Chapter 9, SIP Week Three – you don't want to see an angry Ray Steele!
Thursday 6/23 – continued
Ray's POV
"You son of a bitch!" I arrived early to pick up Annie. She knows how I hate being late. Early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable. Annie is away from her desk; in her boss's office. This is not good – there's a look on Annie's face I've seen before – when she moved back to Montesano with me. Every time Stephen Morton's name came up during conversations with Carla – Annie had that look. I hear that bastard tell my daughter she's going to sleep with him. I see that bastard touch my daughter and call her a tramp. I grab him by the shoulders and yank him backward away from Annie. He grabs for her shirt as I grab for him and it rips as I pull him away from her. I'm gratified when Annie kicks up as I pull him back. She makes perfect contact with his groin before she collapses on the floor.
"Arrgh!" Hyde cries out in pain and surprise, as his knees buckle and grasps himself between his legs. "You fucking bitch!" he half screams, half groans. "You are fucking fired! FIRED!"
I hauled him out of the office and threw him across the floor. I followed right behind his flying body; grabbing him off the floor and punching him in the face. "You son-of-a-bitch! Who the fuck do you think you are – touching my daughter! I'm going to make you regret the day your mother shit you into existence!" I slammed my fist into Hyde's smarmy mouth. "You don't talk that way to my daughter! You don't touch my daughter!" I pulled back to punch him again, but the security guard grabbed me and threw my aim off. My blow, designated to break Hyde's nose, landed on his right eye, busting his eyebrow open.
"This bastard assaulted my daughter!" I scream at him. "Handcuff him so he can't get away and call the police! Call an ambulance, my daughter is hurt!" I plan to go to Annie but my temper takes over. I stomp on the hand that touched my Annie and heard a satisfying crunch of broken bones. On my way back to his office, I grab Annie's sweater off the back of her chair to take to her.
Ana's POV
Ray brings my sweater to me to put on. I can't do it…my arm aches. Ray takes off his jacket and covers me. He kneels and holds me until the ambulance gets there. He talks softly to me about what he's working on at home in Montesano. Police arrive and have Jack on his feet and out of the way when the EMTs arrive. Ray picks me up and transfers me to the gurney. He grabs my purse and tote out from under the desk. A female police officer questions Ray while the EMTs check me. I tell them I think Jack broke my arm again because it hurts.
EMTs tuck me into the ambulance and we are off. My arm hurts and I want to scream. I want to cry. Ray attempts to soothe me, talking me through breathing exercises to get my mind off the pain. We quickly arrive at Northwest. For some reason, Dr. T. is there; waiting for me. I manage to introduce her to Ray before I am wheeled into an emergency suite. She asks what happened and when I tell her, I burst into tears.
"We have to x-ray your arm again." She apologizes to me and Ray.
A female police officer asks Ray and Grace to step out so she can take pictures of me and retrieve my torn clothing as evidence. She's very good about talking softly to me and asking me to tell her what happened.
Sawyer's POV
"Taylor – FUCK! When Miss Steele's father arrived early, I saw Leila, across the street at Fifty's. Since Mr. Steele was there; I took off after Leila, but I lost her after a dozen blocks. I doubled back and retraced the route looking for her. When I came back to retrace the route again – the police and an ambulance are at SIP. I can't get near the building to get information. They are taking Miss Steele away – looks like the ambulance service assigned to Northwest. Call Dr. T. Police are hauling Jack Hyde out in handcuffs. He's been hit in the face a couple times – I can see bruises and a laceration on his eyebrow. He's screaming that his hand is broken. I don't have a clue what happened." Great…Mr. Grey and Mr. Steele are both going to need oxygen before they are done yelling at me.
Gail's POV
I wait by the elevator. Kincaid said Miss Steele is coming up. Her dad must be getting into town late. Why didn't Sawyer put her in the elevator and send her up? When the elevator doors open…I am in shock. "Miss Williams?"
"Mrs. Jones…where is Master," she asked plaintively.
"He hasn't come home yet. He and Taylor just got back from Los Angeles. They were delayed at the office. Are you hungry or would you like to take a bath?" I ask quietly.
"A bath would be nice. I want to look pretty for Master when he comes home." She looks down at the clothes she is wearing and realizes she looks a little grubby.
I don't know what to do. She's an automaton, heading up the stairs to the submissive bedroom. I duck into the CCTV office and turn on every camera and microphone in the place. I don't know what the hell is going on. I quickly get towels and some of Miss Steele's toiletries and clothes from Mr. Grey's bedroom and bathroom. Leila sits on the bed, staring blankly at the wall. I start the tub filling and help her strip. Oh my god….she's so thin. When did she eat last? She lets me wash her hair and while she soaks, I observe her. She's been cutting; on her inside upper thighs. The skin on her upper thighs is a series of ridges and valleys. "Do you want to soak while I bring back a tray of food for you? I have macaroni and cheese, fresh broccoli spears and a chilled bottle of white wine."
"It sounds good, but I'll come down to eat. Can I just soak for a while?" Leila asked.
"When you are done with your bath, get dressed and come down to the breakfast bar. I'll have dinner ready." I leave the room and race to the security office. I watch her while trying to contact Taylor. My calls keep going to voice mail. I leave him a message to get here PDQ before Leila Williams leaves.
She gets out of the tub within 15 minutes. I thought she would soak longer. Does she suspect I'm trying to get Taylor here? I watch her dress and brush her hair into a braid, but I have to go to the kitchen so she doesn't suspect I'm trying to delay her departure.
I go to the kitchen to plate some food for Leila. She doesn't come to the kitchen. Taylor doesn't call. I sneak into the security office and look at the CCTV. Leila has gone to Mr. Grey's bedroom. On camera I see her go into his closet. Taking a deep breath; I go to Mr. Grey's room.
"Why?" She asks angrily, looking at the wardrobe for Miss Steele. "Why are her clothes in his closet instead of the sub room? Why does he visit her apartment? Why did he have his picture taken with her? She's looks just like me…just like all of us. Why does he want more with her?"
"I don't know Leila." I answer as softly as possible. I don't want to spook her. Where the hell is Taylor? Where is the rest of the security team? What is going…? I don't react fast enough. She flies at me in a rage, slamming me against the wall. My head snaps back, hard, against the wall. My knees buckle and I go down. I'm aware her feet run past me, but I can't stop her.
Ana's POV
"The ulna has a complete fracture now. The bone was compromised by the last accident. I'm going to have to set the bone before we cast your arm." Grace says. "While you were getting ex-rays; I checked your father's hand. His knuckles will be bruised but he didn't break anything."
"Do you know if they brought Jack here? He said Ray broke his hand," I ask, fearful of another confrontation between them.
"Standard protocols are that he will be seen by a doctor at the jail." Grace said.
She was gentle as possible removing the cast so my arm can be ex-rayed again. Once the arm was ex-rayed; she gave me a shot for the pain. Once she had the ex-rays; she set the bones in my arm. It hurt like hell; I know I whimpered. I tried to breathe through the pain like Ray taught me, but didn't help.
"It's going to hurt; I'm sorry. It's why I gave you the shot. You'll be in a cast for four to six more weeks. The healing process of the radius has been compromised. Do you still have pain pills from last time?"
I nodded.
"Same directions as last time; one or two every four to six hours for pain; take it with food. Report any side effects. I brought you some clothes from my office. Mia left them there months ago when she was between appointments. I know she won't mind if you use them." She helped me put on a t-shirt and a large soft sweater. Grace holds and comforts me for a few minutes. "Ana, it will be okay. You are a special young woman. This situation will pass and you will be stronger for it." She smiled. "I wish I had met your father under different circumstances; but he's a very nice man."
Ray dealt with billing while I dressed. By the time Grace released me, Christian was waiting for me also.
"Well?" He asked, approaching me slowly.
"Complete fracture of the ulna. Healing compromised on radius. I'm in a cast for four-six weeks. Did Sawyer tell you I was here?" I'm tired and feel fuzzy from that shot; not to mention the adrenalin rush of dealing with Jack.
"Sawyer saw you taken away by ambulance and called Mom to meet you at the ER. Then he called me." Christian explained. "Jesus, Ana!" He grabs me suddenly, his hands fist in my hair as he pulls my face up to his and his mouth is on mine. The passionate desperation in his kiss leaves Grace and Ray with raised eyebrows. I taste his relief, his longing and his residual anger while his tongue possesses my mouth. My hands rest on his biceps; a safe touch for both of us. He only stops kissing when we are both out of breath and desperate for oxygen. He gazes down at me. His beautiful face leaves me breathless. His kiss left me weak in the knees. He presses his forehead against mine and I feel stress release from his body. He lays his cheek on the top of my head, encircles me in his arms and holds me to his chest. He breathes slowly for a long minute. Then Christian straightens; realizing we're standing by the nurse's station at the Emergency Room and the entire place has gone quiet watching us. "Ray said you kicked him in the balls." Christian says with admiration releasing me.
"I tried to hit him in the face with my cast, but he twisted my arm. The foot to the crotch was self-defense. He hurt me." I whisper, weak from the kiss which is compounded by the attack and the hospital. "Ray taught me self-defense."
"I'm very glad he did," he breathes and adds, arching a brow, "I'm also glad he was there to beat the fuck out of Hyde."
"Let's get you home," Ray says. "The police agreed to wait to question us again. Jack Hyde is in custody until he's arraigned."
"Can I walk her to your truck?" Christian asked Ray.
"You can carry her to my truck; but don't try anything. I'm still pissed off at her boss; I'm ready to kick ass if she's not." Ray snarked.
"There are things to discuss," I said, not wanting to let go of Christian as he scooped me up in his arms. I loop my arms and hands over his neck, but I don't snuggle into him. I don't want to touch the forbidden zone.
"Yes," he nodded, "there are things to discuss." He holds me tight against his chest and carries me out of the hospital.
Grace's POV
He's holding her against his chest! Christian is holding Ana against his chest...after that kiss! I can't wait to tell Cary! Oh god…I wonder if this will go viral on social media. After all she's been through, Ana doesn't need fashionistas sniping about her clothes. I wonder if there will be a legal team combing through the hospital to get people to sign NDAs. I turn and see the nurses at the station eyeing me. "What?" I snapped at them. "You've never seen a public display of affection before?" I'm off to the quiet of my office to call Cary.
Ray's POV
You damn right there are things to discuss…like why Christian Grey is kissing my daughter like a soldier coming home from deployment. She obviously likes him because she's not fighting him off…but there's only so much a father can take in one night. I'm defending her honor against one man…and wondering about her honor with another. Fuck, I can't take this. This is tougher than warning off horny 18 year old jocks who thought they were going to get into Annie's pants! My hand throbs a little from smashing Hyde's face…but I know I didn't break anything…like I did when I broke Stephen Morton's jaw. Annie never knew it was me. She was off to a regional track meet for four days. I drove to Vegas, found that bastard stumbling out of a bar and proceeded to beat the fuck out of him. Annie never told me what happened with him before she came to live with me. Her coach in Vegas had a conversation with her coach in Montesano. He had a conversation with me. Morton never touched her, but he verbally abused her and physically and verbally abused Carla. I 'had a conversation' with Stephen Morton which ended with two black eyes, a broken jaw, three broken ribs…and various contusions from being thrown down an embankment. He was too drunk to know it was me. I set my own hand, bandaged it and drove home to Montesano. Annie thought I smashed my hand in the workshop. I protected her then…I protected her tonight…and if I have to; I'll protect her from Christian Grey.
Twitter Feed:
Naughty Nurse Nora greywatch:
OMG! Gorgeous Grey just liplocked a petite brunette in the middle of the ER at Northwest! SWOON
Grey Gal greywatch:
WHEN?
Naughty Nurse Nora greywatch:
Three minutes ago! OMG! He's carrying her out of here! His bodyguards are stopping EVERYONE from getting pics or video!
Gaga for Grey greywatch:
Sigh…that's an image to take to bed!
Grey Gal greywatch:
Is it the brunette from the Seattle Times picture?
Naughty Nurse Nora greywatch:
Could be, I was too busy staring at him!
Gaga for Grey greywatch:
SIGH
Christian's POV
"Boss, we have to go…situation at Escala." Taylor grabs my arm. He drags me away from Ana the moment she is safely locked in Ray's truck.
"What!" I shout at him once we head for the SUV.
"Gail's call just came through. Miss Williams is at Esclava. I tried to call back…but there's no answer." He charges towards the SUV.
"Christ! Get us there as soon as possible." I call Sawyer and Ryan and order them to return to Escala now! SIP can wait for us to deal with it.
Ryan and Sawyer blast into Escala – guns drawn. Despite their insistence I stay and guard the panic room where we've stashed Grey, I'm hot on their trail. Leila is here, she can get a gun. Gail is not answering her phone. As god is my witness if Leila hurt Gail – I will find her and kill her. I have friends with boats; she'll be fish food in Puget Sound before the sun rises or shark chum in the Pacific Ocean before noon tomorrow. I call out to Gail but she does not respond. I check camera feeds and find Gail on the camera for the Boss's bedroom when Sawyer gives a shout. He carries Gail to the couch. I'm there beside her, she's alert. "What happened?"
"Leila," Gail muttered and then recommended we rewind the CCTV for the penthouse for the last half hour. Sawyer goes to do that, Ryan has gone to get Grey from the panic room where we left him. Gail relates the story to me. I feel her head and she winces when I touch a tender swollen area at the back of her head.
"I'm going to kill that bitch," I swear.
"You can't," she tells me. Grey enters the room. "Mr. Grey, swear to me that neither you nor your security team hurts that girl. She's sick. I don't know what's wrong with her, but she needs medical and psychiatric help. I don't know how long she's been cutting herself, but there are lots of scars on the insides of her legs, with several fresh and partly healed cuts. You helped Miss Steele when she was hurt."
"That's different!" Grey shouted.
"How you feel is different! Who you are and how you take care of people is not!" Gail shouted and then winced; her hand going to her head. "I know you haven't been able to find her. I think she's staying with Susannah Martin. She smelled like the vanilla and rose perfume that Susannah wore. I need to lie down in my own bed and take something for this headache. Jason?" She held out her arms to me.
I picked up my woman, my heart, my love and carried her to bed. I helped her put on pajamas and then I went in search of a pain killer. I want to knock her out until morning, but if she has a concussion, I can't do that. I check her eyes, but they aren't dilated. I believe she doesn't have a concussion; but to be safe, I need to check her every hour for the next twelve hours. I get an 800 mg. Ibuprophen for her from my first aid kit. Once she's asleep, I'm going to view the CCTV of the penthouse and have a talk with Kincaid at the front desk. I don't want him sending anyone up to the penthouse again without a security guard escort.
XXXXX
Friday Morning, 6/24
Ray's POV
Shame on the Moon
Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band
Until you've been beside a man
You don't know what he wants
You don't know if he cries at night
You don't know if he don't
When nothin' comes easy
Old nightmares are real
Until you've been beside a man
You don't know how he feels
Once inside a woman's heart
A man must keep his head
Heaven opens up the door
Where angels fear to tread
Some men go crazy
Some men go slow
Some men go just where they want
Some men never go
Oh blame it on midnight
Ooh shame on the moon…
"I checked on her almost an hour ago," I turned my Bob Seger CD off. "It's early. Annie's due to wake at six for a pain pill. Just so you know, she's not going to work today. She may not be going to work on Monday. If Jack Hyde gets released on bail, she's leaving Seattle. I'm taking her home to Montesano where I can take care of her until he's put away for good."
"The police searched the SIP offices and Hyde's home. My IT and security were at SIP with the police until after midnight. They were allowed to retrieve SIP technology from Hyde's home. The police went to question Elizabeth Morgan about her knowledge of prior bad acts by Jack Hyde."
"Why did the police let your IT and security search SIP?" I asked.
"I bought the company. We're finalizing the purchase this morning." Christian explained.
I walked to the kitchen and retrieved a small metal canister from above the microwave. I handed it to Taylor. "Annie found these Tuesday at SIP. One at her desk; two in the women's bathroom. She found one on the back of the refrigerator in the break room; but she left it there. Those are short range listening devices. There has to be a recording device within a five-foot radius of the building. If Annie's boss used them; he wouldn't leave the recording device in his office. I recommend you start with that asshole's car if he left it in the building parking lot. I don't know what to tell you if it is in police impound. After I checked his car; I'd check any storage areas in the building. It could be hidden in a bottom drawer of a file cabinet or the top shelf of a closet. You might want your men to search SIP from top to bottom."
"Are there any listening devices in the condo?" Christian asked.
"None," I blew out a breath. "None in public access areas, either."
"Why didn't she tell me she found these? Or why didn't she tell Sawyer?" Christian asked.
"She said you were out of town. She doesn't really know Sawyer. If she felt more comfortable with him, she might have told him she found those. They are the reason why she renewed her conceal carry permit. She knows I know what to do with things like this. She asked me to inspect the condo and to bring her a taser; which tells me she doesn't feel safe. She probably would have asked me for a gun, but with the cast; she wouldn't have been up to her usual shooting standards."
"I'm not comfortable with her having a gun," Christian said.
"I'm not comfortable with you having an opinion on how my Annie should be protected," I stare at him, wondering if he will crumble under the "dad glare" but he does not. Score a point for the pretty boy. "I want to know why Jack Hyde assaulted my daughter to get back at you. What did you do to him in your past that makes him think he could replace you?" I demanded.
"What are you talking about," Christian asked, confused.
"He told Annie if circumstances were different, he would have everything you had and that included Annie. What the hell is going on in your little power games with each other that makes him think he can assault my daughter to get back at you?"
Christian whipped out his phone. "Welch, did Barney find anything on Hyde's laptop that linked him to me?" Overwhelmed by Welch's end of the conversation, Christian sank down on the couch and listened intently. "Barney is 100% sure? No, don't release that information to anyone until I talk to Taylor." He hung up and addressed Taylor. "Make sure Elliott is safe in Barbados and notify the close protection detail for Mom, Dad and Mia. There may be threats from Hyde against my family."
"Will do." Taylor texted to various people, but then he was back in the conversation. "Okay, what did Welch and Barney say?"
"They found a copy of Ana's to do list on the SIP laptop in Hyde's home. It included thanking me for her helicopter and glider tours. There were saved maps of Boeing Field on the laptop. Hyde laid out specific plans of how to sabotage my helicopter and plane."
Taylor cleared his throat. "Why?"
"Jack Hyde was a foster child in Detroit when I was. We both lived at the same foster home for a short period of time. He blames me for Carrick and Grace Grey adopting me instead of him. His computer diary is full of plans to get back at the entire Grey family, starting with me. Welch is researching; he will know more tomorrow. Hyde had electronic files of pictures and news articles about me. He had one electronic file for every member of my family and for Ana. Hers included the WSUV picture along with a copy of her application to SIP."
"He hired her because of her perceived connection to you?" I stared at him.
"Yes," Christian hung his head in shame.
"He was going to hurt my Annie to get back at you?" I questioned him.
"Yes. It's what he meant by if circumstances were different; he would have what I have. My family, my lifestyle, my girl," Christian shook his head.
"Grey – that's fucked up, but it's not your fault." I said.
"It is," Christian said. "He's been a bastard to her because of me."
"For someone who is supposed to be a brilliant businessman – you are quite a disappointment right now," I announced; shaking my head and reaching for my tea.
Taylor and Christian stared at me like I had become Ray Walston of My Favorite Martian fame.
"That information has to disappear." I said patiently, explaining it to Christian. "It needs to disappear NOW. If the police or the courts find that information, Hyde could be considered mentally unstable – which means jail time in a psychiatric institution instead of jail time in a prison."
Christian looked confused by my comment.
"Taylor understands. Information on my daughter, you, your family, your life, your business, his plans to sabotage your avionics equipment – your security needs to know what Jack Hyde was planning – but your family, the police and the media do not. Wipe information about where you are vulnerable clean from servers, computers, etc."
"I know you will hate me when I say this Ray," Taylor said, "but I am glad this happened. If Mr. Grey fired Hyde before we knew any of this, he would still be a potential threat."
"You were going to fire him?" I looked at Christian.
"I planned to fire him next Tuesday." Christian admitted. "I didn't like the way he looked at Ana, talked to her or treated her."
"First of all – why didn't she tell you what was going on with him?" I demanded to know.
"She told Sawyer it was her first real professional job. She was determined to do the best she could." Christian answered.
"Okay, I accept that. Annie's not the kind of girl who would run from a challenge. Question number two: why Tuesday?" I asked.
"He was supposed to be at a national conference in New York this weekend. I thought he would network with colleagues over the weekend and find out if there were openings at other publishing houses. When I fired him, I wanted him to have optional places to go. Hell, as part of his severance package, I would have paid him to relocate somewhere else." Christian said.
"Well that does make sense," I admitted. "But what's going to happen with him right now."
Taylor said, "The man is behind bars for at least another 60 hours. Barney has discovered more information. The DA will have video proof of Hyde assaulting women before mid-morning. There may be more evidence against him depending upon what else Barney found in the wee hours of this morning."
"Assaulting women? You mean he has a history of assaulting his interns? My Annie wasn't the first?" I didn't like the look that crossed Grey's face. "Okay, next question – what the hell happened at Escala last night that made you abandon my daughter when she was hurt and wanted you to comfort her? Or did I misunderstand that kiss in front of God and the Emergency Room?"
"A guest at Escala assaulted my housekeeper." Christian realized how crazy it sounded as his excuse left his mouth.
"How many fucking psychos run amok in your life?" I asked in astonishment. "Judging from that kiss at the hospital; I know it won't do any good to bar you and Annie from seeing each other. So, I'm telling you, man to man, I will make you wish you had never met me if anything else happens to my Annie because of you. If you think I'm kidding Grey, just look at Hyde's busted face and hand."
"Well, I'm probably going to piss you off when I say this – but you and Ana need to come to Escala." Christian asserted.
"Why?" I hoped my tundra voice froze their blood.
"This condo is too close to Jack Hyde's home. The security system is subpar. The windows are not safe." Taylor explained.
"I'm not happy with the dead bolt lock on the front door and the interior door locks are a joke. All it would take is a determined psycho to knock the interior hollow doors off their hinges," I said. "I have a whole list of things to improve security here. Your housekeeper was injured at Escala." I pointed out.
"By someone who gained access by pretending to be Miss Steele," Taylor said. "If you will at least come to breakfast at Escala, we can develop a security plan for Miss Steele, the condo, you..."
"No, leave whoever you want outside the door. I don't know any of your security people. I need to wake Annie in twenty minutes. You're more than welcome to stay for breakfast – but you are going to be honest with her about what's going on or you are out of here." My voice carried a stiff warning.
"I'll help you with that breakfast," Taylor offered.
"You can start the coffee," I said.
Ana's POV
Ray wakes me at six and tells me we have company. I shower and dress in my favorite skinny black jeans, converse and rose-colored blouse. Friday is jeans day at SIP, but we're having a reorganization meeting today. Should I change into work clothes? Before I can decide, there is a knock on the bathroom door. Christian is there in charcoal grey pants with a white shirt and silky black tie. It's unfair that he looks that good around the clock. My inner goddess wonders if that tie matches his boxers today. I yell at her to STFU.
"Ready for me to help with your hair?" He asks gently.
"Please." I sit at the dressing table area in the bathroom and he gives me a blowout. I endeavor to sit still and not fidget. I make myself breath normally and then I realize my head hasn't hurt while he was blow drying my hair.
"You have a weird look on your face." I see Christian's quizzical glance in the reflection of the mirror.
"I was just thinking I don't remember when my head stopped hurting from the accident." I look up at him through my lashes and then look down at my fingers, knotted on my lap. His breathing alters and he shuts off the blow dryer. He pulls the dressing stool back and lifts me to the vanity top. He spreads my knees and steps between. He reaches for my hands and holds them flat on my thighs. After searching my face, he leans down and kisses me, gently over and over until our kisses become more demanding. His lips leave mine and he starts kissing my neck down to my cleavage when there is a knock on the door.
"Breakfast," Ray bellows through the door.
"Saved by the ex-military father, again," Christian says, lifting me to my feet off the bathroom sink.
XX
Christian raises his glass of orange juice.
"To ex-military men who train their daughters well," he says and his eyes soften.
Ray toasts him with his tea cup. "I'm going to go take a shower." He gives Christian a stern look before leaving the table.
"Cheers," I mutter, raising my tea cup.
"What's wrong?" Christian asks.
"I had decided to resign at SIP today and ask you if I could apply for an internship at GEH. But Jack said you purchased SIP?" I ask in a hesitant tone of voice.
"Yes, Grey Enterprises Holdings signs the merger and acquisition paperwork with Seattle Independent Publishers today. Before noon SIP will become Grey Publishing. Somehow Jack Hyde was intercepting emails at SIP. It's how he knew about the buyout in advance. Why are you considering an internship with GEH?" He asks.
"I don't know if deciding to quit SIP will matter. I don't know if I still have a job. Will Grey Publishing keep me as an assistant if there is no editor for me to assist?" I thought this through while showering.
"You will still have a job after the reorganization at Grey Publishing if you want it. There is an internship for you at GEH if you want it. When your Grey House internship ends; we can find you a position which interests you."
"Jack said he would tell the tabloids we're sleeping together and ruin your business." I sigh.
He pauses and places his fork on his plate. "First of all; we're adults, Ana. What we do behind closed doors with one another is our business. It's not anyone else's business; not your friends, not your father, not my family, not my employees, not your coworkers, not the media. Not being with you this week has been one of the hardest things I've ever done. I don't want to do it again. We need time to be just us and establish what we want in a relationship. However; I give you my word as a gentleman; I'm not going to knock you up and abandon you on Ray's doorstep."
"Like he would let that happen," I laugh. "I'm not going to let it happen either. I've decided to get birth control shots. It is safer for me."
"Let me help keep you safe," Christian asked. He looked at my face and paused, "What?"
"I've had it with being monitored, followed and being scared out of my mind. Ray's going to do some work on the condo so I know it is safe. I owe that to Kate and to Ethan. Will Sawyer continue transporting me to and from work?" I asked, hating that my hand trembled when I set my tea cup down.
"I assigned Sawyer to be your close personal protection when I saw the bruises Jack Hyde left on your arm. Unless you have an issue with Sawyer, he will continue to provide close personal protection. I don't know if Jack Hyde had anyone working for him. He had a lot of information about me, my family, you, my business and my avionics fleet. He was checking to see where I was vulnerable." Christian revealed.
"Was Mrs. Jones vulnerable because Sawyer was following me?" I asked.
"No, it was a confluence of events." Christian explained where everyone was and wasn't during the night. "I've increased security for you, me, my home, my family and for GEH. Grey Publishing is moving from the SIP building to Grey House Annex next week. It has state of the art security."
"Did the bus-stop brunette attack Mrs. Jones?" I asked.
"Yes," Christian acknowledged. "Her name is Leila Williams. We need to talk more about her; but not around your father."
"I understand; but what about Jack?" I asked.
"Police arrested him last night when you were taken to the hospital. He's in jail; awaiting arraignment. Police searched his home and his office last night. My security searched the business in the early hours this morning. Additionally my IT team searched the business and home computers. He bugged your desk and the women's bathroom within the first week of your employment. Ryan found more bugs at workstations of other staff. He found the receiver in the basement where manuscripts are filed. He found tapes of conversations saved on Hyde's hard drive. He drugged his previous interns and coerced them into rough sex. He taped their encounters and blackmailed them for more sex. He saved the videos on flash drives. My IT team is submitting the flash drives to the DA this morning. I told Roach the buyout is off if you decided to sue the company for assault. SIP ignored the fact that he was blasting through two interns every year for the last five years. It should have been a warning flag; but they ignored the problem." Christian sipped his coffee.
"What kind of problem?" I ask suspiciously.
"None of his interns stayed past the 90 or 180 day probationary period. Several left before the end of their probationary period. Plus, there's no paperwork for him indicating work issues. There's no proof of the assaults via insurance documentation, because several of them were not there long enough to receive insurance from SIP. Today after the reorganization meeting, my HR people will meet with female staff at Grey Publishing and ask if any of them want to lodge complaints against Hyde." Christian finishes his breakfast and refills his coffee cup. He leans against the counter and watches me.
"When you talk to them; make sure Elizabeth Morgan isn't in the room. He said she would not believe me if I filed a sexual harassment suit against him. I recommend you talk privately to Claire; the receptionist. We never discussed Hyde, but one time she told me to keep a large piece of furniture between him and me. She may know something she isn't ready to say in front of other people." I comment. "I don't know if I want to go back to Grey Publishing. I'm sure everyone at SIP will think I'm the reason he's in jail."
"You ARE NOT the reason Jack Hyde is in jail. Jack Hyde is in jail because he's a worthless piece of shit serial predator. I don't anticipate he will get bail, but if he does, I will personally vouch for your safety until he goes to trial and to jail. Anyone who knew what Hyde was doing or who facilitated his actions will be terminated from Grey Publishing this week. I can purge the ranks and I won't have second thoughts about doing it. I spoke with Roach. If you decide to return to SIP/GP you report only to him until the dust settles at Grey Publishing. Ray said you aren't going to work today. When and if you return to Grey Publishing; you will be at the newly relocated offices at Grey House Annex. It has an established security team." Christian asserted.
"I don't trust Jack won't make problems, in jail or not. All he needs to do is open his mouth to a nosy reporter." I paused. "Are you the reason I got the internship at SIP?" I ask slowly.
"I did not arrange for you to be hired at SIP, if that's your question. The day of your graduation Keaton Kavanagh told me he was trying to acquire SIP, but had changed his mind. He sent the paperwork to my company the next day. It's what my company does – purchases ailing companies and either restructures them to be fiscally sound; or we break up the company and sell pieces parts to other companies to strengthen their financial positions. I discussed acquiring SIP with my second, Roz Bailey. Several of our companies have publishing needs. Having our own publishing house fulfills that need. SIP needed reorganization. Without a buyout from Grey House, SIP would have been in financial freefall before the end of the fiscal year. Grey House started buyout conversations before you began working there."
"I have a lot to consider. I don't want my life, emails and conversations monitored. I don't want to feel like I'm living in a prison. I've lived that way before…everything scrutinized, every thought questioned, every action dissected. I won't live that way again." I pause. "Can I have time to think about my future plans?" I asked.
"I don't want you to feel I'm monitoring you or smothering you. However, your safety is as important to me as your being monogamous with me. But I want to be with you and I want you to be with me." He shrugged. "I'm fifty shades of fucked up, Ana; I don't know how to handle all I feel for you. It's as new to me as it is to you. I have to know that we are together in this."
I heard the bathroom door open. "It looks like this discussion is tabled for now. We will discuss GP, GEH and issues in your life. Just remember, there are things to discuss."
"And not half as much fun as discussing my playroom," Christian whispered and winked, causing me to blush burning-in-hell red. "I want you to take a pain pill and rest today. Mrs. Jones is having an easy day too. I'm ordering in; and not pizza; for the troops."
XX
********** Seattle Nooz **********
Sources tell us Gorgeous Grey was seen at the Seattle Independent Publishing company after dark last night along with an ambulance and police cars. The same highly-placed sources tell us the company is in play – is Grey House expanding into the publishing business? After Gorgeous Grey disappeared from SIP; he was supposedly seen at Northwest Hospital. Despite the fact that Dr. Trevelyan Grey works there – it seems Gorgeous Grey was there to see someone who had been injured – kissing her in front of his mother and hospital staff before they departed. He carried her out of the Emergency Room to her vehicle. Who is the pretty brunette in your life Mr. Grey?
********** Seattle Nooz **********
XX
Christian's POV
"No," I said. "You don't understand. Grey Publishing is moving to the Grey House Annex beginning on Monday. Security in this building is a joke. Today your people are to pack their personal items to take with them at the end of the day. Then they are to pack up their desks and work areas; marking boxes for the movers. Everyone is off with one week's pay until nine o'clock next Friday when they present themselves at Grey Publishing's new office. We'll send out a broadcast email to all SIP employees telling them where to report. They will sign new paperwork, undergo security screening; undergo new IT training, undergo HR training, etc. Once this building is empty, Grey Construction will acquire the building from Grey Enterprises Holdings. They will renovate the building and turn it into rental space."
"Miss Steele has decided not to sue SIP for her assault. The police have her statement, her father's statement and your night security guard's statement. My IT and security team combed this building last night. The police allowed Grey House to inspect the SIP laptop from Hyde's residence. Items on it and in his home have gone to the District Attorney's Office." Grey threw a picture of the listening devices Ana sent to Ray via email on the table. It was passed around the table with interest. "Miss Steele found listening devices at her desk and in the women's bathroom. My security team found seven additional listening devices at workstations and in the break room. They found the recording device in one of the storage rooms at SIP. The police now have them. On top of the video evidence the police have of Hyde assaulting interns; they have forty-seven taped conversations. He will be charged invasion of privacy – one count for every person whose voice is captured on tape. The SEC is checking to see if he purchased stock using proprietary information he obtained through illegally accessing and copying of staff emails. The SIP/GP move to Grey Annex means the storage and file rooms will no longer be used to hide illegal acts."
XX
"You've confirmed the Detroit information?" I asked Welch.
"Sir, once you were released from the hospital after your mother died; Michigan Child Social Services put you in a foster home. Mr. Grey and Dr. Trevelyan had already been approved to adopt Elliott. Michigan was required to keep you in the foster system for up to ninety days in case a family member came forward, looking for you. While you were at the foster home," Welch handed Grey a file of information, "Jack Hyde was also there. His father was dead. His mother was charged with neglect. He had been in the system for two years. The Colliers were his third foster home."
"The other two foster homes returned him to Child Social Services because he frightened and intimidated the other children in their care. In your file is an incident report filed by Dr. T about new bruises which you received while living at the Colliers. They were explained as having been received while you experienced nightmares. Dr. T believed one of the older children bullied you. It is possible it was Jack Hyde. Eventually, his mother would become sober, have her parental rights reinstated and he would live with her. His juvenile records are sealed. The issue is – he's angry because the Greys adopted you and not him. They knew they wanted to adopt you before you were ever placed in foster care. When they went to the Colliers' home, it was to see you, not to shop for their next son."
"So he blamed me for a decision made before he ever laid eyes on me or on Grace and Carrick?"
Welch nodded.
"Jack Hyde's arrest is in the news." Barney announced. "It's also announced that Grey House bought SIP. Seattle Nooz and Twitter announced your visit to the ER. I think this situation has just begun."
"Welch, tell PR to announce Hyde was arrested last night for assaulting an SIP employee – do not release Miss Steele's name. Announce the merger occurred today. They are mutually exclusive of one another." Grey said. "If anyone asks about Miss Steele, Grey House has no comment. It's a personal matter between Miss Steele and me."
XX
After eating Ana's spicy black bean soup and green chile cornbread, it was all hands on deck taking down interior doors, emptying kitchen crates and bringing up two armoires from Ray's trailer. Ana loaded the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen, allowing Ray and I to bond a little and allowing Ray and Taylor to bond a lot. Ray found a recycle center for home repair and improvement items. He said he would drop off the interior doors there before shopping for new ones. I helped Ana load the kitchen armoire, while Ray and Taylor began working on the closet in the spare bedroom. It was sweet to see her hang vintage aprons from the coat hooks he applied to one side of the armoire. I helped Ana load the armoire in her bedroom. Before ten; she took a pain pill, kissed me goodnight and wandered off to bed. Ray invited Sawyer to stay in the condo for the night and he went off to bed in the spare bedroom. Taylor and I had a quick talk with Sawyer about getting him more men for Ana's protection detail.
XXXXX
Saturday 6/25
Ana's POV
"Hyde is re-scheduled for arraignment on Monday morning. At his initial arraignment yesterday, he refused a court-appointed attorney. The judge agreed to delay the arraignment hearing until Hyde's lawyer returns from an out-of-town conference. Additionally, he considered Hyde's claim that he was incapable of rational decision because of the pain pills for his broken hand. The judge refused to release him to a hospital because the DA claimed he was a flight risk. He was returned to the hospital ward at Kings County Jail. We are not charging Mr. Steele with assault of Jack Hyde. We have the police report taken at the hospital; Mr. Steele's statement, Miss Steele's statement and the night security guard's statement." Detective Clark said.
"So everything is settled?" Christian asked.
"Not quite," Detective Clark said. "Mr. Hyde claims he has been in a sexual relationship with Miss Steele for several weeks. He claims they were engaged in a role-playing scenario before he went on a business trip. He claims Mr. Steele did not know about their relationship which resulted in Mr. Steele assaulting him."
"It's not true," I exploded. "I'm not in a relationship with Jack Hyde!"
Detective Clark gave me a look.
"Ana and I are in a committed relationship. We have been seeing each other since she first broke her arm, June eleventh. We did not see one another this week because I have been out of town on business. She is deciding if she wants to continue working for my company, or if she's going home to Montesano to her father's home to heal." Christian revealed.
"So, that's 'hell to the no' that you're sleeping with Jack Hyde?" Detective Clark chuckled.
"Absolutely hell to the no," I said.
"Who was the young man exiting the condo this morning?" Clark asked.
"Ethan Kavanagh, the brother of my roommate Katherine Kavanagh," Ana said. "Ethan just got home from Barbados. He's moving in with us. He starts classes this fall at UW. I don't know his schedule. He said he was going to campus and then stopping at his parents' home. They are Keaton and Celeste Kavanagh."
XX
Taylor, Sawyer and Ryan backed Elena's P.I. up against his car. "Mr. Grey knows you are following Miss Steele. Carrick Grey, his father, is acquiring a no-contact order against you and your client, Elena Lincoln. We have proof you've been following the girl since she moved to Seattle. What we don't know is why Elena Lincoln is so interested in the girl."
"Are you kidding me?" he exclaimed. "Everyone in the universe thinks Grey is gay! He's dating a recent graduate from a college where he has been funding studies. Did he meet her there? How long has this been going on? Are they in a serious relationship or is she a skirt for him? Is it true her father assaulted her boss?"
"Good god," Sawyer sighed. "You sound more like a damn tabloid reporter rather than a private investigator. Here's a non-disclosure agreement – sign it. You stop following the girl. You don't tell anyone what you've seen, including that bitch Elena Lincoln. Mr. Grey is willing to double the fees Elena Lincoln is paying you. He wants you to leave him and the girl alone starting now. We're going to your office to retrieve every picture, every piece of information you have on the girl! Then you are taking a long and unexpected trip out of town!"
"Grey can do better than that," the P.I. countered. "My parents are older and it's time I moved home to be there for them. Elena Lincoln is my only current client. You tell Grey to buy my business for a half a million. I'll sign his NDA; give you the keys to my business and be on my way to Kentucky with my clothes and personal items before the close of business today. I own the building where my office is located. Everything is his – building, furniture, one of the vehicles, files, furniture, electronics, etc. Otherwise, I have to consider who will pay the most for the pictures I have and it won't be Elena Lincoln. Some of those pictures include a brunette who has a striking resemblance to Miss Steele. I've seen her outside Escala, SIP and Miss Steele's condo. So, inquiring minds want to know if she, or the other brunettes who frequent the Post Alley Esclava Salon, are involved with Christian Grey. And why is his business partner so interested in who he's seeing?"
XXXXX
Sunday 6/26
"I'm worried about you," Elena protested to Grace before a Coping Together meeting started at the Grey estate in Bellevue. "Honestly, what is Christian thinking? That girl is too young for him. She doesn't understand the demands of his business; she knows nothing about keeping a low profile. Is he buying the company where she worked? Was she sleeping with her boss? Rumors abound and it must be having an effect on you!"
"She's a lovely young lady. I met her father the night her boss assaulted her. We wanted to have them come to brunch today; but her father is doing some renovation work on her condo. I think he goes home tomorrow or Tuesday, Christian said. He's been at her condo a lot since she was hurt; trying to help her and her father." Grace said. "I don't know if she's coming to the Coping Together event with Christian or not. Christian said her father was talking about taking her home with him to Montesano so she could heal. Did I tell you Elliott's coming home on Friday? He'll be at the event with his new young lady, Katherine Kavanagh." Grace's smile revealed she had hopes Elliott would settle down with this one and give her grandbabies.
"Who the fuck wants grandbabies? Diapers, vomit, teething, broken vases, shredded lawns and endless boring ballet recitals and sports events. She'd better not want that for Christian and that little bookworm, because it's not going to happen. I will put a stop to it. Christian is a god in the business world and play room. He needs someone to keep his edge and keep his focus!" Elena thought.
"Is she going to sue the company for being assaulted? I think you and Carrick need to put a stop to this media disaster! All this adverse publicity is not good for his business or this event!" Elena exclaimed.
"I would really rather not discuss this right now, Elena. Everything has to be finalized today; we're one week from the event! I'm glad we moved it to Fourth of July weekend; everyone's going to need down time. This is going to be the biggest event we've hosted. We've sold 300 tickets for the dinner, meaning thirty round banquet tables seating ten each. I've had to rework the seating chart. If Christian brings Anastasia, I'm going to have to put you at the table with the other donors. It will be Cary, me, mother, father, Elliott, Katherine, Christian, Anastasia, Mia and Sean." Grace gathered her planning binder and went out to greet the rest of the committee. "If you really want to help – find Mia! I think she went upstairs to try on dresses, but that was two hours ago."
"When I get out of here, I'm going to Escala. Christian is going to listen to reason! Putting me at the table with the other donors! I've always had a seat at Grace's table…now that little bitch is taking my place! That bookworm is not good for him or his business! Let her go home with Daddy and grow up. She can find some nice mechanic or teacher in Montesano and leave my Christian alone! I'm putting a stop to this train wreck NOW! Where the hell is my P.I. and why hasn't he gotten back to me with dirt on that little bitch?" Elena stormed upstairs; looking for Mia. Someone was going to take a verbal punishment fuck.
A/N:
Lyrics from Shame on the Moon belong to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!
A shout out to Mrs. Fraser for her FSOG fanfiction story Fifty Shades: Slow and Steady. If you haven't read it – go look for it and favorite it.
I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.