The Turbulent Road Ahead
By: Sigmastar79
A/N: I have found a wonderful Beta in the glorious Miss Sez, to whom I have the greatest respect for. Thank you to everyone who has read and commented on this story, this is all for you :D
Chapter 21
Maxine was furious! They were engaged! Mike and Kate were engaged to be married and they were still going to have a baby together. Maxine was seeing red. She was already angry that Steve Marshall had been given full control of Cairns NavCom before she could even leave for her court marshal, and now this!
Sitting in her quiet home drinking a glass of red wine, Maxine had already changed her clothes and packed for her trip to Canberra. Being a curious mother, she decided to enter her son's room. He hadn't been home in weeks and she was starting to become concerned. She ran her fingers over his dusty desk. Deciding to wipe them down, she opened the drawer Ryan kept his rags to find it empty. Confused, she started looking inside all of his drawers. She found them empty as well. Running to his closet, she threw open the doors to find it too was empty.
She searched everywhere to find everything was gone. His CDs, clothes, books, his posters, everything was gone. Her son had moved out and she had never even known! Sitting on his bed, Maxine tired to ponder why Ryan would leave. Then she remembered Frances saying at one point that Ryan was working with Mike and Kate. Still not wanting to believe it, she went into the office and checked his records. She noticed an address change in his file. Pulling it up, she saw Mike's address there instead of hers. Confused, she pulled up Mike's file and found that his address information had not only been changed, but also blocked.
'Why would he change his address and why does Ryan have everything under Mike's address?,' she wondered. The more she looked, the more upset she got. What was going on?
Andrea knew it was time to make a move. Sarah was watching the boys play in the pool that wrapped around the house while her mother was trapped inside the bedroom with her father again. She knew her father was forcing himself on her mother and she had had enough of it. Turning on her laptop, she connected her wireless internet. It wasn't hard to hack her father's internet system; all his passwords were her mother's name. She had just connected when she heard a knock at the door.
"Andrea, I think we need to have a talk?"
'Shit' thought Andrea has she started to panic. It was her father at the door. Quickly going on her Facebook account, she saw her best friend Travis had a new update. 'Perfect' she thought. She had found her scapegoat.
"Can I just get a moment to myself Dad?"
"What you can do is open this door right now young lady!"
Andrea unlocked the door and made sure to look a little miserable as Gerald walked into the room looking none too happy.
"Explain"
"Explain what?"
"Why you are locking yourself in your room? Why are you separating yourself from the family? Why are you in your room when you are supposed to be watching your siblings for a bit? Explain your recent behaviour Andrea Perkins. If there is something bothering you, you need to tell me and your mother!" Gerald yelled sternly "I know, it's just, it's something you wouldn't understand Dad"
"Try me, and why is your laptop out? I told you no internet in the bedroom"
"Hold on Gerald" said Christina as she entered the room. Looking at the computer, she saw her daughter's Facebook up. She had heard Andrea's excuse about not understanding."Andrea, is this about what I think it's about?"
Andrea looked at her laptop and clicked on Travis's page. Showing her mother, she kept her head down to keep from smiling. Leave it to her mother to save the day. Watching her mother look at the page in front of her she heard her sigh. She was going along with it.
"So this is about Travis Webb? I should have known"
Gerald looked at Christina shocked. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? He watched as she sighed and sat on the bed next to Andrea and sat down the laptop to wrap her arms around their daughter, kissing her head. Gerald didn't know what to do at first. A boy, his daughter was upset over a boy!
"I got on my laptop yesterday when we got here and saw he had changed his message. He asked Polly Anderson out. I haven't even been gone 24 hours and he cheats on me with Polly Anderson! That blonde haired little pixie that couldn't tell a croc from a mosquito! Andrea pretended to cry on her mum's shoulder and Christina just cooed to her, acting like she was calming her.
"It's going to be OK honey, calm down. You're young and beautiful and there are plenty of boys out there. Travis isn't worth your tears"
Christina knew there was nothing going on between Andrea and her best friend Travis, but she played along. Her daughter was trying to tell her something or trying to do something.
"But mum, he promised no matter what happened to us he would always find me. Instead of looking, he's parading around with some bimbo! He said he loved me!"
Christina just kissed Andrea's head and tried not to smile. The tracker, Andrea was using it and the internet to contact help. Proud of her daughter's courage, she spoke in a voice she knew Gerald knew very well.
"I tried to tell you that boy was no good baby. He is what your grandmother would have called a 'Walk Away Joe'. He would have showed his true colours soon enough"
Gerald was furious that some boy had broken his little girl's heart. The problem was he had no clue how to help her or make her feel any better. Then a light bulb went off in his mind. His daughter needed cheering up.
"Ok, I'm a Dad so I'm not the best at this, but I do remember that when your Mum would get upset, her Mum would take her out. How about I call a driver to take you, your Mum, and your sister out? I'm sure me and the boys will be OK by ourselves. We can have a boy's day while you women shop."
"It's OK Dad, I just need some time to myself, that's all"
"Nonsense. You're going out and having some fun. Christina, come back to the room so I can give you the credit cards while I call the driver"
"Yes Gerald" said Christina as they watched him leave the room. Christina whispered inside her ear.
"Grab your cell phone and hide it in your bag. Tell your sister to keep hers here"
"Ok Mum and thanks"
"Welcome" Christina said as she went towards her and Gerald's room. She knew how to keep Gerald busy while Andrea worked her magic. She was a woman after all. Entering the room, she stripped off her clothes quickly. The moment Gerald turned around, the poor man dropped his wallet. He watched as Christina sashayed towards the bed and quickly followed suit. She forced herself to think of Pete while Gerald once again took advantage. She just hoped her daughter's plan worked.
Andrea rushed to her sister's room and made sure her cell phone had maximum signal while hiding it well behind her pillow on her bed. Running back to her room, she grabbed her laptop and phone then she quickly threw both in her large shoulder bag and then ran to tell her sister they were going shopping. The boys seemed excited about having a boys' day, as they didn't understand what their Dad was really like yet.
Once in the car, the girls watched as their father looked into their mother's eyes before kissing her. As soon as she was in, the driver took off and both girls smirked as soon as they heard their mother.
"Danny, our oldest has had her heart broken, where is the closest place we can shop?"
"Ah about 45 minute drive ma'am. There is a private resort down the way and they have a large shopping area near it. It is the best place to please our little miss" replied Danny.
"Ok, I'll trust you with that one Danny. Did my husband give a certain time he wanted us back, I have an ultrasound tech coming soon."
"He said you have about three hours Mrs. Perkins. I trust you might want to pick up some things as well?"
"Yes Danny, that is a good idea indeed. It will be nice to pick up something for Mr. Perkins while we are out too"
"Very well ma'am" Danny said with a smile and raised the protective glass. Danny didn't see Andrea hide off in the corner the whole conversation. She was on her laptop, looking for a sat phone number to the Hammersley, which when she found, she saved. Once she was free to hide while shopping, she was calling Uncle Mike.
RO was in the ComCen when the SAT Phone rang. Picking up the phone, he was shocked yet elated at the voice on the other end of the phone. Telling her to hold on and sitting down the phone, he ran up to the bridge. He knew this would please his captain.
"Boss, you have a very important phone call in the ComCen"
"It better be very important RO, I'm busy at the moment" said Mike looking over maps with Pete and Dutchy. None of the men had had much sleep while looking for Christina and the kids.
"Really Sir, I thought your niece Andrea might be an important phone call"
Mike looked up and looked at RO to make sure he wasn't joking before rushing down to the ComCen. Grabbing the phone, he almost yelled.
"Andrea!"
"Hi Uncle Mike"
"Andrea, where are you?"
"Shopping at a resort with Mum and Sarah, listen Uncle Mike, I don't have long, and I'm in a dressing room. What is the frequency Hammersley transmits with the radios?
"Channel 16, why?"
"Then that is the channel I'll use. Listen…"
Mike listened as Andrea handed something to her mum and took something as well. He could hear Christina tell her daughter to make it quick before Danny got back. After he heard the locking click of a door, Andrea was back on the phone.
"Listen, I don't have long. Mum is keeping our 'protection' busy. We are on Truman Island. It's a large house; Bullet proof glass covers the exterior walls. There are a lot of eyes around so be careful when approaching. Get us out of here Uncle Mike; I don't know how long Mum can keep her sanity while Dad touches her"
"What do you mean touches her?"
"Like a husband touches his wife. He is planning a wedding in one week. He is forcing mum to remarry him"
"Ok Andrea, we are on our way OK"
"OK. Bye Uncle Mike, tell everyone we love them"
With that Andrea disconnected the call and Mike turned around to see the crew behind him, including Pete who had heard everything.
"The only house for sale that fits that description was Ray Walsman's Boss" said Pete gritting his teeth. Mike grinned. Pete had just given him the info needed.
After returning to the compound, Christina went to put the new clothes in the laundry room. Seeing the boys were nowhere in sight, she decided to walk into the office. There she found Gerald and the boys with a few of his business associates.
"Ah, there are my boys. Chris and Dan, there are a few things in your rooms we brought back for the both of you. Be sure to thank your sisters later at dinner"
"OK Mum" yelled both boys as they ran out of the room. Looking back at Gerald, she saw him leaning back in his chair observing her from afar. She knew her little 'gift' would go a long way if Andrea had to leave the compound later.
"I also have something for you, sweet husband" Christina said as she placed the small box in front of Gerald on the desk as she kissed his cheek. She watched as he opened the small bow and found a solid gold pocket watch. Opening the watch, he saw the engraving inside.
'To the World's Best Father and Husband. Happy Birthday'
Gerald smiled and kissed Christina lightly on the lips. His birthday had been last month, but the fact she had still got him something warmed his heart. His princess was his again. Before he could say anything, Danny came in and told Christina the doctor had arrived. Excusing herself to put groceries away, Christina left the room. Gerald just smiled and watched as she walked away.
"Anything to report?"
"Nothing, they don't suspect a thing. The jet is ready for the honeymoon as soon as she says I do"
"Excellent"
The HMAS Hammersley was on its way to Truman Island when he heard the HMAS Kingston and the HMAS Huon would be joining the rescue. Mike gave thanks to the two other Captains, and went into the wardroom to plan with them via Satellite Phone. They knew they would have to wait until nightfall to strike, which wasn't far off. But first and foremost, they needed a plan.
Christina left the exam room in utter shock and disbelief. How was she going to deal with this? As she walked to the kitchen to prepare dinner, the chef tried to argue, but one look into Christina's broken eyes made the man pause. He knew a woman dealing with heartache. He wasn't going to upset her more.
"Mrs. Perkins, is everything alright?"
"No not really. Just in shock. Please Harem, let me cook dinner tonight"
"Ok Mrs. Perkins, I know how you like to cook for your family. But please let me help you, you look very pale at the moment. You tell Harem what to do and Harem will do it"
"OK" Christina said, her void of any emotion. "Can you please bring out the crab from the freezer? You can clean it and wash it for me while I get the asparagus and the potatoes together. A single tear left her eye as she prepared the side dishes while Harem prepared the crab for cooking. She only had to wait for the doctor to bring in the envelope for her. Dinner would seal her fate.
Mike had just finished when RO came in. Telling him that Kate was on the phone, Mike excused himself so the other captains could prepare their RHIB teams, Mike told RO he would take the call in his cabin. Rushing down the stairs, Mike calmed his nerves before answering.
"Hello"
Kate McGregor for Commander Flynn was heard before Kate's voice came on the line.
"Hi"
"Hi there yourself, is everything OK?"
"Yes, just the new nurse gives me the creeps"
"New nurse huh"
"Male nurse too. I don't know what it is, but he just gives me a bad vibe"
"Hmmm, well you are almost at 30 weeks now. You won't be in there for too much longer"
"I know. I'm 29 ½ weeks and I feel like I swallowed a whale"
"You're beautiful Kate; don't let anything make you think otherwise"
"I just have a bad feeling"
"How about you take a nice long bubble bath? That might relax you a bit. Do you still have my bank card there?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Order yourself some ice cream and an iced coffee from the cafeteria. I'm sure the nurses won't complain about bringing it up to you. You need to relax otherwise you're going to go into labour again"
"OK, any word yet?"
"Waiting on Andrea's signal now. When we get it, we are going in and commence the rescue. Hold on honey, we're almost there"
"Let me know, yeah"
"Of course. Now get some rest."
"OK. Love you"
"Love you too"
As Kate hung up, Mike took a deep breath. When Kate had a bad feeling, something usually happened. Going back to the wardroom, Mike made sure nothing could go wrong. He wouldn't be able to face Kate if it did.
Gerald felt as if everything was right in the world. He had a wonderful home. He had four wonderful children and his fifth on the way. His beautiful and pregnant wife, whom he had just stole from making dinner, had just given him a passion filled love making session that still had his toes curling, and yet it wasn't enough. He had just remembered the ring.
"Christina, is it just me or is something missing?"
Christina looked up, shocked but not showing it. If she hadn't pleased him there could be serious consequences. She couldn't let Gerald find out about Andrea's new telescope she had bought to look for the Hammersley. She went to kiss down his body, but he stopped her.
"As much as I would love to receive that treatment from you Christina; that is not what I meant Princess"
"What did I do wrong?" asked Christina trying to act innocent. She knew he liked that.
Gerald growled and pulled Christina up to kiss her, rolling them over so she was on her back and he was back on top. He ran his fingers through her hair, loving the feeling of them going through her thick red locks. He loved the feel of her hair, so smooth and silky. He loved the feeling of her underneath him, so soft and yet inviting. Brushing her hair from her face, Gerald looked down into the eyes of his Irish beauty he had claimed as his so long ago. He smiled as he saw the questioning look in hers.
"You did nothing wrong my little Celt. You are perfect in every way imaginable. What is missing is this"
As Gerald kissed Christina again, he placed the forgotten wedding back upon her left ring. Christina looked shocked at seeing the old wedding upon her finger again as Gerald kissed down her neck. She knew he had taken it in the first break in, but she never expected him to have put back on her finger. Looking down at the emerald engagement ring with the solid gold Claddagh, Christina once again started to cry. She had never wanted to see them on her finger again.
"A token of my love and a symbol that you belong to me always, under God's kingdom and in this world, for all eternity, you are my wife"
Christina just sobbed harder while Gerald held her, silently damning her pregnancy hormones. He didn't realise her tears were tears of heartache. She felt as if she had just betrayed the man she loved. She just prayed Pete could one day forgive her betrayal. She was broken and she was Gerald's wife once more.
Andrea had been in her room waiting. Her radio and her cell phone were fully charged. Her phone was hidden behind all the pillows on her bed, open and receiving a full signal. The radio was on channel 16, waiting for any noise from any Australian Warship. Looking through her telescope, she swore she saw the grey hull of the Hammersley and had to fight back a silent cheer. When she heard the communications between the Hammersley and another ship, she grabbed her radio. Talking softly, she spoke into the radio she had by hooking up a head set to keep others from hearing it.
"HMAS Hammersley, this is Seaman Andrea McGregor, come in over"