower, we're golfing, not sitting and looking pretty at the clubhouse. Please proof my list of ensembles for dress fittings, wedding planning dinners, etc."

Shawn reaches for my white cuffed shorts, white silk camisole, white gauze shirt and white wedges. "Sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle and the white bag to finish the ensemble. Wear your hair French braided for golf day."

I took the items from Shawn. "You have to fix my hair. I haven't mastered creating a French braid."

"Where's your combination list for your spring/summer wardrobe?" Shawn is still buying for my spring/summer capsule.

"I have one started in the binder on my dressing table. I have pictures of everything, as Cassie ordered. I take time on Sunday night to create a week's wardrobe." I explained. "I'm very busy at work right now. Grey Publishing is trying to clear what they can before the end of the fiscal year."

Shawn took my binder and pile of pictures off the dressing table. He sat on the floor in front of the closet, creating combinations. I left him to play with my closet. Harley watched TV. I told him what Shawn was doing, and he laughed.

"Two years ago, he completely changed our wardrobes. I have all black suits and he has all navy suits. We both have white shirts of different materials and weights. My ties are black, red and grey solids with different textures. My socks are black argyles for fun. My shoes are black leather, so is my wallet and briefcase. Black umbrellas, raincoats, topcoats, etc. My jewelry is gold. Shawn's ties are navy, blue and grey. Navy shoes, wallet, etc. White gold or silver jewelry. He worked for three hours to change out our winter weight suits and long sleeve shirts with summer weight suits and short sleeve shirts or light weight long-sleeved shirts. The first Saturday of spring, he sent the fall/winter wardrobes to the cleaner. A week later, everything fall/winter is in the closet in the spare bedroom. Plus, he created a list of what we need to buy for next fall."

"I considered myself anal retentive by storing the spring/summer things I had in the guest bedroom. As I acquired things for the spring/summer capsule wardrobe, I just put them away in the office closet. During Easter week, Laura, Bonner and I moved the office closet to my bedroom and vice versa. I photographed and printed pictures of the spring wardrobe for a week. I cleaned the contents of both closets. I practiced sitting properly on Sunday and created wardrobe lists for the week."

"How's your roommate doing with Gorgeous Blonde Grey?" Harley inquired.

"Engaged, still getting married in June. Please tell Shawn thanks for helping me finalize outfits for bridal showers, dress fittings, family dinners, etc." I pulled a face.

"How is Gorgeous Copper Grey?" Harley paused.

"We're…behaving ourselves. We're working together to get Kate and Elliot married," I admitted. "I thought we'd be harassed by the paparazzi during Jack Hyde's trial…but since he disappeared …I'm not sure what will happen now."

"I'm sure Grey will want to provide you with a lawyer." Harley advised.

"Good thing I still have your whistleblower lawyer on retainer," I laughed.

Sunday, June 3 Marshall Islands (Saturday, June 2, Seattle) – 3PPOV

"We barely made it to the bank before it closed yesterday. Your mom was pleasantly chatty with Hyde. She thanked him for speaking English. She asked him to recommend restaurants where the servers spoke English. Hyde recommended six, with directions. We assured him we'll return to the bank Monday morning before we leave for Hawaii to transfer funds for the remainder of our trip." Tom reported.

"You are sure it is him?" Luke demanded.

"I scanned the directions in the business center and emailed them to you. Maybe you can try to match the handwriting. I fingerprinted the note and sent you scans of the prints. Despite losing 40 pounds and the ponytail, it is Hyde. He's strawberry blonde, shaved high and tight with short curly hair on top. He wears gold posts instead of his gold hoops. He wears a ruby pinky ring and expensive watch like Hyde wore before. He wears designer clothes – black pants, white shirts, black silk ties, and black wingtips. He walks the six blocks from his condo to the bank. I didn't see him with anyone. I sent the private jet to Hawaii, just as ordered."

"Thanks Dad. Mr. Grey will reimburse for any expenditures," Luke guaranteed. "I'll watch for that email and let him know your progress."

XXX

"I'm glad you called, I was starting to worry," Luke admitted to Tom.

"I've got an address for Hyde. He lives alone, but he might have weekend female company. He has dinner nightly at one of the restaurants he told us about." Tom reported.

"The jet picked up two bodyguards in Hawaii. They are inbound as we speak. I'll send their pictures. He's Banfield, she's Marshall. They will 'meet up' with you at the hotel. His cover is he's with a big financial firm in LA, and she's the flavor of the year. We have extra eyes on the ground following him. Once they know where he's having dinner, they will contact you. Marshall and Banfield will meet you and Mom at the restaurant. I emailed pictures of Banfield and Marshall so you can identify them easily."

"You invite him to dinner, get him drunk or slip him a mickey. Once he's unable to speak coherently, take him to his condo. Pack him up, put him in a car, get him to the airfield and on the plane. Your itinerary is a five-and-a-half-hour flight to Hawaii. Banfield has medic training. He will keep him drugged. Once you touch down in Hawaii, there's an SUV to take you to a hotel. Banfield is a body double for Hyde who will check in under Hyde's assumed name."

"Once you are all checked in, call me and call Amy to tell us where he is. Banfield will give him something to ensure he's knocked out. You will be in the room adjoining his, keeping an eye on him. I will fax his arrest jacket to the U.S. Marshalls. Amy will tell the U.S. Marshalls where to find him. Once they take him out of the hotel, you and Mom are on the plane to Seattle. Banfield and Marshall will disappear back into their lives in Hawaii."

"God, I haven't had this much fun in forever," Tom crowed. "Your mom wants a little black dress like Jamie Lee Curtis wore in True Lies."

"I don't care what she wears as long as she's friendly with Banfield and Marshall and helps get that asshole on a plane. Make sure you confiscate his cell phone. We don't want him contacting anyone, but we want to know who he's contacted." Luke explained.

June 2, Seattle – APOV

"Oh no," I smiled sweetly at the men: Elliot, Christian, Carrick, Ben, Theo, Ethan, Eamon, Kate's Grandpa Mitch and her Grandfather Edward, Sawyer, and Taylor. "The name of the shower is Opposites Attract. The ladies are golfing, smoking cigars and swilling cognac. You gentlemen will be buffed, polished and freshened up at the spa. You'll arrive there via the stretch limo."

"WHAT?" Elliot exploded.

"Yep," I silently laughed. "You guys are getting facials and eyebrows tweezed or waxed. You're getting haircuts, shampoos, and blow outs. Hairlines, ear hairs, neck hairs and nose hairs will be trimmed. Before you leave the spa there will be manicures and hot stone massages. Those of you in desperate need will receive body waxes. I'm sending Rachel with you, since this twist was her idea. She will be your impartial judge and mentor. If she says you need two eyebrows instead of one…you get waxed or tweezed to achieve two eyebrows. If one of you wimps out…Elliot doesn't get to open his shower presents."

"Presents?" Elliot eyed me suspiciously

"Very bare, not there, honeymoon underwear," I fluttered my eyelashes at him.

"Are you ladies taking our golfing date?" Carrick scowled.

"Yes and we're riding there in the stretch hummer. Also, we're stealing Bastille to teach us how to smoke, drink and play golf." I barely contain my laughter as Rachel high-fives me on the way out the door.

Elliot scowled at me as he and the troops followed. "If you women get drunk and pick up men…I will kill Bastille."

"If Rachel lets you get drunk…it will make your waxing hurt more," I say sweetly, batting my eyes.

"Vixen!" Christian hissed in my ear on his way out the door.

XXX

"We're what?" Kate yelled at me.

"Golfing, cigars, cognac, stretch hummer," I tell them Elliot and the boys have the spa day and just left in the stretch limo.

Frannie bursts into giggles. "I'd pay good money to see Theo get a bikini wax!"

"MOTHER!" Grace yelled. "TDMI!"

"The name of the shower is Opposites Attract. What did you think that meant?" I teased.

"I don't know…black and white, steel and glass, leather and lace…" Kate snapped. "So what's the penalty if we wimp out?"

"If any of us wimp out, you don't get to open your shower presents." I explain.

Mia snickered. "Oh Kate…you want to open the presents. There's designer swimwear for the honeymoon."

"I want sunscreen! And a hat! And if I break a nail, I will hurt the two of you," Kate threatened.

"Smile, Katie," Bastille put his arm around her. "You ladies are using a covered driving range, not playing 9 or 18 holes. That way I can keep my eye on all of you." He winked lasciviously. "Elliot threatened to kick my ass if anything happens to you ladies."

"I'm worried about Elliot's hairy ass. If he gets it and his junk waxed, I'm not getting sex tonight." Kate sniped at me.

"TDMI, Kate!" I laughed. "You're making Grace blush!"

"God protect me from my mother and Kate," Grace muttered.

XXX

"Out of respect for your parents and grandparents, there won't be any opening of your shower presents, which are his and her sleepwear, underwear, swimwear, etc. We don't want any blushing or fainting…not here anyway," Mia announced. "All the presents have been put in Kate's car. You open and model them in the privacy of your condo. Now, everyone, the barbeque is ready, let's eat!"

I'm seated at the end of the table where Carrick reigns, sitting next to Bastille. He teases me about how he broke his back bending over to show me how to use short clubs, despite my wedge shoes.

"How did they do, Bastille?" Carrick shows off his manicure.

"Grace was the best golfer; Kate was the best drinker. Frannie could blow a smoke ring before she was done with her cigar." Bastille laughed.

"Way to go Grandma!" Elliot yelled down the table.

"Grace saved the day," Bastille announced. "Two guys crashed golf carts because they were busy checking out Ana's legs, Mia's ass, and Kate's br…."

"Shut up Bastille…" Elliot growled.

"…breathtaking smile," Bastille grinned. "I intended to say breathtaking smile. Alice, Meg and Ana could accomplish a pretty mean drive when we were done. Mia did very well also."

"So, how did the men do, Rachel?" Grace laughed.

"I thought Elliot would cry when he got his eyebrows waxed…and the aesthetician plucked two stray hairs with the tweezers. Mitch, Edward and Dad were smart…they got massages first and were totally relaxed when the aestheticians started working. Poor Ethan was the guinea pig. Carrick, Eamon and Ben made him get things done first. If Ethan made it through without whimpering… they followed. I thought we incited a war. Everyone wanted to work on Elliot or Christian. They had to spread the joy around the salon. Taylor and Sawyer almost shot the receptionist when she announced they were getting spiffy too. They tried to play bodyguards all day, but I made Christian call in the reserves."

"I have pictures," Bastille opened the photo folder on his smart phone. He passed the phone to me and I share the pictures with Carrick. He passed the phone on to Kate.

"That one will go over like a politically incorrect statement at a press conference," Kate whispered. She refers to a picture of Bastille with his arms around my waist. I'm leaning back into him, laughing about a horrid shot.

"Me too," Rachel accessed pictures on her smart phone. She sent her phone in a direction opposite of Bastille's. "Be sure to check out the one of half–naked Sawyer getting a hot stone massage. I swear his face is a picture of bliss. I think he got the phone number of the masseuse."

I can tell when Christian hits that picture…which happens just seconds before I get the picture of Christian getting a haircut. Miss Blonde and Perky Tits tied her apron tightly around her to accent her figure. She must have unbuttoned to her navel, because there's a lot of cleavage showing over the top of her apron. There are several pictures of women flirting with him. Kate's pissed about the Elliot flirt pictures. I'm quiet, and I know my misery shows in my eyes. Christian sends a commiserating look in my direction followed by scowling at Bastille. I lower my head to hide my smile.

Very early Monday morning, June 4, Hawaii – 3PPOV

"Mr. Ormond?" The U.S. Marshalls gained access to Jack's room, thanks to a helpful concierge.

Jack groaned. What day was it? Where was he? Fuck…what did he drink? "Yes," he groaned again. "What?" He opened his bleary eyes and discovered he was not in his condo in the Marshall Islands... "Where the fuck am I and who the fuck are you?"

The U.S. Marshalls introduced themselves. "Welcome back to American soil, John Thomas Hyde."

"The name's Jonathan Ormond, and where the hell am I?" Jack insisted.

"Hawaii," they chorused. "You partied pretty hard in the Marshall Islands last night and decided to join the jet set who flew to Hawaii to party."

"I don't know what you are talking about," Jack protested. "My name is Jonathan Ormond, I work for the International Bank of the Marshall Islands. I don't know who you think I am, but there's been a mistake."

"Your fingerprints match John Thomas Hyde's fingerprints. You are wanted for insider trading by the SEC. You are wanted for failure to appear for your SEC trial. You are wanted for probation violation. You've been identified as a person of interest in the attempted murder of Christian Grey and Rosalynne Bailey. You've been identified as the person stalking and threatening Anastasia Steele. You've been identified as a person of interest in cybercrimes committed at Seattle Independent Publishing and Grey Publishing. You are wanted in connection with 28 counts of sexual assault. You are wanted for grand larceny for stealing almost a quarter of a million dollars from your ex-girlfriend. You are wanted for larceny for stealing her jewelry. We will transfer you to Seattle where you will be incarcerated until you either plea bargain your crimes or are found guilty and sentenced."

Jack flopped back on the bed and groaned. Fucking tourists…how the hell did they recognize him?

June 4 – APOV

Christian kisses me goodbye early in the morning. "I have to go to work," he murmured. "Mrs. Jones will wake you at six so you can work out. She'll make you breakfast and Prescott will take you to work. I'll see you when I see you." He kissed me senseless and left his bedroom. I pulled the covers over my head… We're in such a better place than we were a year ago… and drifted back to sleep.

"Delicious breakfast Gail," I wiped my mouth and thanked her. "Did Christian say what was on schedule for tonight?"

Gail paused for a moment. I couldn't read the look on her face.

"I packed ten days of clothes for Mr. Grey and for Jason early this morning," she explained. "I don't know their itinerary. Jason said they are radio silent…no contact unless they initiate it. Jason said he'd see me when he sees me."

"I see," I remarked quietly. "Did Mr. Grey leave you any directives concerning me?"

"He explained if you have questions to contact Ros Bailey. He hoped you would stay here until he returns." Gail commented. "I have 24/7 security, no matter if I am here or if I go out."

"Thank you, Gail." I set my napkin next to my plate, picking up my briefcase and purse. "I'm headed to work now. Please don't stress about making me lunch. I will select something from the cafeteria at Grey Annex."

Prescott appeared and escorted me to one of Christian's SUVs. Not hers. WTF? "Prescott, I want to go to Grey House first. I want to see Ros Bailey. Please make it happen."

I am frustrated as hell, wandering around the reception area of the executive suites. Everyone on the floor avoids direct eye contact, but they observe me. Ros wants to speak to me, but she has half a dozen calls and one meeting to handle. I try to leave but security requests I stay. Eventually, I'm shown to Ros's office.

"Ana," she shakes my hand and leads me to a conference table in the corner of the room. Prescott and Heaton depart, but I'm sure they are hovering outside the door.

"What is going on Ros?" I am not in the mood for avoidance.

"I can't tell you…and not because I don't want to…but because Grey House has an issue which has to be kept quiet."

"You found Jack Hyde?" I guess.

"We did, but that's not the issue which concerns us. There's a threat to all our safety. I can't tell you more than that. Christian feels you would be safer staying at Escala until he returns."

"When will that be?" I wonder.

"I honestly don't know, Ana." Ros replied. "All the senior staff have close protection details, along with their families. Gwen was not pleased to take a bodyguard into school with her today. He was dressed in gym clothes, she can pass him off as a student teacher who is observing her for a class."

"Ros…" I shake my head. "For an astute businessman, Christian is oblivious sometimes about real life."

Ros's glare would have singed my eyebrows if I allowed it.

"Tightened security plus Christian's absence plus my being housed at Escala or Grey Manor means there's an issue to worry about. Tightened security plus Christian's absence plus the return of Hyde to the U.S. means Christian's being security conscious. His family won't ask questions he…or you…are unable to answer."

"How do you do that?" Ros sinks back in her chair, speechless.

"Ex-military father and a 4.0 GPA. Plus, I like to play Clue and solve puzzles," I shrugged. "If this becomes a drawn-out affair, I want to be in my home. I'll let you assign all the bodyguards you want. I'll let Prescott, Bonner and Rhoades come into offices, bathrooms and the condo with me. I'm not trying to be difficult, but I have things I need to do so I don't obsess about Christian or his safety."

We came to an agreement about my protection detail. She assured me she will tell me what's going on as quick as she can. In the meantime, she asks me to use Grey House vetted delivery services for groceries, clothes cleaning, etc. and stay off the streets as much as possible. I remind her this is the busy month for Elliot and Kate's wedding. I'll do the best I can. I will always have Prescott, Rhoades or Bonner with me. Grey House security can follow us and they can watch the outside of buildings where I am.

XXX

"We've got a problem, boss," Sawyer reported to Taylor. "Dad found some interesting paperwork at Hyde's apartment. He's bringing it home, instead of leaving it in Majuro."

"What kind of a problem, Sawyer?" Taylor's pen paused over the notepad.

"Copy of the WSUV fellowship announcement, with names of the recipients and pictures of them with cursory background checks. Downloaded detailed information from the GEH website about the new green technology for six places in the world."

"The kidnapping?" Taylor inquired.

"The paperwork hints Hyde sold his information to someone for $50K. That's the amount of money written on a corner of his notes. We don't know who he sold it to, but someone has information about where GEH and its employees are vulnerable outside the U.S. SPD might want to investigate and charge Hyde with conspiracy to commit kidnapping."

June 6 – APOV

I've been summoned to a meeting at Grey House with Ros. Prescott is conscientious about ensuring I'm safely escorted out of Grey Annex to Grey House.

"The DA's office announced Elena Lincoln accepted a plea deal with the SEC for twenty counts of insider trading, accepted a plea agreement of eight years in federal custody and $1 million in fines and legal fees. The IRS and Washington Attorney General's Office have two more plea deals in process with her for tax evasion and for promoting prostitution. We don't have the details yet, but SPD will be moving her from the King County Jail to intake at Gig Harbor."

"John Hyde was arrested in Hawaii on June forth. He's awaiting extradition to Seattle, which should be by Friday. We should know the extent of the charges against him by Monday. He's not getting bail, he's considered a flight risk."

"Some time in the next year, the SEC will release the GEH stock Elena Lincoln and John Hyde purchased. Grey House will be notified to purchase them from the SEC. That same thing will happen when GEH stock is available from their brokerage firms."

"Ana, the SEC released you as a confidential informant. While you are not at liberty to discuss the investigation and pending trial for Hyde or the resolution of Lincoln's investigation, we are confident you are free without fear of reprisal by Elena Lincoln or John Hyde."

"However…the unidentified situation still means we're all under close protection details," Ros insisted. "I heard there is a chance Christian will be in town Saturday for his brother's bridal shower. I'm not sure it will happen or not. The official GEH comment is he's conducting business deals and will return when he can."

"Thank you for keeping me notified, Ros," I shake hands with her, assure her I'm alright and keeping busy. I need to contact Dad and Mary. I remember my fortune cookie from the last time I had dinner with Shawn and Harley. Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.

Fuck that, I need a drink, a hot bubble bath and a good cry…and not necessarily in that order. I can't journal this…so flash paper it is.