Thank you for continuing to read! I've been traveling a lot lately, to very far away places, and jetlag has not been kind. I haven't been able to write as much as I would want. That, coupled with my slow writing skills, equals delays. Sorry and thank you for your patience. I am very committed to this story even if it takes me several weeks between chapters to post.
This chapter has taken forever for me to write, and I have not been able to edit it several times as I usually do before posting. There may be some weaknesses. I decided to post anyway because If I don't post now, I may not be able to for another three weeks and I did not want you all to wait that long.
"What were you saying about watching and learning?"
Thomas took a drag from his cigarette, attempting to make Sarah upset. He enjoyed that she had very little self-control of her emotions. She was very smart and like him, had the tendency to scheme when things were not going her way. She was not always successful, he thought, because she did not plan things out to the very last detail. That is what set them apart. Thomas didn't apply histrionics to his schemes either. He was more level headed and analytical. He credited his career for that. You couldn't work in Accounting and not adhere to processes. If Sarah took a little more time to plan, she would win her battles. The affair with Anna had been a disaster. It was a good idea, but she had underestimated her opponent. The little intern, who they supposed was a weakling, showed them more cunning than they expected. Sarah was livid, still, after several days. Even the slightest jab regarding Anna's self-established vindication was enough to induce another frenzied fit. He looked up and was amused, having accomplished his task. She was as red as a London bus.
Sarah pointed a finger at Thomas and replied with much passion in her voice. "Don't you start with me. You are supposed to be on my side." She often wondered why she spent so much time with him. He liked to provoke her as often as he could. A friend wouldn't do that. Maybe she should find another. Not that she had many options, come to think of it. He was the only obvious candidate. The pilots lived in a world of their own and talking to them was an exercise in frustration. Some were self-absorbed and the rest liked to talk about helicopters, all the bloody time. Rotation this, wind shear that. They were insufferable and it was never ending. The rest of the team was no better. You couldn't get a word out of Phyllis and you wouldn't want to talk to Anthony. He was just too awkward. Richard was never there and the mechanics were always sweaty and covered in grease. Little Miss Gwen was a know it all and had dreams above her ability, working all the time. What was she trying to prove with all of that nonsensical behavior? She would only get the others in trouble by proving that more could be done. That only left Thomas….and Vera. Vera was a good friend, or a convenient one, rather. Vera had gotten her this job, after having met her several years ago. Their relationship was odd. Vera told her many things and yet, she never quite believed that Vera was completely honest with her. Still, with only Vera and Thomas in the office to count as friends, her social life was limited. Thomas being gay, also meant that she didn't go out with him much. They didn't have anything in common there. They were just office mates, and sometimes she didn't know if they were even that. The way he was carrying on about Anna besting her made her think about his allegiance to her. Where was it?
"I am on your side."
"Well, it doesn't seem like it when you keep going on about her. I'm beginning to think that she's got you under her spell like she has Mr. Bates and Gwen." Thomas scoffed at her comment, denying the accusation. "Oh, you just watch. She's moved on to work with the mechanics this week, but when it is her turn to work with Accounting, you'd better pray she doesn't take a fancy to your work. You'll be coming to ask for my help."
He was still very level headed. He took another drag of his cigarette. He let it out slowly and fixed his determined eyes on her as he started to speak.
"I'm not sure Sarah. What is it that makes you think, that you, or I, are in any sort of jeopardy? Hasn't Vera assured us that she would have to be gone from the company before we ever lost our positions? And hasn't she proved that no matter what Mr. Bates wants, she isn't going anywhere?"
Sarah calmed considerably with his comments. It was true. Vera had told them that Mr. Bates wanted a divorce but that she would never give it to him.
Thomas continued. "Your scheming is a lot of fun to follow and witness. I'll give you that, but you are going about it the wrong way. You are wasting too much energy on that woman. She's working for now and then she will be gone, but you and I will still be here."
Sarah processed his words again. Thomas made a lot of sense, but she did not like her work being scrutinized or questioned by a newbie. "She just gets on my nerves. I wish she were gone already."
"If you really can't stand the sight of her, then, start working Vera. Vera has ways of persuading the top man."
"Maybe you are right.
"I am right."
Pops walked out of the taxi dispatch office with a smile on his face that even the rain that was falling hard around him could not sully. He had memorized the number of the cab Vera had hired, and written it when he had managed to park safely. He had picked up Elsie a block away from where Vera had descended from the bus and while she was disappointed that he had not been able to continue the pursuit, having written the number earned him a big kiss and much appreciation. She hated the type of surveillance run where she had to be so close to the target. Getting the taxi number could provide a shortcut and hopefully the end to this affair. They had a contact in the dispatch office that provided them this type of information in exchange for a reduction in price of their services. They were lucky enough that the cab company did background checks on all of their drivers and the required the occasional surveillance trip whenever a driver might be up to something fishy.
Elsie took the opportunity to run an errand and was just coming back to their rendezvous point when she saw her husband standing in the corner ready and waiting for her. His umbrella kept the majority of the rain off of him, but he looked quite uncomfortable. She was wondering how he would manage to step into the car when there was much water accumulated on the street. He would not make it without getting his feet wet, even if she neared the car as close to the curb as possible. She tried edging the vehicle parallel to him and in one second, one second too late, she realized her mistake. Her speed was too fast. As she approached him, the water between them was sloshed upwards, soaking him completely. Had water drenching been an Olympic sport, she would have won a medal for sure. His now muddied clothing clung to him.
He was not pleased. "You missed a spot." He managed to say as he pulled open the door to the car and pointed to the left collar of his shirt. It had been the only thing spared when he shifted slightly to avoid the deluge. His voice reflected a tempered, cynical, anger. This was probably a mistake and he did not want to make a big deal out of it. Getting wet this way was just very…inconvenient. Not to mention, his underthings were soaked through and clinging to him quite uncomfortably. He took a seat, not caring that the seat's upholstery would absorb the water. He turned to look at her.
She was visibly contrite and shocked at the same time. "I…I… am sorry, love. I am so terribly sorry." He could tell she was worried. "I was trying to spare you from stepping into the water. I did not realize that said water would soak you anyways when I came close. Science theories on displaced matter where never my thing in school."
The sheepish face she gave him made him laugh and diffused the situation entirely. His dear Elsie made this sort of misjudgment now and then and he couldn't be upset if her intention was noble in the first place. She looked like she still did not know what his reaction would be, sinking into her seat, timidly.
"I think you need to pay for this mistake. I seek retribution." His voice was clear and direct, giving off no hint of his current mood.
Elsie raised one eye, wondering what he meant by retribution. Was he trying to be funny or maybe sultry? He was never any good at wooing her. His idea of a pickup line when they met had been, "Would it displease you to talk?" This relationship had progressed because of her and despite his awkward advances. He was lucky she had seen his worth and his heart.
"Retribution, Charles? That is so passé. You've not been caught up in a Liam Neeson movie. It is just a water-soaking - not kidnapping or murder." She winked at him, hoping her guess regarding his sweet talk was right.
"Come here". He leaned in and wrapped his arm around her neck, bringing her closer. Without much preamble, he brought his lips to hers and kissed her soundly.
Elsie was stunned momentarily but only for a second. She did not mind that he was getting her wet too. She gave herself into it, deepening it further. He was an excellent kisser and if retribution was what he wanted, she would gladly give it to them. Was this supposed to be a punishment for her? She hardly thought so and if this pleased him, she would not argue. She liked it when her husband was frisky.
They were brought out of their reverie by the car behind them. It honked its horn gently, startling them. They were blocking traffic on the street. Elsie moved back quickly and put the car into gear, moving out of the way.
"We're heading home, so that I can shower, change and claim the rest of my payment." He winked. "….and not precisely in that order."
He had the most mischievous look that warmed her heart. "Sounds like a plan."
After a few minutes on the road, Elsie remembered the important matter he was there to investigate.
"So, did you get it?" There was a look of expectation on her face, even as she continued to drive.
"What do you think?" He smiled, proud of himself that day. "I did, although I am not sure I can trust the information."
"Why? Did they not track down the driver?"
Charles rolled his eyes. "It just does not seem logical to me. Maybe you can understand it better than I."
"Well then, go on, love."
"We tracked the driver, a Mr. Rajesh Williams. He didn't have any passengers at the moment and answered our questions. He did remember Vera when I described her and told him where he picked her up. He said that she asked to be dropped off at the SG Petch Car dealership on Jockey Lane at Monks Cross."
Elsie's brows furrowed. The information sounded crazy to her too. "Monks Cross?" she asked, trying to make sense of it. If what Charles was told was true, then she had taken a taxi almost back to where she started. The SG Petch dealership was not too far from the Park and Ride where she had left her car. There was the race track, the go cart facility and the waterworks complex that stood between the dealership and where she was leaving her car.
"Yes, Monks Cross. It doesn't seem logical to me, even if she were trying to form a deception, that she would go out of her way to come to the place right next door. We'll have to drive by and see if there is a guest house or private flats within walking distance."
"Did the driver say anything else?"
"He said she was very fidgety the entire trip, because she changed sitting positions quite frequently. She kept looking out the window and even asked him if he could go faster. When they arrived at the destination, he asked her if he should wait. She said no and handed him a 50 pound note for an 18 pound fare. That's why he remembered her. He had never received such a generous tip before."
Mmmm. Elsie wondered to herself what could make her do such a round trip. It also answered a nagging doubt she had in her mind. When Vera had eluded them this last time, she and Charles had gone back to the Park and Ride to wait for her. In all, she had been gone a little over two hours. As they pottered about in their car, trying to entertain themselves, she suddenly appeared on site. They had anticipated her arrival either by bus, or taxi, or perhaps even dropped off by her lover, but the minutes before she emerged, there had been no activity to confirm she had arrived via any one of those options. It caught them by surprise and they barely had enough time to sink low into their seats to avoid detection. If she had walked there, or had been dropped off further away, that would explain her precipitous arrival.
"Well, if that is her modus operandi, then we shall be waiting for her."
It was a glorious day and Anna was thrilled that a new week had started. Another week meant a different department and learning something completely novel to her. It also meant goodbye to Sarah O'Brien. Gwen had pulled her aside at the end of last week to congratulate her on surviving and for having put Sarah in her place. The redhead had gone as far as hugging her when they were out of sight, gushing about how cool Anna was and how much Sarah probably hated her by now, which was not a bad thing. Anna wasn't as excited. While it felt good to put the woman in her place and to receive apologies from Mr. Bates, she had not come to Bates Airlift to start a ruckus, or generate workplace conflict. She prided herself in her ability to remain neutral and friendly to all, maintaining a pleasant demeanor. That was her métier at Warwick University and it had not failed her until now. The stakes were higher. She could not afford to make Sarah a permanent enemy. Not when she was so connected to Vera. She spent the weekend thinking about how she could make it up to the older woman, to distract her hate and gain some points against whatever penance she would have to do to get on her good side. She had nothing thus far. Sarah was just plain difficult.
Now, she stretched comfortably, ready to start, and walked across the compound's tarmac. Mr. Bates told her she could relax her dress code for this new assignment and suggested she wear pants in which she could bend and stretch. She didn't want to wear jeans, thinking it wouldn't be professional, so she found some older black slacks she didn't really wear anymore and a plain light blue, long sleeve shirt made out of t-shirt material. She found the most comfortable walking shoes and pulled her hair back as she always did. She would be assisting William and Tom with the helicopters. She wasn't sure she could do anything at all, not having any knowledge of what it took to maintain one of these birds. Maybe she was set to help them clean them up. If that were the case, it didn't bother her one bit. All of it was exciting.
She came into the hangar and saw both mechanics so focused on whatever they were doing that that they had not seen her approach.
"Hello….." she called out, as she neared the desk where they were huddled.
They both jumped up, startled by her arrival.
"I didn't mean to surprise you. I wasn't trying to be quiet or anything," she added in the hopes that they were not upset with her.
"Oh, it's not your fault," added the gentle young man she had come to know as William. He was such a sweet person, and very shy. He hardly came into the offices, preferring to spend time with his metallic girls in the hangar. "We were just very absorbed, determining how we were going to paint this dragon on Ava."
Anna looked confused, but had an inkling of what they might be talking about. "Is that the wish child, Haley's dragon? The one Mr. Bates talked about at the meeting last week?" She had left the meeting to cover the phones and missed some of the finer points regarding how the office would handle the affair. She had not been assigned any tasks, and had forgotten to ask Gwen where she might be needed.
'That's the one. You, William and I have three days to make Ava look phenomenal." He pointed at one of the three helicopters in the bay. Maggie was in her usual corner. By now Anna knew only Mr. Bates flew her, and it had been the chopper he had used when he surprised her the day she took the illicit shower. The other helicopter was Audrey. She could not tell them apart by their make and model's characteristics yet, but Gwen had shared that if she looked at the underside, close to the front, she would find the bird's name beautifully stenciled. It had helped immensely since her first day on the compound.
She joined the team in plotting and learned that William was very creative and liked to draw in his spare time. The actual drawing of the dragon had been provided by the foundation, as it was the dragon the child envisioned in her imagination. William pledged that he would do his best to convert the oddly shaped helicopter into something that looked similar to the paper. They divided the work between the three of them, Tom explaining that between himself and William, they also needed to complete a full mechanical revision of Audrey by week's end. A complete overhaul, they called it. Wish child or not, they still had some important work to do. Mr. Bates was a generous man by taking Ava out of the roster for four days. It would take three days to prep her, plus the day she would be used for the outing. That was in addition to the complete revision scheduled for Audrey. Two helicopters out of commission cost the company money. They needed to make sure that there was no delay of any kind this week. Thus, having Anna with them would be a godsend. Even though it was difficult for her to believe, they both confirmed that she would be helping them greatly.
She was further surprised when Tom handed her a package surrounded by plastic wrapping.
"What is this?" she asked surprised, as she turned it over and around, looking for clues.
"It is your jumpsuit. You didn't think we would let you work in that, did you?" Tom was pointing at her clothing.
Anna didn't know whether to be put off by his comment. He didn't look like he was trying to offend her. She wanted to ask what was wrong with her outfit, but he beat her to it.
"No offense, darling. You look just fine….but; you'll see the difference when you wear it. "
Anna opened the package to reveal the same outfit that Tom and William were wearing. It seemed to be her size too. Following their instructions, she went into the storage room for spare parts, the only enclosed area in the hangar that could provide privacy. Closing the door behind her, she proceeded to make sure there were no windows and no cameras. An innocent action like changing could change her world if it ended up on the internet. Not that she suspected the guys would do that. She thought Tom and William looked trustworthy, but she still did not know them well enough. It was also in her nature as a private investigator to doubt. Tom was on her top five list right now and she hoped that this week with him could remove him. When she was ready and felt comfortable that there was no hidden camera, she disrobed and put on the jumpsuit. After she zipped it up, she realized Tom was right. It was very comfortable. She didn't have a name embroidered onto the outfit like they did, but she felt like she belonged there and she was loving every second of it.
Anna was astonished after working a full day in the hangar at just how many interruptions Tom and William had to contend with. Some were routine. She observed Michael Gregson and Jack Ross leave on an oil platform run with a full load on Marilyn. Before they could even take off, many things had to happen. Working in the sheltered office space, she had not imagined the buzz of activity required for each and every departure. Gwen had escorted several oil rig workers to board the chopper. Previously, William had fueled it and she had helped follow the safety procedures. Nobody was allowed in the vicinity during that activity. Not even her. Then she was allowed to walk around as Tom had done a flight pre-check with Michael. They inspected the rails, the entire body of the machine for any scratches or dents that could impact the aerodynamics, as well as each rotor. Michael had told her that it was just as much his responsibility, as a Pilot, to make sure that their helicopters were in shape, than it was of their mechanics. He was the one flying it and the one who wanted to get home safely. That made a lot of sense to Anna. Evelyn had sourced the refreshments from the hangar's refrigeration units, showing her where they needed to be placed and he showed her how to read Sarah's trip sheets, from their point of view, so that their customers had what they needed. It was her most interesting experience thus far. She liked aviation very much.
After the departure took place, both William and Tom stepped back into the hangar to finish their duties. To help them, she was assigned the prep work on Ava. They would be using water based paints that were soluble and easy to clean up afterwards. They needed to paint her within the hangar, as the rainy weather or early morning Yorkshire mist could bleed the colors and lines through, ruining their work. Maggie had to be moved out to make space for Ava and Mr. Bates had agreed, understanding that space would be minimal. The bird was set up at a convenient angle to Audrey so that they could go between assets without any problem. She was instructed to tape up the rear rotor and to cover any orifice that she found. Paint could not get into the motor or dry up in any vents or mechanical parts of the helicopter, as it could pose a safety concern. Once painted, the tape would be removed so that he helicopter could function correctly. After taping, she would have to paint the entire aircraft with white primer so that William's design would be discernible and not conflict with the Bates Airlift logo beneath.
It was during this challenge that she realized of their not so routine interruptions. Vera came by. Mrs. Bates had not noticed her, lying flat on the floor underneath Ava, as she taped as per their instructions. IT was a good vantage point, she realized. The woman came through, meandering in between both choppers and avoiding the ladders and tables full of taken-apart bits that both mechanics were removing from the aircraft. Anna didn't inquire yet, but they had a system, making sure they did not end up with any leftover parts after putting Audrey back together. Each table seemed to be exclusive for a single operating component. Vera dodged the last one until she was close to Tom, currently bent over the front engine.
"Is Maggie sitting out there because my husband is planning a trip?" Tom had not heard her walk in, absorbed in the electrical system. He almost hit his head when turning to acknowledge her. William was on the other side, on a ladder, taking apart the rear rotor. Tom knew she was addressing him.
"I think Mr. Bates would be better able to answer that question than I, Mrs. Bates."
"Nonsense, Tom. You know everything that goes on around here." She moved in a little closer and touched his arm. "You would have to prep the aircraft for use." She puckered her lips trying to look more attractive. Flirting was her tool and she was fully employing it on the Irish man.
It was in this moment, perhaps in the tone of voice or the words employed, that Anna took Tom Branson off of the potential lover list. She realized he could be deflecting Mrs. Bates because she, herself, was a few feet away, listening in, and William was looking on, but there was fire in his voice; that of loyalty and steadfastness. He looked annoyed at her actions towards him, refusing to be a pawn in whatever game she was playing. He did not look like a jilted or ex-lover either – just a working man, trying to do his job right. Maybe Sarah should spend some time with him. She could learn a lot.
"I am very sorry Mrs. Bates. I do not keep tabs on your husband. I may work for him, but I am not his keeper. Maggie is prepared and ready all the time. He does not tell me when he goes and if he did, I would not be the one to share that information. All flights into and out of the compound are registered in our flight logs. As co-owner, you have access to those as well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have much work to get done."
She did not look too thrilled. She was even less excited when Anna dropped the roll of tape she was carrying and the sound of the boom it made on the floor echoed through the hangar. Vera turned her head to investigate where the sound came from. She detected Anna on the floor and huffed with a bit of indignation of having discovered a witness to Tom's brush-off of her.
She spun to leave, ignoring Anna and Tom. "Good-bye William." She made it a point to emphasize his name. The young man made no attempt to answer Vera who was already half way through the tarmac.
"Does she do that often? Come here like that?" Anna thought she would ask, when Vera was far enough away to not hear, in the off chance that Tom was in the talking mood. It wouldn't hurt and maybe she could get some answers, furthering her investigation.
She was in luck, moderately.
"Yes, ever so often. I admire Mr. Bates greatly. He is a good man and a decent employer. I wish I could say the same thing about her. She tries to parade herself as a great lady, but, she has lost my respect in the way that she tries to get things from everybody using her charm and good looks. I prefer women who use their brains. She's a beautiful lady, but I am not biting."
"She's a nice lady. I've not had a problem with her," William added meekly, as he came around to work on the rotor structure on the other side, where Anna could now see him.
"You be careful William. You're just the type to get caught up in her intrigue. You are very trusting, good person, and that can hurt you in the future. You steer clear of her, and you will be alright."
Tom did not say much after that and she did not want to press either of them. William stayed quiet, tending to his work. Anna reflected on Tom and William's words, as she put the finishing touches on the tape.
By the afternoon's end, they had tended to additional flights. They saw Daisy and Jimmy off on their Executive runs and also saw to the landing of Sophia, with Evelyn Napier and Tony Gillingham at the helm. By the early evening, when things were winding down, they had their last interruption. To Anna, this was the most shocking of all.
She had nearly finished painting Ava, all on her own. Both Tom and William were impressed that she had managed to prime nearly all of her, not needing their assistance. Anna enjoyed doing it, greatly. Her father had been very handy, always doing things around their flat and she spend much time with him that way. She was not gifted, like he was, but she knew her way around tools and was not afraid to take on any project. She thought a lot about him the entire time she held the paintbrush in her hands. Regardless of her personal motivation and memories, her progress had allowed William much time to work on Audrey and complete the rear rotor check in one day. They were making good time with all of their tasks this week.
Intent on finishing the priming that very same day, Anna had to contort her body to reach some cumbersome angles on the surface. The mood in the area was mellow. Tom had relaxed the ambience in the hangar a few hours back and had put the radio on. She was listening to the DJ's discuss the local MP's proposal on tax increases. She was not often political, not like she felt Tom might be. He had already shared his opinion on a couple of matters. Even when she mostly kept her opinions to herself, she liked to keep abreast of what was going on in her community when she could. Since joining Bates Airlift, that had not been possible and this was a welcome distraction. It was when she was paying attention to the radio that she felt something slide across her bum. It felt like a hand had patted her. It was a weird sensation, because when it happened, she was completely bent over, standing on one leg, while the other was in the air, balancing her body so she would not topple. She was trying to catch one of the missing spots on the chopper that lying down, she would not reach. When she was able to move herself upright, she was surprised to see that Richard Carlisle had come into the hangar and was standing next to Tom Branson, only a couple of meters away.
Could he….? Would he have dared to touch her? Anna looked around for a possible explanation. It had to be him. He was not there a moment ago. There were no tables she could have bumped, nothing she could have touched on her own. Yet, Richard looked completely at ease. He was chatting with Tom about a configuration challenge within Marilyn and Sophia, something a customer needed that they currently were not offering. She expected that men who thrived on taking those sorts of risks, those who got an adrenaline rush, wouldn't hide themselves. They would be proud of their achievement, either smirking or standing their ground. Richard was not doing that. That made her doubt that it had happened at all, except she was certain she felt something. She could not have imagined it. She sighed with internal frustration. With nothing tangible to go on, she kept quiet and internalized her feelings. He would not get away with it. If he was the predator type, she would be on the lookout for him. Nobody should get away with that sort of behavior.
Anna looked sore as she walked in, barely able to hold some files in her hands. "You have white paint in your hair, love." Elsie noticed as Anna leaned in to kiss Pops. "What do they have you doing in that place?"
"I was painting a helicopter and it was a more physical activity than I anticipated. That's my excuse."
Anna lifted Pops chin and looked back and forth between her Godparents who were both wearing their matching gingham print robes at 7pm. It was way too early to be dressed for bed.
"Pops has a love bite under his jaw. What's your excuse?" Anna loved to toy with them and to see them squirm. They both flushed with embarrassment. That reaction meant that she had guessed correctly. They had been enjoying the pleasures of intimacy. She loved that about them. They were never too old to enjoy of each other. As a teen, growing up with them, it was slightly embarrassing, but having had a couple of boyfriends at university, she understood. She hoped that with whatever man she married, decades later, they would still crave one another. To find somebody, whom you connected with on an emotional and physical level was divine, and she hoped to someday partake in that joy. Her mind drifted to thoughts of Mr. Bates. She wondered if he was the frisky type.
"Never mind that," Pops said sternly, hoping to deflect the conversation to the discussion of Anna's research on the Bates case. "You look like you need your rest, so let's get on with it."
Anna laughed nervously. She was slightly ashamed about what she had been thinking. It was not right to think about a married man. She flushed him from her mind. "Alright, let's start. You two need your rest too."
Anna settled all the files in the dining room table. She had found something that she wanted to explore more. She wasn't sure it was an indication of anything, but it warranted a discussion.
She had looked at all of the files, mobile records and bank statements for each person. It was arduous, detailed work.
Jack had a penchant for buying jewelry and lingerie. At first Anna thought it was suspicious and a clear sign of his wooing somebody; maybe Vera. She knew he had a fiancé, as he talked about her constantly. That didn't mean anything. Then, Anna observed him keenly and just last Friday, his very bubbly and pretty girlfriend, one Miss Rose McClare, came by to fetch him. They were on each other instantly, not quite caring that they were in the compound's car park, visible to others. Anna was leaving for the day and happened upon them. After snogging for several minutes, yet still clutching on to each other, they were talking low, so nobody could overhear, but she did pick up on her thanking him for something he had just bought her. They looked a picture of happiness and hormones. There could be no crumbs left over for somebody else. Jack was off the hook.
Richard Carlisle was still an enigma. She had her mixed feelings about him after her questionable groping incident, but, his records were all clean. He had dinners and lunches at high scale establishments, but that was reasonable given the socio-economic status of their clientele. He couldn't very well reel in a client by taking them to lunch at a Nando's. He shopped at very fine establishments. He had hotel stays, but Anna could reference them all back to bona fide conventions and summits, all taking place outside of Yorkshire. Vera never attended any of those events, Mr. Bates had said. She could not go and him not know about it, thus, those hotel stays, as a point of liaison, were unlikely. His bank statements showed some sizable deposits, all from Bates Airlift. He gained commission on all new clients. Judging by the accumulation of money, the company was doing well with his efforts.
Evelyn Napier spent more than he earned, but he had a generous family stipend to add to his income. He was the heir to the Napier family seat and would be Viscount Branksome someday. That did not mean much anymore. They had very little of the wealth of their forefathers, and had sold most of their ancestral lands and homes since World War Two. Most of his family lived in the South East, beyond London, but he had liked Yorkshire and made his living, doing what he liked, which was flying. He had done his duty and enlisted, flying during the Afghanistan interventions, as would have been expected of anybody with his lineage. He had trained with helicopters and did not want to leave it. His expenses all reflected his background. He played polo as a hobby, attended all horse races and went to high profile events such as Ascot. He was married, and Anna sensed his relationship was dull. He did not talk much about his wife. This made him perfect, as a candidate for Vera's lover. He was not off the hook, but she just couldn't see it. Everything about Evelyn was about honor and duty and having an illicit affair did not seem in his nature.
Tom lived a frugal and sensible life. He was a member of many societies and unions. He had subscriptions to political magazines. He lived in a modest neighborhood and voided himself of many frivolities. He directed some of his money back home to help his widowed mother. That, plus his passionate words from earlier in the day, had her believing he could not be the one. With him, it was just the feeling that his ideals would not allow him. He needed a woman of substance, not a fling with somebody who stood for everything he did not. He was no longer under investigation.
"Earth to Anna….. Are you too tired to talk, love?" Elsie looked worried. Anna's mind had gone into her own world for a moment, analyzing everything she had done over the past days. She had kept silent for several minutes.
She was tired, and her muscles ached from the sudden physical toll painting would cause, but that was not it. She was just absorbed in the investigation.
"No, I am fine. I was just thinking some things through. I have reviewed a substantial amount of information and I have deleted two men from the list - Jack Ross and Tom Branson. Two of the others, Richard Carlisle and Evelyn Napier, are inconclusive and still under my watch, but there is something about Anthony Strallan that is not right."
Pops pulled the file to look at it. "What have you found?"
"He's not the alpha-male type. He's a sweet, but awkward man. I don't see Vera falling for him, but he is useful to her. Anthony Strallan and Vera Bates have some abnormal withdrawals, in similar time frames. I don't know if it means anything, but I cannot ignore it."
Anna had gone over Vera's expenses thoroughly. From what Mr. Bates had told her, after all operating expenses were taken care of; the excess revenue was deposited in an account in the company's name. He did not want all of that money distributed to him and Vera as owners, as it might be needed to operate the company in case there was a shortage. Still, this main operating account sent each one of them a deposit every month for their personal expenses. He was the one that managed the main account only. Vera often questioned him on it, stating that she should have oversight too, as he could manage the money unfairly. He always quieted her by stating that the account could be put to audit and he had nothing to be ashamed of. The monthly distributed amount was generous, and Vera would want for nothing…. Except, she barely had any money in her account. Their house and her car were paid for and Mr. Bates handled the payment of their utilities and insurance. Thus, the money she received was hers to use as she desired. Her credit card had her spending all over Yorkshire, but it never totaled the amount of her monthly distribution. Two monthly withdrawals were taken from that account, but there was no trace of where the money was going. It was odd.
Pops looked over the notes she had made. "It does look odd. Has Joe traced this money?"
"I can't ask him to trace it. The withdrawals are in the form of cashier's checks, made directly at the banks, payable to her. He would have to scan millions of bank records here in the UK, for any matching deposits made a few days after the withdrawal. It is a gargantuous task, one that I am not sure we need to undertake right now."
"She's right Charles. Our investigation on her is for infidelity and if that payment is being made to any of the men. If none of their bank accounts have it, we have no time to follow up on that."
He relented. "I suppose you are right." He sighed disconcerted. He liked to know what everything meant when they were on a case, whether it was relevant to them or not. "What does that have anything to do with him?" He pointed at Anthony's file.
"He's not receiving the funds, I can tell you. But he is making similar withdrawals, from the same bank, during similar time periods. He has substantially less funds than she. His withdrawal amounts are directly proportional to his salary as Financial Controller."
"That is odd," added Elsie. "Has he any family that he could be sending the money to?"
Anna nodded negatively. "He's never married and his parents have passed. He has siblings and nephews, but no children that could be tracked."
"What about any illegal vices?" Pops added, equally confused.
"Nothing that I am aware of at the moment. I was going to ask Mr. Bates if I could take my investigation a step further and have the office keys of his managers, as I would rather not break in. I think it is time to implant some devices. I want to listen to some of Anthony's calls and look at some of the files in his office. It wouldn't hurt to have Richard Carlisle's' either, just in case. I've avoided doing that with Vera because with her, we want to make sure everything is legal and our process court admissible, but, it may not hurt to listen in to some of her conversations to make sure I am going in the right direction."
"Be very careful, Anna." Elsie took her hand. "We really don't know these people and if they catch you, they could hurt you. I would never forgive myself." Pops looked equally mortified.
"What's brought this on?" She kissed each one of her Godparents on the cheek. "Of course I'll be careful. Both of you taught me well and we are not dealing with the mafia here. These are average people."
"Yes, dear, but they are average people whose lives you are prying into. Just, take every precaution, please."
"What do you mean I have to take her?" Richard seemed taken aback by the premise.
"Don't be coy Richard. We've talked about this before. Gwen has an interest in Sales. I would like her to be exposed to the actual job, maybe meet some clients. I want to see her potential." Mr. Bates knew Richard was trying to get out of it, just as he had managed before.
"Do you think that is wise? She is needed on the phones. What would you do without her?"
"We will manage. We do when she is on holiday. This is no different." He was tired of Richard's misogynist tendencies.
Richard looked pensive, or more likely, formulating additional excuses.
"Is it wise that her first exposure is to the "Oil and Gas Summit?" It is too risky, as I will be meeting with potential clients, including the team from CONOCO EXPLORATIONS. The piranhas from Helicopters UK will be there too. I can't babysit, fend off the competition and land the new account at the same time. Maybe we should think about it another time". He simulated deep thought. "I can take her with me to the Transport Summit held in a few months." He looked like he meant this offer to be taken seriously.
"Richard, why is this so difficult for you to accept? Gwen will go to this summit with you, none other." He stood his ground and crossed his arms. He would not back down.
"What is she supposed to do? Be my hostess?"
Before Bates could think to say something, Richard continued on that same thought.
"That's perfect! I will take her as my hostess and it will help give more VIP appeal to our stand."
"Richard, that is not what I want Gwen to do. I want her to be next to you and see you work. If you need a hostess, we'll get a hostess, but it will not be Gwen."
"The girl doesn't know anything about helicopters. I am being fair. She would be best served as a hostess."
"What do you mean she doesn't know anything about helicopters? She knows a great deal more than you give her credit for and she knows a great deal more than Thomas did when you took him last year."
Richard raised his eyebrows, clearly not convinced. John Bates would not tolerate this. Gwen was going to that meeting. He had promised her and she deserved it. He picked up the phone, startling Richard. He dialed a number without saying anything.
"Gwen, can you please come a moment?"
The redhead was there in less than a minute.
"Can you tell me the difference between Marilyn and Maggie and Grace?"
Gwen looked confused. She didn't understand what he wanted to know. "The difference- as in capacity? Or the difference aesthetically?"
"From your time working with us, tell me anything you have learned about these girls. There is no right or wrong answer."
Gwen took a deep breath.
"Maggie is a Schweitzer 300C. She is a comfortable two-seater, but can be configured for three. She flies at 86 knots and hovers at 10,800 feet. Her capacity is 36 gallons. Depending on the weight of the occupants, that would give us about 3.5 to 4 hours of flying in average weather with no headwinds. She is Mr. Bates' private aircraft and has only been used on two emergency client runs in the past."
She breathed. Mr. Bates looked pleased. Richard did not.
"Marilyn is a MD600 NOTAR, just like Ava. It is designed for a two pilot operation, but can be managed as an individual as well for short runs. The capacity is for a total of six passengers, plus crew. She flies at 185 knots, much faster than Maggie, and can climb up to 18,700 feet. We use this as our Executive service aircraft and have the configuration with luxury interiors for our distinguished clientele. She carries 70 gallons and depending on occupant and cargo weight, can fly between 5 and 6 hours.
Mr. Bates could see Richard becoming more uncomfortable as Gwen went on. Her face reflected a bit of confusion, not really knowing why she was being asked such a question, but continued, surely comforted by Mr. Bates smile.
"Grace is a Sikorsky 92. She is our workhorse, together with Sophia. Without them, we could not do our oil platform runs. She requires two pilots, but can seat 19 passengers when configured correctly. She flies at 165 knots, not as fast as Marilyn or Ava, but she can outperform with the amount of cargo and passengers she can carry. She can reach 14,000 feet and carry a combined weight of 26,500 pounds. She can go up to 10 hours, given the right conditions. Bates Airlift is the only helicopter company in England that uses this chopper giving us a significant advantage over our competitors. Her safety features are our premium selling point, and the amount of accidents recorded is among the lowest for all helicopter types. You've not asked me about Audrey or Brigitte. They are Bell 412's. Should I continue?"
"No, Thank you Gwen. That was brilliant."
She grinned, very pleased with herself.
"I've learned everything I can about them. I love working in them and around them." She still did not know what this was about, but was pleased that Mr. Bates had liked her answer.
"Richard has something he wants to say to you." He turned to look at his Sales Manager. The man was not expecting to say anything to Gwen, so he had caught him off guard. He said nothing for a minute. Mr. Bates helped him along. "Richard, what were we just talking about?"
Richard shrugged and with a tone full of regret, addressed the young woman. "Mr. Bates would like you to come with me to next week's Oil and Gas summit to help me at the Bates Airlift stand.
Her eyes opened as wide saucers, not expecting to hear such a thing from him, ever. But he had not invited her; he had said that Mr. Bates wanted it. Was this a real invitation?
"So, am I going?" The redheaded asked with a guarded enthusiasm. It wouldn't do to get excited if that was not the case.
Richard finally answered. "Yes, you will come with me."
John looked at the IPhone in his hands and opened the twitter icon. He had to tweet Anna and this would be his first ever attempt. Just last night, he had opened the drop box app as she had shown him. She had written several notes regarding advances in her Godparent's pursuit of Vera and that they were getting closer, and then explained to him that she felt it was time to access the offices of each one of his Managers. She suggested she might implant some listening devices and go through some files, but did not want to specify who yet. She promised to maintain a high level of ethics and she would not take anything, making them suspicious. As always, she would perform such activities in the early hours of the morning or late at night when nobody was there.
He pondered whether that was wise. If she were caught, that could jeopardize his whole plan and he needed to be rid of Vera definitely. He decided to trust her. She and her Godparents were professional and they knew what they were doing. Although the investigation was taking longer than he had hoped, Mr. Carson asked him when they first met if he was willing to be patient. He was. He wanted this done right. Anna was very competent. She was also very beautiful. Maybe it was better if the investigation went slow. If it moved any faster, he wouldn't have her around as much and that would leave him sad; sadder than he cared to admit to anyone. He still didn't know why, but she brightened his day just by seeing her. She also gave him a sense of security and that his freedom was just around the corner.
So, now, he was resolved to communicate as instructed and answer her back. He had hidden the requested keys in a metal tin in the refrigerator. IT was towards the back, hidden by the containers of half-eaten take away food left behind by his employees. It was easy to find, but not simple enough to be discovered without knowing what you were looking for. He couldn't just put them on her desk. Where was the fun in that? He wanted to be sly too and play her game. That meant learning twitter. He thought it was for teenagers when she first mentioned it and felt a little odd. He was over forty. Did people in his age bracket do this too? He learned they did when he spent the better part of the evening reading through tweets and looking up some of his idols. He was amazed and entertained for hours. He wanted to follow some of them, but knew that if he did, he might compromise his identity. He could do that later, if he was still amused enough by it, when this was all over. For now, he would remain with the people she had selected as they were interesting enough. They were right up his alley too – a respected journalist, the civil aeronautics association, aviation periodicals, some key players in the oil industry, some of his helicopter manufacturers, some noted authors. It was a well-rounded list. Was that a part of her job? Knowing the people he would follow? Learning his likes? She understood him better than he thought she would in such a short time - better than Vera ever did after 18 years and he had known Anna for less than two months. He wanted to believe it was all business, all the time. She was younger and should not be interested in this married, soon to be divorced old man, but their few meetings had told him that was not the case. He felt that with each moment they shared, they were getting closer. They were drawn to each other. After their pub meeting and her gentle flirting, he suspected it was not all business for her either.
The little keyboard was too small for his thick fingers and he typed slowly to avoid any mistakes. He had thus far written – THE KEY TO A MAN'S – when he accidentally hit the send message. Did he really just post that? He went to look onto the account and realized that he did. His message was not complete. She was going to think he was a moron. Bollocks! He yelped, annoyed at himself. Where was the button to delete or edit? He couldn't find one. He should have read the instructions and the FAQ files before he started. He did not have time for that now. He needed to get the message out now and he would have to write it again.
He took his time to avoid the same mistake. He managed to write – THE KEY TO A MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH- when he repeated the mistake. His not so dainty fingers botched his second attempt and the SEND key was accidentally pressed. He looked at his timeline and yet again, the evidence of his incompetence was there for the world to see. Not only would she think he was technically challenged, but so would the other followers she had managed to garner for him.
He would not let this foolish app defeat him and he started slowly, carefully, avoiding the infernal corner where the SEND button was situated. This time, he finally made it.
THE KEY TO A MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH THE STOMACH.
That should get her to think about food and where it was stored. Was that too forward, though? Would she think he was sending out hints? Blimey. He had not thought it through. He could have used any other analogy that mentioned key, but it was too late.
Anna was amused as she read Mr. Bates' tweet attempts. How precious, she thought. He had tweeted three times until he finally had it right. This was her fault. She had not done a good enough job when she taught him, as he had not deleted his prior attempts. She would have to send him a link with instructions. Still, his persistence was adorable and it endeared him to her even more. Even his choice of words was charming.
THE KEY TO A MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH THE STOMACH.
This was obviously his way of reporting the whereabouts of the keys she had requested. She wouldn't dare believe that he was giving her hints on how to conquer his heart. When she had relayed the communication strategy, that they would use twitter, he had raised an eyebrow, questioning her. He had not said it in words, but, he did not need to. He was doubting either his ability, or felt too old for it. She wondered if he would follow through and was glad that he had attempted it and taken on the challenge. He was a good man, and if she were asked to provide an opinion, would gladly say that he was not old at all. He did have more years than she did, but that made him more interesting. He was a real man. She sighed to herself and lamented the situation. If they had met at another time and place, they could have been good together.
She brushed that idea from her mind. The moment she had a break, she would set off in the direction of the kitchen. She was sure to find the keys there.
It was the day before the great event and Ava was coming along satisfactorily. William still had some detailing to do. For the most part, Anna had helped with whatever she could. Tom had enlisted her help with Audrey again. He had finished the complete revision of the electric and hydraulic systems and was now working to test and re-gauge all of avionic components. While he worked on the altimeter, speed and fuel systems, he instructed Anna to remove all the seats from their tracks and explained how to clean the leather, how to oil the tracks, deep clean the flooring and vacuum the interiors. It was all back breaking work, but she enjoyed it also. She went from working on the interiors, to helping William paint the odd bits on Ava. She did not have a single free moment.
It was during a paint session, when she was stenciling the name of the dragon on the front, as William and Tom attended to another departure, that she saw him again. Working at the hangar the past three days meant that seeing him was difficult. She walked through the office in the morning, greeting everybody she encountered, but one day he had his door closed, and another day he had not arrived yet. Their weekly staff meeting, the one she had been anticipating, had been cancelled, in lieu of a planning meeting for Haley's Wish. With the amount of work due at the hangar, only Tom went in representation of the three of them. She couldn't protest, it all made sense, but that did not mean her heart had not felt it. She had been anticipating that meeting for several days.
He had his arms full and she stood to help him.
"Mr. Bates, let me help you." She reached him quickly and stretched out her arms, hoping to help with the load. She realized that might be foolish. He was a strong man and she a petite woman. Worse, she might hurt his male pride at inferring he could not handle it.
"It looks heavier than it seems, Anna. It's just a little bulky. No need to worry." He reached a table and set down the packages. He didn't appear to be insulted by her offer.
"Tom or William could have carried that for you. You should have called."
He looked at her with a smile. "They are busy with the departures, the dragon paint work and Audrey's overhaul. They don't need me adding to their burdens." He sorted through the packages until he came across the one he was looking for. "I can easily walk across the tarmac with a few parcels. I don't need to be waited on". He turned to look at her and added a statement that almost made her lose control. "…. and, it was an excuse to see you."
If Anna had not been leaning on the table when he said that, she felt she might have fainted and made a fool of herself. Did he really just say those words? Had he been waiting for the moment they would be busy to catch her here alone?
John looked on as he saw Anna flush at his words. He hadn't meant to be so bold, so vocal in his desire to seek her out. He had missed her presence in the office. He had to do something about it. He waited until everybody was busy with a full departure to walk unaided to the hangar. He knew she would be here. Somebody had to deliver the costumes the team would wear for tomorrow's event and why shouldn't it be him?
Anna was just as bold. "I am glad you came. It has been too long since we last saw each other." There was a hint of flirtation in her voice. She said it as she looked directly at him.
His eyes crinkled at the corners, pleased with her words.
"This is for you." He observed her for a moment. She was wearing the mechanic jumpsuit uniform. It was functional and non-fashionable, but she looked damn sexy in it, even with sensible shoes and her hair pulled back. She filled it quite nicely; like he had never seen before.
Anna reached for the package held out for her and as she took it, their hands touched. He felt an internal shiver run the length of his body. She did not pull away and neither did he. It was barely their knuckles grazing, not anything more suggestive or meaningful, but it was enough to alight a fire within them. They looked at each other as the energy between them built to a dizzying level. Both their hearts felt they would leap out of their skins. They might have stayed there a long time, maintaining contact and looking at each other, safely hidden from view by Audrey's angle within the hangar, had it not been for Brigitte, sitting on the tarmac and ready for departure. They started her noisy and windy rotors and it was enough to startle them and make them aware of their setting. Any moment now, they would be joined by Tom or William.
They stepped apart, Anna keeping the package in her hand.
"What is it?" she managed to ask. She finally looked at it.
"It is your costume for tomorrow. Call Gwen and she will fill you in on what you need to do."
A scurrying in the background alerted them that they were no longer alone.
"Boss, I saw you come in. Can I help you?" Tom came around the corner of the hangar to catch him and Anna chatting. They now looked a picture of composure.
"Nothing to worry about Tom, just the costumes I told you about at the meeting. I've given Anna hers. Yours and William are right there." He pointed at the table behind him.
"Thanks a million for bringing them down. We are drowning here." Tom was sincere in his appraisal of Mr. Bates.
"I know, and I didn't want you to waste any more time by coming to get them. I also don't want to interrupt you any further, so, I shall be on my way."
He patted Tom on the shoulder, smiled at Anna and made his way out.
Anna stood, bedecked in the costume she had been provided, in front of the full length mirror in her bedroom. She was supposed to be a villager and cheer the little girl on as soon as she arrived at the compound to board her flight tomorrow. Gwen had apparently sourced the outfits from a costume shoppe, she didn't explain where, but they would all be dressed tomorrow. In her enthusiasm, Gwen commented that she had let Anna have the prettiest outfit, partly because it was in her size and she felt it would look odd on Phyllis and Sarah, and because she was thrilled to be going to the Oil and Gas summit in London and that had already been a perk this week. Since Anna had put so much effort into the painting of Ava, she deserved to look her best.
She flittered around, watching the folds of green fabric twirl, wondering what shoes she could wear with this. It would have to be either the beige open toed-flats, or the brown colored gladiator style sandals. Nothing else in her ample inventory remotely worked and she wasn't even convinced by these two choices. She raised her hands and watched the fabric from the sleeves, flared from the elbows, fall down around her, exposing her arms. There was golden trim in all the seams of the entire dress and an intricate lattice pattern down the front. It was really quite pretty. She guessed it was supposed to be medieval, but she imagined that real village women wore more simple outfits, nothing as detailed as this.
She heard the door to their flat unlock. Mary must be coming home from her interview. She pulled her hair up and wondered how she might prepare it tomorrow. Maybe a braid across the top?
Mary popped her head in the door. She was about to say something, but the sight of Anna wearing such an outfit stumped all thoughts away from her.
"Mary, you're back. How was your interview?" She turned to focus on Mary.
"She cancelled on me. What is that?" Her finger waived up and down, referring to the costume.
"I am wearing it tomorrow. Remember I told you about the Make a Wish Foundation child?" Mary seemed to remember, as her eyes rolled in recognition. "What do you mean she cancelled?"
"She did. She left me a message on my mobile, with no explanations, and no alternatives. I returned the call, but she has not done the same. I am not sure what to do."
Mary had been trying to get an appointment with the Administrators of Highclere Castle, the Crawley's ancestral home. She wanted to work there, in any capacity, as she hoped to someday become the Estate Manager. It was now run by the Government and her family could lay no claims to it, but she knew more about the history of that place than anybody on their staff. She had books, photographs, registers – boxes full of documents and historical information, all left to her by her Grandmother, the last family member to live within the house. As a University project, she had created detailed family trees and had put together the information of the many dozens of servants that used to live there as well. She deserved to be at the helm, if even as an employee, but, she could not get the current Administrator to pay attention to her. It was not that she wanted to change anything, she just wanted to enhance the lore of the place and to make sure that the antiques and their valuable trust –owned heirlooms were handled correctly. She had finally managed to make an appointment, but as she had explained, it had been cancelled.
"Oh Mary, I am so sorry. Perhaps something happened. That does not mean that all is lost." Anna turned to give her a quick hug which Mary received with much appreciation. "Will you call her again?"
Mary sighed. "Yes, of course. I will not give up. I will run Highclere Castle come hell or high water, within the next ten years. Just wait and see."
Anna smiled, Mary had a lot of tenacity and Anna did not doubt that one bit.
"So what are you doing with your hair?" Mary asked as she took Anna's long blonde tresses in her hands.
"I don't know….Maybe, a long braid, done at the side, then coming round to frame my head?" She simulated what she meant by bringing her hair around her top.
Mary winced at the thought. " I think that is more of a 'Helga in the Alps' hairdo. Why don't you let me practice? I saw something beautiful on the telly - one of the Game of Thrones characters with your same hiar color had several interweaving braids. That would go well with this."
Mary was not daft. She did want to help Anna with a better coiffure, but, while she had Anna sitting down, she would ask her questions about John Bates. This was the perfect stress-free setting to get the truth from her. Maybe it was nothing, but if both she and her father had the same inkling when they saw them together last week, it was worth asking.
After a few minutes, Anna relaxed as Mary started a masterpiece on her head. Mary sensed it was time to start asking questions.
"I will make you look very pretty for tomorrow. You'll be a star." Mary grinned as her expert hands pulled and separated multiple strands of Anna's golden hair.
"Well, don't make me too pretty; I don't want to upstage Haley. She's supposed to be the star." Anna kept still. Moving meant her hair would be tugged and she wanted to avoid any physical pain.
"There's room for two of you. I'll make you look so pretty, John Bates will not be able to resist you, if that's what you want." There she said it. She looked straight into the mirror to gauge Anna's reaction.
"Wha-What do you mean? Why would John Bates want to look at me?" Anna had flushed and her eyes had opened wide with horror. She had moved an inch, startled, and it cost her a bit of discomfort as she felt her hair pulled.
"I don't know. You tell me." Mary's lips twisted to the side, inquisitively, while her eyes asked the question again wordlessly.
Anna was silent a moment, caught between the agony of lying or telling the truth; being caught and not knowing what to do. What could she even say? She felt something for him, she would be lying if said she didn't, but she could not process her feelings about that. He was married and he was a client. Yet, she was sure he felt something too. Today at the hangar proved it. Their knuckles collided and neither of them pulled away for several minutes. It was a divine moment for both of them.
Anna looked up and faced Mary's reflection in the mirror. Mary had stopped working, yet still had her hair twisted and turned around her hands. She still had no clue what to say and she was not often left without words. Perhaps, this was the moment of truth, when she should stop fooling herself.
Mary commented further. "Anna, your silence and your shocked face is relaying a lot more information to me than you probably intended to share. I don't mean to pry, but you and your welfare are important to me and both Father and I noticed you and John very close last week – both of you were too familiar for me to ignore it and I know you well enough to realize that there is something going on. You are working for him. I don't know how deep you are in right now; that is your business, but, are you sure a liaison with him is wise? I only ask because I care."
Mary's face reflected deep concern, enough to finally prompt Anna to answer.
"There is no liaison. He is married and he is my client and neither of us has forgotten that."
Anna's face was still laced with agony. Mary sensed that there was more than Anna wanted to say. She kept what she had braided in one hand, yet let some strands loose so that she could put her arm on Anna's shoulder, giving her strength.
"But….there is more, right?"
"Yes". Anna relented. "I feel drawn to him. I can't explain it and it is not right." Emotions started to bubble to the surface and Anna felt unshed tears accumulating in her eyes. She had never allowed herself to ponder more than the time it took to do a quick reflection. She often put thinking about the reality of their situation far from her mind, too busy with the dueling priorities of both jobs to give herself time to properly analyze what was going on.
"Have you two talked about this?"
"No, not at all. What am I supposed to say? You are married and I like you?" That last part was said facetiously and she auto corrected herself. "….I don't think so." The tears started to come down and once they did, Anna couldn't stop. It was like a dam had burst through. "I wasn't even sure if he liked me, but lately, I have started to believe that he is drawn to me too. I am worried that I will make a mess of things. I don't want to lose control."
Mary finally abandoned the whole hair project to come around and kneel in front of Anna. She never expected this level of emotion when she started her questions that evening. She took both of Anna's hands in hers.
"I am worried too, but not because I think you will do something foolish. I am worried that you are getting yourself into a situation that cannot be undone easily. John Bates is married, although not in the full sense of the meaning, but you could jeopardize the whole process. Maybe you should modify the investigation and leave the company? That would put you farther away, until everything is solved."
"I can't Mary. I can't leave him now. I promised I would find the proof of her infidelity and I promised I would find out who she was being unfaithful with. We are very close. I just have to keep a level head and remember that no matter my feelings, my actions can threaten everything. I'll have to be more careful to avoid him in the future."
A/N: Thank you for the lovely response to this story. I appreciate everybody that has read and reviewed, as I love to hear what you think. I am frightfully bad at responding and will do so as soon as I get back on home turf. Oh and I just realized that my last two chapters have been exceedingly long. I hope that isn't a problem.