DRAGONJULS' Storybook
~ All Our Tomorrows ~
J M Dragon
Part Seven
© February 2001
e-mail: jmdragon1@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: See
Part One
Chapter Fourteen
Colin speculated at the message from security that an unexpected visitor had arrived, wanting to speak to Jace Adamson! He had pulled at the day old stubble on his chin, surely there could only be one person who would have made such a request.
Looking towards the main house with the lights reflecting the comfort and security that housed the family, well most of it at any rate. Except of course, the person that this unknown visitor wanted to see.
He had not heard from Grace, which worried him a little, although she appeared to give off the aura that she was super woman sometimes. In truth, he felt that she was! She certainly was when it came to being the listening ear for the two women who lived with their family at the main house.
Therefore, it looked like trouble was brewing again in this area! Damn fine time to choose with the current tragic events already pulling them apart.
He had known Catherine Warriorson for over seven years now. She was a fine woman in everyway! Perhaps a little sullen, certainly making her few words count. She was a person that you found hard to ignore even if you hated her. He did not. He loved the woman.
Then there was the magic woman called Jace, who had bounced into their lonely world here on Destiny. The whole place, including every single resident on it, miraculously ignited with vibrant life. He would never have suspected that one life could affect so many. In numerous ways, they cascaded around you like a shower of stars in the heavens.
“I really don’t like horses Colin.” Jace said quietly as she watched Jake and Lisa amble around the paddock as she watched from her safe distance behind the strong fence.
Colin Montgomery smiled wryly, turning his head a fraction to see her gentle repose leaning at the fence pensively watching the children exercise their respective mounts.
Clearing his throat he asked the pertinent question. “Why would that be Jace?” admittedly she was close to giving birth so that was a valid reason but her inflection in the words told another story.
Jace looked startled at his question although she shouldn’t have been, it was a perfectly valid one.
“The horses are so big, Colin. You could hurt yourself badly, I assume if you fall. They have such…such large teeth too!” Jace explained as her expressive eyes widened when she mentioned the teeth.
Colin had to stifle a laugh as he kept his eyes glued on the children to prevent the woman beside him seeing the mirth in his eyes. “Have you ever been near a horse Jace?”
“Oh no! Why ever would I do such a thing?” her voice aghast at the very suggestion.
“I just wondered, with Catherine being so fond of them, the children obviously following suit, then again coming from California I guess…” he trailed off waiting as she raised a hand at the remark.
“We have some wonderful horses and excellent stables in California Colin. I hope you haven’t been listening to Catherine and her smart remarks about my place of birth?” Jace said peeved that he thought her home State was inferior in any way it wasn’t true!
“Hey, sorry Jace no disrespect I do know that there is good horse flesh in your State.” Colin apologised. Silently observing the antics of the two riders in the paddock they were naturals even Lisa!
Jace wondered not for the first time why horses, which were such wonderful creatures, scared her. It was something she was not likely to get over. An experience she would pass thanks.
“They all love it though don’t they?” Jace said wistfully knowing that it would be a part of Catherine and the children’s lives she could never understand or participate in.
“Yes, yes they do. If Catherine has anything to do with it the new addition to the family will be on a horse by the time she’s walking.” Colin smiled at the shocked expression that crossed the small blonde’s face.
Jace placed a protective hand on her swelling stomach, shaking her head at the comment. ‘No way! Not if I can help it.’
Colin smiled as he recalled that particular episode. He had been right, Catherine was going to great pains to find the right pony for Elena. A Shetland pony no less, now quite rare and ideal for a child. He wondered how Catherine had managed to persuade Jace to agree to that! Or maybe, she hadn’t passed that hurdle yet.
Striding towards the Landrover, he glanced again at the peaceful setting of the house and frowned.
“Yep, that’s the way it’s going to stay here, peaceful. No interloper is going to cause trouble while I’m in charge, especially not for Jace Warriorson. No sir!” He said to the gathering gloom as he opened the vehicle door, vaulting inside.
* * * * * * * * * *
“It’s been three hours. We still haven’t come across anything that could make any of these notes change the situation!” Constance dejectedly said to the people sharing the dining table with her, the scattered notes and reports that Dusterly had deposited for them to go over in detail.
Serena Dusterly scraped back her chair running a hand through her hair in agitation, the woman was right!
Rita Tuscany was still pouring over the last notes that had been taken only days ago. Clare was leaning back in her chair her eyes closed in exhaustion. They had found nothing, nothing at all!
It was now four a.m. Without a miracle, it looked like they would be thwarted in their plan to rescue Catherine Devonshire’s eldest daughter.
Jason Bardley had told them two hours ago that Catherine needed some time on her own and that she would be out shortly. He had left soon after. Constance had wanted to go see how she was doing an hour before, but the housekeeper had held her back saying that she was drinking tea. It was not wise to interrupt her at this time.
Stephanie Merchant had seen the tears that her employer wanted to hide from everyone, very clear that she was struggling to restore her composure. Until she did, she would not come out of the study. The woman was suffering enough. She didn’t need these people to see her break down as well.
Rita scanned several notations, then her eyes rested on a particular note. She went further and then turned back to the note. Something triggered in her mind, but she did not know what. Damn, when you need it the most, it doesn’t work to your advantage!
Clare opened her eyes looking around the room sighing heavily.
“Anyone want a drink?” she asked quietly. They had been plied with beverages since they arrived. She suspected they were all awash with coffee, she certainly was. It was just something to do!
“Not for me thanks.” Constance and Serena replied in unison. Both women turned to the other, then as quickly, they turned away as they saw the veiled irritation that for once they had agreed on something tonight.
Clare smiled briefly at the two apparently antagonistic women and shifted her gaze to Rita, who was looking puzzled.
“What about a drink for you Rita?” Clare asked again clearly, watching as her friend muttered something unintelligible, appearing to ignore the question. Maybe she’d found something.
Walking over to her position at the table, she touched Rita’s shoulder to attract her attention. The other woman’s head shot up in reaction with the far off look in her eyes. It was clear to see that she wasn’t with the conversation.
“Rita have you found something of interest?” Clare asked her softly, rewarded by a half smile from Rita.
“I…I’m not exactly sure Clare. Would you go over this particular note then back track a few pages and then read it again? Tell me what you think?” Rita responded, hoping that perhaps the niggle that was in her mind would manifest itself in Clare’s. Between them, they could either discard it as irrelevant or take it further.
“Okay.” Clare replied, sitting down next to Rita and picking up the sheaf of notes that she indicated.
Isn’t it strange how you can know someone for years, even think that you know them. Then suddenly, an event occurs that makes you realise that there are still things to learn. Dave, I’ve always known, was left handed, but never did I realise that he had difficulty in deciphering left from right. That was until today, he made us take the wrong turn. It was kind of embarrassing for us both as it was a one way street and the cops were in evidence.
Clare smiled at the seemingly personal anecdote going forward to the next set of notes that detailed the whereabouts of the farm, also the grid references etc. Then, she read the previous note again, put down the sheets of paper staring at Rita, spreading her hands on the table concentrating.
“What do you think Clare?” Rita asked as she saw her friend frown for the third time, tapping her fingers on the table in a rapid staccato rhythm.
“Mmm, I don’t exactly know, it’s almost like it should be significant. But then again, it’s more like a personal note, nothing to tie it up with the details of the case.” Clare reluctantly admitted, although it did seem odd. Perhaps they should ask Serena? She was in the same room. It made sense!
“Ms Dusterly?” Clare spoke clearly, almost laughing at the sudden movement in her direction by both Dusterly and Constance. For some reason, these two had decided that they would do everything together.
Serena glared at Constance who took up a protective position behind Clare’s chair so that she had to stand uncomfortably at the side. This woman was getting on her nerves!
“Yes Ms. Fallon, how can I help?” Serena asked quietly, watching her pick up the notes then handing them to her for her perusal.
“Would you read this please? Perhaps explain to Rita and I, why you thought it useful to write this note down within your case notes? It appears a personal note only.” Clare asked, intent on knowing the answer now that she’d broached it.
Serena glanced at the note, shaking her head. “It was a personal note, nothing more significant. A reminder really. It cost me fifty dollars that day.”
Constance looked down at Clare, but could only see the top of her head. What was in the note? She wanted to know too!
“If you wouldn’t mind?” Constance held out her hand for the note. Serena was tempted to tell the woman to go to hell, tear it to shreds, but a voice from the doorway drew all their attention immediately.
“No! Ms. Dusterly read the note. Let me hear it too.” Catherine asked authoritatively from the doorway. No one had heard her enter the room. She walked confidently towards them, showing none of the grief and pain she held in heavy check. She waited for the note to be read out loud to everyone now that she had intervened, as she went further into the room.
Serena looked at her and saw the blank look in ice blue eyes that simply requested information.
“Isn’t it strange how you can know someone for years…and the cops were in evidence.” Serena quickly narrated the note, waiting for comments.
Catherine stroked her scarred cheek in absent contemplation of the note. Clare looked up at Constance shrugging her shoulders. Rita still had the quizzical look on her face as she tried once again to catch the thought that would make sense of it to her. She needed a trigger, that was all.
After several minutes of silence, a quiet contemplative voice asked. “Who gave you the co-ordinates to the farm Ms. Dusterly?”
Before Serena could answer the question, Rita jumped excitedly out of her seat. “That’s it! That’s it exactly. Hell and damnation, that’s it!”
All eyes in the room went to the excited woman who was jumping about the room. She really was!
“Rita! Rita Tuscany.” Catherine raised her voice fractionally, but it did have the desired effect on the smiling woman.
“I’m sorry Ms. Devonshire, but that’s it! Don’t you see?” she said, her voice bubbling with the excitement she felt. For it had to be the answer, it had to be!
Catherine smiled, her own heart faltering at the words. If only that could be true. “That would be what exactly, Rita?”
All eyes in the room again moved in her direction. She looked at everyone in turn before she swallowed heavily. Maybe it wasn’t the answer? Yes, it had to be. It had to be!
“Ms. Dusterly, who gave you the directions to the farm?” Rita asked tentatively.
“Well, my informant of course. I’ve known him for years…” she trailed off.
Growing in confidence at the remark, Rita continued. “So, it was your informant who gave you the directions. Had you actually been to the farm yourself?”
“No, I had total confidence in him. He had never been wrong, never!” Serena spoke with a defiant defence of her friend.
“Ms. Dusterly, is your informant Dave?” Rita stated boldly, waiting for the answer. It was customary never to divulge who your informants were in any circumstances.
Serena looked around the room committing every expression on each face to memory, particularly the one on Catherine Devonshire’s face. It was a look of hope, which would challenge the depths of hell for the kernel to develop into a miracle.
“Yes, Dave is the informant.” Serena finally admitted.
“Call him! Check what we know of the farm with the details he recalls from his recognisance to the area.” Catherine spoke with a focus she hadn’t had for some time. It was up to her to stop this dallying. Her one mission was to bring her daughter home safe. She knew that the only way was to be the C. X. Devonshire everyone knew and hated. Her little girl would expect no less. Sentiment had to be a secondary emotion in this now. The bitch was back!
“He might be in bed, I’ve never called him at this…” Serena feebly said as her tired mind tried to assimilate what was going on here.
“Do it!” Catherine said caustically. Serena quickly headed for the phone.
Rita smiled at the words, “Yep, the boss was back in harness. Now let’s see the job done properly.”
“Clare, set up the computer in my study to download the current information. Get ready to pose the machine an alternative scenario if the some or all of the left turns were right and vice-versa.”
“On my way.” Clare said as she pushed back the chair to leave the room.
“Constance, you go with Clare. Double check every scenario. I want to know if there is another farmhouse! You have half an hour to complete the scenarios, then I want the results. You got me?” Catherine said forcibly.
“I’m gone.” Constance said, following Clare to the study.
“What about me?” Rita asked tentatively, not wanting to be left out of the situation.
Catherine looked at her for several moments noting the worried expression in her face. Smiling slightly, she beckoned her over to the seat at her side.
Rita quickly did so as Catherine smirked ever so slightly, ‘Oh I could have some fun here, but no. No, Jace would kill me.’
“I hear that you are planning to get
married?” Catherine asked. Only years of not showing her feelings stopped her from
laughing at the shocked expression on Rita’s face.
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Fifteen
Jace watched the small sailing craft float on the bay that was in view from the balcony. Smiling as she saw the wind surfers fall, some sooner than others, into the gentle blue waters. She could see why this had been a wonderful location for a villa. The ancestors of her partner had lived and died here! How romantic a setting it was, hopefully would always be.
The sound of wheels on the marble surface brought her attention around quickly, watching a woman wheel herself confidently into the balcony area.
If Jace had not known better, she would have said this could be Catherine, but a Catherine forty years on! Therefore, her partner might look like this at seventy plus. Wow! She would still exude that aura of power as this woman did.
“Ms. Xianthos?” Jace asked in a polite tone.
Constantia looked at the small blonde and smiled at her politely. She had expected something different. Although what, she didn’t know. “You are?” Sarah had already described the two visitors, so she knew who this was.
“I’m sorry. Jace Warriorson.” Jace replied, completely mesmerised by the ice blue eyes that mirrored her partners. Oh god Catherine, you are here with me all the time!
“Catherine’s?” Constantia was at a loss, it didn’t seem appropriate to call her wife.
Jace saw the perplexed expression. Taking pity on the older woman, “Catherine is my good friend and my…partner.”
“Yes, thank you.” Constantia was impressed at the astute way this woman had responded to her inability to accept the facts.
“You said it was important that Catherine visit now. She can’t, but I decided that help from her partner might be welcomed instead?” Jace asked quietly, waiting for the hawk like appraisal she was receiving to complete its cycle, so like Catherine.
“May I ask why she can’t?” Constantia said, wishing she hadn’t when she saw the complete change in expression on the young woman’s face. It went from friendly interest to complete desolation.
Jace turned her back on Catherine’s Aunt, staring over the peaceful bay as she gathered her thoughts. Gulping in several breaths of air, she eventually composed herself enough to answer.
“Did Catherine mention we have children? Jace finally expressed.
Constantia looked at the rigid back of the blonde. She could see her body reacting to her emotions. “Yes, yes she did. You have three children I believe?”
“Yes, yes we do have three children. We will always have three children. Catherine promised me!” Jace uttered the words without thought that someone else was listening.
Constantia heard the anguish and pain in the words, moving closer to the balcony railing that this petite woman was leaning on.
“Catherine loves them, as she loves you.” Constantia said quietly also looking over the tranquil bay.
“Catherine is wonderful. She loves us all, will go to the ends of the earth to make sure we are happy and safe!” Jace replied in a thick voice.
Constantia smiled at the words. It was just so right to hear them with regard to her niece. At last, Catherine had found true love, a meeting of souls.
“Tell me what’s wrong?”
Jace heard the simple yet gentle words and was unable to help the sob that passed her lips at the statement.
Turning around to face the older wheelchair bound woman, she smiled through the tears that fell unashamedly. “Lisa…Lisa was abducted several days ago. Catherine is looking for her. She won’t come home until she finds her!”
Constantia felt the pain and the strength behind the words. It was as it should be! “Jace, how about you come down to my level, let a member of the family give you comfort?”
Jace sobbed a heavy sound that reverberated around the quiet balcony area, without thought flung herself into the open arms of Catherine’s aunt. It seemed so right!
* * * * * * * * * *
James Thompson knocked on the door of Kelsey’s room for what seemed like the hundredth time. ‘Was the man deaf?’
It was now ten in the morning. They had agreed yesterday that they would visit Catherine’s family and also be available when Jace came to the island. Catherine had been very specific that they were at Jace’s whim, whatever that might be!
He considered his choice of words, smiling as he pictured Jace as the dominant force in the relationship. Then again, she wasn’t at all. It was just that they loved each other enough to give the other all control over their lives, a true matching of souls.
Pounding once more on the door, he was surprised when the cleaning maid stopped at the side of him, smiling indulgently.
Obviously not able to speak English, the maid indicated the door holding out a passkey.
James could not let it pass. He nodded his head allowing the small woman to come close to the door, opening it.
“Thanks.” He said, as she went inside the room shouting room service. There was no answering grunt or reply as James had expected.
Walking in behind her, he noticed the strewn clothes of the previous day. The room did not look any different. As he went closer, he saw the bed all made up, obviously never slept in. He had concluded that Kelsey had stayed the night elsewhere! God knows when he would return.
Turning to the woman, he placed a few drachmas in her hand as he left. He would go to the Villa Xianthos alone. What else could he do?
* * * * * * * * * *
Catherine stood at the picture window contemplating her actions of late! Had she really brought all this upon their heads? It was easy to blame herself, she would and did. In her heart, she knew that was wrong. If memories of the last three years were transferred to a picture book then she knew deep in her heart that her memories would primarily be happy ones. She was certain of that fact.
What did it take in this life to be happy for longer than a few months? My God, but she tempted fate when she told Grace those few short months ago that she was bored, wanting something exciting to happen in her life.
Happen! It had more than happened, it had jumped out and punched her full in the face. She was now reeling as a boxer would who has been given the potential fatal final punch! Had she never learned anything in her thirty-eight years? Apparently not!
Rita Tuscany watched the facial expressions flitter across the woman who commanded a huge business empire seemingly invulnerable, but was now as vulnerable as the beggar on the street. It was always strange when you considered life generally. It had a way of making the playing field level for everyone, at some stage in their lives, even if it was the final breath they took in this life.
“Would you like me to fetch you some tea?” Rita finally asked tentatively.
Catherine heard the question, wanting nothing more than to turn the table back to her conversation with Grace. Rejoicing in her quiet existence, none of the current events would be happening, perhaps never would. They say all actions have consequences. Well, her words certainly magnified that saying a thousand-fold.
“Thanks Rita, but Stephanie is sleeping, I don’t want her disturbed. She’s been awake longer than I have I suspect.” Catherine softly answered the question.
“No problem there. You forget my mother’s legacy.” Smiling, she went out of the room heading towards the kitchen.
Catherine considered those few innocent words, ‘my mother’s legacy’.
‘God mother, if only I did have the powers you possessed. Perhaps I wouldn’t be floundering here. My daughter would be home safe, not in the clutches of some maniac.’ A sob escaped her lips. She couldn’t prevent it as tears she’d held back, flowed freely down her cheeks.
“Ms. Devonshire, we have the results of the computer simulations.” Clare said quietly as she headed the three-woman team that came back from the study. Constance and Serena had buried the hatchet with the news that they had from the computer information.
Catherine quickly composed herself gasping in a deep gulp of air. She scrubbed her hand across her eyes to remove the ravages of the tears as best she could.
“That would be what exactly?” Catherine’s voice strong, controlled, totally in charge.
Clare looked at Serena and Constance, both nodded for her to continue.
“We changed all the right turns for left, made several simulations. As amazing as it seems, there is another farmhouse twenty miles further south than the one we visited. It hasn’t been lived in for over ten years. When the old farmer died, the old man’s nephew refused to sell it at a rock bottom price. It fits all of Serena’s facts, all of them!” Clare was excited, in fact they all were. It was the break, the miracle they had hoped for.
Catherine was tempted to run to the car head for the farm without haste, but this time she wanted to know if there was a possibility of any error.
“How can you be so sure? We had that the last time.” Catherine turned her glacial gaze towards Serena Dusterly who stood her ground admirably under the cold stare.
“I must have made the notation about Dave’s problem because I realised that potentially if he was giving directions in the future, I would double check everything. I failed you, for I never checked thoroughly. It never crossed my mind that there was a farmhouse that fitted the description at the end of the road. I would understand if you didn’t want me to go with you this time.” Deep down, Dusterly was champing at the bit to go. It was her case, her facts. She knew it was right. She had always known.
Catherine watched the woman. Years of practise in boardroom skirmishes made her an expert in deduction when someone believed implicitly in their cause.
“We all make mistakes Dusterly. To be honest, I would probably have done the same as would all in this room, if they were frank with themselves. Guess some of us need more than a second chance.”
The door opened. Rita walked in with a tray laden with tea, coffee, and small sandwiches, smiling at the others in the room.
“Anyone for a break?”
“No!” Catherine announced and walked quickly towards the doorway that held the other four women.
“We have a child to rescue. Let’s get this show on the road. Dusterly you can drive me. Rita pack up the sandwiches. Find a flask out of the cupboard and put the coffee in that. We might need it. Constance, you and Clare go in the other vehicle! Head off now!” As the words were issued in a speed that she was noted for, the others all retreated to do as she bid.
As Catherine went to her study, she picked up the cell phone and glanced at the happy faces in the portraits on her desk. “Yes, she’s coming home!” her voice echoed in the room as she scribbled a note for Stephanie, pinning it on the door of the kitchen.
Rita was coming out of the kitchen, her hands laden with the items as requested. “I’ve brought some juice for Lisa too.” She quietly said as she headed towards the door, to the waiting car with Serena Dusterly.
Catherine was momentarily stunned at the comment. It had been uttered so confidently. Turning, she strode after Rita, who was about to close the door as the elevator door opened. Rita jumped in holding the button, waiting for Catherine.
“Give me a minute Rita.” Catherine announced, stepping back into the apartment.
Two minutes later, they were travelling down in the elevator towards the lobby and Dusterly. Rita glanced at the items held securely and tenderly in the hands of the tall dark woman, who had a far off look in her eyes. Catherine held a bedraggled looking rag doll that had seen better times and a rather scruffy looking soft toy dog.
Catherine looked up at that moment and saw the other woman glance at the toys in her hands. “Lisa will want her friends too. She never goes anywhere without her rag doll and Blacky.”
Rita could do nothing but smile weakly, nodding her head. As she turned away, a single tear dropped onto her cheek at the quiet admission from her employer.
Continued in Part 8
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