Chapter 16

Reprieve

"Was it bad?" He asked expressing concern.

"What?" Baffled by the meaning behind his question.

He continued the charade,

"The fire?"

"Oh, no!" She assured him.

Still perplexed by his insistence on being literal,

" It was a false alarm." She explained.

Exhaling, "That's a relief."

And demonstrating discretion over the matter,

"A fire can be a nasty business in the winter time."

~Shane to Kim, Dec. 24, 1984

Location: Donovan Manor

The car barely reached a complete stop at the front doors of the estate before the children tumbled out of it running towards their father. Shane lifted both into his arms squeezing them tightly as Andrew and Jeannie talked over each other for his attention. Kimberly noticed the slight groan escape from her ex-husband's lips when he lifted Andrew. Stepping out into the frozen mist pulling the collar of her woolen grey trench tighter for warmth, Kimberly exhaled contently.

"He's hit a bit of a growth spurt since you last pulled that stunt, Capt'n."

Shane nodded affirmatively setting the boy down as the four entered the grand foyer where Peachy stood ready to shower her adopted brood with hugs and kisses. The Manor was abuzz with greetings as Simmons handled coats, scarves, and mittens. The sea of faces dispersed leaving Shane and Kimberly face to face.

"It's good to see you again, Kimberly." He said affectionately.

Instinctively Shane cupped her hands for warmth as she removed her black gloves. Their eyes locked briefly before Kimberly slipped her hands away and stepped back to create the proper distance.

"You too." She returned with a genteel smile. Adjusting her attention towards the children, Kimberly began unfastening buttons and removing caps. Childish cacophony ensued. Andrew and Jeannie raced into the family room once their mother freed them from their cloaks to see the their stockings and the tree brimming with presents underneath.

"Where's the angel, daddy?" Jeannie exclaimed pointing to its barren top. The light reflecting from the steady flame of the fire caused her blonde wavy tresses to glow. The rest of the adults hustled into the family room as Shane scooped his daughter into his arms.

"Why, she's right here, my little one!" He answered pointing his finger squarely on the tip of her nose.

Jeannie giggled with delight squeezing her father's neck lovingly. Kim narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Shane, you're spoiling her." She whispered privately leaning into Shane's left shoulder.

"Nah," Shane shrugged brushing off Kim's counsel.

Whirling around, he gathered the porcelain lit angel topper and handed it to his daughter. Hoisting her on his right shoulder, Shane steadied the little girl so she could set it atop the tree.

"I'm merely teaching her how a man properly treats a lady." He pronounced offhandedly with a wink.

Kimberly paused and observed him with her daughter- pondering the meaning behind his words.

"Remember, you get to do it next year, Sport!" Shane instructed Andrew, who wondered why the tree wasn't already decorated.

"Why, I couldn't do all this without you!" His father answered merrily handing the boy his ornament.

Andrew broke Kimberly's trance a few moments later budging her to hang her ornament on the tree and a celebratory reunion commenced as the family finished trimming the tree. Once the task was completed, the children rushed off with Simmons, who plied them away with promises of hot chocolate. Peachy discreetly excused herself as well leaving Shane and Kimberly alone. Shane gathered boxes and carried them to the corner closet for storage. He returned to find her by the fire warming her hands. Kimberly gazed at the robust evergreen to her left. She was sure it wasn't indigenous to the British Isles.

"Shaaane?" She wondered skeptically as he strode up beside her.

He stood with his hands in his kaki trousers and glanced at the floor before addressing her unspoken question. Meeting her blue-green eyes that twinkled against the backdrop of décor,

"I owed you a tree." He explained sheepishly.

Kim's cheeks turned a rosy shade of pink as she lifted her fist to her mouth coughing away the contrived tension. However, she couldn't conceal the pride beaming outwardly over the memory. Kim's mischief was quite contagious.

"I guess I need to put my luggage away." Kimberly smirked impishly.

Shane smiled mysteriously.

"Perhaps, you should." Meeting the unspoken challenge head on!

A few days later…

Peachy descended the back staircase leading into the warm, inviting kitchen. The front windows illuminated the brightness of fresh fallen morning snow covering the grounds of the estate. The sun was still hidden from view; the frozen heavenly blanket against the luscious greenery of evergreens peppered along the estate interjected a warm festive atmosphere to match the warmth and tranquility of the home. Pausing to her left, the elderly woman warmed her hands against the roar of the old stone fireplace as Simmons quelled the high pitch wail of the stainless steel kettle. Peachy marveled at the transformation that had taken place since Kimberly and the children arrived at Donovan Manor a few days before. The estate beamed with holiday cheer: the chattering of excited children sneaking periodic peeks under the family Christmas tree, snowball fights, and horseback riding through the snow along the back perimeters of the property. The once desolate, oppressive formal dining room now consisted of luxurious meals and joyful banter, before the family retired into the family room for Christmas storytelling and holiday movies. When Shane and Kimberly tucked the children snuggly into bed, the warm hazy glow of the fire and lights below lured the two back together for a nightcap. Sometimes their conversations lasted into the wee hours of the morning.

A trip into the closest town in the nearby valley allowed the happy family to tie up last minute Christmas shopping, before hibernating among the grounds of Donovan Manor. Peachy had accompanied them and yes, 'happy family' was the perfect term to describe the expressions of mother, father, and the children. After eating lunch at a local tavern, Shane and Kimberly divided their time between each child, so Andrew and Jeannie could find the perfect gift for their mother. Now the two friends and former lovers were safely hidden from view from the outside world and the only two onlookers privy to their intimate interactions stood silently observing the cracks within their walled hearts grow bigger by the day.

Having completed lunch, Shane and Kimberly took Andrew exploring on horseback along the snowy tree-lined perimeter along the back of the estate while Peachy settle Jeannie in for a short winter's nap.

"Poor little Lass is plum tuckered out!" Peachy exclaimed with a flip of the wrist. She strolled over to the kitchen island where Simmons was pouring them a cup of tea on the opposite side of the creamy speckled granite countertop.

Measuring a small spoonful of honey and eying Peachy for approval,

"The roast is in the oven and I took the liberty to set aside preparations for hot chocolate for our winter explorers." Simmons announced professionally.

Peachy nodded affirmatively. Her old friend possessed a gleam in his eye that betrayed his intentions. Glancing out the back window,

"They should be along any minute, I suppose." She replied evenly.

The two sipped their brew in silence until the phone rang, breaking their tranquil ritual.

Peachy answered the cordless,

"Donovan Manor." She chirped in her usual Scottish brogue.

"Uh,… hello, Ms. Peach. It's Philip." The movie producer announced politely.

His light, charming demeanor displayed an endearing quality in Philip if one didn't know better.

"Oh, Mr. Collier! How lovely to hear from you." Peachy responded with just the right amount of cheer in her voice.

Simmons eyed her suspiciously.

"Is Kimberly there?" Philip requested affectionately.

"Oh, well Sir, she's out riding with Master Andrew at the moment." The elder spy answered merrily.

"I don't have time to wait." He sighed. "And I don't want to interrupt her time with her son."

Peachy could hear the disappointment in his voice. Yet, her opinion remained the same. Cradling the phone in one hand, Peachy sipped her tea slowly. Her eyes stared out the back window surveying any sign of them.

"The Laddie's in the study working." She threw out casually. "I could fetch him?"

"Oh, no no… that's not necessary." Philip answered quickly. "Just give Kimmie my flight information and since everything's on schedule and if it leaves on time, we'll be at Heathrow before the storm sets in."

Peachy lifted her chin knowingly. Hastily she jotted down the flight information as he rattled it off before finishing the call.

"We'll do, Sir." She replied. "Be safe."

Pressing the 'End' button, she set the phone on the counter and poured herself another cup of tea. Peachy avoided Simmon's accusatory gaze. The old Butler detected her mind was working on something. Determined to ply it out of her,

"Too bad the two don't have more time alone together." He mused.

Peachy sat on the barstool sipping her tea giving no hint of budging from her original stance.

Suddenly the harmonious chatter of their loved ones burst through the back door of the mudroom.

"My boy, you are becoming quite a rider… exemplifying the grandeur of a long line of Donovan men before you! Shane extolled liberally.

Andrew's faced lit up soaking in the praise and attention from both his parents. Kimberly rolled her eyes light-heartedly as she unfastened her riding jacket.

"Did you see it, mum?" Andrew's exuberant voice boomed through the room as his mother attempted to take his heavy coat off of him.

"Yes, son." Kimberly assured him gently for the innumerable time. The boy had asked repeatedly since securing the horses into the stables and throughout the walk back to the main house. "The jump was truly graceful!"

The trio entered into the kitchen meeting the expectant gazes of Simmons and Peachy. Shane's face beamed with pride and exhilaration as he discarded his scarf and gloves. Wrapping his arm around Andrew's shoulders, he patted the right one victoriously.

"You two should have seen how he cleared that mid-beam!"

Kimberly smiled brightly at the display gesturing for Andrew to sit on the bench near the passageway so she could remove his riding boots.

"It was so cool how the snow blew up in the air too!" Andrew exclaimed waving his arms wildly for demonstration.

"You need to go to the fireplace and warm those feet." His mother instructed lovingly as she set the boots aside. "We'll see how the picture turned out later." She promised him.

"Sounds like you deserve the Simmons Specialty, Master Andrew!" The kindly butler offered with a wink.

"Definitely!" Shane approved heartily narrating the events of their afternoon ride.

Kimberly loosened the red scarf from around her neck and unfastened the top button of her pleated riding shirt as she knelt along the imposing stone hearth for warmth. Her hair desperately clung to her clip having escaped the clawed confines during the ride.

"And you, ma'am?" Simmons suggested as he pulled milk and whip cream from the refrigerator.

"Oh none for me." Kimberly replied sweetly. Abandoning her perch along the hearth, "I think I would prefer some tea. My throat's a bit sore from the cold air."

"It had quite a bite there at the end, dah'ling." Shane observed closely placing his hand gently against Kim's back guiding her around the island towards the stove. Their close proximity allowed wayward strains of Kim's wavy tresses to graze against his right cheek as Shane's eyes followed her every move. The faint aroma of vanilla and lilac from her soap affected him in the most provocative way. His eyes lingered for a moment tracing the curvature of her backside perfectly celebrated in the fit of Kim's black woolen riding pants.

Peachy cleared her throat.

"And the clouds are thickening." He added casually when he realized his actions were being scrutinized. Shane claimed a stool at the end of the island, but his partner wouldn't release him from her commanding stare just yet.

"Yes, apparently there's a storm brewing." Peachy admonished pointedly just as Andrew interrupted.

"Father took us all the way down to the creek…" His deep brown eyes were as bright as the flames he used to warm his hands. "And then we crossed over…"

Peachy observed as the three talked spontaneously about the adventure. Simmons slipped a candy cane into the hot, foamy, mug and presented it to the boy. Andrew rushed over to enjoy the holiday treat propping himself between his parents. Andrew created a nice buffer for the two as he held the conversation together. Each time Kimberly giggled, Shane's postured broaden ever so slightly- his tale becoming more charismatic. Peachy noted how Kimberly's eyes rested on his moving lips, anticipating Shane's next move. His eyes shifted between his son and Kimberly as he stole intimate glances in her direction. Shane's obvious flirtation didn't surprise the old woman, rather it was the way Kimberly accepted and encouraged the interaction since her arrival a few days before.

Kimberly tossed her head in Peachy's direction interrupting the woman's private musings.

"Peach, the whole view is simply breathtaking!" She gushed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Indeed it is." Shane noted agreeably, yet his eyes rested squarely on Kimberly's features and not the wintry landscape outside.

Peachy smiled and paused to sip her tea before announcing.

"Oh, Lassie, your Mr. Collier phoned…"

Kimberly's dazzling blue-green eyes grew dark for a brief moment before composing herself as Peachy explained his itinerary. Simmons busied himself with dinner preparation to conceal his displeasure.

"Oh, good." Kim remarked cheerfully.

Looking down, she studied the last remnants of her tea and then; hastily took a healthy last sip.

"Dad, can we play a game of chess before Jeannie wakes up?" Andrew asked after finishing his sugary treat.

The boy was oblivious to the marked change in atmosphere permeating the suddenly quiet kitchen- his expectant eyes focused on his father's answer. As though a switch had been flipped, Shane and Kimberly resumed their more restrained, polite roles towards each other. Kimberly lifted her gaze to address her audience quickly excusing herself from beside Shane.

"I think I'll shower and freshen up for this evening." She announced before kissing her son on the top of the head. "I enjoyed our ride today, gentlemen."

Kimberly nodded cordially to Shane exiting towards the back staircase.

"Can we, dad?" Andrew pleaded once his mother vanished to the floor above.

"Yes, son." Shane obliged smiling encouragingly, yet his expression appeared more downtrodden than Peachy had seen in days.

Once the two exited the kitchen, Simmons peered across the island for validation. Not receiving any support,

"I think I shall prepare the linens for this evening's meal." He stated professionally.

Now alone, Peachy slowly sipped the rest of her tea. The oven timer ticked away the minutes for the roast. Eying the cordless device to her left, impulsively she snatched it up and feverishly dialed a number.

"Lavinia Peach!" She chirped into the phone.

Pause.

"I get the distinct impression you're not excited to hear from me?" She feigned insult.

A thick disgruntled German accent could be heard over the line.

"Well then, let me make this brief." Peachy's voice clipped along succinctly. "Write this down." She demanded and explained the terms.

Finishing the call, Peachy returned the phone to its base. Whirling around, she nearly fainted from shock seeing Simmons step towards the counter to retrieve silverware. He paused eyeing his old friend intently. Undeterred, Peachy simply replied,

"I think I shall check on the little Lass."

Abruptly she turned on her heel and strutted away. Simmons smiled slyly, but said nothing.

Later that evening…

Dinner was more subdued than usual. Kimberly glanced at her watch occasionally anticipating a knock on the door signaling Philip's arrival while Shane discreetly studied her behavior. Pleasing to the eye, she wore a burgundy colored form fitted mock turtleneck with a grey plaid skirt that hit slightly above the knee and tights with knee-high black leather boots that flattered her slim figure. The effect was sexy, but subtle. Peachy observed them both while keeping the children entertained with fanciful stories of fairies and dragons, who hid from view along the grounds of Donovan Manor. Kimberly smiled and laughed along with the children grateful for any distraction from her private thoughts. Once dinner ended, Peachy insisted on preparing the beds for the children so Kimberly could retire to the family room with Shane. She entered, finding him standing next to the Christmas tree gazing out the grand window. Dressed in a grey pinstriped dress shirt and black trousers, his stoic demeanor struck a brilliant contrast against the inviting warmth of bright white lights reflecting the array of colored glass ornaments illuminating the tree. One hand in his black trousers pocket, the other cradled an after dinner brandy. The wind howled arrogantly against the outer walls of Donovan Manor creating snowdrifts against it. Visibility was next to nothing as Shane struggled to see the opposite wall of the estate from across the outdoor terrace.

" The weather is quite frightful this evening." He noted evenly having heard the click of Kim's black boots against the hardwood floor when she crossed the threshold. Her eyes followed his gaze as she strolled slowly towards his station by the window. Inhaling deeply,

"I wonder what's keeping Philip?"

Her concern coaxed him to meet her alluring blue-green eyes-even if her focus wasn't on him. Shane opened his mouth to speak when the phone interrupted. He threw back a casual gulp and patted Kim's shoulder reassuringly.

"I bet that's him now letting you know the plane landed."

Shane moved swiftly across the room and answered the phone.

"Donovan."

His expression neutral, " Yes, hold sec…"

"Kimberly, you can take this in my study for privacy." Shane gestured chivalrously.

Kimberly heeded his advice and walked briskly past the right of the fireplace into the other room. Snow falling outside created a cold bluish haze in the darken room, so she turned the small Tiffany lamp on to warm up the atmosphere. Picking up the extension from Shane's desk,

"It's Kimberly." She announced smoothly. Her voice was like butter and it made Philip ache at the thought of not being there.

"Babe," Philip greeted soberly. "It's too late. I won't be able to make it to England."

"Oh?" Kimberly exclaimed. A wave of relief poured over her as though a heavy burden had been lifted. The feeling surprised her.

"What do you mean?"

Instinctively Kimberly glanced out the massive floor to ceiling window in front of her. Snow rapidly accumulated along the grounds, snowdrifts piling against the greenhouse a short distance away. The white sheen lit up the dark night sky.

"Obviously you haven't been paying attention to the weather." Philip growled over the line, his displeasure at the thought of spending Christmas in a lonely hotel room in Berlin with his manager seeping through.

"No," Kimberly replied apologetically. Wounded by being the target of his frustration, "I'm afraid we were too focused on preparations to notice the latest weather reports, Philip." She offered weakly.

Kimberly whirled around letting her eyes scan Shane's study in an attempt to push back the hurt. Leaning back against the desk, she smiled pleasantly surveying the bureau on the back wall- a painting by Van Dyck situated above it. Its saturated color and the relaxed elegance of brush strokes calmed her nerves as Philip continued to lament his predicament. Despite arriving ahead of schedule to the airport with Stewart, who personally arranged the flight, the two were instructed that they were listed as 'Stand-by' for the packed plane. After wrangling with a haggard airline worker, they were moved to the last flight bound for Heathrow, but once they were boarded were told that the plane needed to be inspected for a mechanical issue. The delay in take-off resulted in a cancelled flight due to the developing winter system barreling down on North-Western Europe.

"Philip, you act like you've been personally wronged?" Kimberly observed delicately.

Philip rolled his eyes, but restrained himself. Did she not pay attention to what he had just told her? He doubted their flight issues were purely coincidental but elaborating would only make him the bigger ass, setting up quite the atmosphere for Donovan to whisk in and console his disappointed ex-wife. But with his manager eavesdropping on the conversation, Philip swiftly adjusted his tone. A heavy sigh blew over the line.

"I guess you may be right." Philip surrendered offering the olive branch.

Throughout the conversation, Kimberly twirled the phone cord between her fingers absentmindedly becoming entangled within it against the desk. Giggling, she attempted to wrestle free,

"Yeah, it's a vast conspiracy against you, Collier." Kimberly joked as her eyes lifted to her left. Light filtering in through the slit of the slightly ajar door to the family room reflected against the glass of an old wooden picture frame nestled in the encased bookshelf to the right of the fireplace. In a flash, she stood in his apartment- her heart in hand…

"Oh, it's beautiful." Visibly touched by her gesture of affection. "It's a fire station." He noted apprehensively.

"Yeah, just like in Merry Ole' England." She gushed nervously looking over his left shoulder.

Shaking his finger as he pointed towards the framed picture,

"Yeah, I recognize this place. It's near to where I used to live." He explained still trying to keep the conversation light…

"Well, I remember how interested you were of that fire engine that came to my apartment building…oouut of nowhere…" She revealed bashfully. ~Jan.11, 1985

A mixture of emotions welled up within Kimberly's soul, as Philip directed the conversation by inquiring about her day and other various pleasantries that women like. Kimberly placated her fiancé's obvious need to converse knowing Philip had the absolute worst scenario out of all of them. She would hike to and swim across the English Channel in order to avoid spending any length of time with 'Stu.' The man repulsed Kimberly. If the storm intensified and, or stalled out once it moved over the English channel, then the producer faced a dismal vacation before being thrust back into the daily grind of his production schedule. So Kimberly engaged in light banter asking about the movie, his thoughts regarding its progress, and whether he enjoyed Germany. The conversation was rare…pleasant in every way inviting Kimberly to share every positive and encouraging tidbit of their time in Cotswold meticulously avoiding references to Shane. Her vivid descriptions of the picturesque landscape and luxurious accommodations sent the exchange into an unexpected course catching Kimberly off guard…

"…So what are you wearing?" He suggested seductively.

His voice bore a striking resemblance to strangers from the past. Kimberly squeezed her eyes shut and cleared her throat forcibly to change the subject.

"Philip, when do you think you'll be able to get here?" Her voice was measured, but kind.

"Ah, come on, Kimmie." He coaxed her. "Don't play 'hard to get'?"

A shiver slid down her spine and her eyes flew open, resting once again on the old black and white photo. Attempting to sound anything but repulsed,

"I just want to know if we will be able salvage our holiday together?" She asked courteously.

Philip coughed, annoyed by her unwillingness to play along. His patience with this arrangement wore thin long ago.

"We'll have to wait and see." He remarked tersely.

"I'm sorry." Kimberly stated softly. "But I need to go…" She lied. "The children need to be tucked in."

They exchanged polite good-byes and ended their call. Slowly Kimberly emerged from the study to find Shane reading casually on the sofa. Abandoning his book, he set on the table behind the couch.

"What time should we expect him?"

Kimberly studied Shane's expression skeptically.

"He's not coming." She replied simply.

"Oh?"

He stood to greet her as she moved closer to the leather sofa. Kimberly joined him by sitting, but did not recline keeping her hands folded pristinely in her lap as she explained the situation. Shane flipped the television onto the BBC as the two unearthed international events for the first time since Kim's arrival. Much of the southern part of England was receiving the brunt of the storm at the moment, but the worst of it would pass over by morning.

"Looks like everything will be normal by morning over here." Kim remarked faintly.

The same couldn't be said for the rest Europe! It was abundantly clear how Kim and Philip would spend their Christmas…apart.

After a half an hour of television viewing, Shane turned to her and placed his hand sympathetically on her knee.

"I'm sorry, Kim."

"Don't be…" Chuckling half-heartedly as she scrutinized his face, "It's not like you control the weather."

Shane gave her the most curious look-detecting a hint of skepticism peppering her demeanor. Feeling painfully exposed with his hand still resting on her leg, Shane swiftly rose from the couch and strolled over to the Christmas tree. Kimberly whirled around to see him retrieve a beautifully wrapped rectangular box in shiny blue paper with silver accents. A tiny silver bow adorned the package that looked as though it could contain a piece of jewelry. Kimberly immediately stood and met him halfway.

"Shane?" She attempted to deflect, until seeing the familiar script of Shane's penmanship etched on the tag: Kimberly & Philip.

Now it was Kim's turn to appear dumbstruck.

"Go ahead, open it." Shane insisted.

Tearing the wrapper and opening the box, Kimberly discovered two tickets for the next evening at the London Philharmonic. Kimberly noted he spared no expense with the center orchestra section; or rather knowing Shane, someone owed him a favor.

"I took the liberty to make reservations for the two of you at Le Gavroche." He revealed gently.

He remembered.

Rendered speechless, Kim was deeply touched by his gesture of good will. As she stood holding the box-torn wrapping paper still in hand, Shane meandered over to the bar in the far left corner of the room. He could still hear Peachy's incredulity ringing in his ears…

"Heavens, Shane! A trip to the local pub would have been quite suitable." She scoffed. "To think a meal at Le Gavroche wasted on that…that…"

Shane arched his brow amused by her outrage and curious to see if he would be witness to a rare verbal blunder from the otherwise conservative speaker.

"Parasite!" She spat out.

Shane laughed boisterously eyeing her pointedly.

"True Peach, but then I didn't do this for Philip's sake."

Shane had no intention of pushing Kimberly into Philip's arms, but he walked a delicate line in regards to how he was perceived in Kim's eyes. Despite the abundance of Philip's flaws, Shane begrudgingly admitted that Philip hadn't hurt Kim the way he had…yet. And only because the condescending cad knew Shane had nothing concrete on him…again, yet. Keeping it that way was the spy's main focus and if Kim could reach the same conclusions regarding Philip on her own, even better. There were some truths best buried by the play of fate's favorable hand. "Besides," Shane reason, "Visualizing the arrogant prick suffering through an evening that revolved around Kim and her desires- paid for on Shane's dime, was all the conciliation he needed at the moment."

Pouring himself another drink, he cast a glance over his shoulder offering Kim one. She shook her head declining the offer still trying to sort out the complexities of her emotions. Her head felt dizzy and for a brief moment, Kimberly wondered if she ran a fever. Shane turned around to see her standing quite fetching in front of the fire where he had left her. Shane averted his eyes resting them on the falling snow outside. It provided a safer view at the moment.

"Pity the weather forecast has ruined what would have been a lovely evening for the two of you." He observed politely.

"The roads should be clear tomorrow, right?"

The snow had already slowed to a steady, peaceful pace as the wind gusts died down to a light breeze. Shane nodded affirmatively back at her and retreated towards the fireplace. He was confronted by Kimberly's soft delicate features staring alluringly back at him. Kim's cheeks had turned a rosy hue from standing so close to the fire. Her eyes sparkled brilliantly betraying a hint of desire. The words that tumbled out of Kimberly's mouth surprised them both.

"Oh, but surely you would take me?" She implored hopefully.