DRAGONJULS' Storybook
~ All Our Tomorrows ~
J M Dragon
Part Four
© February 2001
e-mail: jmdragon1@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: See
Part One
Chapter Eight
“Grace? Catherine called you yesterday. How do you think she’s taking it all?” Jace asked the woman seated next to her, who was flicking through a magazine as the flight to Greece was about to take off.
Grace turned to the averted profile of her friend, who was looking out of the side window as the speed of the aircraft increased taxiing towards it’s take-off speed.
“She called that’s true, but seriously Jace, I haven’t the connection you do to her, and I’m sure you know what she’s feeling far better than I do.” Grace answered seriously.
Jace pursed her lips at the comment. True, she did know Catherine well, better than anyone in the world. Although, sometimes she felt that there was a part of Catherine, only Grace had access to. It had no tangible basis that you could see, or even voice really, just a feeling she had when the two women were together.
Glancing in Grace’s direction, she gave her a keen appraisal, smiled and shook her head. “I know that Grace. There are times when I think that Catherine will only let you see a particular side of her. Not even I’m allowed inside there, it is disconcerting.”
Grace considered the words and the pained expression on the blonde’s face, dropped the magazine she was reading and looked around her. There was only one other passenger in the first class area, who was several seats forward. Therefore, they were virtually alone in this part of the aircraft.
“You know all about her Jace, her background, her life before you entered it. Trust me when I say that until you came along, she had no life. We were tolerable friends at best. I was the housekeeper and that was how she generally viewed me. On a good day, we would share a joke or two. On a bad day, she would share it with a bottle, in the first couple of years anyway. After she gave the drink up, she just shared her morose days, which were many, with her horse and her dead family. About a year before you came into her life, she was becoming increasingly introverted. I couldn’t allow that to happen. She was such a vital woman if you looked behind the mask.” Grace paused at the noise from the engines, which virtually drowned her out.
Jace was entranced at Grace’s words. Obviously she had known all this, but hearing it from someone who had been close to Catherine for several years, made it all the more palpable. As the flight drove into the air and finally levelled out, the stewardess immediately asked them if they required anything to drink or eat. To which, they both replied no.
“How did you stop it happening, Grace?” Jace asked softly, wanting to know how her friend had overcome Catherine’s defiant streak.
Grace chuckled and her grin was infectious. Jace smiled into the animated face of her friend.
“Well, you know the night you arrived at the ranch and there was the dinner with the town folk?” Jace nodded her head, recalling every moment of that encounter. How could she forget? It changed her life forever.
Grace smiled warmly at the look that crossed the
blonde’s face, one of wonder and happiness. “The year before, I’d badgered
her to have a dinner and invite the local people. To get to know them you see, a step
towards going back into the community. She would not, of course. Not at first, that is.
Then, I said something that made me believe in miracles when it comes to
Catherine…”
“I guess we will always have that tentative link Jace. It was her first real action towards coming back to the real world. Perhaps, that is what you see between us?” Grace smiled warmly as she finished her narrative.
Jace had tears shimmering on her eyelashes as she unhooked her safety belt and hugged the surprised woman next to her.
“What was that for?” Grace asked, chuckling at the action.
“For being you Grace. I do love you.” Jace murmured and quickly removed her arms as the stewardess asked with professional politeness if they needed anything.
* * * * * * * * * *
Serena Dusterly watched the stoic profile of the woman in the passenger seat of the car, heading for the outskirts of the city. Half an hour before, Constance Waverly and her party had left to take up strategic positions close to their destination. To provide backup and recognisance, should anyone pass their way. Radio communication was the order of the day, they wanted immediate contact and not waste those few seconds punching numbers and waiting for pickup. Seconds could be the difference between life and death in a situation such as this!
“Ms. Devonshire may I ask you a question?” Serena asked. She was surprised when ice blue eyes captured hers immediately, thinking the woman beside her was lost in a world of her own.
“Go ahead.” Catherine said quietly, averting her profile again to watch the buildings quickly rush past her, as they entered the very edge of the city.
Serena glanced into her rear view mirror to not only check the traffic, but the possibility of anyone following them. There did not appear to be anyone doing that. Although, you could never be too careful!
“I wondered if you would explain to me why you decided to give me a chance? My views obviously didn’t inspire the police or the FBI to consider them viable.” Serena concentrated on her driving, as they passed into more barren areas that hadn't as yet, been acquired for development. It was only a matter of time though.
Catherine remained silent for a time and looked at the bleakness around her, feeling the starkness acutely. as she considered where her little princess could be? Hoping against hope that it was not some dark dank place, like a sewer. Then again, according to Dusterly that was not the case. Far from it, but not the case at all.
“I listened to what you had to say. If you look at it logically, what options did I have? At least your theory had not been tested. All the others had, without producing a positive result! I’m a simple logic woman Dusterly. If it is plausible and I’ve nothing to lose, I go with the game plan.” Catherine answered the woman, her voice calm and controlled, showing little if any emotion.
“But, you have got something to lose, your daughter. You’re putting your trust and the life of your daughter, in someone you don’t know and has been deemed unfit by her peers.” Serena said passionately.
Catherine turned briefly from her contemplation of the insipid view. Shaking her head a little, her dark hair flowed momentarily around her face.
“Yes. With all the facts that the police have so far furnished me with, according to them my daughter is already lost! I therefore consider that an impossible situation and you Dusterly have provided me with a measure of hope. I am willing to take whatever lifeline there is. Even if it is considered unfit by your peers, shall we continue and make them eat their hats?” Catherine raised her voice slightly as she spat out the word peers. It never did have a great deal of credence with her anyway.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me Dusterly, you might hate me yet!” Catherine said in a dangerously quiet voice.
“Hate you? I don’t think so, but you might hate me, if I’m wrong.” Serena replied honestly.
“Never going to happen Dusterly, unless you screw up your plans. If you’re wrong, then we all lose. It is as simple as that.” Catherine turned back to contemplate the fields that they passed and the darkening skies as nightfall beckoned.
Serena had nothing tangible to say, knowing that this woman didn’t do small talk, unless it was with the small blonde she had met two days ago. Having used her profiling experience into creating a picture of Catherine Devonshire, it was like watching a movie. Initially started in black and white, then suddenly a scene turns to glorious colour and you are astonished at the impact. That was how Serena saw the impact the blonde made on this dark woman at her side, amazing!
They drove further away from the city towards
the place they hoped still held Lisa Simeon.
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Nine
“Kelsey we haven’t time for this!” James Thompson was annoyed at the detective’s apparent unconcern over imparting the information and making contact with the woman called Sally Clauser. They knew she was on the Island. Sarah Rogers, Constantia Xianthos’s personal companion had informed them when they had made a telephone call to the villa that afternoon. They had arranged to visit the villa in the morning to see Catherine Devonshire’s aunt, who had seemed surprised at their arrival. Although pleased at their arrival, she refused to divulge anything until they met personally.
Kelsey looked at the man as he pushed a hand through his still wet hair from the shower he had taken minutes before.
“Of course there is, and you never know, I might find out more about the Clauser woman on my travels. After all, it is a small island isn’t it?” Kelsey replied enigmatically.
“What is it with men like you, who only have brains in one part of their anatomy?” James growled out, giving him a disgusted look, upset at the obscure and uncaring answer.
Kelsey turned to the man and he saw the annoyance etched in his face. “What’s the matter Thompson, jealous?” Laughing at the red tinge of embarrassment that came over the man’s face at the remark.
“I most certainly am not! Why would I be jealous of a woman?” James gave him a disgusted look again and went towards the door of the hotel room.
“Oh yeah, I forgot. So, that must mean you are jealous because it’s me!” Kelsey teased the man, who muttered something under his breath and slammed the door as he exited.
“Stupid fucking idiot. He needs to let go or he will end up in an early grave.” Kelsey looked in the mirror and smiled, nodding at his reflection as he picked up his hotel room keys and money from the dresser, leaving the room himself.
* * * * * * * * * *
Constantia smiled as Sara poured their tea. “Thank you Sara. Whatever would we do without our tea?”
Sara chuckled at the comment, whatever indeed!
“Consty, the people that say they have news from Catherine, do we trust them?” Sara asked, perplexed at the situation. Wasn’t Catherine herself on the way and supposed to arrive in the early hours of the morning?
“Yes, yes we trust them Sara, if they prove their credentials. Lukas is already making the necessary enquiries into their background as a failsafe.” Constantia said simply.
“Why didn’t we do that with Sally Clauser? Why was I such an old fool to trust someone at the first meeting? I’m so sorry Consty.” Sara spoke quietly, her voice filled with remorse because she had been foolish enough to allow someone who wanted to hurt her best friend into the villa.
“Sara, Sara it wasn’t a problem. You could never have known! I suspect that if we did check up she would be squeaky clean. You my friend, are no old fool, but I on the other hand, may consider that a possibility for myself.” Constantia chuckled, glancing down at her fingers clutching the blanket over her legs gently.
“Why do you say that Consty?” Sara turned troubled eyes to her friend.
Sighing heavily, she looked at the beautiful peaceful setting before her. The calm inky blue waters with the moored boats in differing sizes and shapes. The setting sun glowing in bright oranges and pinks with the odd purple strike flowing through the drifting clouds, the weakening rays of light, shedding an image of a path on the water below. Making it look like a staircase, waiting for someone to mount it to the heavens above.
“Fanciful thoughts have been plaguing me of late Sara. It can only be a legacy from the visit of Catherine. She brought back old memories and some are more painful than others.”
“Are you sad that Catherine came to see you Consty?” Sara was sure that the two women had left friends at least.
“No! No my friend, it brought a joy to my heart that I thought would never be when she entered my room that first time. It was like seeing myself forty years ago and wanting time to stand still and turn back, so I could right some of the mistakes I made in life.” Constantia replied, her voice soft with fleeting memories invading her mind.
“Would you want it all turned back Consty?” Sara asked, her voice filled with a desolateness that puzzled Constantia.
Quirking her eyebrow to her forehead she asked, “Sara what’s the matter? You sound so desolate.”
Sara shuffled around, pouring more tea, giving her friend an embarrassed glance and averting her eyes as she replied. “If you turned it all back, we might never have met!”
Constantia drew in a deep breath and shook her head at the bowed head of the small woman at her side, sending her a warm affectionate smile. “Never Sara! We would have met. It was destined to be and I know that, no matter what things I might have changed. You would still be part of my life! A very important part of my life Sara, it was always meant to be.” Constantia spoke emotionally. For the past twenty years they had been friends. Certainly in the last fifteen, they had become more like sisters. A bond had developed, grown over the years, regardless of their different backgrounds. It was as if they were to be good friends in this life and the rest of eternity also.
Sara blinked away the shimmering tears and smiled at her friend. For one so focused and practical, Consty often said some of the most fanciful things. “Thank you Consty. I’m sure you are right.”
Moving towards the other woman, she poured her another cup of tea. Then they sat together in companionable silence, watching a beautiful sunset. Tomorrow was another day, and they would see it through together, as they had the last twenty.
* * * * * * * * * *
Althea Spiros had been waiting for her brother George to appear at the restaurant for over an hour. As always, he was late! It was as well that he didn’t run the core business or they would have been broke years ago. Still, he might lack brains, but she loved him and that was the important thing in life.
Althea sat looking over the relatively calm, gently lapping water, which was about three hundred yards from the modest restaurant that her brother ran. Modest to her at any rate, especially in comparison with the new restaurant she had recently opened in Athens. This place was like comparing a rich man to a beggar, no comparison at all!
What she would not give to be back in Athens behind her desk, looking over the business situations and opportunities of the day. Athens might be smog bound, hectic, and unbearably hot at times. However, she loved the pace of the city, also how she reacted to the challenges, which transpired. Here on the island, she would have vegetated, becoming the mother of a brood of kids, having no say in the way of things in her life. As it was on reflection, did she have any say in her life at this moment? Yes, yes she did!
“Althea, what brings you here tonight?” George Spiros asked his sister, the tone one of mild interest.
Althea looked at her brother and then to the young girl that was clinging to his arm. She looked Scandinavian in looks, pale, blonde almost white, shoulder length hair and bright blue eyes the colour of the Aegean. If she were twenty, Althea would have been surprised. Why did her brother keep company with the foreigners, particularly the young ones? He would become soon, a laughing stock with his ageing Romeo antics.
“George, I need to speak with you! It is urgent!” Althea stated firmly in Greek and watched the features of the young woman, to gauge if she could understand their language. The young woman’s face held a slight smile that did not change, except the blue eyes looked at her in speculation.
“Oh, please Althea! Can’t we have a talk another time? You can see that I have company.” George smirked at his sister and he turned to whisper something to the foreigner, making the girl laugh softly.
“That is irrelevant George! It is now or never.” Althea was irritated, wanting to have her discussion with George. Then, she wanted to return home and collect some of her possessions, before going to Constantia’s villa to stay until it was all over.
“Althea, I say what is important in my life not you!” George lost his temper at his sister. What with Mama and now Althea, women ruled his life and he was sorely tired of it.
“You will not talk to me now?” Althea remarked finally, her patience gone. If he did not listen, she had her answer anyway.
“I will not. We can do that tomorrow. Go home and rest sister, you look tired.” George remained determined that his younger sister would not dictate his life too.
“Tomorrow…yes tomorrow. Good evening George.” She nodded her head in the direction of the young woman, spun on her heel and went out the door before George could say anymore.
George looked at the retreating figure of his sister as she walked with speed towards the small motorcycle she used when she was on the Island. He watched her rev the engine several times before she roared off into the blackness of the night.
‘Tomorrow would be soon enough for serious conversation. Tonight, tonight was for love.’ He grinned at the thought, smiling directly into the pretty face of the young woman on his arm. Bending his head to kiss her gently the young woman wrapped her arms around his neck in youthful exuberance.
* * * * * * * * * *
James Thompson sat at a rooftop table in a small restaurant in the Town Square. He could see the twinkling stars above him, also the inky black stretch of water with a couple of fishing boats bobbing on the outgoing tide, if he looked towards the horizon. Then looking below, he could see the small parties walking and talking happily in the square below.
If only!
James picked up the menu and glanced over it with little enthusiasm. He had been lonely since Paul had died. Today, he felt that emptiness much more acutely and he really did not know why. Here he was in a beautiful setting, experiencing adventures in his life he would have only put down to the movies. A job many would kill for, but wasn’t that the bitter truth and irony? He had people who cared for him and yet, he was lost and alone in the world.
Friends who had known him for years had been asking him to parties, always ensuring that there were at least two or more eligible people around, if he wanted to let go of the past. He had tried, he really had. Paul had been the love of his life and he could not imagine sharing that kind of emotion with anyone else! Why was life so cruel? You think you have finally turned the corner and see a wonderful future. Then suddenly, everything turns upside down and you are left with ashes all around you.
“Sir, would you care to order?” The waiter asked him in friendly thick accented English.
James looked up and smiled at the young man, who was in his estimation no more than twenty. With a fresh baby face look and sparkling brown eyes, the jet-black hair greased back in a flattering style to enhance the young Greek’s handsome lines.
“Would you give me a few more minutes, please?” James smiled at the youth and turned his eyes back to the menu.
“Yes, of course. I will be back in five minutes.” The waiter departed to the head of the stairs leading to the ground floor.
James looked at the menu and chose a couple of dishes, then sipped from the glass of water on the table. His eyes scanned the people below him. He was surprised when he saw the familiar sight of Kelsey walking and talking animatedly to the blonde woman of earlier that day.
James leaned over the balcony and tried to get a better look at the woman, who had earlier appeared familiar. He became thwarted, as several people passed by obscuring his view. Kelsey and the woman walked under a lamppost. The weak strains of light showed up the features of the woman briefly as they passed by.
James staggered back from the table almost falling out of his chair. His face, he was sure, had an ashen tinge to it, for he recognised the woman. How could he not? The true nemesis of his life had shown herself, for he had that woman’s face etched into his soul, no fancy makeup and hair colour changes could change it either.
“Hudson!” James hissed out, moving as fast as he could to the steps leading to the lower floor to warn Kelsey. He left the restaurant in search of the detective and the woman he hated with a rage that couldn’t be assuaged.
‘But, did Kelsey know who she was already? Was it a ploy of his? Why hadn’t he mentioned it? What was he doing, Hudson was dangerous, surely he knew that?’ Questions continued to bounce around in his head and he didn’t know what to do.
James looked around the square in the direction he’d seen the two of them only a minute before! As he scanned the area, he was astounded that they had totally disappeared. Where could they have gone?
Not really knowing what to do next, he decided to go back to the restaurant, hoping they would pass by again. He would get to them faster next time around.
Slowly mounting the steps, he was given a speculative look from the waiter who had watched the American rush out of the building, obviously agitated about something.
James sat down at his table and picked up a glass of water to drink thirstily from it.
“Sir, would you care to order now?” the waiter asked again politely.
James looked up at the youth, shook his head slightly, and saw the surprise in the boy’s eyes. “Sorry, sure I would. I’ll have a Greek salad….”
When the waiter had taken his order he looked for any sign of Kelsey and Hudson, but they didn’t reappear.
* * * * * * * * * *
Faith Thornton looked over the room, a single tear fell as she recalled other evenings when all the family were home. It was to many she was sure, a sedate way to spend a family evening, reading. No TV’s, videos, or computers, just a relaxing family evening with a good book, or in some cases a very active imagination from the one person in the room you would never expect it from, Catherine Warriorson!
When she had first arrived here with Grace, after that first kidnapping affair involving Jace, the morose head of the household had stunned her! She had difficulty in seeing the gentle Jace with not only a dark featured person, but also one with the personality to match, or so it had appeared at the time.
They say people can hide behind a persona, showing the world one aspect, but the loved ones a totally different one. That had been the truth with Catherine Warriorson.
“Grandma, will mom and Aunt Grace be in Greece now?” Jake had walked over to her silently and startled her momentarily. She had been lost in her thoughts.
Faith placed a hand on the cushion of the free area of the sofa and Jake sat down heavily upon it. His face held a pensive expression, one that occasionally surfaced when he was worried.
Looking at the clock on the wall, she did the mental arithmetic that gave her the time in Europe. “Actually Jake, they won’t be there until we are asleep tonight. Your mom promised to call immediately when she landed on the Island. They are visiting Catherine’s aunt.”
Jake looked at the TV screen and silently watched the rugby game currently televised. Then he restlessly flicked the channels from the remote control on the arm of the chair, sighing heavily as he leaned back on the sofa.
Faith knew the boy was hurting and it was a hurt that couldn’t be soothed by anyone but the two women and the small girl that he now considered family! To think that he was about to lose his family all over again must be heartbreaking. How did you approach it without causing him more pain?
The door to the room opened. Alison Bardley walked in with Elena, who was looking a healthy pink after her bath. She was now fitted out in white pyjamas with tiny multicoloured bears all over the fabric, looking cute, along with the small slippers covered in blue rabbits, making her even more so.
“Jake, for once Elena looks innocent, doesn’t she?” Faith caught the boy’s attention and guided it towards his youngest sister, who was clutching a rather dog-eared teddy bear.
“Yes, she does and we all know she’s not!” The boy stated dramatically and moved from the sofa to stand beside Alison and her charge.
Elena squealed in delight as she saw her brother and playmate. She squirmed in Alison’s hold trying to get closer to the boy.
“Elena, behave now.” Alison crooned to her granddaughter. She really was a handful. Not at all like any of the two daughters she had brought up.
“That’s all right grandma Alison. I will take her. She likes to sit on my knee before she goes to bed and listen to a story.” Jake held out his arms for the toddler.
Alison looked at the boy, and then across at Faith who nodded her head, agreeing with the boy’s remark. She passed over the child, who immediately settled down as Jake sat with her in the armchair that Catherine always used when she was home.
“A story? So, who reads the stories in this household?” Alison asked, although she knew after her visit at Christmas. Jace had mentioned it, not that she had ever seen the scenario.
“Catherine normally, or Jace if Catherine isn’t at home. Then Li…Lisa and I take a turn.” The boy said with difficulty.
Alison gave the boy a thoughtful glance and then smiled at him, “I used to read to Jace and her sister when they were younger. Would you like me to read something to you tonight Jake?”
Jake gave Alison Bardley a serious frown as he digested the words and considered her offer, it was not either of his Moms, but…. “Thanks Grandma I would like that. May I chose the story?”
Alison smiled warmly at the boy he was a rather serious child. When she had first met him, she had wondered if he would respond to her daughter. Now seeing them together, it was clear that her child had become his mother. A bond was developing that was going to be as unbreakable as the bond a birth mother has with their child and probably more so, as it had been gained through love and respect.
“Sure. What will it be Jake?” Alison settled down next to Faith and waited for the boy to respond.
“Grandma Faith, our story book is next to you. Will you pass it to Grandma Alison? I would like to have Treasure Island please.” The boy said and pointed to the book on the table beside her.
“Treasure Island it is then Jake.” Alison replied and passed the large volume that had several condensed stories inside.
“You will do the voices though, won’t you Grandma?” Jake looked at her and gave a grin, she was not sure if it wasn’t filled with devilment.
“What do you mean?” Alison croaked out.
Faith touched her on the arm gently as she grinned broadly at her. “Shall I explain now why I don’t volunteer to read the stories?“ Faith said quietly, so that only Alison could hear her. She was unable to stop herself chuckling at the puzzled look on the woman’s face. Did no one ever learn in this household?
Continued in Part 5
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