Chapter 6

Thursday morning John arrived at 9:10 am, twenty minutes earlier than scheduled, telling them the traffic had not been as heavy as usual, but Ivan was ready anyway. Michael introduced him to Ivan and explained that he needed to have him back by 2:00 pm latest as he had a meeting with Bernard Markham at 3:00 pm. John acknowledged this fact and after giving Maeve a friendly peck on the cheek he and Ivan were on the road by 9.20 pm slightly ahead of schedule which was good, as the traffic was heavier now especially on the Brooklyn Bridge as they left Manhattan on their way to Brooklyn Heights where Olivia lived.

On the journey they got to know each other better, and Ivan thanked John for all the assistance he had given in the operation to find Madison, and for his and Sharon's kindness in caring for her in the aftermath until she returned to Miami. John accepted his words with a nod of the head and uttered, "No problem Ivan, friends help each other when they can. "

Despite the traffic John made good time and as they approached Cranberry Street at 11:00 am he was satisfied with the timing, He had told Olivia to expect them around this time. As John turned into Cranberry Street Ivan was impressed, and said, "I was born in Brooklyn and knew residential streets like this existed, particularly here in Brooklyn Heights, but never visited this area before, this is another world property wise. These three storey brownstone houses are fabulous and must be worth a fortune."

As John drew up into a parking spot right in front of Olivia's property, John responded, "Yes they are Ivan; some are owned and others are rented by the wealthy. Olivia owns hers; she has lived here since she married her late husband. He and his father were both in publishing so not short of money. The one next door to the left was rented by Zalesky when he moved Suzie and Madison here before all the trouble but as we all know he could more than afford it."

Then getting out of the car they walked up the steps to Olivia's front door, and as they did so Ivan cast his eyes next door, and couldn't help saying out loud, "You fucking bastard," as he thought of Zalesky for a moment. Then realising what he had done he turned to John and said, "Sorry."

"Don't have to say sorry to me Ivan: we have all muttered worse about that fucking bastard."Then chuckling John added, "There I just joined you."

John rang the bell then, and Olivia did what she had been told to do; and looked out of the window to check first who had rung the bell, gave them a little wave and though she sometimes thought they were over protective she loved the way the new folk in her life this past year cared about her safety. Within a minute she opened the door for them and stepping inside John gave her a hug and then introduced her to Ivan, who gave her a shy smile as he said, "Nice to meet you Olivia."

Taking a good look at him and liking what she saw Olivia said, "At last I get to meet the handsome man who has taken Suzie's heart. I have heard a lot about you from Suzie and Madison in their letters and all good." Then with a twinkle in her eye she added, "No wonder she fell in love with you. You're a fine specimen of manhood."

John immediately burst out laughing, and Ivan went pink when he realised why John was killing himself. Then the penny dropped for Olivia and for the first time since John knew her she went bright red. But she never let anything daunt her and realising she had inadvertently embarrassed Ivan she took hold of his right arm steering him into the lounge and said, "Don't mind me Ivan, it is my age, it allows me to get away with almost anything." Then she chuckled herself and said, "But you really are a handsome man, but you know what I really like without even getting to know you properly are your eyes, they tell me you are a kind man. You are looking at me kindly even though I have embarrassed you...so sorry about that." Ivan responded by giving her a big grin, which told her he was okay, and over any embarrassment, which she suspected could have been avoided had John not burst out laughing and turning her attention to John she gave him a look that told him she blamed him. Then smiling at them both she told them to make themselves comfortable while she made them a coffee.

John was restless though feeling a little guilty, and five minutes later leaving Ivan comfortably settled in an armchair by the window, he made his way to the kitchen where Olivia had just placed three cups of coffee on a tray. Olivia stared at him with her twinkling eyes and said, "That was so bad of you John - Until you laughed I hadn't realised what I said...Poor Ivan."

John gave her big hug and said, "I'm sorry Olivia...Ivan is fine...I just couldn't help it."

"Am I forgiven?"

"As it's you, yes, now help me carry these coffees through to the lounge."

Once they were all seated in the lounge Olivia asked, "So why do I have the pleasure of your company Ivan? It's safe to answer; we are perfectly sane now aren't we John?"

John put his hand over his mouth stifling a chuckle but could not stop the laughter showing in his eyes, and Ivan smiled; he was learning fast why Horatio, John and Colin Johnson all loved this lady.

Then he answered her question. "Olivia, Suzie knows I am in New York on a visit to clear a few things up, but she doesn't know I was hoping to meet you."

"So, nice as your company is Ivan, why are you here?"

"Suzie and I are getting married on February 28th, just a small wedding, this is what Suzie wants, but as I know how very much she and Madison care about you, I have been wondering, if you are able to fly, whether you would like to come to our wedding as a surprise for them. If you would like to visit, I will arrange a flight at my expense on a date we decide between us."

Olivia's eyes sparkled as she replied, "I would love to come Ivan...oh how nice of you to ask."

"Forgive me Olivia but I do just need to ask if you have any medical reasons that would prevent you from flying?"

"I am as fit as a fiddle Ivan. I had my annual medical check up just two weeks ago as it happens and I got a clean bill of health - just a bit of high blood pressure, not serious, and is totally under control with medication anyway."

Then smiling she asked, "Where would be the best place for me to book into? I don't know Miami at all."

"You can stay with us, we have the room, and Suzie and Madison would love that."

"Perhaps you would like to come a week early and join in the preparations?"

"Oh yes please, I would love to," Olivia replied clapping her hands gleefully.

"Okay that's a deal then. I'll be in contact with you with all the flight details as soon as I can."

"Ivan I can well pay my own fare."

"No, you coming to the wedding will be a present from me to Suzie, I want her to have the best day possible, and I know having you there will make her very happy."

"Oh - and Olivia, thank you for telling Madison to give me a chance regarding adoption, she has agreed to me going ahead and Horatio has given his approval."

Olivia immediately stood up and walked across to Ivan, kissed him on the cheek, and said, "I was right then because you are a good man Ivan Vetrov."

After chatting for another hour, John looked at his watch and said, "Sorry Olivia, we must make a move now. Ivan has an appointment to keep this afternoon and I have to get him back to Michael Hayes by 2.00 pm."

Olivia nodded her head in understanding and after receiving goodbye hugs from Ivan and John, she saw them out and from the top of the steps outside she waved to them as she watched John drive to the end of the street and then disappear out of sight. She knew from all that she had been told that she would like Ivan, and on meeting him now, she did, very much, and was looking forward to going to Miami, and would not have long to wait. It would be so nice to see Suzie and Madison again.

John made it back to Michael's shortly before 2:00 pm and Ivan thanked him profusely for his help, and offered payment for his time and the gas used. John flatly refused and said, "Was my pleasure Ivan. I'm just happy I was able to help."

Twenty minutes later after quickly freshening up, and having a sandwich Maeve had prepared ready with a coffee, Michael and Ivan were on their way to Bernard Markham's office in East 43rd Street, mid Manhattan. The office was one of two on the ground floor of a four storey building which had car parking facilities in front of the building, and with car spaces marked out for the independent offices. Arriving at 2:50 pm Michael pulled into one of the spaces, and then making their way through the main entrance doors, they noticed the lawyer's office was to the left hand side, and a receptionist smiled at them, took their names and immediately put a call through to Markham's office saying, "Your visitors have arrived Mr Markham."

TBC