“Wait!” Reznik commanded. Daffyd stopped mid-stride.
“What is it?” he asked.
“Rope,” she said.
“What?” he asked.
“Rope, baby. With Seren's alarms going off like they are, we better be able to yank you out a moment's notice,” said Reznik.
“And how do you propose I explain the fact that I'm trussed like a turkey, in case anyone should be at the cottage?” he asked, with a trace of sarcasm.
“Fine. I won't do a harness. How about a loop around your wrist?” she suggested. “Rap can keep close focus on you, and we'll be able to pull you to safety if anything goes awry.”
“It's not necessary,” Daffyd began, but Seren interrupted him.
“Please, Daffyd,” she said quietly. “I'd feel better if you had it on.”
He regarded her worried face. Then he looked at Rapsim. “Can you keep near to me? I don't want to drag five feet of rope around behind me.”
“I'll be right beside you,” said Rapsim. “Be careful, Daffyd.”
Reznik had made a loop at the end of the rope. She slipped it over Daffyd's hand and snugged it around his wrist. She kissed his cheek. “Be careful, Big Guy. We all want you to come back safe and sound.”
Daffyd glanced quickly at the others. It was odd, he reflected. They felt like the dearest of friends to him, for all that he had only known them for a few days. They all knew his secret, and they all liked him anyway. His gaze lingered on Seren. He leaned toward her and kissed her.
“I'll be back soon,” he said, and stepped onto the porch of the cabin. He experienced the moment of breathlessness, and then took in a deep lungful of fresh forest air. He breathed deeply, feeling a strange sense of mingled peace and loss. He had been here many times over the years, another refuge from the hectic pace of his public life. He had bought it shortly before he had discovered the houseboat, and when he realized he wasn't using the cottage very often, he gave it to Rhiannon. It was a perfect getaway for her and Morgyn, being only a two-hour drive from her home.
It felt strange being here, knowing it was for the last time ever. He was digging the key out of his pocket when the door opened. Morgyn stood there, mouth agape, eyes huge with surprise. Her sudden appearance startled Daffyd, as his had startled her, but he recovered first.
“Hello, Morgyn,” he said. “May I come in?”
She stepped back into the big room, still staring in disbelief.
Daffyd smiled and strode past her. “Is Rhee here?” he asked, looking at the familiar room. He noticed some pictures he didn't recognize on the walls. They were probably Beatrice's contribution. He made a moué of distaste. He didn't care much for Beatrice.
Morgyn found her voice at last. “Mother is down by the lake with Ria. They've gone exploring.”
“Wonderful!” he said. “You're all here!” She approached him. He held out his arms to her and she moved slowly into them. When she felt the reality of him under her hands, she hugged him fiercely.
“Oh my God, Uncle Daffyd!” She held onto him tightly. “Where have you been?”
He kissed her forehead. “It's a long and unbelievable story,” he said. “I think I'll wait for Rhiannon to get back before I tell you.” He released her. “I need to call Stanley,” he said, referring to his lawyer. “May I use the vidphone in the den?”
“Of course,” she said. “I'll run down and get Ria and Mama.” She tore her eyes from her uncle and went towards the back door.
“Good. Thank you. I'll be a few minutes, Morgyn. Ask Rhiannon to wait until I'm finished, would you? It's very important.”
“I will. I'll just tell her there's someone here she needs to see.” She grinned mischievously. “You can surprise her like you did me.”
He chuckled and went into the den. Morgyn went in search of her mother and daughter. She couldn't wait to hear Daffyd's news, and she wondered what was so urgent that he needed his lawyer.
Daffyd shut himself into the cozy, private room. He dialed Stanley Rose's private number and was connected almost immediately. The lawyer's expression transformed from mild annoyance at the intrusion to outright shock.
“Daffyd!” he exclaimed, leaning forward in his chair. “My God, man! Where have you been?”
“It's a long story, Stanley,” said Daffyd. He flipped through the scandal sheets on the desk, looking at the pictures of himself in a detached way. They were of someone else, he felt, someone so alone and desperate that he would willingly accept a night of soulless passion to fill the emptiness in his heart. “Right now I need you to work quickly. I'm going to disappear again, Stan, and I want Rhiannon to have control over my estate.”
“But, Daffyd, you can't just ... I mean, your assets are considerable! Are you certain this is wise?” It offended his sensibilities to hand over such a lucrative estate to someone else.
Daffyd suppressed a smirk. “I'll tell Rhiannon to keep you on, Stanley. Now, draw up the papers and fax them to me at this number,” he read the digits to the lawyer. “Got it? Good. I want her to have full power over everything; all my property, real and personal, my bank accounts, safe deposit boxes—everything. Do you understand?”
Stanley nodded, fingers tapping busily at his computer as Daffyd spoke. “I don't think this is wise, Daffyd, but give me a moment.” He concentrated on calling up Daffyd's file. “There it is. Everything, Daffyd? Are you sure? Do you want me to put any restraints on this? I mean, what if you need some of your money, your assets?”
“I can trust Rhiannon, Stanley. If I need anything, she'll come through for me. Don't worry. I'm going somewhere I won't be recognized, where these damned papers won't be haunting me.”
“Is there such a place, Daffyd?” Stanley wanted to ask if the stories were true, but held his tongue.
“Yes. That's where I've been, and that's where I'm going. I can't fight this, Stan. My reputation is gone, my former life is done. I just want to provide for my family, and retire in peace.” He spied a note beside the vidphone with his father's name, and the ‘phone number of Daffyd's home in the south Pacific.
Stanley sighed and hit one more key. Beside Daffyd, the facsimile portion of the vidphone hummed to life. “I understand, Daffyd. Rumors like this, whether real or not, can destroy a person. I'm awfully sorry it happened to you. And, Daffyd ... I don't care if they're true. You're a good and decent man, no matter what.”
Daffyd stared at the other man. “Thank you, Stanley. That means a lot to me.” By now, three pages of legal mumbo-jumbo had emerged from the fax machine. Daffyd skimmed them quickly, and signed each page. He fed them back in, sending the signed copy to Stanley. The lawyer had watched Daffyd write his name, and he now affixed his own to the document. He noted that he had witnessed via vidphone and that he was satisfied as to the identity of the signator.
“There you are, Daffyd,” he said. “Signed, sealed and delivered. I'll have a copy to Rhiannon later today, with a list of your assets.”
“Thank you, Stan. It's a big relief.” Daffyd smiled at his lawyer. “Goodbye, and bless you.”
“Goodbye, Daffyd. Good luck, wherever you go.”
Daffyd smiled and broke the connection. He quickly dialed the number beside Llewellyn's name on the note. He knew it was the wee small hours of the morning, but he wouldn't have a chance to speak to his father again. Llewellyn's voice was thick with sleep when his tired face appeared on the screen.
“Who the hell wants me at this hour?” he grumbled.
“It's Daffyd, Dad,” said his son. The old man's eyes widened. He stared into the screen.
“Daffyd! Oh, my dear boy,” he blinked away sudden tears. Daffyd swallowed a lump in his throat.
“I'm okay, Dad. I don't have time to tell you what happened to me, or where I've been. I'm at Rhee's cabin, and I'm just going to talk to her, and then I'll be gone again.” He wished he could hug his father one more time.
“Those papers ... did they have anything to do with your disappearing like you did?�
� Llewellyn asked.
Daffyd shook his head. “No, Dad. I'm not even sure how they got out on the street so fast. I knew she had pictures, but ... anyway. I'm sorry. I was careless and stupid and I'm sorry you have to suffer because of it. I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, too, Daffyd. No matter what. You understand me?” Llewellyn couldn't bring himself to admit Daffyd's perversion out loud.
“I understand. I have to go. Rhee's waiting in the other room. She doesn't know I'm here and I better talk to her. I just want you to know that I'm going to disappear again, but I'll be fine. I have a good, safe place to go to, and someone wonderful to share it with.”
“You stay safe, son,” said his father. “I miss you, and if you can, call or write, would you?”
“If I can, Dad.” He fought back a tear, knowing such a thing was not possible. “Bye.”
“Goodbye, son.” Llewellyn closed the link, and sat back on the bed, thinking about Daffyd. He hoped his son would be safe and happy wherever he went. It was a long time before he went back to sleep.
Daffyd wiped his eyes, took a deep breath and returned to the big room. He found Rhiannon questioning Morgyn.
“Who, Morgyn?” she was saying. “Just tell me who!”
Morgyn saw Daffyd come out of the den. “He can tell you himself, Mother.” She turned Rhiannon to face Daffyd.
Rhiannon's brain refused to believe what her eyes were telling it, until Daffyd took her shoulders in his big hands.
“Hello, Rhee,” he said.
“Daffyd,” she whispered. “You're alive!” She embraced him warmly, tears spilling. “Where have you been? And why do you have a piece of rope on your arm?”
“We better sit down for this,” he said, and led her to the couch. He sat turned to one side, his left arm resting along the back of the sofa, the six-inch tail of rope standing oddly out from his wrist toward the wall. He jiggled his hand and felt an answering tug. They were still watching, then.
“I don't know where to begin, Rhee,” he said. “But it all started in Montreal a few days ago.”
“A few days! Daffyd, you've been missing for more than two weeks!” Rhiannon exclaimed.
His eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Really? I guess that explains the papers, then. I didn't think she had had enough time to get those pictures published. I was hoping to be able to warn you, first. It's only been four days or so for me.... “His voice trailed off and he thought deeply, making a mental note to ask Rapsim about the time anomaly. He gathered his thoughts, and at last related his tale of teleportation to his sister and niece. He told them of his experiences over the past few days, editing the more personal elements, but telling them about Seren and his feelings for her.
“And that rope connects you to this ‘other world?” asked Morgyn in disbelief, when he had finished.
“Yes it does.” He moved his arm slowly and the piece of rope lengthened. When he rested his hand on the back of the couch again, the cord became shorter. “See?”
They remained dubious. Before he could continue, the back door opened and little Ria came in. She had gotten tired of amusing herself outside, and it was getting chilly. She saw Daffyd, squealed and ran to him, throwing herself into his lap, smothering him with kisses. Seren and Reznik, watching from the other side of the Portal, laughed at her enthusiasm.
“Ankle Daffyd! Ankle Daffyd!” she screamed. He laughed and kissed her back delightedly.
“Baby Ria! Baby Ria!” he echoed her tone and hugged her. As he settled her in his lap, she looked at him with enormous blue eyes, very like his.
“I not a baby, Ankle Daffyd,” she told him solemnly.
He laughed. “You're my baby, Ria,” he told her. He cuddled her to his broad chest and looked at Rhiannon and Morgyn. “I'm going back there soon. I've arranged with Stanley for you to have control over all my assets, Rhee. I forgot something, though. I'd like you to arrange something for me.”
“Your assets? But Daffyd, how will you survive? What will you do for money?” She gestured in confusion.
“Don't worry about me, Rhee,” he said. “My money wouldn't do me any good in Seren's world, anyway.” He smiled gently. “I'll be fine, Rhee.”
“If you say so.” She still didn't believe his story, but was willing to play along until she found out the truth. “Well, what's this thing you want me to do?”
“I want you to find out from the Procreation Bank who has children from my sample. I want you to provide for them. A half million for each child, Rhee.”
“But why, Daffyd?” Donors seldom took an interest in their genetic offspring.
“It's just something I want to do, Rhee.” He couldn't begin to explain, even to himself, but it was tied somehow to Seren and her children; the fact that their father had helped to raise them until his death. He felt an obligation to his own, unknown, children. He knew there were three; he had received a notification from the ProcBank each time a portion of his sample was used. The oldest must be close to thirty by now, he thought. Perhaps his gesture would mean a better life for them, their families. It pleased him to be able to help them like this.
He looked at Rhiannon's unhappy expression, and he searched for the cause of her distress. It slowly dawned on him.
“You think I'm going to.... “He glanced down at Ria in his lap. “Remove myself, don't you, Rhee?” He used their childhood expression for committing suicide. She started to protest, but then nodded slowly, slowly.
“How can I believe your story, Daffyd?” she asked. “It's so fantastic!”
“Would you like to meet Seren?” he asked. They stared at him. He turned his face toward the wall, and spoke Seren's name, holding out his hand in a ‘come hither’ gesture. The wall near his wrist wavered, a pair of feet appeared, legs. A hand put itself into Daffyd's and a woman slid down the back of the couch, landing on the seat between Daffyd and Rhiannon. Rhiannon and Morgyn jumped. Ria stared from the safety of ‘Ankle Daffyd's’ lap. Daffyd smiled and squeezed Seren's hand.
“Hello,” Seren said.
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* * *
CHAPTER 37
Beatrice Lowell parked her car at the end of the long path that led to the cottage. She was in a foul mood, having been delayed a day by a sudden demand that she put in overtime. As a result, instead of the long weekend she had planned for, she was only going to have tonight and tomorrow with Rhiannon. She would have arrived earlier, but a flat tire had contributed to her delay and her increasingly black mood.
She glanced in the window as she crossed the porch, and stopped suddenly. She quickly pulled back to avoid being seen, but to a place where she could peer in. Daffyd ap Owen and a strange woman were sitting on the couch, holding hands and talking to Rhiannon and Morgyn. It was disgusting to see him flaunting his perversion this way. She couldn't understand why Morgyn would allow Ria to sit in his lap like that.
She backed away, and took out her cell phone. She consulted her private phone book and began making calls.
* * * *
Daffyd put down his coffee cup, pried Ria loose from his neck and rose to his feet.
“If you will excuse me for a moment,” he said. “I'll be right back.” He paused, and slipped the loop from his wrist. “I don't really want an audience for this,” he said, and shook a warning finger in Reznik and Rapsim's direction. Seren suppressed a grin, but let him go, despite the continuing low-grade warning murmuring in her head. He went into the bathroom and closed the door.
“I'm having a hard time believing this,” said Rhiannon. “But here you are!”
Seren sipped her coffee and smiled at the other woman. “I know it must seem unreal,” she said. “I just want you to know that he'll be fine in my world. It does exist, and heteros are the norm. He'll fit right in.”
Morgyn looked at her in wonder. “You really love him, don't you? I mean, really, like a life-partner, Significant Other sort of love.”
Seren met Morgyn's eyes. “Yes, Morgyn. I rea
lly do. He's the most amazing man I've ever known. Ever.” She marveled to herself that this was true. Daffyd's reality overshadowed Terry's memory and she knew she had finally let Terry go.
“How will your children react?” asked Rhiannon.
“I don't know. We'll find a way to get them used to his being around. If he has to live in an apartment or something for a while, then that's what we'll do. I'm not going to desert him, or turn my back on him, no matter what.” She looked from Morgyn to Rhiannon and back again. “He's so important to me. I wish I could tell you how much he means to me. But all I can say is that I love him more than anyone I've ever known.”
They were awed at her open admission. Rhiannon decided she liked this woman. She had never seen Daffyd so relaxed and happy as he seemed in Seren's presence. She was beginning to realize just how difficult and lonely his entire life must have been. She deeply regretted any pain she might have caused him with her lack of understanding.
As Daffyd returned to the main room, the front door opened and Beatrice entered. She feigned surprise at Daffyd's presence, and delight at his safe return to his family. She took his hands and her mouth smiled warmly, although her eyes slid from his.
“And who is this?” she asked about Seren.
Seren stood and offered her hand. “Seren Baker,” she said, by way of introduction. “I'm a friend of Daffyd's.”
Friend, indeed! Beatrice wanted to sneer as she shook Seren's hand. Spread your legs for him, more like. A sudden image of Seren and Daffyd, naked bodies entwined, popped into her mind. A tingle of arousal caressed her groin. She denied it, ignored it and turned back to Daffyd.
“Can I enlist your help?” she asked. “It's starting to get quite chilly out, and I'd like to bring in more wood for the fireplace.” She smiled in his direction. “We had someone cut down a few dead trees,” she continued. “They're mostly cut up, but I could use some help bringing it in.”
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