by a dagmara
“What exactly have you figured out Sam?” Brady placed their bags on the floor behind me.
I turned up at him and smiled then swiftly turned back to Sam.
“Beyond the fact that the two of you have been scheming something fierce? Oh, and our Lillian here is the heir to Holtinbach Industries? I think that’s a lot in itself don’t you?” she pulled her expression tight and crossed her arms at him.
“Well, so that we are clear. Holtinbach Industries is nothing more than just a dummy company, at this point. Brady and I have pretty much dismantled it piece by piece.”
“That’s interesting? Why though?” she looked down to me.
“The company that had originally set out to take it over well let’s just say if they try in the next few months when the trust is no longer enforceable… they will be acquiring nothing more than a manure plant.” I laughed.
“Wouldn’t they catch on?” She looked between Brady and me again
“Nope…we’ve made sure that from their perspective everything is running as normal but well Lil here had me set up a few smaller companies over time, and we have been buying rights to patents and control entities that Holtinbach once owned. As the heir, she could move around the assets; but we did it in a way that shields her identity to it.”
“And Brady being the brilliant corporate lawyer that he is…well we’ve gotten a lot done in the past three years.” I raised a crooked smile to Brady.
“Wow…I don’t know what to say…but I have one question…Where did Sebastian fit into all this scheming?”
“He didn’t and doesn’t Sam.”
“Right…I don’t buy that for one second.”
I couldn’t help but break out laughing to her expression and tapping foot.
“Sam, trust me the less you know…the better.” Brady quickly added. “Something’s in business are personal in nature, and everything about this is personal. Why don’t we leave it at that?”
“Fine” she rolled her eyes at him. “Ok, let’s get your hair done…because wow, you look awful,” She laughed, as I understood her changing the mood.
I almost felt as if I could finally breathe a sigh relief. Sam was good with what knowledge I gave, and the knowledge that she now assumed. I have full confidence that she would keep this information to herself.
We laughed on as about other topics as she filled me in on her and Brady’s past three months of courting. He laughed from time to time. She did my hair, and then finally in a last warning, she cut it all off.
It was weird how the simple act of having my hair died and cut seemed so needed and necessary. It was like freeing me from this charade that I’ve been playing for so long. Looking around the house…I was glad I was here and more so glad for the subtle changes in its design.
It was getting late or possible it was me, just tired. I excused myself and walked down past the family to the master bedroom.
The original house housed my father’s library and office on this end, but I need the memories to change, so I chose to have a master suite on the main level. Each room was like a suite, boasting a private bath. Why all the extra details, I wasn’t really sure, but I realized it would be convenient for guests; though I never thought to have any. Not here.
I was glad I had made that choice.
Walking into the bedroom, the bed face the banquet of windows, exposed the most beautiful part of the landscape. The back yard dropped off, overlooking most of the countryside…tonight it glowed, and the snow shimmered.
Breaking my gaze, I turned, walking to the opening by the doors, leading to the bathroom. As I walked, the walk- in closet was directly behind that wall. I noticed that someone had taken the time to move and unpack all my clothing…hell, it was so organized. I shook my head, knowing this was Nana’s work. I smiled and moved further down to the spa like bathroom. Wow, …I forgot how beautiful it was…the designer undoubtedly knew what he was doing.
Stopping in the center of the space, I took it in. My eyes landing on the oversized glass shower, I suddenly had a need to climb in. Punching in a few buttons on the outside of the shower the water turned one. I had everything automated in this house, and this was my favorite part…a hot shower instantly and without a wait. This was indeed well worth the money. The multiple showerheads blasted the hot water and the shower was almost engulfed in steam from the heat.
Yes, Heaven!
I stripped out of the sweatshirt and pants. I was eager to get in.
The shower was exactly, what I needed and now done bed was calling me. Funny for a person who has been in a coma for three months; you would think I would be more than rested, but I was tired…so very tired.
Pulling the covers down, I jumped into bed allowing my mind to drift into the slumber I was so desperate for.
Chapter 2
Morning came so quick.
Stretching out in the massive bed….my little resident started her fluttering. It had seemed that she too, just woke.
I laughed with the little fluttering movements. Somehow, I was making peace with the fact that I was pregnant.
Thinking more now on it…what did it matter who helped create her? She was a part of me, and that’s what I would embrace. She was mine…I was having a daughter…smiling, I knew whom I would name her for.
Alley
Looking out the windows the world looked new and magical.
Brady was right…I needed to play this out and straight.
No more games.
Vengeance no longer meant anything. I found the need to let go.
Once all this was done…I would do just that…shaking my head, I had to remind myself that when I had woken from the coma; the plans for vengeance had already begun to unfold. What was set in motion… there was no way to stop…it was what would have always happened.
A reckoning would be coming for past offenses. What to do?
There was nothing to do beyond watching. Trying to assemble some reasoning, I knew now there was a new reason for all this. It no longer mattered that it originated for vengeance now it was for my daughter’s future. I needed to ensure her legacy to have one day.
Pulling myself from the bed seemed like a chore that I truly didn’t want. I stood to my feet and walked to the closet reaching for a robe and slippers.
Stepping out the hall, Sam was already awake and in the kitchen.
“Morning! I’m making breakfast…how do you like your eggs?” she yelled over.
“Over easy or scrambled, which ever you prefer” I smiled walking towards her when I paused at the open door to my office.
“I’ll be in the office…I want to check up on some emails.”
“Sounds good…I’ll get you when everything is ready.”
I walked into the stone wainscot room.
It was neutral in color boasting a white lacquer desk and glass chandelier in the center. The curtains were much like the ones in the family room a tonal grey and diamond pattern. I noticed the white poinsettias that Sam clearly added. She genuinely liked decorating a house for Christmas.
Sitting in the grey tufted desk chair, I spun around like a little kid. Just like, I had done in my father’s.
Stopping myself, I fired up the computer and sorted through the mail on my desk. It seemed that my Nana had everything forwarded to her house. Brady had brought it over when I woke from the coma. Fortunately, most all of my bills were set up on auto bill pay through the bank, so she didn’t need to worry about handling my finances. The bigger things, well, Brady was decidedly in control.
Opening up my outlook…shit, that was a lot of emails to sort through. This would take all day!
Looking at them, I skimmed through, sorting them in folders for follow up. I wasn’t actually reading them as I needed to compile them from the sender and importance first. I figured a lot would be more or less “get well” …or “we miss you” type of emails. Pausing…I came across one from Sebastian.
Tapping my fingers on the desk, I wasn’t sure i
f I wanted to open it.
I was done playing games, and I didn’t want to play his. My eyes fixed on the screen…I was tempted. What in the world, would he want? Looking more at it, the email was dated Dec 19th.
Curiosity got the better of me and I opened it.
Vaihn, Sebastian
Sent: Sat 12/19/2011 3:11am
To: Holt, Lillian
Lillian…
This is probably more for my own benefit as you won’t receive this email. I couldn’t sleep this evening thus doing what I always seem to do…stare into the miles of emails, contracts, and such all night. My thoughts are still and always with you. I’m a very practical man and don’t buy into romanced ideas or notions nor am I am one who gives up.
There are many things I’ve done wrong in my lifetime and none of which carried any guilt on my mind. That is until you. I could sit here and confess all my sins but that would not have any point. It’s has been three months that I find myself hopeless at a miss for you. I knew from the moment you landed on me in the basement, that you would capture more than just my attention. Even in the elevator, your feisty tongue and expressions had me undone. I’m only regretful that I let you leave my suite that evening. My inclination was to keep you there as long as possible.
Your accident rocked me soul deep. Life is precious and fleeting. I see that now. My own father lies in a hospital bed as we know his cancer will claim him soon enough. You would have liked him as I’m sure he would have loved your spirited tongue and savvy attitude. Perhaps, even more than I.
He’s here in Maryland, in the same hospital as you. I’ve tried to see you but was rejected at your door. Puzzling why there would be security-standing firm?
Well this is just me missing you and ranting on of things that I should not.
I miss you Lillian and hope you manage to wake up.
Sebastian
Sebastian Vaihn
Vaihn Enterprises, Inc.
CFO
Wow…that’s a strange email?
I stood up from the desk and walked from the office. Brady already at the table in the kitchen; dressed as he was going to work. It is Tuesday and he did have to get to his office.
“Good morning Lil. How are you feeling today?” he offered a smile in my direction.
“Rested and well”
I sat down opposite him as Sam brought over to heaping plates of food.
“That’s a lot food Sam” I appraised my plate.
“You’re eating for two and protein will go a long way.” Looking at her she too was dressed and ready for work.
“I suppose your right” I picked up the fork realizing I was very hungry.
“Brady do you think you can take me to Chesapeake dealership”
“Of course…plan on buying a new car?”
“But of course…I figure a range rover would suit me well. Especially, since I plan on living out here.”
“I agree. So am I sensing that you’re making peace with the pregnancy?”
“Like I was always told, “you never know what hand you will be dealt” and this is not the worst thing that could be handed my way. So Yes I’ve made peace with it and the idea of having a little girl.”
“It suits you Lil” Sam added.
“I never in a million years saw myself pregnant, but somehow, I find that perhaps things happen for a reason.”
“Have you started on names for her? I’m sorry too soon perhaps?”
“No it’s not and I have a name for her …” Pausing I looked up to Brady. “I’m naming her for Ally…I think it’s appropriate”
He smiled as if he already knew.
“Lil…what are you planning to do about the father?” Slighting his head, Brady wanted to talk.
Glaring at him, I so didn’t want to have this conversation right now, especially not in front of Sam.
“That’s not a discussion right now. Nor does it matter. I don’t believe he will care to know about her or this pregnancy.”
“Well since we are on topic, I should warn you to prepare you self for the opposite to hold true.”
Slighting my head…I knew something was up. But what? Damn it, I don’t have it in me to repeat my hidden past, not this time. Brady and a few other souls have carried this secret for this long and I wasn’t about to entertain any ideas of a repeat.
“We’ll talk later about this. I’ll take you to the dealership, I have court this morning at 10. So why don’t we meet up for a late lunch or something at my office around 3?”
“That works; I have an appointment at the hospital with Dr. Fitz. So I’ll meet you after.”
We finished out breakfast and Sam quickly cleaned off the plates placing them in the dishwasher. I excused myself and went to get myself dressed.
This was going to be a challenge as I’m sure my stomach though not large would inhibit the ability to fit into most of my clothes.
It looked like it was going to be leggings, a long tunic that was definitely pulling around my pregnant belly. Looking in the mirror, I actually felt a sense of pride. My little girl…who would have thought?
I pulled a pair of dark camel riding boots…more for style than actual use. But they weren’t heels and had a good rubber traction that would come in handy today.
My eyes caught site of a small box. Pulling it open, it was a colorful purple hand knit scarf that Nana had made me years ago.
Double wrapping it, I was amused how long it was. I walked into the bathroom and found my make up going for a light application then back to the closet to pull my green utility jacket that came down below my hips.
I ran out to the hall noticing an impatient Brady tapping his foot.
“Sorry, not much fits …let me grab my purse from the office. I thought I saw my wallet there.”
“I had put it on the back self,” he offered.
I walked in and spotted it immediately along with the leather worn messenger bag and thru in the wallet.
Walking back out I met him in the foyer and he handed me the keys to the house. I smiled and turned to the alarm pad arming the house.
“You look…dare I say …” he grinned
“Best not to.” I matched his grin rolling my eyes.
He dropped me off at the dealership, as I was confident I would be purchasing something on the lot.
A white Range rover fully loaded seemed to work out just fine for me. The dealer was pretty amused, when I declined financing and simply wrote a check. Having it is for such a large amount I had to wait for fund verification…
Finally, after three hours, I was pulling out in my new car.
I had no more than an hour until my appointment.
Driving through the city seemed odd. Remembering how I needed out of it. It had also dawned on me that I hadn’t spoken with Julie in all that time and not one email from her. Perhaps there was no point in an email if she believed the lie Brady fed everyone.
I pulled into the hospital and parked. Walking through I patiently waited for my appointment knowing this was simply routine and should go smoothly.
I was right in my assumption. He did a quick follow exam and gave me a clean bill of health. Walking from his office, I passed the hospital gift shop. Pausing, I had already decided that I was going to pay a visit to a patient I knew was in resident.
In the gift shop, I decided on a bouquet of lilies and a ridiculously pink teddy bear. I knew he would appreciate my humor. On the other hand, I hoped he would.
I crossed over to the second tower housing the Oncology unit.
Stopping at the nurses’ station, I wasn’t sure I would gain entrance to see him. That right was typically reserved for family only. I figured that I could at least leave him the flowers and the bear. I was sure he would know they were from me.
“May I help you?” the young nurse looked up at me.
“Yes, I believe you have a patient here by the name of Prescott Vaihn?”
“Are you family?” she looked hopeful? Weird.
“No I’m not and I understand the rules. I was just wondering if you could please give the flowers and bear to him.”
“But of course…Can I let him know who you are?”
“I’m sorry where my manors are of course. Please let him know they are from Elizabeth.”
“Wait…Elizabeth Holtinbach? She leaned down and pulled out some papers then looked back to me.
Quizzically, I looked down at her “Yes, that’s my name though I don’t go by it…well the last name anyhow.”
“Prescott had you put on the list and insisted that you be let in. He’s going to very happy to see Elizabeth.”
“Really?” The nurse seemed to really like him and I suppose she would. Hell, I always liked him. At one point, I use to call him Uncle Scotty; due to the amount of time, he spent around my dad as I grew up.
“He’s been very hopeful that you would be by. I think he’s held on just for you.” She smiled a big smile “He’s asked everyday if a blonde woman had been by”
“Uncle Scott…what are you up too?” shaking my head I smiled.
“He’s just down the hall in room 304.”
“Thank you”
I wasn’t sure what to expect, let alone why I was even here. Maybe it was the pregnancy hormones or possible father Joe’s last sermon reeling thru my mind.
Whatever the reason, I was here.
Pausing at the door, I knocked and opened it slowly. I wasn’t sure if he was alone and should have asked before I came.
It was too late now.
“Do come in,” his voice was hoarse and labored.
I walked in to a dim lit room making sure to close the door behind me.
Coming around he was so old in appearance.
The machines slow and constant in the background. This was not the vibrant man, I once remembered.
He looked up at me, as I immediately and very nervously, searched for a place to put the flowers down.
I walked over as he watched me in silence. Standing by the bed; clutching to the bear in my hands. I leaned over and kissed him on his forehead.