Chapter 24. The Valentines massacre
Linda looked about the room that Sarah was working in diligently. Knowing her daughter had been once again disappointed at not finding a fresh lead to the whereabouts of Jay King. Sarah instead of moping or brooding turned her energies toward fixing the nursery. She smoothed the blanket and picked up the threadbare little toy bear that was seated in the bed. "I remember that bear." Linda said taking a seat in the rocker that Sarah had bought second hand. "I gave him to you when you were a baby."
"Lancelot," Sarah said hugging the over loved toy to her chest. "He got me though so much, I had him until I turned fifteen, closer to sixteen really, and then I gave him to Toby."
"How'd he get here?" Linda asked.
"Toby sent him just after New Year, said he wanted the new baby to have him." Sarah placed a hand on her belly. "Toby said he wanted to share the love."
"He's a cute kid," Linda said quietly. Patting the seat across from her, she waited until Sarah was seated. "I know you don't like to talk about your situation, but honey, there are a few facts we really need to face." Sarah frowned; she didn't want to have this conversation. Linda went on gently. "We might not find Jay in time for the birth…"
"I know," Sarah whispered; it was the first time she'd said it aloud. It sounded hollow and harsh, and she hated saying it aloud. It gave energies to something negative that she wanted to put from her mind.
"In case we don't, we should have a few plans in place." Linda said firmly. "Have you thought of baby names?"
Sarah relaxed and leaned back. "Actually I have." She smiled at her mother. "Boy or girl, I'm naming the baby after Papa."
Linda chuckled softly, "I'm sure where ever he is that is pleasing to him!" She patted her daughter's knee. "He was very fond of you, you know."
"I miss him." Sarah sighed, "I wish he were here to direct me now. I know that Jay respected Papa, and I think he'd agree the baby should be named in his memory."
Linda leaned back in her rocker, "He'd be proud of how well you're doing, Papa I mean."
"He'd be proud of us both, Mom." Sarah groaned as the baby moved. "I swear this kid is playing soccer in there!"
Linda turned serious. "What does the Doctor say?"
"He says I'm doing fine, better now that I'm eating more fruit… and I have to say those apples that Mr. Auberon sent are heavenly! I'm craving them now, good thing he sent plenty." Sarah winced as the baby moved again. "He says I need to keep stress level down, and to keep walking like I have been, David says its goof for both baby and mother. He said it's time to start working with the midwife on my birth plan."
"That's what I want to talk to you about." Linda leaned toward her. "I'm not down with this earthy birth thing you want to do." Linda's frown deepened. "I think you should be in a hospital, where both you and the baby are safe."
"David doesn't think there's anything wrong with a midwife, Mom." Sarah argued. "If he did, he would tell me to get my ass into a hospital, I assure you!'
"Sarah, it's your first child." Linda argued back. "Any number of things can go wrong."
"Now don't go jinxing everything!" Sarah warned. "Everything is fine, my weight is good, my breathing is good, and so is everything else." She patted the now engorged bump, and this one has turned… so there's no worry about breech births."
Linda placed her hand to her face. "You only have a few weeks left… maybe six at the most. At least promise me you'll cut back on the work."
Sarah nodded, "I promise, but the only work I'm doing of late is voice over work for Avalon Glass. I've only got a few more spots to record, and then I'm done until the baby is born."
Linda stood up, "How about I fix us lunch?"
Sarah looked out the window of the nursery. "Sure, something light… and an apple to finish with?"
Linda nodded and exited the room, whispering to herself. "Jay King, where the hell are you?"
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Jareth lounged in the throne, ignoring the pleas from Hoggle. The fact that he could so easily torture the little gnomish man was a never ending pleasure to the Goblin King.
"You have to do something… she's giving up hope!" Hoggle moaned.
"Now really Hogsteeth, why should it matter to me?" Jareth sighed lazily.
"Because it's your baby!" Hoggle said before he could stop himself.
"Yes," Jareth looked at him with triumphant pride. "It is."
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The day before Valentines Day, Sarah had left the brownstone to go shopping for a gift for a friend's wedding back home. Although she could not risk traveling to the wedding herself, she was sure her gift would be appreciated. There were a few nice little shops just down the road from the Brownstone. It was one of those rare days in early February where the weather was just perfect, cold, but not blustery, clear and crisp. She bundled herself in the warmth of her wool coat and strolled unhurriedly down to the shops.
She had something special in mind for her girlfriend. Something that would stand out, and say Sarah gave this. After the third shop she was beginning to think what she was looking for didn't exist. She stepped out of the third shop, pulled her collar up and heard someone call her name. Turning toward the voice she saw Fred step out of his car parked at the curb ahead.
"Sarah!" He moved to her swiftly and briskly kissed her cheek. "How are you? It's been weeks since I've seen you." He held her hands and gazed at her with fondness.
"I'm well Fred," she said gaily. "What brings you out to my neck of the woods? You have clients here?"
"No, my mother likes the tea sets in Gordon's… I wanted to surprise her with one for Valentines." He pointed to the window with dozens of tea sets. "They had one that is perfect for her; it's called wild Irish Rose. What about you, what brings you out on so chilly a day?"
"You call this chilly?" She scoffed. "A girl I went to high school with is getting married in two weeks, and I wanted to send something really nice to the happy couple."
"Having any luck?" He asked.
"No, and I'm beginning to think I never will." She grumbled. "Where does one go for a really nice wedding gift?" She asked rhetorically.
"Tiffany's baby," He said with a wide smile. "Come on, I'll drive you over, it a bit far to walk." He pulled her over to his car.
"Fred, come on, I know you've got other things to do… you've got clients." She protested as he opened the car door.
"Sarah Williams, get in that car or do I have to force you in?" He teased.
The girl smiled and took a seat in the car. "Thank you, Fred."
He shut the door and whispered. "You're so very welcome Sarah," he moved around the back of the car and moved to the driver's door. "Now, buckle up." He warned. "You're very precious cargo."
Sarah buckled up but could have sworn she head the sounds of glass breaking. She smiled to herself as she looked out the window, thinking it served the Goblin right for spying on her. She was quiet as they pulled into a parking garage on a side street a block away from Tiffany's. Fred asked her if she was up to the walk before he had chosen this garage, and having been assured she was, pulled in to be greeted by the valet. Fred offered her his arm, and walked at a pleasant pace down the busy street. When the reached the front of the building they paused, Fred watched her face as she got her first glance of one of the most famous buildings of the city.
Sarah looked at the outside façade, something she'd seen a million times. Her mother had loved the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was like seeing an old friend; she smiled over at Fred as he offered her his arm. "I've always wanted to come in here," she confessed with a smile.
Fred held the door for her and watched as she entered the exquisite and elaborate interior of the establishment. He felt his heart pound as he watched her pass the ornate mirrors that were part of the interior. She looked so much like she belonged there, among the crystal and the mirrors. 'She's not of this world,' he thought to himself shortly. 'She's like the character she played on stage, she's… ethereal.' He moved quickly to her side.
A gentleman who was clearly someone of importance on staff approached them. "Good day, may I be of service?"
"Hello," Sarah greeted him just as warmly. "I'm looking for something special for a friend who is getting married."
"Do you know if your friend is registered with us?" The man asked gently.
"I'm afraid I'm really not sure." Sarah confessed.
The man lead Sarah toward a counter, "I'll have one of our clerks look the name up, if she's registered we can print out her selections and go from there." Snapping his fingers a counter girl moved forward to take his instructions. "Miss Williams is looking for a bridal registration." He instructed the girl behind the counter. Moments later the girl came back apolitically.
"I'm sorry; her name is not on our registry." The girl said softly.
"Oh dear," Sarah sighed turning to the man, "Can you give me some suggestions, tell me what's the popular gift for weddings?"
"Silver photo frames are popular with a good many of our customers." He suggested pointing to another counter in the lavish room. "Joan, would you please show Miss Williams our silver frames, the wedding line."
Sarah looked at the man, "Oh, you know who I am?"
"I had the pleasure of seeing you on stage, Miss." The man said respectfully.
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Allison was at the elbow of a paparazzo, unseen by the mortal world she whispered in his ear. He moved though the building; he'd been stalking a socialite and had followed her into Tiffany's. Now he forgot all about the Real Estate magnets' wife. He spotted Sarah looking at the sliver frames and began to shoot her picture, not sure why. All he knew was he was driven.
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Sarah looked at the girl behind the counter, "I'll take this one, can I have it engraved?"
"Of course Miss Williams," Joan said perkily. "What would you like it to say?"
Sarah gave her the names of the bride and groom and their wedding date. "I'd like to have it delivered."
"Not a problem, Miss Williams," Joan assured her. She filled out the order for Sarah and then passed it to her to sign off on. She was putting the example frame away and smiled at the young actress. "May we show you something else; Miss… perhaps something in our baby line? A silver cup or teething ring?" She pulled two examples out of the case to show Sarah.
Sarah lifted the little cup and giggled. "Oh how sweet." She turned to Fred who was watching her with adoring eyes. "Look Fred, isn't it sweet?"
"Darling," he agreed.
Something in the case caught Sarah's eye, something that should not have troubled her. She pointed to a little sliver baby spoon, the handle tip held the head of a donkey. "May I see that?" When the clerk placed it in her hand, Sarah felt her throat tighten.
"That's from our Winnie the Pooh, collection. Very popular with new mothers," Joan informed her.
Sarah didn't see the photographers; she didn't see the flashes or hear the murmurs. She fingered the little baby spoon and thought of the man who was missing. "I'd like to put this on reserve… and have it engraved when the baby is born."
Fred became concerned. "Sarah, honey, you look spent. I think this has been a bit much for you… Let me take you to tea, and then home." Protectively he placed an arm about her giving her something to lean on.
Sarah nodded, "I'd like that." She blinked when she saw something dark dart out of one counter and dash to another. "I must be more tired than I thought, I'm seeing things." She muttered.
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Fred walked Sarah up the steps of the brownstone; he paused at her front door. "Sarah, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" He asked trying not to sound like a school boy with a crush.
"No, just going to spend a quiet evening at home." Sarah said lightly. "Mom and Jeremy have some charity thing they are attending."
The young lawyer took her hands into his, "I'd like to take you to dinner, a nice quiet little place I know of…"
"Fred, you really are a dear," Sarah felt torn, one part of her was so flattered and another was fearful. "But you know… "
"That you're still waiting for the baby's father? Yes, dear, I'm aware…." He tightened his grip of her hands. "But he's not here, and I am." He told her with a bit more force than he'd wanted. "Let me try to make things a bit easier for you. Let me take you to dinner."
Sarah looked down at her baby bump, "Fred, I'm eight months pregnant; surely there are other women out there who are more attractive to you."
"No Sarah," He smiled happily. "There is no one else that I'd like to be with, not right now." He tugged her hands playfully. "Just friends Sarah, no prodding for anything more…"
She nodded, "I'd love to go to dinner with you."
He smiled as if he'd won a battle in a great war, "I'll pick you up here at seven tomorrow." He leaned to kiss her cheek, and Sarah winced as she heard again the now familiar sounds of crystal shattering.
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The crystal orb was not the only thing being flung by the irate Goblin King. He kicked dozens of Goblins out of his way as he sulked about the throne room. Hoggle stayed hidden behind the wall at the entrance of the room. Sir Didymus stayed behind the wall as well. Princess Nicole also stayed out of the king's path.
Jareth muttered and grumbled as he moved about the circular room, every where he moved Goblins scattered. His hand hung at his side, clenching and unclenching quickly. His face, a mask of anger and rage. "I'll … " He muttered something under his breath, then changed his mind. "No, I'l……"
Sir Didymus looked at the Princess. "Can ye not help him?"
She shook her head, "I fear not, good knight." She pointed to the King. "He got himself into this mess. And only he can get himself out," she leaned on the wall. "I warned him never to mess with my mother!"
Hoggle whispered to the Princess; "He's not really going to harm Sarah is he?" Fear shone in his big watery eyes.
"No," Nicole assured the dwarf.
Jareth stopped moving about, raised his arm and summoned the orb back.
Nicole shook her head, "He just keeps punishing himself."
Jareth grumbled as he looked into the sphere that was now not nearly as smooth as it had started out. There were little imperfections from all the shattering. The image in the center was exactly the same though, Sarah. He crumpled to the floor, sitting with his legs crossed Indian styled, and breathing heavily. "You belong to me," he murmured.
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Sarah closed her eyes, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in. Each day it got harder to find a way to get the rest her body needed. The baby seemed to get more active at night when she rested, than during the day while she was up and doing things. Once she found a position to sleep, she'd find her self lost in troubling dreams. She was hearing voices and other unworldly sounds, and that was troubling in itself.
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Jareth braced his back against the steps to his throne, looking at the image in the orb. The woman sleeping was nearly as maddening as when she was awake. He breathed on the orb, knowing his breath would be felt by the woman. "Mine," he said harshly, lowered the orb and closed his own eyes.
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St. Valentines morning, Sarah awoke, showed and dressed in something comfortable. She came down the stairs and headed to the front door. Finding the paper missing she figured her mother was up already. She tapped on Linda's door and when it opened she was greeted by Jeremy. "Does she charge you rent?" she teased thinking of how often he was there of late.
"No but she should." Jeremy agreed as the girl entered the apartment. "She's in the kitchen and you'd better brace yourself."
"Now what?" Sarah asked as she passed though the apartment and headed to the kitchen. She saw Linda looking at the paper and muttering. "Let me guess.."
Linda looked up, "I don't think you'd better." Her hand went to the paper. "Just look."
Sarah looked at the one paper with a picture of her holding up the baby cup the caption read, 'What name will Sarah Williams put on the cup?' Sarah shook her head. She looked at another paper with nearly the same picture, but with a different caption; "Must be a slow news day. Just ignore it, Mom."
Linda looked up at her daughter, "I wish I could." She shoved the paper aside, "I wish I could tell them all to go to hell and leave you be."
"I'm fine," Sarah assured her. "Oh by the way, I'm having dinner out with Fred Jr. tonight."
Linda frowned. "You think that's wise? He's beginning to look like a love staved puppy."
"I know," Sarah said accepting the cup of tea Jeremy was pouring her. "I warned him it can never be anything but friendship." She said with a serious face. "I would hate to hurt him, he's a real dear. If things were different…."
Jeremy placed hands on Sarah's shoulders, stood behind her and said gently. "I'm sure he knows that, you've been up front with him from the start."
Sarah sighed briskly. "Well, I've got a doctor's appointment at noon, and then I'm going to rest until Fred comes to take me to dinner." She patted the baby bump, "Joey here has been very restless of late. And any peace I can get, I grab."
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Goblins sat, mouths agape watching the King. They had watched him for hours, sitting on the throne tapping his boot. The tapping was getting louder, and louder and more forceful. Suddenly he growled and turned to face his horde. "Go, pay a visit to our… lady, and make sure she remembers us well." He ordered harshly.
Nicole looked down at the two who stood with her. "Hide!" she suggested strongly. "Don't ask questions, just hide."
Didymus looked affronted. "I am not a coward!" he protested.
Hoggle read the worry on the Princesses face. "Come on," he grabbed the jerkin of the little knight. "No time to protest if we are going to help Sarah later."
The knight nodded and followed Hoggle into a hidden passage.
Nicole entered the throne room. "Jareth! Stop this madness!"
He looked at his sister, "Nicole go away." He growled in a foul mood.
The Princess had never seen him in such a fury, "Jareth I beg of you, re think this!"
Goblins raced to and fro, and disappeared using what little magic they understood. Their King took a seat in his throne, a wicked grin on his handsome lips. "I'm just sending my lady love a little valentine." He said as if it explained everything.
"You fool!" Nicole tried to vanish but found herself grounded. "Let me go, brother!"
"To interfere, I think not, little Princess." Jareth glowered. "I'll not have even you interfere." He warned.
Nicole fretted. "You can't send Goblins into New York City!"
"I just did." He announced as he pulled up his orb. "Be still, woman! I want to see how Sarah reacts to my …gift."
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Fred had chosen a little restaurant not far from the Brownstone. They were being served the appetizers when Sarah thought she heard something of a commotion in the kitchen. The first dark dart flew across the floor. Followed by more, and the sounds of pots crashing.
Fred blinked, "I say, that's odd." He pointed to something at the cash register. "I could swear I just saw the register open and close by it-self."
Sarah twisted in her seat, she heard the sounds that were familiar; Goblins giggling and snickering. She heard pots flying and crashing in the kitchen area. "Stop it," she whispered under her breath. Gripping the edge of the table she looked at Fred who was trying to see what was happening.
The waiter carrying their soup, trying to ignore the fracas didn't see the goblin that ran beneath his feet and tripped him up. The soup landed squarely in Fred's lap. Sarah placed her hands to her face, and cried out. "Fred; are you alright?" Other patrons began to have problems at their tables. Sarah looked all about, and could clearly see the goblins who were causing all hell to break lose. She desperately looked about, within moments the little restaurant looked like a battle zone.
Fred, having removed as much minestrone as he could from his lap looked at the girl with disappointment. "I think this evening is a wash."
"I'm so sorry," she apologized.
"Sarah, this is not your fault." Fred said standing up. "But I think for safety sake I should take you home."
She nodded and stood up, silently vowing to make the Goblins and their King pay.
Fred walked her up to the front door of the Brownstone. "I think this is as far as I dare go," he said quietly. "I'm going to go home, and clean up… I call you in the morning." He promised as he placed a kiss to her cheek. "Go in and rest, dear."
Sarah watched him drive off; quietly she mounted the stairs up to her little apartment. She didn't bother turning on a light. Wearily she placed her coat over a chair, and took a seat in the parlor. Shining and spinning on its stand was the glass ornament she'd received for Christmas. She glared at it. "I suppose you're proud of yourself." She accused. "You let your horde destroy a nice little restaurant and for what? Because you're a jealous spoiled brat!" The image that formed was not one of a man with a proud expression, rather one of a man with guilt. He didn't speak, just faced her. "You should be ashamed of yourself…" she began to weep.
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Slumping down, Jareth felt the lump in his throat; he raised a hand and flicked his wrist. He sent time spinning back, and called the horde back to his side. He looked at the image in the imperfect orb in his hand. "Don't go." He said quietly. "Tell him you can't go…"
The image looked up, eyes red, and nose running slightly. "Why can't you leave me alone?" she begged.
He knelt, the image shining in his hand. "You're mine." He said icily.
"No," she shook her head, and took hold of the ring on her finger. "No." Closing her eyes she thought of the man who'd sent the ring, the bracelet and the earbobs… the man whose touch and the memory of that touch filled her with longing. "You have no power over me." She whispered desperately. She picked up the phone and dialed. "Fred, I'm sorry… I don't feel well… can I take a rain cheek?" she asked.
Jareth placed his brow to the orb in his gloved hand. "You're my little Valentine, Sarah…and no one else will ever… ever… touch you like I do…."
