Heroes and Villains – Part 2
Wednesday 19th October
3.45 pm
Complete Style
“All right, Fiona, we’ll talk tomorrow,” Anna Mitchell said into her
cell phone as she walked out of her office, seeing Marina at her desk.
"So are you driving up with Mary Marina?"
"I was boss," Marina looked up from what she was working on,
"Kylie is going on the busses."
"Okay," Anna smiled, "I'm going to drive up with
Missy."
“So has she formally returned to work yet?”
“Next week – Rhenia formally starts then as well. Come on – time to finish for the night…”
7 pm
Gallifrey House
New London
Maggie sat at
the side as she watched the catering staff setting up the tables to one side,
her sister walking to and fro and ‘instructing’ the staff as to where things
should be put.
“No, I want the
plates for the hot snacks to be placed over here…”
“Amy, lass,”
Maggie said as she stood up, “You’re worse than our glorious leader trying to
get the rest of us to do what she wants.
Come and have a coffee with me before you have a meltdown.”
“Margaret,”
Amelia said as she walked over, “are you accusing me of being too strict over
how my granddaughter’s party should be?”
“Accusing
you? No,” Maggie said as she poured a
coffee and handed it to her sister.
“Telling you to your face – yes, yes I am. It’s Karen isn’t it?”
“I am flattered
you remembered Dame Margaret,” Karen Kumalo said as she came over. “Charlotte asked if I would come tonight in
her stead, and I always like to arrive just when I am needed. Will you introduce me?”
“Amy, this is
Karen Kumalo, one of the people who works for Charlotte van der Byl in
Africa. Karen, my sister Lady Amelia
Ashley.”
“A pleasure,
and may blessings overflowing come to you,” Karen said as she shook Amelia’s
hand, Amy flushing as she said “I… I’ll
just sit down for a minute…”
As she sat
down, her eyes closed as Maggie raised an eyebrow to Karen.
“As I say, I
come when I am most needed. Now,
forgive me, I have some preparatory work to do…” She walked off, Maggie shaking her head as
one of the staff came over.
“Is she all
right?”
“Oh yes – get on
with your work, she won’t disturb you again…”
“Why on earth
is my mother sleeping?”
“There you are
young Pips,” Maggie said as she looked at Pippa. She was wearing a denim skirt, a black
waistcoat over a white blouse, and high black boots. “Or is it Sarah Jane Smith?”
“Well, a little
before my time, but yeah,” Pippa said with a smile, “and Mum?”
“She was
invited to take a little rest,” Maggie said as she looked at Karen walking
round.
“Karen
Kumalo? So she’s here tonight…”
"Should
someone whisper in ears that Karen is actually royalty and welcomed in palaces
across the world?"
"Oh that
information would blow my Mother's mind," Pippa laughed, "I must
somehow ensures she hears it."
"Pippa you
are evil."
"Aren't I
just." Pippa smiled as a tall thin
man walked over.
"So is
everything in place for when the kids arrive, and to your satisfaction?"
"It is Neal, and thank you for letting us do this here."
"Well with
the publicity, and other things, I get plenty from this as well."
"I know,
but it will still mean so much to my daughter having her party here."
“Ah – you must
be Neal?”
“Merlin – Neal,
meet Mary Thomas, aka the Wizard.”
“A pleasure,”
Mary said as Marina walked in, wearing a white jumper, denim jacket and jeans,
and black boots. She looked at Pippa,
and smiled as she said “room for two?”
“I think so –
oh my god…”
“Oh yeah –
Neal, why don’t you take my friends for a chat and a drink, somewhere quiet…”
As Neal walked
off with the others, Grace walked in, wearing a crimson wrap top and pants, and
a long dark brown wig.
“Greetings,”
she said quietly, “I am in control here.”
“Good lord –
Kate O’Mara?”
“Well, it
seemed appropriate,” Grace said as she turned to see Abby and Tony come in,
Abby wearing a striped blouse and white pants, Tony a Colin Baker outfit. Diana walked slowly with them, Pippa walking
over and kissing her on both cheeks as she said “it’s good to see you again
Countess. Let me find you a seat…”
“This way,
girls,” Grace said as an assortment of Daleks, Cyberwomen and other characters
came into the room…
"Well, I
might have guessed you'd come as someone special," Abby said as Luke and
Jack came in, Jack adjusting the cuffs of his frilled white shirt as he stood
and looked round. "And just who have you come as?"
"Captain
Jack Harkness, reporting for duty, Ma'am," Jack said as he saluted
Abby. He was wearing an army great coat over a blur shirt, dark trousers
and braces, while Jack had a grey waistcoat on over his shirt, and black
trousers. "May I introduce Professor Yana, and make sure you keep a
close eye on him."
"And why
would I do that?"
"In case I
become a Master, apparently," Jack said as he kissed Diana.
"How are you my dear?"
"Recovered
enough to spend some time here this evening...
How are you Jack?"
“I cannot
complain – I here young Poppy is on her way?”
“Indeed - It
will do us all good I think to see all the young people having fun."
"On that I will agree Diana darling," Jack looked serious,
"real life has just got a bit too much recently, and I fear worse
maybe to come."
"Well for
tonight let's forget all about that."
"So how
have the busses been Grace?"
"NOISY,"
the blonde shook her head, "I'd forgotten what the decibel levels could
hit with that many excited kids inside what are basically metal boxes."
“And the
special bus,” Maggie asked.
“On the way
now…”
“Happy birthday
Sweet Sixteen…”
“Thank you,
thank you,” Poppy said as she sat back, wearing a pair of silver jeans with
ankle boots, and a tight white top. Dawn
was wearing a red gown with black boots, and Laura a denim jacket and jeans
with “ACE” printed on the back.
“Why on earth
did you get me to wear this,” Mel said as she sat in her silver jacket and
boots, while Erica wore a long black coat and striped scarf, a floppy hat on
her head.
“The old and
the new, relax, it’ll be fun,” she said with a smile as Jess adjusted the cuff
of her black jacket. “I like the idea of
been the current Doctor – he’s cool.”
“He’s old,”
Erica laughed.
“Old, but cool
– how much longer?”
“Soon be
there…”
"Oh I'd
forgotten her," Grace laughed as she saw Holly walk in wearing the old
style air hostess’s uniform, "I wonder if she has the matching Australian
accent to be Tegan?"
"I don't
know," Harriet smiled, "but Tommy as an Ice Warrior is unusual
casting."
"CRAP!" Alexandra whispered as she saw Holly and Tommy come in,
"I thought he was too busy to come."
"Well it
seems he wasn't bestie, so you'll have to just enjoy yourself with the rest of
us tonight."
"This
isn't fair."
"I know it
isn't, but it's the reality of you and Holly Sands."
"Lover
look," Heather tugged at Sandy's sleeve.
"What am I
looking at?"
"Tommy did
bring Holly."
"Oh
shit." Sandy looked round for her daughter, "do I need have a
word?"
"No, by
the look of it Katy is talking to her."
“Okay, but
let’s keep an eye open…”
“Folks, get
ready,” Pippa said into the microphone, “she’s nearly here…”
As the group
gathered to one side, the minibus pulled up outside and the door opened, Erica
smiling as she got out and said “well, hello – and you are here?”
“To escort the
birthday girl,” the tall thin man said in his natural Scots accent as Poppy got
out. “Oh my goddess, you’re…”
“Here to escort
the baby girl in,” the other tall man said as they took Poppy by the arms, the
others opening the door as they walked in.
“Boys, girls,
welcome Poppy with her Doctor escorts!”
There was a
scream as they watched David Tennant and Matt Smith walk in with Poppy, the grin
clear on her face.
“How did they…”
“Cassie Stone
called in a couple of favours,” Maggie whispered to Grace, “and there are
others to come…”
“We need to
sing something to the birthday girl,” Pippa said, “but we need someone to lead
the singing, and I have that someone here.
Please welcome, from the Divine Comedy, NEIL HANNON!”
The room
screamed as the thin Irishman came out, and said “well, where’s the birthday
girl. After three…”
As they sang
Happy Birthday, Poppy stood with Neil and blushed, before he said “So, a Doctor
Who party? I got the perfect song for
this – want to hear it?”
As the room
cheered, he picked up a guitar and began to sing.
“Oh now I love
this one,” David Tennant said as he stood with Mary Thomas and Matt Smith.
“I wonder why,”
Matt said with a grin…
Well, I've roamed
about this Earth
With just a suitcase in my hand
And I've met some bug-eyed Joes
I've met the blessed I've met the damned
But of all the strange, strange creatures
In the air, at sea, on land
Oh my girl, my girl, my precious girl
I love you, you understand
So reel me in, my precious girl
Oh come on, take me home
‘Cause my body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Oh, no
I have wandered, I have rambled
I have crossed this crowded sphere
And I've seen a mess of problems
That I long to disappear
And all I have's this anguished heart
For you have vanished too
Oh my girl, my girl, my precious girl
Just what is this man to do?
So, reel me in, my precious girl
Oh come on, take me home
‘Cause my body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Yeah, reel me in, my precious girl
Oh come on, take me home
‘Cause my body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Oh, no
Well, you took me in
You stole my heart
I cannot roam no more
Because love, it stays within you
It doesn't wash up on a shore
And a fighting man forgets each cut
Each knock, each bruise, each fall
But a fighting man cannot forget
Why his love don't roam no more
Oh, reel me in, my precious girl
Oh come on, take me home
‘Cause my body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Yeah, reel me in, my precious girl
Oh come on, take me home
‘Cause my body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Yeah, walk with me, my love, my love
Walk tall, walk proud, walk far
For you are my love, you are, you are
You are my shining star
Yeah, walk with me, oh, my love
Walk tall, walk proud, walk far
For you are my love, you are, you are
You are my shining star, you are, you are
Yeah!
Reel me in, my precious girl
Come on, take me home
My body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Reel me in, my precious girl
Come on, take me home
My body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Reel me in, my precious girl
Come on, take me home
My body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
Reel me in, my precious girl
Come on, take me home
My body's tired of travelling
And my heart don't wish to roam
“Now then, the
birthday girl gets one choice!”
“Father Ted,”
Poppy shouted out.
“Okay then –
here we go…”
Pale, pubescent
beasts
Roam through the streets
And coffee shops
Their prey gather in herds
Of stiff knee-length skirts
And white ankle socks
But while they search for a mate
My type hibernate
In bedrooms above
Composing their songs of love
Young,
uniform minds
In uniform lines
And uniform ties
Run round with trousers on fire
And signs of desire
They cannot disguise
While I try to find words
As light as the birds
That circle above
To put in my songs of love
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice
Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
So sing while you have time
Let the sun shine down from above
And fill you with songs of love
Take me
The guitarist
broke into the well-known theme as the crowd cheered, Neil smiling before he
continued.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice
Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
So let's sing while we still can
While the sun hangs high up above
Wonderful songs of love
Beautiful songs of love
“He sounds
nice,” Judith said as she stood with Annie, “weally nice.”
“Yeah he is,”
Annie said as she looked over, “hey Ingrid, looking good?”
“I thought so,”
Ingrid Mueller said as she came over, the face of a cat painted on her face as
she wore a nun’s habit, Judith giggling as she saw her.
"You know
that Dr Who had already become a fixture when I was a young girl," Mary
Thomas shook her head as she looked round, "I'm just amazed that kids
today are still fans."
"Well like the Doctor himself the show has always evolved and transformed
itself." Grace sipped her drink Ama danced past with Nick.
"So… When do you want me to show those clips of
you in it Grace?" the Welshwoman laughed, "that is going to blow
several little minds."
"Mary I didn't even say a word," Grace shook her head, "I was
just a young model hired to look decorative in the background of the
scene."
"It's
still going to impress a lot of these children Grace."
"It even
impresses me," Neal the owner of the museum said as he waved a glossy
print.
"How the
hell did you do that?" Grace shook her head as she looked at the picture.
"I printed
a screen capture up as a photograph," the man laughed gently, "Now
can I beg you to sign it Mrs Brand?"
"If you
wish," Grace shook her head, "though I'm not sure why you'd hang my
picture in the show with all these others."
“Oh I am sure I
can find somewhere, after all – you are not the only star revealing their part
tonight…”
“I’m not – who
else…”
As she looked
to the door, she saw Cassandra and Rick come in with their children, all
dressed like the people in the First Doctor series.
“Iain and
Barbara – nice,” Grace said as the kids went to talk to Poppy and the others.
“You must be
Neal – I think these may be of interest to you,” Cassandra said as Rick passed
him a box, “souvenirs of the episode I did recently with Peter.”
"Thank you
Miss Stone. It really too kind of you to donate these bits."
"Neal,” Cassandra said with a smile, “it's nice to see them find a place
they will be appreciated."
"She has
closets of stuff from shows and movies she has done cluttering up our house
Neal," Rick hugged his wife, "I just wish we knew more places
she could donate other things to."
"To me
these are precious objects..."
"To my husband
they are clutter," Cassie laughed.
"Well if
we work out a valuation you know you can take a tax deduction? The museum is a
registered charity."
"Well I
wasn't looking for a deduction, but if you want send my PA in LA the papers
when you have valued them."
“Hey,” Erica
said as Capricorn came over to her, “have you been let out then?”
“I’m on a short
leash, but yeah – Mom eventually calmed down,” Capricorn said as she accepted a
drink.
“What about
Allyson?”
“No idea – I
haven’t spoken to her yet. They flew
back this morning, and Mom had me with her at the Ladybird shoot all day
yesterday.”
“Oh yeah – hey,
they’re not here tonight are they?”
“Not that I
know of…”
"Is that
Karen Gillan talking to Jeannie Poppy?"
"It is Aunt Maggie."
"How the
hell did Mary Thomas get her to come for your party Our Poppy?"
"She
didn't...Jeannie asked her, she's a friend of hers."
"I keep
forgetting several of your friends are celebrities in their own right."
"Jeans had
an ulterior motive for getting Karen here. Mom and Mary want to use this place
for a shoot, and they want Karen to model for it."
“If you can all
look to the stage for a moment?”
As the party
looked over, Mary Thomas said “now, I’m a little bit older than most of you…”
“Only a
little,” Juliette shouted out as the room laughed.
“Well, my
Doctor was Tom Baker, and he can’t be here tonight…”
“Oh, I don’t
know if that is true…”
“Oh lord – it’s
the Curator,” Erica said as the white haired man came out, and took the microphone. “Can Poppy come up here please?”
As Poppy walked
up, Tom said “Now, if my little Welsh friend here can do this, we have some
messages from across the pond for you…”
"How are
things looking Caroline?" Francesca whispered.
"So far so good Admiral, the enemy seems to be respecting the idea that
this party is out of bounds."
"I will
keep my fingers crossed."
"So
changing subjects what are these rumours I'm hearing that you've actually slept
with a Doctor Who?"
"It's malicious gossip," the Marchesa laughed.
"Yes it
is," Eleanor broke in, it's actually more than one."
"Oh?"
the tall blonde Englishwoman looked amused, "do I want to know
details?"
“One is no
longer with us, the other is not here…”
“Can I have
your attention for a moment?”
The room turned
as they saw Poppy standing on the stage, smiling as she said “I just wanted to
take a moment to thank you all for being here tonight, to thank Mom for the
party, in fact – hell, just thank you for being you. To me, we are
all champions!”
As the room
cheered, Pippa came up and said “That’s an amazing choice of words, Poppy,” as
they all heard a thumping drumbeat coming from behind a curtain on the stage.
“Dum Dum
DUM. Dum Dum DUM!”
“Who
the…”
Poppy,
you're a girl, everybody shout out
Standing on stage, turns sixteen today!
You brought
down the place, with your mom and Grace
And now we gotta say this is your day, singin'
We will, we
will rock you
We will, we will rock you
“Boys and
girls,” Pippa said as the curtains opened, “please welcome Brian May, Roger
Taylor and Adam Lambert, with a special song for today!”
Poppy,
you’re a young girl, cute girl
Posing for the press, gonna be a top girl someday
But today’s your birthday, Sweet sixteen they say
And you’re gonna dance all over the place
We will, we
will rock you, sing it!
The whole room
responded with We will, we will rock you, yeah before Brian
May went into a guitar solo as Poppy screamed
Poppy,
you're an cute girl, nice girl
Smiling with your eyes, they light up the place today
So we hope that today, In our own way
We’ve helped make it a special birthday, do it!
We will, we
will rock you, yeah, yeah, come on
We will, we will rock you, alright, louder!
We will, we will rock you, one more time
We will, we will rock you
Yeah
As Adam Lambert
started to sing We Are The Champions, Katy could see Sands was getting more and
more upset.
"I can't
stand it Katy,” she suddenly said as she put her glass down, “I'm going to ask
her to dance."
"Ask? Ask who?" Katy's eyes followed where Sands was looking, as she
saw Holly and Tommy talking to Abby and Carina.
"She's
mine not his," Sands growled as she started to stand up, only to feel
herself being pulled back down by her best friend.
"Down
girl," Katy whispered, "you said yourself that when they are together
Holly is out of bounds."
"Not
tonight...."
"Have you
drunk more then you should?" Katy interrupted her best friend.
"I don't
know,” Sands said as she looked over, “have I?"
"It sounds
like it to me," Doc said as she suddenly appeared. "Alexandra
Richmond stop it before you do something you'll regret."
"And you
will stop me Anna?"
"We both
will if we have to," Katy spoke softly.
“Is there a
problem darlings,” Kylie said as she sat with them.
“Two things
that do not go together well, Kyles – love and booze,” Katy said quietly.
“I love her,”
Sands quietly sobbed, “I love her and I want to be with her, but…”
“Anna, Katy,
let me talk to her for a few minutes,” Kylie said quietly, the other two
nodding as they went to the bar.
“I do
understand how you feel,” Kylie said quietly as she held the young girl’s hand,
“believe me, I do, but the worst thing you could do now is go to her like
this. You don’t want to hurt her, do you?”
Sands looked up
and slowly shook her head as the tears started to flow.
“Then for
tonight, no more alcohol, and you stay with one of us, all right?”
“What is going
on Doc?" Holly asked as she cornered Anna at the bar.
"Sands is getting uptight,” Anna said quietly as she looked over, “and
she's had one glass too many of champagne."
"Meaning
what?"
"That she
wants to take the person she loves onto the dance floor."
"Oh Crap!" Holly went pale as she looked over, and then at Tommy.
"Don't
worry,” Doc said quietly, “Katy and I will try controlling her with Kylie’s
help. You just have fun."
"Thanks,”
Holly said quietly, “but I hate that she's feeling like this."
"Well that's the problem when you have two lovers Hol."
“How would you
know anything about that, Anna…” Holly then looked again at Doc as
she said “Who?”
“Like I said,
me and Katy will watch her with Kylie’s help. Is that enough for
now?”
Holly slowly
nodded and mouthed “thanks” as she walked past Katy, Poppy walking in the
opposite direction.
"Is there
something bad happening Katy?" Poppy asked as she came alongside the
teenager.
"Nothing
for you to worry about Pop,” Katy whispered, “just enjoy the party."
"Is it to
do with Sands and Holly?"
Katy looked at
her as she said "How the hell?"
"Katy I
have eyes," Poppy laughed, "and I know most people haven't noticed,
"but I put two and two together weeks ago."
“You haven’t
said anything…”
“Nope – unless
I want to shock Gran, it’s between them. Just be there for her, all
right? Actually – find Capricorn as well…”
“Why?”
“HOTS Support
meeting…”
“How in the
name of all that’s holy did you manage to get THOSE guys,” Pepsi said as she
stood with Nikki and Becca.
“I think her
aunt called them in,” Becca said, “She knows Mrs May from her charity work.”
“Theresa?”
“Anita.”
“Ah,” Pepsi
said with a smile, “I get it now…”
The links in
and out of this group never cease to amaze me," Mel shook her head,
"when I won my scholarship I really had no clue what the world was that
was opening up to me."
"Well, do
you regret winning it?" Pepsi asked with a smile on her lips.
"Not one
damn bit...Right Mom?"
"Darling
I'm just happy that you are happy," Eva Eckholm nodded as she gazed in
amazement at all the stars.
“She’s
learning.”
Eva smiled as
she saw Emma Carlton and Denice Crosby next to her.
“Welcome to the
special world of the Saints and Sinners, Kirkham division – next stop
Halloween…”
“Decided on
your outfits yet,” Emma asked Denice.
“Oh yes, but
I’m saying nothing – what about you Eva?”
“Depends on
your music tastes…”
In one corner,
Jeannie looked at Karen Gillan and said "So?"
"I was
sort of trying to distance myself a bit from Dr Who Jeans."
"I know
Karen, but the clothes will be amazing, and they guarantee you the cover."
"I
know," the red headed Scot shook her head.
"Basically
it's too good to turn down, and you know your agent will say just the same
thing."
“Oh all right
then...”
As the screen
showed black and white scenes from the Patrick Troughton era, Cassandra groaned
as she saw her mother on the screen, and then cheered as Grace appeared on the
screen in a silver catsuit.
“All right, I’m
fine now,” Sands said as she sat with Katy, Capricorn and Erica, “I know I was
a bit loud, but…”
“It’s all
right,” Shawnee said as she sat with them, “I understand.”
“You knew?”
“I guessed –
come on Sands, we all have – but an older woman? I thought I was the wild child of the Secret
Six…”
“Well, it seems
as if we have another Sweet Sixteen success underway,” Juliette said as she sat
by the bar with Mary and Caroline.
“Ai – it’s a
pity do many of the Brits could not be here tonight though,” Mary said with a
smile.
“Well, they do
have the party for Agnes and Donald on Saturday,” Mary said with a smile, “and
they’ll all be over next week.”
“That’s true –
but it would have been nice if Aunt Fiona was here. I thought she was going to send a message
tonight, Mary?”
“Ai she was,
but she called today to say she was tired, so I passed on her good wishes
earlier.” Mary sat for a moment as Grace
and Pippa came over.
“What’s the
topic of conversation?”
“Fiona – have
you spoken to her this week Pip?”
“Yeah, she was
a bit tired, but otherwise happy, she was telling me about a shoot she’s arranged
for Angel, Fi and Victoria in Chelsea – the right side of the town, as she put
it. I’m looking forward to seeing her in
a couple of weeks’ time.”
“She’s an
inspiration to us all,” Carina said as she and Abby came over. “To have gone through all that she has and
still come up smiling…”
“Yeah,” Abby
said as she saw her mother talking to Sandy and Heather, all of them sitting
round a table, “she is at that…”
5 pm GMT
Xavier International
The Aldwych
“Lily, do you
have a moment?”
Lily looked up
to see George standing in the doorway of her office, a slightly worried look on
his face.
“Sure, what’s
the problem?”
“There’s a
package in holding, it was hand delivered, and – well, something’s not quite
right about it.”
Putting her pen
down, she picked up her telephone and dialled a number.
“Tracy, find
Lou, meet me in…”
“Lower mail
room.”
“Lower mail
room, bring the bag…”
“Lilian,
darling, I was about to finish my report,” Louise drawled as she came into the
room, wearing a light blue jacket over her grey jersey dress, “what is…” She saw Tracy at the table, putting on a pair
of latex gloves, and Lily looking at the large manila envelope.
“George, check
the security tapes, see if you can find out how this came into the building,” Lily
said, the older man nodding as she lifted the edge of the envelope with a pair
of tweezers.
“Let’s have a
look,” Tracy said as she carefully picked the envelope up, looking at it before
she felt round the edges. “There’s
something in here all right, but what triggered the spider senses?”
“Hand
delivered, no postmark, addressed personal to Shirley Xavier? None of our usual contacts would use that
method…”
“Hmm… I can feel some sort of thread or wire under
the top. Lou, get the fire bucket will
you?”
“Of course
Tracy darling,” Louise drawled as she brought the half full bucker of sand
over, Tracy putting the envelope in upside down before she picked up a thin
scalpel and carefully cut along the seam at the bottom, going slowly,
carefully. As the material parted, she
opened the edges and looked inside.
“Yeah – we got
a device, I can see the wires and the charge.
Lou – cover it.”
The other two
stood back as Louis picked a brown bag up and filled the bucket with sand, as
George came back in.
“Got the
courier on the system,” he said as he brought up the image on the screen, Lily
looking at the woman in the black leather jacket and mumbling “shit…”
“Boss?”
“George, I want
security on the Chelsea home put at maximum, two in residence. Tracy, alert the team, I need to make a
couple of phone calls.”
Midnight
Park Avenue
“Now who is
calling this late,” John said as he and Shirley came in with Maisha.
“I’ll deal with
it,” Shirley said as she walked over to the telephone and picked it up. “Shirley Xavier?
“I see, Lily,
anything else I need to know?
“You are
certain? You have taken appropriate
steps?
“Very well then
– I will inform Caroline and alert her.
Good work Lily.”
“Problem in
London,” John said as she ended the call and dialled another number.
“No – just a
crank causing trouble. Caroline? I’m calling to see you at your offices
tomorrow – and you may wish to increase screening.”
Thursday 20th October
9 am
Complete Style
“The draft for
the Gillan contract is with Pippa to approve before we send it off,” Anita said
as she sat with the other assistants.
“Good –
Marina?”
“Madame
Kalinikov is coming in to see you at one this afternoon, Anna – I will arrange
for her and her assistant to be given the tour of the offices we promised. Also, Juliette’s new assistant starts this
morning, and Missy will be calling with the new comptroller at four. Shall I call you when they have met with
Mary?”
“I presume
Kylie is coming in for her practical experience this afternoon after
school?” As Marina nodded, Anna smiled
and said “good – well…”
As her
telephone went off, Anita walked over and picked up the handset.
“Global
Editor’s Office.
“We’re just
finishing a meeting, but…”
Anna and the
others looked over as Anita suddenly went pale.
“I understand, I’ll put you through to her office,” she finally said as
she pressed a button. “You need to take
this call, Anna – in your office, we’ll wait out here?”
“Anita?”
“It is better
if you take it in there,” Anita said as Anna stood up and walked into her inner
office.
“Anita? What’s going on?” Marina could see her colleague’s face was
pale as she stood up, the other assistants doing so as she started to cry.
A moment later,
Anna came out as well, her face drawn as she looked round. “I… I
have just had some news. Anita, would
you call Pippa’s PA, tell her I am on my way to see her now. Marina, go and find Merlin, ask her to come
to Juliette’s office in fifteen minutes…”
Tricia nodded
as she sat at her new desk, holding a mug of coffee as Alexis sat on the desk
beside her. The new employee was wearing
a grey jumper and flowing skirt, while Alexis wore a roll neck sweater, black
leggings and short black boots.
“I think today
you need to get used to how things work here, Tricia – you happy with the
induction schedule?”
“I think so –
it’s strange knowing I will be dealing with Hong Kong as well, but...”
Alexis held a
hand up as the phone started ringing, and she picked it up.
“Hey Marina,
what’s up?”
Looking at
Juliette’s office, she said “she’s dealing with correspondence, but I can
interrupt her. How long?
“Yeah, what’s
going on?
“Okay, I’ll
tell her,” she said as she ended the call, and said to Tricia “man the phones
for a minute, will you?”
“Sure thing,”
Tricia said as Alexis walked over and knocked on Juliette’s door.
“COME!”
“Juliette,”
Alexis said as she looked in, “I just had Marina on the phone. She says Anna is coming down in five minutes,
and Merlin is coming to join you now.”
“Anna? Not Pippa?”
“No –
Anna. Shall I get some coffee?”
“No time,”
Juliette said as Mary came in, her hands in the pockets of her waistcoat.
“Okay Ju lass –
any idea what this is about?”
“None
whatsoever,” she said as Alexis saw Anna coming down the office, the editorial
floor falling silent as she passed them.
Coming in, she said “can you give us the room for a few minutes Alexis,”
waiting as the young woman closed the door.
“Anna? What’s happened,” Juliette said as their boss
looked at both of them.
“I… I just told
Pippa this, and she’s arranging a meeting for staff later, but I wanted to tell
you both myself.”
“Anna, what’s
wrong,” Mary said as Anna sat down, Juliette and Mary sitting with her.
“I just had a
call from the police in London. Fiona… Fiona’s cleaner let herself into her flat
this morning, and found Fiona in her rocking chair, the television on. She was…”
Mary and
Juliette looked at each other, Anna starting to cry as she said “they think she
must have had a heart attack during the night.
I’m sorry…”
“Boed i'r
arglwydd roi'r heddwch y mae'n ei haeddu,” Mary said quietly as Juliette handed
her a tissue, feeling the tears in her own eyes as she said “who else knows?”
“As of now,
apart from us, I suspect it will be going through the PA network, and I put a
call in to Karen Boyd. Pippa is going to
go and see Grace – apparently she is Fiona’s executor?”
“She told me,”
Juliette said quietly as Alexis and Tricia watched from outside.
“Something bad
has happened,” Tricia said quietly, “I’ve seen that look in the bar.”
“Alexis…”
As she turned,
she saw Janine standing there with Marina, the pain in her face clear as she
said “we lost Fiona…”
“Oh god,”
Alexis said quietly as she sat down, Tricia looking at them as she said “Fiona…
Fiona MacKenzie?”
“Yeah,” Marina
said quietly, “this is a sad day…”
10 am
NorStar
Rhenia sat at
her desk, a mug of coffee to her side as she glanced at the meeting papers and
sorted them into various piles. On each
of them she put a different weight, smiling as she said “Right – the ‘can wait’
pile, the ‘delegate’ pile and the ‘get this done now’ pile. That at least is a start,” she said as she
took a drink from her mug, and then looked to the door, as she heard the hubbub
outside suddenly go quiet.
Standing up,
she brushed down her trouser suit and looked out, seeing the staff members as they
stared at Missy walking to her office.
“Missy? What’s going on,” she said quietly as the
veteran agent guided her back into the office, and closed the door. “Missy?”
“I’ve… I’ve just had some very bad news,” Missy said
quietly, “a very old and very dear friend has died suddenly, and a lot of
people are going to start calling soon for our reaction.”
“Who is it?”
“Fiona
MacKenzie, the UK editor of Complete Style.
Rhenia, we’re going to need a press release, and in the meantime…”
Nodding, Rhenia
looked out of the office door. “Shona –
two minutes,” she said, waiting as the press officer came in. “What’s going on,” the redhead said as she
looked at the two managers.
“Fiona
MacKenzie died last night,” Missy said, Shona nodding as Rhenia said “if the
press call, tell them we are deeply saddened at the news, and we will issue a
statement in due course. How long do you
need for that?”
“Let me call
CS, see what they want to say, and I’ll have something in an hour. If they ask for Missy?”
“Tell them she
is in mourning, and not taking any interviews at this time.” Missy looked over and nodded as Shona said
“understood. I’ll let the switchboard know
and get to work on the release.”
As she went
out, Rhenia looked at Missy. “May I call
LA, let them know?”
“Do so,” Missy
said quietly, “I’m going to meet up with Ju and some of the others…”
10.30 am
Jameson Security
Caroline looked
up from her desk as the door was opened by Hannah, and Karen Boyd came in,
looking as if she was about to burst into tears.
"Karen
what are you doing here?" Caroline stood up as the doctor was shown into
her office.
Putting her bag
on the desk, Karen looked round and said "do you have a real drink here
darling; I have some bad news and you are going to need one."
"I do, and you are making me VERY nervous Aunt Charity," Caroline said
as she went to a cabinet, pouring a whisky into one glass and some ginger ale
into the other. "Is it my
Grandfather?" she noticed her hand shook as she handed Karen the soft
drink, and sat beside her.
"No it
isn't Dan," Karen said quietly as she drank her drink in one large gulp,
"It's Fiona, she had a heart attack last night. They found her this
morning."
"NO!" Caroline heard herself cry out as she looked at the older
woman, and put her glass down, "she had beaten her illness..."
"I know darling," the older woman said as she put her arm round the
younger one, "none of us was expecting this."
“It's not
right....It's not fair," the tall blonde whispered as she drank her drink.
"I know, I
know. Nothing about this makes sense,
but it has happened…"
As the tears
started to come, Caroline put the glass down.
"You and she were the people Mum told me I could always go to for
help… I still remember her face when she
handed me the letters from Mum…"
“She was a one
off, a true star,” Karen said quietly, “and I suspect if she was to see us now,
she would tell us to get over ourselves and get on with life. First, however, we do need to mourn…”
“What’s going
on,” Eleanor said as she and Veronica stood outside Caroline’s office.
“I think she’s
had some bad news,” Hannah said quietly, “it may be best to leave her for the
moment. I will inform Francesca…”
11 am
St Angela’s
"Oh God my
Mom will be in a hell of a state," Ama said as she looked up from her
phone with tears in her eyes.
"Why? What
has happened?" Jeannie said as she looked in her bag for a Kleenex.
Ama looked at her, as she whispered "Aunt Fiona died last night..."
"WHAT?" Jeannie went pale as a ghost as she looked up.
"Oh crap I
forgot you knew her as well Jeans," Ama said as she realized her
error in blurting it out, and knelt next to her friend.
"If it
hadn't been for her kindness, I'd never have become a model, I’d not be
here, I'd still be in Harlow..." Jeannie murmured a random stream of
thoughts before bursting into loud tears,
"What is
going on?" Grace ran over as she saw the girls crying.
"You
haven't heard Miss?" Ama whispered.
"No I
haven't Ama, so please tell me."
"Fiona
MacKenzie has died Miss."
Grace stared at
the two girls as Kate Hardistay came over.
“Grace, Pippa
Ashley is here to see you, and she looks as if it is not good news.”
“I think I just
heard,” Grace said quietly. “Kate, will
you find Anna Carlton and ask her to meet Ama and Jeannie in the
refectory. You two head there, I’ll join
you as soon as I can.”
As the two
girls made their way along the corridor, Grace stood for a minute, her eyes
closed before she headed to her office, Pippa standing up as she came in.
“Grace…”
“I know – I
just came across Ama and Jeannie, and they told me,” Grace said as she went to
a cupboard, pouring some drinks into two glasses before she handed it
over. Raising the glass, she said
quietly “may she be at peace.”
“Amen,” Pippa
said as they each took a glass, and then sat down.
“What
happened?”
“Anna got a
call this morning, and she came to tell me, then asked me to come here. She said they think she had a heart attack,
but she seemed to be happy, as if she knew what was coming.”
Nodding, Grace
rubbed her eyes as she said “this is going to spread like wildfire. Any idea who is handling the arrangements
over there?”
“I think Anna
has already contacted a funeral parlour over there, and has offered to pay all
costs. She said you are the executor of
her will?”
Grace nodded as
she said “I am - I have her solicitor’s number, I’ll call them in a little
while, see what the situation is. If it
was a sudden death, an unexpected one, won’t there be a postmortem?”
“Possibly, but
for now, let’s just talk about her…”
11 am
Complete Style
“Boss?”
Juliette looked
up and smiled a small smile.
"Juliette
darling, Carina phoned me with the news...Are you okay?" Klaus looked at
his wife with deep concern in his eyes as Janine ushered him into the office.
"To be
honest I'm not sure darling," Juliette said as she looked at her husband
through misty eyes, "I'm not sure I've yet really taken it in."
"Here,"
Klaus patted the sofa to indicate for his wife to sit with him, then put an arm
around her as she did so.
"I can't
believe she's gone Klaus...I owed her so much and I'm not sure I ever really
told her that...and now I never will."
"An awful
lot of people owed Fiona a lot for her kindness and help," Klaus started
to gently pat his wife's head as she started to cry into his shoulder.
“Mary just
whispered in Welsh and then went back to her cave… Anna is devastated… Pippa went to speak to Grace… And…”
The sound of
the phone ringing made Juliette look up as Alexis put her head round the door.
“I know you
said you didn’t want to be disturbed Boss, but it’s Alice McKinnon on two.”
Juliette nodded
as she stood up and put the phone on speaker.
“Bats…”
"Is it
true Ju?" Alice's quiet voice came out of the speakerphone.
"I'm afraid it is darling," Juliette replied as she let out a small
sob.
"Oh God…” There was a pause before
Alice said “I was hoping it was just a nasty rumour."
"No it
isn't. I’ve already had Titi on the
phone to get my reactions – she’s going to do a special on Sunday."
"I owed
her virtually everything. It was her idea that I should try designing, and for
me and Duncan to start APCO," Alice started to cry over the phone.
"I
remember Bats. The nights you sat up in
Paris, talking about it with me and…"
"Has
anyone told Tufty?"
"I don't
know," Juliette started to cry again, "or if anyone has spoken to
Virtue and the Bandit?"
"I'll ring
Will and ask," Klaus spoke.
"Thanks
Klaus, I'm not sure I'm up to talking to Mandy, she will be totally
devastated."
4.10 pm GMT
Ordford Castle
“I’ve heard
Klaus,” Will said as he stood by the telephone, “but Mandy’s been on a shoot
all day. I need to talk to her before I
call Angel and the others, but I have spoken to Charlie, and he’s broken the
news to Olivia and Fiona. I think
Donald’s going to…”
“I’m back
darlings,” Mandy called out as she came in.
“I’ll call you
later,” Will said as he turned to see Mandy coming in, a Burberry coat over her
grey trouser suit.
“I have had an
exhausting day darling,” Mandy drawled as she took her coat off and hung it up,
“and I need a… Will, whatever is the
matter?”
“Has anyone
spoken to you today, Mandy,” Will said quietly as he walked over.
“No – it was a
closed set, and I never have the telephone switched on while I drive. Why – what has happened?”
“You’d better
come and sit down,” Will said as he took Mandy into the drawing room, and then
poured her a drink.
“Will you’re
scaring me now – what has happened.”
“Mandy,” Will
said quietly as he put the drink on the table in front of her, and sat down,
holding her hand, “Fiona MacKenzie died during the night.”
Mandy stared at
her husband, looking to see if this was a joke, and then the tears started to
flow as he held her.
6.20 pm
Dublin
“Died? What happened?”
“As far as I
know, she had a heart attack some time last night,” Donald said over the
telephone as Eve sat with Paula, “by all accounts, she looked peaceful when
they found her. I’m sorry Paula, I know she
was a great friend to you and Eve back in the day.”
“But we just
saw her in Sydney a few months ago, she was so full of life…”
“Paula,” Agnes
said over the telephone, “Duncan and I are wondering if we should postpone the
party on Saturday…”
“No.”
Paula looked at
her sister in law as Eve said “No – this is Fiona we’re talking about here, and
I’ll tell you what she would say. She’d
say forget about her, have a drink on me, and remember me for the good times. We meet on Saturday, and we celebrate two
things, as it should be.”
11.30 am
The de Ros Mansion
“Miss Alexandra
and Miss Heather to see you Madame,” Edith said as Sandy came into the drawing
room with Heather, Diana and Valeria looking at them both as Diana said “what’s
happened?”
“Diana, we just
got word, and we said we’d come and tell you…
Fiona MacKenzie died last night.”
“Madame
MacKenzie? Mon Dieu… Was it the cancer?” Diana said quietly.
“No – according
to Ju, it was her heart. If nothing
else, it must have been painless.”
“Diana, are you
all right?” Valeria looked at her
daughter in law, who was quietly sobbing.
“Fiona – she
was such an inspiration, so much love, so much joy… Abigail!”
“Mamma?”
Diana stood
slowly up as Abby came in, the tear stains evident on her face as they hugged
each other.
12.30 pm
St Angela’s
“There you go,”
Grace’s secretary said as she brought a mug of coffee in for her and
Pippa.
“Thanks,” Grace
said as she put her hand over the handset of her phone, and then said “Anna
Mitchell has already been in touch with you?
“Very well
then, if you can let me know when the initial legal requirements are completed,
I can arrange to come over and take care of the paperwork.
“Thank you –
please, contact me whatever the hour if needed.” Putting the phone down, Grace sat back and
rubbed her eyes.
“What’s the
situation?”
“They are
conducting a postmortem, but it is only likely to confirm. As it is an unexpected death, nothing can be
done until the police give the all clear, but the solicitor is liaising with
Fiona’s church and the funeral parlour on behalf of Anna. As soon as they can, they will announce the
details. She apparently left
instructions for her cremation, and where her ashes are to be scattered when
the time comes.”
“That’s Fiona –
she always seemed to be prepared for everything.”
Grace smiled as
the telephone rang again.
“Grace Brand?”
“Grace?”
“Uncle Charles
– what can I do for you?”
“The
ambassador,” Pippa mouthed, Grace nodding as he said “I have heard the news
Grace – I am so sorry, I know she was the one who helped you re-emerge.”
“Thank you,
Uncle Charles - that means a lot.”
"Buckingham
Palace wants to convey its sympathies Grace, they asked me to ask you how best
to do it."
"That's
kind of them Uncle Charles," Grace said as she took a deep breath.
"Well I think Merlin...Mary Thomas was as close a friend as Fiona
had....If they make it a message to Mary?"
"Alright that sounds acceptable, I'll advise them. If there is anything else we can do?"
“I’ll let you
know, thank you Uncle Charles,” Grace said as she ended the call, the bell
going for lunchtime. “I wonder if Ama
will tell them…”
"I'd met
her but I didn't really know her," Anna Carlton mused as she sat with some
of the others. "I do know though that a lot of people in the industry are
going to be devastated by this news."
“What was she
like?” Erica asked.
“Well, if you
think of a smaller, slimmer and more Scottish version of Merlin, you got Fiona
– from what Abby and others say, even when she battling Leukaemia, she tried to
stay involved with everything.”
“When we were
in Sydney,” Nikki said quietly, “she and Mary were running the show between
them, they made a formidable team.”
"Both Mrs Brand and my Mom thought of her as a close friend," Poppy said
as she took a sip of milk.
"Well she helped a lot of people."
Ama sighed as she said “Mom told me how much she was like an older aunt
when her Mom was still alive. Always
looking out for her.”
Poppy looked
across the table, and said "Is it true that she kept file boxes with cards
on everyone who ever caught her eye has having potential Doc?"
"So they say."
"Oh it's
true darlings, I once got a chance to look in her back office," Kylie
smiled as she joined them. “She showed
me some of the cards – and she said the only true surprises she could remember
were Jeannie and me.”
"WOW!" Poppy shook her head, "so do you think we were all in
there?"
"You were
probably in her files from the day you were born Poppy," Anna smiled as
well.
"So why does
everyone always insist that my becoming a model was a foregone
conclusion?"
"Because it was darling," Kylie stopped as Jeannie wheeled herself
over. "Are you okay Jeans?"
"No,”
Jeannie said quietly, “but I guess I will be."
"Did Mrs Brand say anything to you about the funeral?" Nikki asked.
"She said
she doesn't know yet," Jeannie took a deep breath, "and I told her
school or no school there was no way I'm not going to be there."
“I will be
going with Mom as well, whenever it is,” Ama said as she hugged Jeannie, “so we
can mourn her together…”
1 pm
Complete Style
Anna looked up
as Marina came in, holding a sheet of paper.
“Is that what I
think it is Marina?”
“Yeah – just
came down from the press office.”
Anna closed her
eyes and said “go on, let’s see what they come up with…”
"The
management and staff of Complete Style magazine globally wish to record their
extreme sadness at the passing of one of our own with the death of Fiona
MacKenzie..." Marina read from the prepared statement.
"Please
let me see," Anna said as she opened her eyes and took the paper from her
assistant's hand.
"Is it
alright boss?" the young woman asked quietly.
"A trifle
formal Marina, Fiona would have hated that, but yes it’s a perfect
statement."
"Do I have
your permission to release it then?"
"Yes go ahead Marina," Anna slumped back in her chair, “we need to
get this over with."
“Also, Jeanne
Beckmann called – can you see her at five?”
“Yeah – oh
lord, Madame Kornikova…”
“I called and
explained, she will come tomorrow, but Missy is still coming in with Rhenia –
I’ll show them in when they arrive.”
“Good – what’s
the mood like out there?”
“Sombre, but
those of us who had met her are doing what she would want – getting on with the
best job we can do.”
“More messages,
Mrs von Furstenheim,” Tricia said as she came into the office with a handful of
sheets of paper.
"I have to
apologise Trish, this isn't the easiest start to your career here at the
magazine," Juliette tried to smile as the younger woman brought in the
latest messages.
"Well I
didn't know Miss MacKenzie, but reading some of the messages I rather wish I'd
had the chance."
Juliette nodded
as she looked at the sheets.
“As you
requested, I called Miss Carter, and explained what had happened. She will pass on apologies to the other
ladies…”
“Thanks,”
Juliette said as the telephone rang.
"It's
Linda Evangelista on Line 3 for you Juliette."
"Put her
through please Alexis." Juliette took a deep breath. "Good
afternoon Mother."
"Not really
a good one Pelican," the voice on the other end sounded a little quavery.
"No,
you’re right - I guess it isn't."
"So I need to know some of the what, where, and whens Ju? You know a lot
of girls are going to want to do something."
"Well Mother,”
Juliette said quietly, “All I know is that Palomino is the executor of her
will, but I still haven't heard any details regarding a funeral, a memorial
service, or even where to send flowers."
"Okay...How is Merlin taking it?"
"She's
locked herself in her cave,” Juliette said quietly, “and isn't talking."
"That's not healthy."
"I know, I
was going to give her another hour then go see her."
"Titi has
already rung me, she wants to do a memorial thing for her show."
"She rang
me as well, but I put her off till tomorrow, I'm not really ready to even think
about that yet."
“I know – Ju,
we need to be there when the time comes.
For now, look after Mary – she’s probably hit the most…”
1 pm
The Tavern on the Green
“Dead?” Shirley looked at Janice as she sat down, and
said “what happened?”
“Apparently she
had a heart attack,” Janice said as she looked round the table, “so Juliette
sends her apologies, and I know Sandy went round to see Diana to tell her.”
“How is
Caroline?”
“Devastated by
all accounts – I called her office, but her secretary said she was sitting with
Karen Boyd.”
“She is,”
Francesca said as she joined the party, “I managed to slip out for a few
minutes to update all of you.”
“I met her at
that Eve Stone evening,” Claire said as she sat with Tonia and Kelly, “a lovely
woman to talk to, even though she had been ill.”
“Yes, she was,
a true character…”
“So what did
you think of last night’s debate?”
“Did not see it
– we went to young Poppy’s Sweet Sixteen,” Shirley said, “but I suspect it was
nothing we have not seen before.”
“It wasn’t
pretty,” Claire said quietly, “can we think of nicer things. How was London?”
“AMAZing,”
Kelly said in unison with Tonia, “I know the girls wish they had been there,
but to share a stage with the like of Dita and the best dancers in London.”
“And Georgette
was a true lady,” Tonia said with a smile, “even if we had to take Shirley’s
jet there and back.”
The National Arts Club
Gramercy Park South
“I thought I
might find you in here,” John Hammond said as he entered the bar, to see Luke
Heller and Jack Linklater sitting with a drink in their hands, “I take it
you’ve heard?”
“Mary called
us,” Luke said quietly as Jack looked into his glass, “Shirley?”
“I came
straight here – she’s lunching with some of the ladies – but I think she will
hear there. Bushmills all around Jacob.”
“I sometimes
wonder if God really hates us,” Jack said quietly, “for Fiona to defeat the
cancer, and then just to leave like that…”
“You don’t
believe in God, Jack,” John said quietly.
“And you wonder
why?” Picking up the glass, he raised
it and said “Gentlemen, a toast – to Fiona, may her light burn bright in
heaven.”
The others
raised their glasses and drank before Luke said “what are the funeral arrangements?”
“I think Grace
is working with Anna Mitchell – I called her, and CS are funding all the
arrangements. We’ll hear soon enough…”
11 am PT
Oakland Hills, San Francisco
“Yeah, I
understand Maddie, thanks for letting me know.
I’ll tell Suzie when she gets back from school.”
Dave Clarke
came out of his bedroom, putting his suit jacket on as he saw Mary put the
phone down – and then saw as she turned the tears in her eyes.
“Mary, what’s
happened?”
“That was
Maddie – Fiona MacKenzie passed away last night.”
“The UK editor
of Complete Style? We met her at
Juliette’s wedding, didn’t we?”
“Yeah – she was
like part of the furniture apparently, and suddenly she’s not there. It was sudden, not like with Mom, but still…”
Dave put his
arm round his daughter as she started to cry.
“I know, kiddo, I know,” he said quietly.
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