Caught on Film – part 3
4 pm
Complete Style
“MARY!”
“Janine,” Mary
Thomas said as she looked over from her desk, Janine entering the depths of her
cave, “what’s got you all flustered?”
“We just got
word – Annie gave birth this afternoon?”
“Ah,” Mary said
as she put her pen down, “and with Ju out of the country? Should have seen that one coming. So – a boy or a girl?”
“Yes,” Janine
said with a grin. Mary looked at her for
a few minutes, and then said “Twins?”
“Oh yes –
Rudolf and Margaret, although that is allegedly becoming Rudi and Mags.”
“Oh little
Judith is going to be over the moon,” Mary said with a grin. “Will ye let Anna know, I need to make a
call?”
“Sure thing,”
Janine said as she left, and Mary picked up the phone.
“Mother? It’s a boy and a girl – Mount Pleasant. Let the word be spread…”
5.15 am Local Time
The Peninsular Hotel, Hong Kong
“Any updates,”
Juliette said as she came out of the shower, towelling her hair.
"Ingy just
texted out that the girls are already calling the babies Rudi and Mags." Jan
looked up from her screen.
"I guessed
they might," Juliette smiled happily.
“So, we’ll tell
the others this morning?”
“Yeah – let
them sleep a little more…”
9.10 pm BST
Chelsea
“Aunt
Shirley? It is Diana de Ros,” Maisha
said as she handed the handset to Shirley.
“Good afternoon
Diana – what can I do for you,” Shirley said in her deep rich voice, then
smiled as she listened.
"TWINS!"
Shirley shouted, “and I heard you say Caesarean Diana… are they all
alright?"
"From what I'm hearing from the hospital they are perfect...Annie will
have to stay in a couple of extra days, but by then Margaret and Rudolf's grandmother
should be back from Hong Kong, and her Great-Aunt will be here from
Frankfurt...plus Natalya I suspect."
"Well it’s
an occasion that merits the fuss Diana dear…”
"Yes."
"I suspect Klaus is over the moon....he has a grandson and heir."
"Yes its
sexist, Judith as the oldest grandchild should succeed...but they still have
these damn family traditions."
“Can you tell
me where they may be found?”
She picked up a
pen and scribbled something down, before she said “I will pass the word round
here – Penny is currently in Hong Kong, but I am sure she will hear soon as
well.
“Yes, I heard
that as well,” she said as the door opened, and John came in, “I will call her
and Carina later. In the meantime, do
send my love.”
“Carina,” John
said as he took his coat off, and Shirley put the handset down, “I take it
Annie did not get to Munich first.”
“No, she did
not – Rudi and Mags were born this afternoon.”
“Rudi and… Twins?”
“So it would
appear,” Shirley said with a smile.
“Then we should
celebrate,” John said with a smile.
“You get the
bottle, I want to arrange some flowers and make a phone call,” Shirley said as
she dialled a number.
9.20 pm BST
The Savoy Grill
“That was a
wonderful meal,” Gordon said as he pushed his plate away, and sipped his wine.
“Indeed,”
Francesca said as Charlotte took her phone out.
“Shirley? Is there a problem?”
She looked
round the table and said “that is fantastic news. I’ll send something tomorrow – thanks for
letting me know.”
“News?”
“Indeed Lover,”
Charlotte said as she looked at Piet.
“Annie Kelly had her babies this afternoon in New York.”
“That is… Hold on – babies?”
“Twins – a boy
and a girl.”
“OH now that
does call for celebration,” Francesca said as she waved the waiter over. “A bottle of the Bollinger and four glasses –
I am sure you can have one, darling.”
5 pm
The Richmond Mansion
“Hey – I
guessed we’d all be gathering here after the events of the day,” Denise said as
she came into the kitchen.
“Well, Caroline
sent the word out,” Heather said as she poured a mug of coffee and handed it
over. “I take it you’ve heard?”
“I have – how
did they manage to keep that secret?”
“By only
telling the two people they could trust to keep it a secret – Caroline and
Ama.”
“And I am so
pleased to be able to talk of it now,” Ama said as she came in. “May I take some more bottles through Heather
– Erica and Poppy have just arrived.”
“Good,” Pippa
said as she came in, “I just called Mum and Aunt Maggie – they’re going to send
some flowers in the morning. How are
they anyway?”
“All happy,”
Heather said, “Jo is taking Judith to meet them now, but Abby and the other
seniors have gone to her house to celebrate both today and their safe arrival.”
“So it’s Rudi
and Mags?”
“It is,” Sandy
said as she came to join them, “Prince Rudolf Klaus Richard Alexander and
Princess Margaret Renate Juliette Natalia.”
“I think Rudi
and Mags will be easier to remember,” Caroline said with a smile as she came
in.
11 pm European Time
Munich
“Sigrid,” Willy
said as he stood at the telephone table, “what on earth is the matter…
“Ah – of
course, that is indeed good news. I will
let her know, and we will join you in travelling over,” he said with a smile as
he looked at Natalia, “just let me know when.”
“What has
happened,” she said as he put the telephone down.
“Annie has
given birth – Rudolf and Margaret were delivered by Caesarean Section this
afternoon. Mothers and babies doing
fine, and Judith is on her way to meet them.”
“Twins? I should have expected that,” Natalia said
with a smile. “Come to bed Willy - we
can send our congratulations in the morning.”
5.30 pm
Mount Pleasant
“Knock Knock.”
“Hey,” Annie
said as Jo appeared at the door, Judith holding her hand, “come on in – and
especially you, little one. Have you had
a good day with Auntie Jo and Auntie Heather?”
“Yes Momma,”
Judith said as she looked round, “are you all right?”
“Oh I’m fine,
but I’m a little bit sore,” Annie said as she sat up, “would you like to sit
next to me?”
“Come over this
side,” Jo said as she held Judith’s hand, and then lifted her up so that she
was sitting next to Annie.
“Now, I have
two very important people I want you to meet,” Annie said, “Jo, would you bring
her baby brother over first please?”
“Sure thing,”
Jo said as she carefully lifted Rudi out of the cot, and handed him to Annie.
“Now this is
Rudi,” Annie said as Judith looked at him.
“Hello Rudi,”
she said quietly as she waved at him.
“And this is
Mags.”
“Hello Momma,”
Judith said as she saw Carina holding her baby sister, “and hello Mags.” She put her tiny hand on the cheek of Rudi
and stroked it, and then stroked Mags as she lay in her blanket.
“Now Momma
Annie and the babies need to stay here for a couple of days,” Carina said, “but
when they come home, we will throw a big party for them, correct?”
“Yes Momma,”
Judith said as she looked at the door.
“Hello Unca Jack.”
“Well now, this
is a fine family collection, and no mistake,” Jack Linklater said as he and
Luke came into the room. “Mind you, you
have looked better Annie.”
“Jack…”
“I jest, I jest
– you look wonderful, Carina looks wonderful, Judith looks radiant, and they
look so peaceful,” Jack said as he looked round the room. “And Jo is as always athletic perfection.”
“My cue to go
grab a coffee – find me when you’re done,” Jo said as she left the room, Jack
saying “now then Luke – the hairbrush, if you please…”
6.30 pm
Mount Pleasant – the cafe
"Frau
Strecher has ordered the ringing of church bells on the estate lands,"
Klaus said as she sat down next to his daughter, "just as they did when
your birth was announced."
"In the
middle of the night,” Ingrid said with a smile, “people will think war has
broken out Papa."
"Not
according to Frau Strecher. She says corks are already popping and cheers being
proposed to a new prince."
Ingrid looked
at him, and said quietly "Nothing for a new princess?"
"Darling,”
Klaus said as he shook his head, “you know as well as I do that, to the tenants
and retainers, it’s boys that matter."
"And I
know because Carina is slightly older, and you had her legitimized as your
daughter, that her first son would be the next Prince."
"Ingrid,”
Klaus said as he put his arm round her shoulder, “we talked this over and you
agreed darling."
"I know
Papa...and as you said at the time I may never have a son, still..."
"What is
done is done darling, but I'm going to now insist Carina and Annie get legally
married, and that the children do, though Annie did promise, take the von
Furstenheim surname."
“Well, you may
need to convince Annie of that…”
“I accept the
task with honour…”
7.30 am Local Time
Catherine Lu’s Apartment
“Come in,”
Marina said as she opened the door to Juliette and Jan, “I’m glad you could
join us this morning… Are you all right,
Juliette? You look tired.”
“I am – but
I’ll explain everything when we come in,” Juliette said as Marina closed the
door, and they made their way to the breakfast bar.
“Good morning
darlings,” Kylie said as she sat in her school uniform, “how are you feeling
this morning?”
“Exhausted and
elated at the same time,” Juliette said as she sat down. “Where are the rest of your house guests?”
“You called?”
“Shirley said
you had flown over,” Jan smiled as Helen and Penny walked in, hand in hand.
“So why the
mixture,” Marina said as she handed Juliette a glass of orange juice.
“I’m a
grandmother again,” Juliette said with a smile, “Annie gave birth a few hours
ago.”
“She did? I must send something,” Kylie said with a
smile, “so is it a boy or a girl?”
“Yes.” Juliette took out her cell phone, and showed
them the picture she had been sent.
“She was
expecting twins? Did you know,”
Catherine gasped.
“Nope – she and
Carina decided to keep it secret, but Rudi and Mags are here now.”
“Then we indeed
have cause for celebration,” Catherine said with a smile, “on so many
fronts. Come – we will eat together, and
then to work.”
“One moment,
darling,” Kylie said as she looked at her phone. "Darlings I just had a text message from
Ingrid, I need to ring Rose."
"What's
that about?" Marina asked.
"It seems
the Furstenheim christening robe has got a little worse for wear since Ingrid
was christened, she asked me if she thinks Rose could refurbish it?"
"That's
practical thinking by Ingy," Penny nodded. "You'd better try get hold
of Rose."
"I'll duck
into my room if none of you mind darlings?"
“Go – but be
quick, you need to leave for school soon,” Helen said, Kylie nodding as she
went off, and Juliette answered her phone.
“Ingrid darling
– how are they?
“The
robes? Kylie is calling Rose now, or
leaving a message… Oh I agree totally
Ingrid, Mags should wear the one Judith was christened in, and Rudi the
Furstenheim one. It's where having two family christening robes comes in
useful."
"Godparents?"
"Jan asks
if they've given any thought to godparents yet?" Juliette listened, "I can understand
those thoughts, and given they have six to name I think it’s right to sleep on
it at least.
“Well, give
them both my love, and kiss Judith for me.
I’ll call later tonight…”
“Coffee,”
Marina said, Juliette nodding as she accepted a cup.
"So where
will the christening be Juliette?" Penny asked.
"Well I
know Klaus will want it to be in the family chapel at Furstenheim."
"If you
have your own chapel you might as well use it," Penny half-laughed.
"The
problem though may be the number of guests, the chapel is not that huge, and
the baptism of a Furstenheim heir is going to attract crowds."
"Crowds?"
Helen looked perplexed.
"Well it’s
not just family and friends...the tenants and the people who work for us have a
certain right to be there as well..."
"Plus
other highnesses?" Marina broke in to ask.
"Yes, the
King of Bavaria as our overlord so to speak MUST get an invite... And there are others..." Juliette let
her voice trail off.
"Well it
sounds to me like you and Klaus, and the mothers, have to have a long
conversation Ju." Catherine spoke.
8 pm
Mount Pleasant
"Jack
dear, Annie is starting to get tired," Luke smiled at the new mother,
"I think we got enough great pictures to make up a tremendous album."
"You're right of course," Jack sighed, "but once I get
going..."
"You can
never stop." Carina laughed.
"I like
havin' my picture taken." Judith smiled and yawned all at once.
"Yes but
it’s getting past your bedtime Miss Judith," Jo smiled back, "I'll
take her home and put her to bed at your place if you want to stay longer
Cari?"
"Oh would
you Jo?" Carina smiled, "I'd like a little longer with Annie and the
babies, and Pops and Ingy."
"Well no
one is in here the next few minutes," the magisterial voice of Karen came
from the doorway, “I need look at my patients… so Shoo, everybody out
please."
“You need to
eat,” Ingrid said as she took Cari by the arm, “we’ll be back later.”
“Bye bye baby
briffer and sister,” Judith said as she waved, and Jo took her hand.
“Back in a
bit,” Cari said as Karen shook her head.
“Ow,” Annie
said as she moved round.
“Yeah – it’s
gonna hurt for a few days – with luck, the tube can come out tomorrow, and you
can move round a bit.”
“I’m not sure I
ever want to let them out of my sight,” Annie said as Karen looked at the
babies.
“Oh I know that
feeling – but you need sleep, so get some.
The nurses will…”
“My apologies,
Doctor Boyd,” a nurse said as she came in, “but these just arrived.”
“I see the word
is getting around,” Karen said as two bunches of flowers were brought in. “But all looks good – try and kick them out
tonight before it gets too late…”
“So who are
these from,” Annie said as Karen passed her the cards. "These flowers are from someone who
signs them-self as Fractures Karen...Do you have any clue who that is? It
sounds like a silly model nickname."
"I do
know, and I'm not supposed to tell...let me just say she was an uptown girl
eh."
"Oh
Goddess...I got flowers from HER?"
"Well
Cari's Mom is one of her very best friends, I guessed she'd be among the
first."
8 pm
The Village
“Hey there,”
April said as she opened the door, “you guessed Ama would be here, right?”
“Seemed a
logical guess,” Caroline said as she came up.
She smiled as she saw Ama sitting with Pepsi.
“How are they
Mom,” Ama said as she stood up.
“Mother and
babies doing fine – I said we’d go and see them tomorrow night after
school. Thank you, Grant,” Caroline said
as she took the hot drink.
“I’ve already
got a load of orders to fulfil in the morning – I’ll need to get down to Page
first thing in the morning,” April said as she sat down.
“So – raise much
today?”
“We met the
target is my understanding – according to Queen Abigail,” Pepsi said with a
grin.
“Good, good –
and Annie?”
“Carina bought
that one out,” April said with a grin.
“I wonder what our neighbours made of today?”
“Well,” Sarah
said as she tossed her keys into a bowl, and slumped into a seat, “that was one
hell of a day.”
“The girls did
raise a lot of money,” Hannah said as she took her coat off, “so in that sense,
it went well.”
“True – and
Annie giving birth as well. Remind me to
get some flowers sent via April in the morning,” Grace said. “Eating out tonight was a good idea as well.”
“Anyone want
some cocoa?”
“No thanks,”
Grace said as she sat down, “I still need to figure out why I was asked to do
what I have been given…”
8.30 pm
West Central Park
"Oh My
Goddess," Katy said as she came into the living room laughing.
"Who was that on the phone darling?" Katherine asked.
"My
sister."
"And what
did Pepsi say that has you in such raptures of laughter?" Adam asked.
"Annie called
her and they talked about the babies...then Miss Kelly kicked in, and she
reminded Peps that she still hasn't had her end of year assessment paper back
from her."
"Once a
teacher...always a teacher," Katherine chuckled.
"So why
did Pepsi rate a call?"
"Well she
is sort of one of Annie's favorites I hear...I won't be surprised Pepsi isn't
asked to be a godmother." Katy smiled.
"To a
prince?" Adam questioned.
"Remember
she will be Marchioness of Ordford one day Adam...and I think my granddaughter would
be a fine choice as a godmother."
“I am sure she
would,” Adam said, “I am sure she would…”
9.30 pm
The Huntingdown Apartment
“Hey,” Jo said
as Carina, Ingrid and Klaus came in, “Judith’s asleep.”
“Thanks for
sticking around,” Klaus said as Jo picked up her coat. “Do you need a lift?”
“Nah – I’ve got
the jeep downstairs.” As Jo left, Ingrid
said “Do you want some cocoa?”
“No – I’m going
to call Juliette, and then retire. Good
night girls.”
"So who
are you considering as godparents Sis?" Ingy asked as they sat alone in
the kitchen nursing their cocoa.
"Well you
for one of course..."
"Thank
you," Ingrid grinned.
"Pepsi
Broadhurst is a favorite of Annie's, and I think a younger woman like her in
the mix..."
"She's
only four years younger than me," Ingy broke in.
"I know, I
know,” Carina said, “but she seems like a different generation to us."
"So what
other than the fact she will be Jack's wife recommends her?"
"Well Annie is pretty sure she'll be Head Girl at St Angela's not next academic
year, but the one after, and she's bright, and she has spunk."
"True,"
Ingy sipped her warm drink. "And on the male front who are you
considering?"
"David and
Tony seem logical, especially as Abs is of course guaranteed to be a godparent
this time round."
“Which leaves
one – an older person?”
“Oh yes,”
Carina said with a smile, “most certainly an older person…”
Tuesday 17th May
4.30 pm Local Time
Catherine Lu’s Apartment, Hong Kong
“Ah, that feels
so much better,” Kylie said as she sat at the breakfast bar, sipping from her
glass of milk and putting the plate on the bar.
“Did you have a
good day today,” Helen said as she looked at her young protégé.
“I did – I was
discussing with our form tutor my plans for next year, and apparently Mrs Brand
has suggested some texts to read for next year – some of the Shakespeare plays
the girls have studied, and other things.”
“Have you heard
back from Rose yet,” Marina asked.
“I did indeed
Darling - Ingrid has put Rose in touch directly with Frau Strecher, and they
are arranging shipment of the christening robe to London," Kylie nibbled
on her after school snack, "did you know its nearly 500 years old
Penny?"
"It
is?" Penny shook her head, “you know in a way that blows my mind… that it
has seen so much of their family history."
"Mine too," Catherine poured herself a coffee, "like most
Chinese I was brought up to revere my ancestors, but even I am astonished at
the care European aristocrats take to cherish their past."
"You know
Helen my love,” Penny said, “we ought to maybe start work on our combined
family histories, see who we relate to back through the ages."
"Well
according to my mother,” Helen said as she sat back, “her family was of serf
descent from the Archangel province."
"And your
father?"
"Do you
mean Bruce?"
"No,”
Marina said, “your actual father."
"Ah… Well,
he was a closet aristocrat mother always said, his family knew how to keep it
quiet in Soviet days but they actually traced back to one of Peter the Greats
generals?"
"Wow,"
Penny smiled, "see we can all find out more about each other by talking
about where we came from."
"Well my
family were historically merchants and members of the secret society,"
Catherine nodded.
"So you
just keep up the tradition honoured mistress?" Marina bowed.
"Yes...and
what of you Marina, you never talk of your family?"
"Be honest
I don't know much...like so many of the girls my father to revert to the
Tottenham vernacular, 'did a runner', and my Mother was raised in an
orphanage."
"That is
sad," Catherine put an arm round her.
“Not really – I
found my family in the Vipers, and now with Kylie and the others. Sometimes Family is who you are with, not
where you are.”
“Indeed
Darling,” Kylie said, “on which note, I have also heard from my Mother. She hopes to visit once we are in situ in New
York.”
“Of course –
now, we are joining Juliette tonight, and our flowers should have been
delivered by now…”
“Apparently
they have.”
“Juliette,”
Catherine said as Helen showed her and Jan in.
“I trust you have everything packed and ready for the early flight
tomorrow.”
“We have,” Jan
said, “but we have something to show you.”
“And that
is?” The women gathered round as
Juliette showed them a video of the two babies.
"So who
took the video Ju?"
"Ingy and
Adam...” Juliette smiled as she said
“honestly they both look so beautiful."
"Where does Rudi get that tuft of red hair from?" Kylie asked.
"Well not
my side of the family..."
"But Mags
you can already tell is going to be a true Huntingdown... blonde and
beautiful."
"I think
so," Juliette stopped for a second, "You know I'm so proud of them,
and really proud of Annie for giving the family this gift."
"Katy
texted me that my other daughter is short listed as a godmother?"
"It
wouldn't surprise me...Annie really likes her."
“So let us
order in, and talk of other matters…”
8.30 am BST
The Savoy
“Guid morning
Francesca.”
As she looked
up and saw George Gordon standing there, she smiled and said “Please, join me
for breakfast. More coffee please.”
“Thank you,”
the clergyman said as he took a seat.
"Did you
sleep well George?" Francesca poured him a coffee.
"I did
thank you...and thank you so much for switchin' ma reservation ta here."
"You'll
have to pray for the sin of enjoying the luxury,” Francesca chuckled.
"Aye I
will. But I will endure."
"Did you
phone Aileen?"
"I did,”
George said as he put his cup down, “and she's feeling better today, she has
been walking round with just her stick."
"You know
I really take my own good health too much for granted," Francesca shook
her head.
"Aye I
think we all do," George took a sip from his cup. "So where are the
happy couple?"
"Carlotta
after her long lunch yesterday decided she had to be at her desk this morning
by 7.30 to catch up...she has a protestant work ethic just like her
father...while Piet was going to interview Michael Yabalela this morning."
"The human
rights campaigner?"
"Yes it’s
for this article he is writing on people smuggling."
"He's a
top notch journalist."
"He
is." Francesca nodded. "I'm glad she has found someone
outstanding."
"Well he
was literally the boy next door and he used ta tease her mercilessly while they
were growing up."
"I'd
guessed that," Francesca delicately nibbled at a pastry, "so what
time is your flight?"
“One – I have
plenty of time. Why?”
“Something I
want to ask you about…”
7.30 am
St Martha’s
“Vanessa my
dear,” Alex said as he came down the stairs, “to what do I owe the pleasure of
this early visit?”
“I have a
breakfast meeting of the Richmond Trust,” Vanessa said, “but I wanted to call
on you first. How is Annie?”
“I imagine she
is somewhat sore today – but open to visitors.
Thank you Martha,”
Alex said as
they sat at the breakfast table, and she served coffee.
"How are
preparations going for your flying visit to Naples dear brother?" Nessa
asked as she sipped her drink.
"Very
well,” Alex said, “and it is going to be such a kick - if I can use a slang
term - to meet the good father."
"From what
you told me,” Vanessa said, “he was indeed a genuine hero."
"And an
inspiration to so many."
"Indeed." Alex buttered some toast, before he said
"by the way… I think I have worked out his and Dona Carlotta's little
secret."
"You
have?"
"Well I
think so...but please tell no one in case I'm wrong."
"Promise...” Nessa leaned over the table and smiled before
she said “so spill...as the kids say."
Alex smiled as
he swallowed his toast, and wiped his mouth.
"There is within Santa Chiara a chapel that is both physically part
of the basilica, but not of it."
"Now you
lose me Alexander."
"I read of
it in a paper… It's a chapel dedicated to all faiths and religions, designed to
give tourists a place where they can spend some quiet time in
contemplation..."
"Oh now I
think I get you,” Nessa said, “Dona Carlotta endowed it so services could be
said in any faith within the complex."
"That is
what I'm willing to bet on. The Father came off of Monte Cassino a believer in
a universal god after he ministered to so many people of all faiths, making no
distinctions who were Catholics and who wasn't."
"So it
would be a project close to his heart as well, a truly ecumenical chapel in
such a great house of worship."
"That is
my thinking, and Nessa dear I'll know more when I get to Naples."
"So Charlotte
may be able to get married at Santa Chiarra, and have a blessing in the huge
nave of the main church that all the guests might see."
“Precisely –
solving both problems with true elegance.
I pray I am right, I really do…”
10 am
The Huntingdown Apartment
“Cari? Is that you?”
“It is,” Carina
said as she came in, looking at her father.
“Busy morning?”
"I've
already been to see Annie and the babies," Carina parked her Jameson on
the kitchen counter, "all doing very well according to Helen and Karen,
though Annie needed painkillers to sleep."
"Coffee
darling?" her father offered as he brewed a pot.
"Please,"
Cari sat down, "so where is Ingy?"
"She took
Judith for a walk in the park...Judith needed distracting."
"I
know," Cari smiled, "she so wanted to come to the hospital with
me."
"So can I
drop in and see my grandchildren?"
"You can
Pops...I'm going to let other people visit this morning, I told Annie I'd see
her after lunch."
"So who is
going?"
"Well
Missy was arriving as I left, and I told her Mags is not signing a modelling
contract yet..."
"Oh very
funny," Klaus laughed, "and what was Missy's reply?"
"Just wait
a few weeks."
"That
sounds like her." Klaus shook his
head as he drank his coffee.
"David, House, and Tony said they'd drop by with gifts from their
families, and Bobbi, Judes, and the twins are going in about three this
afternoon."
"Well
Annie won't be bored for lack of company then?"
"Nope
Pops. And I get the morning to relax.”
“Out of
curiosity – has she had many flowers?”
“Quite a lot
actually – why?”
“Have you
looked in the drawing room?”
Cari put her
mug down, and walked in, standing and looking at the bouquets.
“Oh wow,” she
said quietly, “now I know how Diana must have felt when Judith arrived.”
10.30 am
Mount Pleasant
“Well now, I
see the florist trade is booming in town today.”
“Hello April,”
Annie said as April Broadhurst came in, “you just missed Missy with flowers
from the girls at CS.”
“Yeah I know –
I just made the day of the nurses out there with more deliveries,” she said as
she handed Annie a box, “but these are yours and yours alone.”
“Brilliant,
thank you,” the new mother said as April looked in the cribs. “They look so peaceful there – how was
feeding them?”
“A bit sore the
first time, but I’ll get the hang of it eventually. I have to admit, the pain killers are helping
me cope a little bit…”
“Well, you’re
going to get all the love and support you need once you get out of here – even
from my daughter, who has told me to tell you she will hand in her end of term
assignment today.”
“Fair enough,”
Annie laughed, and then winced slightly as Sandy and Heather came in.
“Oops – the
pain of seeing us…”
“I’ll leave you
to it – I have other deliveries to make,” April said as she left the room, Heather
hugging her friend and saying “well done.”
“Red hair?”
Sandy said as she looked at Rudi.
“I know, I know
– I guess that’s from the sperm donor.
Thanks for taking care of Judith yesterday.”
“It’s our
pleasure – I see you’ve not exactly been neglected with flowers.”
“Not really no
– Cari said there are almost as many at the apartments.”
“How are you
feeling anyway,” Sandy said.
“Sore – apart
from that, the docs say I’m doing fine.”
“She is,” Helen
said as she came in. “So how are they?”
“Probably about
to wake up for a feed,” Heather said as she looked at Mags, “she’s wrinkling
her nose in the same way as Judith does.”
“Excuse me Miss
Kelly – these have just been delivered,” one of the nurses said as she carried
in two bears, one wearing a kilt, the other a tartan dress.
“Annie,” Sandy
and Heather said as they looked at each other.
“You’re right,”
Helen said as she picked up Mags, wrapped in a pink blanket, “ready Annie?”
“Oh yes,” she
said as she sat up and adjusted her robe, smiling as Mags attached herself to
her right nipple.
“Maybe we
should…”
“No you’re good
– we don’t need to check Annie for a while,” Helen said as she signed a
sheet. “See you later.”
“Well, Ju’s got
a full house waiting for her when she gets back,” Annie said as Helen went out,
before whispering “what made her fly out there anyway?”
“A very angry
Honoured Father by all accounts,” Sandy said quietly, “but the air has been
cleared now.”
“Is this to do
with her mystery project?”
“Yup,” Heather
said, “and it’s a doozy. I somehow think
you’re excused boots for this one, however.”
“I know – Cari
would kill me if I hurt myself now,” Annie said with a smile as Sandy picked up
Rudi. “But I get to know what it is?”
“Oh yes…”
“And how was
the film anyway? I mean, my chances of
seeing it just went to Zilch, so…”
“You should –
Cassie had created a masterpiece, even if it made Cari, Doc and Diana a little
uncomfortable.”
“It’s that
good?”
“It’s that
good,” Heather said. Annie nodded as she
looked at Mags, whispering “you are part of a very special family now,
Margaret, and you are really going to be loved.”
“You both are,”
Sandy said, “and you should be glad you are not the only boy any more. I’m Aunt Sandy, and this is Aunt Heather.”
“And this is
Allen – you’ll meet Alain later, but we’re gonna work out how to handle that.”
“Gale,” Annie
said with a smile as Mags let go, and she handed the young baby girl to Heather
before taking Rudi, “welcome to Feed Station central.”
“I thought I
was in the Botanical gardens,” Gale Callaghan said as she came in with Allen in
her arms. “So you didn’t make it to
Germany?”
“Nope – but we
will in a few weeks,” Annie said as Gale kissed her. Allen waved at the newly born baby boy as he
suckled on Annie’s right breast. “So I
get to join you and Freida in blessed joy now?”
“You do indeed
– I believe a crèche is been arranged in Rosville for all the babies.”
“Well, one less
thing to worry about,” Annie said with a smile, “always assuming their
passports can be sorted out in time…”
12.30 pm
The Refectory, St Angela’s
“This meeting
is now called to order. Well… what are
we going to give Annie, Carina, and the babies as a present?" Jeannie
asked the gang as they all sat down to eat lunch.
"Not a
clue," Becca shook her head, "what can we possibly give that no one
else has already thought of?"
"Well I
sort of have an idea," Doc said as she looked up from her burrito,
"how about we get a group picture taken of the girls who were in her
Monday morning class last year."
"And that
way it includes you...smart thing Anna," Ama smiled, "I think she'd
like that."
"And it
wouldn't be yet another christening mug or similar?" Jeannie thought
carefully. "So who do I ring?"
"Ring
Luke," Doc said, "I already sort of asked him."
"You
guessed we'd have this problem?" Nikki grinned.
"Okay Luke
it is," Jeannie reached for her phone, "just make sure all the girls
stay after school."
"Right,"
Ama nodded, "I'll see to that."
“Thanks for
stopping back everyone,” Grace said as she sat in the Faculty lounge, “we need
to decide what we are going to get Annie as a present.”
“How about a
get out of jail free card,” Ingrid Mueller said with a smile.
“Very funny,”
Grace said, “but seriously – anyone have any ideas?”
“A year’s
supply of Horlicks,” Harriet offered.
“A direct line
to a good babysitting service,” Sarah said with a smile.
“Actually,
there’s something we could do – book a weekend for her and Cari at the spa we
went to last year.”
“That’s a great
idea Peter – let’s do that!”
“Well, now we
have a successful day out of the way,” Letty said as she sat with Abby and
Celia, “let us turn our attention to other matters – all set for Friday?”
“Oh yes – the
dress is bought, Tony has his tux pressed, and I am looking forward to it so
much,” Abby said with a smile. “What
about you Celia?”
“Well, given my
boyfriend has gone to ground,” Celia said, “my cousin is stepping in. Letty?”
“Tony’s friend
is coming with him.”
“Then we at
least are sorted out,” Abby said with a smile.
“It’s going to be one hell of a night – and then a week later, our time
here is done.”
“And we become
mature responsible adult women.”
The three
friends looked at each other, and then burst out laughing.
1 pm
Mount Pleasant
“Hey – is there
room for three men to call and look at newborns?”
“Of course
there is – this is an equal opportunity come and admire the newborns zone,”
Annie said as Winston, Tony and David appeared in the doorway. “Of course, if they need a feed…”
“Doesn’t bother
me in the slightest,” David said as he looked in the cribs, “they really are
cute.”
“Anyway, Aunt
Rachel asked me to pass these on,” Tony said as he put three boxes on the
bedside table, “one for each of you.”
“And I’ve been
asked to leave you this for the babies,” Winston said as he placed an envelope
on top of the boxes, “Jeannie is sending something with the girls later.”
“Thank you –
I’ll open it when Cari gets here later,” Annie said with a smile.
“Mum and Dad
sent me these some time ago,” David said as he held up a parcel, “apparently
it’s both male and female clothing, given you never said.”
“Has she been
told now?”
“I spoke to her
this morning,” David said, “and her exact words ‘The poor darling – give her my
love and my sympathy.’”
“I’ll have
words with her later,” Annie said with a smile.
“Still, you must be looking forward to Friday Tony.”
“I am
actually,” Tony said. “Pity you will
miss it, but…”
“I was not
going to go anyway,” Annie said, “I get the other disco normally, but that’s
next Monday anyway.”
“Cari will say
you miss it anyway,” David said with a smile.
“Your mission, and you will accept it because Bobbi and Judy will tell
you the same thing, is it rest, recover and enjoy the adulation of your
children.”
“I know,” Annie
said with a smile, “My summer recess has started two weeks early, and my life
just became so much more interesting.”
3 pm
Mount Pleasant
“Hey,” Judy
said as she looked in, wearing a Yale hoodie and jeans, “this a good time to
call?”
“Yeah – I just
fed them” Annie said as she smiled at Judy and Bobbi, “come away in. They’re ready to be adored again. So how did your years go?”
“A minus on
both sides,” Bobbi said, “oh wow – he has your eyes.”
“Don’t – we’re
already debating who has whose eyes – but Mags is definitely a blonde.”
“Has she signed
her up yet?”
“She was going
into the office this afternoon before she came here – though where Rudi may go
I have no idea,” Annie said as she stroked his chin.
“Place is full
of flowers – again,” Bobbi said. “I see
the model network has been busy once more.”
“Apparently,
her apartment is worse – and I have no idea what ours is like. Caroline’s due in with Ama, so I will find
out then.”
"So what
are you going to do for living arrangements Annie?"
"Well… Carry on pretty much as we have been, at
least till Cari graduates from Yale Bobbi."
"That's
going to suck, her not seeing the babies except at weekends, and you not seeing
Judith."
"Yeah,” Annie said as Judy picked up Mags, “but I love teaching, I love St
Angela's, and Caroline, and especially Ama are looking forward to having the
little ones round the house."
"But for
the summer?" Judy tickled Mags chin as the little girl waved her arms
round.
"Germany
all summer for me and the children. Cari will be there when her modelling
doesn't take her away, her rowing friends are there as well, and Abby is coming
for some of July."
"Well at
least that's good quality family time," Bobbi said with a smile.
“What about you
two?”
“I’m going over
to Ordford before Abby’s party, along with Pepsi,” Judy said. “We’ll meet up with you in Rosville.”
“As for us,
we’ve got a race on our hands – trying to convince the voters Dad is not like
another New Yorker,” Bobbi said with a sigh.
"Do you
think the latest von Furstenheim's will pass inspection with Frau
Strecher?"
"Probably,
but at the moment its Juliette's approval I'm waiting on Judy."
"Well you
know she's going to be over the moon...three little ones for her to spoil
rotten."
“I know – of
all the rotten timing as well. Hopefully
she’ll be here tomorrow afternoon with Jan…”
3.30 pm
Bishop Ramsey School
As Sands
collected her belongings and put them into her bag, she looked up to see Katy
standing next to her.
“Remember I’m
coming round with Doc at seven to go to see the film,” Katy said as she watched
Sands put her bag over her shoulder, “you’ll be ready?”
“Yup – looking
forward to it,” Sands said as they walked out of the school, “but we have a
visit to do first, right?”
“Of course we
do,” Katy said as they saw Heather waiting outside. “Right you two,” she said as she held the
door open, “let’s get going…”
3.30 pm
The Huntingdown Apartment
“What are you
doing darling,” Carina asked as she saw Judith walking in, a big smile on her
face.
"Mama I
drew this for you to take ta the babies," Judith announced. "This is
Rudi, and this is Megs."
"Well
isn't that pretty," Carina lifted her daughter up on to her lap.
"Pops look at the picture Judith drew of the babies."
"Oh it
looks just like them," Klaus looked then kissed his eldest granddaughter.
"So how were they after lunch?"
"Determined
to have more lunch...Annie had to feed them again whilst I was there."
"Well
strong appetites are a good sign." Klaus smiled. “And at St Angela’s?”
“Mags is on the
list,” Carina said as she tickled Judith’s chin, “I’ll think about Rudi
later. But I do have the applications
for their passports in, now we have the birth certificates.”
“Good – I think
Annie will enjoy recuperating in Munich, and Frau Strecher apparently has an army
of babysitters lined up already.”
“When are we
going Momma?”
“Oh in a few
weeks – but I do have some good news.
Grammy is on her way home, and she is looking forward to seeing you
tomorrow afternoon.”
9 pm BST
The Savoy Hotel
"I'm sorry
it was such a long first couple of days girls," Francesca said as she and
her staff finished their after dinner coffees, "but I think we worked a
lot of the bugs out of the system."
"Agreed,"
Hannah smiled and sipped her coffee, "and you say this is Ethiopian coffee
Francesca?"
"It’s
where they say the coffee bean came from originally,” Francesca said, “and I
find it a little milder to drink at this time of night."
"Well
thank you for the tip."
"What do
you think of it Peri?"
"It's
lovely,” the young admin assistant said, “but I bet I can't just buy it in
Tesco's..."
"No you'd
need to shop around," the Marchesa laughed lightly.
"Yeah I bet?"
"Apparently,
there is a store in Covent Garden that is recommended by Lily… So any problems we haven't covered?"
"I'll
probably be thinking of a few overnight," Peri yawned, "but getting
me to ring Silken in Frankfurt was a great idea, I can pick her brains so we
adopt the same practices as the German office, it will make standardised
reporting and accounting far easier."
"Speaking
to ones opposite number is always a good idea." Francesca said as she
finished her cup.
"I've
identified a few reference books we forgot to order, but I can purchase them in
the morning...” Hannah looked at her
notes, before saying “and I think we need things like Who's Who, and some of
the trade directories as well, so we can do background checks more easily on
clients."
"Good
idea... Now are you going to stay the
night here, or fight your way home, only to return in a few hours?"
“Lily is
expecting me,” Hannah said, “what about you Peri?”
“Oh I live off
Brick Lane – I could almost walk home from here, but I’ll take a cab instead.”
5 pm
Mount Pleasant
“Oh my – the
room looks so like April’s workroom.”
“I think I’ve
cleared her out,” Annie said as she put down the latest cards to arrive,
holding her arms out as Ama came over and hugged her.
“How are you
feeling Annie?”
“Not as painful
as yesterday, but definitely sore… So
what is the apartment like Caroline?”
“There are
quite a few parcels and gifts for you to look at,” Caroline said as she put her
bag down, “where are they?”
“Having their
check up,” Karen said as she came in.
“Right, young mother – my work here is about down, and apparently John
is asking where I am, so I am leaving tonight.
But I will be coming down to see you in a week or two – and I’ll bring
John that time as well.”
“Thank you for
everything Karen,” Caroline said as she hugged her, Ama smiling as the babies
were brought in.
“Now then,”
Annie said as they were laid next to her, “this is you Aunt Ama, and she is a
very special person, who is going to help to take very good care of you.”
“I am indeed,”
Ama said as she smiled at them, “and you are two very special young people,
with two wonderful mothers.”
“I see you have
a lot more flowers,” Caroline said as she looked round.
"I stole
Mom's PTA handbook so I could translate some of the aliases on the
flowers..." Ama grinned.
"Without
my permission," Caroline gave her daughter a slight rebuke.
"Well
anyway,” Ama said as she looked at them, “the flowers are from so many famous
people."
"I know,
Karen gave me hints who some of these are from," Annie looked so proud,
"and that's without all those from royalty and the aristocracy."
"I see
Rudi and Terri remembered," Caroline fingered a huge display in the
Ruritanian national colours.
"Yes, and
aren't they lovely flowers?"
“So have you
decided on the godparents?”
“We have,”
Annie said, “and we’ll let them know in due course. You may have to consider a stopover in Munich
over the summer.”
"Caroline
please translate...” Ama looked over as
she stood by Annie’s bed, and said “who is the plant with the wonderful furry
leaves I can't resist from stroking from?"
"Let me
see," Caroline looked at the note and smiled, "I should have guessed…
They are from Olivia Savage, her daughter, and the rest of the
Treharran's...with Olivia and Fiona being legally blind, I bet they chose it
because it was a plant you could appreciate by touch, not just by sight."
"Oh how clever,"
Ama whistled under her breath.
"Well I
love the plant, and knowing that story makes it more special." Annie again
touched the leaves.
“Oh lovely –
appreciation by touch now as well?”
“Of course,”
Ama said with a smile, “how are you Jo?”
“Tired – had a
busy day helping Curt with something,” Jo said as she came in. “Oh my - from Australia?”
“Yup - With all
the excitement Jo I never asked how the race at Rutgers went?"
"I won,
the time was reasonable, but I didn't beat anyone of real note," Jo said
as she held Mags in her arms, and Ama held Rudi.
"Problem
with club races, it's only the odd summer invitational meet that you get a
decent field together." Annie nodded. "How did Upside do in the
overall club standings?"
"We
won...but…”
“But,” Annie
said as she looked at Jo.
“Anita Evans
says she wants you to run a couple of 5K's for the club before the fall."
"Oh no,
Coach Evans has two chances of seeing me on the track running...FAT AND
NONE!"
"It would
help shift those excess baby pounds if you did run a bit Darling," Cari
walked in.
"I am
retired from running...Sheesh!" Annie grinned.
"Well I
just thought you might join our little rowing team jogging this summer?"
Cari teased.
“Enough already
– how’s our older daughter?”
“She drew this
for the babies,” Cari said as she showed Annie the picture.
“OH that is
adorable,” Annie said, “and your Mom?”
“I talked to
her before she and Jan left for the airport, they have a pile of gifts from
others as well,” Cari said as she took Rudi.
“How are you tonight, Monster Momma?”
“Recovering
very nicely,” Helen said as she came in, “give us a few minutes will you
ladies?”
8.30 pm
The Elysees Nightclub
Roberto Romanov
smiled as he saw Vanessa McCabe walk into the club, wearing a black tight
fitting strapless dress with a front split, her legs moving the skirt to the
sides as she approached. “I am so glad
you could make it – and I apologise for the delay,” he said as he held a chair
out for her.
“Well, your
offer was most persuasive,” Vanessa said with a smile as she sat down. “Your friends are not with you tonight?”
“No – I wanted
to get to know you,” he said with a smile as he signalled to a waiter, “May I
offer you some champagne?”
“How very
kind,” Vanessa said as the bottle was brought over, and the champagnes poured
into two glasses.
“And what of
your friends?”
“Oh, I don’t
spend my entire life with them – although tomorrow will be fun,” Vanessa said
with a smile. “So tell me something
about yourself Robert…”
“Vanessa
McCabe? That’s almost as bad as what I
did with Angelic Escorts,” Doc whispered under her breath as she sat at the bar
with Katy. Doc was wearing an electric
blue dress with mid-length sleeves and a pleated mini-skirt, dark hose and four
inch heels.
“Perhaps – she
made it up on the spot, according to her,” Katy whispered back. She had her hair covered by a long black wig,
and was wearing a black leather bustier dress, her chest forced up and out,
combined with five inch stiletto heels so that she looked much older.
“Well, so far
so good – they’re making conversation,” Doc said as she looked over, and then
sipped her drink. “I just hope she
manages to find out what we need quickly – the longer this takes, the more I
imagine Sandy and Heather taking me apart piece by piece.”
“Could be
worse… Could be Carina…”
“Has it crossed
your mind they may ask her to do that?
She’s a mother as well, remember?”
Katy silently
nodded as the two girls watched the couple across the floor – unaware they
themselves were been watched.
“Would you care
to dance?”
Vanessa nodded
as Roberto took her by the hand and led her onto the dance floor, smiling as he
placed his hand on her bottom as they waltzed round. Katy and Doc looked at each other, before the
younger girl said “I need to go powder my nose.
You good for a few minutes?”
“Yeah – I’ll
text you if anything happens,” Doc said as Katy walked across the dance floor,
and into the ladies restroom. She
entered one of the stalls, emerging a few minutes later and walking over to the
washstand. Rinsing her hands off, she
looked in the mirror and adjusted her lipstick.
“I hope there
is an outstandingly good reason for you been here Katy.”
She paused, her
lipstick in her hand, and then turned slowly round to see Eleanor Ball standing
in front of the door, wearing a gold short sleeved dress, and with a face that
somehow mixed anger with curiosity.
“Crap,” she
whispered under her breath, “what are you doing here Gran?”
“Visiting with
some friends,” Eleanor said quietly, “so start talking young lady – what are
you doing here?”
For a moment,
Katy considered lying, but then swallowed as she said “if I tell you, do you
promise not to tell anyone else?”
“I’m
listening…”
“You are a very
beautiful young woman,” Roberto whispered into Vanessa’s ear as they danced,
and then she felt his hand moving over her crotch. “I wonder if you would be open to going
somewhere more private – if you are willing, that is.”
“Well now,”
Vanessa said with a smile, “I’m not sure my boyfriend will like that.”
“I have no
intentions of telling him,” Roberto said with a smile, “you?”
“No – shall
we?”
“What kept
you,” Doc said as Katy came back over, “I think they may be about to move on.”
“His place?”
“I’d imagine
so,” Doc said as she sipped her drink.
“You have it?”
“His
address? Sands gave me it just in case.”
“Okay – so we
hop a cab and follow them.”
“Half right,”
Katy said as she looked round, “we’ll follow them, but not in a cab.”
“Katy, if you
are suggesting we take the El…”
“I’m not – and
don’t shoot me when you hear this – but I got made.”
“Tell me on the
hoof,” Doc said, “they’re on their way.”
They watched as
Roberto helped Vanessa to put on her fur coat, and then leave the club, the two
of them finishing their drinks before they left, watching as the couple drove
off.
A second car
then pulled up, as Katy said “Get in” and opened the front passenger door. Doc got in the back, as Katy said “follow
that car. You remember Anna Carlton,
Gran?”
“Anna,” Eleanor
said as she drove off, “want to tell me how up got mixed up in this particular
pile of guano?”
“Right person
in the right place at the right time,” Doc said. “”What did Katy tell you?”
“Everything,”
Eleanor said, “and you can be assured I will be having a long discussion with a
couple of people on the subject. At
least the two of you were keeping an eye on her, but…”
“I know this
looks bad, Mrs Ball,” Doc said quietly, “but Sands is doing this for the best
of reasons.”
“Whatever the
reasons she is doing this, you are in a very murky position,” Eleanor said as
she turned a corner. “Looks like we’re
heading uptown – the right direction?”
“We’re heading
to his apartment I think,” Katy said.
“What are we going to do when we get there Gran?”
“Nothing – is
there a pre-arranged safety signal?”
“I gave her
one,” Doc said, “to text me a one word message.”
“Okay then, we
pray she doesn’t send it, and then I’ll take both of you home,” Eleanor said,
“then taking Katy home for a little chat.”
“Not something
I’m looking forward to,” Katy said as she looked at Doc, while Eleanor stopped
the car. They all watched as Romanov
helped Vanessa out of the car, and then into the brownstone.
“Which floor?”
“Third,” Katy
said as the light went on, and they sae Romanov looking out before he closed
the curtains.
“What I
wouldn’t give for a directional mike right now,” Eleanor muttered to herself
before she turned and looked at the two girls.
“Why do I get the feeling you’ve got a bit of a past, Anna Carlton?”
“I would prefer
not to answer that question, Captain Ball,” Doc said as she looked round.
“Okay – fair
enough,” Eleanor said with a nod. “Given
neither of you were in on this at first, I commend your support for her. But I will be having words…”
“We were not
going to let him hurt her, Gran…”
"And would
you have done… Katy there are times that
big nose of yours will get you in real trouble..."
"Hey Gran,
it’s not big...it's perfect...Vogue said so," Katy laughed.
"Be that as it may young lady," Eleanor took a deep breath, "at
least your listening at keyholes this time means we are intervening in a great
cause."
"And she
had the sense to get me involved." Doc nodded as they watched lights.
"One day I
will have to hear your full story Miss Carlton."
"In the
meantime though,” Katy said, “we may be here a while, so she can get a look
round and question him, Sands was planning on sleeping with him."
"But she's
what...Twelve?"
"Thirteen
next week," Katy smiled.
"Oh and I
suppose that makes this alright?" Eleanor looked daggers.
"Mom found
out the one thing he cannot resist is very young beautiful women," Katy
looked up again.
"So she
sacrifices one of her best friend’s daughters?"
"After
what happened to Laura, I think Sands volunteered."
“And Fergus
McLean?”
“Yeah – I
didn’t know about that,” Katy said as Doc looked at her. “She promises she’ll make everything good in
the end…”
“Financially, I
can see how she could, but the emotional, the psychological impact… Anyway, if we’re going to have to wait, may
as well make myself useful.” Taking out
her cell phone, she dialled and waited for a moment.
“V? E – need a favour for tomorrow please. Anything you have on one Roberto Romanov,
currently resident in New York.
“Yeah, that’s
the one. See you tomorrow for brunch –
got a late night ahead.” Putting her
cell phone down, Eleanor asked "So what did she tell you about him
Katy?"
"Well the
Romanov bit is an affectation. He's not a real member of the Russian Imperial
family like Abigail's grandmother. His real name is Bakhushin, and he's Georgian,
not Russian."
"Like
Stalin," Eleanor murmured to herself.
"He's been
in the US about 8 years, and he traffics in exotic and designer drugs, not the
Heroin's, Cocaine's, etc....Means the law has somewhat let him be since they
concentrate on those other drugs."
"Is he
violent?"
"According
to the report I found in Moms desk..."
"Katy what
were you doing in her secure files?"
"Hey I was
curious."
"Curiosity
killed the cat..."
"Be that
as it may, he's not been afraid to fight the competition, and eliminate
rivals...maybe also some law enforcement."
"Plus he's
a paedophile," Eleanor shook her head, "Real nice guy."
Wednesday 18th May
12.45 am
As Vanessa
slipped out of the building, she looked round, wondering where her ride home
was. Seeing the flashing headlights, she
walked quickly over and got in the back.
“So, how did
you…”
“Good evening
Alexandra,” Eleanor Ball said as she looked round, “I am taking you and Anna
home, and then having a little chat with Katy here.”
“How… Please, don’t tell mom or Heather… There is a good reason…”
“I’ve heard
it,” Eleanor said as she started the car, “let’s get you all home. It’s a school night.”
"What did
you learn Sands?" Anna asked.
"Other
than that he's pretty hopeless at satisfying a girl?"
"Impatient...won't
wait for her?"
"Yep,"
Sands smiled before whispering, "I take it in your past life you..."
"Yeah, you
just have to fake it with men like that...useless bastards."
"Much as
I'd like to know what that conversation means," Eleanor broke in, "what
of use did you find?"
"He has a
very large safe behind a very tasteless nude painting."
"Okay,"
Eleanor made a mental note. “Anything
else?”
“He sleeps with
a gun under his pillow – I could feel it.
No idea what type or make, but it’s big.”
“Okay – also
useful to know.”
“Oh – and he’s
got a funny scar on his shoulder. Looks
like a fish…”
11 am BST
Xavier International, Aldwych, London
“Come in,”
Francesca called out as she heard the knock on the door.
"Are you
working on the references to potential legal challenges should there be a yes
vote to Brexit Francesca?" Hannah asked as she found her boss, a legal
note pad on her knees, sitting on the floor consulting a huge volume in front
of her.
"Well as
much as I'm hoping the British people will not be stupid, we are being paid for
our opinions on a potential vote to withdraw." Francesca looked up.
"Are you drawing up those adoption papers?"
"Yes,"
Hannah smiled, "I'm getting Peri to type them up for your approval."
"Thanks..."
Francesca scribbled a note on her pad. "Withdrawal would be a legal jungle
you know?"
"So I had
guessed," Hannah looked at her own notes. "Oh there was a message for
you overnight, can you ring Eleanor Ball in New York today?"
"Eleanor? Did she say why?"
"Only that
something devilishly fishy had turned up over there..."
"Now I
wonder what that might be?"
Francesca checked her watch and said “Very well – get Peri to place the
call at one, will you?”
8 am
The Holiday Inn Express
Eleanor looked
at her cell phone as it started vibrating, picking it pu as she said “Captain
Eleanor Ball?”
“Captain
Ball? I have the Marchesa di Cambrello
for you.”
“Ah – thank
you,” Eleanor said as she waited a moment, and then said “Buon pomeriggio,
Francesca.”
“Buongiorno, Eleanor. I trust I find you
well this morning?”
“Tired, but
well. Are we secure?”
“Let me put it
this way – I am calling from Xavier International.”
“Good – If I
said the name Roberto Bakhushin to you?”
“Hmm – a very
interesting week in Tiblisi. Why?”
"Interesting?"
"Yes,” she heard Francesca laugh, “I was brought in by the Georgian
authorities..."
"I thought
they had plenty of their own assassins?"
"They
do...but again as with so many other things, if you want deniability then you
ask another intelligence service for help."
"So why
was he in trouble with his own government?"
"His ties
to Moscow were becoming too obvious, they wanted him out of the country."
Nodding,
Eleanor said "Are you saying he was a Russian Intelligence asset?"
"More the kind
of guy they keep funded to keep up trouble in countries they aren't always on
the best of terms with."
"So
Russian Mafia ties?"
"Loosely,
but more importantly a couple of the oligarchs seem to find him shall we say
amusing?"
"And why
might that be?"
She heard
Eleanor pause, and then say "You have heard he has a taste for very young
women?"
"Yes."
"Well, so
do they…"
"Are you
saying,” Eleanor said quietly, “he procured girls for those people?"
"Yes...a
lot of very attractive eleven and twelve year olds simply just disappeared
while he was still in Tbilisi."
"FUCKER!"
Eleanor swore.
"Exactly."
"So what
was your task?"
"Frighten
him out of business and out of the country."
"Were you
successful?"
"Oh yes,
with the aid of a couple of very brave local youngsters I got him in a sting
operation."
"Did you
leave your signature on him?"
"Yes,"
Francesca paused, "you know he was one of my few victims I did actually
feel no remorse about hurting."
“I can believe
that,” Eleanor said as she thought some things over in her mind. “So what happened, Francesca?”
"The
Georgian secret court I delivered him to gave him 24 hours to leave and never
return, or face a firing squad for kidnapping."
"He took
the 24 hours I take it?"
"Yes."
"Well he's
fetched up here in New York, calls himself Romanov now, and he's in the
designer drug business."
"Is he one
of our loose ends from Marseilles?"
"Yes."
After a
moment’s silence, Francesca said “if I was free to do so, I’d say expect me
tonight. But I cannot – so I give you
this piece of advice.
“End it before
it gets to the stage where someone like me would be called in.”
"Would he
kill to prevent being captured again Francesca?"
"After
what I did to him, I think he'd do pretty much anything."
"Damn that
means he really is more dangerous than I thought."
"Who is on
his trail?"
"My
daughter-in-law..."
"Janice?"
"Yes -
she's doing it off the books, but I'm not sure she had a true assessment of
this man when she started."
"Is she in
danger?"
"No but I
very much think the kid she's used as bait might be. Thank you Francesca – I may call you later
with news.”
“Eleanor, do
you need me over there?”
“Oh no,” she
said quietly, “this one’s mine…”
As she ended
the call, she thought for a moment, and then dialled another number.
“Katherine? When are you expecting Jan to return home?
“Excellent –
I’ll come round and see you then.”
10.30 am
Times Square
Veronica looked
up and smiled as Eleanor came over, and sat opposite her in the booth.
“You look like
you haven’t slept,” she said as the waitress brought over a coffee.
“Only a couple
of hours,” Eleanor said as she started to look at the menu, “it looks as if our
work on the date rape drug may not be quite done yet.”
“Yeah – I
figured as much when you mentioned Romanov.
He was known to have contacts with the three main suspects, but they
haven’t mentioned him.”
“What do your
records say?”
“He travels out
and into the country once a month… We
suspect he is a kingpin in the designer drug market, and it wouldn’t surprise
me if he was the lynchpin here, but we come up against the old story.”
“Nothing we can
move on officially?”
Veronica nodded
as she slipped a USB stick over. “Do I
want to know what you are going to do?”
“I’ll call you
later…”
12.45 pm
JFK
“So, what do
you think she will say when she comes through,” Ingrid said as she stood with
Klaus in the arrivals area.
“Well,” Klaus
said quietly, “if she has managed to get some sleep, which somehow she manages
to do, I imagine she will walk very quietly and demurely towards us, ask how
everything is, then suggest she goes home and changes before we visit the
hospital.”
“Ah-ha,” Ingrid
said with a smile, “and just how likely do you imagine that is going to be?”
“As likely,”
Klaus said as he looked at his watch, “as Sigi doing the same when she arrives
in a few hours. We therefore resort to
plan B.”
“And plan B
is?”
“We drop her
and Jan at the hospital, get back and deposit their luggage, and return here to
face the second wave.”
“Probably a wise
move,” Ingrid said, nodding her head as she saw the doors open, and a very
awake Juliette walking through, Jan beside her as she pushed the luggage
trolley.
“Hey Moms,”
Ingrid said as she looked at the large case, “did you do some shopping over
there?”
“Hmm – oh the
case? A loaner from Cathy – I needed
something to bring the presents back from everyone. So, how are things?”
“Oh all right,
everything is calm and quiet,” Klaus said with a smile, “so I think we take you
back to the apartment and…”
“Klaus…”
“All right, all
right,” he smiled as he looked at his wife, tapping her foot as she stood in a
white blouse and blue trouser suit, “Jan, do you need to head home?”
“Oh no – I’m
acting as the controlling factor,” Jan said as Juliette hugged Klaus and
Ingrid. “I strongly suggest…”
“I know, I know
– come, I will drive you to the hospital, and then take these to the
apartment. We have to be back here at
three to collect the next set of arrivals.”
“Sigi?”
“She, Natalya,
Willy and Dieter are in the air,” Sigi said as Klaus took the trolley, “so come
– let us take you to the rest of the family.”
2 pm
Mount Pleasant Hospital
“There you go,”
Annie said as she fastened Rudi’s baby suit up, and tickled his tummy, while
Cari was changing Mags’ nappy. “I bet
that feels a lot better, little one?”
“You’re
obviously feeling better, if you’re up and about,” Carina said as she fastened
the front of Mags’ Babygro.
“I am – at
least I haven’t had to take any painkillers today,” Annie said with a sigh as
she looked around the room. “So when are
you expecting…”
“Sorry to
interrupt Annie,” Helen said as she looked in, “but are they decent?”
“The babies or
me?” Annie smiled as she said “don’t
worry – they’re fed, changed, dressed – and I’m covered up as well.” She was wearing a loose fitting pair of
pyjamas, while Carina was in a short sleeved blouse and skirt.
“Well, now this
is a reversal of roles, isn’t it?”
“Hey Mom,”
Carina said as she turned round and saw Juliette standing in the door, “how was
the flight?”
“Long – but
that’s not important right now. How are
you Annie?”
“Healing – so
any hugs need to be gentle ones,” Annie said with a smile as she was embraced
by Juliette. “It’s not me you want to
see though, is it?”
“With all due
respect – no it’s not,” Juliette said as she walked over to the bed.
“Mom – meet
Rudi and Mags. Rudi, Mags – this is
your…”
“GRAMMY!”
“Hey there
little one,” Juliette said as she turned and picked up Judith, Heather standing
in the door as they hugged each other. “I
was just meeting your little brother and sister.”
“As I was
saying,” Carina said as she took Judith, “Rudi, Mags, this is your
grandmother.”
Juliette looked
at the two babies as they waved their arms round. “Well now, you are two very beautiful babies,”
she said as she looked at them, “but seriously – red hair?”
“We know, we
know,” Annie said with a sigh, “we’ll just have to live with that.”
“I wouldn’t
worry – after all, Judith had black hair when she was born,” Juliette said as
she took Mags hand. “So you are Margaret
Renate Juliette Natalia? I’m very
pleased to meet you – although I hope you like Mags.”
The newly
arrived granddaughter seemed to smile as Juliette said this, and then she let
Rudi hold her other finger. “And then
there is Rudolf Klaus Richard Alexander – you are a very special young boy as
well.”
He smiled as
Juliette leaned over and kissed both of them on the forehead. “Welcome to the world, little ones – and I
see people have sent you lots of flowers and toys as well.”
“Tell me about
it – have you been home yet Mom?”
“Nope – I came
straight here, and Jan is having a coffee before she comes up. Why?”
“The study is
full – and I mean full.”
“Apparently
there’s a lot of stuff at the Village as well, according to my live-in
babysitter,” Annie said with a smile.
“Well, I had to
borrow a suitcase to bring back the presents from Cathy, Helen, Marina and
Kylie – and Penny.”
“Penny? Why was Penny in Hong Kong?”
“I’ll tell you
somewhere else – but she and Helen have made their bond stronger,” Juliette
said with a smile.
“Safe to come
in?”
“Yeah – come
in, both of you,” Juliette said as she saw Jan beside Heather in the
doorway. “Thanks for helping with
looking after Judith Heather.”
“Well, it was
me and Jo jointly, but she’s got a meeting with Missy today,” Heather said as
Jan looked at the babies. “You are real
beauties, aren’t you,” she said with a smile.
“So are we good
with Hong Kong now?”
“Yes we are,”
Juliette said quietly in response to Heather’s whispered question. “Can we gather the ladies tomorrow and I’ll
explain everything then? Today is about
these two – and I’m the quiet beginning.”
“Oh? When do they arrive?”
“In about an
hour…”
7.30 pm BST
Odeon Leicester Square, London
“It is quite an
occasion,” Maisha said as she walked along the red carpet, with John and
Shirley as the crowds cheered and asked for autographs from the arriving actors
and actresses.
“Indeed,” John said
as he looked at the giant poster at the front of the cinema, showing the group
of ladies in their costumes, their backs to the crowds as Cassandra had her
head turned and smiled. “From the
reviews in the American press, this is going to be quite an occasion as well.”
“Ladies and
Gentlemen,” an announcer called out over the PA, “please welcome Cassandra
Stone and Brian Delaney!”
Shirley smiled
at the entrance as she saw Cassandra and Brian walk along the carpet, then went
in and joined the people waiting inside.
“Shirley!”
“Hello
Charlotte, Piet,” Shirley said in her deep voice as she hugged both of them,
“I’m glad you could accept the invitation as well.”
“I know –
Mother sends her apologies, but she is dealing with some clients tonight,”
Charlotte said with a smile. “So this is
the moment of truth?”
“Indeed – I
know some of our American friends were at the premiere last week, but they have
not spoiled anything,” John said as JD came over.
“Ah there you
are,” Shirley said with a smile as she looked at the young actress, “have you
settled in?”
“Yeah – and I
need to thank Lily for letting me crash at her place,” JD said with a smile, “I
did not want to spend the next few weeks in a hotel.”
“I hear you
recorded the Graham Norton show yesterday?”
“Yeah – I went
with Cassandra. Quite an
experience… But we are been called
in. Are you coming to the party
afterwards?”
“Cassandra has
invited all of us.”
“I’ll see you
there – enjoy the movie,” JD said as people started to make their way into the theatre.
3.15 pm
JFK Airport
“Suddenly,”
Ingrid said with a smile, “I understand how Susan feels when she’s seeing
people off and welcoming them back.”
“True,” Klaus
said, “but I cannot shake the feeling…”
“THERE YOU
ARE!”
Ingrid smiled
as she saw Willy push a trolley through, Sigrid almost running beside him as
Dieter and Natalya followed.
"Brother,”
Sigi said as she quickly kissed him, “I hope you have the car started and ready
to go, I literally cannot wait to meet the newest members of the family."
"And it's
nice to see you again Sigrid," Klaus laughed.
"Look we
can do silly things like greet each other, AFTER I've seen these adorable
babies..."
"Has she
been like this the entire way Aunt Natalya?" Ingrid kissed her aunt.
"She
has..."
"You know
my wife...the unstoppable force," Dieter shook his brother-in-law’s hand.
"Now what
are we doing standing round here?" Sigi started tapping a foot.
“If I was you,
my boy…”
“Of course –
this way,” Klaus said as they left the terminal building…
“Right,” Sigi
said as she settled back, and they drove out of the car park, "I've asked
Francesca to draw up the adoption documents...and you know you can't force
Annie to marry Carina brother dearest."
"No,”
Klaus said as they moved onto the road, “but I think they'll both realise it’s
important that Annie becomes a legal member of our family as well as being one
completely in spirit."
"Does New
York allow women to marry each other?" Natalya asked.
"It has
since 2011...I looked it up," Klaus explained himself.
"Well let
me talk to Carina," Natalya smiled to herself, "and you talk to Annie
Klaus."
"Why you
talk to Carina Aunt?"
"Because I
think I might be able to persuade her."
"Sounds
like a plan to me," Ingrid called out from the driver’s seat. "So, how much crap did Lufthansa give
you this trip aunt?"
"Not as
much as usual Ingrid..."
"Not
nearly as much as American Immigration gave me," Dieter interrupted,
"I think they thought I was bringing a child into the country for immoral
purposes."
"Yet again
they had to triple check my passport," Sigi sighed. "You, know one
day I'll write a book on the perils of always looking like I'm aged
16." Shaking herself, she said,
“enough already – get me to the hospital now!”
“Okay – don’t
say you weren’t warned,” Klaus said as Ingrid pressed down on the accelerator…
3.45 pm
Mount Pleasant
As Carina
looked to the door, she smiled and said “And in five… Four…
Three… Two… One…”
“Right then,”
Sigi said as she came in, “where are they?
Where are the babies?”
“Hey Aunt
Sigi,” Carina said as the party came in, “and how was the flight?”
“Details,
details,” Sigi said as she kissed Annie, “well done you – and keeping it secret
from all of us? Why?”
“To stop us all
worrying,” Juliette said as she hugged her sister in law, “Where are the
menfolk?”
“Seeking refuge
in the cafeteria,” Natalya said as she kissed the proud grandmother. "So I heard you just got back from Hong
Kong Juliette?"
"I did
Natalya...one of our biggest suppliers picked the darndest time to have a hissy
fit, and Catherine said that only my personal approach could cool him
down."
"Which I
take it you did?"
"Yes, it
was good for the business,” Juliette said, “but worked out lousy timing for
Grandmother."
"At least
you got back now," Natalya smiled.
“True – and to
be greeted by these two…”
“This is Mags,
Aunt Sigi,” Carina said as she handed the baby girl over.
"I know
that it’s technically impossible, but you know I see both my family, and yours
Juliette in them," Sigrid looked up as she rocked Mags in her arms.
"Mags will be a great beauty I think," Juliette smiled as she passed
Rudi to Natalya.
"While
this young man I think will be a handsome devil," Natalya looked closely,
"Look at the set of his jaw, he'll probably be very stubborn as
well."
"Oh not
another Judith," Annie groaned. "Our daughter can be such a little
madam when she wants to be."
"Well we
can hope not," Natalya smiled.
"For mine
and Carina’s sake let the Goddess hear that please," Annie looked upwards.
“Heather took
Judith back to play with the kids for a while, and to pick up Katy and Sands
from school,” Annie said, “which means you get them all to yourselves for now.”
“They are truly
beautiful,” Natalya said. "So the
future Annie?"
"Well,”
Annie said as she sat down, “I have two years left on my teaching contract at
St Angela's. Cari has two years left at Yale, so I think until those are both
finished that we will needs go on as we have been."
"Who will
look after the babies while you are at work?" Sigi looked up.
"George
Graham employs the most wonderful nanny,” Carina said, “and he's kindly said
that we can drop the babies off and she will care for them along with his
daughter."
"Ah, well
at least that is practical." Sigi nodded.
"Cari and
I will get to play full-time Mommies during holidays and vacations, and most
weekends."
"What
about this summer?"
"Other
than when she's flying to Sydney, Cari's only scheduled a little modeling and
most of that is being done in Munich. I'll be with the family all Summer."
"And I can
step in while my daughter is away, and spoil them rotten," Klaus laughed
as she came in.
“Oh stop
worrying about that now,” Willy said as he looked at Rudi, “I am very pleased
to meet you, young Rudolf. Welcome to
the world – and you Fraulein Margaret.”
“So when are
you been discharged,” Sigi said as she handed Mags to Annie.
“With luck on
Friday,” Annie said as she rocked her daughter.
“Good – if that
is confirmed, it means we have a welcome party on Saturday,” Sigi said with a
grin.
"Frau
Strecher sends her personal well wishes Annie," Natalya passed the baby
prince back to his mother. "I heard that people on the estates and in our
villages are overjoyed as well."
"Who'd of thunk little me giving birth to twins could provoke so much interest,"
Annie grinned as she looked at Rudi.
"Well
talking of interest Jack phoned me earlier," Carina suddenly remembered,
"Hello are offering serious money for Mom and Babies pictures...do we want
to let him sell them some...we'd get a cut of what Jack makes."
"That's a
bit crass Cari darling..."
"I know
Pops,” Carina said, “but at least we'd avoid the paparazzi, who if you didn't
noticed have started staking the hospital out."
"I don't
like it," Annie breathed deeply, "but get Jack to handle selling
pictures Cari darling...I don't want this all being ruined by the press."
"I'll
phone him in a minute." Cari nodded.
“Rudi and Terri
sent flowers,” Sigi said as she looked round.
“They did
indeed – a lot of people have,” Carina said as they looked round.
4 pm
West Central Park
“I’m back,” Jan
said as she closed the apartment door, and put her bag down. “Have you missed me?”
“Like you would
not believe,” Katherine said as she came out and hugged her daughter. “How was the trip?”
“Long and
tiring. Katy?”
“Has gone round
to Sands’ house with the rest of the Power Six.
Come in – we were just having coffee.”
“We?” Jan walked into the main room to see Eleanor
sitting there. “Hello Eleanor?”
“Jan – are the
babies as cute as everyone says?”
“They are
indeed,” Jan said as she sat down, and Katherine went to the kitchen. “What brings you here?”
“Oh visiting,”
Eleanor said before she whispered “I need to talk to you and Juliette – you may
have inadvertently put someone in a great deal of danger.”
“What the…”
“Not here –
Katy told me what is going on, before I talked to Doc and Sands.”
“Katy? Doc?
Eleanor, what the hell happened?”
“Not here – get
anyone who needs to be got to a neutral place tonight.”
Nodding Jan
said “I’ll call Ju, we can meet at her place.
She knows as well, and Klaus is taking his family out to dinner.”
10.30 pm BST
Odeon Leicester Square
The end credits
rolled, and as one the audience stood and applauded, Sheila and John joining in
as Brian Goldstein came up onto the stage.
“Ladies and
Gentlemen,” he eventually managed to say, “thank you for welcoming our little
morality story. Please, welcome to the
stage Cassandra Stone, and the ladies of the Pussycat Gang!”
“I have to
admit, as difficult it was to watch that, it was an amazing performance,”
Maisha said to Charlotte as they joined in the applause.
“Oh yeah,” Piet
said, “and all seven of them are deserving of praise. It is a true classic in every sense of the
word.”
“Thank you
everyone,” Cassandra said as the applause died down, “it has been the challenge
of my – no, our lives to make this film, and I am so pleased you appreciated
the result. I thank you, we all thank
you…”
The theatre
applauded again as they left the stage, John saying “so we are going to the
party at The Ivy?”
“We are indeed
– it should be a fun time.”
“So when do you
fly to Italy Charlotte,” Maisha asked as they made their way out.
“Friday night –
I have a fun weekend ahead…”
As they stepped
out, John and Shirley smiled for the paparazzi as Maisha stayed in the
background with Charlotte and Piet.
"Sir
John...Lady Hammond...photos please," a shutter-snapper called out as John
and Shirley awaited their car outside.
"It's
still Miss Xavier boys," Shirley laughed as she shook her immaculately
coiffed dark auburn hair and showed her left hand. "See no ring."
"Can we
get this done with quickly Nick," John smiled at the photographer.
"I'll try
John, but hey you've been on this side of the lens yourself."
"I know, I
know," John chuckled as they got into the car, the other three joining
them.
“That was a
little intense,” Maisha said as the car moved off.
“I know – but
we can relax now,” Charlotte said as they moved around the square.
11.30 pm BST
The Ivy
The doormen
looked at the invites, and then opened the doors to allow the five latest
arrivals into the premiere party.
“John my boy,”
Stephen Stone said as he came over, “welcome to the party. You know Paula and Tom of course?”
“Of course I do
– how are you both,” John said as he greeted the Duke and Duchess of
Lardarn.
“Shirley
Darling – how are you?”
"Hello
Will...Mandy," John kissed the Marchioness, "so what did you make of
the film?"
"Darling,”
Mandy drawled, “it's a classic."
"I hear a
but Mandy."
"Well I
might like just to have seen the violence turned down a few notches
darling. Having said that, for what I
hear of these women, I accept it had to be this way."
"What did you make of it Tom?" Shirley smiled as the Duke of Lardarn
kissed her on the cheek.
"Well… Having been taken prisoner in our own home I
suppose Paula and I had a different perspective to you."
"He means
that it frightened us both more than a bit...what our American friends call a
Nam flashback," the Duchess jumped in. "However I actually was able
to put that aside and I did appreciate that it’s a great film."
"What did you think Shirley?" Will asked.
"I got
past the violence and just focussed on the acting."
"Yes they
were all brilliant."
"Exactly
John my love, if Cassandra doesn't win Best Actress it will be a great
performance to beat her.” Shirley said
with a smile as the doors opened, and Cassandra came in with Brian, the other
six following as the room applauded.
“Uncle Tom,
Aunt Paula,” Cassandra said as she came over and kissed them both, “I am so
glad you came over to see this.”
“Well you have
certainly outdone yourself – both of you,” Paula said as she kissed Cassandra.
“All of us –
this is a team piece,” Cassandra said as she kissed Mandy and then looked at
Shirley. “Did you enjoy it?”
“I did - it was
a disturbing, but fascinating film,” Shirley said with a smile. “Excuse me a moment – I would like to talk to
JD.”
Shirley made
her way over to where JD was standing with Carolina McHugh and Lindsey
Fletcher. “Would you mind if I borrowed
JD for a few minutes? I wish to offer my
congratulations personally,” she said, the other two nodding as she took JD to
one side.
“I do wish to
offer my congratulations,” Shirley said quietly, “I see our faith in you has
been fully justified.”
“Thank you
Madame,” JD said quietly, “but be assured, I still wish to retain my place in
your organization where appropriate.”
“And I welcome
that – no matter what may happen. For
now, however, your instructions from Maddie are to rest. Lily will look after you and make sure you
get to the offices for your appointments.”
“Yeah – I
understand you wish my help with something else when I am here?”
“We will talk
more of that…”
"So I take
it you've met JD before Charlotte darling?" Mandy said as she looked at Shirley talking
to the young actress.
"I have
Mandy, she works in our LA office, I met her when I was out there last year
putting in the new computer system."
"And is it
true that the only reason she got an audition was that Maddie asked Cassie to
see her as a favour to her?" asked Tom.
"So I
hear."
"Well
thank god that Maddie did so," Paula Lardarn smiled, "the girl is
wonderful in the role."
“Cassandra
darling,” Brian said as he came over, “I thought you might like to see what we
have been given to hand to the guests tonight.”
“Empire
Magazine?” Cassandra looked at the
cover, showing her as Miss Panther with the headline “Crime so bad, you have to
watch.”
“Well, you have
made the cover darling,” Eve said as she hugged her daughter,
“congratulations.”
“What does
their review say?”
“You can read
it later – but you know they do this interest graph, plotting how much the film
engages them?”
“Yeah?”
“Have a look –
page 41.”
Cassandra
flipped to the page and looked at it, then handed it to her parents.
“You mean the
graph…”
“Never falls
into the boring part – and they praise the realism and the way everything is
presented. We’ll get the other reviews
for the papers tomorrow, before they go to print on Friday.”
7.30 pm
The Huntingdown Apartment
“Hello Jan,”
Klaus said as he let the FBI agent come in, “so you and Juliette need to
discuss something from the trip?”
“It’s all
right,” Juliette said as she came through, “I know I would love to have dinner
with the others, but with Carina taking Judith to see Susan and April, we get
the house to ourselves for a couple of hours.”
“Well, we
should not be too long,” Klaus said as he went to see if Ingrid was ready.
"So what
news on the Sands front?" Juliette whispered to Jan.
"You don't
want to know Ju," Jan rolled her eyes, "but at least they've made
progress without us."
"But what
don't I want to know? And why did you
want to meet with me and Grace tonight?"
"Because,”
Jan said quietly, “my dearest daughter was spying on her best friend, and she
made executive decisions to let Doc....and then her Grandmother Ball in on the
secret."
"Oh
CRAP!"
"Well the
good thing is we know all three of them are motivated and can keep secrets, but
beyond getting invited back to his apartment and having sex with him, Sands has
made little progress cracking his secrets."
“And let me
guess – Eleanor has information and an opinion to impart?”
Jan slowly
nodded as Ingrid and Klaus came back to pick up their coats. “See you later Moms,” Ingrid said as they
waved and made their way out.
“Coffee?”
“Oh yes,” Jan
said, “I’ll save anything else for later…”
As they walked through, Juliette said “so how the heck did this happen?”
“From what Katy
told me, Sands got an invite to meet the target alone. We were away, so she called Grace to ask
advice – and Katy got suspicious…”
“So she
listened in, realised what was happening…”
“And understood
why. She then tapped Doc to provide
backup while Sands met Romanov – and by sheer bad luck, Eleanor was at the
club. Having said that,”
Jan said before
she took a drink of the coffee, “she did some digging. We need to bring this to a quick conclusion.”
“Why?”
“She’ll tell
you,” Jan said as the doorbell rang, Juliette leaving and returning with
Grace. “Hey – thanks for coming round.”
“What’s
happened,” Grace said as she accepted a coffee.
“Things have
happened in our absence.”
“I know – Katy
found out and offered to help last night, but…”
“Others know –
so get yourself ready,” Jan said, “because we are about to get the professional
opinion.” She went to answer the
doorbell, Ju and Grace hearing her say “you made it – thanks for coming,”
before she reappeared with Eleanor Ball.
“Grace,
Juliette,” Eleanor said as she took her coat off. “Is this everyone Jan?”
“We’re taking the
adult responsibility,” Jan said quietly as Juliette handed Eleanor a mug of
coffee. “Take a seat, Eleanor.”
“Okay,” Eleanor
said as she looked at the other three.
“Let me tell you what I know. To
help get revenge for her friend Laura, Sands agreed to become a pre-teen lure
for one Roberto Romanov, to try and get information that could lead to his
arrest as the kingpin of the date rape supply line. Have I got that right?”
As all three
nodded, Eleanor said “Okay – start at the beginning, explain everything to me…”
“Well, that’s
everything we know about,” Jan finally said, “but I have to remind you, Sands
agreed to doing this. What I… None of us expected is how it played out, but
once it was started, we had to let it play out.”
Eleanor raised
an eyebrow and nodded, before she said “Well, I have to admit as a plan it had
merit – but I’ve been doing a little digging since then. You had no way of knowing, but Mister Romanov
has history – a bad history. And then
there is, for want of a better word, collateral damage.”
“Fergus and
Holly?”
Eleanor nodded
in response to Jan’s comment.
"What's
your opinion Grace,” Juliette said.
“Fergus has to a large extent served his purpose...Should we let him and
Holly in on the secret?"
"I'm
thinking so Ju...” Grace rubbed her eyes
as she said “He's racking himself with guilt...I know he'll maybe need a little
therapy, but I think it’s time he knew what has been going on."
"I
agree," Eleanor nodded, "you were very bad using him like that Jan,
Grace, and I expected better from you Juliette."
"It had to
be as secret and as realistic as possible to work Eleanor," Jan tried to
half smile.
"Well it
was too darn real. Poor Fergus has been abused terribly...and Holly really was
an innocent bystander..."
"Yeah,” Juliette
said, “but she has a thing for Sands it seems it seems just like Sands has for
her."
"Well
that's something for her mother and Heather to sort out...Now" Eleanor
paused, "let's work out how we bring all this mess to a successful
end?"
“Just how dangerous
can it get, Eleanor?”
“Seriously? We need Sands to do it one more time, but
this time she gets some proper help. You
say she identified a safe in his apartment?”
Grace nodded as
Eleanor said “okay – let’s see if we can get it set up for a couple of days’
time, and in the meantime we get Fergus and Holly off the hook.”
“And what are
we going to do,” Juliette asked.
“This is my
bulwark, ladies – let me deal with it,” Eleanor said quietly. “But I will tell you the general idea of what
we’ll do. Better if you don’t know the
specifics.”
“But it will
end the threat?”
“It will end
the threat – and after that, you need to tell Sandy and Heather what’s been
going on.”
“Agreed,” Grace
said as she looked up.
“Does anyone
want some more coffee,” Jan said as she stood up.
“I’ll give you
a hand,” Grace said as she followed Jan into the kitchen. Juliette looked at Eleanor, before she said
“I know you’re worried – so were we.”
“Well, it can
be managed – but it does need to end quickly,” Eleanor said quietly. “Juliette – the way you and Jan put this
together…”
“Yes Eleanor?”
"Juliette,”
Eleanor said as she leaned forward in a low voice, “if I was to ask 'are you a
sister?'. What would your answer be?"
"That I
am," Ju whispered, "but that Grace isn't."
"I guessed
as much...and you knew I was?"
"No,”
Juliette said with a smile, “but we rarely do know who other sisters are?"
"I take it
that Jan...?"
"Since the
slave liberation operation...Yes, but you can't tell her you know that
Eleanor?"
"I know. Similarly, I cannot say I am – I get used for
rather… Delicate operations."
“I am aware of
the group, but your secret is safe with me,” Juliette said with a smile. “So how dangerous is he?”
“A fellow
sister had cause to have dealings with him some years ago in his native
Georgia. I consulted with her – her
message was Finish The Job.”
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