For all the people who disliked Ana leaving Christian I am sorry, but this is not some imaginary world where you can flake on prior obligations. Enjoy. he last of drama for a long time I promise. Look forward to a steamy Valentine's Day Chapter.
Anastasia's POV:
It was so hard for me to leave Christian last night, but I have the prior obligation of work. I could not stay. At least next week I won't be working so I can give all the attention to the man I love. I pull on my cal long-sleeve contrast-trim dress before slipping my feet into my norva patent ankle-strap Mary Jane pumps, which are, thankfully, only three and a half inches tall. I do not have the energy for sky high pumps today. The car ride to work is full of anxiety for I need to keep my composure around Lacy. I have not yet decided what I want to say to her, but for the time being I need to be civil. I hope she continues not speaking to me. My comforts are not meet when she comes up to me and offers her condolences. Anger rushes through my entire body and my blood is boiling.
Calm down, Anastasia. I have to remind myself. She cannot know that you know. Tomorrow is the last day you have to work with her. I thank my subconscious for helping me for once.
"Thank you, Lacy." I smile at her wryly and walk into my office. I couldn't help but noticing the few scrapes and bruises she had on her. Charlie soon joins me with a cup of tea and a muffin. I look at her questionably. She always greets me with my tea, but never once has brought me breakfast.
"I baked them last night. Whenever people are going through times of distress, I feel I must bake them something." I know she isn't being truthful because she is a terrible liar.
"You're a hopeless liar, Charlie." She sighs and shrugs.
"Luke told me you don't eat well when you're stressed so I made sure to have breakfast here for you." That's actually one of the sweetest things anybody has done for me.
"Well, thank you very much, Charlie." I not only asked Charlie to be my assistant because she is the best at what she does, but it's also because she is one of the most warm-hearted people I have had the pleasure of knowing.
"It was no trouble at all. I would also like to say I am so sorry for what happened and send my best wishes to Christian."
"I will let him know that you said that."
"Thank you. I don't mean to pry, but I am curious. Do you have any idea who could have done this?" I know I can trust her with the truth. She is a loyal friend and it might make me feel better to confide in somebody.
"Yes, actually, I do."
"May I ask who?"
"Lacy." She gasps in astonishment.
"Do you really think she is capable of doing something like that?"
"Well by the way she helped me take down Jack when he attacked me makes me think she can. I have no hard proof, but she is the closest thing we have to a suspect at the moment. The letter that was sent just before the crash was written in her hand writing and has the initials L.H. on it. She was also not at work the day of the accident. The car that hit Christian also happened to be the same colour as hers and she has signs of just being in an accident." Charlie looks at me in shock without uttering a word. I quickly think to myself how stupid it was to tell Charlie. After all, I have no way of knowing if she is working with her. I quickly banish all bad thoughts about Charlie from my mind. I have been told to be an excellent judge of character and expressions. I know a genuine one if I see it.
"I am so sorry, Ana. It must be horrible for you. Are you going to confront Lacy?"
"Yes, I'm going to try and take her by surprise tomorrow after work."
"Smart."
"Well I have a ton of work to get to." I say and she takes that as he cue to leave. Every five minutes while I am trying to finish the last of my work as an editor, I get the burning desire to call Christian and see how he's doing. I decide to fish my ear buds out of my purse and listen to some classical music. I find it much easier to concentrate and bury myself in work. I go to grab another file on an author when I realize I have finished them all. I feel a ping of sadness. That was all that was left to do as my job as an editor. I check the time and realize it is much later then I thought. Eight thirty. Shit!
I grab my things and rush out the door to get Sawyer when I see him sitting with Charlie at her desk.
"Why didn't you come get me?" I ask confused. How did this happen?
"You seem so at peace doing your work so we decided it was best to let you enjoy it." I smile and give them both my thanks.
"Charlie, would you like to come over for dinner?" She looks to Sawyer then to me.
"I would love that."
"Alright Sawyer can drive you and I'll follow in the Audi."
"Ana, I'm not sure if that's a good idea."
"Fine you can follow me in her car. It's a ten minute drive I promise to drive slow." We stare at each other for a few moments before he agrees. He hands over the car keys and we ride down to the garage together.
"If Mr. Grey finds out, he's going to chop off my balls." Charlie winches and I laugh.
"First of all, call him Christian. Secondly, it will be out little secret." I pull out of the garage first giving them enough time to follow me as I make my turns. Sawyer insisted that I have him on the phone via the Bluetooth speaker in the car. I am constantly looking back to make sure Sawyer is right behind me, but I soon realize another car is behind him. I squint to try and get a closer look and see that it is a brunette, but other than that, I can't confirm it is in fact Lacy.
"Luke, do you see that?"
"See what Ana? You'll need to be more specific." I roll my eyes, but he has a fair point.
"The silver Lexus behind you. It's been trailing us the entire time."
"I see the brunette I can't get a good look at her though." Of course just my luck. "Charlie, sweetie, can you turn around and see if you recognize her?" I smile at Luke's affection for Charlie and try but fail to stifle a giggle.
"What's so funny?" He snaps knowing full well what I am referring to.
"Just you being too affectionate." I quickly turn into the garage at Escala and Sawyer follows. I turn off the car and step out and we walk to the elevator. I punch in the code and notice Charlie doing whatever she possible can not to look at what I'm typing. It's kind of adorable. Her eyes widen when we step of into the entrance to the apartment. She admires the beautiful flower arrangement and for the first time since living here I wonder how often the flowers are changed and who does it. Gail greets us all warmly and Sawyer introduces her to Charlie. Gail is overjoyed to finally meet the woman who has captured Luke's heart. Thankfully I had already asked Gail and Luke o eat with me tonight so she has made enough for an extra person. We sit at the dining table, which is rather awkward since it is a huge table. We only occupy four of the twelve seats. I pick out a random bottle of Pinot Noir. Sawyer say's that he has to keep how wits about him so he refuses, but Charlie, Gail and I make a toast to the boys good health and speedy recovery. Charlie and Gail clear the dishes and Luke comes with me to take Wellington for a walk. The whole time we are both checking our surrounding for signs of Lacy. I hate that I can't leave my house without fear.
After ten minutes of walking, we decide it would be best to turn around and go back to Escala. Wellington is all riled up because I didn't get the chance to take him on a run today but I promise myself that tomorrow I will take him on a longer run than usual. The doorman greets us and we walk towards the elevator. I punch in the code and unclasp Wellington's leash from his collar. The first thing we notice as the elevator doors open in the penthouse is the broken vase, which earlier was on the circular wooden table. Roses and glass cover the floor. The door is open slightly and I know something terrible is about to happen.
"Anastasia, stay here." Luke whispers as I hold Wellington's collar. I don't bother putting up a fight with him, but the second he is inside the apartment and the door is closed I let go of Wellingtons collar and think of what I should do. I don't want to put myself at risk or anyone inside. After minutes of silence and no idea what's happening I decide to take action. After the Jack Hyde and Elena incident I decided it was best for me to bring my guns to Escala in case of emergency. I know Christian isn't fond of guns so I hid them. One is in my desk, but I cleverly hit my Nickel Plated Colt Mk IV Series 80 M1911A1 in an old pair of boots I keep by the front door. I grab the gun then the magazine slipping it carefully inside. I order Wellington to stay where his is and make sure the safety is off. I open the door just enough to slip through and close it carefully. I don't want to make any noise that will increase suspicion. The only advantage I have the element of surprise. Although I have no idea what I am walking into right now. I stand still and listen for their location. I hear someone shouting from the library/my office. I carefully pad over and am happy to discover that the door is already open. With each step I take my anxiety climbs. I don't know what I would do if another person was injured because of me. Lacy is facing away from the door with a gun in her hand. I see Gail and Charlie crying while Luke protectively has his arms around them. Their eyes turn to me and I signal for them to be quiet.
"Lacy, why are you doing this?" Charlie asks just as Lacy goes to turn her head. I freeze in panic, but am so thankful to Charlie for this distraction. I step closer and raise my gun. Once I am an inch from her head, I speak up.
"Lacy, drop the gun and no one gets hurt." My voice is harsh and demanding. I pull back the hammer so she knows I'm not fucking around. Ray hates guns as much as anyone and only taught me so I could protect myself if need be. He always said 'There is no reason to put yourself in danger trying to protect yourself'. She raises her hands with the gun still firmly in her grip. "Good now slowly turn around and hand me the gun." She does as she's told and I snatch the gun from her hand and eject the magazine throwing it across the room.
"Luke, Gail, and Charlie get out and call John Flynn and tell him it is an emergency." They hop to their feet, but hesitate to leave me alone. I glare at them and the scurry to the door.
"Gail." I say and she turns her attention to me and I whisper hoping Lacy doesn't heat. "Go into the playroom and grab restraints." She nods her head still crying and I feel horrible. None of this would have happened if it weren't for me. I wait for Gail to return before I drop the gun. I close the door and it's just Lacy and I.
"Sit." I command and she does as she's told taking a seat in one of the recliners. I sit on the ground in front of the and look at her. She is obviously not emotionally stable at the moment that's why I asked Sawyer to call Flynn and not the police. "I have lowered my weapon, but don't even thinkabout trying to get out. If you do, I will have to restrain you and I don't think you want that." She nods slightly and I can see she has gone into total isolation.
"Lacy talk to me. Why are you doing this?" She looks at me with an unnerving blank expression. She is completely shutting down.
"Because you are so much like her."
"I look like who?" I want to keep her distracted. After a long pause she finally responds.
"Maya."
"Alright who is Maya?"
She laughs and it sends chills through my entire body. "Maya was the love of my life."
"What happened to Maya?"
"She ran her car off a bridge." Oh my lord. No wonder she's having a breakdown. "You are the closest thing I have to Maya." She admits and it's heartbreaking. Luke and Flynn enter the room. I tell Lacy that I will be right outside and I want her to walk to John. She agrees and Luke follows me out of the room.
Holy Fuck!
Everything is going to be fine I promise. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Love you.
Please Review. xoxo