DRAGONJULS Storybook
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One
Chapter Four:
Constance Waverly had finally found the ideal candidate to take over in New York, Lee Western. For some strange reason his personal file had not been downloaded with the other senior executives. It had only been Clare trying to put several of the senior executives benefits packages in order one morning that she had inadvertently come across the name. He was the senior manager for marketing strategy in Europe. All indicators on his file would recommend a second look at the man. Constance had taken the next flight out to London and done just that!
Eduardo had been pleased to see her also. He had to content with the entire furore over the shooting, Gareth’s suicide, the kidnapping of Devonshire’s friend, who now had the exalted title of ‘wife’ in some regions or in others words……that wouldn’t go down well in a board meeting.
Everything had taken it’s toll on the VP, who had been remarkable in his fortitude and concentration to the business generally, when all of Gareth’s less than admirable business deals started to come out in the open. Not to mention the numerous auditors that had taken their accounting practices and eventually the accounts themselves to pieces and found out only weeks ago, that Gareth had swindled at least, twenty million pounds sterling from the company. He was tired of the constant problems and wanted to talk to Constance about his position. It was time to consider taking a break perhaps for good!
Eduardo watched the medium height dusky woman alight from a taxi and smiled. He liked the way she moved she was very sleek like a panther in her movements. Given the opportunity, he wouldn’t mind spending some leisure time with her; that is, if he ever had any these days. Although, he’d heard a rumour her tastes were more in line with those of the owners’, but that was only a rumour, so far!
“Mr. Forencio, Ms. Waverly is in reception. Shall I have security pass her through immediately.” Dawn Leven asked her supervisor. She’d previously worked for Gareth Cuthbert and up until his demise, hadn’t taken at all to the swarthy South American. Not that she had to worry about his womanising ways. He wasn’t exactly likely to come on to her. At fifty-eight she was sure that her mature looks didn’t interest the man in the slightest.
“Go through the procedure with Ms. Waverly. Then have her shown up to my office on completion of the formalities. I think we will have coffee here in my office rather than the boardroom Dawn. If you please.” Eduardo spoke quietly to the woman whom he had inherited from Cuthbert.
At first he wasn’t impressed, but within the first three months she had been a godsend in this place. Cuthbert had made sure that things were virtually impossible to understand on many levels. It had been the woman in the outer office who had first noticed the regularities on the computer system and advised him of the situation. He would have been sunk without trace, without her on his team, which was for sure, especially in the last six months. He wondered if she too, had a personal life. Or, had it disappeared as his had with the long hours they waded through all the problems of the European operation?
“As you wish Mr. Forencio, coffee will be with you when Ms. Waverly arrives in the office.” Dawn put down the receiver of her phone and called reception and asked for all formalities of security to be carried out as normal.
Fifteen minutes later Constance was shown into the European Operation VP’s office. She smiled as she looked at the back of the South American. He had always been the fun one in the VP team briefings. She hoped he still had a sense of humour after all the shit that had been flying in his direction, once Cuthbert’s devious dealings had become knowledge at Xianthos. Eduardo turned as the door closed and he held out his hand to the President of the world operation of Xianthos, smiling warmly at her.
“Glad you could spare time to come over and see our operation Constance,” the need for formality unnecessary when they were one to one in the office.
“Thanks, it’s good to see you again Eduardo. It must be nearly a year since we all met together. How things have changed.” Constance replied her voice held a tinge of sadness as she spoke.
“Yes. Unfortunately for us it has been a difficult time. Hopefully now, we can address that and see the future more clearly,” a wistful note invaded his words.
Constance looked at him closely. She moved towards the sofa in the large tastefully decorated office, with it’s pale shades of green and blue, giving it a clean and smart look, but easy on the eye as well. The man in front of her looked tired. She wasn’t in the least bit surprised. She’d had access to the information from the problems of the European operation. Catherine had personally taken charge of the mess. She was well aware of the number of messages she received; Catherine daily called, and e-mailed the VP.
“You have achieved wonders with all the problems Eduardo. Catherine, I know, is very happy with the results and you!” Constance expressed sincerely.
“I speak with Ms. Devonshire everyday. She is like the bull with horns. You know the type...she cannot give up. I think she expects the money to be given back to her. However, the bastard made sure that it wouldn’t happen. Even if she’d found out, and he was still alive!”
Eduardo gave a wry smile at the tenacity of the owner. She had been mad at the extent of the corruption in the operation and ensured that nothing was spent or approved if it went over four figures. Which meant that there were numerous e-mails everyday for her approval. Although, she had allowed him the checkbook when she left for her month’s holiday. She still approved everything on her return and had been upset at only one.
“Yes, I know you do. I know how hard it is not to run the operation without her on your shoulder, overseeing everything. Trust me, I have been there with her. Once she gains back confidence, you will have the reigns; I promise you that Eduardo.” Constance saw the man shrug and gave her a long look.
Dawn chose that moment to knock and enter with coffee and then discreetly exited again.
“She seems very efficient?” Constance expressed quietly to the pensive man, who was idly stirring his coffee, although he’d added nothing to the black liquid.
“Yes, one of the few reliable people in this operation that is both loyal to Xianthos and does know what goes on here. I have been fortunate in that respect, for I doubt we would have found out about the hacker earlier if she had not brought it to my attention.” He remarked, smiling at the thought. Dawn had been rather officious with her declaration that day. He had laughed at her attitude until he saw what was being accessed. Then he wasn’t at all sure what was going on.
“I’m sure you have indicated that effectively in her personal file. But that isn’t why I’m here Eduardo. You of course know that we have an opening in New York for VP. We believe that you may have the ideal candidate here.” Constance watched the flash of emotions on his face. ‘Hell! He probably thought she was going to offer him the post!’
“Who would that be?” He had for a moment, but only a moment hoped that it would be him. He could certainly do with a change of pace and country, as it was far too cold here in England.
“Lee Western. He is your senior marketing man.” Constance responded slowly and watched as Eduardo gave a wry smile at the name.
“Western is a very capable senior executive, having proved his loyalty to Xianthos, rather than the Cuthbert regime. I’m sure he would be interested in the offer. He is single and travels extensively in his current role. I would think it is a wonderful opportunity.” Eduardo responded dully. He was no longer interested in the conversation. It was up to Constance who she chose to fill her shoes in New York.
“Can I ask you a question?” The woman watched him from hooded brown eyes. There was something bugging the man that was a certainty.
“Go ahead.” He smiled and his perfect white teeth flashed which reminded Constance of a toothpaste promotion.
“For some reason Westerns personal files were not passed over to me originally. In fact, my PA found them accidentally when she was correlating senior executives new benefits packages. Can you shed any light on why that would be?” Constance waited for the answer and saw the man take on a puzzled look.
“No, I advised our personal executive to transfer all senior executives profiles to you as requested. Shall we ask him? Stadler is usually very efficient. I’m very surprised.” Eduardo went over to press the intercom and talk to his PA.
“No! Leave it. I will talk to the personal executive myself, if you have no objections. If I find something problematic, I will advise you accordingly. I’m sure you have enough on your plate without a petty misunderstanding.” Constance smiled at him and then got up and moved over to the window that overlooked a rather grimy looking street. The cars were bumper to bumper and the weather dark and foreboding with rain forecast. Typical of how she envisaged London really, in the business district anyway.
“It’s kind of grim looking don’t you think?” the man said, grimacing at the look of sympathy she gave him.
“Yeah, it is Eduardo. I bet you wish you had a more welcoming sight every morning?” Constance watched as he nodded. Still it wasn’t much better than Rio. Or according to Catherine anyway, she had complained about the place and it’s smog and general slum conditions.
“I’ll arrange for you to take over the boardroom for your interview with Western. He’s in the office today. You might have had a wasted journey otherwise.”
“No, I already checked his weekly planner he posted. I would have been less than happy if he didn’t get his diary right at least.” Constance smiled and for the first time since she’d entered the room. He smiled back, more like his old self.
“Eduardo later today how about lunch and we can talk about your own situation. I need to get the flight out to New York tonight, or I would have invited you to dinner. But, as they say, we can’t have the world unless we work hard to achieve it.” She smiled at him and he agreed. As she said the words, something triggered in the back of her mind, but for the life of her, she couldn’t remember exactly why.
**********
Althea Spiros looked out over the Aegean Sea and smiled at the view. As always it was very beautiful and she loved the short visits she made once or twice a year to see her family, it was expected of her. Fortunately, for her she had been gifted with her father’s prowess in the restaurant business. More so than her elder brother, who would eventually inherit the chain on their mothers’ death. Althea was the brains behind the chain that now flourished across the mainland of Greece and the main tourist Greek islands. Her brother had wisely chosen to stay beside their dominant mother and do as he was told regardless of his own happiness. Althea had opted to study in Athens and never looked back. Her mother’s deep-seated traditional role-playing had been too much for her.
She had used her not inconsiderable powers of persuasion on her favourite Uncle to smooth the path for her to live away from home. Her mother had agreed, but considered it a temporary measure. Although now twenty-eight, Althea was certain her mother still thought that way. The only saving grace had been her willingness to work for the family business. When she was twenty-two, she had convinced her family that she should begin to take over the mainland operations. Within three years, she was the figurehead of the chain and her brother was viewed as no one of importance, except as a shareholder. Now she had been summoned. Although she had more pressing matters of business to deal with, she would have been foolish to disregard a direct invitation from her mother. She had brought her laptop with her to keep in touch with the office. Although on the face of it the island looked like if had for thousands of years, in reality all the requirements of modern technology were available, but buried beneath the wonderful peaceful island ambience..
“It hasn’t change Alte, not in a thousand years.” George stated, his smile making his brown eyes dance.
Althea turned towards her brother, he might not be the most intelligent on the planet and he was definitely ruled over by a woman, but he was loveable. He was her brother and she loved him regardless. “I know, for if it had, we would be the first to know with mother’s continuous scrutiny of the island everyday.” Althea smiled back at her brother and walked towards him.
“Mother will be down soon to explain why she has called you home.” George wanted to give his sister a clue, but dare not. The wrath of Fatama Spiros was well known on the island. She had no scruples about inflicting it on anyone, including her own children as well.
“Can’t wait! How have you been Georgie? I’m surprised mother hasn’t already married you off to make certain of the bloodline. You are forty now and you should in her eyes have sown all your wild oats by now.” Althea laughed as she saw the dull red line appear over his cheeks. Her mother still believed in the old traditions and she was sure that George indulged their mother to a degree but he certainly wouldn’t marry for other than love she was sure.
“I have been good Alte and you?” he refused to comment further about their mothers’ interference in his life. Admittedly, she wasn’t far from the truth.
“Me? I have a wonderful life in Athens. I plan on keeping it brother dear. So, let us hope mother’s reason for bringing me here is short term.” Althea looked at the worried expression on her brother’s face and was about to ask when her mother walked in the door to the salon.
“Ah, Althea you have rested as I told you. When you arrived earlier, you look as always very beautiful.” Fatama Spiros praised her daughter. She was indeed a beautiful woman, her dark raven hair cut in a neat style just above her shoulders. Her tanned appearance was not overly exaggerated by the sun and her light grey eyes, giving the young woman definite statue as a Mediterranean beauty.
“Mama as always, you give good advice. Why else would I look so good?” Althea smiled at her mother. She might be a typical traditional Greek mother hen, but she was hers and she loved her despite the obvious faults. Walking over to the now seated older woman she placed a light kiss on the weather worn creased cheeks.
“George please, the Raki. We will drink a toast to your departed father. I will then relate what is required of you both in our renewal of the feud between the house of Spiros and the house of Xianthos! Go! George and be quick!” Fatama quirked in her quick precise tone as she watched with a hooded look the expression of disbelief cross her daughters face. ‘Ah yes my daughter you have been without tradition too long, now you must do what is right by the family name, nothing else will be acceptable!’ Smiling at the bemused look on her daughter’s face, she motioned for her to take the seat at the small table at her left side.
**********
Catherine watched Jace with the children and wondered why she wanted another child? The conversation they’d had recently on Cutter’s Ridge and hadn’t discussed again, came back to her as she gazed at her partner. Admittedly they could afford it. Yes, in monetary terms, but could they in personal terms? Catherine had taken time out to be with the children and Jace more than she could seriously afford on the business front recently.
She hadn’t mentioned to Jace that Cuthbert the jumper at Xianthos, who had been behind the shooting in New York had also swindled the company and by default herself, out of over twenty million pounds sterling. What would it matter if Jace knew that? Nothing really, it was only a drop in the ocean to what she was worth personally. She felt that Jace didn’t understand her wealth, or that she was now entitled to half of it if their relationship failed. At no time had she wanted to ask Jace to sign an agreement that restricted her from the wealth she possessed. Her lawyers on the other hand, had been very vocal on the issue. However, Catherine had merely ignored them and made Jace the main benefactor with provisions for the kids and a few friends in her new will.
The interesting thing with wealth of the magnitude she had was--you couldn’t spend all the damn money anyway! Hell, there was only so many houses, cars, jewels, clothes, and businesses that you could buy and then, that left the most important things, your family and friends. You couldn’t buy the love she had found with her family and friends. It had grown steadily and had she been poor, she knew that with these same people, she would have still been loved. And that was the most important thing. There was no measure for the happiness her new life offered her. She would gladly give away every last pound she possessed to ensure they all remained in her life. That was something she pledged in her heart.
Then there was Jace’s new pre-occupation with her voluntary work with the Reverend, although Catherine wasn’t aware of the details. For some reason, Jace had been quiet on that front. Catherine had been puzzled, but Jace would explain it when she was ready. She knew her partner didn’t hide anything for devious reasons.
Would Jace want the problems associated with the pregnancy and the months of nurturing their child? Ultimately did she?
Jace looked over at Catherine watching the family scene. Her mind was obviously miles away with the expression on her face. Jace had a very good idea exactly where that sharp mind was wandering, especially as she concentrated on Elena and frowned in puzzlement. It hadn’t been an easy decision-another child. Hades, Elena had been far from the ideal baby in many ways. Jace felt that Catherine was ready for this ultimate commitment. Deep down Jace knew that Catherine had reservations about Elena, for the possibility Peter might come out of the shadows and take her away. Well, not unless it was over her dead body anyway! Although, that was a possibility however morbid it sounded. She couldn’t envisage her daughter being deprived of both her mothers. It would be a cruel hand of fate that chose that path for them. Yet! That was something she hadn’t done yet. She hadn’t made a will. Although she had nothing of monetary value, her most important asset, if one wanted to call it that, was her daughter!
Her daughter, who could have been viewed as a curse and constantly, bringing bad memories to the surface every waking day, had become a constant source of happiness instead. It was a miracle of the love, one that Catherine had allowed into her heart. At no time was there bitterness for the child, far from it. If anything, Catherine was too good to Elena. It brought tears to her eyes when she saw the standoff between the adult and the child. It was a remarkable picture and so very precious a moment captured.
Jace wanted Catherine to help make the decision to have the baby this time around. Okay, not in the conventional sense, but they could go and talk to doctors and work out something together. That would be the key to it all--together!
Her love for the tall raven-haired woman was…what was it? It was so hard to put into words. No amount of poetry or verse could ever describe her feelings accurately or precisely. She had found this real love in a most unusual place. And no matter the actions they had taken in the past, the present or the future, she knew with certainty that they would face the consequences of those actions with love together. ‘Catherine would see to it, she had the strength of purpose that could defeat the odds and I want you to defeat all the odds on our behalf Catherine. I surely do!’
“You look as if you’re miles away?” Catherine whispered quietly into her ear as she put a hand out to stroke the dark hair of her youngest daughter.
Jace looked up at her partner and captured the hand that had caressed the child squirming in her arms for freedom and brought it to her lips, giving her a smile that Catherine didn’t quite understand. “I love you, you know that right?”
Catherine looked at her bewildered, there was an element of desperation in the voice. It was totally unlike Jace! “Yes, I know that Jace.” Catherine had her head turned to a half side in question. Elena chose that moment to break free and toddle over to her brother.
Jace looked at her and marvelled that this wonderful woman loved her. Here she was the
poor American living off the wealthy English woman, yet, wealth had no meaning to either
of them. In their relationship, it just allowed them to do things that might help in the
future, like
Jake and Lisa’s happiness, Jace’s time at the drug centre, and Catherine’s
involvement in the lives of the people she had saved in Rio. Elena who would never know
what it would be like to face life with one parent, possibly never see them because they
had to spend all their time working to support the family unit. They were extremely
fortunate, even if they had been poor in relative terms, she was sure that they would have
all fit together and done very much the same things. They were just meant to be!
“Has anyone ever told you how important you are in my life?” a question that was said in a soft heartrending tone.
Catherine was becoming disturbed at her partner’s questions. They appeared to be of a desperate nature…but why? Maybe the conversation about the baby and her obvious lack of immediate enthusiasm had caused the feeling of insecurity. She could hear a definite undertone. “Not recently Jace, but I’m open to anyone advising me of that anytime.”
Jace looked at her, giving her a speculative glance, her green eyes capturing the ice blue ones with precision. “Anyone? Where does that leave me?” Jace said her tone unsure.
Catherine look at the room, Jake was watching a cartoon of some description as Lisa was
sitting with her head in a book. Elena had decided to play with her brother who
happily tickled her as he watched the TV. Smiling happily, she answered the question
easily.
“Where does it leave you? Well, anyone else wouldn’t even bother to tell me;
because they already know how hopelessly besotted I am with you. You are the most
important thing in my life! I will never, ever, forget or question that Jace. Just be here
for me for the rest of your life………anything else is inconceivable to me
darling.” Catherine placed her forehead on Jace’s and heard the audible sigh and
smiled at her ability to occasionally read the writing on the wall.
“You bring out the poet in me Catherine.” Jace heart hammering at the happiness she felt at that moment.
“Good, how many people have their own personal poet on tap I wonder?” Catherine laughed as her eyes locked with the green ones that looked oh, so serious. “I love you Jace Xianthos Devonshire Warriorson. Ask me anything and if I can grant it--you have it.” Catherine smiled tenderly at the innocently trusting expression she saw in those sea green eyes.
Jace smiled through her tears and blinked several times to see the indulgent expression on her partner’s face. “Will you bring a new life into the world with me Catherine?” Jace never looked away and saw the subtle change in her partner’s demeanour, even if it was only for a second.
Catherine knew when she had been beaten. Maybe she should bring her wife into the corporate mind games that were played at Xianthos. For sure as hell, she would win hands down. “You want this truly Jace? There is no going back you know?” Catherine asked her calmly, but the seriousness of the question definitely transmitted to Jace.
“Yes, I love you Catherine. I want to feel a new life inside me that we have both helped create by whatever means, not that has been foisted on you at short notice.” Jace replied seriously, her green eyes held the ice blues with compassion for Catherine’s previous situations.
Catherine placed her hand under Jace’s chin and gazed into her green orbs with such a devoted expression that Jace couldn’t help the odd tear that passed onto her cheeks, which was tenderly smoothed away by the thumb of the Catherine’s free hand.
“I love you.” Catherine huskily whispered, kissing the pensively waiting lips. “Do I still have the opportunity to raise…more questions of ‘why’ in bed later darling, if I agree now?” Catherine warmly smiled. It was a smile that Jace would carry for the rest of her life. She had just been given more than her heart’s desire. Today she had been given the world according to Catherine Xianthos Devonshire Warriorson.
“You are the greatest Catherine. I love you so very much. Our children will probably never know how much you care! You can have as many reasons as you want my darling. I look forward to your questions, however many you can come up with.” Jace swallowed and saw the wolfish look on Catherine’s face as she gently placed her lips on the enticing ones of her partner. They both were lost for all of a couple of minutes.
Lisa’s voice in a bored tone said…did they really have to do that before the commercials? Everyone burst into happy laughter even her youngest daughter who was also being tickled by her elder brother.
Catherine speculated what another product of Jace would be like. Did it really matter? No, it would be a product of her lover, which was enough, more than enough! Her mind fleetingly considered what she had been doing this time three years ago and all she could see in her minds eye was a lonely woman, who had given up on life and who had been completely isolated from everything that made living worthwhile. Whatever anyone else said about love, she was an advocate of the sentiment and these days, she didn’t give a damn who knew it!
Continued in Part 4
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