She pressed her finger to her lips to silence him and then picked up Danny, leaving David to carry Maddy. They quickly ran to Vivian’s house. Vic had expected to waste a great deal of time getting in the house, but the door opened at once and their butler Jonas ushered them in.
“Gregory has shared the situation to me,” Jonas explained. “If you would not be offended to stay in my suite, I believe you will be much safer there. Claire would never conceive of you hiding in the butler’s room.”
David thanked him and followed him to a beautiful suite.
Vic laughed at once. “Jonas, the only person in our house who has a nicer room than this one is Gregory’s.”
“Thank you for the compliment. Do you plan to stay here, or will you return to your house? You shouldn’t be going back and forth. If you need to communicate, it should be by phone.” Jonas gripped Vic’s hand. “I will check on them frequently since it will not seem odd for me to enter my room. I assure you that the soldiers and I will protect David and the children.”
Vic gave Jonas a hug and then hurried back to her house before the sun rose.
DURING BREAKFAST SHE explained to the boys that David took Maddy and Danny on a ship to France for a week.
“Why didn’t anyone tell us?” Cannon asked.
“Because David wanted to surprise them with this fabulous trip.”
“Why didn’t they want to take us too? We would like to see France as well.”
“We’ll go this spring, if you wish.”
A WEEK PASSED AND NO one tried to break into their home. Still, she didn’t bring David and his children back from the other house. Honestly, she felt as uneasy as she had on the first day. Not surprisingly, Vic never went anywhere without at least three loaded guns.
She would ring up David every night. She was careful what she said, since she knew all too well that the women in charge of putting through the lines heard what was said as well.
“I really have to get back to work,” he admitted.
“Sorry for the false alarm,” Vic muttered.
“I’m not angry with you. I just have a mass of unhappy dental care patients. If I don’t return soon, they will never use me again.”
“Hopefully, Claire has gone back to the doctor. She needs to move on and forget about her past, including the children.”
A violent scream occurred on the operator’s side and then silence.
Chapter 8
DAVID WAS CERTAIN THAT one of the operators had been Claire and upon hearing his voice, she had gone into a rage. Now what would he do? If he went home to the kids, she would no doubt try to kill him so she could keep Maddy.
Claire would not be beyond setting his office on fire to get him out of the picture either. Even if there were patients inside.
He tried to think back to the years when he had loved her, only her hatred and attempts at murdering people made it impossible to recall the better days anymore.
Honestly, he just wanted her to go away and never return. He was fine with her loving another man. He wanted nothing to do with her.
Having no other alternative, he called the asylum and asked to speak to Dr. Frederick Block. Despite the early hour, the doctor took the call. “Claire?” he asked.
“No, this is Claire’s ex-husband, David. I have reason to believe that Claire is in London and wants to kill me, Victor, and a young male child that Vic saved.”
“I suspect you are correct about her desire to kill you and Victor, but why would she hurt a child.”
His cavalier attitude almost caused him to hang up, but he needed to stay calm. “Claire hates the young boy. She felt betrayed when I tried to bring him home.”
“Ah! That young boy. Has she been in contact with you?”
“I believe so. Yesterday, I was speaking to Vic on the phone and suddenly a telephone operator began screeching and it sounded exactly like Claire’s voice when she would go in a rage.”
“Can you provide me your address? I will come at once and try to calm matters. I believe she will cease to bother you if you give her Maddy.”
“I’m sorry. Maddy has been doing much better since she moved in with me. We have a strong bond now. She does not wish to return to her mother. And as her father, I legally have the right to keep her.”
“But you aren’t her father,” the doctor declared. “Thus, Claire’s right to her daughter takes precedent.”
“Are you under the belief that Maddy is Claire’s natural daughter? Because she is not! Vic saved the girl from being killed by her actual mother. She then offered the child to Claire and me. And as the male of the household, my rights remain stronger than Claire’s, even if she were sane, which she is clearly not.”
“Do you have proof that Claire is not the true mother of Maddy?”
“Claire consumed too many potions to prevent pregnancies in her early years.”
“I was under the belief that you were the one who is sterile.”
“I went to a doctor and had them test my sperm level. They found no reason why I could not have children if my wife was capable.”
“I see,” the doctor replied in anger.
“Do you know where my ex-wife is?”
“No, I do not.”
“Shouldn’t that be part of your job?”
“I believed she was cured, so she was no longer confined in her room. In fact, we married last week once I ascertained that you had truly divorced her.”
“So why is she here rather than being with her new husband?”
“I expect she wants to kill you and the boy. Probably Vic as well. So, I advise all of you to be on your guard.”
“Are you not going to try to reclaim her?”
“No, I am not. If she returns here, it will be her death, and even if what you say is true, I could never kill her. I love her far too much. She is the most brilliant woman I have ever met.”
“So, you are leaving it for me to kill her?”
“Or her to kill you. She is very clever and an amazing survivor.”
David slammed down the phone and went in search of Charlotte. He first explained the danger in his plan. “This is likely to get me killed. But I cannot put everyone’s life in danger. I need to kill Claire before she kills Danny and myself. Unfortunately, I am a poor marksman.”
Charlotte called Vivian into the butler’s room. “Vivian, can you get us time to shoot at the range?”
“Do you wish to shoot someone again?” Vivian teased.
“No, we need to teach David how to shoot so he can survive his worst nightmare. Evidently, the doctor married Claire and then allowed her to return to London.
“Well, we cannot allow that to happen!” Vivian replied.
“I cannot imagine Claire knows where David and his children reside presently.”
“She might,” David admitted. “I believe Claire has gotten a job as a phone operator. The screeching anger sounded just like Claire’s rages.”
“Who initiated the call? You or Vic?”
“Vic did.”
“Then you should be safe. Honestly, the only reason I can conceive why Claire would screech when silence would have served her better in finding your location is because someone, perhaps one of the men who monitor the phone bank, interfered with her efforts to discover where you were calling from. Despite her insanity, Claire is most clever. I do not believe she would have screeched unless her attempt at locating you was thwarted. Which means, this house remains your best hiding place. However, if you attempt to go to your office, you will not just put yourself in danger, but you will put your clients in harm’s way as well. Believe me, Claire will kill anyone in her way. I strongly advise you to learn to shoot a gun first and tend to your customers afterwards.”
“How soon can I be taught to shoot?” David asked.
“I’ll make the call now,” Vivian assured him. She then focused on Charlotte.
“Charlotte, you should stay here and ensure the children and your beloved are protected.”
Vivian then focused back on David. “Any chance you would be willing to dress as a woman? It would keep you safer, and given your height and thinness, I think Charlotte has several dresses that would fit you nicely.”
Charlotte smiled at David. “I have a dress that will be perfect. Vivian, can we use your red wig?”
“Yes, you may.” Vivian smiled. “If you are willing to go as a woman, I can strongly assure you that you will be safe going to the shooting range and returning home.”
“Then let us do this as soon as possible!” David stated.
Chapter 9
DAVID WAS AMAZED AT how beautiful and feminine he appeared to be. It disturbed him a great deal. “Do I have to look so pretty? Can’t I be an ugly woman instead?”
“And ruin my fine job of makeup? No sir!” Vivian scowled at him. “However, I do not want you flirting with my gentleman, for I’ve grown fond of him. So, if he flirts with you, ignore him. Hopefully, he will realize you are too young and beautiful to catch his eye. And for God’s sake don’t talk. Your voice is too low for a female.”
“I could talk like this,” he offered, speaking in a higher tone.
“That is quite good. Use that voice if you have to ask questions. However, don’t flirt with my boyfriend.”
David chuckled despite the gravity of the situation. “I promise not to flirt with your fellow. But I am curious, what’s his age?”
“He won’t tell me, but Xavier believes he is in his nineties.”
“Well, that ensures the pretty young woman I am will not flirt with him. However, I will treat him respectfully, given his great age.”
“Excellent! Our carriage awaits us,” Vivian declared.
ONCE THEY WERE ON THEIR way, Vivian peppered him with false information. “You will be my grandniece, who has arrived from Scotland. On the way, her carriage was set upon by robbers and one of them had the audacity to kiss her. When she finally arrived at our home, she demanded I teach her how to shoot.”
“Naturally, I would insist she learn to shoot from an expert. I’ve come to ensure my beloved teaches you to be a fine marksman. I think you should learn how to shoot several different types of guns and rifles to discover which suits you. And once you can shoot, I’ll flirt a bit with my fellow.”
“But how do you know he will even have the time to do this?”
“Oh, I called him on the telephone late last night. He knows all about your frightening situation. I expect he will have great advice on kicking a man between his legs.” She paused. “You are wearing your pants beneath your skirt I hope.”
David laughed. “Yes, I certainly am.”
“Excellent! I should have asked before we left, but I’m getting old and my memory doesn’t work as well as it used to.”
“You seem quite bright to me,” David assured her.
“Thank you very much. Now what is your name?”
“I don’t believe you ever told me my name. How about Angela?”
Vivian leaned forward and patted his knee. “Yes, that will contrast nicely with your brassy red hair.”
Do not worry if you slip and curse a bit. We can blame it on being a Scottish girl and your recent fright. You can speak in a Scottish brogue, I hope.
“I can,” he assured her.
WHEN THEY FINALLY ARRIVED, a tall white-haired man hurried to welcome them. Actually, his focus was solely on Vivian, but that was fine with David, since they were hugging and kissing each other.
David gave them privacy by admiring the beauty of the lands.
Finally, Harmon led them inside the building. “I hope you’ve got a bit of your great-aunt in you. She learned to shoot remarkably fast.”
“I will try my best,” David replied in a high voice.
To David’s amazement, with the use of the screens, he caught on quickly.
By noon, David had conquered seven screens.
Since David was truly at risk of dying, “Angela” was sent outside where she could shoot actual critters in the woods.
“The girl is a natural!” Harmon declared. I’ve never seen a young woman take so fast to a gun before. And her aim is spot on! Best student I’ve ever taught.
ON THE CARRIAGE RIDE home, Vivian spoke up. “You have proven you can shoot a moving sheet of paper and critters in the woods, but can you shoot a woman you once loved? I ask because I assure you that Claire will not hesitate in killing you. If you do not find and kill her, she will find you, and then the nightmares your children have suffered will come to fruition.”
“I realize that. I swear to you I will not hesitate to save my children. If removing Claire was just to benefit me, I could not do it. But for my fabulous children, I can and will do this.”
“That is an excellent attitude. Kill only because she has lost her mind and left you no other option. Never shoot in anger or revenge. Just protect yourself and your children so they may grow up into a fabulous young woman and young man.”
Once they returned to Vivian’s home, David quickly changed from women’s clothes to his own, returned the wig to Vivian, and washed off the lipstick and pale makeup. Having returned to himself, he entered the butler’s room and hugged his children. He was pleased to see they seemed calmer now. He liked knowing he could protect them. However, he would not drop his guard. Claire was a deadly, vindictive opponent.
Still, he had to believe a sane man with excellent gun skills could take on a demented, crazy woman and win.
Chapter 10
WHEN VIC ENTERED HER bathroom, she smiled at the eight puppies feeding on their mother’s tits. She sat down beside Arroo and praised her for such a beautiful litter. “If you want, we can keep the pups a secret for a week or two.”
Arroo barked once and wagged her tail.
“Did Maddy misbehave?”
Arroo barked once.
“I’m sorry. I’m sure she didn’t do it on purpose. Having her mom go crazy. Then, being moved to another home must have been more traumatic than I realized.”
Arroo growled.
That caused Vic to examine Arroo more carefully. Her touches, be they soft, caused Arroo to growl. Thus, she was now worried. “Arroo, I need to go downstairs and call Dr. Connors. I’ll be sure to lock the door so no one can bother you and your babies.” Arroo licked her hand.
Vic wasted no time asking Dr. Connors if he had time to check on Arroo.
“I’m a doctor, not a vet,” he reminded her.
“I know but, I don’t have a vet,” Vic admitted, and my dog needs a kind doctor to care for her.”
Dr. Connors sighed. “I’ll find you a vet and we’ll be over as soon as possible. But you’ll need to wear a wig and dress.”
Vic growled.
“Was that you or the dog?” He asked.
“It was me,” she snapped.
“Well don’t do that once the veterinarian arrives. He’s an excellent vet, but he is a bit of a gossip, and that is something that you don’t need.”
“I’ll put on a wig and dress,” Vic grumbled.
An hour later, Gregory escorted Dr. Connors and Dr. Stevens to their upstairs bathroom. Dr. Steven first examined the puppies and declared them fine. However, he lost his smile when checking over Arroo.
“Honestly, I’m amazed your dog is not screaming in pain. It appears someone has stomped on her feet, grabbed her up by the ears, and twirled her about.” Do you by chance have children?”
“A great many,” Dr. Connors replied.
“Well, one or more of them need to be severely punished.”
Vic sighed. “Can you make Arroo better?”
“Yes, but your children’s bad behaviors cannot continue.”
“I agree. First of all, I will keep the puppies and Arroo in my room, and I’ll lock the door when I leave. Then I will discover which of the children are involved. I hope it is just one, but I will assess them all before declaring the culprit.”
“Then perhaps you should do so now,” Dr. Stevens snapped.
Once Vic hurri
ed downstairs, the vet focused on Dr. Connors. “I’m a bit concerned by the amount of damage this gentle dog has incurred. How many children does the lady possess?”
Dr. Connors grimaced. “That’s a bit complicated. Vic has a son by birth and another son by adoption. Another boy named Ham is the son of an employee and a servant, and finally there is a young girl that was taken from her birth mother because she planned to kill her baby. Vic gave her to her sister, only four years later her sister, Claire, went insane. That resulted in Maddy coming here to live quite recently.”
“Well, normally I would expect the problem to be with the boys, but the background of the girl gives me some concern.”
“She’s the first on my list,” Connors admitted. “Honestly, all three of the boys behave wonderfully. I cannot imagine any of them doing this.” He then paused. “However, sometimes Jacko drops his three boys off for the night, and they are the worst children I’ve ever known. But the boys haven’t been here for a month. The mother took them to their estate and is determined to make them behave. Unfortunately, they have already killed a kitten, so it doesn’t seem to be working.”
“When was the last time they were here?”
“A month and a half ago. That’s why I don’t think they were involved.”
“Tell me more about the three boys who live here.”
“Cannon is the oldest of the three boys, and I expect he will be the most upset over what has been done to his dog.”
“If that is the case, why did he not protect the dog better.”
“I don’t believe he was aware of how severely his dog was hurt.”
“But he was aware that the dog had been harmed.”
I suspect so, Vic says he asked her if she would let the dog stay in her room.
Do you believe him?”
“I have known the boy all his life. The only time he has ever hurt someone was when Ham was a baby, he and Arroo did bite the boy. When asked why he and Arroo would do such a thing, the boy explained that they wanted to see if he tasted like ham.”
The Future of Scotland Yard Page 6