DRAGONJULS' Storybook
~ All Our Tomorrows ~
J M Dragon
Part Nine
© February 2001
e-mail: jmdragon1@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: See
Part One
Chapter Eighteen
Danni O’Neil put a nervous hand through her hair as she saw Colin Montgomery walk slowly back into the room he’d left her in as he called his wife.
“Did she believe you?” Danni asked quickly as she watched the quiet man slowly nod his head at her question.
“Grace didn’t appear surprised. In fact, I think it was more confirmation of something they had thought possible anyway.” Colin replied, going over to the coffeepot that was now piping hot.
“I guess it was a wasted journey then.” Danni muttered in a resigned voice, hearing the rain hitting the windowpanes with a resounding force.
Colin looked out at the stormy conditions, knowing it wasn’t going to be a pleasant night out for neither man nor beast. Thank God he had decided to take the weather reports to heart, bringing in all the livestock close to shelter. Jake had even helped with Ruby, which had been a boon when it came to putting the foals in the stables. Yes, the boy had natural rancher instincts.
“No. No Danni, it wasn’t a wasted journey. The fact that you came and told us now may be useful out there. Only time will tell.” Colin said softly, pouring two cups of coffee, holding out a cup for Danni to take.
Danni looked at the steaming coffee then at the man she had always liked. He was such a warm hearted dependable man. Grace is a lucky woman. “Why are you being nice to me Colin? I’m not exactly flavour of the month here, am I?”
The man smiled briefly, as he sat down in one of the chairs at the kitchen table. He moved his hand indicating that she sit down opposite him. He contemplated his coffee for a few moments before answering.
“You made some rather stupid and mighty unforgivable mistakes to people around here Danni. You can’t really expect them to forgive and forget, can you?”
“I didn’t mean it, really I didn’t! I was stupid yes, selfish and ignorant for want of better words to use about myself, but… I was in… I mean, I was sorry afterwards.” Danni responded, her words unconvincing to the man. There was more to this story than met the eyes.
“I guess you were. Why come all this way and tell us? Why not call? It would have made more sense in the circumstances.”
Danni looked down at her coffee, smiled wryly as she considered that! Why hadn’t she? Why indeed!
Looking up into the grey compassionate depths of the man opposite her, he really, really was a caring man. How often did you see that today? “I thought they might listen if I had made the effort to come here to tell them the news rather than call.”
Colin considered her explanation. “Yes, that’s plausible, but that isn’t the reason is it?”
Danni rushed out of her chair heading towards the kitchen door. “I’m sorry Colin, but the reason doesn’t matter. I’ve said my peace I’ll go!”
Colin had seen the panic rise in the woman, had watched a similar scenario enacted in the kitchen on more than one occasion with Grace. Anger and frustration usually instigated hers. Moving faster than his size belied, he headed the woman off. His hands landed on her shoulders to stop her.
“Not so fast young lady. It’s not a good night to be rushing out into, especially if you are upset, so calm down. Let me help you.” Colin softly spoke as he looked directly into the clearly distressed woman’s face.
Suddenly, it was all too much for her as she broke down and cried, crushed close to a broad strong chest in comfort. A soothing hand stroked her red hair in a gentle motion, trying to calm her down.
“Why not tell me? Then perhaps it won’t be such a burden.”
Danni tried to stop the crying, but couldn’t as she haltingly spoke “I wanted to see her one more time, just one more! Then, I’d go away forever.”
Colin looked down at the shaking woman over the top of her head, gently sighing. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not sorry. I’m glad. At least this way, I still go away knowing that I might have helped! I couldn’t do any other, I love her Colin!” It was a cry from the heart, one he had felt himself when he thought Grace had gone for good out of his life.
“I’m sure Catherine will be happy you tried to make it right.” Colin said, feeling sorry for the young woman, who was obviously in love with his boss.
“No! No, not Catherine.” Danni replied. Heartbroken sobs interspersed the words.
“Then who?” Colin asked intrigued, pulling away a little to see the woman more clearly.
“Jace, its Jace! I love her Colin. I didn’t know it until it was too late, all the damage had been done!” Pulling out of the safe haven of his arms, she tried to get to the door and was once again stopped.
“Then, Jace I know for sure will be happy you tried to warn her. I know it Danni.” Colin knew that Jace’s compassionate heart would have done no less, regardless of how she viewed the other woman.
“I have to go Colin. Thanks for… for being here and listening.” Danni straightened, looking pointedly at the door as the rain came down even heavier. The thunder and lightening crashed around them, lighting up the room itself.
Colin looked at the tear-ravaged face, making a decision.
“No, not tonight Danni. Tonight you sleep in the spare room. You can leave in the morning when the conditions are better.”
Danni sighed heavily, turned her red-rimmed eyes to his clear gentle ones. “I can’t stay here. What will Grace say… or the others?”
She had made enough mistakes with the people on this ranch. She certainly did not want to compromise this man who had tried to help her and given her a chance to perhaps help in a small way.
“Let me handle what people will say, including my wife.” He motioned for her to sit back at the table. “Have you eaten yet?”
Danni smiled a watery smile and shook her head. “No, came straight here.”
“Good, I haven’t either. I have this casserole that will feed the whole ranch. What do you say?” Colin laughed as he put the stew pot on the stove that Alison, Jace’s mother, had made up for him today.
Danni again smiled, this time more confidently. Grace was definitely a lucky woman! “Thanks, I love casseroles, my favourite.”
“Great, for I have a question for you. How did you find out about this scam of Hudson’s?” The man turned to the casserole dish, ladling out two portions for them to eat. He would now find out exactly where Danni’s role came into the scenario.
* * * * * * * * * *
The house looked bleak even to her. She had used it consistently in her ventures over the past five years, having been informed about its unfortunate circumstances by a friend at a party one evening. He had been annoyed at the time, wanting sympathy. She gave it, storing the information away for future use.
Walking onto the creaking porch, she saw a couple of mice scurry past her boots on the old worn decking. The sound of her footsteps was obviously disturbing the creatures. She pulled out her key to the door. The only thing on the building replaced in twenty years was the lock and it now opened easily.
As she did, she reached into her pocket for a flashlight, turning it on. Although it was close to dawn, there was never enough light in the dingy farmhouse. Only the oil lamps she’d brought into the house previously, shed any further illumination within its confines.
Well, here goes nothing. Either the kid was of use or she wasn’t. It was just too bad if she wasn’t!
She looked around the place at the cobwebs in every conceivable place. No furniture adorned any room. The stingy bastard who owned the place had taken everything out, including the stove.
As she veered towards the steps leading to the cellar, she heard a noise, someone singing.
Walking rapidly towards the stairs leading to the cellar, she rushed down them into the small room that she used to store her merchandise.
The child was singing or crying. She wasn’t sure. It was a strangled sound. Christ, she didn’t have much of voice, if she was singing. She thought as her boots scuffed the wooden floor, nearing the child. Then, she put out a hand encased in a black glove towards the prone figure.
That had the effect of the child increasing the volume on her activities. She appeared terrified. That was okay too, no trouble from her today. Smiling happily, she considered that the child looked okay ready for the exchange, great news!
Her hand went out towards the child’s head to stop her from struggling with the blanket.
* * * * * * * * * *
Catherine gave a heavy sigh as they neared the destination. Constance’s vehicle was parked only yards away, awaiting their arrival. As Serena Dusterly steered her car towards the clearing that Constance had found, she slowed the vehicle to a stop. Catherine didn’t wait for her to park properly before she wrenched open the door out on the dusty road.
“Has there been any activity Constance?” Catherine asked briskly, looking at the farmhouse shrouded in the early morning grey mist, with the sparse light from the impending sunrise about to wake up the day ahead. For Catherine, it was difficult to see properly. Although she had her sight back in her right eye, it wasn’t exactly perfect as she squinted attempting to commit every detail to memory, but was failing badly in the poor light.
“No. Sorry, nothing to report. We arrived about fifteen minutes ago.” Constance saw the difficulty her boss was having, but knowing her from old, she doubted that she would accept help. “Try these.” She said, handing her the small powerful binoculars that this time she had the foresight to bring with her.
Glancing at the offering, she merely nodded her head and put them to her eyes, muttering her thanks as she did so.
Constance smiled briefly at the acknowledgement, glancing at Serena Dusterly for the next part of the plan.
“What’s next on the agenda?”
“We have nothing to lose. We go in. I see no reason to wait and frankly, the quicker the better as the sun is rising.” Dusterly looked over to the brighter sky that only minutes before had been an inky blue blackness.
“Who goes first?” Clare asked quietly. For the last time, they had left the boss behind. Was that the game plan this time, she wondered?
“We need someone in a car to follow behind us so that we can make the fastest possible getaway. Who can drive at speed, but still keep the car on the road?”
“A friend of mine called Grace.” Catherine retorted absently, her eyes still glued to the binoculars.
The other women all looked around and gave each other puzzled glances as Serena shrugged. Rita stepped forward, accepting the role of getaway driver. She’d had a few speeding tickets in her time. She smiled feebly at her attempt to lighten the situation, if only slightly.
“Thanks Ms. Tuscany.” Serena offered sincerely. It was clear that each one of them wanted to be there this time.
“I’m coming along Dusterly.” Catherine joined the sparse conversation with a brusque tone. It clearly warned anyone that she wasn’t going to be left out.
“I know, so put the binoculars down Ms. Devonshire, and listen up. We can’t afford mistakes if there is someone in the house.” Serena replied in a business like manner. These people had relied on her expertise, now she was going to use it. Maybe for once God might be on her side, please let it be now!
Catherine removed the binoculars and stared at the woman who had used a tone very much like her own. In some deep part of her, it made her seethe, but for the moment she dampened that down, turning inquiring eyes to the most experienced person in the field at this time.
“I’m all ears, Ms. Dusterly.” Catherine replied sedately, having picked up the two toys that her daughter loved, holding them securely to her. The action was very protective, giving the impression she was afraid they would be taken away as well.
Dusterly had been amazed, but it boosted her confidence immediately when Devonshire had calmly agreed to her demand. This was looking good.
“Clare, Constance, make your way around the back of the building. Ensure that at all times you can’t be seen from any window. If there is someone on lookout they might see you. Then, anything could happen, okay?”
“Yes, we can do that. There are plenty of trees and large shrubs that we can both hide behind to make our way to the back of the house. What happens then?”
“Constance, you find the backdoor. When we tell you via the radio, get yourself in the house. Clare, you watch her back, but stay outside!”
“Okay, but what if there is trouble? Do I go inside to help?” Clare asked, troubled that she couldn’t be with Constance the whole time.
“No! No, you get the hell out of there! Get in the car and find help for us!” Serena stated heavily.
Clare looked at her as if to protest when a firm hand settled on her shoulder. She then looked into the eyes of her lover, who smiled gently at her. “Hey, you want me back safe and sound right?”
Clare allowed the emotional moment to break down her barriers briefly as she lifted a hand to caress the dusky skinned woman’s cheek. “You know I do! What would I do without you?” She choked out, rewarded by a tender kiss on her lips from the woman she loved.
“Then that’s settled. My… no our backs ladies, are well and truly covered.” Constance spoke confidently, squeezing Clare’s hand in reassurance.
“Ladies, I just wanted to say….” Constance, who answered for them all, halted Catherine from her speech to speak.
“We know. Now, let’s get to business.”
Serena looked at Catherine as they watched the two set off for the back of the farmhouse. Rita settled herself in the driver’s seat of the car, ready for the journey.
“So, what are we doing Dusterly?”
“We are going to walk up to the front door and knock.” Serena Dusterly smiled, setting off in the direction of the house.
“Just like that, huh? I like your style Dusterly. I certainly do!” Catherine couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped her lips.
Clasping the two soft toys to her, she
marched after the smaller woman, catching up with her within seconds.
* * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Nineteen
“Grace, how did you know? Or rather, how did they know at home?” Jace asked her friend. They were seated on the balcony of Grace’s room, overlooking the perfectly preserved courtyard that held a beauty to match the Aegean Sea on the other side of the villa.
Grace considered the question. It was easy to answer, but the bearer of the original news would be less than welcome, she was sure. Jace had never liked the woman. The furore with Catherine had left a bitter taste.
“It was a tip-off that Colin was given. You know Colin, he will check everything out or tell us even if we already know.”
“Oh Grace, come on. I know there is more to this than meets the eye. I want to know who told Colin.” Jace demanded to Grace, it was like watching a child that was frustrated and angry stamping their feet in protest. it brought a smirk to her face. She could not help it.
“What? Why are you laughing at me?” Jace asked, aggrieved at the situation.
“Me? Oh come on Jace, would I dare? Hell, I’d have your other half after my hide if I did.” Grace laughed softly and saw the red tinge that came over the blonde woman’s cheeks at the comment, for that was true.
“Catherine isn’t that bad Grace. Anyway, she’s thousands of miles away!” Jace replied, affronted that she was considered unable to help herself without Catherine’s help. Although she loved the protective side of her partner, she was wishing deep down that Catherine could be at her side now.
“That wouldn’t stop the woman, trust me.” Grace took pity on the blonde. There had been the odd jealous moment she had to admit, when Jace sprang into their lives, but it had been a moment, nothing more than that.
“Don’t change the subject anyway Grace. Tell me.”
Grace laughed at that comment. “You know, you sound more like Catherine everyday.”
“I do not Grace. There is only one Catherine Warriorson, she’s unique and mine!”
Grace shook her head, her smile infectious. Jace couldn’t help but smile along with it. “That’s true my friend, thank god! Danni! Danni was the bearer of the news to Colin.”
Jace looked as if she was catching flies, for her mouth dropped open refusing to shut as the name flashed in her mind. ‘Danni!’
Grace was about to explain the situation as best she knew when they heard a sound. A sound that was both unexpected, yet not! As contrary as that sounded.
“Is that what I think it was?” Grace said as she peered over her balcony, knowing that the sound probably echoed around the villa. The area would be difficult to pinpoint.
Jace had moved out of her chair, frantically trying to think what they could do next. It had been that piercing sound that sent a chill down your spine.
“Yeah, if you’re thinking what I am.” Both women looked up, serious expressions mirrored on each of their faces.
“Jace we haven’t got anything to combat a gun. If we go rushing inside, it could be suicide a mission.”
“I know, but if someone has been shot maybe we can be a distraction to prevent another shooting.” Jace replied as they headed cautiously towards the door.
Grace did not have time to disagree with that rather dangerous logic as she rushed out close behind her. At times like these, Jace obviously thought with her heart rather than her mind!
* * * * * * * * * *
Serene Dusterly pushed forcibly on the front door of the farmhouse. She gave out an oath that was suitable only for adult audiences. The door refused to give way.
“Want me to try?” Catherine asked laconically.
“I do not! You’re a ….” She trailed off, knowing that she had been close to saying the woman was a cripple! She had read all the available medical notes on the woman.
Catherine knew exactly what the woman was about to say, giving her a glacial stare. She moved towards the door, taking a stance that Maria had taught her years ago in prison, kicking hard at the door in one swift movement. Nothing was apparent immediately, then Catherine stepped forward pushing at the door, which fell open literally at their feet.
“How did you do that?” Serena gasped, awe-struck.
“We cripples have to compensate.” Catherine drolly replied as she ignored the woman, walking past her into the apparently deserted house.
Serena couldn’t say anything. What could you say? She walked in the house behind her to catch up as she held her handgun at the ready, in preparation for any possible altercation.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Are you ready?” Clare asked her lover as they both appeared at the back entrance within seconds of each other.
“Yes. Do you think that anyone saw us?”
“No, doubt it or we would have seen activity, but there is a car on the side verge as I came by. That can only mean trouble!” Clare said emphatically, knowing that it wouldn’t matter to Constance. There was something driving her that went beyond her friendship and caring of Catherine Devonshire.
“You can deal with the car, but be careful Clare. I want to see your beautiful face when we bring Lisa back.”
Clare gazed at her lover, grinning at her with a bravado she did not really feel. Something here did not feel right to her. She would check with Dusterly to ask about the car and what she should do. Her first priority was to watch Constance’s back.
“I’ll be here when you come back, I promise.” Her hand reached for Constance’s as she brought it to her lips to seal the promise.
“You make it hard. You really do my love, but I’ll be back. I swear to you!” Constance smiled as she gently pulled away, mounting the back decking pushing on the door, which surprisingly and thankfully gave easily, as the lock was old. ‘Was this breaking and entering? To hell with it, she could always say she knocked! Who would know?’
“I know you will.” Clare said softly as Constance entered the house, out of her line of sight.
* * * * * * * * * *
Colin laughed at the anecdote that Danni seemed to have a multitude of. She really was an entertaining woman. It made him smile.
“It’s getting late Danni, well for me anyway. We ranch people have to be up at sunrise. If you want to watch TV….” Colin trailed off, as he looked first at the time depicting nine thirty, then at the woman who had been making him laugh all evening.
Danni smiled. It had been years since someone had actually considered her feelings in anything. Here was the man who had appeared boring to many, but in reality was a wonderful person, so compassionate, understanding, and she suspected loving as well. If only she could find someone of the opposite gender, who could be like that for her, if only!
“No, that’s okay. I could do with the sleep. It was a long journey, I will need to leave early in the morning for home.”
“I will show you the guest room. It has it’s own bathroom. There are toiletries, I’m sure. Please check and let me know if you need anything. What about clothes?” The man was acutely embarrassed that he had to ask the question. Danni didn’t look as if she had anything else with her, but the clothes she was wearing.
Danni smiled at him, placing a hand on his arm, patting it gently. “Thanks Colin, but I will be fine, I’m sure there will be everything I need here.”
Sheepishly nodding his head, he went towards the stairs quickly in an effort to hide his embarrassment. “I’ll lead the way then.” He mounted the steps, moving towards the guestroom.
Danni stared after his long rangy frame and grinned at his boyish charm, for he was certainly charming and so sweet!
Not for the first time this evening did she think of Jace and how she had reacted to receiving the news. All she hoped now was that it had arrived in time because the Hudson woman was taking no prisoners. She herself was now a target, if the woman found out that she had been here to warn them. She had also told Colin that she was now prepared to testify that Hudson had propositioned her to help in the charade to kill Catherine Warriorson’s aunt. For once in her life, she had put her selfish whims aside and thought of someone else. That person might never want her in her life, but Danni had realised that this love she had for Jace was a selfless love. She would do anything to make the woman happy, even at her own expense and possibly her own safety!
* * * * * * * * * *
“Kid, for God’s sake, stop crying! I’ve had enough of your caterwauling to last me a lifetime. If you don’t shut up, I’ll tape you up and see if you like that!” The woman viciously shouted at the terrified child.
The kid, for some reason, had thought she was some kind of monster when she’d arrived in the room to check on her. Once she’d pulled the blanket away, the kid cowered, ready to be beaten or that’s how it looked to her. Must be the drugs!
Lisa cautiously glanced up at the woman who was dressed in all black clothing. Her face was encased in a hood that made her appear like a witch out of the storybooks they read at home. The thought of home brought a fresh flood of tears as she sobbed uncontrollably.
“Kid, shut up!” This time, the woman reached into the pocket of the black leather trench coat she wore, dragging out a reel of brown heavy-duty tape used for securing packages.
As she was about to tape up the child’s mouth, she experienced a swift kick in the stomach area for her efforts. Wincing at the pain, she swung her left hand out to hit the child on the cheek. As she did so, she heard an almighty crash from the area upstairs.
“Fuck! What the hell was that?” Quickly securing the tape to the child’s mouth, she pushed back the frail looking child. The kid might look that way, but she could certainly use a kick to great effect.
The woman pulled out her handgun as she opened the door to the storeroom cautiously and went towards the sound of the crash as she strained to listen. The footsteps of more than one person could be heard above her.
Walking as silently as she could, she went up the narrow cellar stairs and what she hoped were kids having fun in a derelict place.
* * * * * * * * * *
“Jace, we left everyone on the balcony. Maybe that should be our first port of call?” Grace whispered as she and her friend furtively went towards the balcony area that they had left earlier.
“Yeah, I was thinking that myself, but what if there are more people in the house. Shouldn’t we check first?” Jace countered and glanced around the magnificent marble-floored hallway.
“I think we should call the police personally.” Grace also glanced around the hall and thought she heard voices in the direction of the kitchen area. Pulling Jace with her, she hid around the large fronds of a ten-foot tall palm tree. It hid them from view with ease, yet allowed them the opportunity to watch what went on.
Voices speaking in rapid Greek moved closer and closer to the spot where they were standing. Both women held their breath. It would be just their luck to be seen.
A tall middle-aged passably handsome man was guiding a rounder figured old woman with a walking stick towards the balcony area. It was clear the man was excited about something, but as neither of them could understand the language, it was hard to tell for what reason. Then again, the Mediterranean temperament was a little volatile in most cases.
The clipping sounds of the cane stick struck the floor, helping keep Jace and Grace’s attention to the exact whereabouts of the two strangers. However, they could not see them clearly as they moved out of view to their destination.
A door opened. Then, a voice that Jace would know to the end of her days, spoke swiftly in English.
“About time you two arrived. What the hell kept you? I’m not a one woman army.” Clarissa Hudson spoke derisively as she looked over the Greek mommy’s boy and the old hag! On second thought, maybe she was.
“Did you bring the gun?” Hudson bit out savagely to the man.
“Yes. Where is Althea? She was supposed to be part of this too.” George Spiros reluctantly asked the evil woman, staring at him with chilling eyes as cold as ice.
Hudson laughed scathingly at the question. “My god, you are an idiot aren’t you? You can’t think for yourself or what people are trying to tell you, huh? Well dumb boy, Althea, your dear sweet sister is here all right patiently waiting for your arrival. Now that you are here, I think she should be the first victim for your weapon. To show your loyalty, I want a bullet to her head. What do you say, macho man?”
Fatama Spiros sucked in a sharp breath at the suggestion. It was okay for the foreigner to take her daughter’s life. She could live with that! For her son to do so was not acceptable, no!
“No!” the old woman interceded as she grasped her son’s arm for support, facing the only person she actually believed was more cold hearted than she was herself.
“No? Mama Spiros, if he doesn’t do it I’ll shoot her myself, then him too!” her voice supremely confident. Who was here to stop her? No one. This so called man was no more than a weakling, no backbone.
“You would do that? Why?” Fatama knew her son was not as strong as her daughter. His character weaknesses would be no match for this devil incarnate.
“I don’t need a reason. Ask any of my victims.” Hudson smirked wickedly, turning to the man who was trembling. Only the strong hand of his mother on his forearm prevented him from running away. ‘Althea was right. She was always right! Why hadn’t he listened to her last night, why?’
All three parties stared at each other as a glint came into Hudson’s eyes. She stroked the barrel of her gun over her cheek in contemplation. There was no sign of Jace Bardley or her friend that the late amorous detective had said was due on the Island earlier that morning. She had checked the ferry terminal. Sure enough, Lukas Dimitrie had escorted two foreigners away from the terminal. That could only mean that they were headed here. So, just where was goody, goody Jace and her compatriot? Hiding somewhere like snivelling children, yes knowing Jace that would be exactly what would happen. She never had much fight in her, too soft! It had often crossed her mind over the last couple of years just what Catherine Devonshire had ever seen in the insipid creature when she could have anyone, anyone at all! Now if Catherine had chosen her, why they could have ruled the world together. She was sure of it. Hitler’s aspirations would have nothing on theirs.
“Fatama, come inside. Say your goodbyes to that very good friend of yours, Constantia Xianthos. And you,” Hudson jabbed her finger in the direction of George viciously. “You! Find me the two foreigners at large in the villa. Don’t… and I mean don’t let them get out of the grounds. I suggest you use the gun on them first and ask questions later, understand?”
George felt somewhat relieved that he had been given a reprieve from the horror of shooting his sister, but had he? All that had happened was that he was going to eliminate two innocent women. His sister would still die.
“Do you understand me, dumb boy?” Hudson wanted nothing more than to shoot the irritating excuse for a man. However, if he found the absent wanderers, then he would have served his purpose. She would deal with the loose ends herself. That meant all the loose ends!
Bristling with concealed anger, he spit out something in Greek initially and then softly replied. “Yes.”
Fatama spoke quietly to her son and then followed her partner in crime into the room. She had seen several people in the room over the woman’s shoulder. One of them was lying in a pool of blood on the cold marble floor at the front of what she surmised was her victim’s wheelchair. ‘Soon, soon it would all be over. Her revenge would have been exacted. The circle would be complete and it would all be over.’
George watched his mother follow the foreigner into the room, the door closing behind them. Now he had to comb the villa to find his victims, assuming he could find them. This was a wonderful villa for keeping its secrets. Also, the whereabouts of these two women may well come under that category.
Jace turned to her friend. They both looked stricken at the calm confident way that Hudson dismissed life as disposable. When you had to face that type of adversity, what did you do? It was surely a death sentence, wasn’t it?
They watched the Greek look about him, then quickly make for the steps to the upper level and go towards the first floor.
“We don’t have many choices here Grace?” Jace whispered, making absolutely sure she could only be heard by her friend.
“You’re telling me! Jace, it’s not a question of having many choices. We only have two.” Grace glanced at the man who was almost out of sight, looking for them.
Jace whipped a hand through her blonde hair as she ruefully smiled, resignedly putting a gentle hand on her friend’s shoulders. “You go to the study Grace. Call the police and then hide. If you get the chance, get the hell out of here.”
Grace was going to argue, but that would have wasted time and they didn’t have time to waste. She would do what Jace asked, at least the first part anyway. “Okay my friend. You know she wouldn’t approve, don’t you?”
Jace turned anguished eyes to her friend as a single tear dropped on her cheek at the words. Wasn’t that the truth? Catherine would not approve and yet, she would have done the same in the circumstances. The only thing was, now could she live up to her partner’s name? That remained to be seen.
“I know, but could you see Catherine leaving everyone behind and saving her own hide?” At the shake of her friend’s head, Jace smiled briefly. “Runs in the family.”
Jace hugged Grace with a swift, but heartfelt embrace, slowly moving out of the security that the palm tree offered, making her way towards the door of the balcony. Now, how would Catherine make an entrance? Oh yeah, simple really.
Without another thought, she opened the door confidently, breezing inside the room!
Continued in Part 10
Visit Dragonjuls' Storybook at:
http://homepages.about.com/dragonjuls/Index.html