DRAGONJULS' Storybook
~ Actions and Consequences ~
J M Dragon

Part One
© 2000 by J M Dragon
Email: jmdragon@jmdragon.net

Love/Sex: This story features consensual sexual relationships between adult women, some implied m/m and m/f relations. If this bothers you, is illegal in the State, Province or Country you live or if you are the under age of 18, find something else to read. There are loads of general stories out there.

Language: Again, there is some bad language.

Violence: Yes, there is some violence, both mental and physical in this story.

Hurt/Comfort:There is definitely some hurt/emotional discomfort in this one, and some brief scenes of trauma to be dealt with by the characters.

Acknowledgement:Thank you to Betty and the 'Dream Team' for your constant support and help.

This is the fourth in the series with these characters and although readingDefine Destiny, Haunting Shadows and In Pursuit of Dreams is not absolutely necessary, it would assist in understanding the circumstances surrounding this story.

Any and all comments are appreciated and will be answered: jmdragon@jmdragon.net

Part One

Occasionally, you look at your life and feel as if you are looking into that enormous shop window full of wonderful things to buy. Catherine Xianthos Devonshire Warriorson had exactly that feeling as she sifted through her most recent memories. It brought a warm glow bubbling up inside her. She had finished all her business calls and paperwork for the day, as she contentedly watching over her youngest daughter Elena, who at fifteen months old was more of a toddler, than a baby. She was walking around without aid and although she mumbled, Catherine was certain she said the odd word. It was just that it never made sense. Jace would smile indulgently at both her partner and her daughter and just shake her head at them both.

Today Jace was busy in town working with the Reverend in one of the poorer areas of the city. At first, Catherine hadn't particularly taken much notice of the two afternoons a week Jace volunteered her services. But in the last couple of months, she felt as if her partner was moving away from her and becoming more closely involved in the work in the town, especially as the afternoons had turned out to be all day now. Or was it that she was just jealous of the time that Jace spent with others when she could be home with her? Probably more the second version, but she refused to give full range to her emotions on that particular feeling. It would bring nothing but trouble.

These day's, things had become rather dull and boring! Perhaps that was too strong a comment, but it sure felt like it sometimes to Catherine. Maybe it was because she had felt the adrenaline rush for those two years when she and Jace had first met and everything had somehow just burst and situations and events seemed to cascade on them both at every turn. Now here she was closing up her computer terminal and it was only three o clock in the afternoon. Oh well, afternoon tea was always a good soothing solution to her sombre thoughts...the children for starters.

Jake had been pondering over a conversation that she'd had with him recently about his education. Jace had been in town and they were talking generally when the subject naturally came up. Unfortunately, the boy wasn't happy about the discussion and Catherine realised she might have made an error of judgement in talking to him before discussing it with Jace and having her present. Then again, Jace had been in town working on her community projects. Mind you, she still had to talk to her partner about that particular predicament!

Lisa was doing her damnedest to be Lisa! No matter how much time Catherine spent with the child to help her co-ordination, it didn't seem to work. The kid was a klutz and that was the end of it! The saving grace there was that she was their klutz and they could afford to keep replacing the crockery. There was still time yet, to help Lisa overcome her problem and Catherine had an idea, which maybe with the help of Rio, the ever-faithful pet dog, might yet accomplish what was fast becoming a seemingly impossible feat.

There was a knock on the study door and Catherine called for whomever it was to enter, as the door opened Rio dashed inside and greeted his tall mistress with enthusiasm. Catherine bent down to stroke his ears a sign of affection the dog loved as he settled next to her chair and lifted his head up for the caress.

"Grace this is a surprise, thought you were in town?" Catherine smiled as her friend came further into the room carrying a tray laden with the afternoon tea.

"Ah well, I was finished with the good Reverend on the Trust business and thought going home seemed a good idea. I have a message from Jace; she's going to be late so have dinner without her. She said you would understand." Grace watched the averted profile stiffen at the last words. 'Maybe Catherine didn't understand?'

"Yes, thanks Grace, are you joining me for tea?" Catherine asked her quietly and gave her a brief smile.

"If you're inviting me?" Grace beamed at her and sat down at the chair to the left of Catherine's desk having placed the tea tray down on its polished surface.

"Yes, of course and anyway, you have invited yourself I see with the additional cup." Catherine shot her an amused look and poured tea into Grace's cup and then the enormous mug that was now third generation. Which according to Faith, she was going to take shares out in the pottery that made them, the way they broke in this house.

"Anything of interest going on that I need to keep appraised of?" Grace smiled at her friend. She knew that something was bothering the tall stoic woman. She had that look that was a cross between a frown and a scowl.

Catherine shrugged her shoulders and saw that Elena was blinking her eyes, hell of a kid this one was...if she could smell tea she was wide-awake! "No, quite boring actually. I could do with some excitement not anything spectacular but...." Catherine smiled at her daughter and saw the green eyes that mirrored her mothers blink at her a couple of times as she suddenly put her arms out for her mama.

"That child has you pegged Catherine for a real push over. All she does is blink her eyes and you're down for the count." Grace laughed as her friend reached into the pushchair and unclasped the restraints and happily enclosed her daughter into her arms, and then sat back in her chair.

Catherine kissed the dark head and smiled into it. "Yes, I'm aware that I have a problem refusing anything from certain parties with green eyes." Catherine reached over and picked up the small bottle full of milky tea and gave it to Elena, who grasped it firmly and drank thirstily from the bottle.

"Yeah, you sure do. Just make sure it's only that families green eyes that you refuse nothing, and not just anyone's. Or I suspect you will have the wrath of a small Californian we know, who can certainly slay you with a few choice words. Elena loves her tea doesn't she?I see just the way you make it too? Guess she wont be taking up her mothers habit of drinking iced tea then?" Grace watched as Catherine looked at her daughter and smiled indulgently.

"No, I think she's going to be a traditional English tea belly just like me!" Catherine reflected smugly and heard Grace chuckle as she turned her gaze back to her friend.

"Have you heard from Adamson about the adoption?" Grace asked and this time Catherine did scowl.

"No!" Catherine answered sharply.

"Sorry. I know how important it is that you want all the legalities tied up on Elena, even if you can't do so with Lisa and Jake right now." Grace counter quickly.She knew that her friend had been gutted recently at having her application for a full residential visa once again refused and another temporary one granted for another two years.

"Legalities is that what it's called these days Grace? Fucking pen pushers don't know the far end of anything if you ask me!" Catherine voice angry, yet low, as she didn't want to disturb the child on her lap.

"What are you going to do?" Grace watched the cold ice blue eyes float over the room and then shrug her shoulders.

"Hell, I don't know Grace. I've been thinking of giving up the residency altogether and moving somewhere else. Maybe a desert island." Catherine answered her seriously.Her expression relating to Grace that she had been thinking about the alternatives.

"Jesus Catherine, have you talked it over with Jace? What does she say?" Grace asked her, upset at her friend's train of thought.

Catherine sipped her tea and closed her eyes briefly at the question. "I can't tell Jace that Grace. Hell she loves it here. She's settling down.I think if she asked for a permanent visa now, she could get it. After all she doesn't have the sordid past that I have, now does she!"

Grace looked at her friend and heard the sarcasm in her tone. "Are you jealous that Jace could get a full visa and possibly adopt the kids and you can't?" it was a very valid point.

"No!" came back a petulant reply.

Grace had her answer and she picked up her tea and smiled slowly at the other woman.

"Good."

"Good? That's all you're going to say? I know better Grace. Out with it." Catherine's voice held a restraint that Grace had heard many times over the years just before she was about to blow up.

"Well, as you've asked graciously as always Catherine," Grace saw the left eyebrow raise and she carried on regardless. "If Jace gets a permanent visa and adopts the kids, she will be the official guardian of all three children. If something did happened to your relationship that would leave you vulnerable. In other words you would end up with nothing!" Grace waited for her friend's next words with concern.

"WHO BLOODY WELL ASKED YOU TO MAKE THAT ASSOCIATION?" Catherine did shout this time and was confronted not only by angry brown eyes, but the watery green ones of her daughter.

"See what you've done now!" Grace answered as she went over to lift the trembling child from Catherine's lifeless hands at her loss of control.

"Hey, Mama didn't mean to shout Elena. Let's go put you in the playpen and you can play with all those toys you have for awhile." Grace soothed the child and was rewarded with a toothy smile.

Catherine watched her friend take Elena, gently soothe the child and help her chose some of her favourite toys to play with. Finally Grace turned, their gazes locked and Grace sat back down in her chair heavily.

"I'm sorry."

Grace looked at her apologetic expression and knew that to be the case. "I know and that's the foolishness of it all. You always say that and that's why you end up in a mess in the first place. Has anyone ever tried to curb that temper of yours Catherine, ever?" Grace's voice heavy on the sarcasm herself this time.

"Can't say anyone ever cared enough to try, until I was too old to learn anything different." Catherine answered honestly. Her hands around the mug of tea she drank heavily from to calm her nerves. It was one thing shouting at Grace, it was another altogether scaring the hell out of her daughter.

"Yeah, well you can tell!" Grace answered shortly as she also drank from her teacup and then put it down. "Whatever you might think about the idea Catherine, it is a solution to Jake and Lisa's adoption."

Catherine looked over the rim of her mug and her ice blue eyes glowed with resentment. "I want to adopt them Grace. I agreed to have them in my home. I'm bringing them up as part of my family, so I want that right too!"

"Sure you have them in a home. You provide the finance to feed and cloth and educate them and I've no doubt that you love them but...." Grace looked her squarely in the eyes.

"But what?" was the frustrated question!

"You fucked up early in life Catherine. You are paying for it. God help me, I would do anything to help you get rid of that stain. But you made it. You have to live with it! So, stop being so bloody pigheaded and ask Jace if she will give up her American passport and become a New Zealander. Not only for the kids, but more importantly for you too!" Grace exploded in a low tone so that Elena wouldn't be disturbed by their discussion.

Catherine looked at her aghast at the rejoinder from her friend. Shaking her head she looked at Grace and poured them both more tea. "I can ask her to consider a dual passport. Maybe that would work, but to give up her American passport, no Grace that's too much."

"She'll do anything for you Catherine. You know that, why not just ask her. She loves you and while this is eating away at you, one day it will come back and bite you both. You might lose the children and then what?" Grace asked reverently, her eyes concerned at her friend's obstinacy.

"I will not allow anyone! Do you hear me Grace? Anyone to take my children from me!" Catherine growled the tone sounding like a lion roaring in outrage, but at a much lower pitch.

"What if that anyone is Jace?" Grace pointed out practically. Her own heart bleeding for this woman and although their conversation might sound cruel to another party, Grace knew that it was a conversation she was actually better handling than even Jace, and that had to be saying something.

"Jace wouldn't do that to me Grace. We both know that, so why mention it?" the conversation was becoming irrelevant.

"I know and I was just making sure you did as well. After all, that's what friends are for, right?" Grace smiled and they both chuckled at the statement.

"Yes, we are friends Grace. I thank god for that, for what would I do without you?" Catherine looked over at Elena who was happily placing bricks in her mouth.

"Yeah, what indeed. Well, I have a husband, whom I simply adore and who should be coming home shortly. Think I'll leave you with the little one and see you tomorrow sometime." Grace moved out of her seat and smiled as her eyes saw Colin ride up the hill near the stable out of the study window.

Grace went swiftly towards the door and just as she left Catherine said. "Yes, see you tomorrow Grace." Who nodded her head and left the woman alone.

Catherine stood up, stretched her arms over her head for the surgery she had for the pain in her shoulder several months ago now completely healed. Turning her head she saw why Grace had rushed out of the room smiling wryly she bent down to her daughter. "Well, Elena I guess we go and talk to Judy about dinner as we have one less with us tonight. Wonder when your mother will be home? Its not the same without her in the house, kind of lonely wouldn't you say?"

The child only looked up at her with the same eyes as her mother and laughed and threw a block at her tall playmate. 'Thanks a lot Elena!' Catherine managed to catch the brick before it hit her in the face this kid needed discipline. Picking up the child she went towards the study door and looked at the clock it was now close on three forty-five and Jake and Lisa would be home from school.

Well there was one certainty in this life she would hunt anyone down who tried to take her children away from her......and that was, anyone, for any reason!

Jace had arrived home late! It was well after ten in the evening when she eventually drove the Landrover towards the gates.

The security guard, who had been surprised at her late arrival, quickly came out of the security house, strolled over to her and smiling as she wound the window down. "Mrs. Jace you're late home this evening. Nothing wrong I hope?" the guard asked as he looked inside the rear of the vehicle. He had been instructed to do so with any vehicle, regardless of who was in it.

"No Fred, everything is fine just had something that couldn't wait in the town to deal with." Jace smiled at the man, who was one of six permanent guards on the property to cover them twenty-four hours a day, all year round.

"My wife said that you were working with the drug taking dropouts in Lasky Street. That is kind of a dangerous area miss, if you know what I mean." Fred said kindly to the young woman. He liked Jace Warriorson, even if he wasn't exactly enamoured by her relationship with the owner of the property, it was a well paid job and the woman was always friendly and had a caring attitude to every situation she came across. The owner on the other hand was different. It was hard to picture how two people so opposite could live together happily, but they appeared to from all accounts. So, as long as they kept their relationship inside the ranch, he didn't care. But, he wasn't happy about a blatant public relationship, that wouldn't be right at all!

"Yeah, I'm helping the Reverend on his community project there. It is very interesting, but tonight it's gone over a little late. Hope they left the lights on for me at home." The blonde chuckled as Fred shut up the rear of the vehicle and smiled back at her.

"I'm sure they will have and everything is okay back there, so away you go. Goodnight Mrs. Jace." He pressed the automatic switch for the gates to open.

"Goodnight to you too Fred. Better get another overcoat on in there it's going to be cold tonight." Jace remarked, putting the vehicle in gear and moved forward towards the inky darkness of the road to go that final couple of miles up the drive and the house.

Hope Catherine isn't too upset about tonight. I know she's been getting edgy lately. Getting her to say exactly what was the hard part, still she would in the end, she always did. Braking outside the house, she would leave the vehicle in front of the house tonight. She was far too tired to consider parking it in the garage area. She had to be out of the house early in the morning anyway, so it would serve its purpose.

Walking up to the porch, she didn't see her partner, who was sitting in the dark corner until she heard the scrape of a chair and it startled her.

"Hey Catherine, I didn't realise you were out here. You startled me for a second."

Catherine stood tall and intimidating in the dark. She came forward slowly and looked at her partner, her face blank. "Sorry. You usually have second sight when I'm around, even if you can't see me." Catherine responded coming closer to her lover.

"Guess I'm tired Catherine. Have you had a good day?" Jace gave her a smile and reached up to place her arms around the neck of her taller partner and pulled the head down for a welcome kiss. Only, Jace noticed that Catherine barely responded.

"It's late as you say and you're tired." Catherine broke the kiss quickly and went towards the kitchen entrance door.

Jace looked at the retreating back and shook her head. Following closely behind her partner, they entered the dimly lit kitchen area. Catherine turned towards the coffee percolator and asked with her eyes if Jace wanted any.

"No that's fine Catherine. I think bed is the only place for me. I've eaten earlier. So a nice shower and sleep will be about my limit tonight."

"I see." Catherine answered distantly and placed her hands on the counter top in the kitchen. "You left the car out for any reason?"

Jace took a deep breath. For some reason Catherine was upset. She wasn't going to make it easy to find out exactly why.

"I need to go back and help Clarence with one of the cases we had today. But, I should be back around lunchtime." Jace faltered in her explanation as she saw the remote look enter Catherine's eyes.

"I see." Catherine once again replied. This time she switched on the kettle to boil some water.

Jace placed a hand over her eyes and closed them this was far too stupid a conversation to have when she was tired. "Look Catherine I'm genuinely tired. I could do with some sleep. I will be leaving around six in the morning. If you don't mind, I'd like to have this conversation when you can use more than two words, okay?"

Catherine starred at her and then pointed to the door from the kitchen to the hall. "Be my guest. Go to bed," the tone displaying no emotion as she turned in her task to make tea. It was going to be a long night.

Jace stood her ground and decided this was going to far. What had she done wrong......come home late? Hades Catherine came home late all the time when they were in New York. Even here at home, she would sometimes be in the study way past midnight taking some call or other. "Are you mad with me about something Catherine?"

Catherine having dropped her teabag into the large mug and poured over the hot water turned at the words and gave Jace a look that was searching, but couldn't get the answer they wanted. "No!" she finally answered.

"So, are you coming to bed soon?" Jace decided in Catherine's present mood, the one or two word sentences were all she was going to get.

"I have a few things to go over for the architects on the renovations now that we have chosen the builders. They start work next month." Catherine replied her eyes turning back to her tea.

"Okay. I can understand that, but surely it could wait for tomorrow. We could go over the plans together then darling." Jace volunteered giving her a smile, hoping to receive a reciprocal one in return.

"I need to take them into town in the morning. Tomorrow afternoon will be too late." Catherine replied her face stony in appearance and certainly no warmth emitted at all.

"Right. Well in that case, I think coffee will be a good idea if I'm going to keep awake so we can go over the plans together." Jace answered her green eyes turning serious as she reached over Catherine to switch on the percolator.

Catherine heard the words, saw the fatigue in the face she loved and realised she was being a bloody idiot. "No!" Catherine placed her hand on Jace's forearm and stopped her action as green eyes turned to her in surprise.

"No? No you don't want my help?" Jace asked puzzled.

Catherine placed her hands around the blonde's face and smiled the smile most definitely reaching her eyes this time.

"No you need to go to bed. You're tired and the plans are secondary to you getting rest. I don't want you too tired when you get in the car tomorrow. That is how accidents happen." Catherine responded softly, placing a tender kiss on the lips that were inches from hers.

Jace felt the tension of the last few minutes dissipate with the touch of Catherine's lips on hers. "I love you darling. I'm sorry I'm late and about the morning, but I'm all yours later, I promise."

"I love you too Jace. And you are mine now and always. So, I think I can be generous to the Reverend for a little of your precious time. Now go to bed. I'll see you shortly." Catherine smiled again and their foreheads touched in quiet acceptance of each other's apology, however veiled Catherine's might have been.

Jace kissed Catherine again briefly, smiled as she headed towards the door.

"You know something?" Catherine said as she watched her partner move towards the door, Jace's gait always had a swing to it that reminded Catherine of a drunk.

Jace turned and gave her a puzzled look her eyes blinking back the tiredness. "Not unless you enlighten me?" The blonde chuckled softly and put a hand through her hair in a tired gesture.

"Anyone ever tell you how sexy you are when you walk, especially from the back?" Catherine gave her a long look from her ice blue eyes and it held a sensual pleasure that she had at the sight before her.

Jace gave her a frown of mild amusement at the comment and chuckled a little more. "Yeah, and we know what part you find sexy. So on that note, I'll go to bed. Goodnight Catherine." Jace walked out of the room and Catherine ran towards the door as she left and pulled it slightly open to continue her Jace watching with a tiny smirk on her face as her partner went up the stairs and finally out of view.

Catherine went back to her tea, contemplated the dark liquid and tossed up a coin in her head. Before it settled on a heads or tails, she had poured the liquid down the sink and headed off towards the bedroom. If nothing else this evening, she would watch her partner get into bed and hold her in her arms while she fell asleep. Afterwards, she would hold Jace sleeping and know that in her heart, no matter how long she was away, the important thing was for her to come home. That was all that mattered. Now that was far better then any old plans. Anyone who thought different obviously didn't love the person they were with. Damn shame! Catherine switched off the light and set the alarm system to external house protection and silently closed the gap between her partner and herself.

~ ~ ~

Fatama Spiros was the typical Greek matriarch. Her husband had died shortly after the birth of their youngest child. Due to the position of wealth and perceived power the family held on the small island of Xianspiros, she had taken over her husband's role as the head of the family. The maternal role also extended to the business of running the string of restaurants both on the islands and on the mainland of Greece. As with all-powerful families, there was the inevitable fly in the ointment; that was the family, who actually owned more of Xianspiros than they did themselves.

Now that the American woman had given them some interesting details that she doubted the family themselves had access to, it would be a good time to indulge in a little feuding that hadn't happened in over fifty years. She remembered in the early days how it had practically caused a mini civil war on the island. Only the intervention by an Englishman in removing the two daughters of the other family to safety and obscurity, had the feud avoided the massive bloodshed that often happened in these occurrences. The family Xianthos had been deposed from the island for years. That is, until Constantia, the eldest daughter made a quiet, but unwelcome return over thirteen years ago. Unwelcome in the eyes of the Spiros family, but the islanders of Xianspiros had been overjoyed at the return of the heir to the estates of their ancestors.

"Mama, I will be going to the restaurant now. Do you need anything?" George Spiros, her eldest son, heir to the family business asked his mother as he ventured into the open patio area. It had the distinctive grapevines adorning the wrought iron trellis's that gave a very private area. One his mother loved and would sit for hours on and gaze upon the sun rise and fall over the Aegean Sea.

George came forward. Bent down to kiss his mothers cheek and take her hand to steady her as she moved away from the breakfast table towards her large chair, which had one of the best views of the island. Only outclassed by the Xianthos family villa, which for years had been laid to waste. But, was now beautifully renovated in the old Greek style of the ancients; or so people said.

"You have not forgotten your sister arrives tonight? We must plan what to do as I discussed with you before?" Fatama remark from a face weather worn, the creases gave away that she lived and worked in a sunny environment. At one time, it had been a very beautiful countenance. Now, having reached the age of seventy, it had the worn look so many often experienced.

George was typically handsome by Greek standards. His dark black hair and swarthy features had captured many a girl's heart in the early days. If he wasn't being too modest, even today, he could have his pick of the tourist's who frequented the small island in the summer. Although he was forty, he was rarely without a much younger woman on his arm and preferably a blonde.

"Yes Mama. I remember Althea will be home. But does she know anything about why, she has been summoned from Athens?"

One thing he knew about his sister was that she hated the island she had been born on and had welcomed the opportunity to go and study in Athens. Finally settling there much to his mothers chagrin, although Althea wasn't within easy reach of her mother, she certainly came running when their mother called, as he did himself.

"No! She will know tonight when she arrives. You will pick her up from the ferry point?" George nodded his head and went to leave. "We will rid the island of the Xianthos seed George, once and for all! If necessary the world too!" the older woman turned to her precious view of the picturesque sight, as a thin lipped smirk slithered across her aged weary countenance.

George shook his head at the comment. Maybe Althea could talk some sense into the old woman. He had attempted upon several occasions. But she continued to persist in this stupid vendetta. He often wondered why? There had been stories of hundreds of years ago and curses, but nothing as to why the recent feud involving his father and he suspected his mother came about. He was sure that they would find out sooner, rather than later.

Steven Corby had lived on the streets for over two years. His degeneration into drugs from the age of sixteen had been inevitable especially with his background. His father was a compulsive gambler. His mother was nothing more than a whore to meet the demands of her craving for alcohol in any form! Steven had been a smart boy at school. His constant battles with his home life and his eventual slide into the wrong crowd when he was but the age of youthful exuberance-for want of a better expression.

Now he was being lectured to by a doddering old Reverend. Who couldn't see the problems they had in this day and age. He was from the old school. Except for the fact that he was bringing along a blonde, which you could certainly have fantasies day and night about. He would not normally have even bothered to stay beyond the warm meal and blanket that was given out at the temporary shelter in Lasky Street. Yet, here he was. It was entirely to see the green eyes and engaging smile of the blonde, who they said was American. However, he hadn't been that close to hear her speak.

Jane Sargent, a medium height, but solidly built sixteen year old sat down heavily next to him. She was quite cute, if you didn't mind the permanent red nose and streaming eyes her addiction to drugs had created. However, she did have a sense of humour. On the cold nights when they had no shelter and walked the streets or settled down in old buildings, it was a relief to the horrors of the situation they were in.

"Steve you ogling that Yank again?" her eyes furtively roaming over the other people in the small shelter that had been recently put together by a shoestring, or that is what the outward appearance suggested.

"What if I am? She is certainly better turned out than you are!" the young man replied with a friendly grin.

"When was the last time you saw 'Master' Steve?" Jane asked him, having scanned the room to her satisfaction.

"Tuesday. He had a new stash. But, it was way expensive. I'll have to sell my soul to the devil for some of that." Steven didn't like the thought of selling his body to anyone who wanted it. But he didn't have a choice now. He was becoming as bad as the mother he despised. Ironic when you thought about it. He didn't particularly want to.

"Well, he likes me. So, I guess I might get a chance at some real soon." Jane winked at her friend, then wiped her dripping nose on the sleeve of her rumbled and dirty jumper.

The Reverend Stott chose that moment to stand beside the seats they had taken. He smiled at them with that expression of peace you always saw on the face of a man committed to God. Serene as if nothing could touch them, even with the horrors of today.

"I see you both have turned up again. Is it the meal, blankets or another attraction that had taken your interest?" Clarence Stott was pretty certain that the young man was smitten with Jace. The girl was another thing altogether.

Thomas grinned at the Reverend. His face took on a boyish appeal that was quite hidden under the normal ravages of his addiction. "Well, the foods good. The blankets keep us warm at night. But, I got to tell you that is some woman you have helping you Reverend."

"That she is. That she is. And your name would be?" Clarence asked and held out his hand in welcome.

"Steven, Steve usually. So how long do you plan on keeping this place open? They don't last long normally." Steven replied as he pointed around the room and finally rested his eyes on the small blonde, who was talking to an older woman at the food area.

"We plan on keeping open as long as there are people to help. I want to say that one day, we will close for the right reasons but...." Clarence smiled as he noticed where the young man was looking.

"Well, in my experience, places like this shut up through lack of funds. I bet it happens in this town too!" Jane Sargent decided to enter the conversation.

"I certainly hope not. But, if that was a possibility, I have a friend who knows people, who might help with the right persuasion." Clarence smiled as he thought of a conversation that he had had the night before with Jace. She had said if there were a funding problem, she would speak to Catherine. After all, her partner must have some sympathy with this project on a personal level.

"Rich friends usually want something out of the charity they give. I know a few people who only do it for self gratification." Jane caustically stated as she wiped her nose again on her sleeve. The gesture clearly indicating her need for a further feed of her addiction.

"I believe that this person is sincere and would not want anything other than for the funds to be used for the benefit of the cause." Clarence this time looked towards Jace, who was talking animatedly with his wife.

They had become quite friendly in the months that Jace had started to help in the community. His wife had been overjoyed when an invitation to the reception of Jace and Catherine Warriorson's commitment had been sent. It had been a wonderful day, not only for the happy couple, but for all the guests present as well. It wasn't so much a wedding atmosphere, as a party, one much like a birthday. The friendliness that abounded surprised the guests invited from the town.

Jane Sargent saw the look that the Reverend had given the blonde woman. She looked at the small woman in speculation.

"Is she American then?"

Clarence laughed loudly at the remark and then nodded his head, "Yes, indeed my friend. Jace is an American. Tell you what, I will call her over and you can hear for yourself." Chuckling the man went over to Jace and his wife and spoke to them both as each gave a wide smile.

Steven couldn't believe his luck. The beautiful blonde was heading their way.

"Don't' wreck this Jane. I want to speak to her. So, keep quiet okay?" He stared at his friend.

"Shit! Men are so dumb. They only think with their dick! Go ahead. Fawn all over her, or is it fornicate!" the girl countered, looking at the approaching woman with a scowl.

Jace wasn't exactly sure what was expected of her here. Clarence had asked her to go over to the two young people and talk to them and she would. It was now after one p.m. She had promised to have lunch with Catherine. That had been blown out of the water. The stilted conversation she had with her partner an hour ago, hadn't settled well with her either. Yet, this was something she felt good about, the chance to help young people who needed that little extra time. She was especially interested in the project when it was mentioned because of Catherine. Her partner had once been lucky. She had found two people who cared enough about her to help her addiction. But these kids, who was going to help them? Well she was certainly going to try!

"Hi, I'm Jace. The Reverend asked me to come over and talk, not sure what about, but that's a man of the cloth for you; always have something to say, don't they?" Jace smiled at them, waiting for a response. Although, she was not entirely sure she was going to get one.

Steven was enchanted. He saw the bright green eyes and the beautiful skin that wasn't impaired by any blemishes; not like all the other women he came across. Well most of them anyway.

"I'm Steven," was all he could think of as a reply.

Jace smiled at him and then turned to the girl and gave her a quizzical look.

"Jane," came the aggrieved reply.

"Do you mind if I sit here for a few moments?" Jace asked and nodded towards the vacant chair beside the girl.

"It's a free country. Help yourself." Jane replied with sarcasm.

Jace smiled at the reply. Well, the girl didn't seem to like her much. She had heard worse rejoinders from Catherine and still lived to tell the tale. That made her chuckle. She gave an embarrassed look at the two young people.

"Thanks."

"So, where do you two come from originally?" Jace asked. It was a start. At least she could have a conversation all on her own, about her previous life in the US if needs be.

"I'm from...." Steven began the conversation totally enraptured by the blonde American with the warm green eyes.

Catherine crossed her arms then uncrossed them and then crossed them again. This aggravated movement had gone on for quiet some time now.

Judy was getting irritated at her boss's obvious agitated emotions. However, she didn't have Grace's expertise with the tall dark woman. Certainly no one but Jace she thought was going to solve this problem.

The door to the kitchen opened and Lisa walked in slowly. Her head hung down as she slipped into the seat next to Catherine, who looked up at the intrusion in her personal space. Catherine looked at her elder daughter with concern. It wasn't often the child was subdued. She certainly looked it this minute.

"Okay, spill it. What's wrong?" Catherine asked the child a few moments later. It at least stopped the arm crossing movements.

Lisa looked up at her guardian and gave her a hopeless look from those blue eyes. Catherine smiled at the child's desolate features.

"Why do the boys always say nice things to Kate Witherspoon. But to me, they tell jokes and call me carrot top?" the girl asked plaintively.

Catherine wanted to laugh and turned her eyes towards Judy who at that moment headed for the laundry room with a smile. "Well it would depend." Catherine said evasively.

Lisa looked at her and frowned. "Depend on what?"

"What nice things do they say to the other girl?" Catherine wasn't sure she wanted to have this conversation. But, Lisa was going to be nine this year and she was growing up little by little and she had to start somewhere.

Lisa poked the tip of her tongue out in concentration at the question. "They say she has lovely hair. It is golden like Jace's. Then they say she wears real nice clothes, dresses and stuff, I don't like dresses much! Then they say they would like to be the first to kiss her!"

Catherine put a hand up to her mouth to stop the laughter at the comments. "Come here Lisa." Catherine held her arms out and Lisa flew into them and nestled down into her shoulder. Kissing the top of her head, she held this little girl, who for her couldn't feel more like a daughter. It didn't matter that they were not related in any way, but with love. That was all that mattered.

"Why do they just tell me jokes Catherine?" Lisa quizzed, her words muffled into her chest.

Catherine thought about her answer. For some reason, she felt that it was important she got this sensitive chat right. "When I was your age, my mama would always clothe me in the best dresses. However, Princess, they never looked right because I was such a tall child, kind of gangly, like Jake is at the moment. But, on boys, it doesn't seem to matter so much. Well, the boys at my school used to laugh at me all the time. I had braids for my long hair also.They used to pull them and make me cry. I would see the same boys being nice to other girls, but never me.I would wonder why? I went home one day and my mama asked me what was wrong. I told her the same thing you did Lisa. She hugged me just as we are today. You know the only thing she said to me was, 'Be yourself Catherine. Do the things you know are right for you and know that we love you. That's the most important thing.' So, I say the same to you Princess. Be yourself. Know that we love you with all our hearts.That is the most important thing."

Catherine waited for a reaction. She just wasn't sure what it would be from the fairly impressionable and sensitive youngster.

Lisa looked at her and then suddenly put her thin arms around Catherine's neck and placed wet kisses on her jaw line.

"I will Catherine and thank you for loving me." The child spoke quietly into her ear.

"You're very welcome darling. Now, I have a real big task for you today. How about you and I find Rio and take him for a bath. He kind of smells a little. What do you say?" Catherine grinned at the child.

"Oh yeah. I love bathing Rio. He always gets us wet too." Lisa enthused, which Catherine wholeheartedly agreed with, but wished she didn't have to.

"Lets go and find Rio Lisa. This time, it's my turn to soap him. The last time he ended up under the shower five times to get the suds out of his coat." Catherine laughed and as Lisa jumped from her knee, she stood up and looked at the clock. It was now four in the afternoon and still Jace wasn't home. So much for spending the afternoon together!

Catherine hooked her right hand around the handle of Elena's pushchair. The child had been happily munching on a couple of milk biscuits as she and Lisa talked. Then held her hand out to Lisa who grinned and took it in her small hand as they walked out onto the porch looking for Rio.

~ ~ ~

Jace looked at the time. It was now closer to five in the afternoon or rather early evening as she sucked in a sharp breath and went through the main door of the house and removed her coat, gloves and boots. It was getting colder every day. Rummaging in a pile of slippers that were strewn over the highly polished wooden floor. She found her sheepskin moccasin ones and slipped into them and sighed at the sheer pleasure her feet received from the soft and warm interior.

Judy would give them a hard time again if between the three of them they didn't keep the pile of shoes and slippers tidy. Catherine was the exception. Her external and indoor footwear was always in a wonderful organised position close to the umbrella stand, two rows to be precise. She had often marvelled about it, they looked like a regiment of soldiers ready for inspection. Jace smiled as that thought came and went and speculated on what Catherine would look like in the uniform of a general? Mmm......wonder if she would consider a fancy dress party in the future to check out that particular fantasy. Jace had the feeling that Catherine would look authoritative, grand and entirely too sexy for just any party. Maybe...they could have a party just between the two of them? Yeah, that sounded great to her. The sounds of laughter from the kitchen broke her wayward thoughts. She went towards the door leading to the kitchen and her family.

Opening the door, she popped her blonde head inside and looked around the room smiling at the comforting sight.

"Is it safe to come inside? No water bombs or anything about to be thrown at me?" Jace laughed at the sight of Lisa dripping wet and towelling her hair. But with the help of Rio, who looked fluffy and shiny from under the spotlights in the kitchen. He was tugging at the end of the towel obviously the dog's payback. Elena was grinning and pulling at Rio's tail. She too looked like she'd been in the shower fully clothed. Faith was busily trying to stop the toddler attacking the dog, so she could change her. Then there was Catherine!

Catherine looked up at the sound of the voice she had anxiously been waiting to hear all day. Her hair was dripping, much as Lisa's and her shirt was clinging in all the right places to her body from the high-spirited antics with the dog and children.

"Hi, no water bombs this side of the stable anyway." The tall woman's eyes locked with her partner's as a small rueful smile convinced Jace that today; Catherine was in a better mood.

"Great!" Jace smiled back and walked into the room and sat herself down next to Catherine. Her eyes taking in the appreciative curves the wet clothes revealed to her. "Love the outfit." Jace whispered into Catherine's ear for her alone.

Catherine lifted her eyes and she smiled into the green ones close to hers. "I'm pleased about that. Wouldn't like to disappoint you in any way." Catherine's voice edged lower as she spoke so that their conversation couldn't be heard by anyone else in the room.

The ice blue eyes that locked on hers entranced Jace. She put out a hand and tenderly stroked the wet grey hair at the side of Catherine's head. "You will never ever disappoint me darling. How could you?" Her own voice shook with the emotion she felt when she was this close to her partner.

Catherine turned her head reluctantly away from Jace as she heard Lisa yelp. "Have we a problem over in that corner?"

"Rio's being bad Catherine. He wont let me get dried. I want to have something to eat and you won't let me until I'm all dried up," the child said in a troubled tone. Her stomach was rumbling, as she was indeed hungry.

Catherine grinned at the child and waved her finger at her. "Serves you right for chasing him around the stable with his towel to dry him. He's only returning the compliment." Jace chuckled as she saw the two blue gazes lock. Eventually Lisa gave way and her face carried a woeful expression.

"Rio, here boy." Catherine commanded the dog softly. The dog immediately came to heal. His tall mistress might need help.

Jace stood up and went over to Lisa and put a hand on her chin and lifted it and gave her a smile and kissed her cheek.

"Okay now?"

The little girl nodded her head and went into the laundry room to find some fresh dry clothes.

Jace then knelt down next to her youngest daughter and kissed the top of her head. "How are you doing little one? What did you do to get wet, huh?" Elena chuckled and held out her arms to her mother.

Faith was watching with an indulgent expression on her face. "The answer I have from Lisa and...Catherine is Elena by some miracle managed to extricate herself from the pushchair. Without their knowledge, she decided to use the hosepipe to spectacular effect on them all! Now, how that happens with an adult in charge is beyond me." Faith raised her eyes to Catherine in a friendly challenge.

'Jesus this woman was as bad as Grace, but then again it was Grace's mother!' Catherine looked down at her empty tea mug and smiled sweetly at Judy who was waiting patiently to provide nourishment to the family.

"Any more tea left?"

"Catherine, she didn't?" Jace laughed at the thought. She would have given anything to see the toddler who was only two-foot tall take on her six-foot partner, her elder sister, as well as the dog also! Hades of a sight she was sure.

Catherine looked guilty as charged. The pink that was slowly rising from her neck to her face was enough for Jace to conclude that indeed that had been the case. "Oh! Jace, it wasn't exactly like that!" The dark haired woman tried to assuage her embarrassment at the event.

Jace walked back to her partner and put out a finger, which she traced over the red on her friend's cheek. "Tell you what, you can explain it all to me in detail later. How about we eat? I'm starving. My tummy is growling like you wouldn't believe."

Lisa came rushing back into the room as food was mentioned. Her tee shirt half tucked into her jeans and her socks appeared to be odd, but otherwise, she was dry and that was all that mattered to her.

Catherine laughed out loud at that remark and placed her hand on the anatomy in question and her satisfied smile beamed as she felt the growl for herself. "Sounds like you have a tiger in there darling. Or is there anything else I should know about?"

Jace looked at her with a serious expression for all of a few seconds. Catherine raised her left eyebrow in question at the look.

"No! Nothing you should know about." Jace responded softly and added silently, 'not yet anyway.'

The chatting began around the table as they settled in for the meal.

"Where's Jake?" Jace enquired as she noticed the absence of the boy from the table.

"Football!" was the resounding answer from around the table and Jace laughed at the sight of them.

"Sorry, I forgot, silly of me really. When will he be home? It isgetting dark early now" her concern for the boy evident.

Catherine placed a hand on hers under the table and smiled, "I've sent Cruisal out to bring him home. They should be here soon my love.You worry too much."

Jace looked at her partner and shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, must be part of my nature I guess."

Catherine grinned at that. "Yes. We love you for it Jace, so never change. Come on let us eat.Looking after children and bathing dogs is definitely hard work."

Jace watched her family start the meal. Her heart felt light with the love she had for them all. She thanked all the powers that be, that the woman beside her had the strength and help to kick her addiction to drugs.If not, they probably wouldn't be here today. A tear trickled down her cheek at the thought. A finger wiped it away startling her.

Concerned ice blue eyes looked into hers, "Are you okay?"

Jace smiled and put out a hand and placed the finger to her lips. "Yes, I couldn't be better. I'm starving!" came the reply as she picked up the serving spoon and selected some potatoes, knowing that the keen hawk eyes of her partner were watching. She would explain later, much later.

Jake scribbled in one of his school workbooks. Then put the pen to his mouth in concentration. He hated homework. Unless he had it finished, they wouldn't let him go on the computer for an hour before bed. Getting up from his chair at the desk that doubled as a homework base as well as his beloved computer terminal, he walked over to the window of his room and looked out at the darkness. Due to the lighting on the drive and around the house, he could see Catherine and Jace walking hand in hand in the nearby field with Rio.

It made him smile, then frowned as some of the comments he had to fend off at school recently came to his mind. Well, since they got married, but who was counting the months. He had often been close to punching some of the boys. But had been stopped by his best friend Ian Fisher, who had merely used his not inconsiderable bulk to make the point on his friend's behalf. Ian didn't play football, but opted for rugby instead. They shared the same classes. Both loved cricket, so they had lots in common and had talked about going to the same senior school next term.

Now he couldn't even have that to look forward too, if the conversation he'd had with Catherine was going to happen. He didn't want to go to a private school. He wanted to stay in a public one. His entire friend's would be going to the schools in the area. She was talking about him going to Christchurch, or worse, to England. He'd kept a low profile since then with both her and Jace. Now that Jace was preoccupied with things outside of the ranch, she wouldn't be much of an ally. He desperately needed one. The only people left was Colin and Grace; they might see his point of view and perhaps talk Catherine round, at least he had to try!

Lisa chose that moment to knock on his door and not waiting for a reply walked in with Elena holding one of her hands. Her other one was holding the brown dog that was called Blackie.

"Jake do you think that you can take us down the stairs to sit and wait for the story hour? I can't take Elena on my own. Jace and Catherine say I'm too small yet to take her myself down the stairs. But you're bigger. You can carry her down the stairs." Anyway that gate was up at the top of the stairs and she couldn't move it, but Jake could.

Jake looked at the redhead and gave her a grin. If he had to go away he would miss both these girls who he now considered sisters. They were his family. He didn't want to leave home. He loved it here. He loved his new family, all of them.

Holding out his arms for Elena, Lisa released her grip on the child. As she rushed over to the tall dark boy, who picked her up and swung her in the air for a few minutes making her giggle at the action.

Lisa just watched them her smile very nearly a permanent fixture on her face. She was rarely upset.

"Okay, you two squirts. Let's go, but remember, no trouble when you get down there, or I'm in big trouble." Jake responded as he had Elena's arms around his neck and her secured by his left arm. He held out his right hand for Lisa and she grinned even more at the gesture from the boy she loved, but who rarely let anyone near him on a personal level.

Opening the door of the lounge Jake switched the lights on, letting go of Lisa's hand as she went over to sit in the large armchair that Catherine always used. Then she reached over to check that the book they had been reading was waiting for them this evening. She saw the colourful drawings of dragons and wizards on the front cover and knew it was the short fantasy stories that they had been reading all week.

Jake walked over to the playpen, placing Elena inside and tickled her tummy as he moved away to return to his homework. If he didn't get done soon, he would miss the story hour too! Although, he might be considered a big baby by some of the boys at school, he enjoyed them and he didn't care what they thought anyway.

"See you soon Lisa. Don't forget to come and fetch me when Catherine and Jace come back, okay?" He didn't wait for the reply and headed back to his room, but before he did he went towards the kitchen and put his head around the door and saw Judy and Faith having a chat. "I've left Elena and Lisa in the lounge.Elena's in her playpen so they should be fine." He smiled and left the adults, who had smiled and nodded in understanding.

Lisa looked at the book and then got out of the large chair and went over to the patio window. From her viewpoint she saw her guardians walking and talking. Close by, Rio was running around. She could tell they wouldn't be indoors for a while yet. Looking around the room, she went towards the large open fireplace that was only ever used in the worse winter evenings. However, that wouldn't be for a few months yet. Glancing at Elena, who was peering at her from her standing position in the pen with her green eyes beseeching the blue ones of her sister to let her out of her prison. Lisa considered the pleading in the green eyes. Shrugged her shoulders as she went over to talk to Elena, 'couldn't harm anything.' With that she opened the side catch and let the panel drop and out toddled her sister, who started to chuckle and chase her sister around the room in a wobbly motion. Lisa laughing along with her as they began to play.

Catherine opened the main door of the house, allowing Jace to walk in before her and Rio followed past them both and sat on the hall rug waiting for them to remove their shoes.

Jace watched as Catherine removed her boots and carefully placed them in the position she had taken them from earlier, then select a pair of canvas shoes that she used inside only. Catherine looked up from her task of tying the shoelaces and gave her a quizzical glance.

"Something I can do for you?"

Jace smirked and patted her partner's rear end suggestively. "No I love the view but...."

Catherine chuckled at the remark and the gentle playful tap to her rear.

"But?" Catherine asked and towered over Jace and watched her through hooded eyes.

"How do you do that?" Jace pointed at the regimented shoes that belonged to her partner. Catherine looked in the direction of the finger and her frown indicated a lack of understanding, they were just shoes.

"Do what exactly Jace?" Catherine looked at her puzzled.

"Catherine really! All those nice neat rows of shoes-look at mine and the kids." Jace answered and pointed to the corner that was stacked high with a multitude of shoes and boots, none in any particular order or easy to find for that matter.

Catherine looked over the corner and a small smile played around her face as she pondered the situation and stroked her chin in exaggerated concentration. "I can see your point I must admit. Guess I'm married to a slob huh? The kids take after her...that must be the answer?"

Jace looked at her partner and gave a snort, "I'm not a slob Catherine...and the kids take after...well I don't know. But, we can find our shoes, okay...Thank you very much!"

Catherine laughed loudly at the affronted tone of her partner and hugged the blonde to her, placing a light kiss on her head. "That's okay darling. I still love you even if you need a lesson in... organisation." She turned up Jace's face winked and placed an even gentler kiss on her lips.

Jace gazed at Catherine in quiet adoration. "Well, in that case." Jace responded and kicked off her current shoes in the direction of the growing pile in the corner, then retrieved her sheepskin slippers from under the hall table.

Catherine chuckled and put an arm around her waist as they headed for the lounge and some leisure time with the children. Catherine opened the door, allowing Jace to enter first. As she looked down on the plain light carpet that still held the stains from one of Lisa's accidents with tea, there as clear as day were hand and foot prints in black all over the carpet, not just one, but numerous ones. Catherine didn't know if it was wise to look up.

Jace had walked into the room and stood stock still in the centre of the room as she saw two pairs of eyes, one blue and one green peering at her from the open fireplace. Both were covered from head to foot in soot and playing with some of the bricks that Elena had in the playpen. Jace didn't want to turn round and see the expression on her partner's face. She could well imagine it!

"Jace, I can explain!" Lisa shouted and the noise echoed as her head was partially under the chimneybreast. Lisa stood up and was followed by her partner in crime Elena, who looked at her mothers. Before anyone could stop her, she rushed forward and was now clinging to Jace's jeans waiting to be picked up. Jace looked in horror, as the trail of soot was now heavy in places and she closed her eyes at the sight. It was going to take ages to clean this mess up, not to mention her daughters as well!

"Explain!" Catherine bellowed from her position at the door, her face a mask, no emotion showing at all.

Lisa stood her ground and looked at Catherine defiantly. "I was waiting for you. But you were holding hands outside and I know how long you two take when you do that. So, I wanted to play and thought it would be okay for Elena to come and play outside her pen. She kinda fell into the fireplace when we were chasing each other in the room!"

Catherine hung her head and digested the comments and shook her head. "You know better than to let Elena out of the pen Lisa. She can be trouble. I think you have found that out to your cost. You will not have any pocket money for a month and that field trip with Grace to Queenstown is cancelled, okay?"

Lisa heard the words, but couldn't believe that Catherine would be so mean as to not let her go with Grace, Colin and Jake to Queenstown. They had promised her a jet boat ride and she wanted to go. "That's not fair Catherine. How come it's my entire fault? I want to go with Jake."

Catherine saw the tears start to glisten through all the soot. She was tempted to laugh, but couldn't. The child had been wrong to take Elena out of her pen. She needed to understand the consequences of her actions.

"Who said Jake was going? I imagine it was him who brought Elena down from her pen upstairs in the first place."

Lisa looked at her and flashed her anger, which happened so rarely that both adults were shocked. "No! That's unfair Catherine. Jake didn't do anything. He put Elena in the pen. I know he would have told Faith too! You can't punish him Catherine. I won't let you!"

Catherine eventually came to her senses after her shock at the words. "I see. You won't let me. And how do you propose to stop me Lisa?"

Jace heard the change of tone in her partner. Sometimes it was better to back off, for one of those times had just appeared.

"Tell you what, I will consider both sides of the story and make a decision. Okay with you two?" Jace said and looked at Lisa and winked knowing that Catherine couldn't see her and then turned to her partner and did the same. Both appeared mollified at the solution to their stand off as they relaxed a little.

"Well, in that case I'm going to see Tralargon for an hour as you will have your hands full with cleaning up our daughters Jace. I've had my fill of getting wet today. See you later." She turned and swiftly exited the door before Jace could answer. Her first port of call would be the kitchen to check that Jake did advise Faith about the children; in which case, she would have words with her too!

Lisa looked over at Jace who was pondering how to pick up her daughter and remain relatively unscathed. "Does that mean we wont get a story tonight Jace, because I've made her mad?"

Jace looked at Lisa ruefully and smiled, "Come here Lisa. Looks like you and our little terror are going to get another bath today. How many will that be?" What the Hades, Jace picked up her very sooty child and was rewarded with a smacking kiss and black arms around her neck. Well, she needed a shower anyway! Jace held out her hand for Lisa to take and they went to the family bathroom. Might as well all get bathed and showered at the same time.

Sooty footprints followed all the way up the stairs and into the bathroom. Fortunately, it was all wooden floors from the lounge.

Judy was rubbing her forehead at the mess, as she looked at Catherine, who had a strangely serene look about her, and turning she saw the small footprints going up the stairs.

"Judy you clean up what you can in the lounge and then lock the door. We can get a carpet cleaner in tomorrow and I'll mop the stairs. That way we will keep the soot out of the rest of the rooms." Catherine stated as a faint smile crossed her lips.

"You don't have to do that Catherine. I can mop the stairs too!" Judy protested at her boss's offer of help. In this house it wasn't as if she was rushed off her feet. It was so easy paced; she sometimes hated taking the paycheck.

"No! It's late. As my eldest daughter saw fit to point out to me that I was late for the story hour, I will take some of the blame for the mess also!" Catherine turned and waited for Judy to follow and saw Jake standing at the top of the stairs looking at her, waiting for her to comment.

"You're lucky day, boy. Have you done your homework?" Catherine asked him and smiled.

He smiled back and let out a breath he had held at her appearance in the hall. "Yes, just finished. I guess we can say goodbye to the story tonight?" The boy had heard the commotion, seen the state of the girls and thought better of showing his head out of his door initially.

"Yes! That we can." Catherine remarked slowly looking at him.

"I'll get the mop Catherine. And I'll clean up the stairs. After all it's my fault too. I brought Elena down the stairs." The boy offered and watched as the ice blue eyes of his guardian warmed up at his words.

"Okay Jake, and I will help Judy. If we all do something, it will be faster."

Jake ran down the stairs and had his hair ruffled in affection as he passed by Catherine to collect a bucket and mop.

Judy watched the boy as he sped by and winked at her, "He's a very considerate youngster Catherine."

Catherine turned to Judy and gave her a smile. "Yes, he is. And long may that last." She walked back inside the lounge to pick up bricks and anything else that Elena had seen fit to place in the fireplace. As she did so, she nearly stood on the soft toy dog. Catherine chuckled, for at last, he looks like his name; Blackie was covered in soot too!

An hour later Catherine had the lounge cleaned up and now locked until the carpet cleaner could be contacted in the morning. She went upstairs and heard Jake tapping away on the computer at some new tactical game the boy had bought with his pocket money last weekend. Knocking softly on the door and popping her head in the room, she told him not to be on after ten. He nodded at her smiling, and then went back to his game.

Walking towards her room she heard Lisa and Jace talking. Silently she opened the door to watch what was going on. Jace was seated on the chaise lounge they had at the foot of the bed and was brushing the child's red hair to sheen. They were talking about Lisa's day at school. The child looked her usually bouncy self. Her eyes then scanned the room for the culprit of the evening and saw her in the small bed that she'd previously used on Jace's side of the bed; she was pushing the mobile of cartoon characters around and giggling as they made noises at her. Catherine smiled at the scene. How could you not? This was her family. When all was said and done, all that had happened was that they needed to clean the carpet. Things happened in every household like that surely? Maybe just a little more in hers perhaps, because of her klutzy elder daughter, as well as a younger one, who was into everything possible. Well, that was children for you. Thank god Elena was getting older. Maybe as she did, things would settle down. She hoped so, or she would be grey all over her head, not just along the temples.

Jace didn't hear Catherine, but her body could feel her presence as she turned her head to the door, smiling at her partner, who was watching them with a wistful look on her face.

"Hi," Jace spoke softly.

"Hi." Catherine responded her eyes crinkled at the corners as she grinned at them.

Lisa looked at her taller guardian and watched her closely, not knowing what kind of reaction she was going to receive.

"I'm sorry Catherine," came the sincere words from the child.

Catherine looked at the small thin child, who had the most striking red hair that looked like a sunset. It was beautiful as the child was, and would always be, to her. "Yes, I know. Just as well we love you isn't it."

Lisa laughed and rushed over to hug the tall woman and was lifted high into the air, swung about and then placed several kisses on the child's cheeks as she burst out laughing at the action. Elena howled as she saw two of her playmates laughing and carrying on without her.

"I better give Elena a swing too, or you and I are in trouble again."

Lisa nodded and went to sit back down with Jace, who was watching the events in the bedroom with a look of loving indulgence.

Elena was hoisted out of her bed and swung about the room and several minutes later after she nearly screamed the place down with laughter, Catherine placed her in Jace's arms and watched as she blinked her green eyes in a tired motion.

"Lisa lets get you to bed. I will tell you a short story while Catherine gets cleaned up." Jace watched her partner's eyes smoulder at the comment.

"Goodnight Catherine." The child hummed happily and went over to place a wet kiss on her cheek.

"Goodnight Princess, sweet dreams," she returned the kiss and watched Jace take the child by the hand to escort their daughter's into their bedroom.

Picking up Jace's journal, which was lying open on the desk in the room, she was about to shut it, when she noticed that her partner had penned another poem.

 MY SOUL WITHOUT YOU!

Where would my heart be without you?
How many hugs would I miss without you?

Catherine read it a couple of times and sat at the edge of the bed. Jace had written the words that mirrored her own thoughts precisely. Without Jace, she was better dead than alive. A single tear dropped on the page of the journal. She shut it gently, placing it back on the desk and went into the bathroom for a shower.

Jace heard the shower and a wicked smile crossed her lips, and she went inside the bathroom, shedding her few clothes as she did so. Opening the steaming shower cubicle door, she was rewarded with a reciprocal grin from Catherine.

"Thought you might like your back scrubbed?"

"You did? I thought you had already had a shower with our sooty children." Catherine enclosed her in a wet and very sensual embrace.

"I did. But I'm missing out today. Everyone seems to have had at least two baths or showers this afternoon, so...." Jace looked deep into the ice blues that smouldered into hers.

"Any objection?" but that answer was never given as lips captured hers and the cubicle became steamier. It was hard to say if it was the water, or the bodies that produced the most heat.
 

~ ~ ~

Constance Waverly had finally found the ideal candidate to take over in New York, Lee Western. For some strange reason his personal file had not been downloaded with the other senior executives. It had only been Clare trying to put several of the senior executives benefits packages in order one morning that she had inadvertently come across the name. He was the senior manager for marketing strategy in Europe. All indicators on his file would recommend a second look at the man. Constance had taken the next flight out to London and done just that!

Eduardo had been pleased to see her also. He had to content with the entire furore over the shooting, Gareth's suicide, the kidnapping of Devonshire's friend, who now had the exalted title of 'wife' in some regions or in others words......that wouldn't go down well in a board meeting.

Everything had taken it's toll on the VP, who had been remarkable in his fortitude and concentration to the business generally, when all of Gareth's less than admirable business deals started to come out in the open. Not to mention the numerous auditors that had taken their accounting practices and eventually the accounts themselves to pieces and found out only weeks ago, that Gareth had swindled at least, twenty million pounds sterling from the company. He was tired of the constant problems and wanted to talk to Constance about his position. It was time to consider taking a break perhaps for good!

Eduardo watched the medium height dusky woman alight from a taxi and smiled. He liked the way she moved she was very sleek like a panther in her movements. Given the opportunity, he wouldn't mind spending some leisure time with her; that is, if he ever had any these days. Although, he'd heard a rumour her tastes were more in line with those of the owners', but that was only a rumour, so far!

"Mr. Forencio, Ms. Waverly is in reception. Shall I have security pass her through immediately." Dawn Leven asked her supervisor. She'd previously worked for Gareth Cuthbert and up until his demise, hadn't taken at all to the swarthy South American. Not that she had to worry about his womanising ways. He wasn't exactly likely to come on to her. At fifty-eight she was sure that her mature looks didn't interest the man in the slightest.

"Go through the procedure with Ms. Waverly. Then have her shown up to my office on completion of the formalities. I think we will have coffee here in my office rather than the boardroom Dawn. If you please." Eduardo spoke quietly to the woman whom he had inherited from Cuthbert.

At first he wasn't impressed, but within the first three months she had been a godsend in this place. Cuthbert had made sure that things were virtually impossible to understand on many levels. It had been the woman in the outer office who had first noticed the regularities on the computer system and advised him of the situation. He would have been sunk without trace, without her on his team, which was for sure, especially in the last six months. He wondered if she too, had a personal life. Or, had it disappeared as his had with the long hours they waded through all the problems of the European operation?

"As you wish Mr. Forencio, coffee will be with you when Ms. Waverly arrives in the office." Dawn put down the receiver of her phone and called reception and asked for all formalities of security to be carried out as normal.

Fifteen minutes later Constance was shown into the European Operation VP's office. She smiled as she looked at the back of the South American. He had always been the fun one in the VP team briefings. She hoped he still had a sense of humour after all the shit that had been flying in his direction, once Cuthbert's devious dealings had become knowledge at Xianthos. Eduardo turned as the door closed and he held out his hand to the President of the world operation of Xianthos, smiling warmly at her.

"Glad you could spare time to come over and see our operation Constance," the need for formality unnecessary when they were one to one in the office.

"Thanks, it's good to see you again Eduardo. It must be nearly a year since we all met together. How things have changed." Constance replied her voice held a tinge of sadness as she spoke.

"Yes. Unfortunately for us it has been a difficult time. Hopefully now, we can address that and see the future more clearly," a wistful note invaded his words.

Constance looked at him closely. She moved towards the sofa in the large tastefully decorated office, with it's pale shades of green and blue, giving it a clean and smart look, but easy on the eye as well. The man in front of her looked tired. She wasn't in the least bit surprised. She'd had access to the information from the problems of the European operation. Catherine had personally taken charge of the mess. She was well aware of the number of messages she received; Catherine daily called, and e-mailed the VP.

"You have achieved wonders with all the problems Eduardo. Catherine, I know, is very happy with the results and you!" Constance expressed sincerely.

"I speak with Ms. Devonshire everyday. She is like the bull with horns. You know the type...she cannot give up. I think she expects the money to be given back to her. However, the bastard made sure that it wouldn't happen. Even if she'd found out, and he was still alive!"

Eduardo gave a wry smile at the tenacity of the owner. She had been mad at the extent of the corruption in the operation and ensured that nothing was spent or approved if it went over four figures. Which meant that there were numerous e-mails everyday for her approval. Although, she had allowed him the checkbook when she left for her month's holiday. She still approved everything on her return and had been upset at only one.

"Yes, I know you do.I know how hard it is not to run the operation without her on your shoulder, overseeing everything.Trust me, I have been there with her. Once she gains back confidence, you will have the reigns; I promise you that Eduardo." Constance saw the man shrug and gave her a long look.

Dawn chose that moment to knock and enter with coffee and then discreetly exited again.

"She seems very efficient?" Constance expressed quietly to the pensive man, who was idly stirring his coffee, although he'd added nothing to the black liquid.

"Yes, one of the few reliable people in this operation that is both loyal to Xianthos and does know what goes on here. I have been fortunate in that respect, for I doubt we would have found out about the hacker earlier if she had not brought it to my attention." He remarked, smiling at the thought. Dawn had been rather officious with her declaration that day. He had laughed at her attitude until he saw what was being accessed. Then he wasn't at all sure what was going on.

"I'm sure you have indicated that effectively in her personal file. But that isn't why I'm here Eduardo. You of course know that we have an opening in New York for VP. We believe that you may have the ideal candidate here." Constance watched the flash of emotions on his face. 'Hell! He probably thought she was going to offer him the post!'

"Who would that be?" He had for a moment, but only a moment hoped that it would be him. He could certainly do with a change of pace and country, as it was far too cold here in England.

"Lee Western. He is your senior marketing man." Constance responded slowly and watched as Eduardo gave a wry smile at the name.

"Western is a very capable senior executive, having proved his loyalty to Xianthos, rather than the Cuthbert regime. I'm sure he would be interested in the offer. He is single and travels extensively in his current role. I would think it is a wonderful opportunity." Eduardo responded dully. He was no longer interested in the conversation. It was up to Constance who she chose to fill her shoes in New York.

"Can I ask you a question?" The woman watched him from hooded brown eyes. There was something bugging the man that was a certainty.

"Go ahead." He smiled and his perfect white teeth flashed which reminded Constance of a toothpaste promotion.

"For some reason Westerns personal files were not passed over to me originally. In fact, my PA found them accidentally when she was correlating senior executives new benefits packages. Can you shed any light on why that would be?" Constance waited for the answer and saw the man take on a puzzled look.

"No, I advised our personal executive to transfer all senior executives profiles to you as requested. Shall we ask him? Stadler is usually very efficient. I'm very surprised." Eduardo went over to press the intercom and talk to his PA.

"No! Leave it. I will talk to the personal executive myself, if you have no objections. If I find something problematic, I will advise you accordingly. I'm sure you have enough on your plate without a petty misunderstanding." Constance smiled at him and then got up and moved over to the window that overlooked a rather grimy looking street. The cars were bumper to bumper and the weather dark and foreboding with rain forecast. Typical of how she envisaged London really, in the business district anyway.

"It's kind of grim looking don't you think?" the man said, grimacing at the look of sympathy she gave him.

"Yeah, it is Eduardo.I bet you wish you had a more welcoming sight every morning?" Constance watched as he nodded. Still it wasn't much better than Rio. Or according to Catherine anyway, she had complained about the place and it's smog and general slum conditions.

"I'll arrange for you to take over the boardroom for your interview with Western. He's in the office today. You might have had a wasted journey otherwise."

"No, I already checked his weekly planner he posted.I would have been less than happy if he didn't get his diary right at least." Constance smiled and for the first time since she'd entered the room. He smiled back, more like his old self.

"Eduardo later today how about lunch and we can talk about your own situation. I need to get the flight out to New York tonight, or I would have invited you to dinner. But, as they say, we can't have the world unless we work hard to achieve it." She smiled at him and he agreed. As she said the words, something triggered in the back of her mind, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember exactly why.

Althea Spiros looked out over the Aegean Sea and smiled at the view. As always it was very beautiful and she loved the short visits she made once or twice a year to see her family, it was expected of her. Fortunately, for her she had been gifted with her father's prowess in the restaurant business. More so than her elder brother, who would eventually inherit the chain on their mothers' death. Althea was the brains behind the chain that now flourished across the mainland of Greece and the main tourist Greek islands. Her brother had wisely chosen to stay beside their dominant mother and do as he was told regardless of his own happiness. Althea had opted to study in Athens and never looked back. Her mother's deep-seated traditional role-playing had been too much for her.

She had used her not inconsiderable powers of persuasion on her favourite Uncle to smooth the path for her to live away from home. Her mother had agreed, but considered it a temporary measure. Although now twenty-eight, Althea was certain her mother still thought that way. The only saving grace had been her willingness to work for the family business. When she was twenty-two, she had convinced her family that she should begin to take over the mainland operations.Within three years, she was the figurehead of the chain and her brother was viewed as no one of importance, except as a shareholder. Now she had been summoned. Although she had more pressing matters of business to deal with, she would have been foolish to disregard a direct invitation from her mother. She had brought her laptop with her to keep in touch with the office. Although on the face of it the island looked like if had for thousands of years, in reality all the requirements of modern technology were available, but buried beneath the wonderful peaceful island ambience..

"It hasn't change Alte, not in a thousand years." George stated, his smile making his brown eyes dance.

Althea turned towards her brother, he might not be the most intelligent on the planet and he was definitely ruled over by a woman, but he was loveable. He was her brother and she loved him regardless. "I know, for if it had, we would be the first to know with mother's continuous scrutiny of the island everyday." Althea smiled back at her brother and walked towards him.

"Mother will be down soon to explain why she has called you home." George wanted to give his sister a clue, but dare not. The wrath of Fatama Spiros was well known on the island. She had no scruples about inflicting it on anyone, including her own children as well.

"Can't wait! How have you been Georgie? I'm surprised mother hasn't already married you off to make certain of the bloodline. You are forty now and you should in her eyes have sown all your wild oats by now." Althea laughed as she saw the dull red line appear over his cheeks. Her mother still believed in the old traditions and she was sure that George indulged their mother to a degree but he certainly wouldn't marry for other than love she was sure.

"I have been good Alte and you?" he refused to comment further about their mothers' interference in his life. Admittedly, she wasn't far from the truth.

"Me? I have a wonderful life in Athens.I plan on keeping it brother dear. So, let us hope mother's reason for bringing me here is short term." Althea looked at the worried expression on her brother's face and was about to ask when her mother walked in the door to the salon.

"Ah, Althea you have rested as I told you. When you arrived earlier, you look as always very beautiful." Fatama Spiros praised her daughter. She was indeed a beautiful woman, her dark raven hair cut in a neat style just above her shoulders. Her tanned appearance was not overly exaggerated by the sun and her light grey eyes, giving the young woman definite statue as a Mediterranean beauty.

"Mama as always, you give good advice. Why else would I look so good?" Althea smiled at her mother. She might be a typical traditional Greek mother hen, but she was hers and she loved her despite the obvious faults. Walking over to the now seated older woman she placed a light kiss on the weather worn creased cheeks.

"George please, the Raki. We will drink a toast to your departed father. I will then relate what is required of you both in our renewal of the feud between the house of Spiros and the house of Xianthos! Go! George and be quick!" Fatama quirked in her quick precise tone as she watched with a hooded look the expression of disbelief cross her daughters face. 'Ah yes my daughter you have been without tradition too long, now you must do what is right by the family name, nothing else will be acceptable!' Smiling at the bemused look on her daughter's face, she motioned for her to take the seat at the small table at her left side.

Catherine watched Jace with the children and wondered why she wanted another child? The conversation they'd had recently on Cutter's Ridge and hadn't discussed again, came back to her as she gazed at her partner. Admittedly they could afford it. Yes, in monetary terms, but could they in personal terms? Catherine had taken time out to be with the children and Jace more than she could seriously afford on the business front recently.

She hadn't mentioned to Jace that Cuthbert the jumper at Xianthos, who had been behind the shooting in New York had also swindled the company and by default herself, out of over twenty million pounds sterling. What would it matter if Jace knew that? Nothing really, it was only a drop in the ocean to what she was worth personally. She felt that Jace didn't understand her wealth, or that she was now entitled to half of it if their relationship failed. At no time had she wanted to ask Jace to sign an agreement that restricted her from the wealth she possessed. Her lawyers on the other hand, had been very vocal on the issue. However, Catherine had merely ignored them and made Jace the main benefactor with provisions for the kids and a few friends in her new will.

The interesting thing with wealth of the magnitude she had was--you couldn't spend all the damn money anyway! Hell, there was only so many houses, cars, jewels, clothes, and businesses that you could buy and then, that left the most important things, your family and friends. You couldn't buy the love she had found with her family and friends. It had grown steadily and had she been poor, she knew that with these same people, she would have still been loved. And that was the most important thing. There was no measure for the happiness her new life offered her. She would gladly give away every last pound she possessed to ensure they all remained in her life. That was something she pledged in her heart.

Then there was Jace's new pre-occupation with her voluntary work with the Reverend, although Catherine wasn't aware of the details. For some reason, Jace had been quiet on that front. Catherine had been puzzled, but Jace would explain it when she was ready. She knew her partner didn't hide anything for devious reasons.

Would Jace want the problems associated with the pregnancy and the months of nurturing their child? Ultimately did she?

Jace looked over at Catherine watching the family scene. Her mind was obviously miles away with the expression on her face. Jace had a very good idea exactly where that sharp mind was wandering, especially as she concentrated on Elena and frowned in puzzlement. It hadn't been an easy decision-another child. Hades, Elena had been far from the ideal baby in many ways.Jace felt that Catherine was ready for this ultimate commitment. Deep down Jace knew that Catherine had reservations about Elena, for the possibility Peter might come out of the shadows and take her away. Well, not unless it was over her dead body anyway! Although, that was a possibility however morbid it sounded. She couldn't envisage her daughter being deprived of both her mothers. It would be a cruel hand of fate that chose that path for them. Yet! That was something she hadn't done yet. She hadn't made a will. Although she had nothing of monetary value, her most important asset, if one wanted to call it that, was her daughter!

Her daughter, who could have been viewed as a curse and constantly, bringing bad memories to the surface every waking day, had become a constant source of happiness instead. It was a miracle of the love, one that Catherine had allowed into her heart. At no time was there bitterness for the child, far from it. If anything, Catherine was too good to Elena. It brought tears to her eyes when she saw the standoff between the adult and the child. It was a remarkable picture and so very precious a moment captured.

Jace wanted Catherine to help make the decision to have the baby this time around. Okay, not in the conventional sense, but they could go and talk to doctors and work out something together. That would be the key to it all--together!

Her love for the tall raven-haired woman was...what was it? It was so hard to put into words. No amount of poetry or verse could ever describe her feelings accurately or precisely. She had found this real love in a most unusual place. And no matter the actions they had taken in the past, the present or the future, she knew with certainty that they would face the consequences of those actions with love together. 'Catherine would see to it, she had the strength of purpose that could defeat the odds and I want you to defeat all the odds on our behalf Catherine. I surely do!'

"You look as if you're miles away?" Catherine whispered quietly into her ear as she put a hand out to stroke the dark hair of her youngest daughter.

Jace looked up at her partner and captured the hand that had caressed the child squirming in her arms for freedom and brought it to her lips, giving her a smile that Catherine didn't quite understand. "I love you, you know that right?"

Catherine looked at her bewildered, there was an element of desperation in the voice. It was totally unlike Jace! "Yes, I know that Jace." Catherine had her head turned to a half side in question. Elena chose that moment to break free and toddle over to her brother.

Jace looked at her and marvelled that this wonderful woman loved her. Here she was the poor American living off the wealthy English woman, yet, wealth had no meaning to either of them. In their relationship, it just allowed them to do things that might help in the future, like
Jake and Lisa's happiness, Jace's time at the drug centre, and Catherine's involvement in the lives of the people she had saved in Rio. Elena who would never know what it would be like to face life with one parent, possibly never see them because they had to spend all their time working to support the family unit. They were extremely fortunate, even if they had been poor in relative terms, she was sure that they would have all fit together and done very much the same things. They were just meant to be!

"Has anyone ever told you how important you are in my life?" a question that was said in a soft heartrending tone.

Catherine was becoming disturbed at her partner's questions. They appeared to be of a desperate nature...but why? Maybe the conversation about the baby and her obvious lack of immediate enthusiasm had caused the feeling of insecurity. She could hear a definite undertone. "Not recently Jace, but I'm open to anyone advising me of that anytime."

Jace looked at her, giving her a speculative glance, her green eyes capturing the ice blue ones with precision. "Anyone? Where does that leave me?" Jace said her tone unsure.

Catherine look at the room, Jake was watching a cartoon of some description as Lisa was sitting with her head in a book.Elena had decided to play with her brother who happily tickled her as he watched the TV. Smiling happily, she answered the question easily.
"Where does it leave you? Well, anyone else wouldn't even bother to tell me; because they already know how hopelessly besotted I am with you. You are the most important thing in my life! I will never, ever, forget or question that Jace. Just be here for me for the rest of your life.........anything else is inconceivable to me darling." Catherine placed her forehead on Jace's and heard the audible sigh and smiled at her ability to occasionally read the writing on the wall.

"You bring out the poet in me Catherine." Jace heart hammering at the happiness she felt at that moment.

"Good, how many people have their own personal poet on tap I wonder?" Catherine laughed as her eyes locked with the green ones that looked oh, so serious. "I love you Jace Xianthos Devonshire Warriorson. Ask me anything and if I can grant it--you have it." Catherine smiled tenderly at the innocently trusting expression she saw in those sea green eyes.

Jace smiled through her tears and blinked several times to see the indulgent expression on her partner's face. "Will you bring a new life into the world with me Catherine?" Jace never looked away and saw the subtle change in her partner's demeanour, even if it was only for a second.

Catherine knew when she had been beaten. Maybe she should bring her wife into the corporate mind games that were played at Xianthos. For sure as hell, she would win hands down. "You want this truly Jace? There is no going back you know?" Catherine asked her calmly, but the seriousness of the question definitely transmitted to Jace.

"Yes, I love you Catherine.I want to feel a new life inside me that we have both helped create by whatever means, not that has been foisted on you at short notice." Jace replied seriously, her green eyes held the ice blues with compassion for Catherine's previous situations.

Catherine placed her hand under Jace's chin and gazed into her green orbs with such a devoted expression that Jace couldn't help the odd tear that passed onto her cheeks, which was tenderly smoothed away by the thumb of the Catherine's free hand.

"I love you." Catherine huskily whispered, kissing the pensively waiting lips. "Do I still have the opportunity to raise...more questions of 'why' in bed later darling, if I agree now?" Catherine warmly smiled. It was a smile that Jace would carry for the rest of her life. She had just been given more than her heart's desire. Today she had been given the world according to Catherine Xianthos Devonshire Warriorson.

"You are the greatest Catherine. I love you so very much. Our children will probably never know how much you care! You can have as many reasons as you want my darling. I look forward to your questions, however many you can come up with." Jace swallowed and saw the wolfish look on Catherine's face as she gently placed her lips on the enticing ones of her partner. They both were lost for all of a couple of minutes.

Lisa's voice in a bored tone said...did they really have to do that before the commercials? Everyone burst into happy laughter even her youngest daughter who was also being tickled by her elder brother.

Catherine speculated what another product of Jace would be like. Did it really matter? No, it would be a product of her lover, which was enough, more than enough! Her mind fleetingly considered what she had been doing this time three years ago and all she could see in her minds eye was a lonely woman, who had given up on life and who had been completely isolated from everything that made living worthwhile. Whatever anyone else said about love, she was an advocate of the sentiment and these days, she didn't give a damn who knew it!

~ ~ ~

"Look Catherine, he wants out and how can we stop him? For gods sake he's probably had more of a hard time over the incident than I have myself!" Constance spoke anxiously to her boss.

"Yes. I understand that. But, we pay well, so what's the problem is everything supposed to be easy? Cut the crap Constance. What's the bottom line?" Catherine was annoyed at this new news. Her VP for Europe had asked to be released from his contract.

"The bottom line Catherine is that he hates the European office. Especially where he is situated in London. You hated Rio. Well, Eduardo hates London in quite the same way." Constance responded quietly knowing that Catherine was upset and not without reason. The business seemed to be a never-ending problem these days.

"Look Constance he is excellent as a VP, do not loose him!" Catherine interjected and was about to complete the call when she heard Constance answer back.

"Catherine this is something that I think needs your personal attention, not mine. He already thinks that you don't trust him! Let's face it; he's not exactly stretched on the authority side. You check everything before he can make a decision." Constance replied, her voice desperate. It was okay trying to persuade Eduardo, but beyond going to bed with the man, she had used all her options at the meeting with him. Consequently cancelling her homeward flight and having dinner with him, trying to take an early flight, which had been delayed the following morning. Now, she had the dubious task of facing the wrath of not only her PA, but her lover as well at some stage in the day. Fortunately she had booked dinner reservations for them which might help the situation.

"Are you saying you can't handle it?" a hint of steel present in the tone.

"Yeah, damn right I am. You are the problem Catherine, not me!" Constance retaliated with a blistering pace.

Catherine was quiet at her end of the line contemplating the words her Corporate President had levelled at her, 'was she the problem?'

"Well, are you taking care of it personally, or do I have to go to bed with him to try and get a result?" Constance retorted, peeved at the silence from her boss.

Catherine digested her last words and gave a chuckle that could be heard at the other end of the line. "I wasn't aware you have taken some of my...shall we say less than former savoury practices to heart Constance. What ever would your PA think?"

"I know what she will think. I also know, not only would I be looking for a new VP in Europe, but a PA too!" Constance responded bitterly. Her time with Clare had been virtually non-existent in the last six months or more. The situation did not look like it would be changing any time soon. It was as well that Clare understood the situation as they worked so closely together.

"Then I'd better take care of a problem you have indicated that I have caused. But Constance, if it isn't me, consider yourself demoted!" Catherine ended the call and sat back in her chair contemplating her own words. Would she demote her president? Damn right she would, and immediately too!

Looking over the papers that had arrived from Christchurch and England about the schools that Jake could attend, she smiled and thought 'at least that's something I can do and have no doubts. It's good to give a child a decent education. These were the best schools money could buy.'

"I'm not going to do it Mama!" Althea stated half-heartedly, pushing back her wrought iron chair as she picked up her glass of raki. She went to the balcony overlooking the stretch of clean beach and the blue Aegean Sea, how could her mother suggest such an idea?

Fatama Spiros looked at her daughters back and snorted, "You think not?" her tone sarcastic.

George Spiros watched the two most important women in his life and wished he were some place else, preferably at his restaurant across town.

"What you propose is barbaric and outdated! For god's sake, who put the damn notion in your head?" Althea felt sick. It wasn't anything to do with the couple of glasses of raki she had consumed either.

"Barbaric? Child we are barbaric. We are human beings after all! A very interesting American came to see me with the information. She has paid highly to have our support. Even if she had not paid, I would still take this path." Fatama stated, totally engrossed in her plans. Her daughter would do as she was told!

"Well, I'm not going to help you Mama. This is insane! Please just give the woman her money back. Let us get on with our lives." Althea pleaded, her eyes filling with tears.

"No! No, that's not possible now. We Greeks always keep our promises. Especially when we have struck a bargain." Fatama spoke absently.

Althea gave a sarcastic laugh 'Mama everyone knows what people think of the Greeks. What's the saying 'beware Greeks bearing gifts?' I think we might have to revise that to...beware Americans bearing gifts too!"

"Enough, Althea! You will do as I say!" the voice dictatorial. The force of her words enough for Althea to take a second look at her brother who refused to return her glance and instead looked deep into his glass of raki.

"If I don't what will you do to me?" Althea asked defiantly. This was the year two thousand not back in the dark ages.

Fatama slowly rose from her chair and with the aid of a cane tapped her way over to her daughter, lifted her chin, her old brown eyes piercing the younger grey ones with a menacing stare. "I will kill you myself." The older woman turned as her daughter stared at her in shocked disbelief.

George turned aghast eyes to both his mother and sister. But he didn't move or say anything. He had seen the fall out from numerous altercations their mother had previously with the staff of both the house and the restaurant. Most had not been pretty and he believed that his mother would carry out her threat without compunction.

Althea felt the sting of tears as they, without bidding, cursed down her cheeks. Surely her mother would do no such thing?......But.... Who would stop her? Certainly not George, he was far to under the thumb and at the end of the day, who would care? She was only the daughter of the family, not the heir or a son! How outdated that sounded but to some families it was still true and in hers particularly, her mother would never give up on the traditions.

"What do you need me to do Mama?" the question resulted in a brief satisfied smile from her mother and a relieved one from her brother.

"Ah, now we get down to business. I knew that you would see it my way Althea. After all it is your heritage and we must defend that accordingly. Come sit by me. We will plan for the foreign visitor who will aid us." Fatama stated. It had been hard to say those words to her only daughter. However, she would have carried out the threat. After all Althea now knew part of the plan and that could not be divulged. They would lose the edge over the Xianthos family. That simply wasn't acceptable. Not now that they were close to the termination of the Xianthos family from the island at last!

"Is the foreign visitor the American woman Mama?" George asked finally deciding it was safe to join the conversation.

"No, our foreign visitor comes from the Antipodean side of the world. I'm told that they have first hand experience of the niece of Constantia Xianthos. They are due to arrive next month. Then we can really take the feud out of mothballs and into the sunshine." Fatama gave her children a wide grin as she drunk deeply of the raki.

"Who is it? Do they have a name or are you still waiting for the name from your American informant?" Althea inquired. She was interested in the visitor who had signed on for such a horrendous task. The niece must have certainly ruffled their feathers, if they were prepared to commit a crime...and more likely murder if her mother's plans came to fruition.

"Yes, they have a name my daughter, the visitor is called...."

Jace watched Catherine pace around the edge of the field that Rio was happily running around in. She was obviously agitated about something. It showed in her walk and the carriage of her body, not to mention the scowl she wore. Although, she did look kind of cute when she scowled.

Lisa and Elena were playing with dolls and Elena's cart in the enclosed part of the drive, which Catherine had made secure for the children. She did not want anyone unfamiliar with Destiny driving towards the house and hitting one of the children by accident.

Jace continued her surveillance over her female family members. As always, Jake was elsewhere. Today he'd volunteered to go with Colin to check some of the horses in the field furthest from the ranch house. The boy was clearly upset about something, but refused to discuss it. Maybe he would with Colin and they could clear up the matter. She certainly hoped so, for she hated to see any of the children distressed.

Elena took that moment to head towards Catherine's direction as fast as the cart would allow. That meant imminent danger of collision with her tall partner. Jace considered moving from her position at the patio doors in the lounge to stop the action, but decided that seeing the consequences might outweigh the interference.

"What the bloody...Elena!" Catherine yelped as the child hit her shins with her cart and looked at her with tear-filled green eyes. Catherine looked down at the child. Shrugging her broad shoulders she knelt down to the child's level and gave her a long look with her ice blues.

Elena watched her tall playmate and grinned happily.Her green eyes suddenly clear of the tears and she held out her arms to be picked up. Catherine gave her a bemused look. It was incredible what those green eyes could do to her. God help her, she had agreed to venture down that path with Jace again. Would she survive three pairs of green eyes? She highly doubted it! Then again, two beautiful daughters from her partner were surely worth it and more. Although, there was always a possibility that it might be a boy with green eyes. Now what would she make of that? Wonder if he would want to learn to ride or take after his mother? That was something they still had to venture with the little one here and the time was coming ever closer.

Elena wailed at her for her lack of attention and Catherine smiled for the first time since she had taken the call from Constance. It was going to be hard to leave the ranch again. But she had a good idea this time and she hoped that Jace approved it.

"Come on little one. How about you sit on my shoulders and we go and chase Rio. What do you say?" Catherine picked up the child, hugged her and noticed that Lisa was running like the wind towards them. Tears running down her cheeks. Waiting for the child to catch up, Catherine looked questioningly at her for the reason why she was upset.

"I trapped my finger in the brakes on the bike Catherine and it hurt!" The child screeched tearfully and showed her the red mark on the middle finger. At least it didn't look too bad.

"Does it still hurt?" Catherine asked the child who shook her head.

"Not really now, but it did." Lisa explained and waited for Catherine to say something else as they eyed each other.

"Come here Princess." Catherine put Elena onto her left side and held out her right arm for Lisa to hug her in a comforting hold by the tall woman's side.

"Let's see the finger up close."

Lisa placed the finger close to Catherine's face, who gently kissed the injured digit and a smile beamed from Lisa.

"That feels better already. Thanks Catherine," the child responded and hugged harder into the tall frame.

"My pleasure Princess. Now, do you want to join our hunt to capture Rio, the wonder dog?" Catherine laughed at the grin her elder daughter gave her the injury now completely forgotten. All three wandered after the dog frolicking happily in the field.

Jace marvelled at how gentle and caring Catherine always was with the children. If someone had told her that this woman would be this compassionate with children the first time she'd heard about her, she would have shook her head at the notion. Yet, Catherine had always shown her this caring side of her personality. And it had never, ever wavered! No adversity had shaken the taller woman's love for her, not in anyway......not even her foolish episode over Elena's father.

Jace looked unseeingly over the field that held her partner and her two daughters; things could have been so different without the trust her partner had steadfastly given back to her. She had taken it as a lifeline. And neither of them had not looked back since. It did not matter that some of the events had caused them additional heartache.

" Are you thinking seriously about something that I can help you with?" came a concerned, soft-spoken inquiry.

Catherine had left the two children playing with Rio and walked over to her partner, who had seemed engrossed in nothing in particular, but who had a peculiar expression on her face. It was unhappy, but not sad, yet strange.

Jace looked at Catherine with her hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans waiting for an answer. Smiling, she gave her a rueful look.

"I was kind of day dreaming. Guess you have sneaked up on me?" she offered as an explanation.

"Yes, that I did. Now, tell me, can I help?" Catherine locked her gaze with the green one and watched the slow build up of tears in her partner's eyes. It never ceased to amaze Catherine that this woman could turn the water works on so easily. Yet, it was her compassionate heart that always brought them on.

"You already have." Jace answered softly and closed the gap, placing her arms around Catherine's neck, kissing her tenderly on the lips that had pursed at the answer.

"Excellent. Because if anything was wrong, you know I'd work it out for you right?" Catherine placed her hands around Jace's waist and held her tightly, their foreheads touching, the tender concern emitting from the tall woman.

"I know. I love you Catherine. That will never change." Jace whispered as Catherine captured her lips in a powerful display of emotion.

"Pleased to hear it. And I love you too Jace. How would you like a walk in the fields with our daughters and Rio? You can hold my hand and tell me what's bothering you?" Catherine smiled.

Jace knew she would explain herself to her partner, but at least it was easier these days, as Catherine made sure that it was a warm and loving atmosphere as they ambled off towards the family and the release of more memories. 'Anyway, Catherine had her own explaining to do! She just didn't know it yet.'

Colin looked out over the paddock and saw the flitting young horses that had no notion of the world, as they were only a week or so old. It was a wonderful sight. One he loved as the seasons brought forward the new foals. He watched the gangling legs and heads that whipped up towards the skies as they frolicked in the paddock. They had produced some fine horseflesh this year on Destiny. Colin had to admit that his boss certainly had an eye for decent horse.

She had even talked recently about looking for a decent sire for her mare Tralargon. That was a shock; he thought she would never relinquish her pride and joy for a moment, now she could ride the mare again. Catherine would know herself, if it was about the right time for the mare to breed. If that was what Catherine wanted?Tralargon wasn't getting any younger. Watching her with the children that at first had been a hindrance and now they were a focal point of her life. It was now a natural reaction for her.

He himself wouldn't mind the chance of being a father. He knew that Grace also wanted children. They certainly had never taken any precautions, even in the early days. It had been just so right; precautions didn't have any bearing on the relationship. If Grace had become pregnant without the commitment, he would have surely begged her to marry him. Or at least stay with him, because at the end of the day, he loved her. There was nothing in life that was going to change that. He missed her too. She was so alive, even his life came alive as soon as she walked into the room!

He would watch her interaction with other people and marvel at her repartee or fortitude, especially when it came to Catherine. At the end of the day, Grace and Catherine had found within each other, a way of expressing feelings they kept dormant with other people, even people they loved and he was grateful for it. After all, had they not had that friendship and the tie, he would still be without the woman he loved?

"How are the new foals doing Colin?" Catherine asked calmly, knowing that the man had not seen her come up along side him.

He turned at her voice and smiled. "Great. We have some good horseflesh here. That chestnut with the star on his forehead is a playful one for sure."

"Would he be suitable for my son do you think?" Catherine leaned on the railing watching the horse Colin had mentioned.

"Jake? Hell yes, Jake would do well with him in another six months or so." Colin thought she might have kept the horse for breeding purposes, because he was certainly the type to bring in lots of money.

"My son is thirteen years old in two months. That will be a fitting present for him. He is out growing Ruby." Catherine smiled as she watched the foal in question.

Colin wondered if now was a good time to broach Jake's problem. Clearing his throat, he decided that it was as good a time as any.

"Would that be wise if Jake is going away from home for his education. He won't be here to exercise the horse much." Colin responded quietly and waited for a reaction from the tall woman at his side.

Catherine turned her ice blue gaze on her ranch foreman and looked quizzically at him.

"What are you talking about Colin?"

"Jake said that you mentioned sending him to a school out of town. Maybe Christchurch or even England! The horse wouldn't get much exercise if he was away from home all that time." Colin pointed out practically.

Catherine considered the words. She had to admit that the thought hadn't crossed her mind; she would be losing her son! The very thought sent a pain to her heart. No way was she letting her boy go, unless he wanted to!

"Thanks Colin for reminding me about certain facts of life, shall we say."

Colin nodded his head as they both looked at the foals in the dying sunlight.

"Grace will be home soon Colin." Catherine said softly to the brooding man.

"Yeah, I know. But it's the waiting that's the hardest part Catherine, whatever she's going through, I want to share it also.

"You will share it Colin. Grace loves you trust in that. It will never steer you wrong. I know, because she has never, ever been anything but loyal and constant in my life," her words filled with love and affection for her friend.

"Thanks for the shoulder Catherine. But it's time for me to see our new lives on the property to their mothers and bed. See you tomorrow sometime." He smiled at her and walked away.

"See you tomorrow Colin." Silently adding 'everything will work out. It just has to. I won't allow anything else.'

Moving away from the railing, she looked at her ranch foreman's retreating back, then towards her house and knew she had her own problems brewing. For once, she had the solution. Laughing softly she went towards the stables and her goodnight to Tralargon.

Constance was seated at her favourite table in the same restaurant that Jace Bardley had managed to persuade the formidable manager to allow her a take out. It was a major feat and Constance wondered how she'd managed it. They never did find out. Perhaps that wasn't a bad thing, exclusivity and all that! Now anxiously looking at each person had they came into the room. She was sitting strategically at a spot that would allow her to see the entrance.She would know when her dinner guest arrived, who happened to be about half-hour late already. "Clare, where the hell are you?" Constance spoke quietly to the empty chair opposite her.

Clare had been upset for the...what; it must be numerous times in the last six months. No matter how often Constance promised to be home, or have dinner, or take her out for the evening, or just spend some time on the weekend enjoying each other's company, it never happened! Work got in the way, for Constance was either on a plane to another part of the world, or ensconced in the office pouring over the problems that the shooting had caused them world wide, but particularly in New York. Now that she had finally found a replacement for the VP role in New York. All the other positions that had become vacant had been resolved. Thankfully, the lesser positions, she had been relieved to pass over to that particular head of department to recruit, had been filled. Maybe, just maybe, they could get some personal time together. She hoped so.

Arriving at the office from a delayed flight from the UK to New York around six in the evening, she had found surprisingly Clare gone for the evening. Leaving a message on the answering machine at home for Clare to join her at dinner, they could at least enjoy a great meal and perhaps talk; inconsequential talk she hoped and not work related at all.

Once again she glanced over at the opening of the entrance door and saw her lover slowly make her way through the door, stopping briefly to talk to the manager before she headed in Constance's direction.

Constance was surprised Clare still had on her outer coat and had a totally blank expression on her face as she approached the table. Constance immediately got up and waved away the hovering waiter; something was wrong, very wrong.

"Hi Clare, you're not staying?" her voice held a hint of worry as she said the words. She made sure her smile didn't reflect her nervous reaction.

Clare starred at her and Constance saw the tears that the younger woman held back. "Is there something wrong Clare?" this time the worry was evident in her voice.

"No! No nothing is wrong that can't be put right I guess. You look tired Constance?" Clare managed to say, but her words came out slowly and with only a little interest in the conversation.

Constance shrugged her shoulders and smiled slightly at the observation. "I guess you know me to well huh? Yes, I'm tired. But if we eat, I'm sure my body would appreciate it. And with such a beautiful dinner companion hell, I can't lose right?" Constance waited for her answer. She knew that she wasn't going to like it. Already her heart was hammering, waiting for the shoe to fall.

"Yes, I know you well enough now. I think and that's why...why I'm leaving tonight to go and stay with my sister in Monterey. She has just had her third child and could do with a hand. I've already taken care of the office. Rita Tuscany is very efficient. She will be a fine replacement." Clare didn't continue. She noticed the pallor in the skin of her friend and wished that Constance had just come home instead of wanting to have dinner somewhere. She had not taken her cell phone, so it had been impossible to contact her earlier. Well she could have left a message, but it was getting late. She had a flight to catch and the taxi was waiting outside for her.

"You...Clare you're leaving me? For how long? Are you coming back to the office? To us?" Constance asked that many short staccato questions.

Clare wasn't sure what to answer first. She should know. After all it was the reason behind her leaving.

"I'm hoping that you and Rita can work together.I can terminate my employment without having to return to New York. If not...well, I'll be back in two weeks and serve out my notice! I think that about covers it really." Clare's voice was matter of fact and in an icy tone. Although, she had rehearsed the words time and again in the past couple of days, she had no idea how hollow they sounded. Or how much it was hurting her inside to give this woman up. How was she going to survive it?

Constance looked at Clare in shock. She had never expected this. Anger maybe. Perhaps a little bitter at how much time her work had invaded their private life, but this! This was...heartbreaking. "What about us Clare. Don't you love me anymore?" the question filled with a hopelessness that Constance wasn't able to hide.

"Love you? Constance I'll always love you. But you want to have it all! You want the work, power and prestige that go with it. Then you want the person at home. When you have the time to come home that is! What that other person feels, wants or needs from you come second to work. How can we exist on that? Tell me please? I want it all too Constance. However, I want you as part of the package, not a phone call, email, flowers or a sorry have dinner without me, or the bed on your side to be constantly cold!" Clare gave her impassioned plea as the tears she held back finally flowed. The other diners close to them started to stare in their direction.

"I have to go. My taxi is waiting."

"No! Look, we can work it out Clare please. Go for the two weeks, but come back to me. I'll change. I promise!" Constance pleaded, her own tears close. If it wasn't for the need to use this place again on business, she would have gone on her knees to plead her case with this woman.

"I'll call you Constance. Please go home and rest. You know what you're like in the morning if you don't get enough sleep." Clare turned not daring to look at the hurt she had caused on her lover's face. It had been a close thing that she hadn't given in but she couldn't. They had no life. It was time to change, or the relationship was going to die anyway. At least this way they might have a chance, however slim that appeared at the moment.

"I'll call you!" Constance replied. Although, she didn't have a clue where she could call Clare. The retreating figure would not have heard her anyway as she slumped down in the chair. The previously hovering waiter came over to ask if she wanted to order now.

Constance looked at him with tear-filled gaze and nodded her head.

"A bottle of scotch and a raw steak," she answered.

"Madam, you only want a raw steak nothing else?" he enquired puzzled at the request.

"Yeah, that's right. Bring it in a foam pack. I need to take it home. By the time I've drunk the bottle of scotch, I'm going to need it for the headache I'll have next morning." Constance replied sarcastically and looked down at the table. The waiter left to fulfil her order, however strange a request it was, she was the paying customer.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Jace asked Catherine later as they sat together alone in the study. Catherine had been working on some last minute plans for the ranch renovations. The builders were starting on that particular phase next week.

"Which part?" Catherine looked at her partner and gave her a sheepish smile, her mind on the plans, not on Jace's question.

"Which part Catherine? Which part Hades! The most important part, the one were you discussed without my knowledge. Our son's education, and you've scared him out of his wits. That's the important part Catherine! I'm not interested in your business, or that you've lost money, our son is more important!" Jace looked sternly at her partner. Sometimes she had to remind the focused woman just what was important in life. In her eyes money certainly was not if it neglected their children, or their relationship.

"I'm sorry." Catherine bent her head duly chastised. Her mind now totally focused on her partner's anger. Jace was right. She should have told her. Yes, Jake was far more important than the money. She just needed the odd reminder that was all. A boot up the arse from Jace wasn't pleasant, but it was always for a good reason as now.

"Yeah, as usual a sorry seems to be your stock in trade. One day that sorry isn't going to work. You know that, don't you Catherine? Now tell me what you told our son and let's clear the matter up." Jace said exasperated, although her initial anger had now subsided to mild annoyance at her partner.

Catherine looked up her eyes held a full apology. She waited until Jace sat down. She would have preferred on her lap, but tonight Jace was using her own brand of punishment to make her point. Not being close to the blonde was always a good one to get her attention.

"Okay, I kind of mentioned that there were good schools in Christchurch and...England." Catherine was stopped in her tracks.

"You wanted to send our son to England, Catherine? That's thousands of miles away. We would never see him!" Jace looked aghast at the suggestions.

"I know Jace, I know. It was only a suggestion. They do have some of the best schools in the world. Trust me on that one; I went to some of them myself. And I received a good education." Catherine anxiously tried to explain herself.

"Catherine as much as I hate to remind you about this and it will never cross my lips again, you were taking drugs at fourteen. So the education system couldn't have been that good, or it would have detected it and my boy is almost that age. AND HE IS NOT GOING! Do you hear me Catherine? He is not going!" Jace angrily retorted.

Catherine starred at her partner. The shame she felt for those years she'd taken drugs finally hitting home in a most unexpected way from an unexpected source. "I don't want him to go either Jace and end up like me. I don't want any of our children to end up like me!" the voice bleak and desolate at the very thought.

Jace heard the inflections in the voice and the sad face that now looked down at the desk. She knew that her words had wounded her partner far more than she had envisaged. "Hey love, I know you don't. I'm sorry I mentioned it." Jace tried to relieve the situation.

Catherine merely nodded her head, but kept it down.

Jace didn't want this. It was one thing to be upset that Catherine hadn't discussed such an important matter, but quite another to see the distraught features before her. This was not an act of punishment, it was supposed to be a discussion. Jace stood up and moved around the desk and knelt at Catherine's chair and put her hand under the tall woman's face, smiling into the tear filled ice blue eyes with as much love, warmth and understanding as she could portray in her green ones.

"I wouldn't ever want our son to experience drugs Jace. Never. I couldn't cope with that." Catherine muttered indistinctly.

"No, me either. But if it happens, let us face it Catherine, we can't live his life for him, or make all his choices. We will be here for him, support him and help him. That's what parents do. You have shown him more parental love than I think either of his birth parents ever did. He'll remember that love Catherine. We always remember the love. The bad parts we send to another room in our minds. We lock them away and we carry on. But when we're shown love, we keep that always with us, and hopefully share it with others. Because we have been so fortunate to have received it in our lives." Jace spoke softly and traced a tender finger over the tracks of tears that covered the cheeks of her partner; smiling into those eyes she loved so much.

Catherine lost herself in the healing effects of the love she was receiving and Jace was right. When you received love, you tried to share it with others. A perfect example being Jace's love for her and she had responded with the children and tried to offer them the same in her own way.

"I Love you. Please keep loving all of us Jace. We need it!" Catherine finally beseeched her partner, her throat dry with the emotion she was feeling.

"Every day darling, you have my love everyday. I'll never let any of you forget it." Jace pulled the dark head closer, kissing her gently and then rested her forehead on Catherine's in quiet contemplation.

"I think we let Jake chose the school, what do you say partner?" Catherine finally asked as their breath mingling at the closeness.

Jace smiled, her eyes reflecting back at Catherine giving her the answer without words. "We can sit and talk to him about it, together. Now what other news do you want to impart to me tonight?" Jace asked lightly. She knew that Catherine was arranging something else, but she wasn't sure what it was.

"Tomorrow Jace, can we discuss it tomorrow? I think for the rest of tonight I just want us to go to bed. I need to hold you. What do you say?" Catherine pulled away a little to see the expression on Jace's face.

"Good idea darling. When you have finished holding me, can I reciprocate?" Laughing softly at the happy smile that now replaced all the angst their conversation had caused.

"Oooh, yes! I adore when you hold me close. I think it's the octopus hands that you have, that I like the most." Catherine smiled and stood up with the blonde in her arms.

Jace placed her arms around Catherine's neck as they left the study. She was transported in a wonderful way to their bedroom. They might have had some difficult moments earlier, but they had survived the wave that crashed over them. Because at the end of the day, the most important emotion had surfaced and saved them, their unwavering love of each other!

~ ~ ~

Constantia Xianthos spoke quietly to her housekeeper and friend Sarah. They had travelled from England to live on the island that she had vacated after being taken to safety by Adam Warriorson all those many years ago. "Sarah I hear from Lukas that Althea Spiros is now on the island. That can only mean trouble." The words spoken in a strong clear voice, which defied the fact that the rest of the woman was confined to a wheelchair from a freak accident falling from a horse in Hyde Park. It had been a touch and go situation with her life. But the doctors had saved her, except now, she was paralysed from the waist down. Her upper body was constantly in pain. At least she had some mobility. 'The curse of her family line-always accidents and death.'

"No, I hadn't heard Consty. Perhaps it's only a short visit for her mothers sake?" Sarah replied softly watching the blue eyes of her employer and friend take on a troubled look.

The woman had always been vital in her previous lifestyle. At first she hadn't been sure about coming back to the island with her. It wasn't what she would have thought Consty would enjoy. She had all her friends in England and Paris. But, she had taken the step to come back and live out the last of her life here on the island where she was born and apparently, where she wanted to finally rest.

Sarah had agreed, hoping that they would return to England once Consty grew tired of the small island. However, she hadn't. Miraculously it had given her a new lease of life. Renovating her old family home back to it's original opulence, then the involvement in the affairs of the people that had lived on the island for centuries, just as her family had previously. Now thirteen years later, the island was home for her as well!

"Perhaps. Fatama has been very quiet of late, as you know there was the American woman who inferred, she knew our family well and spent time with Fatama. That can only be a reference to Catherine, since there is no other family that would matter to Fatama." Constantia replied, her mind turning to her niece for the first time in several months.

"Why not contact Catherine and find out if she knows who it could be? That might put your mind at rest." Sarah knew how futile that question would be. Constantia and her niece Catherine Devonshire had not spoken since the younger woman had been imprisoned for drug trafficking over sixteen years ago. Even then, they hadn't talked much in over twenty years anyway.

"No. I will have Lukas make more enquiries to determine if there is a problem. Catherine has a new life. She should be left to continue it without being told of my concerns." Constantia responded her mind made up on the subject.

She had kept track of her niece originally through Adam Warriorson. But on his death, she had only the newspapers to advise her of her only nieces' whereabouts and the situations she encountered. Those had been non-existent for several years after Adam and Lucas's death. Then it had suddenly all fired up again and the last report had been that Catherine had married again, but this time to a woman! That had been a shock, but as with everything Catherine did, she was never the most conservative person alive. That particular trait had been from her fathers' side of the family, she was sure of it! Elena had been a gentle soul. She had when Catherine was a child, considered her to be gentle as well. Catherine had shown it in many ways. However, upon the death of Elena and her fathers' perceived betrayal of the family unit, Catherine had changed acutely.

Constantia had never been allowed to try and create a loving home for the young woman. Her brother had been different though. He was her sister's son in everyway. Thank god, she had been able to salvage one of them, even though it had been such a short life. At least he had known love. Catherine had shied away from the emotion and in the end abandoned all hope of its' existence in her life, even when she married Adam. Constantia hoped that her niece had finally allowed the sentiment to enter her life. For Catherine had such a wealth of love to give the world, she just had never known how to accept it in her life.

"I'll go and fetch our afternoon tea...shall I?" Sarah knew the conversation had been closed. It was in the blue eyes that looked at her and silently agreed to her suggestion. Pity about the niece though, she didn't even know that Consty was now wheelchair bound. Always a pity when families don't get on. From what Sarah could recall of the niece, she had been very like Constantia, if only in the eyes and the stubborn nature.

Constantia watched the passing yachts from her vantage point on the hillside her home was perched on. The marble patio flooring having been specifically adapted for the wheelchair to allow her easy access to all the beautiful scenic views the house allowed.

It was strange that Catherine's name should be mentioned today, for she had a dream last night that her niece was coming to see her. That it would be important for both of them in ways that she hadn't seen in the dream, but her soul had acknowledged the message. Now, she just had to wait for the younger woman to have the dream also. She would, that was certain. The dreams given to the female Xianthos line never failed. The time for the confrontation was coming ever closer.

"Poor Adam. I think at the end, you rued the day you ever set foot on Xianspiros and met the Xianthos family. It was to heralded your death my friend, in so many ways." Constantia reflected to the emptiness around her as she overlooking the sea as echoes of the past floated by. She pictured the very happy young English man, who had written poetry and a book whilst sitting on this very balcony. The book that was to start a new Xianthos empire...one that would touch the whole world, not just one corner of it!

Constantia smiled warmly at her friend as she wheeled in the tea trolley, a definite must after all those years in England, for it was very soothing to the nerves.

  ~ ~ ~

Catherine was upset!

Jace was upset!

The children were enthusiastic.

Faith was amazed. She was finally going to see one of the places she had always wanted to visit ¯ London, England.

Catherine peered into her tea wondering if it would let her sink inside and drown. Okay, maybe that was drastic, but she felt like it. She had inadvertently dropped a big hint that they could all go with her to England. They would spend a month there, seeing the sights and have a holiday together.

Judy could come also, to ensure the children never lost out on the education programme. With Jake moving to the senior school next term, he wouldn't be travelling with them except on school holidays. Judy had discussed the problem of keeping him out of school and disturbing his routine in school in the future. Only problem being, although she'd kind of mentioned it to Jace, her partner hadn't agreed. She wanted to talk to her about it first...things just slipped out as they say.

Jace looked at the happy faces of everyone except hers and Catherine's. Her partner had been happy, until she had said that it wasn't that easy. They needed to discuss it before she agreed. Now it looked like she would be the bad person in all this if she didn't agree. Catherine really did have a lot to answer for some days. But she hadn't meant it any way, except in a good way. What can anyone say about that, she was Catherine and the woman's heart had been in the right place.

"Hey, it isn't going to change miraculously in front of you. Unless, you're a magician of course?" Jace whispered tentatively, her voice only just within the hearing range of Catherine, who looked up surprised at her gentle tone.

Catherine gave her a wry smile and nodded her head at the comment. "Guess not. But sometimes it's worth a try."

"So, tell me, what did you hope it would do?" Jace asked and propped her chin on the hand that she rested on the table.

"I was hoping I could drown in it for being so stupid. I suppose I've fuc...sorry messed up again?" The voice asked very seriously and tiredly. It was finally getting to her how often she was making mistakes with this woman.

"Why?" Jace asked, her tone shocked and upset at the words.

"You didn't appear to want to go.I've mentioned it and we will both be in trouble if we don't go now." Catherine explained.

Jace reached over and turned Catherine's face to hers and looked at her with a warm gaze, "No Catherine. If anyone is at fault this time, it's me! Anyway, if you get to drown in the tea, that means I would have to reciprocate and drown in my coffee, for we are partners, right? I prefer to drink my coffee Catherine. I know that is what you would most certainly prefer to do with your tea. Give me a smile, please?"

Catherine did. Although it had difficulty reaching her eyes, because she still wasn't sure if Jace was going to go with her. At least she tried to make the effort.

"Will that do?"

"It's a start. I love the way your eyes sparkle when you smile. I'm afraid my love, it never quite managed that this time around. You want to try again for me, please?" Jace cajoled her as her fingers caressed the fine scars of her left cheek in a soothing motion.

Catherine wasn't sure if it was the plea or the fingers touching her skin that convinced her. She smiled so much it dazzled Jace, who laughed at the sight and kissed Catherine in appreciation.

"I love you. We will work something out. Never fear." Jace finally replied, her lips still tingling from the touch of the lips she could never resist.

"Same here partner." Catherine responded indistinctly, looking at the grinning expressions from the rest of the room. "Okay, haven't you seen people kiss before?" she chuckled and picked up her cold tea and grimaced at the taste, 'how on earth did people drink ice cold tea?'

"Yeah, we see it everyday with you two." Lisa piped in and was given a warning look for her cheek by Catherine.

"Great! That means if I did it again you would have nothing to stare at then, because you see it all the time right?" Catherine chipped in, turning to face Jace, who looked at her as the pink tinged her cheeks.

Lisa giggled and ran round and hugged Catherine, placing a kiss on her cheek, then did the same for Jace and went to pick up her sandwich box from Judy.

"Come on Jake, we will be late for the bus." Lisa ambled off giving Faith a kiss and Judy a hug as she went out of the door.

Jake smiled at them all and was given his sandwich box also. He followed his sister. He was happy for he had great news for Ian. They could think about the same school again. Things were looking up, now he was really glad he had talked to Colin.

Faith was removing Elena from her high chair and placing her in the pushchair. This time everyday, the two of them would go walk around the paddock and stables and pretty much everywhere they could go that was accessible by wheels.

Catherine moved away from the kitchen table and pulled Jace along with her, "See you later ladies. I have a wife to convince going to England is a good idea," smiling as Jace protested verbally, but her body willingly followed Catherine's lead.

Once inside the study Catherine placed her arms around Jace and kissed her soundly. It was several minutes before they surfaced both breathing heavily. "Now explain to me please, why you can't just say yes?"

Jace looked at her and frowned not wanting to break up the magic of the moment. "You won't get angry will you Catherine, promise me?"

Catherine frowned herself at that remark. "Okay." She replied and waited for the words that might bring about that reaction.

"Clarence wants me to go to a seminar and a workshop for a week and it's the only one for the next twelve months and I said I'd go." Jace admitted and felt Catherine's arms that were holding her stiffen as she explained.

"A seminar? A Workshop? A week away? Were you going to tell me the day before, or would I have to guess when you didn't come home one night?" Catherine couldn't believe what she'd heard. This was unexpected and so not like Jace. Incredible and she didn't want me to get angry?

"Catherine it's not like that, let me explain." Jace replied knowing that the woman before her was fuming inside and rightly so. She had been remiss in not mentioning it earlier. Hades, what did she do now?

"Explain? It is going to take a hell of an explanation Jace. But, please continue. I'm all ears." Catherine's voice laced with sarcasm.

Jace blew out a breath and the blonde hair on her forehead moved at the force of the air escaping. "Look Catherine, please sit and I'll give complete details of what I've been doing, the plans we have and hopefully, you will understand."

Catherine released her partner and sat down heavily in her chair at the desk and watched as Jace paced the room clearing up exactly what she'd been involved in and why it was important to her to continue it.

   ~ ~ ~

Constance kicked the edge of her desk in frustration and watched the light appear in the office as it turned six a.m.She had arrived at work at four this morning. There had been no point in staying in bed. It had been so empty without Clare. Feeling sorry for herself, she had decided that coming into work was the solution. It hadn't been at all, it was even worse! Constance wanted desperately to see Clare. She had called to say that she had arrived at her sisters and that she would call again at the weekend, assuming Constance was home! It had been a slight she knew. Clare had been right to say it, when had she been home for a full weekend since she'd returned to work? Never!

Looking out over the street below and the steady stream of traffic that was always on the street below, she contemplated what it was now going to be like without the intelligent and caring woman who simply meant the world to her. Could they salvage their relationship at all? With the way things were going in Xianthos, she highly doubted it. Not unless she gave up the job. Did she want to do that? If she did and they restarted the relationship, would she resent it?Would she in the end resent Clare for making her decided between her career and her? But if she didn't leave it...there would not be any Clare. Could she live with that also? Her heart said no. But her mind was struggling diligently to say yes!

Walking back over to her desk she took out the strong painkillers the doctor had prescribed when she had been in pain from the shooting injuries she had received. She decided that she needed something stronger than a headache tablet to take away the pain in her head now. She swallowed three of the pills, washing them down with a measure of whisky she had stored in the desk draw. Her senses telling her that she was doing the wrong thing, but her mind ignored it and used the fact that there wasn't anything else readily available in the office to wash them down. It was a temporary measure. At least she might be in a position to function if she had one less pain, even if it was only the physical one.

Siting behind her desk, she contemplated the papers and lost herself in the new signings that the New York office had taken on.

   ~ ~ ~

Jace watched Catherine ride off on Tralargon. It was late afternoon and although they'd talked at length, she had managed by some miracle to calm her partner down, even though things had been a little strained to say the least. Now, all she could do was wait and see if Catherine had accepted her decision to stay behind and the rest of them go to England. After all, she was going to be away one of the four weeks anyway. There were lots of things she could occupy her mind with once they went away. The time would fly by.

Catherine had looked at her in a disconcerted way and shook her head, stating she needed to go out for a ride and would be back for dinner.

The door to the lounge opened and Jake walked in and came up behind her and asked gently, "Is everything okay Jace?"

Faith and Judy had been discussing the altercation of the couple and hadn't realised that Jake had been on the porch and could hear everything they said.

Jace turned and gave him a bright smile. "Sure it is Jake. Why do you ask?"

The boy turned his hazel eyes to hers in concern and understanding and lifted his right eyebrow before he spoke. "I heard that you might not be coming with us to England, is it true?"

Jace looked at the boy, how very like Catherine he was in the mannerisms. She wanted nothing more than to hug him, but knowing Jake he wouldn't like that at all.

"How did you hear that Jake?"

"I was on the porch and Faith and Judy were kind of speaking about things, I'm sorry Jace." The boy looked down at his feet embarrassed that he had to admit to eavesdropping.

Jace shrugged her own shoulders and watched the gradually diminishing spot of her partner finally disappear over the hills. "No that's okay Jake, actually you're right. I'm not going with you. But you're all going to have a wonderful time. Catherine will see to that you know."

Jake looked up at her and saw the tears, which Jace could never keep entirely to herself. It hurt him this time around. "I know Catherine will make sure we have a good time. But who will help her to have a good time without you Jace?" Jake asked her solemnly.

"Oh, Jake please, you will all have a good time together." Jace smiled through the tears that now descended.

"Catherine is only happy when she's with you Jace. Can't you come with us?" The boy asked reluctant to create more pain in the woman who had come between him and his heroine. Yet he loved her too. She was important to Catherine, therefore by default, she was important to him as well.

Jace turned to the boy, looked at him and she shook her head. "Not this time Jake, but believe me it will never happen again. This is the final time she goes away without me, that much I guarantee." Jace responded, the words thick with the emotion she felt.

Jake nodded his head and then looked into the tear filled green ones. He suddenly put his arms around her and hugged her tight. "We love you Jace and will miss you when we go away."

Jace was taken aback by the unexpected outburst by her son and she hugged him tightly to her and whispered in his ear. "Keep her safe for me Jake?"

"Always." The boy answered and then even more surprisingly lifted his head and kissed her cheek, disengaged the contact and smiled at her shyly.

"Thanks. Why don't you saddle up Rosy and catch up with Catherine? She is going to be at Cutters Ridge, if anywhere. Tell her...well just be with her Jake." Her voice finally broke at the emotion as she averted her face to the patio window.

"Okay. I can do that Jace. See you at dinner. Oh, and I'll tell her you love her." The boy went out of the room and she was left with her own melancholy thoughts.

'Yes, I love her. How I love her. Was anything easy in this family?'

~ ~ ~

"Well you look like you've won the bobby prize in a contest my friend. Care to enlighten me?" Grace breezed into Catherine's study. It was the first time she had seen her friend since her return home two days previously.

"Whatever makes you say that Grace? Hell, am I glad to see you." Catherine smiled genuinely at her and got up from her desk and went over to the smaller woman and hugged her tight.

Grace had seen the strain in her friends' eyes and the pallor of her skin when she walked in the room. There was only one thing that created that maelstrom of emotion in her friend these days...it was a four-letter word called 'Jace'.

"Well the feelings mutual Catherine and I have news for you."

"Good news I hope?" Catherine released her friend smiling at the bubbly woman who had just lightened her load by being Grace.

"Yeah, definitely good news. How does being an aunt sound to you?" Grace chuckled at the expression on her face, "You know I could make a fortune with your looks Catherine." Smiling she sat down on the sofa in the study and beckoned her friend to join her.

"Jesus, Grace that's great news. How long?" Catherine sat down next to her friend and she put her own solemn thoughts out of her head as she contemplated Grace's good announcement.

"Two months and everything is fine. Thanks for recommending the doctor Catherine. She was wonderful." Grace took her friends hand and smiled at her.

"Ah well, that's good. Now I know she might be able to help Jace and I in the future." Catherine grinned at her friend. This was excellent news and she couldn't wait for the baby to be born.

"What do you mean?" Grace gave her a puzzled look and waited.

"Well, don't let it go any further Grace, but Jace wants another baby. And I've kind of agreed and soon we are going to look into it!" Catherine answered, her voice soft and bemused at the thought.

Grace saw the tender look that crossed her face at the thought. She knew whatever was bugging Catherine that involved Jace wouldn't last. She felt that all the words had been said. Anyway, they had enough love to clear up the problem without someone else getting involved. "Hey, that's great news. What are we going for a boy this time? He might be more like his mother than the little one we have now?" Grace chuckled and then laughed loudly at the look of consternation that Catherine gave at those words.

"What does Colin think about the news?" Catherine decided to move away from her own subject to her friend's exciting announcement.

"What do you think Catherine?The man is ecstatic. I swear he can't do enough for me and I've only been home twenty-four hours. He thinks I need to rest all the time." Grace chuckled as she recalled her husband's reaction, it had made her cry and she didn't often do that.

"Let him have the opportunity of pampering you Grace. Not only do you deserve it, but strange as it may seem he needs to do it as well. Or he won't feel part of the wonderful prospect of the life you're going to bring into the world." Catherine words wistful.

"What makes you say that?" Grace asked the question. She really thought that Catherine wouldn't answer her.

"Experience, simple as that Grace. Let me tell you this, I've experienced it from both sides. Believe me, the easiest is giving birth. Perhaps not at the time, but all the waiting, not knowing and not being able to stop the pain...that Grace is the hard part. So let Colin inside let him enjoy the whole experience of having your baby. I swear you will never regret it." Catherine responded quietly, her mind travelling the distances between her birth of Lucas and Elena's birth.

"Then my friend, I will take your advice and do so. Although you might get an irate Colin on your doorstep for the advice." Grace smiled and clasped Catherine's hand in hers as an acknowledgement of the sentiment.

"No, he will never ever be upset at having the opportunity of not only seeing the birth, but knowing that he had been part of it all the way through. Not just the conception, but also all of it Grace. He will never forget that miracle for the rest of his life, just as you will never forget the birth of your first child. It is an awesome experience." Catherine smiled.

Grace knew that the woman was now twelve years in the past reliving the birth of her own child and strangely enough, Grace felt that all the ghosts regarding her son had suddenly been relinquished and laid to rest within this very complex woman.

"So, my friend what's your newsflash?" Grace laughed at Catherine's surprised look.

"We're going to England. Well, all of us except Jace."

"Tell me more, this sounds fascinating." Grace quizzed, holding onto the hand that trembled beneath hers.

   ~ ~ ~

Grace stood at the bottom steps of the porch to the ranch house and watched the blonde as she gazed unseeingly over the fields. Catherine and the rest of the household had left that morning to begin the long expedition to England. It had been a busy early morning for the converted Landrover, which could hold fifteen passengers. It was now ready and waiting outside the main house to ferry the prized cargo of passengers to the local airport, then to the waiting private plane that would take them to Christchurch, then the private jet to England.

Colin had agreed, well no volunteered, or personally made sure no one else could volunteer on the ranch to drive the monster of a vehicle to the first port of call.

Grace had declined to go with them and said her goodbyes the previous evening. She wasn't much of a morning person at the moment and considering rising before seven a.m. simply wasn't something she cared to encounter right now.

"Penny for them?" Grace asked softly from her position at the foot of the steps. It was one thing to be a friend, but quite another to be an aggravating friend when you needed to be alone.

Jace jumped in her chair as she heard the words. It had momentarily startled her. "Grace! I was miles away." Jace smiled briefly at the woman who had become a very great friend in the three years that Catherine had been in her life.

"Yeah, well that's understandable in the circumstances. Would you like some company for a little while?" Grace had told Colin that she planned on going over to see Jace and stay for a while, not knowing if the younger woman would want the company.

"Great, thanks Grace. What would we do without you? I was so damn lonely without them here, all of them!" Jace admitted and stood up and walked over to the porch steps as her friend mounted them.

"I know. When Catherine used to go away for her meetings to Sydney, the house was so empty without her. Yet, she didn't say much then when she was in it." Grace laughed at the memory. When did Catherine say much at any time?

"Grace, what was she like when she came home after the accident?" Jace sat down heavily in one of the wicker chairs as Grace followed suit next to her. They both looked out at the steadily growing darkness around them.

"She was still quite ill and needed lots of help, but that's not what you want to know is it?" Grace was astute enough to realise that Jace wanted to know how Catherine had been feeling inside, not outwardly.

Jace grinned at her friend, "No, I want to know what she was feeling inside Grace. What she went through in her mind? And how she survived so well?"

Grace snorted at the comment. "Yeah, well Jace, she might have survived well, but I'm not sure how the kids and I did at times." Grace laughed, her eyes teasing the blonde.

"Grace really." Jace laughed with her knowing that Catherine wouldn't have been the easiest person to live with at that time.

"I once told you Jace, that without the love you had shown her, she wouldn't be here today. And that is the truth. Our Catherine would have died before she left Rio if it hadn't been for the love you gave her. It literally triggered her love for the children and me as well! I've loved the woman as a good friend for years.I never knew until after you left the first time exactly how she viewed me. Since then, we haven't lost that rapport and never will. However, you created the environment my friend. Catherine was in a lot of pain Jace. But, it was a pain that the kids or I couldn't salve. We didn't have the means and yet that wasn't true. I've always had the means, for I could have told you and had you visit earlier." Grace responded, her mind drifting over numerous scenarios she had in her head at that time.

"Grace, don't berate yourself. Catherine was too pig headed to listen. I believe how we ended up together was better for us both. We learned some hard, but necessary lessons Grace. The one we both remember was our love didn't die, it didn't really waver, it was young, naive and occasionally the young stumble. That's what happened to our love Grace. We stumbled. That is all. When we both picked ourselves up, we found out the truth. We can't live without the other, or exist until we see them again. That's what happened Grace. We existed to see each other again. She wouldn't have left me without seeing me one last time. I know that in my heart." Jace responded in a soft voice that was hardly audible unless you listened carefully.

"Funny, I actually believe you, because as much as we tried to give her love and tried to help her, she was fighting some hard demons. She fought them alone, or so I though...except, she said something that makes sense now." Grace became thoughtful as she spoke.

Jace lifted her head and watched the silent memories flood Grace.

"Grace how about a coffee and we can talk about you and the baby and I'm sure by now you and Catherine have at least briefly mentioned the fact that I'd like another child." Jace smiled at her friend as the brown eyes warmed and the grin returned her memories now back in storage.

"Sounds an excellent idea to me. You wouldn't by any chance have some of those Belgium chocolates, would you Jace?" Grace laughed self-consciously.

"Not me my friend, but guess who does?" Jace laughed as they both moved towards the kitchen and the coffee.

~ ~ ~

Rita Tuscany had never worked with someone like Constance Waverly before in her lifetime, and she never wanted to again! In the month she had worked for the woman, it was clear why Clare had left her in the office. If she carried on at home in the same way she was here, she was definitely not surprised her friend had left that area too.

Constance was like the demon in the office. She worked at a break neck speed that had every single executive and anyone else come to that in a state of frenzy when she was in the building, which was pretty much everyday. Her executive meetings never ended on a good note. They almost always ended up with some backstabbing going on and the arguments that prevailed were becoming legendary. Worse thing was the new VP for New York covering America would arrive next week. The way things were going in the office, he wouldn't last a week with all the ill feeling in the building.

Constance was a lost soul that was the only thing you could say. Previously she had been focused, professional and totally in control. Now, she was objectionable, ill advised and didn't give a damn. That wasn't the worse of it either; her drinking even though she was trying to be discreet was evident...well, certainly to Rita who had to on occasion pour several gallons of coffee for the woman when she had to talk to Ms Devonshire. Damn Clare for leaving the woman, but she also had her complete respect too!

"Ms. Waverly, you have a call from Ms. Devonshire on line two. Shall I say you're in a meeting?" Rita asked her supervisor, seeing the glass of whisky on her desk. Not only that, there was a bottle of pills sitting there as well. 'Shit! When did she take up that particular mix?'

Constance Waverly looked tiredly at her PA and for a moment lost the plot. What the hell did the woman want? Then as quickly, she recalled the name that would bring her to her senses, the owner herself, Ms. Devonshire. "No, patch it through Rita." The slurring of the words caused a frown on Rita face, but she dare not say too much. The woman had already threatened her with dismissal if she said anything about the drink; now, it was pills also.

"Constance?" Catherine demanded, as it had been a lengthy delay before she had been put through to her Corporate President. Not only that, but Rita was now acting as PA to Constance. So, where the hell was Clare?

"Yes." Constance needed to focus on the job, for that was all she had left. Clare was gone and had finally said two days ago - she wouldn't be coming back!

"Good. So, are you ready to relinquish control to Lee Western? Might give you some time to spend on your private life for a change." Catherine asked in a friendly manner.

"Yeah, I'm ready. I need to have the few odd hours I can call my own again." Constance responded briefly. What the hell she was going to do with them now though, she didn't know.

"I've heard some disturbing reports Constance that things are shall we say a little fraught in New York, care to share?"Catherine asked quickly as she didn't have much time to talk. The family was about ready to leave for the airport. They were going home a week early. Everyone wanted to go home...strange how her partner had that effect on them all in some way or other.

"Fraught? Whoever told you that? Far from it. Western will have a wonderful time here. Hell, he has it easy. He still has me on site if he gets into any difficulties." Constance lied as she opened the draw to her desk, fished out the half empty bottle of whisky and poured a generous measure in the glass.

"Pleased to hear it Constance. Oh, and you keep your job. Good call by the way, and Eduardo is staying." Catherine replied.

"Glad everything has been resolved. At least I wouldn't have the problem of trying to recruit another VP." Constance felt relief, but also a sadness that she couldn't explain.

"I have to go. We are going home earlier than planned, seems Jace has a hold over all of us...for we miss her, and we all want to see her." Catherine chuckled and heard only a hollow reply from the other end.

"I'm please for you Catherine. Give Jace my regards. She is a very special woman," her voice heavy.

Catherine looked at Lisa, who was tapping her feet on the wooden floor of the hall looking expectantly at her. But there was something in Constance's voice that needed further inspection. "I have to go Constance. I'll catch up with you in a couple of days." With that she severed the connection and wondered if that had been the right decision. Shaking her head she smiled at her oldest daughter, picked up her computer and briefcase, and then followed the small redhead out of the door of her old London home. Now, it was time to go home properly. And the only home she knew now, had a blonde Californian waiting for her. That was all she wanted, nothing else was more important than that to her.

Constance replaced the receiver and looked down at it. "Yeah, go home Catherine to the 'wife'. At least you have something to go home too. Me, what have I to go home too? Nothing, zilch, nada, zero...please Clare come back to me...please...!" Constance reached for the pills and the virtually empty bottle of whisky. Placing several pills on the desk, she gulped down more whisky as they were swallowed. Looking out of the window of her office, her eyes were dulling of the pain from the effects of the alcohol and drugs she was now taking more and more frequently.

   ~ ~ ~

Jace had been thankful of the call that Grace had made to inform her that Catherine was on her way home......one week early also. It made Jace smile at the shortened holiday. She was distressed also that no matter what she did, she wouldn't arrive back at the ranch in time for her to there when they arrived. Another major mistake, but hopefully, this time Catherine might be more understanding. Looking at her watch, she noticed the time, if she were lucky her appointment would enable her to catch the next train out which would at least enable her to be home tonight and see the family she sorely missed.

  ~ ~ ~

Catherine had been looking over the notes she had taken on the problems that still plagued the operation in Europe. Hell, it hadn't been a good nine months there. However, Eduardo had amazingly charmed the pants of all their major connections. And it was only the smaller ones that had been lost in the fray and with all of Gareth's unsavoury connections; she wasn't too worried about that at all!

Constance had been right, Eduardo wanted his own head in the business not be a second fiddle to the owner. She had finally accepted that he wasn't Gareth. Eventually she had agreed that he could control it all as originally planned. When she thought about the decision, it would give her more time with her family. And if they had another baby well, she was going to need it. Jace had been right to continue with the seminar and what she was doing was very admirable.

Admittedly, it meant that they didn't agree on things from time to time, but what the hell! They would both live. If there had been more Jace's around when she was younger, maybe, just maybe, she might have given up earlier! Then again, would she have met Jace if things had changed so much, she highly doubted it? Yet, in the back of her mind, she knew she would have met Jace eventually. After all her father had owned UCP and she was pretty certain she would have continued with her fathers business and still have taken over her father-in-laws publishing house. It was all meant to be whichever way they went, but some things were harder to come by than others. And that had been the road that she had taken to reach Jace, the hard one!

Constance had been a little strange on their last conversation. However, it was always a difficult role and didn't she know it! Still the woman was intelligent enough and had the common sense to get the job done. Strange though, about the whereabouts of Clare? Every time she had telephoned in the last month it had been Rita who answered. Perhaps Clare was ill? Next time she really did need to ask the question, but for now, the key was getting home.

She really needed the sleep badly. It would be hilarious to many to find out that she could no longer sleep properly, unless a certain blonde was either in her arms or certainly within inches of her in the bed. Jace was going to give her a hard time about the dark circles around her eyes. But with luck, she could reciprocate, although Jace and sleep never did appear to have a problem.

Looking around the cabin, she surveyed her family.

Lisa was engrossed in an animated conversation with Judy. Well one could tell the movement of her arms and the facial expressions the child gave certainly animated it.

Faith was being bored to death by Jake and his conversation on soccer how it far outweighed rugby as a major sport. Faith as always was very attentive and asked very informed questions. She was going to make a great grandmother for real.

Elena was playing in her pen that had been erected in the cabin and Dave the steward was trying to prize the empty bottle of juice from her hands. Walking over to the warring pair she smiled at Dave "Let me."

The man smiled at her and moved away to watch the exchange of his employer and the small child. He wasn't sure which one of them was the more formidable.

Looking directly at her daughter who changed her expression from cross to a satisfied smile. "Elena let Dave have your bottle and you can have a nice drink of tea, what do you say little one?" Catherine placed her hands on the bottle and the green and blue eyes vied for its release.

Dave watched fascinated as the woman who ran a multi-million business was being challenged by a fifteen-month-old...it was different!

"Elena, give me the bottle now!" Catherine expounded, her voice using the steel edge that Jace had said might work with their daughter. Moments later the child released the bottle and looked at the tall playmate with a tearful expression in her green eyes.

"There you go Dave, it's all in the tone." Catherine explained and silently thanked god for a particular blonde who had finally taught her how to deal with children without hurting them.

"Thanks. Would you like tea also, Ms. Devonshire?"

"Yes, and I think the rest of them would probably enjoy some coffee or juice and did you get those cookies and ice cream I mentioned?"

"Certainly did, and I also took the liberty of getting some pastries for you and the young one." Dave looked at the bottle in his hand as he said it.

"Thanks Dave. That was very thoughtful and believe me, I and the little one will eat them, especially if they're hot and full of dripping butter." Catherine hadn't had the French pastry for years and yet she loved it!

"Anytime, but does the little one like them also?" Dave asked as he headed for the small kitchen.

"Don't know, but we are going to find out that's for sure." Catherine picked up Elena from the pen and went to sit down with her. If she couldn't see Jace's eyes, she could at least see a mirror image and that would have to do for now. Soon, very soon they would all be together again and that was all that mattered.

   ~ ~ ~

The house was quiet. The lights had been left on in the hall. It was warm and if Catherine could judge by the expressions on everyone's face, they were all glad to be back home!

Even Judy who had settled down at the ranch with an ease that had surprised the ex-school teacher, who had run away from her own personal problems, but who had by some miracle found this special haven and been welcomed like one of the family. Having also come to terms with her problems, which were now, just things of the past.

Faith had Elena in her arms, shouting a garbled mama at the top of her voice. Catherine held out her arms for the distressed child. Who looked at her and gulped back the tears that were threatening to fall.

Colin had explained that Jace was due home within the hour. Grace had told him to leave the explanation as simple as possible. He'd certainly done as his wife insisted, especially when he'd seen the crestfallen expression on Catherine's face.

Jake walked into the kitchen and within seconds, he was back his face wreathed in smiles. "We have a feast prepared ladies." He bowed his head gallantly and opened the door for them to look inside at the array of snacks. The coffeepot prepared and the teapot standing waiting. The line up of mugs and glasses ready for them to just heat up the water and they had a meal all prepared.

Catherine grinned at the boy, he had grown not only in stature, but also in the way he treated people. His courtesy was incredible in one so young. This new gesture of his just making her laugh at its playful respect of being the only male with several females for the last three weeks.

Within the hour they had all been fed. Faith had taken the two girls to be bathed and then brought back down to sit with Catherine waiting for Jace, who wouldn't surely be late tonight, not their first night home!

Jake had rushed off to spend a couple of hours on the computer, talking to some of his friends on the email and chat rooms he frequented with permission.

Rio had been ecstatic at the arrival of his female buddies. He had missed being chased around the room by the smaller female and he certainly enjoyed the attention from the taller one. Catherine and the two girls chased him around the room and finally all of them exhausted flopped onto the carpeted floor.

Elena climbed onto her tall playmates chest and putting her head down, she closed her green eyes and stuck her thumb in her mouth as she quickly fell asleep, causing Catherine to smile indulgently. Until she felt the redhead on her left shoulder and she turned and saw that Lisa was asleep too! Rio had taken the hint and lay at her feet with both his eyes closed.

'Well, if you can't beat them, join them!' Catherine thought and shut her eyes. She would just close them, but not sleep. Then she would put the kids to bed when Jace arrived.

   ~ ~ ~

Jace had caught her train and although she was slightly later than expected as she'd caught a taxi in town to the ranch, she hoped that she was home before her family. That thought sank like a stone in water as she saw the bags and the outer clothes strewn around, all except Catherine's which were neatly hung up and her shoes in their regimented position. Jace smiled at the mess the others had apparently caused and she for the first time in three weeks felt whole again, they were home!

Then she spied Jake walking down the stairs, "Jake, my god have you grown another foot in three weeks?" Jace chuckled at the red staining his cheeks he was now around five foot ten inches and he was going to tower over Catherine eventually, she was sure of it.

"Don't be silly Jace, maybe a couple of inches, but you're so small any change is big to you." The boy joked and was given a playful push and then hugged in a tight embrace.

"Glad your back Jake. I've missed you all so much." Jace bit back the tears that she felt sting her eyes at the sheer delight of seeing the boy. Lord knows what she was going to be like when she saw the girls and then Catherine.

"We missed you too Jace. It wasn't the same without you! Catherine used to be so grouchy in the evenings when she was alone with Faith and Judy, they went out a lot without her." The boy chuckled as he recalled them saying that they would never, ever, go on another trip like this without Jace to keep Catherine company.

"Well, she can be quite difficult at times as we both know. So, Jake where are the girls?" Jace asked curiously.

"Last time I heard, they were making loud noises in the lounge. And I do mean loud, but it's been kinda quiet for the last half hour or so," the boy responded.

"How was Catherine with you all? It wasn't all business for her was it?" Jace asked him although, everytime she'd called Catherine had been there.

"She's been great Jace. Catherine went everywhere she could with us. I know she told the corporate people that she could only be contacted in the morning, and then she would always be home by lunchtime. The girls made her tired though, they can be a handful." Jake responded recalling several occasions when Catherine had been literally played off her feet.

Jace gave him a wistful look, she had missed so much and for what reason? Someone else had needed her. But, didn't her family have first priority with their need of her? Yes!

"Loud noises and Catherine. Very interesting, now that did spark the imagination." Jace chuckled and she went towards the lounge door,

Jake went towards the kitchen saying he'd like another snack and then was going back to talk to Ian his best friend.

Jace opened the door silently to the lounge and was amazed at the sight before her. There laid out in the centre of the room was her partner and two daughters held securely on part of the tall woman's body. It was an enchanting and quite possibly, one of the loveliest sights she would ever visualise of the three most important females in her life.........her sleeping beauties.

Walking silently into the room Rio opened one eye and watched the familiar figure approach them. His tail thumped several times on the carpet, dampening the sound. Kneeling down next to the right side of Catherine, she tenderly pushed back a tendril of dark hair that had fallen over her face. There was for all to see the love, warmth, tenderness and solid protection about the position her partner had taken holding the children. It would be inconceivable to see Catherine deprived of any of the children because of red tape.

Jace was glad that she'd had some interesting talks with Grace, especially the one two weeks ago. That had been enlightening and she hoped various actions she'd taken recently would help her partner attain one of her dreams. Catherine had so few, but Jace wanted to make all she did have come true for her.

Bending her head she placed a light kiss on Catherine's brow and as if in a fairy story Catherine blinked her closed eyelids several times, her ice blue eyes trying to focus on the reason for her waking up.

"Hi Catherine." Jace spoke softly and watched the slow smile she loved drift over her partner's face at her nearness. 'Hades, how she'd missed this woman.' the very thought sent her heart racing at the sudden jolt that simple expression had caused in her body.

"Hi Jace, thought I was dreaming, but I'm not am I?" Catherine's voice husky with the remnants of sleep. Her smile gained intensity and the ice blue eyes held a look of pure love as she gazed at Jace. It had been too long without that face before her, far too long!

"I'm not a dream darling. You look extremely comfortable here on the floor." Jace smiled lovingly at her children and stroked the dark hair on Elena's head and placed a kiss on the top of her head, but the child never moved at the action. Then she leaned over Catherine and repeated the exercise with Lisa who also never stirred. 'Guess I only have the wake up magic on one female hereabouts,' chuckling softly as she thought about it.

Catherine watched totally absorbed as Jace kissed the children and she could smell the faint traces of perfume that still lingered on her partner. It aroused her senses to a higher pitch as she pictured holding the small blonde in her arms again. Then her mind went down a totally different path as she considered asking Jace to adopt the children and all the necessary action it would require to do so. Hell, they were committed to each other. This was the real thing, no playacting. They had both wanted, no! Needed the permanence of the relationship as it stood today.

As Jace pulled away Catherine had the opportunity to snake her right free arm around Jace's waist and tenderly brought her head down to within a fraction of an inch from her mouth. "If you weren't already married, I'd ask you to marry me." Catherine's lips captured the hovering ones above hers in a loving welcome. Neither wanted to break, but the requirement of breathing became a necessity.

Jace was breathless as she spoke. "You would huh? Do you know what my answer would be?" Jace placed a teasing kiss on the full lips that she had missed so much.

"What would your answer be?" Catherine responded her ice blue eyes locked with the green ones she'd thought about all the time she had been away.

"I'd have to say sorry, because I'm hopelessly in love with my wife. I've missed her desperately and all I want is to hold her in my arms again and show her how much she means to me. And that I never want to experience this loss again." Jace never released the gaze that held hers, a shy smile flashing over her face.

"Come here!" Catherine was far to moved by the words her partner had just spoken and she placed the blonde head down on her right shoulder. Jace found herself lying next to Catherine on the carpeted floor, but nestled in the hold she knew would protect her forever. "I'm getting used to this carpet at close quarters."

Jace snuggled further into the broad shoulder, a smile of supreme happiness on her face giving the impression that she was glowing. "Everyone will think we're crazy sleeping on the floor," chuckling as she could well picture Judy and Faith's faces if they walked in.

"Ah, well. They don't have three beautiful females in their arms now do they? One of which is my wife, who I've missed so much, I'm surprised I didn't catch the next plane home, so that I could hold her in my arms again." Catherine spoke quietly and placed her lips on the blonde head.

"Then that makes us two very happily married women then, doesn't it?" Jace answered feeling the effects of her own long day as she yawned, unable to stop the action. "Sorry, I wasn't here when you arrived home Catherine."

"You're home now that's all that matters, so how is the good Reverend?" Catherine asked assuming her partner had been doing her good deeds for the day in town.

"Last time I saw him he was fine. I went to Christchurch darling. I caught the train back this afternoon. Finding a taxi in town that would come out to the ranch was difficult." Jace explained and felt Catherine's body stiffen.

"Is there a problem?" Catherine asked holding her breath.

"I thought I'd see the lawyers about pressurising Peter to sign the papers about the adoption for Elena. Then I had a long chat with the authorities about adopting our other two children. Seems I'm going to have to consider a change of passport." Jace said matter of factly and was rewarded and pleasantly surprised, as were the two sleeping children as Catherine shot up dislodging them as she looked at Jace with a lost for words, but a smile of pure adoration on her face.

"Jace!" Lisa exclaimed and with no heed for the discomfort she caused to Catherine she jumped all over her narrowly avoiding Elena, who was so tired she started to cry at the intrusion to her sleep.

Jace laughed happily and picked up her elder daughter once they had both stood up, leaving Catherine to soothe the grumpy younger child.
"Great to see you Princess, did you have a good time?"

"Great Jace, it was cool. We saw lots of places and we have loads of photo's and the video and presents and we saw the changing of the guard and the Queens palace and...." Jace hugged the child tighter at her exuberance.

"How about you tell me everything tomorrow and show me all your goodies then? I bet you're tired?" Jace was watching her younger daughter being comforted by her partner out of the corner of her eye.

"Yeah okay. Can I go and get a drink of milk please, to go to bed with, I promise to be careful?" Lisa asked Jace, although her eyes shot over to Catherine who just smiled at her smugly.

Jace saw the look and arched an eyebrow. "She's getting good co-ordination these days aren't you slugger?" Catherine offered by way of explanation and saw the child scowl at her with the mention of the nickname.

"Yeah, I haven't dropped anything for ages and anyway Rio helps me too." the child said and went towards the door and Rio joined his smaller mistress and followed her out, leaving the two adults to watch her with indulgent smiles.

"How does Rio help her Catherine?" Jace asked suspiciously, holding out her arms for her grumpy daughter, who gave her mother a watery smile as she was given a welcome home kiss too!

"Seeing is believing Jace. When she comes back in the room watch for yourself." Catherine said enigmatically and looked at the blonde head peer at her daughter. The happiness at having her child in her arms evident to anyone that looked. It was the mother daughter picture that Catherine would hold in her heart along with her imaginary ones she had of Jace at the birth of the child.

"Elena have you been a good girl?" Jace asked the child not expecting anything from her daughter except garbled sounds, what she heard this time shocked her.

"Mama good," the child responded and was held out at arms length. Was this her child? Had she missed one of the most important times of a child's upbringing, the first words?

"She called me Mama, Catherine. She's talking?" Her voice excited and emotional at the same time.

Catherine grinned, "Yes, she certainly is. I told you so before we went away, but you didn't believe me. Now darling, you know for sure." Catherine's eyes brimmed with laughter at the tearful expression in Jace's eyes, damn water works everytime, without fail. This woman would be a godsend in a drought.

Several minutes later the door to the lounge opened and Lisa walked in her head held high and she clasped the glass to her with confidence. Only this time Rio was close beside her and if Jace wasn't mistaken he was behaving as if he was a sheepdog and keeping the child to a narrow path and concentrating entirely on her task. It was working no way was Lisa going to fall over the dog. The dog was going to make certain of that!

"Catherine she's...well she looks so confident." Jace gasped watching her elder daughter with pride.

"Yes, that she does Love. And I think if she keeps this up, Rio will let her go solo soon." Catherine said quietly, watching Lisa and Rio at their respective tasks.

"Why is the dog doing that Catherine? How did you train him to help her?" Jace asked in wonder.

"I didn't, he can sense the need and she was willing to participate and hey, what do you know they work well as a team. She loves him and I don't know why at times, but Rio loves her too! Can't knock help from a loved one now, can we?" Catherine smiled slowly her own eyes warmed and reflected the wonder of the statement Jace had made earlier about the adoption, a point in fact no less.

Jace looked deep into the ice blue eyes and watched as the right eye focused completely on her and the left tried but failed every time. But only fractionally, you would never know that she couldn't see out of it.

"Time for beds all of you. It's been a long day and you all look tired." Jace said and smiled at the wicked look she received from Catherine, shaking her head at her partner and placing Elena on the floor, but taking her hand.

Catherine whispered into her ear as she captured Lisa's hand and then they clasped their own together as they made for the stairs. "Join me?" the voice enticing and the low growl made Jace's knees weak at the thought of what those two words could potentially mean.

Sending a sensual smile to her partner Jace answered in the only way she could. "Try and stop me darling," and heard the soft chuckle as they went to settle the children first.

Coming home had some advantages. Oh yes, and what advantages.

   ~ ~ ~

The Spiros's watched the figure approach the villa. True to the American's word, the person who was going to help them had arrived a month after their original discussion.

Althea had returned to Athens and would be arriving back on the island at the weekend, only three days away. By then, they would know what this particular party could bring to the table. And the game, as they say would be afoot, a scene from any Sherlock Holmes Mystery, which Fatama read reverently, for she loved all murder mysteries. They were much more exciting than the romance novels.

George watched the figure approach and a small smile played around his lips. 'Looked like a tourist and probably wasn't going to be any use to them, but if Mama said she would be, then he would bend to mama's will. One day though, his mother was going to go too far and then he didn't know what he would do. But...he wasn't as strong as Althea and she had even caved in at the pressure. Still with Althea, she had a brilliant mind and she would find a way for them to keep out of jail!'

The door was opened by the resident maid and shown into the enclosed balcony area that Fatama loved over the rest of the villa, it was her sanctuary and one she was sure she would die at peace in.

The maid showed the visitor into the area and George inclined his head in welcome and waited for his mother to introduce the person who was going to help them rid the island once and for all of the family Xianthos.

Fatama Spiros smiled a welcome and held out her frail hand as the visitor came forward. "So, we finally meet, Ms. Hudson spoke highly of you."

"Thank you, I'm sure we will all gain something from this experience," the visitor said quietly.

"George, please come over here and meet our esteemed guest." Fatama implored her son.

George came forward and held out his hand. "Pleased to meet you."

His hand was taken and the visitor smiled wryly at him. "Thanks you too. Now to business."

Fatama smiled at the words, this would be over before anyone even knew it happened. "So, we call you by the name Ms Hudson gave or you want another one?" Fatama motioned the visitor to sit as the sun gained its highest position in the sky.

The visitor smiled, "You may call me...."

  ~ ~ ~

Catherine looked out over the ranch drive. It was the same dream that woke her in the middle of the night, or should she say the early hours of the morning, as it was now only three o'clock. The one that showed her death and Jace obviously in mourning, but something about it wasn't quite what it seemed, there was something missing. She needed to know what that was.

Her eyes roamed the scenery before her. With the brightness of a full moon, she could see the drive and the foreman's house, which now was more than that. Not only did it house the new Operations Director of Destiny holdings but her best friend too! It was going to be so damn good to see another new life born here and live on the property. Not only one, but perhaps two if Jace had anything to do with it. And she'd briefly mentioned that she had news in that area, but Catherine had been interested in action and not words at the time, so it could wait until tomorrow.

Letting out a deep sigh of satisfaction that she was home, she turned suddenly and was entranced at the green gaze levelled at her! "I'm sorry darling. I thought you were asleep." Catherine apologised softly.

"Hey, you've been away three weeks and I get you back and what do I find, but you slink away without my knowledge. Now if I didn't know better, a girl could get a complex that she wasn't quite up to standard here." Jace smirked at the look of surprise the words brought to Catherine's features.

"You will never, ever, not be up to standard Jace. For god's sake, you take my breath away every minute of the day." Catherine responded and padded back to the bed and quickly regained her position in the bed and pulled the smaller woman on top of her.

"Well, thank you darling. You, of course know the feeling is mutual?" Jace responded, her lips starting a delicate trail over the collarbone of her lover, the scent of Catherine driving Jace to distraction, it was so very intoxicating.

Catherine placed her lips on the blonde head that was sending her pulse rate through the roof. "I love you Jace." the words a low growl as her body responded to the sensual caress of her partner.

Jace looked up at the words, her own face flushed at the emotions her lover's body created within her as it always had. Without words, Jace moved her body slowly and ardently up her lovers until she saw the arousal of her partner close up. It was a sexually charged moment and without hesitation, she placed her lips on Catherine's and they began an exploration that literally took them to the moon and back by the time they had feasted themselves on each other's bodies.

~ ~ ~

"What do you think?" Jace looked at the pensive profile of her partner as they sat at the table of an Italian restaurant in Christchurch. Both women attempting to look at the menu, but were failing miserably.

"About the menu, looks okay to me." Catherine answered absently. Then raised her head as she heard the audible sigh from her partner.

"What!" Catherine asked the blonde who now had an irritated look on her face.

"Catherine not the menu, but what the doctor said!" Jace muttered and then glanced back at the menu as the waiter descended on them with a smiling face.

"Ladies have you had time to consider your choices?" the waiter wasn't any more than twenty if he was a day. He looked Jace over speculatively as he asked the question.

Catherine looked at the waiter and watched where his eyes were surveying. She wasn't pleased at his giving Jace the once over. "I'll have the chicken pasta for the main dish. Want to share a salad and some garlic foccia bread for a starter Jace?" Catherine smiled at the blonde opposite her. She knew without reservation her partner was oblivious to the man's attraction to her.

"Sure and I'll have your house special pizza for my main course." Jace wanted to laugh at Catherine's face.

"Madam, which size?" the waiter gave her his full attention and smiled engagingly at her.

"Why the large size of course." Jace answered and virtually choked on her sip of mineral water at Catherine's astonished expression not to mention the waiters.

He eyed her and went away muttering something under his breath.

"Wonder what he said?" Jace asked innocently.

"Probably glad he didn't ask you on a date. You would have taken his months salary check on the first meal he asked you out on." Catherine answered her tone serious, but her eyes twinkling with laughter.

"Oh, Catherine that's not true. I only eat what I need." Jace pulled a face at her companion and saw the laughter take over her face as she smiled brightly at her.

"I wondered where all our food went......it's what you need huh? Pull the other leg Jace. You love to eat, that's all there is to it." Catherine replied and looked at her partner.

"So, what do you think?" Jace asked the woman in front of her. No way was she going to allow her to wriggle out of answering the important question.

"I think we should be happy with the children we have." Catherine answered quietly.

"Catherine...no! We can do this together. Look! It doesn't matter to me, why should it to you?" Jace gave her a look of encouragement and put her hand gently on top of Catherine's as she traced a pattern on the linen tablecloth.

"Because I don't want you to have to leave me that length of time again. We agreed, right?" Catherine finally stated, the hand on hers soothing the churning nerves the doctor had created in system.

"Catherine, I will go in the hospital for tests. Then we get to chose a suitable donor, have the implant carried out. It won't take that long." Jace entreated her.

"Why do we have to do this Jace? We have three wonderful kids. Why do we need another one?" Catherine asked quietly. Fortunately the restaurant was relatively quiet, but then again it was only noon and lunch rush hadn't started.

"You said yes Catherine. Did you lie to me?" Jace asked her earnestly.

Catherine looked down at the table and contemplated the pattern of the linen for a couple of minutes.

"No, no I didn't lie to you. I just don't want you in America on your own that's all. What if it coincides with a business meeting I have, or something else? What do I do then?"

Jace watched the worry pass over her partners face. Yes, she had been upset that they couldn't do the process here, but she was American after all, had Catherine forgotten?

"Darling, I'm American remember? I can look after myself if necessary. I know the treatment is in Boston, but Hades Catherine, New York isn't that far away." Jace tried to convince the raven-haired woman before her.

Catherine was about to reply when their first course arrived. Catherine gave Jace a rueful smile, knowing the blonde would probably eat far more of the foccia bread than the salad and still eat the pizza as well! Contemplating her partner's plea, she was loath to disagree at her logic. If Jace wanted something, Catherine was willing to brave the elements themselves to give it to her.

"Okay." Catherine said and grinned as Jace took a bit of the foccia bread and the garlic spurted out and ran down her chin.

"Guess I need to take a piece myself or I won't be coming anywhere near you for the next week," Catherine responded, her tone teasing.

"I love you Catherine, but keep the jokes between you and Grace please?" Her smile wide as she acknowledged that Catherine had literally agreed to the programme and would do what she had to do to be there as well.

"Hey, Grace is pretty much going to keep you company my love, if you are pregnant in the next month or so." Catherine smiled at Jace with loving affection.

"Guarantee it Catherine. What do you want this time around green eyes or blue?" Jace laughed and retrieved another piece of foccia bread and helped herself to salad as she saw the astonished look on Catherine's face.

"I can chose?" her voice awed at the possibility.

"Sure you're paying for the privilege." Jace replied jovially, that was something Catherine did understand entirely.

Catherine shook her head, "Doesn't matter to me, as long as you and the child are healthy, that's all I care about. That is all I will ever care about Jace."

Jace looked over at Catherine and saw the serious expression. And once again had that look of wonder in her eyes as she thanked the gods that this woman had taken that chance to love her. She would never regret it. Never! "Oh, I plan on giving you a healthy child Catherine. You're are obviously not tired enough with the children we have."

"What do you mean by that?" Catherine choked on the salad she had in her mouth.

"Well, lets say for a woman your age and the fact that you have three children, who have you running after them, not to mention a busy business schedule, you always have time to teach me some rather energetic things in bed at night." Her eyes brimming with merriment as she teased her partner.

"Tell you what Jace, anytime you're not up for it let me know and I'll find a suitable replacement," Catherine bantered back, knowing that Jace would respond with a jealous comment.

"NO WAY! You will not take anyone else to your bed, got me? I have your tomorrows. All of them remember?" Jace snapped back.

Catherine laughed at the comment and placed her hand soothingly on the blonde's on the table. "Yes, Darling. I know and would you believe I totally agree. Hell! Who would want a wreck like me in their bed huh?"

Jace let out a breath at the comment. Saw the love shining out of the ice blue eyes opposite her, "I would want you no matter the condition Catherine and your mine anyway so it's a foregone conclusion."

"Love you Jace," Catherine said softly and released her hand and tackled the salad again.

Jace smiled at her and tucked into the remains of the foccia bread with relish. Everything was going wonderfully well, this was what living was all about!

Detective Kelsey had been surprised at the request from the head of Xianthos to investigate privately if necessary the demise of Clarissa Hudson. He knew what the reports said; she'd been killed tragically with a friend in a boating accident several months ago. It was simple, cut and dried or was it? Catherine Devonshire wouldn't have asked him the question if she didn't feel that it needed investigating. She was that kind of woman. He had a great respect of the stoic vibrant woman. Even more, of her choice of employees, that team of Waverly and Fallon had done wonders to get the bastard Cuthbert to confess, even if it was only by default.

Looking over the desk in the office, he was tempted once again to give up his badge and go and work for the woman. He was considering it. She had offered him a job that was so far removed from his current role, yet it still protected people. She didn't need him really, anyone competent would do for that job, it was cushy in the extreme.

Well, Hawaii here he came.

Rita Tuscany had, had enough? It was one thing working for a workaholic. But combined with alcohol and pills, it was like working for a devil. And she wasn't going to anymore! It was six thirty in the evening when she got up from her desk. Fortunately, it was Friday, and most people had gone home as soon as possible for the weekend. Walking over to the door leading to the President's office she knocked. Not waiting wait for an answer, she walked inside expecting to be given a tirade of abuse. Instead she saw the woman at the large window overlooking the street below.

"Ms. Waverly will you need me anymore tonight?" Rita asked quietly, not receiving an immediate answer from the statue at the window.

"Ms. Waverly are you okay?" Rita asked concerned at the lack of response.

Constance must have heard the words finally for her body moved slightly. "Rita, what will you be doing this weekend?"

Rita was flabbergasted at the question. "Well, I have laundry, who doesn't in this day and age? Then I plan on going out with friends tonight.Saturday my boyfriend is due back from LA, he's a computer technical whiz, goes all over the country."

"Sounds like you have a busy weekend planned." Constance responded her voice controlled.

"Yeah, I guess. What will you be doing?" Rita decided to ask for politeness not really expecting her to answer.

"Me? Oh I plan on...hell I don't know. Nothing seems to be important these days." Constance replied so low it was hard to make out the words spoken.

"What was important to you before?" Rita asked, although she knew, or was pretty sure she knew.

"I had everything Rita, everything! The job I coveted and knew I could do. And I found someone that I loved."

"So, what's changed?" Rita asked quietly.

"I still have the job. But what's a job if you don't have anyone to share the rewards of it with?I lost the love Rita; remember never to lose the love. We can replace just about everything else in life, but we can't replace someone who loves us." Her words desolate and brought a lump to Rita's throat.

"Can you retrieve the love?" Rita was sorry for the woman. Sometimes you had to give up the emotional side of your life to be successful. Here was a prime example.

"No! No, I highly doubt it. But I miss it Rita. I miss it every second that I live." Constance turned finally towards Rita, her eyes were red rimmed from crying and her face was the image you had in your mind of despair.

"Goodnight Ms. Waverly, have...have a good weekend." Rita closed the door and a single tear dropped as she retrieved her purse and left the office. 'Damn you Joe for being away I could do with a hug about now.'

~ ~ ~

Elena looked at her tall sister and held out her hands for support. They were trying to scale the building they lived in. It was rather large and the steps they took were enormous.

Jace watched Elena being held by Lisa, enabling her to mount the steps of the porch. It was a great sight and she wished Catherine had been there. She was still taking calls from various parts of the world, which for the past week had been keeping her partner up until way into the early hours of the morning. Jace knew deep down that Catherine was going to have to go away again. Things didn't appear to look good. Although Catherine never mentioned any details, it was in the grim set of her face when she did finally get into bed. Her partner only became relaxed when she put her arms around her and brought her head onto her smaller shoulder.

"Hey you two, how you doing?"

Jace watched both of her daughters. It made her think back to when she had no one in her life and had felt alone in the world. That feeling had been with her before she split with Catherine that first time. It had been hard to envisage who would be the person that would eventually release all the love she had to give.

"Mama." Elena giggled excitedly at seeing her mother. She rushed towards the chair that Jace was seated in and held out her arms for a hug.

"She's getting pretty good now Jace. I hardly have to hold her at all." Lisa said proudly of her younger sister. Although, she could be hard work when she didn't get her own way.

"Great! So, what do you have planned for tonight?" Jace asked Lisa.

It was the carrot topped little girls turn to choose the story to read this evening. It would be her privilege to start it as well.

Elena was now crawling up her legs, so she put out her hands and helped the child onto her lap as she waited for the big sloppy kiss, she was sure would happen next. As if on cue, there was the kiss from her daughter.

"I want us to read a new Jake and Lisa story tonight." Lisa said and Jace gave her an amused look.

"Have you talked to Catherine about that?" Jace asked her daughter, who was leaning against the railing and watching the foals play in the paddock.

"No. Catherine said to choose, so I have." Lisa pointed out the simple logic; except in this case there was only the logic of Catherine, as she had made the original story up.

"Can I just say one thing Princess? Ask Catherine first, before you surprise her with that request, okay?" Jace stated quietly and waited for the child to respond. Unfortunately, she responded in typical Lisa fashion and was through the main door heading for the study before Jace could stop her.

"Oh, well Catherine needed a break." Jace smiled at the door that close behind the child.

"Well little one, it's just you and me. Want to go for a walk with Rio?"

Kissing the top of her child's head, and whistling gently for Rio, the dog shot out from under the porch, which was his hiding place when he wanted to avoid the playful Lisa and the trio went on their way.

Knocking on the door, but not waiting for a reply, Lisa burst into the study and was pierced immediately by cold ice blue eyes from the figure seated in her chair at the desk. The voice from the intercom was angry and frustrated. Catherine put her finger to her lips and motioned for Lisa to come forward and the child scrambled up onto her lap.

"I know what you think Enricho, but surely that's an exaggeration?" Catherine answered the man when he had finally finished his speech.

"Catherine she's not acting within protocol. The reports from New York are getting worse by the day. Poor Western doesn't know what to do," her South American VP stated firmly.

"Western not up to the role? Or is it that Constance isn't up to hers?" Catherine asked diplomatically and placed a soft kiss on the head of her daughter, who for once was waiting patiently.

"Don't know enough about Western, but Constance isn't no!" the man said emphatically.

"Okay. As a point of interest where is Ms. Fallon, Constance's original PA?" Catherine smiled as Lisa played with the locket around her neck and looked at the photos inside.

"Not exactly sure," he answered.

"Don't believe you. Try again." Catherine knew that he would know all that was going on. They all did, if it was interesting gossip.

"When Constance came back from her meeting with Western in London, Clare resigned and left town. I think she went to California has relatives there, or so the reliable grapevine says.

"Interesting. That would have been a bitter blow for Constance." Catherine replied. Her mind drifting over exactly what that would have done to her. Well, it had once.

"I also heard they were close friends outside the office. She must be feeling kinda low, but that should not be a factor here this is business." The man, although compassionate to the woman's problems, the company had first claim on her in office hours as it did them all.

"Catherine can I talk yet?" Lisa asked quietly and Catherine grinned at her.

"My daughter, Enricho needs my attention on some problem or other. How about I talk to Constance and try and solve the problems, she appears to be creating with the staff." Catherine chuckled at the man's sudden silence.

"Oh sure, I'm sorry. I didn't realise that your daughter was there. Must be late, sorry." The man waffled.

"Lisa, say hi to Enricho. He helped me when I was hurt abroad that time." Catherine stated simply.

"Hi Enricho. Thank you for helping Catherine. She was hurt bad wasn't she?" The child said as Catherine hugged the small youngster.

"Yes, she was hurt bad Lisa. But, she is much better now." The man said. Catherine could hear the smile in his voice.

"Well, enough of that...will my compromise do Enricho?" Catherine had many more calls to make, not to mention the most important one to Constance.

"Sure, but you may have to go and see her personally. I think talking about it won't give the required result." He said goodbye to them both and ended the call.

"Now princess, what can I do for you today?" Catherine smiled at the child who had grown a little taller, but not much. She certainly wasn't going to be as tall as Jace at this rate, but still, wonderful things came in small packages!

"I want us to read a new Jake and Lisa Salt story. Can we Catherine? Jace said I had to ask you and not surprise you tonight." Lisa said quietly and waited for her answer.

Catherine frowned. Now how did one answer that? "Can I think about it Lisa. You know I have to make them up and it depends if my mind is busy with the office, but if I can't, how about next week? I promise to start a new story for you and maybe then we can have a new one about the dragon too!"

Lisa whooped with joy and put her arms around the woman and kissed her cheek and rested her head close whispering in her ear. "I love you Catherine."

Catherine grinned and felt the love she had for this child well up in her heart. "Well, I love you too Lisa. So how about you let me make some more calls and I'll catch up with you later, okay?"

"Yep." The child moved off her lap and went towards the patio door in the room, "I'll go with the others on the field." She left the smiling woman who stood up and stretched her shoulder muscles. Then went over to the patio window to see what Lisa meant.

Catherine's eyes misted slightly as she saw her partner walking along with Elena holding one hand and Rio happily ambling alongside them both. Trying to catch them was Lisa, who was shouting for them to wait up for her. Jace turned back and smiled at the running child, then lifted her eyes up so that they looked at the patio window where she stood. Catherine waved and received a wave back and an even bigger smile from Jace. Her heart was filled with love as she watched her family for another few minutes. Then she sighed and turned back towards her chair. Back to business...she knew that a call to Constance was apparently top priority.

Constance had been unavailable when she had made the original call. Rita had said she would get the woman to call her back. That had been five hours ago and she wanted to go to bed. Not only was she tired, but also her time with Jace had been restricted with all the problems that had transpired this week. All she wanted to do was hold her partner and make gentle love to her and see all the problems fade. Yet, all she seemed to do at the moment was fall into bed exhausted and Jace had to provide comfort instead.

The business phone line rang.

"Devonshire!" Catherine barked out as it was nearly midnight and she wasn't happy.

"Ms. Devonshire, this is Rita Tuscany here," came the tentative voice at the other end of the line.

"Rita, where is she?" Catherine snapped angrily.

"That's just it, I don't know! She went out after a meeting. Said she would be back within the hour, but she hasn't returned. I've tried her cell, her pager and her home number but..." Rita trailed of.

"Okay. I get the message Rita. Would you do something for me, go around to her place and find out if she's there? If she is, tell her I'm leaving on a flight to New York tomorrow. And she had better be in the office when I get there." Catharine retorted.

"What if she isn't?" Rita asked now concerned for her boss.

"Then you can't tell her, but I will still be on the next flight out tomorrow. I'll link in for the flight from LA to New York. Will you inform my housekeeper at the apartment to get the tea ready? I'm going to need it I think." Catherine wasn't happy at all and now she had to break the news to Jace.

Jace watched her partner trudge wearily into the room. Instead of going straight into the bathroom as always, she went over to the window and looked out silently for a few minutes. Something was wrong, again!

"Well, my love if you stand there any longer, I'll think someone turned you to stone." Jace said teasing the morose looking woman.

Catherine turned and a faint smile crossed her lips as she completed the distance between the window and her lover. "Might be a better prospect than the one I have lined up."

"Care to explain to me Catherine?" Jace smiled warmly at her partner and placed her hands around the beloved face as Catherine walked across the room and sat down heavily on the bed.

"I have to go to New York in the morning. I have a problem." Catherine stated bleakly.

Jace saw the bleakness mirror out of her eyes. "Well, I figured you had a few problems actually with all the late nights recently, but something tells me you're surprised at this new one."

Catherine looked deep into the green eyes she adored. "Don't ever leave me Jace!" her voice hoarse with emotion.

Jace saw the uncertainty that she tried so hard to bury. But occasionally it surfaced and it usually meant that someone else was hurting too. "I'll never leave you, your mine remember?" her voice soft and loving as she placed a tender kiss on her lips in affirmation of her promise.

"Yours without a doubt. I'm definitely yours. Clare left Constance and she's been falling apart from all accounts. Now she's just walked out of the office and no one can trace her."

"Oh? I'm so sorry that had to happen. They looked happy together the last time we saw them. I could have sworn that Clare was in love with Constance." Jace whispered and held the dark head to her chest as Catherine lay on the bed beside her.

"Yes, I must admit I thought it was too. However, you can't always tell and in this case obviously Clare didn't love her enough." Catherine stated absently and was surprised when Jace lifted her head and looked at her closely.

"That's not true you know Catherine. If anything were wrong, it would have been all the hours that Constance was working. Lets face it, that is how many relationships breakdown with that kind of pressure?" Jace pointed out carefully.

Catherine looked at her seriously. "Are you trying to tell me something here Jace?"

Green eyes that penetrated Catherine's soul watched her silently for a few seconds. "Yes. I think I am. Are you listening?" Jace responded equally seriously.

"I wasn't. Now I am. Can we talk about this after my trip to New York?" Catherine knew that Jace would wait; in her heart she just knew it.

"Yep lover. When WE arrive back we will talk about it." Jace replied and watched the wonder appear on the tired face.

"You're coming with me?"

"I certainly am darling. It is a good opportunity for me to make that trip to Boston while you work out your problems in New York. Don't forget...you promised you would make an effort and travel to Boston to discuss the donor okay?" Jace watched Catherine relax and she smiled.

"I love you." Catherine took her small blonde into her arms and they exchanged a kiss that sent them to greet the stars outside the room.

"You know you're over dressed." Jace laughed softly as her lips trailed a path down her partner's neck.

"I know. Any suggestions?" Catherine laughed throatily.

"Oh, yeah!" and Jace proceeded to provide the necessary suggestions and help as well!

Rita pressed the bell one last time, waited for several minutes and was about to leave, when she heard the key turn in the lock.

Ms. Waverly's dark head peered out. She was obviously stoned.

"What do you want Rita? Don't I get any privacy from that damn place?" Constance spat out her breath reeking of whisky.

"I have a message for you from Ms. Devonshire." Rita wanted nothing more than to leave.

"What does the bitch from hell want now?" Constance slurred the words.

"She will be on the next flight out tomorrow. Wants to see you in the office when she gets here." Rita answered quietly, but distinctly.

"Well, she can kiss my ass, because I'm doing other things. Get out of here Rita and get a life." The Corporate President replied, and then slammed the door in her face.

Rita looked at it and decided against a further confrontation.

Walking away she shook her head sadly. The woman was toast. She no longer had the presence of mind to be the President. In fact, be employed at all. Ms. Devonshire would more than likely cut her free. What would happen to her then? Should she call Clare? Now that was a question and a half.

~ ~ ~

Catherine viewed the meeting she had inadvertently interrupted with the senior staff and the new VP, Lee Western. It had not been a pleasant sight. Western had been shouting in his cultured English voice at the senior publicity manager Karl Lewis, a veteran of Xianthos of over twenty-five years.

"Ms. Waverly is unavailable at the moment Mr. Lewis. That is the only comment you will make if the media ask."

"What bullshit Mr. Western! She is the talk of all the other publicity houses. Why last evening the police picked her up under the bridge near her apartment block. She was stoned on not only alcohol, but drugs they say." Lewis replied angrily at the ignorance of the new man on the block.

"Did they prosecute her for any of those misdemeanours?" Western turned his hazel eyes on Lewis.

"No. They called Rita Tuscany to vouch for her. She like all other good PA's in this place, backed her boss up to the hilt...just as... just as well in this case." Lewis gave a derisive scowl at the newest executive.

"Glad to hear there's some loyalty in my camp, and that it hasn't all been pissed into the wind with the problems of late!" Catherine remarked drolly as she stood quietly at the door of the conference room and watched all eyes turn in her direction.

"Ms. Devonshire? I wasn't aware you were in the building?" Western remarked and several others in the room sneering at another so-called weakness of the chief of operations in New York.

"You wouldn't be Mr. Western. To the best of my knowledge there is only one person on site other than security, who knows I'm here. My error Mr. Western, I apologise to you. I will remember in future." Catherine retorted no reason to undermine the man any more than he appeared to be at the moment.

"Ladies and Gentlemen if you wouldn't mind, I need to speak with Mr. Western alone! Perhaps you can follow up on this topic of conversation at another time. It certainly sounds interesting." Catherine gave them all a dismissive smile as she waved her hand, pointed to the door, and then went to stand in the middle of the room.

The other senior personnel all muttered under their breaths and vacated immediately, leaving Karl Lewis standing in the position he had been as Catherine entered.

"Not aware I invited you to the meeting Mr. Lewis?" Catherine gave him a cold look and he glanced down nervously at his hands.

"Ms. Waverly is a loose cannon Ms. Devonshire. We can do without the bad publicity." He muttered and collected his papers and headed out of the room. His entire demeanour appeared as a schoolboy having been chastised for a prank gone wrong.

"That the case Western?" Catherine quizzed the new Vice President. As she walked closer to him, then gazed at his nervous stance with a cool appraisal from her ice blue eyes. She had never met the man before. But had agreed with Constance when the report recommending his appointment hit her desk. Although she had checked up personally on some of his successes when she had been in London.

Western eyed the tall woman, who towered over him by about four inches. Her height was quite disconcerting in this kind of situation. Sighing heavily, he pondered the question...do you lie about your immediate superior or tell the truth to the owner? "I believe Ms. Waverly appears to have problems that have nothing to do with the office. Shouldn't we respect that?"

Catherine smiled at the man. So that's why he was so good in marketing.

"Excellent choice of words Western. Diplomatic to the end I see. You do know we lost the Empire of course through actions of tact such as you have seen fit to carry out with both the senior staff and me too?"

"I...I wasn't aware this was a bastion of the British Empire Ms. Devonshire?" Lee Western was puzzled at the reference.

"Actually its not thank god. I like your style Western. Keep it up and you will no doubt at least keep the job." Catherine responded with a small smile.

"Thanks, I think!" the man waited for more. He had never been in a room with the owner before. She was certainly all and more that people had said about her.

"So, tell me when was the last time you saw Ms. Waverly?"

"She left the office two days ago. Rita saw her I believe, at your request. Beyond that, I have no idea what she's doing or the state of her mind. Other than what Lewis implied earlier." Western admitted honestly.

Catherine walked over to the large window that overlooked the street below. She watched the passing figures so small that she couldn't say for certain which gender they were. Placing her hand on the cold surface of the glass she sighed and turned back to the VP.

"I will clear up the matter of the problems associated with the President of my company Western. You make sure the American end keeps to its' targets and everything will work out." Catherine looked at the man with a dismissive gaze.

"Thank you Ms. Devonshire. How long will you be in town may I ask?" the overawed VP inquired, making his way towards the door to exit the room as quickly as possible.

"As long as it takes Western, as long as it takes!" her words very distinctly, with the meaning very clear.

"I will see you later, perhaps?" the man said as he opened the door.

Catherine quirked her eyebrow at his need to get out of the room quickly; it brought a wry smile to her face.

"Yes. You will see me later. Have a good day Western." She turned towards the window again effectively dismissing him.

Glancing once again at the figures below. Her mind left behind the problems of Xianthos and went to her partner who had boarded a plane for Boston hours earlier. They had arrived at seven in the evening last night. It had been prudent for them to stay at the apartment together before each went onto their respect tasks, one good -- one bad.

~ ~ ~

 "The American is dead?" Althea shouted at the visitor, who had been leaning nonchalantly on the balcony facing the bright blue sea that for some strange reason gave a subtle reminder of the real reason behind the visit.

"Yeah. Freak boating accident and for Hudson, it would have to be a freak accident from all the stories I have heard about her." The visitor informed the stricken woman, who had now taken up the same stance at the balcony starring unseeingly out over the Aegean Sea.

"You never knew her?" another exclamation from the young woman who was now starring intently at the visitor she had been introduced to the previous weekend.

"Not personally no. She contacted me by phone. She found out that the redoubtable Ms. Devonshire, Warriorson or in your case Xianthos and I have a history that turned sour." The visitor retorted softly and waited for this seemingly intelligent woman to ask more questions, a normal reaction.

"That would be the niece. But why are you helping with the aunt? Surely she hasn't done anything to you? From what my mother says it is planned already. It is a criminal act if found out, and is it all worth it?" Althea was intrigued as to the reason and concerned at this new information.

"True. The aunt hasn't ever done anything to me. And quite frankly, I will be sorry to be part of her demise. However, if it eventually brings down Catherine Devonshire, then lady believe me, anything is worth it."

"Even going to prison?" Althea inquired almost inaudibly.

The visitor starred out over the blue sea again and smiled wryly, "Yes. Even going to prison will be worth it."

"Can I ask why you hate Ms. Devonshire so much?" Althea wanted to know how so much hate could have been cultivated.

"You can ask...." Came back the enigmatic reply.

"I see. Does my mother know that the American who instigated all this in the first place is dead?" Althea knew she wasn't going to get a reply to her original question.

"Sure. She was the one who told me. I'm surprised she hasn't informed you!" the visitor gave her a half smile and moved away from the balcony railing.

"See you later, it's a wonderful day to go for a stroll and meet the neighbours."

Althea watched the retreating back of the person who was motivated by hate in much the same manner as her own mother. There was no going back...her mother wouldn't allow it! Now, for the first time, she wished there was a way of warning Constantia Xianthos, but how?

Detective Kelsey had found that visiting Hawaii had its' benefits. It was a beautiful island and there had been some very pretty women at the hotel that had been very good company in more ways than one. Now he was leaving the island behind him. He stared out the window and watched, as the landscape became a dot in the distance as the aircraft rose higher and turned away towards the mainland.

Ms. Devonshire wasn't going to be happy at all! Then again, he hadn't ever seen her happy. Wonder if she did ever smile and light up those wonderful blue eyes of hers? Oh well, he wasn't going to find that out anytime soon, that was a certainty. What do you say to the woman who could use her not inconsiderable power in the business world to achieve any goal she chose? That also, was something he was sure he did not want to find out!

He himself had first met her because of her persuasive powers with the State Governor after the shooting in her building. When there had been no clues or immediate clues to the reason behind the shooting. However, she had persevered and her own people had been instrumental in the bringing down of the perpetrator at the end of the day. That woman Waverly had some balls for a woman. Yet she was going to be having a rocky time when the facts he'd unearthed came out in the open. Still, that was between the two super bitches of the operation. What wouldn't he give to be a fly on the wall that day?

Turning his head towards the stewardess who asked him if he wanted refreshment, why not. It was all on expenses anyway. "Scotch and water, thanks." He chuckled and closed his eyes briefly thinking about the proposition Ms. Devonshire had placed before him months earlier. Maybe it wasn't such a boring position he at first thought. It could end up quite exciting with that woman. She certainly had a knack of bringing trouble to her door. Wonder if she ever felt like becoming a recluse?

~ ~ ~

Rita Tuscany had stopped and made tea for Ms. Devonshire after having seen the woman stride purposefully past her office area and walk into the boardroom where the new VP was having a meeting. Smiling she had waited all of five minutes before making her way to the kitchen area as she watched the deadly serious faces of the senior personnel in the company troop out of the room and the door close behind them. Karl Lewis had been the last to leave and had given her a long look but thought better of saying whatever was on his mind. 'Wonder what that was all about?'

VP Western had followed a little later leaving the owner in the boardroom alone. If Rita were any judge at all of the woman, she was sure the boss would appreciate tea about now.

Collecting a tray and placing the mug, teapot and milk jug on the smooth surface, she went towards the door and knocked softly and heard the rasped "Enter."

Rita opened the door and saw the pensive stance of the woman starring out at the world milling by on the street beneath her. A little like having the world under your foot she surmised. Catherine Devonshire turned and gave Rita a bright smile.

"Got to hand it to you Rita, you certainly know how to make an entrance that appeals to me." Catherine smiled at the woman and motioned for her to place the tray on the polished table.

Rita smiled back at the tall woman she looked a little tense, but not to bad. "Thanks. Thought you might need the refreshment." Placing the tray on the table, she turned and headed for the door.

"No! Rita, please sit. You and I need to talk I think?" Catherine pierced her with an ice blue glance that was hypnotic.

Rita turned back into the room and sat at the table close to the tray she had placed there moments earlier.

"I wasn't sure if you knew how things were going." The woman said softly, watching the slow grace of the woman slip into the chair opposite her.

"Do you want to join me in tea?" Catherine asked her voice reflecting a relaxed ambience.

"That's okay. I don't drink hot tea. Iced occasionally, but thanks all the same." Rita smiled and waited for Catherine to start the conversation in earnest.

Catherine smiled at the comment. "That sounds like someone else I know. She doesn't like hot tea either, iced for her only also! My youngest daughter on the other hand has taken to the beverage with gusto. Nothing like her mother." Catherine chuckled as she pictured Elena and her bottle of milky tea. You could never pry her from the bottle once she knew what the contents were.

"Then she obviously takes after her other parent, I take it?" Rita asked softly. The two women eyed each other warily and then the lines around Catherine's eyes crinkled as she nodded her head.

"Yes. I do believe she does Rita." Pouring a mug full of the piping hot liquid, she added the milk and sipped it approvingly and closed her eyes briefly as the aroma assailed her nostrils and she sniffed the beverage smiling as she did so.

"So, you had to help Ms Waverly out of a sticky situation last night, I believe. Want to share the circumstances with me?" Catherine continued to experience the aroma and taste of her tea as she waited. Not wanting to push the younger woman about the events of the previous evening if she didn't want to say anything.

Rita smoothed her hands over her skirt and she contemplated the short neat nails on her fingers and sighed heavily.

"Ms. Waverly was incapacitated and found by the police in an undesirable condition and place. They asked her whom she wanted to call? I guess she couldn't think of anyone... she gave them my name and I went to pick her up and take her home."

Catherine heard the nervous inflection in the voice and the distress the incident had obviously caused.

"How long has she been in this condition Rita?"

Rita looked directly at the tall woman before her; the question levelled had been quiet and controlled.

"Not really sure. At first I thought it was the reaction to Clare leaving. That she would handle it, but it gradually deteriorated to the pills and the booze several weeks ago. She needs help!" the younger woman had a tearful expression as she said the final words.

Catherine stood up and grasped her mug tightly as she heard the anguished words, very much as her partner had pleaded the night before.

"Yes, I know she does. Hopefully we can be of assistance. However, it isn't a one-way street this Rita. She must want to accept the help or, it's a waste of time!"

Rita starred at her and stood up also.Ms. Devonshire was far too tall and looked intimidating when she stood and others sat.

"I know and I think that's going to be the hard part."

"Has Ms. Fallon been in touch recently?" Catherine wasn't too sure if this young woman had any major dealing with the former PA, but it was a chance.

"No, Clare hasn't been in touch for a couple of weeks! She may have talked to Ms. Waverly, but I wouldn't know about that obviously."

"Then I hardly think she knows the condition of Ms. Waverly. I sincerely doubt that either of you have had the opportunity to make her aware of the recent developments. Am I correct in my assumption?"

Catherine replaced the mug on the tray and poured herself another drink. Her mind was contemplating how best to deal with this situation. Under normal circumstances she would leave it to the personnel chief. But this wasn't normal circumstance. Possibly there was a backlash from the shooting in Constance's mind that hadn't been released until now.

"Yes. I wanted to call Clare, but I didn't think it was my place to do so." Rita said and watched the closed features of the owner and knew that the sharp mind of the woman was working, when didn't it?

"Quite right. Personal difficulties are always the very devil to explain to anyone at the best of times, and not usually taken well either. So, do you think Constance will be at home if I call?"

Catherine sipped her tea, letting her mind wonder momentarily to her partner, and speculated if Jace had arrived at the doctors yet.

"Yes. Well, as far as I know. However, in her present state of mind, it's hard to say." Rita responded and waited to be dismissed.

"Thanks for your devotion to the company Rita and the President's image. I'm sure Ms. Waverly will thank you for that one day also. I will be leaving shortly. Would you please call for my car? The chauffeur is waiting for me to leave the building soon."

Rita walked towards the door and before she left she responded to the comment finally. "I wasn't doing it for the company Ms. Devonshire. I was trying to help a woman who deserves better than ending up in the gutter someplace." She opened the door and left the room.

Catherine looked at the closing door and shook her head. 'So, there still was compassion in the big city. That was refreshing and unexpected.'

Placing the mug to her lips yet again, she relished the taste and her mind went once more back to her partner and her schedule for the day. Catherine certainly hoped the balance of Jace's day was a whole lot better than she anticipated the remainder of hers to be.

Jace sat in a quiet booth in a café two blocks away from the hospital, contemplating her next action in her quest for another child. The doctor had been supportive and all initial tests carried out that morning had proven excellent for her to proceed.

Now to have Catherine come to Boston so they could both agree on the donor. She could do it all alone, but that wasn't how she wanted this baby conceived. She wanted Catherine to have as much input as possible from the earliest stage and feel that it was her baby too in the truest sense, except actually physically providing the sperm herself. Jace chuckled at that thought. Hades, Catherine would give her anything she wanted, but sometimes there was just the slight hindrance of nature as the obstacle.

Looking deep into her coffee cup she longed to look up and see the ice blue eyes of her partner sparkling across at her. They made her feel safe in a world where that wasn't always the case. Tragedy had a way of sweeping into your life unexpectedly.

Shrugging off the melancholy thoughts, she considered the wonderful process of bringing another life into the world. This time she was going to share it all with Catherine. There was no mistake this time, no regrets and certainly there would be no doubt in anyone's eyes that this child would be Catherine's too in everyway!

'Thank god money talks and can buy pretty much everything in the world today, even a baby!' Jace thought, and ordered another coffee and the largest piece of apple pie from the attentive waitress.

Catherine pushed the doorbell for the sixth time and leaned against the doorframe waiting. For what she wasn't quite sure, although she was certain that there was someone in the apartment. She had dismissed the car telling the chauffeur she would call him when she was ready to leave.It could be in ten minutes, it might be hours. Who knew with this type of situation?

Several people had passed her as she waited for the door to open. They had looked at her, but said nothing. Mind you, the simmering anger she was feeling at being kept waiting didn't exactly encourage any friendly overtures from anyone. Catherine considered moving away and making her call for the car from the lobby, but tried another tactic instead in a last ditch effort to attract the attention of the woman.

"Open the bloody door Waverly and let me see your sorry arse in front of me NOW!" Catherine shouted and thumped her hand hard on the door and kept her finger on the doorbell to emphasise her intolerance of the situation.

She heard the sound of shuffling feet, an oath or two, which were certainly not out of the Bible that was clear. Smiling to herself at her ploy, she heard the rasp of a chain snaking back and the door cracked open slightly.

"Ah, so the good President of my company is available for comment after all! Open the bloody door Constance."

Constance gave her a bleary eyed look, her eyes red rimmed and bloodshot, her face pale even with her darker skin to foil it a little. She looked liked shit and from the smell she emitted, it wouldn't surprise Catherine if she hadn't been physically sick too.

"What comment do you want, that I quit?" was the sarcastic reply, bitterness edging the simple comment.

"If that's what you want fine. We'll talk about it; open the f'ing door!" the words softly spoken, but the menacing tone perfectly clear.

Constance opened the door and walked towards her kitchen leaving the woman where she stood. For a moment Catherine was unsure, but that was merely for a second or two as she walked in and nearly vomited herself at the smell emitting from the apartment. The place hadn't been cleaned in weeks. The stale smell of dirty laundry, crockery, rotting food and the general unkempt appearance was telling enough. But the gaunt and distinctly undesirable creature that was now reaching for a bottle of whisky brought anger out in Catherine and not the compassion she had hoped she could furnish this woman.

"Leave the fucking bottle alone for two minutes Constance. I'm sure you can handle that or can't you?" Catherine challenged the woman and saw a faint spark appear in the dulled eyes before her.

"Yeah for two minutes......all you need to fire me." Constance spat out.

Catherine turned away as the stale aroma of sweat and alcohol sped in her direction, making her wince at the smell.

"I'm not here to fire you. I'm here to ask if you want my help?" Catherine told her patiently and watched as a look of astonishment cross the intelligent features of the younger woman.

"How the hell can YOU help me?" Constance sneered and walked closer to the elegantly clad woman. The woman before her had everything, money, family and love. What did she really know?

Catherine had often wondered what she had been like when she had been in this condition. Now she had the picture as clear as a bell. It was like looking in a mirror and seeing herself in the cold light of day. Now she knew the strength that was needed to help people like her younger self and Constance and she didn't have that strength! It had been the love and friendship of others that had brought her back to a life that she could function again. But in her case, both of those people had paid with their lives. Was she prepared to pay with her life for Constance? No!

She wasn't like Maria, Adam, or Jace. She didn't have the compassionate nature it would take to help Constance. Yes, she had money and could use it to help people. But, she didn't have the heart to help on a personal level -- or did she? No matter what Jace said about her, she was a cold-hearted bastard, who did things for her own self gratification and she knew that was the reason she thought Jace might leave her? One day that option would come, just as it had for Constance. For her it wouldn't be booze or pills, it would be a shotgun to the head and she would deserve no less.

"Help you...? Help you, god knows Constance? But someone needs to and I'm the only one who wants to give it a shot about now." Catherine finally answered, her own voice filled with a slight doubt.

Constance heard the doubt and mistook it for pity. "I don't need your help Ms. God Almighty! What right do you have to come here and preach to me?"

Catherine considered the words and she shook her head. "None I suppose, but that never stopped me before. So, I guess it's not about to in this situation."

Constance broke down at that comment.

"She left me. She never let me try to change. She just left me!" the words bleak and defeated. Constance sat down heavily at the table in the kitchen and ran her hands unsteadily up and down the bottle of whisky.

Catherine looked at the seating offered and grimaced; pushing a stack of papers to the floor she sat down gingerly on the chair and didn't touch the table at all.

"Yes. I heard. Want to talk about it?"

"The work. It was the work! We only saw each other at work and in bed. We never had time to relax normally together. That is not how it should be. Is it?" the voice still bleak and desolate.

"No. No, it's not Constance. Work is important, but it can't be the total driving force of your life. You need the leisure hours as well." Catherine freely admitted.

"Easy for you to say. You don't need to work, never have." Constance replied.

It brought a wry smile to Catherine's lips as they had both come up with the same conclusion.

"You have me there Constance. And you're right.I never have needed to work, but I did. It caused me heartache in ways you will never know. This time around, I hope I learned the lesson." Catherine stated precisely, knowing deep down she hadn't. However, she was being given a second chance because someone loved her enough to do so. But, how many second chances do you get in life?

"I want a second chance." Constance responded, her eyes far away on a memory only she could see.

"Well, unless you clean up your act here, you can't hope to experience that. Are you willing to clean up?" Catherine pointed out practically.

Constance looked around her, then down at her condition of health, state of dress and then across at her boss.

"If I said yes, will you help me?" the plea was plaintive and pathetic to Catherine's ears. She wanted to run away and leave the pathetic picture before her to others.

"Okay. How about you get a shower and change into some decent clothes, preferably fresh ones. Do you have clean apparel? You and I are going out to eat a decent lunch." Catherine retorted.

"I think so, underwear could be a problem." Constance muttered, embarrassed at the thought.

Wrinkling her nose at the thought that comment brought about, she had no wish to dwell on that subject.

"I'll call Rita. You get in the shower. Take your time, you need it and it will help."

"Yeah, I smell I guess." Constance admitted and went towards her bathroom.

"Yes, you certainly do." Catherine muttered under her breath as she went to the telephone and called Rita. 'This was going to be some day at the office dear,' Catherine thought sarcastically. Jace might just be proud of her today, but there was a long way to go yet. She wasn't sure if she wanted to face her own demons on the subject, never mind Constance's.

Faith had called her daughter over once the children had been made comfortable, or at least the two girls. Jake appeared to be unscathed at the outbreak of measles that had entered the household. The doctor had advised Grace that she couldn't come into contact with the children until the incubation period was over, which would be in about two weeks.

"So, do I call Catherine and Jace? Or wait for them to come back before we let them know that their daughters are ill?" Grace asked her mother, not sure what to do.

"Well, they can't do anything by rushing back. Although, I think it would be wise to let them know. The doctor says the girls will be ill for the next week and possibly, no, very likely Jake will come down with the illness also. That could be more dangerous for him than the girls. Would you like me to tell them?" Faith looked at the drawn features of her daughter, her own condition taking its toll on the younger woman.

"No, they will expect me to notify them. They have always left the children in my care. I know you have been very supportive these days, but it's going to come better from me. I know Catherine will feel easier if I explain what's going on. No offence mother."

"Yes, I understand that Grace. Catherine trusts you. You are a good friend to her and she knows it."

"Yeah, well, she's a good friend to me too. We share some history I suppose." Grace softly replied her mind obviously miles away.

"I know you might not answer me, but living as you did here with her and knowing she prefers women, I wonder if...that is have you ever... what I mean to say is...." Faith couldn't ask her daughter outright if she had an affair with the head of the household. As much as she would find it distasteful to know the fact, she did realise that the two women had a bond that went deeper than a normal friendship.

Grace looked at her mother for a several seconds and wondered if she should just let her think whatever she wanted. But, that would be cruel and she wasn't that.

"No! No, mother we have never had an affair. Anyway, she wouldn't have wanted me and I think my preferences go to a rather different direction don't you? I do love the woman though and I will do anything for her, she only needs to ask."

Faith looked at her daughter and saw the sincerity in her eyes and smiled briefly.

"Thank you Grace."

"What for exactly?"

"For being you and for caring about people. I wish we'd had an easier relationship when you were younger." Faith stated, watching the confusion in her elder daughter's eyes at the statement.

"Thanks. Maybe we can get our relationship on a better footing when your grandchild is born. What do you think?"

Faith beamed at her daughter. "Yes. That sounds good to me. Now, when shall we tell the children's' wandering parents?"

Grace laughed softly and moved towards the door.

"Never a better time than right at this minute." Grace left her mother in a much happier state of mind as she set up the coffeepot for a cup of the dark brew upon her daughters' returned.

~ ~ ~

Jace had arrived at her hotel and given the message that she had received an urgent call from home and could she return it as soon as possible. The desk clerk smiled at the petite blonde with the friendly countenance and sparkling green eyes. She had a quiet beauty that simply grew on you the more times you saw her. He had seen her three times today. Only problem he had was, she had signed in as a Mrs. Warriorson and the ring on her finger indicated some kind of attachment, but she was travelling alone!

"You come from around here Mrs. Warriorson?" the desk clerk asked her and gave her a smile that was infectious.

Jace smiled at the man who was about her age and had black hair and grey eyes that had a friendly look about them. Mind you his work would dictate that he had to be friendly at the very least.

"No. No, I live abroad." She retrieved the noted message and was about to turn away towards the bank of elevators when the man spoke again.

"But you're American right?" the man persisted with his questions.

"Yes, born and raised in California around LA and you?" Jace decided a polite question wouldn't be giving the wrong signals. The guy was just trying to be friendly.

"I thought so. I'm from Kansas, moved with the hotel chain. Hopefully the next move will be head desk clerk in another hotel, one as prestigious as this I hope." He laughed softly and waved his hand to the plush surroundings.

Catherine had insisted that only a first class hotel would be adequate. She felt, as Jace was alone it would probably be much safer. The security in the better hotels far outclassing those in the lower priced hotels and it wasn't as if money was a problem!

"I wish you luck Mr...Andrews, now I'm afraid that I need to go and make my call it's early in the morning at home." Jace smiled her goodbye and headed out this time and didn't turn, but grinned when he answered.

"Bye Mrs. Warriorson, and the names Mike." The voice held an anticipation of her using it at some time.

Making her way quickly to her large suite on the penthouse floor, she threw down her purse and kicked her shoes into the corner and giggled at the thud as they hit the floor...just like home. 'Home, now why do I need to call home?' Jace had at first been distressed inwardly at the request and it set a worried knot in the pit of her stomach. There wasn't a reciprocal call to Catherine to attend to, so she relaxed slightly. No point in panicking until she knew the facts. It was one of Catherine's first rules and she was learning that rule pretty fast.

Collecting the phone that had a good extension cord, she settled into the deep velvet cushioned sofa and her face softened at the luxuriant feel the object had as it enclosed her in its depths. Jace dialled the number directed and waited.

The waiting was for no more than a minute, but for Jace it seemed like an hour and a sleepy voiced Grace answered.

"Grace? Grace what's going on? I have a message to call you urgently." Jace asked quickly. The pregnant woman needed her sleep and did not need to stay up half the night waiting for phone calls. Maybe there was a major problem looming?

Grace wiped a hand across her eyes and smiled at the veiled panic in her friend's tone.

"Sorry Jace, it's not life threatening, but I thought you'd want to know."

Jace looked at the receiver as always-cryptic remarks from her friend. She and Catherine made a pair in the obscure conversation stakes that's for sure.

"Know what?"

Grace smiled at her end, predictable Jace, but in such a lovely way.

"I hate to tell you this, but the girls have the measles. They started to come out with the spots at about the same time. Couldn't have been more than a couple of hours after you left. The doctor confirmed it today. Said they would be ill for the next week, but then just itch for the next couple of weeks or so. Jake so far miraculously hasn't contracted them, but the doctor doesn't hold out much hope that he will miss it."

"Oh, the poor babies. Are they real sick Grace?" Jace was tempted to ring the airport immediately and find the quickest route home, even if it meant she had to change aircraft several times.

"Well, yeah they're not happy bunnies right now. Elena is screaming the place down, but seem happiest when my mother holds her. Tonight she's in with mom in her bed, about the only thing that quiets her down." Grace informed the concerned mother who was thousands of miles away from her daughter.

"What about Lisa? Grace she's not always the toughie we all see everyday." Jace asked concerned about the small child, who couldn't possibly be more her child other than if she'd given birth to her.

Grace paused at that......Lisa had cried for Jace and Catherine. Surprisingly enough, she'd cried more for Catherine when she hurt the most. Judy had moved a small fold down bed into Lisa's room and was keeping the sick child company. Grace had felt so useless not being in any position to help and comfort the two girls. Her personal tears had made themselves known more than once in the last twenty-four hours from sheer frustration.

"Judy is staying with her tonight. She cried for you both. I feel so useless Jace, as I can't go near them!"

Jace heard the emotional frustration in Grace's words and knew that as much as her friend was in the same house it was no better than being thousands of miles away and probably the feeling was far worse.

"Hey, Grace it's okay. The girls will understand. Are you keeping Jake away from them?"

"Yeah. He's got one of the spare rooms in our house. He and Colin were trading soccer stories when I last saw them." Grace smiled at the memory of watching the dark haired boy with her husband talking animatedly about his passion for the sport of soccer. Although, she was sure that Colin had an equal passion for the sport, but on the spectator level only.

"Grace I'll call back in the morning and let you know what's happening when I speak to Catherine. Get some rest my friend and thanks for advising me." Jace heard the good night from her friend then the dial tone as the phone was disconnected at the other end.

Starring at the receiver in her hand, she contemplated the time it was three in the afternoon. She wasn't sure exactly where Catherine would be, but the first port of call had to be the office. She picked up her purse and looked up the number of Catherine's private office line and placed the call. It didn't take long to be answered and she heard the recipient of the call give her name as Ms. Tuscany.

"Ms. Tuscany this is Jace Warriorson, I need to speak with Catherine, is she available?"

"Oh, hello Mrs. Warriorson. It is nice to hear from you again. Unfortunately Ms. Devonshire isn't in the office. She was attending a meeting with the President of global operations Ms. Waverly." Rita wasn't exactly sure how much of the business Jace was privy to and left the comment open for interpretation depending on whatever knowledge she had.

"I see. Is there anyway you can contact her, it's quite urgent." Jace knew that normally Catherine refused to take a cell phone with her these days. Something about a broken casing that brought back bad memories. Jace had never actually understood the reference and probably never would.

"I'll try the mobile in the car she uses. If she's not there the chauffeur will know where she is and I can track her down for you. Will that be okay?" Rita knew that if she had to go looking for the owner herself in New York she would. It would be the end of her career here, if Catherine didn't receive this message.

"Thanks.Ask her to call me at the hotel and it doesn't matter what time it is." Jace responded softly, her mind tripping over making independent plans for travelling home.

"Are you okay Mrs. Warriorson? Do you need any help prior to me finding Ms. Devonshire for you?" Rita asked concerned that the woman was alone in another city, obviously with a problem.

Jace smiled at her end that was really very thoughtful of the woman she'd barely spoken to.

"Thanks for the concern Ms. Tuscany, but everything will be fine." She finished the call and sank back into the depths of the sofa and wondered what to do next.

Catherine looked over at the woman who she had hoped would eventually control the Xianthos operation without much guidance and help from her. 'How wrong can one be?' Catherine thought, maybe it was time to consider selling the operation altogether!

"You're starring at me?" Constance stated dryly. She didn't feel that much better, cleaner maybe, but that was all. She craved another drink and the pills she'd been taking would take the edge of any perceived pain she encountered. This woman in front of her had insisted on water for them both with the meal and even watched over her like a baby to make sure she ate at least some of the food that Catherine had chosen for her. Damn woman was like a hawk. She saw everything and they had already argued when Catherine found her trying to sneak a couple of painkillers.

"Sorry. My mind was elsewhere for a moment. How are you feeling now?"

"I feel lousy and you know it! I need some pills Catherine. My head aches and my mouth feels so dry!" The woman pleaded, but saw nothing but a shuttered look in those ice blue eyes that bored into her very essence.

"Yes, I know. It will get worse before it gets better, but hopefully in your case it will be a short span because you've not been taking the booze and pills for years. I do take it that it's only pills and not hard drugs?"

Constance gave her a pained look and then averted her eyes to look out over the window of the small restaurant they had frequented. Rita had sent over clothes from a good store that had obliged on her request for certain items of clothing immediately.

"Yeah. It's the pain killers that I had from the doctor after the shooting, I must have hoarded them or something." The or something was that she'd called the doctor for replacements saying that she was plagued with headaches at work and could he help. Yeah, he helped all right. It helped her into a living hell.

Catherine had decided that the only way to help this woman was not leave her alone for the next few days or even a week. So, she'd already informed Stephanie her housekeeper to make up a spare room. Rita was sending over various items of clothing to last a week.

In the meantime Constance's apartment was being 'cleaned' or perhaps, even fumigated. It was being given a paint over in pastel shades that might help, new decoration, and new start. Catherine didn't envy anyone the cleaning task in the apartment. Rita had volunteered to oversee the work during the week, now to inform the woman before her.

"Constance, you asked for my help. So, I'm going to do that, but you will have to move into my apartment if you want it to succeed. Let us face it, yours is far from a pleasurable habitat at this time."

Constance glared at her. She knew that during the day she would have to put up with Catherine, but to live in her apartment, no way!

"NO!"

"Well, that was certainly to the point I must say!" Catherine gave her a look that had both of her eyebrows raised at the vehement refusal.

"You can't want me in your home in this state." The woman replied hoping that Catherine had all the family with her and that would rule out the possibility.

Catherine smiled she'd known that everything had been going far to easily. You don't just give up on your fixes because someone asks you. You have to work at it and sometimes you lapse, she sure had in the past.

"Personally in your state, no I don't! Then again, if you improve, I might let you out on your own again but...it's kind of like having children Constance, you have to teach them every step of the way. When it comes to some things in life and this my dear is a some thing!"

"You talk in riddles." Constance said quietly, 'what the hell was she saying exactly?'

"Fine. Putting it bluntly, you're a child to me. When my children are naughty they get the required punishment. Constance yours is to stay with me until we both know you can handle it on your own. Any questions?" Catherine added for the hell of it.

"You're calling me a child?" the woman blustered and her face went a red tinge under the dusky colouring.

"Yes. You can call yourself other names if you chose. However, that about suits the case here. I honestly thought you had more guts in the face of adversity Constance. Funny how you can be wrong about a person." Catherine stated quietly.

"I can do this. You watch me!" Constance angrily shouted back and Catherine raised a finger and shook it at her as people had turned to see what the noise was about on the tables nearest to them.

"I intend to Constance. So, now we have that point taken care of, I need to go to the office, care to join me?" Catherine waited half expecting another refusal. This time she only received a haunted look out of the dull brown eyes.

"Everyone knows now don't they?" Constance said her voice trembled at the emotion she felt.

"Actually most think you're an arsehole super bitch, who loves to throw a tantrum now and again, or at the moment, all the time. But yes, there are some that know the truth. Or at least as much truth as you've allowed them to see." Catherine said voice monotone and stating facts.

"You want me to go inside the building again knowing that?" Constance's voice broke on the words.

"Certainly, bloody do! Let us say, it's your first step towards getting your place back as my President. At the moment, I've decided to take on the role again until -- we know the score as my son would say."

Catherine hadn't wanted the responsibility. This would entail her moving to New York for some months, or maybe a year and moving the family. That was going to be hard on them all, but she knew particularly on Jake, who had been happy at the new school he attended, which co-incidentally was the same as his best friend. God, that was going to be difficult, and was going to hurt her more than him when she told him they would be leaving.

"You don't want that surely?" Constance was amazed she'd suggested it. It was well known Catherine had put her family first these days.

"Want it? No! Have to take it? Yes! Can you imagine the state of the business if I let you go and have no replacement ready and one that the market actually sees as an adequate replacement?

"I'm sorry." The younger woman turned her brown eyes to the ice blue ones turned towards her sincerity uppermost in the depths.

Catherine looked at the woman and smiled wryly, "Yes, I actually think you are sorry. So, how about we get back to the office. We have situations to salvage."

Getting up, she sighed heavily and wondered how Jace was doing, not for the first time that day, or was it the thousandth, who knew? All that she did know was that she missed the woman with every fibre of her being and wanted nothing more than to hold her in her arms again.

Together they walked out into the bright afternoon sunshine and the waiting car ready to take then anywhere they wanted.

~ ~ ~

Constantia watched her friend Sarah talk with the stranger for the third consecutive day. Her friend had never mentioned the person in any context and that had Constantia puzzled in the extreme. Sarah loved to talk and never more so when it was someone new, but this appeared to be different, perhaps later over tea she would ask!

Constantia left her observation point on her balcony and wheeled her chair towards the table, which now held several photo albums and lots and lots of individual snapshots. She reached over and selected what must be the oldest one, flipping the pages initially stopping suddenly and placing a gentle finger over the faces of a laughing couple happily holding each other. It was obvious it was a wedding scene. That had been her mother and father. They had been so very devoted to each other. It had been a tragedy her mother's death at the stillborn birth of a son, the son so dearly wanted. However, it wasn't to be. The light that had been part of the relationship around her parents, had died as suddenly as their mother had.

For Dimitrie Xianthos it had been the beginning of the end. The only reason he lived had been to see his two daughters attain maturity. Constantia had been the elder by three years.Elena had been six years old at their mother's death. Her father's death when Elena had turned sixteen had been unexpected and to this day unexplained on the island. He had been found at the bottom of a mountain pass, obviously having fallen a long distance to sustain the injuries to his body that Constantia had briefly seen on identifying her father. Her father had loved to walk the mountains and was a very able man and he had not been that old. He must have been in his mid-forties only, still that was what...forty-seven years ago now. Turning another yellowing page over, she smiled at the various relatives who had come and gone along the way as time replaces the old with the new in most cases.

Then she stopped at a picture of her sister who had been ten years old and helping to place a crown of flowers on Constantia's dark head. The elder sister much taller and it proved difficult. She remembered so well that day. Elena had been so upset that she wasn't taller. She often stated that all the inches must have gone to Constantia. 'Yes her sister had often scorned her diminutive height, but she had been everyone's favourite,' Constantia had often reflected in the later years, then again Elena had a gift of understanding quite out of context to her age or experience, the curse of the family line. The memories mostly good, some not, coming back like the tide that goes out each day shedding light back in dark places although hidden never to be forgotten.

Selecting another book of photos she smiled at her sisters Wedding day and the handsome young man she'd married, who had the devotion to her that Constantia had seen in her own parents marriage. Her sister had deserved no less.

Then there had been Adam Warriorson, the man who had helped them escape what would have been a bloodbath on the island. What many had deemed as the demise of the Xianthos family on Xianspiros. Yet the dashing sensitive Englishman had not abandoned them to their fate. He had smuggled them out one night with the aid of some very devoted islanders loyal to their family line. It had been difficult to leave the house and all their memories for another country and strangers.

It had been the best thing for her sister though. For she had met Stuart Devonshire and produced two fine children and she had known a deep love from her husband, children and sister. A single tear traced along the still beautiful features of the woman viewing a life long past, but that appeared to her as if only yesterday. She had missed her sister deeply and knew that Stuart had no light in his life after she died, as with all those that shared such a soul deep love.

With a trembling hand she picked up a small stack of single photos. The Devonshire children, the line that had promised so much and had never delivered! The son Lucas having died at eighteen, he had been so much like his mother had before him with the gentleness the patience. That had broken his father's heart if it could have been broken even more. Constantia had sent Adam to relay the news. He had been the only one she could trust with the task and knew that Stuart would find compassion easier to take from his friend. She had found someone to take a message to Catherine. It had never been easy to live with the girl once their father had left them to live in the United States. She was family and the only one left to ensure the line survived. Catherine had been wild and her release from prison had been barely weeks earlier. Knowing Catherine she had probably descended into her darker ways. Who knew what to make of the young woman, she had not, but there were times when she thought maybe if she had had more compassion...!

Tears rolled uncontrollably down her cheeks now and the coolest of breezes dried them on her pale cheeks, her previously dark hair now silver splayed around her face. Looking at the picture she held in her hand one of Catherine and Lucas laughing together at a birthday party and Constantia surmised it was the last birthday for Elena. She hoped that her niece had now found some peace and happiness. For Catherine had always been the thinker and would see everything in a serious form unless someone pointed out that it wasn't so! The sadness that had surrounded Catherine Xianthos Devonshire had been there from birth. Only that one true love could release her to enjoy life to its fullest. Constantia kissed the photo in her hand and gave a tearful smile 'I hope you found true love Catherine and a peace for your roaming soul.' Turning she heard Sarah approaching.

"Consty you've been upsetting yourself with the old family photos again. You know they make you cry? I will go and fetch us tea." Sarah spoke quietly but with understanding at her friend's tears.

"Ah, well at least I can cry Sarah. There are many now who cannot. So my dear friend let an old woman have her memories even if they do make her cry." Constantia looked at Sarah, her proud profile uplifted towards the sun, an arrogant stance and one very like a certain niece of hers.

Placing a comforting hand on her shoulder Sarah squeezed it gently and smiled back at her.

"I know.I know. We old women must have something to make us cry in this day and age, because I tell you Consty there doesn't seem to be much romance in the young these days." Sarah waffled on as she made her way towards the kitchen area and her tea making duties.

"Sarah you are much to cynical. I think the young enjoy romance just as much as we do. But it is much harder to find with their busy lives, things have changed so much." Constantia laughed and waited for her friend to return.

"You're much to tolerant Consty.I wonder if Catherine ever found love this time around?" Her friend walked over to the balcony and had a small smile on her lips. She had seen Consty watching earlier and knew that eventually the woman would ask and she would tell, but it was a game. And they had so few games these days.

"Funny you should mention my niece, I was thinking very much the same thing myself." She looked again at the photo of the child and then glanced at one taken when the woman was seventeen, the last Catherine had allowed.

Sarah came over and glanced at the shots on the table.

"You know something, with those pictures and the recent one we had out of the newspaper Catherine could be taken for your daughter. Have you ever thought of that? The lovely raven hair, ice blue eyes you both share and tall the woman is tall!" Sarah smiled at the astonished look of her friend. She herself was five foot six, but her friend had been over six foot tall.

Constantia said nothing, but thought about the remark. It was something she had never ever considered, perhaps that was why Adam ...no! That was to ridiculous, a notion, and the emotion of the day taking its toll obviously.

"Tea Sarah. Let's have tea and you may tell me about the new friend you have gained on the beach." The two friends smiled with easy familiarity as Sarah went to retrieve the brewing tea and talk about the new stranger on the island.

Catherine had been given the message to call Jace at her hotel immediately. She thought about making the call in the car, but would be denied the privacy she wanted when she talked to her partner. She flung open the door of the vehicle that had only just stopped, striding quickly out of the vehicle and practically dragged Constance with her from the car and who almost tripped over the sidewalk curb.

'Damn woman had been fidgeting all the way back after she was informed that Jace Warriorson need to talk to her urgently. Must have a powerful hold over her, that's for sure.' Constance thought as she followed, trying to keep pace with her employer into the security area for the personal profile check.

Several heads turned in their direction, as the tall owner of the company appeared to be escorting the company President in a less than elegant way, well pretty much dragging her along. Security watched the interchange between the two most powerful women in the building and smiled at the closed expression, of what appeared to be boredom at the delay in getting into her building and the other looked positively tired and drawn.

Within minutes both women were travelling in the elevator to the executive floor. The silence between them stretching out as each had thoughts different from the other. Catherine on her impending phone call she had to make to Jace. Constance on the need for a drink, any kind of drink that had a percentage of alcohol in it!

As the door opened Catherine could be mistaken for a blur as she sped down the short corridor and went into her office, leaving a somewhat puzzled Constance to follow behind and head for her own office.

Rita had seen the figures approaching, one at speed the other much slower and rather cautious she thought. Having seen Ms. Devonshire go past without a word and enter her office she knew that disturbing her at the moment was out of the question, even if it would be with her favourite beverage tea. Watching as Ms. Waverly walked closer to her office area, she smiled at the woman and nodded to the coffeepot.

Constance had taken her new PA for granted. She was ashamed of herself and the circumstances of their last meeting, notably at the police station the previous night or was it early this morning?

"Rita I'd love a coffee. Wouldn't be Irish by any chance would it?" Constance saw the shocked looked on her PA's face and knew that wasn't such a good joke after all. "Yeah, coffee straight is okay." Constance went over and opened the door to her office and noticed that it was neat and tidy with little paper work at all to be seen. She was positive that the desk had been covered when she left it abruptly the last time she was in the building.

She walked over to the desk, her gait weary in the extreme. It felt like she'd walked a marathon this morning. Sitting down in her chair, she reached over inside the draw of the desk and pulled it open. Expecting to find at least a quarter bottle of whisky inside, she was dismayed to find the draw empty, devoid of all objects.

"Fucking woman has stolen the drink out of the desk now!" Constance shouted and was confronted by her PA who had walked in with her coffee.

"I believe you asked for this type of beverage Ms. Waverly?" Rita stated in a calm voice. She had in fact removed the whisky bottle and cleared up the office.

"Yeah, I did. You can leave now Rita. When the boss gets off the phone let me know will you?" Constance with a shaking hand reached over and tried to drink the hot drink, but immediately put it down as several drops spilled onto the polished surface of the desk. Rita reached across to try and wipe away the marks, but was immediately pushed away.

"I can do that I'm not a child!" was the angry reply.

"Yes, I see that." Rita responded and backed out of the office and waited for Ms. Devonshire to ask for tea.

"Jace? Please Jace, back up a little, exactly what have you arranged?" Catherine spoke softly and calmly to her partner who had been waiting for the call for two hours and had decided in the interim to make arrangements of her own.

"Look Catherine the best I could arrange was a flight to Chicago and then LA and finally onto Christchurch. That will get me there by tomorrow lunchtime in hours anyway!" Jace had been upset at the wait for Catherine, but had felt her place should be with the children, not gallivanting around the world considering a new life. There were the ones already in existence that needed her more at the moment.

"I can understand that, but...Jace, why the hurry? You can't do anything for them and you might get sick yourself?" Catherine said matter of factly. She was puzzled at the haste. After all there were plenty of people able and willing to look after the children and there wasn't anything she could do surely? It was only a normal child's disease; hell everyone had it at some time.

Jace couldn't believe what she heard at her end of the line. Was there a monster inside her partner? Oh, yeah, it was called Xianthos. How had she forgotten? She sounded so off hand about the fact that two of their children were sick and needed love, care and attention.

"Are you crazy Catherine? Of course the children need us. They need their parents when their sick and feeling low and don't you dare tell me you have never felt like that as a child! Who cares if I get sick as well? We can all recuperate together!"

"I...well, I'd care. I obviously cannot remember. I can't afford to get sick at the moment Jace!" Catherine admitted sheepishly.

"No! No, don't tell me, Xianthos needs you again? You're putting that company before our children?" Jace was astounded at the words she heard from Catherine and waited for her to deny the accusation.

"Well, it's like this Jace, you said try and help Constance. Well I am, but the only way I can is to take back the reigns again. It will be awhile before she can take over so...." She wasn't allowed to say more as the phone was slammed down on her. 'Oh shit!' Catherine thought and put a hand through the hair at her temples. She was damned if she went and left Constance......and she was damned if she stayed and didn't go home to the children, talk about a no win situation. It was bloody marvellous here -- she was trying to do the decent thing here, and it was turning out to be a nightmare!

Considering her options, she called Rita requesting some tea and then waited until Rita duly deposited the beverage on her desk.

"I need to make another call and then I'll be free. Shouldn't be much longer, is Ms. Waverly still in her office?"

"Yes, I think she's looking for a drink. But not the kind we normally serve out of the machines here." Rita responded honestly.

"Okay. Call me if she moves out of her office and I mean that Rita." Catherine commanded her lips tightly set at the thought.

"Will do." Rita left her to her next call.

Picking up the receiver she called the hotel again. It was several minutes before the line was answered. She heard a subdued Jace at the end of the line. The operator had informed Jace of the identity of the caller.

"Have you changed your mind?"

"No! That's impossible at the moment. But I wanted to tell you I love you." Catherine stated simply, but the inflection in her voice gave the person at the other end no doubts of the sincerity of the thought.

Taking a deep breath Jace felt the tears she'd held back flow freely down her cheeks. Catherine would have hugged her and wiped them away had they been together in the same room.

"Yeah I know." The bleak answer told Catherine that this time she wasn't totally forgiven.

"I love the kids too Jace. But would there be anything that I could do other than perhaps get sick also?" Catherine asked. A few words too much this time and didn't know what to say to salvage the situation. She already knew she'd dug a big hole for herself and without being in the same room with Jace, she wasn't sure her charm would have the healing powers it usually had.

"I guess you're going without me then?" the forlorn reply seemed to echo in Jace's hotel room.

"Yes!" the reply from her partner adamant.

"Will you call me when you get home?" the request tentative in the extreme.

Jace heard the hesitant request and shook her head, how dense could Catherine be at times. "Yes, I'll call you. I need to go pack and take a taxi to the airport. The first flight is in an hour."

"Safe journey Jace and give my...well, I'll talk to you tomorrow I guess." Catherine wasn't sure what to say now.

"Tomorrow, yes I'll call." Neither woman wanted to be the first to sever the connection without saying the three words that needed to be said.

"Jace, I love you." Catherine replaced her receiver and starred blindly out of the window of the office as a single tear rolling down her left cheek. 'This love business certainly had it's difficult times. How on earth did people live together for decades.' Shaking her head she wiped away the tear and gave a wry scornful look at the moisture. Certainly this type of situation had never occurred in her life before. God help her if anything did happen to Jace. She stood up and walked towards the door and another trying hour or two with her President. Her heart was now winging its way towards her partner where she physically wanted to be.

Jace placed the instrument to her cheek and the tears dripped onto it as she caught and held those words to her heart. 'I love you too Catherine and I hope I never live to regret not saying those words to you today. Tomorrow I'll make it up to you I promise!' she replaced the receiver in its cradle. Going slowly over to the bedroom dresser that held her few clothes, she packing them swiftly, and within fifteen minutes was in a taxi on the way to the airport and the long flight home.

"We have a booking for a child." The rasping voice of the man at the end of the phone said to the elegant woman taking the call.

"When do you need the child?" the woman asked interested in the new development.

"Now! No, I could say immediately, but this one must have specific features and we've been given a little time," came a low laugh emanating from the voice piece.

"So, exactly how long have I got to retrieve this specific child?" the woman was irritated by the man's perversity.

"Three months maximum. The sale will go through and we will have a nice tidy sum to share. I'm sure with your talent for the selection, you will not need the full time allocated, but things are changing in this business. The acquisition of children isn't quite as easy as it was." The man snipped at the woman and her talents.

"Yes that's true, but when have I ever let you down yet?"

"No. No, you never have, but there is always a first time for everything." The man answered with harsh laughter.

"Yes, there is, but not with me. I'm a perfectionist and I will come up with the goods, whatever it takes!" the woman expelled defiantly.

"In that case, you'd better know exactly what type and specific features our client wants." The man proceeded to do give the particulars of the required subject as the woman listened intently. Her smiled fairly beamed when he had supplied the data she needed.

"Thanks I'll be in touch when the goods are available and in a short space of time, I think."

"You already have a candidate in mind?"

"Yeah. I think I do. Just have to be there at the right time. I'm already in the right place and that's the only tricky part. Mind you, a good challenge never hurt anyone and I like a good challenge." The woman ended the call, picked up her leather gloves, strolled out to her car and the drive home. It was a very interesting request, but feasible, eminently feasible.

~ ~ ~

Jace arrived home, having dredged up enough energy from her eighteen hours of consistent travel to arrive as early as possible to see the sick children. Throwing her overcoat in the corner of the hall ignoring the coat stand and kicking off her shoes along with it, she mounted the stairs rapidly and was confronted by Faith at the top of them.

"Jace! Am I glad to see you!" the older woman said in relief.

"Thanks Faith is something else wrong?" Jace asked anxiously.

"Well, no more than it is with sick children. But one in particular is a little more upset than I expected." Faith replied honestly.

"Elena?" Jace asked and looked towards Faith's room as Grace had mentioned that Faith had taken her to her room.

"No. No the little one is doing fine considering the circumstances. But, Lisa...well she's been crying for you both and we can't seem to stop her and she wanted Grace too and...." Faith trailed off as she saw the blonde nod her head in understanding.

Jace pushed a trembling hand through her hair. She was tired, but not too tired to watch over her children; not like a certain party she was married to!

"Okay, Faith leave Lisa to me. Can I ask a favour, would you ask Judy to make me some coffee? I could do with the caffeine fix."

"Surely will my dear. Elena is asleep at the moment, but as soon as she wakes I'll bring her to you." Faith looked at the younger woman and saw her tired, but grateful smile and then watched as she went inside the Lisa's bedroom slowly.

Jace walked silently into the room and saw the small huddled figure in the bed, with her red hair covering the pillow; she looked just like the princess in a fairy story. It made Jace smile slightly as she moved forward and was now inches from the child. Lisa's face was blotchy with both the spots and the crying fits that Faith had mentioned and her sleep looked fitful. 'Should she wake her, or leave her?' the thought heavy in her mind.

Pulling up a chair that was in the corner of the room, she sat quietly observing the child for some moments. Her mind swiftly travelling the thousands of miles back to Catherine and her selfish comments. 'God help you Catherine. If you could see this, you wouldn't say it wasn't worth coming home for. And if you did, you are not the woman I thought you were!' Lisa shifted in the bed restlessly obviously dreaming and in discomfort.

Gently stroking back a tendril of hair that had fallen over the flushed face, she left her hand there and soothed the child with gentle strokes of her fingers over the hot forehead of the small girl Catherine had nicknamed princess. Jace recalled a time she'd asked Catherine how the nickname had come about.

'Was I ever your knight in shining armour Catherine? Because since the day I met you, I've felt you've been mine. I know you have to our children. So Sir Knight, don't let the dragons keep you away to long, we need you too,' Jace thought, as she gazed at the child who was restless again and moaning something incoherent.

Judy walked into the room quietly and smiled at Jace and placed the tray of coffee and small cakes that the woman loved down on the table in the room.

"I see she's sleeping at last. I'm glad you're back Jace." Judy said sincerely and at the same time, her eyes held sympathy for the child.

"Thanks. I'll take her in with me later Judy, when she wakes and Elena also.That way you and Faith can have some sleep." Jace stated softly.

"But what about you?" Judy asked.Jace didn't exactly look refreshed to her she actually looked downright tired.

"Oh, I find it difficult to sleep alone now. So it will probably help me too." Jace didn't see the red stain that came over the other woman's cheeks at her confession, her eyes transfixed on her daughter's face.

"Okay, see you later perhaps." Judy replied and left the room in haste, not wanting to admit she had been embarrassed at Jace's admission.

As Judy left the room, Lisa opened her eyes and looked about her in a distracted fashion. Then she saw Jace and quickly moved in the bed and engulfed her in a tight hug.

"Mom you're back?" the child's voice hoarse with the crying and probably the illness itself.

Jace was astonished not at the hug, but the words that Lisa had used in welcome. She had called her Mom? Or was she still disorientated and thought her own deceased mother? "Hi Princess, How are you feeling?" Turning the child in her arms so she could see the red rimmed blue eyes.

Lisa looked at her with love shining there and a quiet acceptance that everything would be all right now.

"I will be better now you're home, is Catherine here too?"

Jace shook her head at the child, "Sorry darling. Catherine had to stay a little longer, but she wanted me to tell you that she loves you, she's thinking about you and that she will be home soon." Let's hope she never got called on that last comment.

The child appeared happy with that and hugged Jace tighter. "Lisa you called me Mom? Are you missing your Mom?" Jace asked tentatively.

Lisa looked at her tears starting to sparkle in her eyes, had she done wrong. "Is it okay? You are my Mom though aren't you? You're going to be here forever and look after us Jace, as Catherine said."

"Catherine said did she? Well, darling I would be proud for you to call me Mom. And you are my daughter Lisa, so it fits don't you think?" Jace was puzzled when had Catherine said that little gem?

"Thanks Mom. My spots hurt real bad and I have a headache too." The child said in a pathetic voice, which Jace tried to soothe with a few words and then looked over at the table and the medication left there. She called down to Judy and asked if it was okay to give Lisa more medication. For some reason she felt like she had been given a gift today and by the god's she had. She had gained a daughter and it hadn't needed any government approval either!

Catherine paced the apartment. Her nerves were frazzled at not hearing from Jace. Surely she would be home now! Okay, so she could call, but...well she had a vague feeling that her call wouldn't be welcome.

Catherine went over to the large window overlooking the park. There she observed the lovers strolling hand in hand, and the flock of ducks waddling by the wooden jetty that had two punts moored there. This time of year people went boating in the early evening. Usually young lovers, if the clothes were anything to go by, for it was difficult to see anything distinctly from the elevated position of the apartment. Her hand went unconsciously to the solid gold locket around her neck. She gently released the catch around the chain and held the object in the palm of her hand. A smile traced her lips as she recalled being given the present at Christmas, a reminder Jace had beamed...yes, a reminder and one she had ignored conveniently. The smile disappeared at her thoughts.

Catherine clicked open the locket and looked intently at the three children held within it's beautiful casing. A very suitable setting for their three children, but then again didn't any proud parent think that? No, some didn't.Jake's parent a prime example. They had only cared about themselves and when the next drink was coming and where. Not surprising kids end up on the wrong side of the law or into drugs. More than likely taking off into the unknown alone and that could lead to god only knows in this material world. Wasn't it true anything was for sale, if the right price was offered? Hell she knew that. She'd offered the right price too many in the past. It hadn't all been about money! Her eyes strayed as they always did and she suspected always would to the opposite one, which held the happy countenance of her partner.

"Got to hand it to you Jace. You have made me think about giving up Xianthos and this time I might just do it too!" Catherine spoke the words softly in the empty room.

But the room hadn't been empty; Constance had been watching the taller woman for several minutes, fascinated at the changing features over the usually still and devoid of expression face that usually was seen in New York.

"I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but would you really give it up for her?"

Catherine turned at the voice and wanted to glare at the woman who had interrupted what she felt, was a very private moment in her own home.

"How long have you been up?" Catherine asked not certain she was going to answer the original question.

Constance shook her still damp hair for effect, "About half an hour. Thought I'd take a shower before we eat."

"Are you feeling better?" Catherine asked the woman she certainly looked better than twenty-four hours ago. That sight had been a nightmare.

"Surprisingly, yes. Thanks for making me see sense about going to the office. It helped." Constance replied sincerely to the tall woman who merely quirked an eyebrow in her direction at the comment.

"My pleasure. The answer to your original question is ¯ frankly, I don't know." Catherine tenderly shut the casing of the locket and replaced it around her neck.

"That's very beautiful." Constance said as her eyes watched her boss replace the jewellery around her neck.

"Yes, it is. Jace gave me it as a reminder of the family. I think she must have had a premonition perhaps that we would be parted for a while." Catherine expelled a deep breath, while quietly her mind digesting what she had just admitted aloud.

"Well, surely it's only a short parting. Children are rarely sick for long and then they will join you." Constance looked at the now pensive profile. Had she hit a sore spot here by accident?

"Perhaps they will. Then again the children might want to stay home. They have friends, schools the familiar background of home. It might not be good for them to spend a year or whatever here in the city. Hell, I know where I'd rather be!" Catherine answered absently; Constance had the distinct impression that she wasn't talking directly to her at all.

"But Jace will be here at least." Constance wasn't sure if the woman was listening.

Catherine turned to the woman and pierced her with a cold glance the ice blue of her eyes glacial and un-welcoming.

"You think that the children would appreciate both parents leaving them? Wouldn't that make us temporary parents only? Being there when we saw fit, not when they needed us?" A lesson taught they say and here she was trying to help Constance.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. Never thought about it really. I've always put my work first!" Constance replied and it was the first time she'd admitted her own shortcomings in the personal stakes and it shook her visibly.

Catherine saw the woman wince at her own statement.

"You okay?"

Constance turned tearful eyes towards the inquiring ice blue ones and she shook her head.

"No. No, I don't think I am!" it was a solemn recognition of her own failings.

Catherine placed a comforting hand on the darker woman's shoulder, "Yes, I know what you mean. Come on we both need to eat. Then I have a call to make to my family. I also have an idea that might help us both."

"I'm all for that Catherine, anything that can help is going to go down well with me." Constance followed the taller woman to the kitchen and the meal that had been left for them by the housekeeper.

Jace had showered and stood in a thin cotton robe watching over her two sick girls. Lisa had settled down almost immediately when they moved her into Jace and Catherine's room. She was now asleep snuggled up to the giant 'Taz' in the king size bed. Elena had been sleeping most of the time she'd been home, only waking up for a brief few minutes for mother and daughter to have a tearful reunion. Now she too was asleep in the small bed, which was going to be moved shortly into the new bedroom that was currently being decorated.

The first phase of the house renovations had been finally finished after several hiccups two weeks ago and the decorators had been working overtime to have the rooms finished on schedule.

Smiling tenderly at the girls, Jace wondered how she had been so lucky to have all of this love she felt around her, with it appearing to have been handed to her so easily. Okay, she and Catherine had the initial bumps along the way, but the love of the children and that even included Jake these days, which was something that she thought needed to be earned...and yet, it was freely given by them. Although she had the feeling that Jake and she had some way to go before he felt that she wouldn't leave again and break Catherine's heart. What would happen if the reverse occurred and it was Catherine doing the leaving and breaking all their hearts? That was one thought that she never, ever wanted to contemplate as she glanced at the clock on the wall. It would be around eight p.m. in New York.Catherine would be in the apartment. She had to be!

Settling down in the easy chair in the room next to the desk which she and Catherine shared for private letters, as well as when Jace wrote her poetry in the journal that had been placeed between the bookends that looked like a stack of books in copper. The phone call shouldn't disturb the sleeping children if she kept her voice at a low volume. Dialling the number quickly, she waited for the pick up.

Within the space of a minute the connection was made and a breathless voice answered.

"Hello Devonshire speaking." Catherine's voice impersonal waiting before she changed her tone dependent on the caller. Jace had seen it hundreds of times and it always made her smile inwardly.

"Catherine, it's Jace." Jace spoke quietly, her eyes skimming both the children.

"Jace, you okay? How long have you been home? Are the children okay?" Catherine wanted to know everything and yet, she didn't. It was enough that her partner was at the end of the line.

"Catherine hold up. Everything is okay. The children are sick, but now asleep in our room here with me." Jace answered the one question that was important, anything else irrelevant.

"Jace are the decorators done in the house?" Catherine asked out of the blue. It both amazed and angered Jace, wasn't she interested in the children at all.

"I don't understand?" a choked reply from Jace, which caused a puzzled frown to appear on Catherine's forehead.

"What's not to understand Jace, are the decorators complete with the new house renovations?" Catherine repeated the question. Jace must be tired.

"I don't believe what I'm hearing Catherine. I tell you about the children and you ask if the decorators are done. What sort of unfeeling...monster are you?" Jace angrily replied. This was not happening, this was definitely not the Catherine she had come to know and love in the last three years.

Catherine smote a fist to her brow, 'Christ how stupid could I be.' "Jace? Please Jace, you don't understand there is a reason for asking."

Jace heard the plea in the words, but Catherine had taken her for granted in the understanding stakes for the last time on this subject.

"Reason? Yes there's always a reason. It usually has something to do with that Hades of a place called Xianthos! I tell you Catherine you're priorities are way off course and if you don't realise that then we have nothing more to discuss."

Catherine wasn't happy about the tirade from her partner. She hadn't deserved it either.Jace hadn't given her a chance to explain. Now why the bloody hell should she!

"Fine! The kids are sick, but okay. You arrive home safe, the house isn't on fire and everything in the garden is rosy, is that it?" Catherine answered petulantly.

Jace heard the childish response that was also typical Catherine. "Now you put it like that, yes, that about covers it!" Jace retorted with her own childish response.

"Well, in that case my suggestion of having Constance come to stay with us, and I run the business from home, doesn't seem to have any merit now does it?" Catherine spat out from her end of the line. Damned if she did, damned if she didn't, was the expression that crossed her mind, not for the first time recently.

Jace looked at the receiver in her hand and she momentarily lost track of any response to the idea that would solve all their problems that Catherine had just stated in anger.

"I guess that was a stupid suggestion. Well I have a corporation to run and it needs me, even if no one else does." Catherine ended the call abruptly after waiting in vane for Jace to say something to her suggestion for several minutes.

Jace looked at the dumb instrument in her hand. It reminded her of how easily something so wonderful like the connection to Catherine regardless of the thousands of miles, could suddenly cease. Wasn't that what she'd done with the conversation she was having with her partner. She had been dumb! Putting her hand out, she tried to get another line attempting to call Catherine back, when Elena screamed and that woke up a startled Lisa.Jace was now torn between her duty to her sick children and her misunderstanding with Catherine. The hesitation was momentary, Catherine would have to wait, and the children needed her more. She would explain to Catherine, her partner would understand, she always did.

Catherine paced the floor of her study in the apartment and waited. She continued to wait and wait, but after half an hour, she knew that the call she wanted and had expected wasn't going to happen. 'Why did it always have to be her that calls back and says I love you. This time Jace, you were out of order.' Catherine thought her face scowling very much like a child that had been told off by mistake and was never apologised to for the error.

Constance tapped on the door and peered inside, "Sorry to disturb you Catherine, but we have a visitor."

Catherine looked at the woman with a closed off look, her emotions now under tight control. If that's how Jace wanted to handle a misunderstanding fine, she could be equally as unforgiving. Walking toward the other woman, she inclined her head.

"Who is it?" and turned the light off in the study as she asked the question and went to greet the visitor.

Jace had been trying to calm her daughter for over three hours and it was taking its toll on her already depleted energy levels. Her own emotional state after her altercation with Catherine wasn't helping either. Lisa was sleeping now,her medication kicking in and Jace was pacing the corridor at the top of the stairs with Elena giving the older child a little peace.

Faith had finally persuaded Jace that the doctor should be called. The baby had a higher temperature than before and it worried her. Having now done so, she watched with sympathy as Jace tried to soothe her child with gentle kisses and tender cradling to her body. Mounting the stairs trying not to disturb the baby anymore than was necessary, she looked at the drained blonde woman. There was more to it than just the baby Faith was sure of that. The woman had no spirit in her, it was as if a light had been extinguished.

"Would you like me to take her Jace? You need to rest if only for a few minutes. When the doctor arrives, I'll call you?" Faith stated steadily.

Jace looked at the tearstained face of the small child held securely in her arms as she turned grateful green eyes to Grace's mother, who had in effect become a surrogate mother to her too!

"Thanks Faith, but I hardly think I'll sleep or rest. And I might disturb Lisa."

The older woman looked at her with compassion. "Have you informed Catherine of the turn of events?"

Jace's face became haunted and she shook her head, "I haven't had the time Faith. We had a difference of opinion earlier. I then had the problem with Elena. So, no, she doesn't know."

Faith now knew the reason for the lack of enthusiasm in the woman. "Well, why not call her now.I'll take Elena until you've finished. What do you say?"

"It's late there Faith, she might be sleeping." Jace responded pathetically.

"My dear, if there is one thing I've found out in this house, is that if Catherine isn't close to you, she never stops her wandering, never mind sleep, that is never an option. She'll be waiting." Faith stated her face showed a half smile that indicated past knowledge.

"You really think so?" Jace knew it in her heart, but sometimes the mind wouldn't let you believe the truth of it.

"I'll tell you a secret Jace, everytime my husband went on a shift and we had a difference of opinion, I couldn't rest until I could say I love you to him or he said it to me. You just never know when it will be the last time you can say that to someone you love. And it's worth the shredding of any pride, trust me on that." Faith softly responded, her own memories uppermost in her mind.

Jace starred at the older woman with a new respect. They all assumed that Faith was quite a hardheaded woman in the emotional stakes. Yet, she had just admitted to a bond that had all the ingredients that she herself shared with Catherine. Amazing what you learnt about people in the strangest of circumstances.

"Thanks Faith, I'll go do that." Handing over her daughter kissing her forehead as she did so and shyly she kissed Faiths cheek in appreciation of her understanding, which caused the older woman to smile briefly and then turn her attention to the baby.

Jace went down the stairs to the study and closed the door behind her. She speed dialled the apartment and waited for the call to be picked up.

Catherine was seething!

"I don't know about you two, but I need a stiff drink." Catherine finally said through gritted teeth, the visitor's information far from being the bearer of good news. Catherine walked over to the cabinet that held the drinks and poured herself a shot of vodka! Sipping the drink and grimacing at the sharp taste of a spirit that she rarely drank.

Detective Kelsey looked a little nonplussed. 'Yeah, he'd wanted to be a fly on the wall when the confrontation between the two woman and the news he had was imparted. But he hadn't wanted to be a direct spectator or in this case, a possible referee.' He now watched them both and wondered what would happen next.

Constance was shocked with the news the detective reported.She'd gone even paler than she had been before. It was very difficult to say if her skin tone was even darker than Catherine's now.

"I'll second that."

Catherine glared at her response and shut up the cabinet after replacing her now empty glass on the side.

Catherine strode purposefully over to stand in front of the chair Constance was sitting in, her stance menacing.

"Can you shed any light on this Constance?"

"No, I thought, well I was told that it was all covered and that it was as stated." Constance didn't like the strange hawk-like expression that came into the eyes above her.

"Then you were wrong! And so were the bloody useless team you sent to ensure me that no way on this planet was Hudson alive! Didn't you promise me that?" Catherine spoke dangerously low, her body about to pounce on its prey.

"I promised yes! But, I honestly thought it was all over. What did you want me to do? Go there and find out for myself?" Constance replied. The woman was being unfair; the team she had engaged had been the best that she would find and had been recommended highly by several prominent people she knew.

"Kelsey, how accurate is the information you have? Could it be wrong?" Catherine wiped a hand across her eyes; Jesus Christ did she have to do everything herself!

"Very accurate, the woman who was on the boat wasn't Hudson. She might have looked like her, taken her identity for whatever reason, but she wasn't Hudson. Dental records prove it and I had a DNA test done as well.She's one Sally Clauser, a second rate actress out of LA." Kelsey now wished he'd taken up the offer of a drink.

"Okay! Okay, I can deal with this." Catherine stated in exasperation and walked over to the phone, placed a call to her private pilot in America and then one to her lawyers. As she called the lawyers she told Constance to go pack they were leaving now!

Kelsey was told he could join them if he so chose. He nodded his head agreeability. He still had time owing at work and this should prove interesting.

The lawyers were irritated at being called so late, but both realized just who paid the rent on their expensive lifestyles. Two messages had been despatched just in case, and you never knew what happened did you in certain circumstances.

Catherine contemplated a third call, but Constance arrived at that moment. It would wait she would call from the airport. Time was of the essence now and as always, time had a habit of running pretty close to the wind with her.

All three exited the apartment for the airport.

Jace had called the number a dozen times if not more and yet there was no answer. Catherine wouldn't be out it was close on midnight!

Trying once more she was still unable to contact Catherine, perhaps she'd decided to travel home regardless? Jace's heart beat louder at that thought; it would be another typical Catherine trait and one that Jace would dearly love to behold.

After calling the operator to check the line, she finally replaced the receiver just as a knock came on the door. Judy entered the study and saw the drawn features of the blonde. She looked haggard which was the only expression that Judy could summon at her appearance.

"The doctors here Jace," the woman said softly and wondered if the doctor might not be seeing the wrong patient.

"Thanks Judy I'll be right out." Jace smiled at her weakly and turned back to the phone for one more try. 'Hades where are you when I need you darling? Coming home on a white charger, or even a grey one about now would be welcome. I love you Catherine. Please come home."

Jace saw a single tear drop onto the polished surface of the desk and her heart was heavy as she left the room to see the doctor.

Catherine had discussed the flight plans for the small aircraft with the pilot. He had said that the flight would take them fifteen hours with a stop over, which he would have to make in LA.

"How long will we be in LA Doug?" Catherine asked the middle-aged pilot who had worked for the corporation for over twenty years. She knew that he had stories about her father that he'd tried to share years ago, but a look from her glacial eyes on the subject had ensured that he kept them to himself.

The older man looked at her and stroked his chin that had a small goatee beard, well clipped and just slightly peppered with grey hair within it's auburn hair.

"I'd say you would have two hours, maybe three, if I can't get an immediate take off slot. Is that a problem?" The man asked. He had cause to ask the question, if the famous Devonshire temper exploded, because she didn't have all the facts you certainly got to hear about it personally.

"Excellent Doug, I need to see someone in LA. It might help out a difficult domestic situation I have." Catherine shook her head and was about to turn and go back to the others in her party when the pilot spoke.

"I want to just say Ms. Devonshire that I was pleased at the news of your marriage." The man looked down at his highly polished shoes as he spoke.

Catherine looked at the man with a serious expression. He had never ever been any more than professional in his attitude to her and she was surprised that he said what he did.

"Thanks, I'll pass on the congratulations to my wife when I next see her." Catherine answered. Her mind now focused on the one person she still had to talk to personally and would you believe, it was the most important one too!

Doug nodded his head and turned on his heal and walked towards the plane and the pre-flight checks.

Catherine watched him walk away and she stood silently in the same spot he'd left her. Her mind contemplating what she was doing. Did she even know herself? Her hand went up and moved away a few strands of her raven hair that had become loose from her ponytail arrangement. Smiling wryly she noticed that it wasn't just the sides of her hair that were changing colour, the rest appeared to be going down that track with a vengeance. Maybe she should consider a colour change, then again wasn't it supposed to be kind of distinctive to be grey? Turning away from her position, she looked around the area for a phone booth. Now would be a good time to have a cell phone.However, she hadn't bothered with another one since the episode in the hotel, what was it two years ago or more like three, wherever did the time go?

Constance looked at the slowly moving figure of her boss walking towards them. Her eyes seemed to be the scanning the area for something, but what?

"I was surprised she didn't take you down when she heard the news Ms. Waverly?" Kelsey said from his leaning position at the open doorway of the airport.

Constance looked at the small man and she shrugged. "Catherine will no doubt have her reasons. I'm sure I will pay in some way for my lack of attention to detail."

"You didn't lack anything Ms. Waverly. At the time your team were looking, it wouldn't have been possible to do the things I did. The local police had it under wraps and they didn't know anymore than your people, believe me." Kelsey retorted. He was in a way sorry for the rather pale-featured woman who looked ill, rather different from when he last saw her.

"Well it doesn't matter now. We are off doing god knows what and she's not likely to tell us either the mood she's in." Constance replied her eyes quietly watching the ever-closer approaching figure of Catherine Devonshire.

"Oh, I know what she's going to do, with your quick intelligence Ms. Waverly, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet."

"Kelsey, give me a break here...tell me if you know what she's going to do next?" Constance looked at the man her eyes enquiring.

Kelsey looked at the tall woman approaching them and smiled wryly. "We are going to Hawaii to check out my story to her satisfaction and then she's going to track down Ms. Hudson, simple really."

"But how will she track Hudson?" Constance said in a disbelieving tone.

"Now that, I wouldn't know, but I'm sure the esteemed Ms. Devonshire has several ideas. I think it might just involve the both of us too." Kelsey smiled at the woman and chuckled as her gaze went towards the subject of the conversation, as she didn't look happy either.

"Anyone know where there is a phone in this airport?" Catherine asked in a tone that signified annoyance.

"Yeah. Over in the corner by the window." Kelsey pointed to the spot and watched as she made her way over without comment.

Catherine dialled her home number and waited, she tapped a well-manicured finger on the keypad as she waited.

"Hello Destiny Ranch, how may I help you?" a voice that was familiar and yet not the one she wanted answered the call.

"Judy?" Catherine asked politely.

"Yes, is that you Mrs. Warriorson?" Judy asked.

"Yes, is Jace there by any chance." A stupid question but....

"Well, actually she's..." Judy never finished the comment, there was a shout at the other end and disembodied voices speaking.

"Sorry Judy, I have to go, tell Jace I'll be in touch and that I...hope the children are feeling better." Catherine said and ended the call abruptly. Doug had been given the green light to take off immediately, they had to board the plane now or wait another three hours.

"No problem, but Jace is at the hospital and no the kids aren't any better." Judy said quietly to the dead tone of the phone she held in her hand and shook her head as she went back to her vigilance over Lisa.

Jace and Faith had taken Elena to the hospital after the doctor's visit. The child's temperature was too high and she could have complications.

Catherine was disappointed at not being able to speak to Jace if only for a few seconds, but when she arrived in LA, she would remedy that problem for they had three hours to kill. Walking swiftly to the open doorway of the aircraft, she considered forgetting everything and just going home...how good that sounded, but what was home with that homicidal maniac still around. Hudson had to be defeated once and for all. It was the only way for her peace of mind. Jace would understand and if she didn't well...they had eternity to work it out. Her fingers clutch the locket around her neck and she sent up a silent prayer that all was well at home and mounted the steps to enter the aircraft.

~ ~ ~

Jace watched them put her daughter into a small tent contraption and held a hand to her mouth to stifle the sobs that threatened to engulf her. Faith watched helplessly, as the young woman had to go through even more trauma!

The doctor hadn't said anything specific. They had to wait for the test results to confirm the situation, but he said the equipment they had placed around her daughter would help her breathing.

"I can't believe this is happening Faith. She's so young. She won't die will she?" Jace whispered to the older woman awash with the emotional turmoil that was taking over her body. The usual tears that were a trait of Jace had dried up. There was just nothing left in her body. She was drained to the point of complete exhaustion.

"Don't worry Jace, Elena will be fine. She's a very strong little girl you know. She takes after Catherine in that, don't you think?" Faith tried to pass a sorry joke and was rewarded with an even more anguished look from those startlingly expressive green eyes.

"I need her here Faith. Why isn't she here with me? Everything is always okay, when she is here. Catherine makes sure of it. I need her Faith, I want her here!" Jace choked out and this time Faith had no hesitation she pulled the small blonde into a warm comforting hug, it might not be Catherine, but it sure helped her, as her own tears surfaced and she couldn't stop them falling.

"I'm sure she's coming home Jace. Catherine knows her family needs her she will come. I'm sure of it." Faith crooned into the blonde's head that was laid on her shoulder.

"She better Faith. She had better come home. Because this is far more important, our family, and I want her to understand that, I really do!" Jace whispered and watched as the nurse checked her daughter's temperature once again and sat down to take her vigil over the child. Mother and 'grandmother' watched in silence, both taking what little comfort they could from each other.

Catherine had left Constance and Kelsey to their own devices as she'd left them in the LA airport and said she would be back within two hours. Doug had said that there would be a three hour delay, but that would be all!

Arriving at Jace's parents home for only the second time, she dismissed the taxi driver. She walked up the concrete drive to the steps of the porch, a clear memory of the first time when Rio being her guide on that occasion. Stepping close to the door, she pressed the doorbell and waited for someone to answer. She hoped they would, if she was the praying sort of person, she was praying they would.

Within a couple of minutes the door swung open and Jace's father stood there, his face had a surprised expression, which quickly changed to one of warmth as he said hello and waived her inside.

"Jason I haven't much time and I needed to talk to you. Have you a few moments?" Catherine sounded desperate to his ears and he wondered just what would make this woman upset and the only thing he could think of was his daughter.

"Yes! Yes, of course. Please Catherine, come into the study." He opened a door on the left-hand side of the hall and she preceded him in the room.

Taking a chair opposite the walnut desk that had seen better days, but looked like it was well used and well loved probably, "Jason, I need to go away and clear up an important matter. It's personal business and it could mean I'll be away for a long time."

Jason sat down heavily in the chair at the desk and leaned his elbows on the polished surface and looked at her with interest.

"Well, that happens I suppose but what has that to do with me?" his mind naturally went to the children.

"Jason you have experience in the publishing business and don't give me a 'little' for we both know it's rather more than that. I need you to run my corporation for me until I come back. Would you consider it?" Catherine asked her father-in-law solemnly.

Jason was taken aback by the offer what was the woman saying? "I don't understand Catherine? You have a President of Operations surely?"

"Yes. Yes, I do. However, she's coming with me and she's ill at the moment as well. So, it would have been impossible for her to continue. Will you do it Jason? It's important to me!" Catherine was pleading, she didn't have much time and she certainly needed an answer now.

"How much time will you allow me to answer this?" Jason asked his mind in a chaotic jumble.

"No time at all I'm afraid. I need the answer now." Catherine said quietly but with conviction.

"I haven't performed any executive work for years. Well, since yours swallowed up my company. How do you know I'd do it justice?" Jason asked a very valid point he thought.

Catherine looked at him with a serious expression and then answered the question. "Well, if you're anything like your daughter with tenacity, you will do okay in Xianthos. Let's face it Jason, the company will eventually pass to your grandchildren. What better reason to keep it intact, wouldn't you say?"

Jason chuckled at the words, "What better reason indeed Catherine. Okay. You have your man. What do you want me to do next?"

"I need you to go to New York and take over literally. The VP Lee Western will welcome the help believe me. And between the two of you, I'm sure the American operation will run smoothly. A little later today I will email you details of the entire senior staff and a copy of the memo I will send to all the worldwide VP's of your appointment. My instructions are mandatory in my company Jason, so feel free to give them hell if they need it. Rita Tuscany will be your PA. She will set you on the correct course if you accidentally veer off. You can trust her explicitly. I do." Catherine spoke quickly and precisely for time was of the essence.

"How long will you be gone? Is Jace going with you?" Jason asked curiously.

"No, Jace will stay home. The two girls have the measles and she's doing the sick duty I'm afraid, as to how long? Well, what's that saying 'how long is a piece of string' that about sums up this little mission I'm afraid. If Alison hasn't any plans, I thought maybe she might want to go and visit Jace and the grandchildren?" Catherine asked the last part of the sentence tentatively.

The older man looked at her and smiled, "Sounds a good idea to me. That will keep her from spending all my money in New York shopping."

Catherine smiled briefly and got up from the chair.

 "I have to go Jason, my flight will be going shortly. I'm sorry to have to burden you with this task, but I think you're the only one I can trust with it and not have to watch my back."

"Then I sincerely hope everything works out for us both." Jason said and followed her out to the door.

"Hell, I need a taxi!" Catherine said her mind obviously on a thousand and one other things.

"How about I drive you back to the airport. That way, you can fill me in on some more details." He picked up his car keys and snatched up a jacket from the coat rack. Catherine acknowledged the assistance and they went outside for the short ride to the airport.

Jake looked out at the rain that literally poured from every surface it could find and splashed down in large droplets onto the ground.
Grace had been up half the night talking and crying with Colin and he hadn't dared get out of bed and ask, it might just be a small argument. After all his parents had often had them, but theirs had been very loud and he'd often ended up with a black eye or two for trying to find out what was going on. This time he wasn't going to do that. Although he knew that deep down Colin and Grace wouldn't hurt him just as he knew that Catherine and Jace wouldn't either. Now it was early morning and he'd heard movement in the kitchen and decided that it was time he found out what was going on.

"Morning." The boy said quietly as he saw a very tired and pale looking Grace sitting with her head propped up on one hand and the other around what was probably a cup of coffee. Colin was making some breakfast and he turned and gave the boy a bright smile, but it didn't reach his eyes and they became sad as they settled on his wife.

"Morning Jake, will cereal and toast suffice this morning. I'll take you in town later for lunch and maybe dinner, okay with you?" Colin asked him as Jake walked over to where Grace was seated and he gently placed a quick kiss on her cheek, smiled slowly at her and sat down opposite her on one of the pine kitchen chairs.

Grace gave him a startled look, stunned that he had kissed her, but she shouldn't have been really, for the boy was very astute. He did give out affection when he felt someone needed it badly enough. "Thanks Jake, good morning." Grace smiled weakly at him.

Colin glanced at the exchange and he smiled at the view from the window that boy was going to break people's hearts when he was older without a doubt.

"Jake we have some news about the girls." Colin began to speak and was stopped as Grace stood up and placed a hand on his arm to stop.

"Colin, I'll explain to Jake. Please, you finish preparing the breakfast for you both." She looked into his grey eyes and her own brown one passed a secret message of grateful thanks and love. He nodded his head and watched her return to her seat opposite the boy. "Jake as you know the girls have the measles and that was under control with the doctor, but...well, Elena last night developed a complication, which we don't know as yet exactly what that is, but we will, we will!" She wasn't sure whom she was trying to convince here. "Jace is at the hospital with my mother. Judy is looking after Lisa, but I wanted you to know that everything is being done that can. We have to wait." Grace finally finished and waited for the boy's reaction to her words.

Jake gave her a long serious look from hazel eyes that appeared to hold wisdom way past his age and that wasn't the first time Grace had felt that with the boy.

"Catherine should come home." Jake responded quietly.

Grace sighed heavily at that statement and the boy was mirroring her own reaction to Catherine's absence, and Jace's reluctance to talk to her about the missing significant other parent.

"I'm sure she has her reasons for not being here Jake. But, you know her she turns up, she always turns up."

"Yes. But what if Elena doesn't get better and she's not here. She should be Grace, she should be!" The boy had a few tears glistening on his dark eyelashes and they splattered onto the cereal that had been put before him moments earlier.

He loved his youngest sister, no he loved them both, but Elena was special. She had been born, as their sister, not pushed together as he and Lisa had.

Grace saw the anguish in the boy. This time she stepped around the table and pulled him into a hug and gently stroked his dark head. "Shhh Jake, Elena will get better and who knows Catherine might walk through the door anytime now, she likes surprising us doesn't she?"

Jake gulped back a small sob and he turned his eyes to the window and the view he had of the ranch house and it appeared peaceful and belied the troubled events taking place with it's residents.

'Catherine please come home.' The boy pleaded silently his eyes roaming restlessly over the quiet scene as Grace held him in a comforting hug.

Catherine had given Jason Bardley the key to her private office in New York. People would certainly know that he was in charge if he ensconced himself in the medium sized office. The significance of the person holding the key to the room in the company gave the impression it was in fact three times the actual size, when you had to venture inside. You never knew if you would get out alive or that had been the rumour for years. Many had been severely marred by the experience. Others had experienced dreams come true also. So, it was all in why you had to be in there in the first place.

Constance looked at the still stoic expression on Catherine's face and wondered if she should talk to her. She really wanted to know what they would be doing next. She knew that they were headed for Hawaii, but that was about it! Taking a deep breath, she turned her head and looked directly at the tall raven-haired woman who was concentrating on a single piece of paper, she looked engrossed.

"Catherine?" ice blue eyes turned to hers and they had that mixed look of annoyance, warmth and tenderness, which quickly disappeared as Catherine fully focused on the person, who requested her attention.

"Yes!" the one word sharp and clipped annoyance now the element in control.

"Sorry to bother you, but what exactly are we going to do when we arrive at our destination." Constance asked softly, she wished now that she hadn't bothered the older woman.

"Do? Do Constance? We are going to clear up a matter that my father left me in his will. That is what we're going to do." Catherine returned her attention back to the paper she held gently in her hands.

"I don't understand Catherine." Constance said watching the raven hair fall over her face and the long tapered fingers of the woman's right hand move it away from her left eye.

Catherine looked up once again and lifted her left eyebrow to her forehead, "No you wouldn't."

Constance had the distinct impression that, that was the end of the conversation as Catherine went back to her study of the paper she kept tenderly touching with her long fingers. Must be some paper she can't seem to get enough of it. Turning back in her chair, she noticed that Kelsey was dozing in the seat on the other side of the corridor. She stood up and went over to the portable coffee machine and prepared a beverage to her taste. She really did miss not having a drink, but she had the distinct impression that if she survived this escapade with Catherine, that booze and drugs would be a thing of the past.

Catherine had been annoyed at the interruption by Constance as she read words her partner had written on their honeymoon. Had it really been over six months ago? It certainly didn't feel that long; the time had passed that quickly.

'That's it! I can't go any further without speaking to her, no way.' Catherine thought her mind finally diffusing the insidious beckoning that had effectively ruined her first marriage. She'd made a promise to Jace, and this time she wasn't going to let Xianthos take her life from her again.

"I need to make a phone call Constance. Kelsey can you and Constance check out something for me if I give you all the details?" The tall woman stood up abruptly from her seat and spoke fearlessly as she strode towards the door to the pilot.

"What...yeah sure Ms. Devonshire, whatever you want." Kelsey spluttered as he was awaked from his doze by the sharp words. Constance looked startled at the sudden words and movement and nodded her head.

"Excellent, I'll be back shortly."

Opening the door to the interior that housed the pilot, Doug looked at her with a quizzical frown.

"Doug, I know we don't have a communication port for personal calls on this aircraft, but just this once, can we contact my home, so I can speak to my wife?" Catherine sat down at the vacant seat next to him and she saw his smile.

"Certainly can Ms. Devonshire, I have on occasion talked to the wife myself, when the first grandchild was due, wasn't sure if it was her baby or our daughters. She had such a fit about it all." The older man chuckled as he recalled his own memories and set about the communications adjustment to allow the personal call.

Within a short space of time the connection was made and although Catherine would have preferred privacy, she knew that Doug would be discreet.

"Destiny can I help you?" Judy Schmidt asked breathlessly as she made it to the hall as quickly as possible. She really must ask Catherine to put an extension in the kitchen, it was absurd this running to the hall.

"Judy?" Catherine asked. Shit! Once again Jace hadn't answered.

"Yes, Ms. Warriorson." Judy responded and smiled briefly as a thought crossed her mind 'talk about the devil.'

"Can I speak to Jace, please Judy?" Catherine asked quietly.

Judy sucked in a breath at that question, what did she say? "Ms. Warriorson, Jace isn't here."

Catherine looked at her watch and noticed that the time at home would be around eight a.m., where the hell could she be? "Where is Jace please, I need to talk to her."

"She's at the hospital." Judy said quietly.

"WHAT! Judy why? Is she hurt? Are the kids sicker than she said? Is it Grace? For god's sake Judy why is she there?" Catherine sent so many questions down the line that even the pilot next to her winced at the number.

"Elena...." Before Judy could say more she heard her boss talking to someone else.

"Take this fucking tin can back to LA Doug, I want the jet ready and waiting when I get there, and I want clearance for immediate take off. Pay the bastards off if you have to." Catherine's voice was harsh and anyone who dared question it wouldn't have a head.

"Catherine listen to me?" Judy demanded.

"What...what my daughter is ill, so I need to be home, that's it Judy." Catherine said finally.

"Jace will want to talk to you. She has a cell with her. Please call her." Judy said to the distraught woman.

"Fine, give me the number."

Judy cringed at the tone of the demand and wondered how people worked with her. She did as she was asked and expected the call to end, but it didn't.

"Judy how is Lisa and Jake?" the voice softer now and definitely a far cry from her previous one.

"Jake is with Grace and Colin. He knows what is going on, but he's upset he isn't allowed to see Lisa.But he loves Grace and Colin and it's working out. Lisa is upset. She's happier with Jace home. She ...well she just wants to get well." Judy explained no point in saying that Lisa was crying for Catherine when Jace left for the hospital.

"Judy you tell my children I'm coming home. Tell them that please. It's important!" Catherine requested as her voice choked.

"Will do. See you home soon." Judy said and heard the connection go dead. She decided that Rio should keep Lisa company and sure enough the dog was there at her feet, uncanny canine this one was without a doubt.

Catherine looked at the pilot and he smiled affectionately at her, she thought that rather strange.

"Sorry Doug I need another call."

"Sure thing Ms. Devonshire, I will get you the connection. I've confirmed a spot in LA and the jet is waiting for you. Andy has a half hour window when we get there. Will that do?" Doug smiled at her she was so like her father if only she would listen to the odd story or two. Her dad was a great guy even if he was English.

Catherine was impressed and it showed in the smile she gave, "Thanks Doug," she waited for the connection.

 "I'm not going to do this George." Althea said with conviction.

"No? How can you stop it?" George asked his sister and watched as the thoughtful gaze went over the blue of the Aegean Sea.

"Easy, I'm going to say no!" Althea said her mind made up.

"No!" George said in anguish.

"George there comes a time when we have to stand up against the injustices of life and I'm afraid we are that George." Althea asserted, sure of her statement.

"I love you Althea, but she will kill you for certain, for you know too much." George pleaded with his younger sister.

"Yes, and I will welcome death if that is my fate. But George I cannot kill someone in cold blood it is barbaric and wrong you must surely see that?" Althea asked her brother in desperation.

"No! I do not have the life you have Althea. I have a life that mama gave me and I respect her choices." George said with conviction.

Althea brought a hand up to her face and smothered the sob that came to her lips. Her brother was so...so tied to their mother it was unreal. God, what would it take? "I do not understand George and don't think I ever will. However, I must do what I must do and take the consequences of those actions."

George looked at his sister and sighed heavily. "Yes, Althea I know and I wish you well in your endeavours."

"Even if it means that you might suffer?"

"Yes, I love you Althea never forget that."

"I will not forget and I love you also George please remember that every day that you live, no matter what......I love you!" Althea spoke softly.

"I know Althea, I know." He pulled his younger sister into an embrace. It showed the brotherly love he had for the girl that would always be the child he had watched grow up and play on the sands below the balcony they were now standing on.

Althea sank into the embrace knowing in her heart that it might be her last.

The sea was a deep blue and the sands were golden and as one looked out upon the picture. It gave you the impression of calm. Yes, it was a calm, a calm before the storm!

Catherine waited for the connection and shifted in her seat several times much to the amusement of the other occupant of the flight cabin.

"There you go Ms. Devonshire. We have a connection." Doug said with a smile.

"Thanks." Catherine replaced the headpiece and waited for the call pick up.

"Hello?" Jace's voice was so quiet Catherine wasn't even sure it was hers.

"Jace?" Catherine asked and almost kicked herself, for deep down she knew her lover's voice, it was etched in her heart.

"Catherine is it really you?" Jace asked with wonder in her voice.

"Yes, darling it's me. How are you and Elena...." Catherine floundered as she said the words.

"Catherine, I'm fine don't worry." Jace answered and was met by a quick retort.

"I love you Jace. I'm sorry I didn't come with you. I'm coming home. I promise." The broken words echoed in the small confines of the cabin.

"Catherine it's okay, Elena has asthma. She had an allergic reaction to the drugs and it brought on an asthma attack. But she's going to be okay." Jace said to assure her lover.

"I...I should be there not flying round the world looking for ghosts." Catherine said her tone low and full of remorse.

"Darling it's okay, believe me, it's okay. What ghosts Catherine?" Jace asked wearily. Was there ever going to be a time that they didn't have some foe to fight?

"I think that will wait until I get home Jace." Catherine answered bleakly.

"Tell me now Catherine, please?" Jace knew that Catherine would never have said a ghost unless she meant it in the physical form that could hurt them.

"Hudson isn't dead?" Catherine answered her voice at a tone that was barely audible over the phone.

"Hudson is alive? You said she was dead Catherine. What's going on?" Jace asked. Her mind now trying to struggle with another problem and she really was in no condition to do so.

"That's a long story Jace, but I'm coming home, Constance and detective Kelsey can work on my theory." Catherine answered in a tone that brooked no further comment.

"Catherine, it's important to you to see this out isn't it? Not just for us, but for you and your father?" Jace asked the question that Catherine had hoped she wouldn't

Stalling for all of ten seconds. "Yes, this is important for me, my father and my family but... I think you and the children are more important. I forget Jace, I didn't mean to, I sincerely didn't, but things happen." Catherine's tone was one of regret and sorrow at her choices.

"Catherine you do what you have to do. Trust me, we will be here when you come home. And I want you home darling." Jace answered her heart coming to the fore with her entreaty to her partner.

"I want to come home Jace. I want to hold you. I want to see Elena and Lisa and assure Jake that all will be well. Can't I come home Jace?" Catherine asked the question that she knew had an answer, but there was an obstacle in the way that was going to prevent that.

"I Love you Catherine. Our children love you, but I want us all to live together in peace. If Hudson is still alive or a threat, I want you to do what you have to do to extinguish that threat.... I want us to be together at the end Catherine, you promised me your tomorrows and I'm still waiting here for them." Jace answered quietly her eyes drifting to her daughter sleeping peacefully in the hospital crib.

"I love you Jace. Whatever happens, I do love you!" Catherine sobbed out the message. Doug had tried to close his mind to the entreaty of the woman in the cabin with him but he felt for a moment that she was lost and alone. And yet there was a sliver of hope in every situation and the woman at the other end of the line was making sure it was unbreakable however tentative the thread might seem.

"Catherine I know and I love you too. Talk to me soon, okay?" Jace knew that to keep her longer would only cause each of them more pain.

"Love you darling and kiss the children for me and tell them I love them too!" Catherine ended the connection as abruptly as it came into being. She put a hand to her face and closed her eyes.

Several minutes later Doug asked a sensitive question, "Are we still going to LA?"

Catherine gave him a look that told him everything he needed to know.

James Thompson had received an email from Catherine. It had not only surprised him but the contents had shocked him, 'Hudson still alive?"

Now he was pacing the floor of the office Hudson had previously had possession of. Although he'd changed the décor in that last few months, it still had a tinge of her in the air. He knew that her reported death had helped in some way to bring her image back into the office to haunt him. Well she'd done enough to destroy his personal life and she wasn't going to do that in his professional life too. That would be the final straw that broke the camels back and he wasn't going to take that without a fight. He'd not had the opportunity to fight for the life of his lover. He knew that deep in his heart that Paul would be the only real love of his life. Now he was fighting for his own sanity in this role of producer at UCP, with the ghost of Clarissa Hudson for some reason still biting his heels. He hated that thought with every fibre of his being.

"Well Hudson, you want to fight from the grave.I will gladly be here to see that you stay six feet under. And I will even put the concrete around your feet to keep you there this time." James said to the emptiness of the room.

Time really had no meaning for him now. He went to the parties that he was invited to; he even did a good job he thought of his role at UCP, but he missed Paul. He really did. Not a day went by that he didn't expect to receive that phone call that would simply say I'd be home tonight. So simple a few words and yet they would no longer be said by the man he loved. That life had been extinguished in such a quick and unbelievable way. How could you ever reconcile yourself to the fact, no matter what people say, or the number of hours you spent with your psychiatrist? It meant nothing. That loved one was still never going to come through the door, never crack that stupid joke that you hated, but loved because it was a part of them. Or the smile they gave when they wanted something and thought you would disapprove, the look of wonder when the strangest of things touched there hearts and the tears they shed when sadness overcame them for what often was the vaguest of things. The most important thing was the look of love that brought answering warmth and now would never ever be felt again.

Turning towards the view of the studio lot from his window he wiped away the errant tears that refused to be subjugated to his will power.

"You spoiled me for anyone else Paul. You certainly made sure I was yours and only yours." The voice soft and warm said into the empty room. Time they said was the healer. He just wondered when or if that would ever happen.

Jace was crying in the corridor on her own. The call from Catherine had sapped any excess energy she had left. She wanted nothing more than to go home with her daughter and fall into Catherine's strong arms and remain there until all was well. That wasn't about to happen now. She had told Catherine in a veiled way to stay away and do what she had to do and Catherine had been upset at that. But it was what they had to do to defeat the odds. Although not physically together, mentally and in their hearts and souls they were and nothing could put that in danger.

"I love you Catherine. I know that whatever you decide to do and whatever action you take, you will come home to us. And I'll be waiting. I'll always wait for you." Jace said quietly to the deserted corridor she was sitting in.

A doctor came towards her and smiled briefly and sat in the chair at her right hand side.

"Mrs. Warriorson?" the young doctor asked politely.

"Yes, you have more information on my daughters condition?" Jace asked quietly her green eyes never leaving his face.

"Yes, I have more news. Elena is going to be fine, but she will need to be on medication for the next few years perhaps the rest of her life. Possibly from time to time, she might need to come to the hospital for tests, but otherwise you can take her home. We have stabilised her condition." The doctor was nearly pushed out of his chair as the blonde rushed out of hers and almost knocked him over in her haste to get back into the room.

"Thanks Doctor." Jace remembered finally as she opened the door of her daughter's room.

"Hey, no problem." The young doctor said and chuckled at her speed.

Jace went into the room to inform Faith and take her daughter home. At the end of the day that would be where Catherine would seek her-- out at Destiny. For it was all their Destinies entwined in some inexplicable way that none of them knew for certain exactly why, or what drew them there and always would.

~ ~ ~

Kelsey looked at Devonshire the woman and wondered if he'd made the best decision in his life not taking up her offer of a security role to her family and senior executives when she'd asked. For sure as hell, she attracted trouble in the capital letters that was clear. Still, he had time yet as she hadn't rescinded the offer. He had checked. She hadn't appointed anyone in that role as yet.

"You want me to do what?" Kelsey asked for the third time and noticed the annoyance that crossed the face of the person who was handing out the orders.

"Kelsey, I will explain this one last time. Then if you don't understand well...I'll leave it to your imagination shall I?" Catherine answered succinctly.

"Go ahead, I'm all ears." The man finally answered thinking he would lose more than his ears if he messed up this time around.

"Kelsey you will make contact with James Thompson who is the producer at UCP studios and between you and he, I want a full dossier on one Sally Clauser and I want it not next week or next year I want it now, get me?" the voice said quietly.

"Sure, but who the hell is James Thompson? And why would a producer in LA care? Come on Ms. Devonshire their flotsam no brain people everyone knows that!" Kelsey wished he hadn't voiced his opinion as a voice so low, cold and menacing rung in his ears.

"James Thompson is family. I own the studios and never ever let me hear you say that again unless you know for sure the people who you're talking about. Far to many people make assumptions about others without knowing the facts. No wonder we still have wars and prejudice in the world." Catherine looked at him with her ice blue eyes that defied expression; she was an enigma without a doubt.

"No problem with that, sorry." Kelsey said quietly and vowed to look up exactly where in the family tree James Thompson resided.

"What would you like me to do Catherine?" Constance asked quietly, not sure of her role in all this.

"Ah, Constance my ace in the hole and yet the bane of my life too." Catherine responded and got a shocked look from the woman who was sitting opposite her.

"What do you mean?" this woman could be cruel when she felt like it.

"When you have finally got your brain cells working, I suggest you look them over and make that association for yourself, as it is I was going to let you loose with Kelsey." She saw the smile that appeared on her president of operations face and knew she had been right with the next decision. "However, my dear Constance, you're coming with me." Catherine looked down at the laptop computer she had on her knee. Yeah, Jace might be proud of her yet.

Constance's face changed from one of satisfaction to disillusionment in a fraction of a second. "I don't want to go to New Zealand Catherine. Why the hell should I?"

Catherine looked at her and smiled briefly, "You will go because I say so. You asked for my help and you're going to get it regardless of the cost to us both, right?" the statement clear and without revocation.

Constance looked at her and was faced with a very determined and cold stare, 'how the hell did anyone love that?' And yet, she was very beautiful, but it was all in the eye of the beholder and what was beautiful outside might be crap inside or in Devonshire's case ice.

"Do I have any options here?"

"No, why should you?"

"No reason I guess, but I... hell Catherine, even prisoners going to their death in the chair have a last call to a loved one." Constance said quietly.

Catherine looked at her and really looked her over and shook her head. "No! You get that call when you're ready for it." Catherine looked back at the computer screen.

Constance was enraged by the arrogance of the woman. That was totally out of order and she wanted to defy it, but something inside wouldn't let her.

"When will I be ready for it Catherine?"

"When you know what you want."

The enigmatic reply angered the woman more. She rose out of her chair and stood over her boss.

"You want me to elaborate that comment, well I'm not going to. When you work it out Constance, you can make that call and believe me, she will welcome you more." Catherine looked up and gave her a sincere half smile and then went back to her computer.

"You're unreal Catherine and totally without a heart!" Constance said her emotions taking over in desperation.

"Unreal perhaps, but without heart? Let me tell you if it wasn't for my partner you wouldn't even be part of my operation now. She kind of has that effect on me." Catherine gave the woman opposite her a smile, but it was a smile that said to hell with you.

"I guess I'll get to thank her personally." Constance said with a nasty intonation in her voice.

Catherine heard the tone and a wicked smile overtook her inwardly. "You even so much as say hello to my wife in anything, but a civil tone and I will take your head off. Do you understand me?"

Constance went several steps back in her mind, because the seat she was backed into didn't allow her the luxury.

"Yes, I understand," the simple reply.

"Excellent, then everything will work out, trust me." Catherine said her mind now totally engrossed in the computer screen before her.

"Will she want me do you think?" the plaintive voice asked.

Catherine heard the words and she had cause to remember a time when she felt exactly like that.

"Yes, she will want you.I will personally see that you are in a fit state to accept the love that you have thrown away. The rest, as they say, is up to you." Catherine stated simply and this time she closed her mind to everything and everyone that would try to bring her attention away from her task.

Jace was sitting quietly in the kitchen and her face had the look of a woman twice her age. She was bone tired and the dark shadows accentuated this with the comical look of a panda. Yet, it wasn't a comical situation. Her hand rested on the still steaming coffee cup that was given to her by Judy before the woman had gone to see if Lisa was awake. Faith had taken Elena to bed with her. She had insisted and that she would call Jace if there were a problem. Jace had taken the offer thankfully. She wasn't sure if she would wake for her daughter if she did finally allowed her body that much needed rest.

The external door to the kitchen opened and in trooped Jake and Grace both looked at her with sympathy and Grace with shock at the blonde's condition.

"Jace, you need to be in bed, come on let's get you there now!" Grace used her best imitation of a command tone that she'd heard Catherine use and Jace looked at her and gave a weak smile as Jake sniggered at her attempt.

"Thanks Grace. But you really need more lessons in intimidation from her you know." Jace continued to smile but she realised her friend was right; she would be useless soon anyway.

Jake walked over to where the blonde was sitting and he placed his arms around her and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear. "Catherine's coming home Jace, it will be okay then," the voice confidant.

Jace put her own arms around the boy and thought he was more like a young man now rather than a boy if those broad shoulders were anything to go by.

"Thanks Jake. How have you been keeping yourself? You still feeling okay?" Jace didn't have the heart to tell the boy that Catherine wasn't coming home; the thought was far to depressing even if she had told Catherine to stay away.

"I feel good Jace. I don't have any spots either, do I Grace?"

Grace chuckled and shrugged, "Now how would I know the only person who gets to see any of that muscular body you have are Colin and your mates. Kind of spoils it for a girl I can tell you." Grace chuckled as she saw the stain of red flow quickly up his cheeks.

Jace laughed at the comment also, and released Jake to take whatever gentle retaliation he could on her friend.

"That's unfair Grace and if it wasn't for your condition I'd tickle you until you begged me to stop."

"Okay, smarty pants we will see. So, are you going to show me and your Mom here, your new muscles?" Grace continued to shamelessly banter the young man.

"No. I'm going to go riding with Colin and if you don't behave yourself Grace, I'm going to tell him you like to ogle young men. See you both later. Give my love to the girls Jace." The boy ran out of the door as Grace made a grab for him laughing all the way down the drive.

Grace was grinning and she turned to Jace who was also smiling and it reached those tired, but expressive eyes.

"Meant what I said Jace, please go to bed and rest up some. The kids are going to need you healthy and if you don't look after yourself you will get sick also!"

Jace looked at the warm concern she was receiving from her friend's eyes and nodded her head. "I guess you're right as always Grace. I couldn't tell Jake, but Catherine isn't coming home right now."

Grace sat down heavily in the chair that wasn't what Judy had said earlier, she was certain that Catherine was coming home.

"But Judy said...."

"Yeah, I know what Judy said, but I talked Catherine out of it or I think I did. She needs to clear up an important issue and Elena will be okay and Lisa too. So, it would be pointless for her to be here now." Jace said quietly her head aching from the lack of sleep.

"Don't tell me we're heading for more trouble. Do I need to alert Colin to beef up the security again? For god's sake Jace, we can't afford to have anything happen here again!" Grace was disturbed and it was telling in her voice.

"Catherine didn't comment about the security here. She wasn't sure as yet how the new information she had would affect us.I'm so tired Grace." The blonde said wearily and placed a hand over her eyes that now hurt as the sun shone brightly through the windows into her face.

Grace moved from her sitting position and went round and placed an arm about the younger woman's shoulders.

"Hey, I know. Look, go to bed and everything will seem a little better, trust me."

"It's not just that, I'm physically tired Grace. I'm tired of all the bad things that seem to happen to us. Why Grace? What did we do to deserve our peace being shattered again? Can't we have a normal life?" Jace beseech her friend, the tears she hadn't thought could be shed, now cascaded down her cheeks at the injustices of the situations she was being forced to contemplate.

Grace for the first time didn't know what to say, not this time. This time the woman was right. Why? Was the payment for the love that Catherine and Jace shared, the unstable events that never ceased that they might have to battle forever to keep that love, could they survive it? Would they want to? Would it cause a rift that became irreparable?

"I want to say it will be all over and done with when you wake Jace, but we both know that isn't possible. They do say that sacrifices have to be made sometimes for love. Maybe you like to spice up your love with those sort of sacrifices."

Jace looked at her friend her blotchy red face doing nothing at all for her image.

"You know there are times that I don't understand a word you say Grace. But thanks, I think!"

Grace gave her a bright smile. "Yeah, well it's my obscure comments that might come true one day. You forget Jace, I believe in miracles also."

Jace stood up and Grace moved away to let her out of the door, "I know you do Grace and am I glad that you do. Really sincerely glad that you do and long may those miracles keep coming true." She smiled briefly and headed for the hall and her bedroom, hopefully Lisa wasn't one of those children who kicked in their sleep.

Grace watched her go as her mind went over the conversation. She looked out over the drive and the water logged herb garden that Judy now attended on her behalf.

"I know you Catherine, if you remember one thing in all the talks we have had, remember your children my friend, for it will be the death of you as you know it if you don't.' Grace washed out the coffee percolator and waited for Judy to come down the stairs. She was sure they both could do with a decent cup of coffee. It had certainly not been an easy time for anyone in this household in the last few days. She wondered when it would all end.

~ ~ ~

Constantia was agreeable with the offer from Sarah's new friend to go for lunch. They had agreed to meet the woman in the small piazza beside the dolphin fountain located in the square. The cobbled, narrow streets made it difficult for the woman to manoeuvre her chair. Even Sarah's combined strength would not ensure that a mishap might not occur. Lukas had been willing to accompany them to the town then leave them at the restaurant of their choice and return back for them when they called the house.

So, here they were, Lukas, as always made sure that his godmother was comfortable and waited in silence for the venue. Lukas Dimitrie had the bearing of a Greek Adonis. The olive skin that on this man was almost flawless. He had the aquiline nose that you expect of the god Apollo himself. The young man also oused sexuality out of every pore with his blonde hair longer than most men on the island, which freely fell over his shoulders. He was thirty-three and the son of Constantia's childhood best friend on the island. Time had not dulled that friendship. It had continued from a distance for years until her friend died of a heart attack ten years ago. Lukas had finished his stint at college and was looking for work when the tragedy hit his mother. He did not take it well and had returned home from Europe to console his father. Two years later his father had died of cancer and he was alone. A free agent again, but he hadn't wanted to leave the island. Constantia had offered the young man a position working as her business personal assistant. He had agreed readily. Now he virtually ran all her business interests without much help from the woman he loved as a second mother.

"Constantia, which restaurant have you selected to have lunch in? It is very hot here in the sun. You need to be under the shade." The young man seriously concerned for the health of the woman whose chair he held in strong capable hands.

Sarah was fanning her face with a handkerchief and readily agreed with Lukas. She had always been impressed by his concern for her friend. It was evident to anyone looking that they had a deep bond of warmth between them.

"I agree Consty. I'm sorry, I should have asked Sally where she wanted us to eat."

Constantia looked at her friend and then up at the man behind her chair, giving them both a brief smile as the ice blue eyes reflected understanding of both the concern and the apology from her two friends.

"It is almost midday. She did say midday did she not?" was the quiet voice.

"Yes. Yes, she did. I hope she doesn't choose... agh, there she is." Sarah expounded not finishing her original statement.

All three pairs of eyes looked towards the relatively tall woman walking briskly towards them with a beaming smile on her pale, but attractive face. She had shoulder length auburn hair that shone with the sun as she came closer, her personality bubbly and friendly.

"Am I late?" the younger woman asked. Her eyes feasted on the man who held the wheelchair in apparent possession, as his chocolate brown eyes looking over the new friend of his godmother. It was rare Constantia took the time to make friend's. It was rare indeed, when she came into town for lunch.He hoped it would be good for her. She had been looking beleaguered recently.

"No. No, my dear, you are on time. So where did you plan we should eat or..." Sarah was unable this time to end the sentence as Sally interrupted immediately.

"I have heard wonderful things about a restaurant called 'Spiros Gardens' I have booked us a table, if that is okay with you both?" her face turned to them, but her eyes still looked at the handsome man in front of her.

Lukas gave the woman a cold look and was about to protest as Sarah put a hand to her mouth in dismay.

"That is fine Sally. Please Lukas, I need you to do me the service of wheeling me to the restaurant." Constantia had been surprised by the choice as it must be the only one in town that she had never visited for obvious reasons. But this child would not know about that and why should she. Going to be a hell of a shock for the staff and in some perverse way, she was going to get pleasure out of seeing George Spiros's face drop at her entrance.

Within a couple of minutes they had arrived at the entrance and Sally went forward to speak to the waiter who had come forward to show them to their table. His face had changed colour to a dull red as he saw the other three patrons.

"I will check that we have the right table madam, if you will excuse me a moment." He rushed off towards the door marked private.

Sally turned around and smiled, "Guess we're going to get the best table today by the looks of it."

"Constantia would you like me to wait?" the question soft and only for her ears and was rewarded with a smile that brought out the beauty in the lined skin. Reaching up a hand to gently caress the cheek of the man she answered him equally as softly.

"Lukas go home. I will be fine and thank you for caring. I love you too." Constantia saw the brief grin the words brought to the man and he placed a tender kiss on her cheeks as he took his leave and three pairs of eyes watched him move away; two with affection one with lust, definitely lust in them.

A throat being cleared brought all their attentions back to the present situation. George Spiros was looking at them with a calm expression on his face and showing none of the agitation Constantia thought would be there.

"I believe you have booked a table. May I show you to the best we have with the view over the harbour." Sarah looked at her friend and they both passed surprised glances, Sally laughed happily and followed the stiff back of the owner and that conveyed more to Constantia than anything, something wasn't quite right here but what? That was the question and if she had any spark left she would certainly find out.

Catherine was waiting for her aircraft to take off. True to the words Doug had managed to get Andy to have them out and in the air within half an hour of her arriving in the airport.

"Thanks for your help Doug, I appreciate it." Catherine held out her hand to the pilot, who was going to get some sleep and then take the smaller aircraft back to the base in New York and home.

"My pleasure as always Ms. Devonshire. I have always enjoyed the...shall we say varied situations that happen in your family." Doug smiled widely at her and she quirked an eyebrow at him in question.

"Varied huh? One day you and I must take time out and explore some of those situations for my future reference." Catherine about to leave him on the tarmac and make her way to the terminal that held her long haul jet, then changing her mind. "Doug did you get a granddaughter or son?"

The pilot was taken aback by the question he was sure she hadn't been listening. "We have both. Our daughter had twins, and they are a handful but wouldn't change it for the world; my daughter might though from time to time." He chuckled at the harried looks he often received from his only daughter when they had lunch together as a family unit on a Sunday.

Catherine smiled at the paternal pride he had shown in the words spoken. "You know something Doug, I wouldn't either. And I'm going to look forward to more myself one day." She did leave him this time with a puzzled expression, did she mean herself or? Shaking his head he turned towards the aircraft to close it up before he left for the motel and some sleep.

Several minutes later she was boarding the jet, having despatched Kelsey to make direct contact with James Thompson. Her email to James would be sufficient for now. When she was on her way home she would call him personally and explain things in detail. Her eyes quickly scanned the interior and Dave came towards her and took the laptop computer smiling as he did so. "I have tea ready when you are." The steward stated quietly.

"Ah, now that's something that I'm always ready for." The woman gave him a warm smile and went towards the seat that Constance occupied.

Constance looked up from her perusal of the Wall Street Journal, "Everything okay?"

Catherine waited a few moments to answer the question and she sat opposite the woman and gave her a wry look. "As well as it can be in the circumstances. You doing okay?" her question although abrupt, held something else that Constance couldn't fathom. It had been too tentative to hold onto.

"As well as can be expected in the circumstances."Both women smiled at the identical answer. Catherine brushed her raven hair away from her face. She had been feeling tired for the last couple of hours and needed to get a little rest.

"I'm going to have tea, then sleep for a little. You might try it yourself. Then you and I will talk about what I expect from you now Constance." Catherine said quietly her ice blue eyes snaring the brown one of the younger woman. They were not cold; as Constance had thought they would be they held compassion she was certain of it.
How on earth did the blonde ever live with this shifting persona? It was incredible the number of facets she portrayed. She must have one for every situation, even the unexpected ones.

"I will and I'll be here waiting for your instructions. Guess I can't go anywhere without a parachute anyway." Constance laughed at the thought of trying to get away from this woman.

"I heard that it was your executives who needed the parachute in your meetings Constance, not you yourself?" her smile bringing the features of the woman into full force, she certainly was a stunner.

Constance laughed at the comment. "Oh, yeah! I bet Eduardo is mouthing off again, you know these South American's are sure wimps."

Catherine laughed and was forestalled from answering as Dave brought the tea and a pot of coffee for Constance. "Thanks Dave, I'll have something to eat in about three hours. Call me on that will you, or Jace will kill me when I get home for not eating again."

Dave laughed at the comment of the small blonde getting the better of the tall solidly built woman before him. But then again, he'd seen something's in this aircraft and heard even more since Ms. Devonshire had met the blonde that had captured her heart. "That she will Ms. Devonshire, that she will. You have yourself hooked up with a spitfire, that's for sure." he smiled at the two women and left.

"So, even your flight personnel see Jace as a spitfire. Care to share an anecdote or two, just for information?" Constance smiled and didn't expect Catherine to respond, but it surprised the hell out of her when she did

Constance had smiled all the way through the story, her boss had a way of not just talking you through the story, but you could almost see it happening before your eyes. It was just another interesting point about Catherine Devonshire.

"Ever thought of doing that professionally?"

Catherine smiled and looked at her quizzically, "What exactly?"

"Reading. You certainly have one of the most compelling and spellbinding voices I've ever heard tell a story. Do you tell stories to the children? If you don't, you should." Constance watched a small red tinge cross her cheeks. Was her indomitable employer embarrassed at something she said?

"Well, yes, I do read to the children. However, I tell you Constance it's not spellbinding if the sounds are ducks and chickens, I can tell you." Laughing she got up from the seat and went over to a free space where she could sprawl out and sleep for a few hours.

Constance didn't answer, but she continued to smile this woman was certainly interesting and in ways that were totally unexpected. Maybe she was going to like staying in New Zealand for a while if it meant she was going to be experiencing more of this side of Catherine. She could certainly see why Jace loved the woman if she was like this the majority of the time with her. Her mind then went to her own lost chances and the love that had been taken from her by her own hand. She hoped to hell, she was going to get that second chance. She might not deserve it, but she wanted it so badly it hurt. 'I do love you Clare. I'll do this for you even if you don't want me when it's all over.' She closed her eyes and decided that sleep was quite a good idea, maybe for a few hours anyway.

 "It went well don't you think Consty?" Sarah asked her friend as they waited in the shade of a local shop awning for Lukas to pick them up and be driven home.

Constantia glanced out at the tourists that looked at the shop windows and were being enticed by the storeowners to spend their currency. Xianspiros admittedly didn't have that many tourists. Only those from the odd cruise liner and the couple of thousand a year with one of the German travel organisations. Fortunately, they were not plagued by the teenagers, which other islands such as Corfu, Crete and Rhodes had to contend with. For that she was grateful, the island still had that natural ambience and they hoped to keep it that way. She had agreed to a certain number of tourists on the island many years ago to help the local people, but she had not approved of a further increase and she believed it worked. Although the local town council lobbied her every year to change her mind, she refused. It was a fact that certainly upset the Spiros family, who would welcome the increased trade on the island. Still she had been surprised at George Spiros' lack of attention for want of a better word.

"Consty did you hear me?" Sarah asked looking closely at her friend. Was there something wrong?

"I'm sorry Sarah. Yes. Yes, the lunch went well and we asked Sally to the Villa on Saturday for dinner. I expect that should go well also." Constantia answered absently.

"Yes, that will be good. Sally was quite lively company didn't you think Consty?" Sarah inquired, her enthusiasm for the girl helped along by the retsina they had drunk at the lunch. Well at least Sarah and Sally, as Constantia had one solitary glass and had tea for the rest of the meal.

"Yes, Sally was good company. She has certainly travelled the world over it seems. I do wonder why she is on the island for so long though Sarah?" Constantia frowned and her left eyebrow went close to her forehead. It was such an endearing trait on her friend it always made Sarah smile.

"She explained Consty, didn't you listen? She had a windfall from a relative who died and she's spending time travelling the world."

"So, why did she come here then? We are not exactly the most famous Greek Island. In fact, I would say we are the least known one?" Constantia asked. Her body might be taking the ravages of age, but her mind wasn't.

"Oh Consty, you are so suspicious. However do you make friends?" the woman who had known her for years asked in a gentle tone.

"Perhaps I don't," came back the injured tone.

Sarah smiled down at the woman and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Oh that's not true Consty and you know it. People who know you love you!" Sarah was surprised when she felt the grip of her friend's hand on hers.

"Thank you Sarah." The words low in tone and sending her a message she didn't understand.

"Look Consty, Lukas is here and he's brought the car round to save us the walk." Sarah relinquished her grip on the older woman and went over to the vehicle.

"Yes. So, he has." The words said softly as she waited for her godson to help her to the vehicle.

continued in part two

Return to the Academy

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