Sixteen

 

      Thanksgiving gave way to Christmas just as spring gave way to summer. A year, a year had gone and Kate was no further forward in her quest. “You okay honey?” she smiled up to where Christian’s mother stood. “Yeah…I saw Henri everything okay there?”

“As well as can be expected”

Kate noted the deep sigh, she knew he was putting pressure on the woman to return with him, but so far she had refused to go. “So how was Chris?” she changed the subject, Inger frowned “Depressed…although he tried not to show it”, Kate swallowed. “He’ll be okay” she assured.

“Yeah he’s getting use to it”

“I don’t want him to get use to it…I want him home where he belongs…with his daughter”

“I know”

“I’ve tried everything…I’ve even tried the local papers but they just laughed at me”

Inger looked thoughtful for a few seconds. “Well maybe I could try?” she suggested, Kate shrugged “They might listen” she sighed unhappily.

“Kate listen…Henri wants me to go back and try and work things out”

“What about Jessie?”

“She’s coming with me naturally…I’m err gonna rent Chris’s house out for now”

“Okay…but you will keep in touch wont you?”

“Of Course…we’re a team remember?”

“Yeah”

“So I’ll call you if I get anywhere with the papers”

“Okay”

“Take care Kate”

“Are you going back right now?”

“Yeah…no time like the present”

“Oh I see”

“Hey I’ll be back soon”

“Okay”

“Bye sweetie”

Kate smiled as they woman kissed her cheek.

“Bye” she mouthed as she watched her walk away.

 

      Christian gazed across the table to where Kate sat putting on a brave face, but he could see the pain visible in those blue eyes. “I’m glad you came” he told her, she reached over and took his hand. “Hey missy that ain’t allowed” she pulled her hand away, “Don’t worry hon…he’s an asshole” whispered Christian, she smiled at him. “So who the hell’s living in my house now?”

Kate sighed then smiled,” Her name’s Roxi”

“What?  Some chick’s living in my house?”

“Yeah, but she’s real cool, Chris you’ll like her”

“Sposse you’re right, it ain’t as if I’m gonna be returning anytime soon”

“Chris please”

He saddened.  “I’m sorry…it’s just this place…you think I’d be use to it”

“I’ll get you out I swear”

He smiled “Yeah I know you will hon…or at least you’ll try”

Kate nodded as she watched the guard approach them and Christian tense up a little. “Okay Ingebrigtsen lets go!” he whispered, Christian bowed his head. “I gotta go babe” he said despondently.

Kate watched him rise to his feet, “But we got ten minutes yet” she insisted, “That’s just tough shit missy!” ,Christian pouted as he was led away.

 

      Roxi poured her a drink then listened while she relayed the visit. “I hate the place Roxi so what must Chris be going through?”

“Hey, he’ll get use to it…look did his mother ever get back to you regarding the papers coz if not I know someone who might help?”

“Who?”

“His name’s Mark…Mark Read”

Kate sat up, “What the guy who handled your divorce?”

Roxi nodded her blond haired head.

“It was a nice thought but well he’s a divorce attorney I can’t really see how he could help?”

Roxi sighed, “Well he might know someone who’d investigate?”

“Thanks but I think I’ll pass”

“Okay…sorry I can’t help more”

“It’s okay…I’ll call Inger see if she’s gotten anywhere”

“Okay”

 

      Henri Beaumont swung his car into the parking lot that warm July afternoon and slowly removed his sunglasses. “Come on Jessica honey” he said quietly as he removed the child from the back of the car. “Where are we going Grandpa?” said the four year old, “You’re gonna see your mom” she walked along beside him.

 

      Georgia looked slightly agitated as she glanced down to where her daughter stood. “Jessica…this is your mom…you’re gonna live with her now” Henri told the child as he crouched down. “What?” he smiled, “You’re gonna live with your mom now sweetheart” he repeated what he’d said. “Jessie…its mom” Georgia said, Jessica turned to face her with a puzzled look on her little face. “Go on…go give mom a hug” urged Henri, slowly the little girl obeyed. “Gramps…where are you going?” he took a few paces away, “I’ve gotta go sweetheart…you have a nice life okay?” tears begun to well up now. “Ten thousand dollars you said”, he glanced down to where Georgia stood, her hand outstretched. “Yeah…I did didn’t I?” he replied as he reached inside his jacket and produced an envelope. “Now remember no contact…my wife wants nothing more to do with her”

“Of course”

He walked away without a backward glance, leaving Georgia standing there with her daughter, a daughter she hadn’t seen in years. She had no room in her life for her then and had no room in her life for now.

 

      Inger threw open his office door and entered with a look to kill.  Henri looked up then frowned, “Ing darling…I can explain” she hit him so hard he landed on the floor. “How dare you!” she screamed, he raised his arm to defend himself.  “She’s my grand-daughter!” another punch then another and another. “I will never forgive you for this, never!” the man shot to his feet and rushed out into the beige carpeted corridor.  “Inger please let me explain?” she stood there hands on hips.  “There is nothing you can say that will justify what you did!” she seethed, he tried again. “Take your hands off me…it’s over Henri…OVER!!!” he stood there watching as she marched away but she wasn’t finished yet not by a long chalk….