Many thanks to Carol222 for pre-reading and sharing her knowledge of the court system!
Chapter 8
Carrick
"Pretty country," Lance Cuthbert remarked. He'd just turned onto State Route 8 toward Montesano.
"It is," Carrick agreed. "Christian was in high school the last time I was down this way. He, Elliot, and I camped and fished along the Wynoochee. Good times." As he tried to relax against the tan leather interior of his friend's Land Rover, he wondered where he and Grace had gone wrong.
He blamed himself for not taking a stronger stand with his dear wife. Soon after they'd moved to Seattle and adopted Mia, he'd suggested that Grace cut back her working hours, pushing for half-days, four days a week.
When they'd moved to Seattle, Elliot had been ten, a charming boy, but very high energy. Christian, age six, was sullen and mute, still not fully integrated into the family. Mia had been a colicky, difficult baby, which added to their household stress.
Carrick believed the care of their three children was too much for a nanny. The children needed more parenting than they were receiving. He was the primary breadwinner. His earnings far outstripped his wife's. Since she was a pediatrician and mother, he believed Grace should be the primary provider of the nurturing that the children needed.
He agreed that it was important for his wife to maintain an identity and income outside their marriage. Grace had a gift that should be shared with the world, but he felt she could do that by working part-time until the children were old enough to not require supervision.
But Grace had other ideas. She believed a woman should and could have it all: marriage, children, a demanding career, an active social life, as well as a strong civic presence. She pooh-poohed his request, and against his wishes, she joined forces with two of her physician friends to open Bellevue Pediatric Associates. When she'd added business owner to her list of responsibilities, their lives became even more complicated.
Those early years, just after the move to Seattle, had been the most difficult point in the their marriage. Because she'd made decisions without including him, he'd withdrawn emotionally. Over time he felt he had no choice but to accept that the primary care of their children would always be outsourced to others.
From his perspective, the lack of parental involvement and supervision had severe and lasting consequences for all three of the children.
Elliot had run with a fast crowd, a group of preppy jocks who drank too much and engaged in indiscriminant sex. Carrick recalled the time he wasn't feeling well and came home from work early, only to find a sixteen-year-old Elliot in bed with two girls. The three had ditched school in favor of carnal pursuits.
Grace buried her head in the sand, going on about how adolescents feel the need to challenge limits. According to her, Elliot was just going through a phase. When Carrick pointed out to her that casual sex might not be healthy for their son or the girls he engaged with, she conceded that he was probably correct, but shrugged it off. After all, they couldn't supervise the boy 24/7, could they?
Unlike big brother Elliot, Mia didn't engage in risky behaviors. Instead she had no idea how to choose friends. Wanting desperately to be liked, she aligned herself with a group of very entitled, snotty girls. She didn't have a cruel bone in her body, but she didn't have the confidence to say no to the mean girl crowd. Again, Grace couldn't see it.
And then there was Christian. Of all the things Carrick regretted, it was abiding by Grace's insistence that Christian not be touched. "We mustn't violate his boundaries. It would cause him to distrust us," she'd argued.
Year after year, Christian continued to live out the existence of a broken, lonely child. Carrick had suggested that Grace get to know the other moms in Christian's class, set up play dates, help the child learn how to make friends. She said she'd do it, but never followed through. He called one of the mothers himself trying to establish contact, but the woman had complained to her husband that Carrick was coming onto her under the guise of helping his son. There was no winning, he decided.
Grace was a warm, loving woman who wanted to be everything to everyone. To the outside world, she appeared to be a marvel. But Carrick often felt that both he and Grace were imposters, because he knew the truth: they had failed as parents.
"How does it feel, Grandpa?" Lance joked.
"Wonderful," he said, smiling to himself. He was ready to happily embrace grandfatherhood. "But I'm trying not to get too attached until the DNA tests are completed."
"Do you have reason to doubt that the child is Christian's?" Lance looked away from the road to gauge Carrick's reaction.
"No, not really. But Grace is already quite attached. It will break her heart if the baby…Kit…isn't ours. The child's mother appears attentive, quite devoted to the little guy."
"Anastasia Steele. How much do you know about her?" Lance wasn't the type to get into personal matters, so he wondered where this was going. "If she has any skeletons in her closet, they'll surely come out now. The Nooz is already reporting the kidnapping, so within the hour it will be splashed all over the rest of the media. You know every outlet in the Pacific Northwest is digging for dirt."
"Don't I know it. And there isn't a damn thing even the best PR rep can do. Before yesterday I'd only met the girl once. It was late last spring, when Christian brought her to dinner. She was in his life for five minutes, or so it felt, and then she was gone. He never mentioned her again. I asked about her, but he said something to the effect that it didn't work out. He was testy, moodier than usual, but didn't seem particularly upset over the breakup. You know how young people are these days. Everything is just fun and games. No one wants to settle down and do the hard work of building a family."
"It takes focus, commitment, and intentionality, for sure," Lance said.
"Just between you and me, I had Ana investigated. It was the day after she came for dinner. During the meal, she mentioned how her mother had been married four times. Any kind of instability sets off my spidey sense, but her report came back clean. Excellent academic and employment record, never been in a speck of trouble. She's not the golddigger type. She's never asked Christian for a dime. I just don't understand why she wouldn't tell him about her pregnancy. If I understood that, it would go a long way in understanding the kidnapping and why Christian has been particularly difficult recently. He's been snapping at Grace and apparently won't return Elena's phone calls."
"About Elena." Lance's voice took a hesitant tone. "I've never understood the…uh… friendship…she and Christian share."
"What's to understand?" Carrick shrugged. "She helped him develop a work ethic and focus. Surely you remember what a hellion he was in his early teens. Now that he's grown, he's returned the favor by helping her start up her salons."
"Uh huh. Did she ever take an interest in Elliot or Mia?"
"No, not really. Elena told Grace that she connected with Christian's origin story, that she felt great empathy for him. Not having children of her own, she wanted to channel some of her energy into Christian. After he started doing chores around her place, his grades turned around and he seemed to have found purpose."
"I see," Lance said, signaling that the topic of Elena was exhausted. Carrick had a feeling there was more on his friend's mind regarding Elena Lincoln, but his friend smoothly ended the topic. "I need to top off the tank and get more coffee. I'll pull off at the next place I see."
"Sounds good. I could use more coffee. Grace and I were up late into the night talking and I got very little sleep. By the way, I can't thank you enough for dropping everything to help Christian."
"My pleasure," Lance replied. " I was thinking…If we're able to get a change of venue, perhaps you could call in a favor from Blandino. He could use his influence to secure a closed hearing, rather than a jury trial. All those political contributions ought to count for something."
"Good idea. I'll get on that." Carrick mentally added it to the growing list of to-dos. "I wonder how many press are already on the scene. I can't imagine we'll be lucky enough to avoid them this morning."
He allowed his mind to wander from the case back to Anastasia Steele. She'd been adamant that he and Grace not be alone with Kit until Christian lifted the NDA and she'd accused them of having an unsavory social circle. He and Grace had gone back and forth during the night, trying to figure out who or what could be wrong with their friend group. The accusation seemed to too specific to be idle or baseless.
Knowing Grace was having lunch with Ana, he considered dropping by so he could get a better read on the girl. It was going to be a jam-packed day, but he resolved to do his best. It would also give him more time to visit with Kit, who had to be the cutest baby he'd ever seen. Grace wouldn't be the only one broken-hearted if the DNA test came back negative.
"You and Jeanine have been our best friends over the years. I want you to know how much Grace and I appreciate your ever present support."
"We love you guys," Lance said. "I hope we can always be there for you. I know you're worried about Christian, but if the DNA test comes back with a match, we'll get him out of this mess without prison time."
"Yes, but I'm still worried about him," Carrick said. "You know all of our friends and family. I hesitate to ask, but it's important. Have you ever been put off by any of our associates? Please…I know this puts you on the spot."
"Jeanine and I always have a wonderful time at your gatherings. Most of your friends are also our friends and your extended family is wonderful."
"I never thought about it, but I guess you're right. We do share the same friend set. So there's nothing amiss there?"
"Why are you asking?" Lance turned to him with a furrowed brow.
"Oh, it was just something Ana said yesterday, something about not wanting Kit to be exposed to our social circle."
"Well, of course," Lance said, as if it should be the most obvious thing in the world. "She's referring to Elena."
Carrick was gobsmacked.
"What do you mean? Do you and Jeanine have a problem with Elena?"
"No, not a problem I can put my finger on," Lance said. "She's off-putting, so we avoid her, as do all of your other friends. Haven't you noticed?"
"Actually no." He'd always prided himself on being an observant student of human behavior. What was he missing?
"Oh, come on." Lance chuckled. "Her behavior is unsavory. The way she always corners Christian, sits near him, whispers in his ear, runs her hands up and down his arms. Everyone notices. Elliot's girl even called it out in front of everyone and you all laughed, as if it were preposterous that Elena and Christian could have something going on."
Carrick couldn't believe what his friend was telling him.
"Well, it does feel like a ridiculous notion," he said. "I'm sure there's never been anything of an intimate nature between Christian and Elena. She's always been more Grace's friend than Christian's."
"I'm sorry," Lance said. "Let's drop it. I've overstepped my bounds. Please forget I said anything. You know Elena Lincoln better than I do."
For the next ten miles, Carrick considered his friend's observations.
If Ana did consider Elena to be a problem, maybe it was a simple matter of jealousy. Christian did have regular business dinners with Elena. If Ana had misunderstood the nature of the relationship, that could be the reason they broke up. But it didn't make sense that Elena could be the reason for Ana's reticence to allow them to be alone with Kit.
Lance stopped for gas and the two picked up some coffee. Carrick tried to keep his mind off personal issues, focusing instead on the upcoming court proceedings. It was shaping up to be a long day.
Carrick quickly surveyed the courtroom and noticed the press scattered across the last two rows. Christian's case was first on the docket, something to be grateful for. If all went to schedule, they'd all be back in Seattle well before noon.
His son was escorted to the table by two deputy sheriffs, dressed in orange scrubs, the words 'County Jail' emblazoned across the back. Head down with hands and feet shackled, Christian shuffled to the chair next to him.
"Are you okay?" His son glanced up at him and nodded. That's when he noticed the swelling and bruising around Christian's eye and nose. "Did the cops rough you up?"
Carrick had noticed a bloody lip and red face the day before and mentally chalked it up to chapped lips and a possible crying spell. What he saw now, looked like assault.
"No, this happened before my arrest. I don't want to talk about it," his son said, turning away.
If the physical altercation occurred before the arrest, it must have been Ana who had roughed him up. Carrick disapproved of all forms of violence, but couldn't deny his own desire to give the boy a lashing. Maybe if he'd put a boot up his son's ass years ago, they wouldn't be in a courtroom right now.
"What's about to happen? Am I supposed to make a statement?" Christian was nervously licking his lips and jiggling his legs under the table.
"No, there's no statement. Lance will do most of the talking. All you have to do is is answer, 'Yes, Your Honor' or 'No, Your Honor.' We've already been through the court's paperwork and everything is in order. Your bail has been paid and we have the receipt. She'll ask your plea. You'll tell her you're not guilty."
"Except that I am," Christian whispered.
"That's not important now. Everyone initially pleads not guilty. It's what the judge expects. If you say otherwise, it will create a lot of paperwork and really mess up her day."
The judge, a stout middle-aged woman, entered the courtroom promptly at 8 am and briskly brought proceedings to order.
"Christian Grey, please stand." Christian stood between his attorneys, staring straight ahead.
"You are charged with Second Degree Kidnapping, a Class B felony. The maximum sentence is ten years in prison and a twenty thousand dollar fine. Do you wish to have the charges read aloud?"
"No, Your Honor."
"Do you understand the charges brought against you?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Have you received a copy of the criminal complaint?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Is your personal information accurate, including correct spelling?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"What is your plea?"
"Not guilty, Your Honor."
"I see that the magistrate set your bail at one million dollars. Your attorneys have already arranged bail. Please listen carefully as I outline the conditions of release. The court imposes a No Contact Order for Anastasia Steele and her minor child, Raymond Christian Steele. You must not leave the state of Washington. You must keep the court informed as to any change of residence or contact information. No drug or alchohol use. Do you understand the conditions of release?"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Mr. Cuthbert," the judge addressed Lance, since he was lead attorney. "Let's set the pre-trial and trial dates."
While the judge scrolled her computer, checking calendars and timelines, Lance interrupted. "Your Honor, we've completed the online application for Notice of Change of Venue to King County. We hope that you can address that this morning."
"Oh, I was unaware. Let me find your request." After a few moments, the judge looked up from her screen. "Here it is. Please summarize your reasoning for the request."
"I'm sure you saw the media vehicles outside this morning," Lance said. "We've also been graced with several members of the press here in the courtroom. As the news of Mr. Grey's arrest spreads, there will be more press or just nosy tourists descending on Montesano, who want to follow his trial. The more visitors, the greater the strain on security. We feel it would be easier for the good people of Montesano, especially Miss Steele and her son, if the trial could be moved to Seattle."
"I certainly don't need a greater workload. Mr. Cuthbert, your request for change of venue is approved." She turned to her computer and typed on her keyboard. "As we speak, I am sending notification to King County."
"Thank you, Your Honor," Lance answered. And with that, they were on their way.
Lance drove back to Seattle alone, so Carrick could spend much needed time with Christian. Father and son sat in the rear of the Audi, while Reynolds drove and Taylor sat shotgun. A jazz station played on the radio and the two men in the front seats chatted amiably.
"The hearing went well. I'm feeling good about your case." Carrick had never seen his son look so morose. "You have every reason to be optimistic. The DNA is the key that will keep you out of prison. Your appointment at the lab is for 4 pm. They were very good about squeezing you in. I've already informed Taylor and he assures me he'll keep you on schedule."
"Uh-huh." His son's response was barely more than a grunt.
"I took the liberty of calling Ros last night. I thought she should hear about your arrest from your attorney father, rather than from the press. She was stunned and quite upset. She said she'd contact Nicholls and the two of them would meet with Sam to come up with a statement for employees, as well as some kind of press release."
Carrick didn't share the other part of Ros's reaction. Between curse words, she'd let slip that over the past year Christian had become "increasingly disengaged" from GEH, "endangering the company." This had pushed her to hire Michael Nicholls as CFO. Apparently, the ship was now righted and things were quickly getting back on track.
"Thanks. I'll call her as soon as I get home. Did Ana ask for the No Contact Order?" Christian's head was leaned against the car window, his eyes closed.
Since his son had brought up Ana, this was an opportunity to ask about her.
"No, not as far as I know," Carrick answered. "It's fairly common for a judge to want to keep the alleged perpetrator away from his alleged victim. If you're worried that you won't ever see Kit again, I promise that's not the case. The No Contact Order is a temporary measure. It's important to your defense that I understand more about the nature of your relationship with Ana. What was the reason you felt the need for an NDA?"
Nostrils flared, eyes wild, Christian whipped his head around to face Carrick. Whispering, he gritted, "What the hell has she told you?"
"Not nearly enough. Your mother and I are rather frustrated. We suggested that we'd like Kit to visit us as soon as it can be arranged. Ana said that wouldn't be possible until you lift the NDA. She indicated that there's an unsavory element in our intimate circle and she doesn't want Kit exposed to whatever or whomever that is. What could she be talking about?"
"This is absolute bullshit. How dare she…what is she playing at…dammit." Christian's eyes darted about and he pulled at his hair. "I don't understand what she's trying to do."
"Your mother and I were up late into the night, racking our brains to figure out what danger there might be in our social group. Care to enlighten me?"
"There's nothing to tell. Ana is just trying to start trouble." Carrick noted that his son was looking out the car window, unable to make eye contact. There was more to it than his son was willing to admit.
"Sure, if you say so. Look, son, this is an easy fix. Just rip up that NDA and we can all move on. I'm sure it's a simple misunderstanding between the two of you."
"I have everyone I interact with sign an NDA. I am not making an exception."
"Not even for the mother of your child? What was the nature of your relationship? I thought you and she were in a romantic relationship. Is this one of those booty call situations?"
"Fuck. Dad, stop. You're embarrassing yourself."
This caused Carrick to laugh. Wasn't it the duty of parents to behave in embarrassing ways?
"It will help me defend you if I understand what happened between the two of you. Do you not understand that Ana stands between you and prison?"
That got his son's attention. Christian stilled for a moment.
"I'll answer you as much as I can, but I'm not sharing intimate details. As both your son and client, I'd appreciate some respect for my privacy."
"Fair enough. I need to know the nature of the relationship, the length of duration, and how it ended."
"I met her on May 9th and she broke it off on June 4th. She felt we were incompatible. Using your terminology, it was more than a booty call and less than a romance. That's all you'll get from me. I don't feel comfortable talking about it."
"Somewhere between booty call and romance. What is that? What falls between casual and serious? It doesn't make sense." Carrick felt more confused than ever.
"I never claimed that it made sense. I'm just telling you how it was. And I really don't want to talk about this anymore." Christian wanted to shut down, but Carrick was determined not to allow it. He needed information.
"As your attorney, it's important for me to understand your state of mind. Please tell me what thoughts went into the kidnapping. Did you know you were Kit's father?"
"I didn't want to believe it then, but now that I've gotten used to the idea, I'm sure it's true. He's mine. While I was driving to Montesano, I was mostly thinking how angry I was at Ana."
"Angry because she didn't tell you?" That made sense. He would be furious, too, if he had a son and no one had told him.
"Yes. And angry because she left me. I don't want to talk about it." His son crossed his arms and turned away. He was behaving like a pouty, sullen teen and Carrick found it infuriating.
"Do you know how lucky you are? You've been blessed with a healthy, beautiful baby boy. And that baby has an attentive, loving mother. For God's sake, be appreciative and stop acting like a spoiled brat."
The car was silent for the remainder of the drive to Seattle, both men simmering with their own very private frustrations.
Hello, Dear Reader!
I hope you've enjoyed reading about Carrick's thoughts. How do you think the No Contact Order will go? How will Christian and GEH handle the coming public relations problems? What more can Carrick do to help Christian?
Thank you for your continued support of this story. Your thoughts are important to me, so please don't hold back.
All the best, Paula
