A/N: Dear readers, I am finally home from the hospital, and think I am done being there. So far the wound is doing much better, with no more infection. I am sorry the story publishing has been so random. But, now that I am home and settled, I can finally write the story to the end, and get the chapters typed in. I won't be able to publish every weekend yet, but as soon as I get caught up... I will publish in full force. I appreciate your patience with me during this difficult time. I promise, no matter how long it takes I will ALWAYS finish any story I start. I thank you so much once again, and please, enjoy this chapter. All the best, Lady Dragonsblood.
Vince looked at Chris. "Son, Adam is what? You have four very worried parents here. The Doctor told us Adam would be fine. Now, we don't know what to think." He gave Chris a very stern parental glare.
Chris smiled. "It is alright. Adam will be just fine, I promise. There is one thing. He won't be completely fine until sometime in late May."
Adam smiled softly at his mother. Judy still stood next to the bed. "Ma...or should I say… grandma?" His smile matched his soft look.
For a moment, not a sound was heard nor a word spoken. In fact, it was so quiet, even the normally stoic Mark startled when Cody opened the door. He carried the tray with the beef tea and fresh bread
Cody knew something had happened, but what? Chris helped him place the tray over Adam's lap. "Thank you, Rhodes." Chris smiled and tucked a napkin under Adam's chin. Cody left with a nod. He would be told what he needed to know.
Mark stopped Cody in the doorway and leaned in to speak softly. "Adam is alright. We will be down soon, and we will tell all of you everything." He gave the young lad a wink.
Eric spoke as Adam managed to take a spoonful of the beef tea. "Son, are you saying what I think you are saying? You are having a baby? But how could the Doctor know so soon?" He was in a bit of shock.
Chris chuckled. "The blood test told him. He was surprised himself. He said it happened… well… on our first time. Doctor said the only worry is the cold. Adam must rest. He said there is no danger, unless he does too much too soon. So we will have to keep him occupied." Chris spoke with not only love, but pride.
"My baby is going to have a baby. Oh, baby." Judy simply gushed as she hugged Adam and her tears fell.
Eric and Vince hugged Chris. Then they gently hugged Adam. When Mark went to hug his step-son, his tears fell like rain.
"I've… never seen… you cry like this." Adam lightly chuckled as he thumbed away Mark's tears.
"Melanie was wonderful news, but this is even more wonderful.. Two beautiful grandchildren. Between you two, and Seth and Roman, we will have to look for a bigger house." Vince spoke with a grandparents love. He hugged Adam again.
Adam looked at Vince. "Don't worry. I can translate from bed. I know there is a lot of work to do." He did worry. There was a stack of translations waiting to be done, downstairs, on his little desk.
"Now, now, son. You forget all about that. They will wait. I mean it. You are not to even think about work until the Doctor says you may. Even then it will be limited. Understand me, young man?" Vince arched his brow at Adam. He was deadly serious.
Adam sighed. "Understood, father." He felt bad because he didn't want to let Vince down. Adam knew that Vince's words also came from love and concern.
"Good. We will leave you now. Congratulations, dear children." Vince hugged the couple again.
Eric too, hugged them. "Can we tell the family about the little one?" He didn't want to steal their moment.
Adam nodded, Chris spoke. "Yes. Both families can be told. But, no visitors tonight, please."
"Agreed. I already told them visits would be limited." Eric gave Chris a smile. "Love you...three." Vince and Eric left, to give Adam's parents a private moment.
"Love you, son. Christopher, I love you. You rest and keep that little one healthy." Mark kissed Adam's cheek and shook Chris' hand. He moved to the door to wait for his wife.
"I will send up some hot beef tea. I love you both, so much. I will send Jason up with the tray, you can tell him." Judy kissed both boys and took the tray with the now cold beef tea. She and Mark happily left.
Adam laughed. "I was… hungry." He took a bite of the buttered bread, he managed to grab off the tray before his mother took it.
"I can't believe we made a baby on our first… time. Even Roman wasn't quite that good." Chris spoke with a laugh. Even though Adam was ill from the cold, it was easy to laugh with a little master or mistress on the way.
Down in the servant's hall, Jason waited as his mother rapidly heated the beef tea. He knew something was up. Mark beamed and Judy hummed as she worked.
"Son, watch yourself. I don't want to burn you." Jason stood at the work table, over the waiting bowl. He blocked Judy from dishing up the hot liquid.
"Oh sorry, ma." Jason moved back out of the way.
Judy smiled and filled the bowl with steaming hot beef tea. She covered it with a silver cloche. "Now hurry, your brother is hungry. Don't stay too long, sweetheart." She kissed Jason's cheek and sent him on his way.
As Jason passed through the foyer, he could hear happy voices coming from the morning room. Jason knew Mark had sent Cody and Beth up with a bottle of the best champagne in the house, probably the best in all of Belgravia. Something had happened, but champagne always meant good news, right?
When he got upstairs, Jason lightly tapped on the door. Chris quickly called out, "Come in, brother." Jason grinned and went into the room.
Jason carefully put the tray with the hot beef tea back across Adam's lap. He lifted the cloche. "Now eat, ma said so. She also told me not to stay… so… " Jason arched his brow at both Adam and Chris.
"One bite first." Adam spooned up a bit of beef tea, blew on it, then swallowed it down. "Tell ma it's wonderful… Uncle Jason." Adam winked, then began to eat with an appetite.
Jason chuckled. "Feel better soon, Addy…" He turned to leave, then, it hit him. He spun back around on his heel. "Wait… wait… Uncle Jason? Are you? Are you saying? Uncle? I am going to be an Uncle?" His mouth hung open.
Chris belly laughed. "Yes, you are going to be an Uncle… twice. In December when we adopt Melanie and in late May when this one arrives."
"I… I… oh… Addy, my Addy will be a poppa. Chris… you… I… love you both." Jason hugged Chris, then gently hugged his little brother.
"Love you, Uncle Jason." Adam kissed his brothers cheek.
Jason swiped his eyes. "Love you, poppa Adam. May I tell Max?"
"Of course you may. Sorry, Jason, but Adam really needs to eat and rest." Chris spoke with love, but Adam really needed the rest. He didn't mean it rudely.
Jason nodded with a huge grin. "Ring, if he wants more, there is plenty. I will see you soon." He kissed Adam again, and left the room. Jason could not stop smiling. He fairly floated as he walked.
Adam ate his beef tea. Ever since the Doctor had told him about the baby, his cold didn't seem as bad.
"Darling, don't forget. You are still very sick. I want you to remember, you must stay in bed until Doctor Drew says you can get up. Please, it is important for the baby." Chris spoke with deep concern. Adam always took care of others, but now he had to remember to let others take care of him. It would be hard for Adam.
Adam stopped eating and saw the worry on Chris' face. "Love, I will stay in bed. I promise. I am not going to risk our baby. I swear on his or her life, and our marriage. I won't even fret about the translation letters. Maybe I can do them in bed, when Doctor Drew says. I just can't believe he could tell so soon. I guess blood tests can be good, but I am glad I didn't feel it. Lion… we are going to have a baby. Melanie will be a wonderful big sister." Adam went back to his beef tea, he was nearly finished.
"Yes, she will be. A baby… ha! We should have bought that crib in Paris. You know, you had a look on your face at the time. I think your heart knew you were going to have a baby." Chris fondly remembered the sweet moment in Paris.
Adam wiped up the last of his beef tea with a last bite of bread and butter. He popped it into his mouth and licked his fingers. "I felt… strange when I looked at the crib. Maybe you're right. We didn't need to buy it. Bea and Reggie will be a year old when our baby arrives. They will be in their own rooms at night. No worries with the cribs. I like keeping family traditions. Our baby will have to wear two christening gowns." Adam gave Chris a wink, as his husband removed the tray from across his lap.
Chris began to take several blankets from the trunk at the foot of their bed. "Very true. Tradition is good, very good. But new traditions can be added with each generation. We will have our own traditions to add. Be right back."
Chris went over to their sitting room. He pulled the long cushion off the chaise lounge against the wall. He carried it into their bedroom. He moved the chair and put the thick cushion on the floor next to the bed. He covered it with a couple of blankets. Adam handed Chris his two pillows from his side of the bed. Chris finishes his temporary bed and sat on it.
"This will be quite comfortable. I did promise to sleep. But I am not leaving you. Now, do you need the chamber pot before I bathe?" Chris always liked to bathe at night, it helped him relax.
Adam flushed. "Please, let me go to the WC. I could use some movement. Let me go now, and I will use the chamber pot during the night. Please? Drew said nothing about not using the WC."
"Well, alright. But if you get dizzy, back in bed and use the pot. Promise." Chris spoke firmly.
"Promise. Now help me my Lion." Adam pulled back the covers and took a moment to sit on the edge of the bed, to put on his slippers. Chris had left enough room between the bed and the floor bed, his Lion was so wonderful.
Chris watched his husband carefully. The glow of the baby was replaced by the cold. Adam's eyes were glassy and he sniffed more.
"You sure you want to go to the WC?" Chris asked as Adam coughed a bit.
Adam sighed. "Yes, but… give me the chamber pot." He suddenly did not have the strength or energy to get up.
"Good, Kitten." Chris got the chamber pot. He put it so Adam could "go" from the side of the bed. He turned away to make Adam feel less embarrassed.
Adam managed to do his business. He decided the chamber pot wasn't so bad after all. He waited for Chris to move the pot. When he did, Adam removed his slippers and slid back into the bed. H was exhausted.
Chris tucked Adam in. "Sleep, my Kitten. Your Lion is here." He kissed the back of Adam's hand.
Chris took the chamber pot into the WC, dumped it and rinsed it out. He put it back under the bed. He then grabbed his nightshirt and went back to the WC to take his bath.
Downstairs in the morning room, they finished their celebration of Chris and Adam's happy announcement. Dean spoke. "I will walk Kenny home. Goodnight, everyone." He opened the morning room door for Kenny.
"Goodnight, everyone. Uncle Eric, I promise not to say anything. I know you will want to tell poppa." Kenny spoke with a smile.
Eric gave Kenny a hug. "Thank you, son. Tell him to come for morning tea, if he is free."
"I will." Kenny nodded. Dean took him by the hand and left the house. They could do a bit of kissing in the alley to the mews first.
As the family went upstairs, Roman spoke. "It will be hard to keep Shane away from Adam."
"Professor Priest will see to it, don't worry." Vince stated as the family got upstairs.
Roman and Seth stopped to check on the twins before they went to their room. Stephanie kissed her parents at the door to her room, with a happy smile. Vince and Eric got to their room. The giggled like teenagers, they had a plan to celebrate.
Down in the servant's hall, Mark sent the girls and Cody up to bed. Jason had already gone to his room over the mews. Judy kissed her "children" and hurried off to hers and Mark's room. They too had a plan to celebrate, and Judy wanted to look pretty. She would also use her French perfume.
Mark followed the others up. He quickly cleared all the dirty glasses and the empty champagne bottle from the morning room. He took them downstairs. Mark then went back up to check every thing.
Just as he locked the door to the dining room, Dean came in from walking Kenny home.
"Lord Dean. I was about to lock the door. Goodnight." Mark smiled with a nod.
"Had to walk my fiance home. Goodnight, and congratulations." Dean gave Mark a wink and hurried up to his room.
Mark locked the front door. He was satisfied the house was secure. He hurried down the stairs, he and Judy had plans, and he was more than ready. His smile was bright.
A week later, Adam was much better. He still coughed, sneezed and blew his nose, but over all he finally felt human again. Doctor McIntyre waited for the thermometer to finish taking Adam's temperature. He counted, then removed it.
"No temperature at all. I still want you to stay in bed. Everything with the little one is fine. I want to keep it that way. I will say, if you want to work on those for the Duke, you may. However, not too long at a time. You may also get up to go to the WC, but don't fully bathe yet. You must stay warm. The being sick in the mornings because of the baby will come soon, so be prepared. Baking soda mixed in water will help. Any questions?" Drew asked as he packed up his medical satchel.
Chris looked at Adam. "No, you answered everything. Thank you, Doctor Drew." Chris pulled out his pocketbook and handed the physician some folded money.
"Thank you, Lord Christopher. You are too generous. Call me if you need me. Eugenia sends her love. You, rest." Drew spoke firmly, then left.
Adam looked at his husband. "Go see the children. I will be perfectly fine, I promise. They are going to be worried enough as it is. Tell then I will be along to see them soon." Adam spoke with insistence. Chris had not been to the orphanage since the trip when Adam had taken ill with the cold.
Chris sighed. "Alright, love. I will go. I do miss them. I also need to do some paperwork with Pru. I know Shane hoped to go today. Professor Priest gave him permission. or, I can have Shane stay here and keep you company. That might be for the best." Chris hated to leave Adam alone.
Adam shook his head, with a roll of his eyes. "No, Lion. Take Shane to see the children. Jimmy needs him. Tell them I promise to tell an extra long story in a week or two, when I am able to go." Adam smiled as Chris fluffed up his nest of pillows.
Chris kissed Adam on the forehead. "I will go tell Shane to get ready. I will be right back." He hurried out of the room.
Adam rubbed his abdomen. "I am glad your father is finally going. Melanie is going to be so happy. She will be your big sister. I am sure the two of you will love each other very much. Now, you sleep and grow strong." The blond laid back against his pillow nest and closed his eyes, everything was perfect.
Chris found Shane in the school room. The lad read from a very thick book on England's history. Professor Priest wrote the names of the six wives of Henry VIII on the blackboard.
Damian saw Chris first. He smiled with a nod. "Master Shane, you may stop. I believe you will be leaving shortly." Damian spoke softly, but the tone still held authority.
Shane spun around in his chair. He saw his brother in the doorway. "He is alright?" His brow arched.
Chris chuckled. "He is, and he insisted. The Doctor just left. Adam is fine, but still needs another week or two of bed rest. Being more careful in his… shall we say… more delicate condition is important. Professor Priest, if you have the time, I am sure he would like a visit from you. To be honest, I think the Russian language is giving him a bit of trouble."
Damian gave a nod. "I would be happy to help if I can. I do enjoy Lord Adam's conversations He is an extremely smart man. Master Shane, you are dismissed. I will expect a one hundred word summary on the introduction of King Henry the Eighth. Have a good time at the orphanage. Don't forget those new picture/word cards for Master Jimmy."
Shane closed the history book and stood. "I won't, Professor. I will do the summary when I get back. Thank you, Professor." He hurried off to get ready to go see Jimmy.
Chris gave the Professor a nod. "Take care, Professor." He too hurried off to get ready. Chris also wanted to make sure Adam was truly alright. Despite what Drew had said, Adam looked too pale for his liking.
Adam opened his eyes when he heard his husband slip into a more formal shirt. "I suppose I should expect a visit from Professor Priest?" He arched his brow. Adam also tried not to leer as Chris buttoned his shirt.
Chris shook his head with a laugh. "Now behave, my Kitten. Time for that when you feel better. The Professor will help you with your Russian, if you want. You aren't uncomfortable with him are you? If so, I will tell him to leave you alone." Chris thought Adam enjoyed Damian's company, but perhaps not.
Adam smiled. "Not at all. I enjoy talking to Professor Priest. He is a bit like a long, lost cousin. He helps me quite a lot with my language studies. I just don't want him to fee obligated. Maybe he'd rather have some time to himself when Shane is gone." He gave a bit of a shrug.
Chris sighed. "I didn't think of that. I just didn't want you to feel alone and bored while we are gone. You work it out with him. You sure you don't mind me going?" He sat on the edge of the bed and placed one hand on Adam's abdomen. Chris caressed Adam's brow with the other.
Adam placed a hand of top of the one Chris had on his abdomen. "I am sure, my Lion. I want to know how our Melanie is doing. Shane needs to see Jimmy. Also bring me Tommy's sketchbook. He will be sitting for the scholarship in a few weeks. I need to give him some exercises to work on. You also must do your paperwork with Prudence. Give them all my love and I will come see them soon. Now go, make our daughter laugh." Adam sat up and gave his husband a soft kiss.
Chris smiled into the kiss. "Alright, my Kitten. I will give Melanie your love. I will also bring Tommy's sketchbook back with me. I need to speak to Professor Ross, make sure Tommy is fully ready. His art skills are only part of the scholarship. You behave and stay in bed. If you are good, we can sit out on the balcony for a bit. Doctor said fresh air is good for both you and the little one. I love you… both of you." Chris leaned down and kissed Adam's abdomen, then his temple.
Chris gesture brought tears to Adam's eyes. He never knew how much love one could show another. Adam knew he was a very lucky man, and would never take it for granted. He smiled softly. "We love you, so very much." Adam's smile continued as Chris gave him a kiss.
Half and hour later, Damian sat in the chair next to Adam's bed. The two men had morning tea as they spoke. "Professor, you do not have to keep me entertained. I am sure you have other things you would like to do. A walk perhaps?" Adam arched his brow at Damian.
Professor Priest smiled. "I don't mind, your Lordship. I enjoy our talks. I also like helping you with your language studies. Have you thought of taking classes at Oxford?" He looked at Adam, then the book on learning Russian Lord Christopher had bought his husband.
Adam cocked his head. "Me? Study at Oxford? No, I couldn't do that. I've done alright learning on my own...well, with your help with Russian. It is a… rather challenging language…" He was halted by a knock on the door.
Adam called out. "Please, come in."
Roman opened the door and stuck his head in. Parliament was still on summer break and would be until the end of September. "Sorry to bother. Father got a letter in his box that needs to be translated as soon as possible. He also said to please be honest if you are not up to it." Roman held the red wax sealed envelope in his hand.
Adam smiled. "I will be pleased to do the translation, Roman. It is also a good excuse for our dear Professor to go get some fresh air. You don't mind do you, Professor Priest?" Adam looked at Damian, both brows arched in expectation.
Damian stood with a smile. "I don't mind, your Lordship. A walk sounds very good. Do not over do, or Lord Christopher will have my hide, your Lordships." Damian gave a nod to Adam and Roman, then quietly left the room. His speed always amused Adam, as he never got a chance to respond.
"I wanted to tell him to have a nice walk, but again, he was too fast. Roman, can you please bring me my writing desk.
The desk was made of dark walnut. The lid lifted to reveal a blue velvet lined box with places for writing paper, envelopes, quills, ink, was and metal seal with the McMahon family crest.
They desk also had a drawer that could hold extra paper, or a letter in mid translation. Also, under the velvet of the drawer was a small hidden space. Adam kept a bit of money there, as an emergency. The best part was, the desk was made to be placed over the lap so it could be used while sitting. It would be handy on a train, or if Adam ever wanted to go to the park to write.
Vince and Eric had given Adam the beautiful desk as a congratulations gift for the baby.
Roman laid the desk across Adam's lap. The cut out area fit perfectly, to make a sturdy writing surface. "Adam, please, do not over do. Father really hesitated before giving me the letter to bring to you." He laid the letter on the highly polished desk top.
Adam laid a hand on Roman's arm. "Yes, Roman. I am sure. This will keep me from getting restless. Honestly, the more translations I do, the easier and quicker they are. I do promise to rest if I get tired. I am not risking the baby for a letter. Now, let me get to work, and tell father and poppa not to fret." He gave Roman a wink. Adam raised the lid and removed the sterling sliver letter opener that was engraved: "Adam Joseph Reso-Copeland-McMahon, September 1902." Adam had been proud and pleased when Vince and Eric had given the desk.
Roman bend down and kissed Adam's cheek. "Thank you, Adam. Father is worried. He just doesn't say anything. No, I will rephrase that, Father can't say anything. Uncle Bret is here too. I don't think things with Barrett and that Banks woman are going well. I wish I could help him more." He gave Adam a weak smile and moved toward the door.
Adam nodded with a frown on his handsome face. "We can only do what we can Roman. As long as we do our best, we are helping Father. Roman, Seth is right, you are too hard on yourself. Father would be lost without you. You do fantastic work. Now go, let me translate." He finished with a smile.
Roman shook his head with a chuckle. "You and Seth talk too much. Adam, thank you. I do appreciate the confidence boost. See you later." He opened the door and left. Adam quickly got to work translating the letter on the lap desk.
Adam tried hard not to actually read what he translated. He tried to keep it, just as words on paper. This time though, neutrality was hard; the words had meaning. Especially after what happened in Paris. Adam tried not to realize the author of the letter was going against his own government; a traitor. He was hoping for a way to come to England and stay. Adam could also see the man, while not in the highest ranks, was close to the top. As hard as Adam tried, the man stayed in his mind.
Adam held his pen above the paper. The man would be an enemy to his own people, but a hero in England. Or could it be a plot? Make England think he was helping, while learning secrets to take back to Germany. It was at that moment, Adam realized the amount of weight that fell on Vince's shoulders, and all the Lords and commoners that served their country in Parliament. No wonder Roman often looked… stressed. It was caused by his work, it was caused by his worry for Vince.
Adam let out a deep sigh and went back to work. He also felt a bit of pride as he worked. He was serving his country in an important way. Soon the only sound in the room was the scratch of pen on paper.
Downstairs, in Vince's office, Vince and Bret spoke. "Paris really spooked Barrett. He has not left the Banks' property since he arrived. We aren't sure, but we think Lord Banks has ordered his daughter and Barrett to stay put. The other thing is, we don't know if it is because of us, or if Lord Banks is forming a new plan." Bret let out a long held in sigh.
Vince too sighed. "I hope it is the latter. A letter came today, that I hope will have some answers or at least suggestions. Adam is working on it as we speak. Bret… are your people positive about tour friend in Berlin? He isn't playing both sides of the proverbial fence? You know how it could be." Vince arched his brow at Bret. He had the same fear as Adam.
Bret leaned back in his chair and took a deep drag from the cigarette he smoked. "I would like to say, one hundred percent yes, but as you very well know, I can't. Everything points to have him being on our side. He has given us no reason to doubt his intentions. I do have eyes on him. The only thing I know is my gut tells me, he is on our side." He gave a shrug.
Vince let out a soft chuckle. "That is good enough for me. By the way, how are those two from Paris holding up?" He took a cigar out of the humidor box on his desk and lit it.
Bret actually laughed. "They are… adjusting. Helmsley had a hard time at first. Once he learned he was not in charge, he settled down. Seems like Mister Helmsley doesn't like breaking rocks with a sledge hammer. Regal is a bit better. They have him working in the kitchens. The prison Governor took my advice and separated them. I wanted to give them time to think. When the time is right, we will put them back together. We also know, that Banks tried to send someone in to talk to them, but the visitor wasn't allowed in. It pays to have the Governor on side." Bret gave Vince a wink and a grin.
"Make sure we keep him on side. Now, we'd better get back to work. After all, we still need Barrett behind bars." Vince spoke in a serious tone. He and Bret had work to do.
At the orphanage, Shane played with the children in the play room. An afternoon rain shower kept them inside. Chris and Prudence worked in Pru's morning room/office.
Chris looked over the quarter year expenses for the orphanage. "So, nothing more from Banks?" He looked up from the papers to Prudence.
Prudence also looked up from the stack of papers she read. "Not a word. You know, Chris, that almost makes me more nervous. At least when she was yelling at me, I knew what she was doing I catch glimpses of that Barrett fellow riding across the meadow. I don't suppose you have heard anything?" She looked at Chris who sat across from her at the desk.
Chris shook his head with a sigh. "No, I haven't. To be honest, I don't think father has either. He is talking with Uncle Bret today. Oh by the way, Adam and I have some news. Melanie will be a big sister in May. Adam is… well… in a delicate way." Chris beamed. Prudence Mayfield was the first "outsider" to hear of Adam expecting.
Pru blinked at Chris. She then burst out in a face splitting smile. She nearly knocked over a bottle of ink as she hugged Chris across the desk.
"Oh my darling boy. Congratulations to you both. You know, I thought Adam looked different when he was here last I chalked it up to the cold when you called to tell me. Now I know, he did glow and not from a fever. You and Adam will be wonderful parents. Melanie will be happy too. She loves helping the littlest ones. Again. Congratulations.
Chris beamed at Pru. "Thank you. Yes, Melanie will be wonderful. Not sure when we will tell the children. No spoiling our secret." He gave Pru a look of hope.
"I wouldn't dream of it, my dear boy. Oh Christopher, I knew the moment you brought Adam here the first time, he was special. He has done the most marvelous thing possible…" Prudence was cut off by Chris.
"And what would that be, my dear Lady?" Chris arched his brow at Pru.
"He made you smile again." Prudence replied with a soft smile. Before Adam had come along, she'd been worried about Chris. He was always… sad. He rarely smiled, even at Melanie.
Chris ducked his head. "I was getting a bit depressed. Adam was an unobtainable dream, or so I thought. I found out, the night the twins were born, he felt the same about me. Oh, you know all this…" Chris laughed. Once he started talking about Adam, he could hardly stop.
Prudence laughed as well. "It doesn't matter, Christopher. It is happy news. However, we do have some more work to do. I want to ask you about your brother, Dean. Is he just a law clerk or is he a full esquire? I am sure you have told me, but I am getting old and forgetful."
Chris chuckled. "He is a clerk, but working on his law degree. As is his fiance, Kenny Hart. Why?" He cocked his head like a curious pup.
"Well, Michael Cole has been talking about expanding so he can eventually retire. I am looking for a new a possible new Esquire. What about where your brother clerks?" Prudence asked as she shuffled a few papers on her desk, then handed them to Chris.
Chris shook his head "no". "Dean works for Regal… wait… Prudence, the man in Paris… his name was Regal too… Pru. We could be in serious trouble. What if they are related? Dean and Kenny could be in serious danger. May I use your telephone? I need to speak to father immediately. Why didn't anyone else make the connection?" Worry marred Chris' normally handsome face.
Prudence nodded to the new telephone on her desk. "Please, help yourself."
Chris picked up the telephone. After he spoke to the switch operator, he spoke to Calaway. "Connect me to father immediately, please…" Chris waited as Mark made the connection to the telephone in Vince's office. "… Father, it's Chris. Father, Dean and Kenny could be in grave danger…"