DRAGONJULS' Storybook
~ All Our Tomorrows ~
J M Dragon
Part Fourteen
© February 2001
e-mail: jmdragon1@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: See
Part One
Chapter Twenty-eight
“Would it be worth it darling?” the woman asked the man softly she was disturbed at his recent pre-occupation over this child.
The man looked up with a shocked expression; “of course it would be worth it, how can you say that!”
“I just thought perhaps you might put it all behind you, it’s been eating away at you long enough.” The woman responded gently.
Walking over to the window of the villa they rented, the man looked at the beauty that the Austrian Alps afforded them. It calmed him momentarily as he considered the words spoken.
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget her or her mother.” The man sighed heavily, continuing to stare at the quiet beauty that he saw before him, his hand clutching a sheaf of papers.
The woman sucked in a sharp breath at his admission, was this how it was always going to be? Was she going to be second to the woman he had married, who had subsequently divorced him, and was now living with another woman? Hadn’t he been humiliated enough?
“I never asked you to forget them darling, merely to move forward with your life. But if that is not your wish I suggest you go ahead, continue to pursue custody of the child!”
Peter Adamson turned at the obvious pain in the words that the woman in the room voiced.
He looked over at her bent dark head, his heart tugged at the stupidity of the situation he found himself. Here was a woman who did love him. Who had over the last year made him feel as if he was the only man in the world. Her love had salvaged him from his bitterness of Jace and her refusal to allow him access to their daughter. Now he wanted to jeopardise his future with this woman, and for what? A child who in all probability would not be happy with his wandering life, who would miss her mother terribly if they were parted, not to mention a long and painful legal battle. Because he knew deep down that Jace wasn’t going to forfeit her daughter, she certainly had the financial backing to keep it in the courts for years.
“I’m sorry Veronique, I’m so sorry.” He brokenly uttered as he knelt down at her side by the chair she was seated in. She looked up he saw the tears that glistening in the warm brown eyes that always welcomed him home, happy to see him.
Veronique heard the sincere apology, lifting a hand stroking the sandy hair of the man she had lost her heart to, feeling such profound sadness for his predicament. She had difficulty forgiving his ex-wife for the pain she caused him; conversely grateful in a strange way, for had she not left him how could they have ever met to share so much joy together.
“Perhaps my love if you talked with your ex-wife and her friend, they might allow you to see your daughter from time to time. Wouldn’t that be better than a fight that would not be beneficial for any of you, least of all your child?”
Peter Adamson starred directly into the compassionate eyes, felt his heart rate increase, and she was so loving, forgiving and special. He was a very lucky man he did not ever want her to leave him!
“Would you come with me to talk to Jace, if she allows it?” he asked with a look on his face that reminded Veronique of a little boy lost, and he was certainly lost at times. She was quite capable of being his safe harbour in this world if he let her, and could think of nothing more wonderful than that thought.
“That’s the first time you haven’t called her your wife.” The woman was surprised, it showed in her tone.
“I never realised that, but she no longer has that title for me I’m keeping that for someone very special.” Peter spoke gently never letting her eyes stray from his, although he saw the sharp glance he given at the comment.
“I hope she is special darling I really do, when you meet her.” Veronique felt desolate at his words, far more than she had at his previous sensitive subject.
Peter heard her withdrawal, realised he had made an ass of himself again, one day he’d learn.
Placing tender hands around the plain face of this woman who had captured his heart, she wasn’t a beauty physically. However, her inner essence outshone even the most stunning person he’d ever come across in his profession, and he had met many people.
“I’ve already met her she’s here beside me, the woman who saved me, who brought alive a broken heart. Who loves me regardless of my faults, which brings me happiness within that is hard to explain. Who picks me up when I fall, who is my friend when all around are strangers. Who if she would accept my humble proposal I would dearly love to call my wife?” Peter spoke in a quiet warm loving tone that came from the heart.
Tears streamed down the face of the woman, as he pulled her gently into his arms, stroking her hair whispering again how much he loved her.
“You know I only need one word?” he asked patiently.
“Yes.” Veronique managed to reply through her tears of happiness. If she was ever asked to name a moment when she had felt so much emotion, it must be this one. At thirty-eight she’d been through a few emotional moments but this was her finest she thought.
Peter chuckled as he kissed the dark head of hair breathing in the delicate scent that always told him she was in the room. “Then I’ll take it as a yes to being my wife.”
Veronique jumped up, smothering him with kisses as he responded with a passion that he had to admit he had only ever felt with her never with Jace. “Yes, yes, yes!”
Several minutes later Peter held his new fiancée in his arms as he glanced down at the papers he’d previously had in his hands. Settling Veronique in the crook of his arm he bent down to pick up a pen signing the papers in the allocated space.
“I think that’s the end of that episode in my life Veronique. It’s time to make my own family a reality not fiction, what do you say?” He turned back to the woman; saw the love and passion starring at him. As he gently pulled her up out of the sitting position, they went towards the bedroom, to celebrate a new life together.
The official adoption papers to allow Catherine Warriorson to adopt his child now signed, ready for returning to the lawyers for final confirmation.
* * * * * * * * * *
The flight had been airborne for three hours Lisa was chatting amiably with Dave the steward, as Catherine had taken a call from Dusterly to say she had eased the situation with the police for the time being.
Dusterly had informed her that the drug test taken on Jace on the day of the abduction would have no lasting effects. That it was a drug that they hoped to trace and this would further help their case on Rosnova’s conviction. She had also mentioned that Delaney the police officer who had been part of the team from day one of the kidnappings had tendered his resignation. All in all things were moving along well, if Rosnova co-operated they might even trace some of the kids previously kidnapped. It was something that gave back hope to the parents of the other kids, however slim that hope might be.
They had discussed Dusterly’s future. Wanting to see if she could help the parents of the kids still abducted. Maybe the miracle that brought Lisa home might extend to some of those too.
Dusterly had agreed to meet up with her again on the next trip to New York, no date had been concluded, and it had suited both women.
Catherine had silently applauded the decision by the ex-profiler. Smiling as she looked across at Lisa laughing at something Dave was saying. That made her a little easier as the trip to the airport had been fraught and uncomfortable for them both.
Catherine held Lisa’s hand as they headed for the elevator and the start of the journey home. As she pressed the button for the elevator to take them down the twenty levels she became pre-occupied with numerous plans racing around in her mind.
A slight pain in her hand brought her out of her jumbled thoughts, as she looked down to see Lisa gripping her hand, as if it was about to take flight, the child’s knuckles white as the grip intensified.
“Lisa are you okay?” Catherine bent closer to the child, so she could take in the emotions that the girl was emitting. Her ice blue eyes captured the small girl’s sky blue ones. What she saw there shook her in every fibre of her being. The uncontrollable fear in the depths that depicted a terror Catherine didn’t understand.
“I can’t!” the small voice whispered looking with beseeching eyes to Catherine.
Catherine was at a loss what could she do? “What can’t you do Lisa?”
Lisa suddenly flung her thin arms around the tall woman, sobbing into her shoulder. Catherine held her tightly then swung her up in her arms pulling her as close as possible, needing to protect the child from whatever terrified her.
The elevator doors opened, a brash looking young man was leaning against the wall close to the buttons, a bored expression on his face.
“I can’t!” Lisa shrieked into Catherine’s ear the woman winced at the noise level.
It then dawned on Catherine what the problem was, as she looked at the elevator then her child hugging her tighter into her shoulder. “Okay Lisa, it’s okay we won’t how about we walk?”
“You want this ride or not?” the young man asked irritated at the wait, especially if the kid was going to cry all the way down.
“No!” Catherine shouted at the man, who threw her a vicious glance closing the doors on her and Lisa.
“It’s a long way down Catherine will you be okay?” Lisa asked solemnly as she gulped back her tears.
Catherine smiled at the comment; her Lisa was still in there that was for sure. “Tell you what, if I make it. You buy the first milkshake, what do you say?”
Lisa turned watery eyes to Catherine smiling weakly as she kissed the woman’s cheek, she was slowly let down to the ground.
“I say that’s a deal.” The girl chuckled, holding out her hand for Catherine to take.
“A deal it is.” Catherine replied, wondering what state she would be in when she did finally arrive at the ground floor.
She had made it, although she was glad that the car was waiting for them, as the reporters were milling around the lobby and entrance. Fortunately the concierge had smuggled them out but still the odd one or two had hammered on the car, frightening Lisa a little more. Catherine had managed to maintain her temper but only just, and by the time they had settled on the private flight they had both welcomed the security it offered within the familiar peaceful surroundings.
“Hey princess what about my milkshake we had a deal if I remember?” Catherine called across to the child.
Lisa wasn’t sure what to say she didn’t have any money to buy a milkshake. “I…I Catherine I…” She was stopped from answering as Dave intervened.
“Miss, I have the beverages all ready for you, if you would like to take a seat?” the steward said formally pointing to the seat next to Catherine.
Lisa looked at him with eyes as wide as saucers, blinking several times before she did as he requested. Settling down into the seat next to Catherine, she glanced her way. Dave quickly deposited the two milkshakes on the table in front of them.
“I didn’t have to pay Catherine, so it’s not proper.” Lisa reluctantly admitted, as she drank some of the strawberry milkshake, watching Catherine sip from her lime drink.
Smiling, Catherine turned serious eyes to the child speaking softly.
“Well, it’s like this Lisa as payment you have to sit and listen to a story. If you don’t, of course I will still expect you to buy me a milkshake, is that a fair trade?”
Lisa considered the offer grinning, causing a reciprocal one on the woman’s face at her side. ‘Catherine wasn’t very clever, for that wasn’t a very good deal we all love Catherine’s stories.’
“Yes it’s a fair trade.” Lisa announced with an air of importance as she snuggled down into the large comfortable seat.
“Pleased to hear it.” Catherine quickly wiped the self-satisfied smug look from her face as Lisa looked in her direction.
“Guess I’d better start then.” Catherine briefly closed her eyes as she pondered what story to tell from her memory.
“Once upon a time there lived a happy, contented girl about your age Lisa. She loved life with such enthusiasm that everyone who knew her loved her.
They loved her so much always referring to her as their little princess. Not that she was of royal blood you see, but they thought she deserved to be.
One day a small monster came into her happy life, this was a dark, unhappy monster, who didn’t want to see anyone laugh or smile again. The small monster would take away children locking them up so that they were unhappy and their families were unhappy too.
Catherine looked at the child not wanting to scare her, relieved when she saw Lisa listening to her every word raptly.
“Come on Catherine what happened next? This is like my story.” Lisa exclaimed engrossed in the story.
Well, of course the little princess couldn’t let that happen could she. So she decided that the next time the monster came to take away a child, she would be the one to go. Well everyone was unhappy about that, no matter how her family tried to warn her she still insisted.
The small monster came to take away the little princess just as she had planned, when he was about to lock her away in the dark, she spoke to him.
“Why do you make everyone unhappy Mr. Small Monster?” the little princess asked earnestly, she felt sorry for the small monster he looked so sad and lonely.
The small monster could not believe it! Why wasn’t this child scared of him everyone else was, why wasn’t she? “Because I’m a bad monster I like to make every one unhappy, now be quiet.”
The little princess smiled at the small monster, replying,”‘but that isn’t an answer is it?”
The small monster was once more surprised, looked at the small girl, wondering why she still smiled. All the other children had cried and cried. “I don’t need to answer it little girl, so please keep quiet.”
The little princess was happy that the monster had said please, perhaps there was hope for him yet. But the small monster shut the door walking away grumbling to himself as he did so.
This ritual went on for several days. Every time the small monster would bring another boy or girl to the dark room, she would ask him simple questions. The small monster would always linger a little longer each time. Then one night the monster came but didn’t bring another child, opening the door wider he pulled the little princess out of the room altogether.
This of course stunned the little princess. She smiled regally at the grumpy small monster, which wasn’t really that bad to look at if you forgot the wart on his nose. He was dark that was true, he had a tuft of bright green hair that looked very silly but the little princess dare not laugh at the small monster. He was also quite round and he walked liked a Pillsbury doughboy, which brought another smile to the little princess’s face.
“Where are you taking me?” asked the little princess she was not afraid of the small monster, merely intrigued at his actions.
“You always ask too many questions,” the small monster grumbled as he led her to another room. This room wasn’t dark like all the others; this one was filled with light from the sunshine that streamed in from the large window.
“I was being polite.” The little princess replied. Pleased at seeing the daylight after so many days of being without it.
“Why do you want to speak with me I have made you unhappy, also lots of others unhappy?” The small monster reluctantly asked, as he paced up and down in a very comical fashion near the window.
“Yes you have, I want to know why you are so unhappy?” the little princess asked, her voice filled with a warmth that even the grumbling small monster could not resist.
Catherine tugged Lisa close to her as she continued the story. The milkshake now forgotten as the child became enthralled by the story, although tired too.
“A wicked person cast a spell on me and left me like this because I was nasty to them. They said that if I made others unhappy for the next fifty years they would set me free.” the monster stated as he pointed to a picture of a young boy scowling at something unknown in a picture.
“Oh that’s really, really wicked. How could someone do such a thing?” The little princess was now very sorry for the small monster, for he was really an unfortunate boy who had made a small mistake one day as children do.
“It was a very wicked person, I have not seen them from that day. I must do as they say or they will keep me like this for the rest of my life.” the small monster spoke in a very subdued voice.
“I see, were you always so unhappy as a boy? What about your family?” the little princess asked quietly, standing next to the small monster, her pity for him reaching out.
“Why do you care?” the small monster asked, surprised that the girl wasn’t frightened of him, she should be he was a very nasty small monster.
“Because it isn’t right that you should make so many people unhappy. It was after all your own fault that you are like you are, if you were nasty in the first place.” The little princess pointed out to the small monster jabbing him in his soft fleshy chest, to accentuate her point.
The small monster was astounded that this girl should challenge him in this way. He had never been happy making so many people unhappy. However, what else was he to do? “What would you have me do?”
The little princess considered the question carefully before she answered. For although it was easy to say let all the children go home, what would happen to the small monster.
“You could let all the children go home then you would make everyone happy and perhaps that would make you happy too.”
The small monster snorted at the comment, laughing at the sentiment. “I would always remain like this, that isn’t a very good trade for me is it?”
The little princess smiled slowly at the monster, as she held out her hand, replying. “No it isn’t, but you could come home with me and stay with my family. Perhaps one day we might find a cure for you other than being wicked.”
“Your family would not want me! A small monster in their home.” The small monster replied, taking up his pacing of the room again.
“You are wrong my family would be happy to have you in their home, if you were happy too. Perhaps we can find your family, you might want to go back home to them.” The girl slowly explained, watching as the pacing continued. She thought that the small monster was no longer listening.
“I will think about it. Come I need to take you back to the dark room.” The small monster led her back to the room.
Early the next day the doors to the dark room opened and in rushed members of the families of the children including her own family.
The little princess did not know what to think. Had the small monster decided to let them go or had the families planned a rescue mission and succeeded. If so, what happened to the monster?
“What happened to the small monster?” the little princess asked anxiously.
“Oh don’t worry about the small monster, he can’t hurt you now little princess,” her family announced proudly.
“What do you mean?” The little princess was now very worried about the small monster.
“Oh we’ve locked him away in a room on his own, we will keep him there forever.” Someone announced as they rushed over to their child.
“Forever?” whispered the little princess, how sad the small monster would be all-alone.
“No!” pronounced the little princess, everyone in the room looked at her in surprise.
“Don’t be silly child, it is for the small monster’s own good.”
“No, you mustn’t lock him away, he’s under a spell, and he’s only a boy. We can’t let him be unhappy too, we can’t!” the little princess was distraught at the very thought.
Everyone looked at the little princess they did not want to see her unhappy. “What would you have us do?”
“I want him to come live with us, we can help him. He does not want to be wicked, he really doesn’t.” The girl pleaded, as she was given shakes of the head at her notion to help the small monster after all he had done to them.
“What if he does still want to make everyone unhappy?” someone asked not ready to believe that the monster had any good in him. Although it had been odd that they had been allowed to get enter the monster’s castle without any trouble. The keys to the large gate were left on the little princess’s family doorstep mysteriously.
“He doesn’t, if he did I would banish myself.” The little princess was confident about the small monster. He had appeared so lonely.
“Well, if you say so little princess we will.” Several of the adults followed the little princess to the room where they had locked away the small monster. They unlocked the door opening it fractionally.
The little princess was so sad at the sight, for there on a stool sat the lonely small monster, he was crying into his small chubby hands.
“Please don’t cry, I have come to take you home with me as I promised you.” The little princess said softly, rushing over to the small monster, placing a tender arm around his shaking shoulders.
The small monster gazed up at the girl, giving her a grateful look. For the first time since she had seen the small monster he smiled at her, it was a toothless smile but it brought an answering one on the little princess' face.
“I can still come home with you and be happy?” the small monster asked slowly, as he glanced at the interested faces of the other people in the room, who had followed the girl.
“Yes small monster you can come home with me, and be happy.” She held out her hand for him to take, helping him off the stool. Together they went towards the others and a change of fortune.
Catherine saw that Lisa was falling asleep she therefore ended the story abruptly.
“Catherine what do we call the story?” Lisa mumbled only half-awake.
Catherine kissed the top of the red head smiling at the question. “We call the story, Lisa’s Story.”
“We do?” the child asked, unable to respond as she wanted for the tiredness was taking over. She didn’t feel too bad about the darkness now, for Catherine was with her perhaps her monster was really under a wicked witches spell too.
“We do. Go to sleep Princess I’ll be here when you wake up.” Catherine crooned softly, gently pulling Lisa into a much more comfortable position on her lap.
“Want me to take her from you Ms. Warriorson?” Dave asked, when he came back a few minutes later to ask if they wanted anything else.
“Oh no Dave, not this time. This time she stays right here I’ll be with her when she wakes up.” Catherine smiled her thanks, bent again tenderly kissing the top of the child’s head.
Some miracles were just worth fighting the
very devil for… and small monsters too!
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Twenty-nine
“She wants us to do what?” Faith exclaimed as Alison Bardley relayed the message Catherine had asked her to do, when she hadn’t the time herself.
“Oh Faith, really. Wasn’t it you who said you loved to travel? Well, Catherine is giving you the chance; I think it’s a wonderful idea. Wish she’d asked me, then again I think Jason would whinge a little, now he has been given the reins permanently here at Xianthos.” Alison smiled as she considered that her husband wouldn’t whinge, it wasn’t in his nature, but he would certainly be upset.
“But Alison that will take us at least two day’s to get there, that’s without a break. What has got into the woman?” Faith was exasperated at the suggestion and gave a heavy sigh.
“Faith, Catherine said to take a stop over in Singapore or Hong Kong, whichever you prefer, and then take the next connection. You will have Jake with you, he’s a very capable boy, so he will be more than helpful on the journey.” Alison pointed out practically, she liked Faith but the woman did flap so.
“I suppose I can’t really say no can I. If that’s what Catherine wants, it will be good for them all to be back together again I know.” Faith admitted reluctantly shaking her head at her foolish argument.
“That’s right Faith, you might find you enjoy it too.” Alison chuckled as she heard the acceptance in the other woman’s voice.
“I’d better go inform Jake, and contact the school to let them know what’s happening. I’ll talk to you later Alison thanks for the call.” Faith replied, now considering what to take on the trip.
“Yes, I’m sure he will enjoy going away it’s been hard for him too I suspect. You have a great time we will catch up soon, bye Faith.” Alison Bardley had done her duty as asked, she replaced the receiver and thought, ‘wasn’t her eldest daughter going to be surprised.’
Faith now had plans to make, and those plans needed accomplishing in two hours. Alison had mentioned that the first connection to Christchurch would be waiting for her and the children anytime now. The flight to the next destination was at her bequest; seats had been booked on either flight out in a little over six hours.
As she rushed down the hall to see Judy and find Jake, she smiled as she thought about the destination, now this was going to be different. She was doing more travelling since arriving here at Destiny, than she had the rest of her life put together. It was certainly never boring on the ranch, never likely to be either. Was her last thought as she went out the door.
* * * * * * * * * *
James Thompson looked at the man opposite him he had rugged features that gave him a very macho look. Now that they had been together for the past three hours, spending most of that time talking amiably. It was clear the man was very sensitive to his surroundings and his heritage.
“Have you a family Captain?” James asked as he spun the glass of wine in his fingers, interested in the man’s personal background. It was ludicrous to think that he was lucky enough to find that the man was gay, if you didn’t ask you never found out anything, was his motto.
“I have family yes.” The man said quietly, he looked fleetingly away towards the window that gave a decent view over the harbour.
“Have you always lived here on the island?” James thought he might as well ask as much as possible even if the information being given wasn’t that informative.
“I was born here on the island, but went to the University in Athens for five years, then I joined the Police force in the capital and trained there. When the post of captain became available on the island I decided to take it, I missed the old place.” The man answered quietly.
“Have you a family Mr. Thompson? Where do you live in America?” the Captain asked and gave James a long searching look as he posed the question.
James was not sure how to answer that at first, taking a long drink from his glass of wine, almost choking. He hadn’t expected that the man would turn the tables on him. “If you do not want to answer then that is fine, we can go now and continue looking for your friend.” The Captain was about to signal for the waiter to bring the bill, when James stopped him by placing a hand on his outstretched arm.
“No! No it’s not that I don’t want to answer. Please, I do and I will. My family now is the Warriorson family, Catherine and Jace. I guess the women love to adopt lonely strays.” James laughed self-depreciatingly, as he uttered what seemed to be to him a stupid but true reflection of the man he had become.
“You were lonely? Yet you have an important and I would have said very social position in America, you work for a film studio?” the Captain was fascinated at the admission.
“My lover of many years was killed in a shooting incident over a year ago. I have been picking up the pieces ever since.” James did not look at the man but at the checked cloth on the table. Tracing a pattern with the bottom of the wineglass unable for the moment to say any more on the subject it was still too painful to him.
“It is always difficult when a lover dies in such tragic circumstances.” Captain Paul Artillius murmured as much to himself as he did to the man opposite him.
“You have experienced it too? James asked the man, glancing up quickly as they locked gazes.
“Yes, it was some time ago now when I was in Athens. One day there was a domestic dispute; my lover had the call and was fatally wounded. Time does heal the wounds but you never quite forget them.”
“Yeah, everyone says time but it’s still hard to get up every morning knowing you will never see them again.” James whispered, and was surprised when a large hand gently touched his on the table.
“Yes James Thompson it is hard, if you allow yourself to feel again I’m sure the healing will begin.” Paul Artillius removed his hand, waving over the waiter to ask for the check.
As they waited for the check, the Captain asked James again where exactly in America he was from.
“Oh sorry. Los Angeles born and raised, I’m proud of my city too.” James couldn’t imagine living anywhere else in the world that had always been a subject of amusement with Paul.
“Ah, the movie capital of the world. I have always wanted to visit Hollywood.” Captain Artillius smiled as he paid the waiter and they went on their way towards the parked vehicle.
James silently added, “anytime Captain you want to visit, the offer is open, anytime at all.” Smiling he got into the passenger side as they went back to the police building in the hope of news of Kelsey.
* * * * * * * * * *
Jason had been amazed that morning when Catherine had offered him the permanent position as chairman of Xianthos. Although it wasn’t a shock exactly, he had been surprised that she was willing to give him absolute control.
“I want you to have total control Jason, no interference from me, except if you fail to make me any money at all. However, you will have the grandchildren to contend with more than me if that happens.” Catherine had chuckled at Jason’s face; he had gone from a grey pallor to a shocking pink at the conversation.
“How do you know I won’t squander millions of dollars and bankrupt you?” Jason asked quietly, his voice tight with the emotion he was feeling.
“Can’t see that happening Jason. I happen to have more interests than Xianthos that is merely the flagship my father built. My own personal fortune is safe, making a tidy sum each year. So no you could not possibly bankrupt me. The children’s inheritance, now that’s another thing altogether.” Catherine gave him a deadpan expression watching him swallow hard.
“Jason you’re more of a publishing person than I will ever be or have been! It is in your blood; I cannot see you letting anyone take Xianthos down, can you? Anyway, the chairperson is more of an advisor these days than the person at the helm of the ship.” Catherine explained pleased at the change to normal colour that he exhibited.
“I guess you’re right. I do have some wonderful talented people working for the company, so I just sit back and watch it all happen.” Jason smiled, walking over to the picture window overlooking the lake below.
This to him was like going home; it was in his blood. Catherine was right; he had loved every minute of the weeks he’d been left in charge. It was a new lease of life for him; he felt he could carry on indefinitely, or until Alison made him retire.
“I guess you have a new permanent chairman of Xianthos.”
Catherine smiled at her father in law; keep it in the family that was her motto. She was confident that he would take great care of the children’s heritage.
“Constance will be pleased, not to mention Rita. Who, I think has a soft spot for you.” Catherine laughed as he blushed at the teasing.
“Yes, well don’t you go telling my wife that or I could be in big trouble.” Jason laughed himself at the notion, but he did like Rita she had proved an excellent PA.
“Don’t worry I won’t and Jason? Rita has a soft spot for the whole family. She makes wonderful pots of tea too, if ever you need a soothing brew after all those ridiculous meetings.” Catherine informed him with a wry smile.
“Ah, the meetings are only ridiculous because you don’t like them yourself.” Jason replied his eyes twinkling as he saw the laughter embedded in hers. He could see how his eldest was totally taken with the woman; it would not take much for him to fall too, if he didn’t love Alison so much.
“True Jason, very true. IF ever you need me I’m a call away, but I suspect that the only call you’ll be making is to advise me on bringing up my children, right?”
“I certainly hope so Catherine, it will be my pleasure.” Jason sat down in the seat opposite her, they both smiled warmly at the other as each lost themselves in their own thoughts.
Now here he was the chairman of one of the largest publishing operations in the world! Now that was some achievement from the boy from the poor end of town and how! He had taken on a secret project, which he needed to complete in less than six months. It was going to give him as much pleasure to complete as it would the person who was going to receive it.
Time to weald the power of a chairman!
* * * * * * * * * *
Constantia looked at the pensive withdrawn look on her godson’s face and felt her heart go out to him in compassion. It was clear to her that he was a little if not very much in love with Althea Spiros. He might not acknowledge it, but she had seen the furtive looks he gave the younger woman when she came to the villa. Now the tragedy and supposed stigma, which now attached itself to the woman might have a detrimental effect on their future.
How did one counter such despair?
“Lukas?” Constantia spoke with a determined voice.
Lukas heard his godmother call him; he wasn’t in the mood to talk, as this had all been too much to take in. Although he loved the woman who had called his name, for the moment he wanted to be alone with his thoughts however melancholy they were.
“Lukas.” This time the tone was sharper. He turned around with a bleak expression to find his gaze captured by warm loving ice blue eyes.
“Yes Constantia, I’m sorry I was thinking.” Lukas apologised for his initial rudeness.
“I see that, may I ask what it is you are thinking that makes you appear so sad?” Constantia wheeled her chair over to his side and placed a gentle hand on his arm.
“It has been a very interesting few days.” Lukas replied grimly.
“Oh my dear, dear boy it has been more than interesting, it has been a tragedy. I wish it were not so, but I cannot change the past only hope that the future is much better.” The woman replied, her voice filled with sincere emotion.
“How can the future be much better? People are dead, lives have been ruined, and for what?” Lukas cried out, his anguish finally coming to the fore.
“Lukas, sometimes we have to deal with tragic events for us to learn to appreciate the good things we have in our life. To make sure that we live the good parts fully appreciating them. It is the way we all live our lives Lukas, no one is sheltered from tragedy totally.” Constantia tried to explain as coherently as she could, when she herself often had wondered at its true purpose.
“She might never get over this.” Lukas responded quietly.
Constantia looked at the hurt in his eyes, knowing immediately whom he referred to. Tenderly holding his large hand in her frail one. “She will Lukas, she will, you will be there to help her.”
Lukas was silent, as he felt the strength of this woman at
his side flow from the fragile hand she held his much larger one with “I’ll be
there if she needs me.”
Constantia smiled at the whispered words, pondering that in this world if more people accepted that they needed others in their lives, how much simpler it would all be.
“You know the doctors called me this morning, they said that Sarah could come home tomorrow, if she rested. Between us Lukas we will need to ensure she does just that, you know of course what that means?” Constantia felt immense happiness welcoming the thought of her friend coming home from the hospital it was a wonderful relief.
Lukas looked at her for several seconds blinked as he considered her question, then it suddenly dawned on him, he smiled briefly. “Oh no tea!”
“Precisely my dear boy tea. Our Sarah will be out of bed if we don’t get that particular beverage right the first time. What do you say we go and practice?” Constantia was relieved to see the smile cross his face.
Jace chose that moment to enter the room, wishing them good morning. “Did I hear someone say tea?”
“Good morning Jace, yes Sarah will be home tomorrow. We need to keep her rested, if she doesn’t get a decent cup of tea she will not do so.” Constantia explained embarrassed at her words.
“Oh well, I know someone who is a master of tea making, who will gladly help us.” Jace smiled as she considered the identity of the ‘master’.
“Who would that be Jace?”
“Why none other than Grace Montgomery. She was getting restless stuck in her room, I’m positive a little light exercise would help her enormously.” Jace stated, as she turned to leave the room in search of her friend.
“Jace I thought you were leaving today?” Constantia asked surprised that she had offered. They had discussed the two of them leaving on the afternoon ferry.
“Yes well, as you know we did plan to. However, I talked with Catherine a little earlier. When she heard the full facts about Grace, she said to stay a couple of days more to allow her to rest. She would send her own personal flight to pick us up at Athens and she would make all the arrangements.” Jace let a warm glow pass over her as she thought about her conversation with Catherine. Who was so very apologetic over falling asleep on her that they had made some nice plans to work out the apology later. She’d even talked with Lisa who seemed to be her usual incorrigible self. Nevertheless, they would take that with a pinch of salt. The trauma would rear itself at some time but they would be ready for it when it did, that was a promise she and Catherine had made.
“In that case, Lukas and I welcome your help, thank you Jace.” Constantia replied warmly.
“No problem, after all that’s what family is for, right?” Jace left the two of them alone to find Grace.
Constantia starred at the closed door as the blonde left with those parting words. Silently answering, ‘yes Jace that is exactly what family is for.’
She turned back to Lukas they smiled as he went behind the chair. Together they went towards the kitchen to practice the art of tea making.
Continued in Part 15
Visit Dragonjuls' Storybook at: