Beginning, Section II, Next Section
A few scenes in this story appear similar to a novel by Chris Rogers, but the title is a bit risqué for this board for any repetition of it.
Chapter 8 - I Wanna Dance With Somebody! Posted on Sunday, 22 August 1999
Wednesday, December 31, 1997
Elizabeth was flustered beyond belief, after waiting behind a string of limousines; she practically threw her keys at the valet as he looked down his nose at having to drive her car. She mumbled a few expletives under her breath as she walked through the electronically opened doors, but brightened when she saw Jane and Bingley more than a few people in front of her at the door to the ballroom.
"Jane! Charles!" she waved.
"Lizzy!" they both exclaimed.
"Come on up," Bingley waved back to her.
Elizabeth looked around, sheepishly, but then realized that no one would object to Charles Bingley asking her to join them. He's just as important as William Darcy is! She elegantly strode to the door with her head up high, embraced her sister and kissed her brother-in-law on the cheek.
"I didn't think you would come," whispered Jane.
"Neither did I!" giggled Elizabeth.
They proceeded through the door to yet another hallway, to be greeted by the host and his executive board members.
"Jane! Charles! So glad you could make it!" exclaimed Darcy, while giving Bingley a hearty handshake. "Jane, you look absolutely lovely!" he bent to kiss her on her cheek.
"Thank you," smiled Jane. "You don't look so bad yourself!"
They exchanged a few more pleasantries.
As Jane and Bingley left his presence, Darcy saw Elizabeth was next in line. Sprooooooiiiing! He could not keep his eyes from her lovely face. "Stunning!" he mumbled louder than he had intended. Elizabeth gasped and blushed deeply, while Darcy's eyes widened in disbelief at his blunder, he stiffened and both looked away. Then almost immediately he quickly gathered his composure, cleared his throat, pulled on his tuxedo jacket, and nearly bowed. "Ms. Bennet." Thank God I didn't wear tails!
"Mr. Darcy," was all that she could muster; Elizabeth walked away, her mind all in a tizzy. Damn him!
Darcy watched, nearly mesmerized by the flow of her gown, as she walked away. She was a vision in black; the gown was made of some shiny material, possibly taffeta, maybe satin. The bodice was heart-shaped and strapless, and the bottom was straight as straight could get and showing off her curves for good measure. But the whole dress was covered with a chiffon wrap shawl of an ethereal color, which flowed outward from her shoulders and down to the floor. Depending on the lighting and angle, the mesh appeared black, or a pearl gray, or as though a heavenly cloud. Darcy marveled at the fact that Elizabeth wore only a few adornments: drop onyx earrings, shown off beautifully by her upswept hairdo; a matching pendant on a silver chain, which laid daintily on her breastbone; and a matching tennis bracelet on her delicate right wrist. She was framed of many attributes, but it was those eyes that haunted him day and night. He was practically salivating!
Darcy's attention was soon turned toward his other guests, by a clearing of a distant throat, as Elizabeth disappeared through the inner doors. Within a few moments, he left his position and headed for the bathroom.
While Jane and Bingley went for their reserved table, Elizabeth headed for the bar. She asked for and obtained a glass of champagne, but before she could down it, she spotted Charlotte heading her way.
"Drinking already?" whispered Charlotte as she kissed Elizabeth on the cheek.
Elizabeth laughed almost maniacally. "Just preparing myself."
"My family's here too, ya know?" grumbled Charlotte.
"But this party is for my family." Elizabeth sighed and took a sip of champagne. "Even more incentive to embarrass!"
Charlotte suppressed a giggle. "Anyway, it was very nice of Will to spend all this money on your father."
"Hmpf!" was all Elizabeth could offer on that particular subject.
"Lizzy, he's not all bad!"
"That's what you keep telling me!"
"It would be foolish to slight a man who's almost as wealthy as Bill Gates."
"Char, I don't give a care about his money! And further more, he's not the least bit interested in me, nor I, him!"
Before anymore could be said, Billy Collins suddenly appeared. "Hi Boss!" Charlotte nodded. "Hello Elizabeth! You look absolutely perfect! An angel! Perhaps a queen! No, a goddess! Maybe even a..." he leered.
Who invited you?! She turned her head and rolled her eyes. "Thank you."
Billy Collins' compliments and his conversation were last (if at all) on Elizabeth's list of pleasantries. He had just come to the D.A.'s office 4 months ago, and in that small amount of time, he fancied himself enamored with her. Although, most times she graciously tolerated his behavior, she was always weary of him. There was something about him, something more than the obsequiousness oozing from his greasy skin. No, that wasn't it, exactly. Yes, his whiny voice made her skin crawl. Yes, his slug-slime appearance made her want to run away and hide. But it was something else... like a show of some sort. Like he was playing pitiful. Like he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Conversation had, to all intents and purposes, come to a screeching halt, the three of them stood around looking at all the guests, the band, the waiters, etc.
Elizabeth looked around and saw her mother frantically waving to her. It must be time to start. "Char, I'll talk to you later."
"Lizzy, our tables are right next to each other."
Elizabeth slightly tilted her head towards Collins; Charlotte got her meaning, and nodded. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, gritted her teeth and walked to her table.
"Lizzy, why didn't you come straight to our table?!" Mrs. Bennet flopped down in her chair with a pout. "And why didn't you bring that nice looking young man with you? Now he's sitting with Charlotte!"
"Frances, he works with Charlotte!" she said in hushed tones. "I believe she invited him as her date."
At that moment Darcy and Caroline decided to take their seats at the table.
"Oh fiddle-dee-dee! You'll never find a husband by trying to steal your best friend's man!"
"Frances!" Elizabeth blushed furiously as Caroline snickered.
"Mrs. Bennet, I haven't met all of your family, why don't you do the introductions?" asked Darcy, trying to change the subject.
"Oh dear! Of course, Will! Where are my manners?! You know Jane and Lizzy, of course. My other girls aren't here yet..." and Mrs. Bennet introduced Lucy and Henry Philips.
"Ya like a good joke, Will?" asked Mr. Philips.
"Uh, yes." Darcy saw Bingley cover his mouth and turn away, a moment after his affirmative response.
"Well, it's not actually a joke. It's a limerick and I've been saving this one for a special occasion!" he winked at Darcy and cleared his throat. Elizabeth and Jane shared horrified looks, but neither could think of anything to say or do without causing a stir. "There once was gal from Irving, who..."
"Well Henry," interrupted Mr. Bennet. "I didn't think you'd start with the gaiety before dinner." An almost collective sigh went round the table as Mr. Bennet sat down. "Will, has my family been entertaining you for very long?"
Darcy admired, yet feared Mr. Bennet; he recognized inner strength and power, yet tenderness in his tall lean frame, much like his own father. "I just sat down, Sir."
"Then I have saved you," he smiled. "I believe you owe me one!"
Darcy bit back the laughter bubbling in his throat, but managed to show his dimples when he smiled at Mr. Bennet. Elizabeth espied the scene and felt her heart do a little dance.
"You know, Lizzy," chimed in Mrs. Bennet. "Caroline has on just the gown I had picked out for you!"
Caroline could only gasp in horror; she dearly wished to run home and change gowns.
Orange! Yuck! I'd look a pumpkin! And she looks like a scarecrow!!! Elizabeth smiled. "You look very nice Caroline."
"Thank you," she smirked.
The dinner had proceeded without any major faux pas. The formal introduction of Mr. Bennet as Consultant/Guru to Darcy, Inc. had gone well. Elizabeth could still not relax; things were going a bit too well. And there you have it.
After the introduction and fanfare, the dancing began. Collins and Darcy approached Elizabeth at almost the same time to ask her to dance. She thought quickly who aggravated her more; she chose to dance with Collins. Wrong!
In years to come, for that small group that witnessed it, they would still talk of it. It only lasted for a few seconds, but the goings on are best left to the imagination of the uninhibited. Unfortunately for this story, something must be said...with the bump and grind came a furious flurry of pawing hands, leg kicks, gyrations, an awful Elvis impersonation, and (add your own images here). If Elizabeth could think of a way to be swallowed up whole by the floor, she would have done so without a second thought. Instead, she had to push Collins off her person and leave the dance floor in a huff. Charlotte followed her into the bathroom to console her. She assured Elizabeth that not too many had observed the display, but to no avail did Elizabeth seem to listen. Elizabeth was beside herself with distress and damn near ready to cry. But this was neither the time nor the place to do it! After a half-hour, she emerged; head held high, and headed back to her table.
Darcy was one of those who saw everything and cringed at her torment. He stood nearby the ladies room until she reappeared in the ballroom and was relieved to find her strutting with dignity and pride back to her seat.
For several tense minutes, no one said a word at the table, not even Mrs. Bennet; they all knew well Elizabeth's volatile temper and were fearful of an explosion.
"Excuse me. May I have the honor of this dance, Ms. Bennet?" asked Darcy.
Everyone looked away.
"Um, I had not... That is, I..." Elizabeth looked at father. "Why thank you, yes," she smiled tightly.
Darcy held out his hand and Elizabeth took it and rose from her chair. The song was slow and steady, just the way they both liked it. Darcy was hesitant about placing his hands on Elizabeth's waist, but she nodded to reassure him that it was okay. They proceeded in the dance as everyone looked on. After a few moments, Jane and Bingley decided it would be a good time to be on the floor... somewhere close to Darcy and Elizabeth, but not too close. Other couples soon joined in.
Neither spoke during the dance, they were too caught up in the moment. Yet, at different intervals, both had noticed Caroline glaring in their direction, but shrugged it off as they let their minds relax.
Elizabeth had, on previous occasions, dreamt of this moment, but each time it was certainly under different circumstances; she quickly repressed those thoughts. She disliked him now... What would be the point? Elizabeth peered around Darcy's shoulder, she mentally noted the number of couples and the size of the room, but stiffened as he caressed the small of her back. She wondered if he noticed her reluctance.
Darcy dreaded this moment, however, his sense of gallantry for damsels in distress won over his trepidation. And even more so, he felt compelled to come to Elizabeth's aid, although she grudgingly accepted it. He wanted her, badly! To keep his mind balanced, he thought to talk of the weather or books, but faltered and stiffened as her soft tendrils caressed his cheek. He wondered if she realized his efforts.
The dance ended and Darcy escorted Elizabeth back to their table. Soon enough, pleasant conversation ensued on either side of Elizabeth. Darcy, Bingley and Mr. Bennet talked about numerous things: business, sports, etc. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Philips gossiped quietly, probably planning Elizabeth's engagement to one of the single gentlemen in attendance. Mr. Philips had gone to the bar to tell his jokes and surprisingly was quickly left alone. Caroline and Jane sparingly talked of fashion, movies, etc. Elizabeth contributed, but rarely.
So far, the night had not been a total illustration of what the Bennet family was capable of. Only Elizabeth, in her own mortification, was the one in any sort of predicament.
Then Lydia waddled in, pregnant again, but did not let that stop her. No, not at all! She had on a mini-skirt in which the split was so high on the thigh you could see her bikini line, and a tube top which did nothing to boost up her sagging breasts or cover her bulging mid-drift. It was obscene!
Mary followed, she appeared in what some may describe as the Emperor's clothes and proceeded to dance and chant around the ballroom (finger cymbals included).
Kitty came, late as usual, in what others may recall as dominatrix lingerie (Parisian fashion, ha!), causing some gentlemen to blush in front of their wives. It was an unbelievably tight black plastic outfit adorned with a dog collar choker, accessorized with black lipstick and nail polish, and a serpent-like tattoo down her right arm.
Since Mary was already showing her hand, Kitty and Lydia decided on a bit of one-upmanship. They resolved on a course of action that not even the iceberg that sunk the Titanic could measure up to. Kitty had been asked to dance by a right proper young man, or so it seemed. They took to the floor while Lydia slipped out to get something from cloakroom; she came back with Kitty's cat-o-nine tails, in other words... a whip! With all the wiggling and jiggling going on, Lydia was ever so mindful and managed to use one hand to hold up her ever faltering tube top. Thus they both practically molested the young man in plain sight of everyone. Yet, he enjoyed it thoroughly. A total want of propriety! The crowd stood immovable in revulsion and shocked in repugnance.
Elizabeth quickly left for the evening. It seemed as though her family had made an agreement to expose themselves as much as possible that night. It would have been damn near impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit or a bigger success. Not even her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner could have forestalled this debacle! Elizabeth chewed on all this while she waited for her car to be brought around by the valet.
Caroline made her presence known with a loud, as usual, screeching. "Eliza Bennet!" Elizabeth startled and cringed at the same time. "I thought that little nasty dance you did with what's his name was worth the price of admission, but I see you've taught your younger sisters a thing or two!"
"Back off, Caroline!" Elizabeth snapped. She glared her eyes into tiny slits and spat, "and I mean that in the worst way!"
Caroline, no dummy, did as requested. She had her tiny victory and all she wanted was to see Elizabeth's reaction, first hand. So what, Darcy hadn't asked her to dance; she had her revenge anyway! Caroline laughed all the way back into the ballroom. Elizabeth shrank at the shrill hyena-like cackle.
Finally, the valet brought Elizabeth's car. She absent-mindedly tipped him more than she normally would have and drove off. As soon as she opened the door to her townhouse, she picked up the first thing she saw, an end table, and tossed it as far as she could. It bounced off the wall near the fireplace and broke into pieces.
What had begun as an auspicious occasion, all in all, had turned out to be the worst and most humiliating experience of Elizabeth's young life. She cried herself to sleep on the couch as the New Year rang in.
Chapter 9 - The Man Of Steel
Darcy tried his best to avoid any Bennet family/business functions that he thought he could. He could not fathom being surrounded by such a family and yet remain sane. He continued in his own affairs and worked diligently to maintain his friendship with Mr. Bennet and the Bingley's, although from a distance.
Elizabeth kept herself busy with her work. The majority of it, successes, but one failure stood out: one dead end after another as to the whereabouts of Mrs. Jarvis. Whether she was dead or alive, her body had not yet surfaced. Still, Elizabeth was reluctant to go to any function that involved Darcy Inc. or the man himself.
On the oft occasion that they did meet, it was courteous but strained or they danced avoidance. Below are just a few examples of when two opposing worlds collide.
Saturday, January 24, 1998 (Collision #1)
At a trendy downtown Dallas nightclub called The Curtain Club.
"Charlotte! Congratulations!" Elizabeth and Charlotte embraced. "Here," Elizabeth handed her an envelope. "I didn't know what to get you, since I don't know your office motif."
Charlotte tore open the envelope and gasped, "Lizzy! You shouldn't have!" They embraced again.
"We'll go shopping next week before I go away. Okay?"
"Great! How about Tuesday?" Charlotte asked eagerly.
"I'll check my calendar and give you a call tomorrow." Charlotte nodded and gave the envelope to Collins. "What's he doing here?" she whispered.
"He works for me, remember?"
"Not him." Elizabeth nodded in Darcy's direction. "Him!"
"We're old law school friends," smiled Charlotte as Elizabeth gasped.
"You never told me that!"
"You never gave me the chance! You always interrupt..."
"Well, I guess this room is big enough for me to avoid him. If not, then you'll know why I left."
"Lizzy, Will's not all bad!"
"Yeah right!" Elizabeth glared at him until he turned his head in her direction. "And I see he brought that scheming witch Caroline with him!" she sneered. "Be ready to break up a brawl."
"Lizzy, I know you can control yourself. So I won't worry."
They parted company.
Billy Collins pounced from around a corner. "Elizabeth, dance with me?"
"Not again in this lifetime! And I hope not to see you in the next one!" she glared.
"I should be the one who's upset," he sang sweetly near her ear. "You walked off the dance floor."
"Billy, I'm a one-warning woman!" she spat and wagged her finger in his face. "If you don't step off and leave me alone, I'll..."
"Ms. Bennet, is there a problem?"
"Uh no, Mr. Darcy," Collins trembled. "Elizabeth was just giving me a lesson in... jurisprudence!"
Darcy smiled. "Good! I hope the lesson is over, I'd like to speak privately with the young lady, if you don't mind?" Collins nodded and surreptitiously backed away. "Ms. Bennet, I..."
"Will Darcy!" boomed Mr. Lucas from behind him. "Good to see you again! Are you enjoying the party?"
Darn! "Yes, thank you, Mr. Lucas!"
"Good! Good! Capital! Capital! Ah, Eliza, I didn't see you there!" He grabbed her in a bear hug and tossed her around like a rag-doll. "How are you?"
"Fine, thank you," she mumbled into his shoulder. He let her go; she desperately wanted to spit out the woolen fibers of his sweater off her tongue. "And you?"
"Fine. Fine." An awkward few moments passed. "Why aren't you two dancing? Dancing is a great opportunity to get to know one another," he winked at Darcy. "Will, ask the lady to dance?"
"I was about to, but..."
"Well get to it, man! Eliza won't be available throughout the entire evening, you know? For who wouldn't want to dance with so much beauty before them?"
Embarrassed, Elizabeth blurted out, "Mr. Lucas, I'm not staying long and I had no intention of dancing!"
"Nonsense, Eliza! The man was going to ask you to dance!" He slapped Darcy on the back, pushing him forward. "Go ahead, Will!"
A small smile came to Darcy's mouth as he viewed the blush on her cheeks and the sparkling daggers in her eyes. "Would you dance with me?"
Elizabeth smiled back and answered, "Thank you, but no."
"Come on Eliza! Although, Will doesn't like to dance that much, he is at least asking you!"
"Mr. Darcy is just being polite."
"To me? Why yes, he is indeed! Always has been, but dancing with you is inducement enough, I think. I saw you two together at the celebration!" Mr. Lucas winked again. "Anyway, I'll leave you alone, so you can sort this out for your yourselves." He walked away.
Elizabeth began before Darcy had the chance. "You've saved me twice in less than five minutes, Mr. Darcy. Don't you ever tire of playing Superman?" she smirked.
And with that she walked away, leaving Darcy stunned but smiling in her absence, until Caroline slunk up behind him.
"I believe I can guess what you're thinking," she sang sweetly and perched herself right in front of him.
"I don't think so," he sang back to her, still smiling.
Caroline smiled like the Cheshire Cat. Hmmm, he's never smiled at me like that before! "You are thinking what a waste of time this party is," she leaned in closer. "And that you'd like to go home, take a hot bath, slide into the covers with someone, I mean, something warm," she whispered.
Warm? No way! "You're wrong there, Caroline," he answered dreamily. Now fiery and hot-blooded... Yes, definitely! "My mind was more agreeably engaged."
What's wrong with my itinerary? She huffed to herself. "What then?"
"I was just admiring a pretty face with dark fine eyes that sparkle like diamonds and lashes so long that..."
He thinks I'm pretty!! Oh, I can't wait to see what his apartment looks like! I want to redecorate! "And whose eyes are you admiring?" she purred and leaned in even closer, perhaps for a kiss.
Yuck! "Elizabeth Bennet's."
"Eliza Bennet!" she sneered and stepped back.
He smiled and nodded. Take the hint, Caroline... I'm not interested in you!
Caroline was about to play 'little Tammy storm cloud', which included thunder and lightening and all kinds of upheaval, but quickly decided not to show her true colors. Not yet! So instead she swallowed her tongue, a little. "I, I, I'm shocked! I know she has an... earthiness to her that some men like, but I thought you were above all that." Earthy? Trampy is more like it! "And her family! Well... Regardless, if she's the one you want... then congratulations. When's the wedding?"
"Caroline, I knew you would jump to all sorts of conclusions. I said I liked the way she looked, I didn't say I was going to marry her."
"Oh, I knew that!" she giggled coyly. "I was just toying with you." Whew! He's just trying to make me jealous... Puh-lease!!! Caroline latched onto Darcy's arm and paraded around the club with him in tow, for the rest of the night.
Elizabeth left early.
Tuesday, January 27, 1998 (Collision #2)
"Can't I ever escape him?" whispered an exasperated Elizabeth.
"Who?" asked Charlotte as she looked around the restaurant.
"Who else?" Elizabeth tilted her head slightly toward the front.
Charlotte turned in her seat. "Ah," she said knowingly and waved Darcy over. "Hi Will!" she stood up and embraced him.
"Charlotte," he kissed her on the cheek and released her. Be suave! Be smooth! "Ms. Bennet."
Be calm! Be cool! "Mr. Darcy," was the frigid reply.
"What are you doing in this part of town, Will?" asked Charlotte. "This artsy-smartsy part of town is not your usual fare."
"Caroline drags me down here once a month!" he laughed.
"Caroline's here?"
"Ladies room," he frowned. "What are you two doing down here?"
"Shopping! Both you and Lizzy gave me a gift certificate from the same store!"
"Really?" he smiled.
Charlotte and Darcy looked at Elizabeth to join the conversation, but she did not.
"Well, I ought to get to my table now. Call me."
"I'll do that!"
"Ms. Bennet, it was nice to see you again."
"Same here," she stated with indifference.
Darcy left and went to his table. Caroline came in, saw them, but did not acknowledge their presence.
"He's actually dating that stuck-up witch!" sneered Elizabeth.
"No!" giggled Charlotte. "But you can't help a girl for trying!"
Elizabeth tried not to smile. "But he just said they go out."
"No. Well, yeah. But he only takes her shopping when he wants to buy something for his sister, Gina! Then he eliminates her choices and comes back for the other stuff."
Elizabeth guffawed in hushed tones. "Poor Caroline!"
"I think he's interested in someone else," whispered Charlotte.
"Poor girl... Whoever she is!"
"Lizzy, he's a great guy!" Why can't you see that?
"He needs to be drop-kicked a couple notches down!"
"Well that may be true, but I thought you two looked good together on the dance floor."
"Yeah, well, he probably danced with me to save face."
"Yeah, yours!"
"Well, that's your interpretation," she blushed. "I didn't need saving," she muttered under her breath.
Yes you did! "Regardless of what you might think of him, it was very chivalrous."
"Yeah, whatever." Elizabeth turned towards Darcy again. Actually, it was very nice of him. He really didn't have to do it. He always seems to be around when I need saving... Saving from Billy Collins that is! She almost smiled when he looked over at her, then Caroline turned her head towards their table; instead Elizabeth frowned and turned away.
Later, Elizabeth went to the ladies' room. Caroline, seeing her chance, decided to follow, discreetly. They met at the washbowls. Caroline was patting on more make-up, if that was possible, while Elizabeth washed her hands. Elizabeth glanced quickly at Caroline's reflection and smirked unconsciously.
"You could use a little make-up," she upbraided her. "But you Bennet girls are so passé with your country looks."
"Is there a point to this conversation, Caroline?"
"Yes, there is. If you're trying to catch a man like Will Darcy, you'll need more than long eyelashes. I could paste those on in a second," she snapped her fingers to emphasize her point. "But Tammy Fay Baker is so not me."
You could've fooled me, everything on you is fake! Elizabeth held her retort. "I'm not in the least bit interested in Will Darcy."
"And the feeling is mutual, I assure you. If he tried everything in his power to separate Charles from Jane back in college, why would your backwoods charms work on him now?"
"Excuse me?" said Elizabeth with hands on her hips and plenty of attitude in her look.
"Oh yes! He was dead set against the marriage as much as I was. Still is! He only pretends to like Jane for Charles' sake. But you only need ask yourself why he's stayed away from them all these years."
"I don't give a damn what his reasons were, nor yours, for that matter!" she spat. "Jane and Charles are happy, you know."
"Jane is happy, Charles is delusional," Caroline sneered.
Elizabeth was at her wit's end and counted to ten with her eyes closed. "Caroline..." she clenched her fists.
Caroline interrupted. "You ever wonder why Will bought your father's little business?"
"No, but I'm sure you're chomping at the bit to tell me."
"Oh, no! You're the smart one, Annie Oakley," she clucked. "You figure it out. But when you do, you're not going to like it!"
Caroline walked out of the bathroom, laughing at another one of her victories over Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was fuming! All matter of thoughts passed through her mind in milliseconds. So that... that arrogant ****** was plotting against Charles and Jane! He's lucky that they're happy, 'cause I'd take him outside and kick his ***, for sure! And what did that pasty-faced skank mean? Why did he buy my father's business? Was it to destroy us? Is he going to make millions, no billions and then laugh at our foolishness? No, I checked that contract nine-ways to Sunday! It was a pretty sweet deal and should set my parents up for life! Nah, it couldn't be that! And Charles' name was on it! I know he's not in league with the devil! No, Will Darcy's up to something else... I just know he is!
Elizabeth was in a shaky state when she finally emerged from the bathroom. Luckily Caroline had swept Darcy out of the restaurant or there would have been a row!
Chapter 10 - Color Me Red
Monday, February 2, 1998 (Collision #3)
"Lizzy, my dear, I'm so glad you could make it!" They embraced. "Busy month?" he whispered.
"Yes Papa," she smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Very busy."
"Well, I didn't want to start without you, so..."
"Papa! Please tell me that you didn't delay this thing because of me?"
"What?! Without my highest-ranking lieutenant and right hand..." Mr. Bennet waved his hand in the air, signaling Darcy to begin. "Surely you jest?"
Elizabeth blushed and shook her head. "Papa..." she sighed.
The ceremony was very serious and solemn; it was the official 'changing of the guard' at the Dojo. It was packed to hilt with family, friends, employees, and business associates. As Darcy was speaking, Elizabeth looked around from atop the stage and wondered at this sort of overdone hooey. Her family, she knew, would be pleased at another chance to consume unheard of quantities of food and drink and embarrass her all over again. Which made her question Darcy's sanity amongst his other faults.
In her daze, Elizabeth heard her name being called out by her father; she looked up from her quiet reverie.
"My daughter is rather shy about being paraded in front of large crowds." Mr. Bennet chuckled. "Come Lizzy?!" Elizabeth stood up awkwardly and approached the podium amidst applause. "Elizabeth has been in training with me since she was 7-years old and I must say she's done her old man proud. Very proud!"
Darcy stepped forward with a plaque and a black belt. He handed the plaque to her father.
Mr. Bennet read it and wiped a tear from his eye as he choked on these words: "And I present to you your black belt in the 6th degree." Elizabeth was indeed shocked. "You shall now be referred to as Kyoshi." Mr. Bennet smiled widely, bowed to his daughter, then kissed her on the cheek.
"Thank you," was all she could utter, and even then it was a whisper.
Darcy approached Elizabeth and placed the belt around her neck and over one shoulder. He whispered, "Congratulations," then bowed to her and kissed her on the cheek.
If she had been in her right mind, Elizabeth would have socked him one good one, however, she was still bewildered enough to grab her cheek and blush, but with enough presence of mind to get back to her seat.
Soon afterwards that part of the ceremony was over. All that was left now was to mingle and indulge.
"Will!" she waved. "Yohoo! Will!"
Darcy looked over to where the shriek was coming from. It could only have been one of two people, since Caroline was not in attendance, then it must be Mrs. Bennet. He nodded and abruptly left his companions with apologies.
As Darcy walked closer to Mrs. Bennet, he noticed she was desperately trying to portray the ultimate Texas prima donna: with perfectly styled bleached-blond hair, perfect makeup (not to mention several facelifts), and perfect nails. He surmised from previous encounters that her favorite activities were meeting her friends (all of whom look eerily similar) for lunch, gossiping, then shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue or Nieman Marcus. She had on what was considered the highlight of fashion at present, or rather Caroline's view of things: way too much jewelry, 4 inch heels, a tight skirt, a silk blouse with sequined chili peppers and matching earrings. He mentally shook his head.
"Will dear, have you met my brother and his wife?" Darcy was about to open his mouth, but Mrs. Bennet wasted no time before rattling on. "They couldn't make it to the New Year's Eve ball, but I'm so sure you..."
"We met at Jane and Charles' wedding, Fran," interrupted Mr. Gardiner. He stuck out his hand. "Good to see you again, son."
Darcy shook it and smiled. "Nice to see you again as well, Sir." He turned to the other lady, still smiling, and nodded. "Mrs. Gardiner."
"Hello William. How are you?"
"Fine. Just fine, thank you. And you?"
"Well, now that the introductions are over, I must see to the hors d'oeuvres!" Mrs. Bennet ran off and all were relieved. Now they would be able to converse as normal; as friends.
"You're not doing this out of some sense of further obligation, are you?" whispered Mrs. Gardiner as she kissed Darcy on the cheek.
"No, Maddie. I assure you I have other reasons."
Husband and wife shared a quick doubting look between themselves.
"Well, my boy, it's good to see you anyway. What have you been doing with yourself since we were last in your area?"
"I've been rather busy," he said rather distractedly. "You know, this and that."
"Any fishing?"
Darcy chuckled. "No Ed, not since the big one got away!"
"Our dear departed Agatha!" groaned Mr. Gardiner as he mourned over the loss of the biggest Blue Marlin that was ever to be seen.
"Are you gents going to discuss fishing in Bermuda while I stand here waiting to be admired in my new dress?" pouted Mrs. Gardiner.
The men laughed.
"No, my dear! I momentarily lost my senses," he winked at Darcy, "and forgot my place. You are an absolute vision and might I add, a goddess."
"Yes Madam." Darcy snickered as he bowed. "I too, lost all scruples. Please accept my apologies? I am your humble servant. Your dress is almost as beautiful as you are."
Mrs. Gardiner slapped both of them playfully on their arms. "That's better!"
They continued on in happy chatter.
"Lizzy!" exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner. "I had wondered where you ran off to."
Elizabeth walked towards them and they embraced.
"I'm sorry, but I was informed that I had to mix and mingle."
"Well that's all fine and dandy for everyone else, but we hardly ever see you now," teased Mr. Gardiner.
"I've been busy. You know, this and that."
The Gardiners noticed that their niece did not acknowledge their friend, though he looked upon her with veiled admiration.
"Wi... Mr. Darcy just told us the same thing. If I didn't know any better, I would assume you two worked together," implied Mrs. Gardiner with a raised eyebrow.
Both Elizabeth and Darcy blushed for their own reasons.
"Come now Maddie and let Lizzy be. This is her day too!"
"She knows I was just teasing, don't you dear?" Elizabeth nodded.
"Congratulations, again," smiled Darcy.
Elizabeth glanced at him quickly and replied in a terse tight voice. "Thank you."
Darcy waved and walked away.
From then on the conversation was animated between Elizabeth and her relations, but not as it normally was. Darcy left early, and the Gardiners wondered what had gone on between their favorite niece and their friend. They would have to wait for that disclosure.
Wednesday, April 1, 1998 (Collision #4)
As she was leaving a very swank downtown antique shop, her cell phone rang.
"Who died?" Elizabeth knew it was her father, he was one of a few who had the number and he was the only one that used it.
"Hello sweetheart! How are you this fine day?"
"Just fine, Papa. And you?"
"All is well... Would you like to go for a little drive?"
"Today?"
"Yes, my dear. It should only take you about 15 minutes to get here, so..."
"Papa, I can't. Remember? I'm in Austin."
"And so am I!"
Clarence Bennet, no longer having an office at the Dojo had been given a large office in a sprawling skyscraper on the 68th floor of Darcy, Inc. in Austin, Texas, just in case he ever chose to visit there. Mr. Bennet, being married to such a woman as Frances, sought out this pleasant hideaway, more often than anyone thought possible.
Elizabeth had, for the last 4 months, avoided the place with all types of excuses. However, on this particular day, Elizabeth had a meeting in that city of Austin and her father thought to play a little trick on her for April Fool's Day; for he had seen the sparks fly between his favorite daughter and Darcy on numerous occasions, plus he had a wicked sense of humor.
"I escaped and I suggest you do the same!"
She laughed. "My meeting just ended."
"Come to my office, then?"
"But, but..."
"But what dear? Don't you want to see your old man's corner office?"
"Yeah, but..."
"I believe the young man has gone away," he whispered.
"Good!" Shoot, did I say that out loud?! "Um, I mean, okay."
"Oh Papa, this is beautiful!" she exclaimed as her fingers stroked the oversized cherry wood desk.
Mr. Bennet pushed a button on his desk and the window blinds drifted slowly apart. "You see that?"
Elizabeth laughed; her father had a new toy and she supposed that he liked playing with it, immensely. The bright sun nearly blinded her, but she was able to look out over the city. "And what a sight it is."
"How about some lunch?" Elizabeth nodded. "Shall we eat in or out?"
"Out."
"Okay." He began to dial a number on his phone.
"Mr. Bennet!" came a voice in between the pushed numbers. "Mr. Bennet!"
"Oops! Sorry Marie, did you want something?"
"Yes. Mr. Darcy is here to see you."
Elizabeth gasped and frantically looked for a place to hide.
Mr. Bennet smiled inwardly. "Send him in."
The sun glinted in Darcy's eyes as he entered the room and could only see Mr. Bennet's shadow. "Mr. Bennet are you ready to go out to lunch?"
"Oh was that today?" Mr. Bennet pressed the button to draw the blinds.
"You didn't forget did you?"
"Yes. Yes I did. I was just about to..."
"Can't you cancel your plans? I really need some advice..." Elizabeth stepped forward from the closing blinds; Darcy could not utter another word. Sprooooooiiiing!
"Lizzy, were you hiding?" teased Mr. Bennet.
Elizabeth blushed. "No!" she said quickly. "I didn't want to interrupt anything. Maybe I should go?"
"Nonsense, dear!"
"No, I'll go!" exclaimed Darcy, abruptly. "We'll talk later. Excuse me for interrupting. Ms. Bennet." And with that he left, not giving anyone a chance to stop him.
Elizabeth nervously looked out the window, while her father grinned, mischievously; he had his fun for the day.
Mr. Bennet and Darcy never did get a chance to talk that day for Darcy had a plane to catch.
In the ensuing 6 months, Darcy was rarely to be seen. He only saw the Bingleys for a quick 2 days, but remained a recluse to others as far as an appearance was concerned. Yes, he phoned his friends on occasion, but the conversations were on the short side, and, well, they lacked... conversation.
Chapter 11 - Catch me, if you can?
November 18, 19 and 20, 1998
This is what I get for traveling all the way to Wichita to catch an alimony-dodger... A snowstorm trailing me by an inch!
"Can't you drive any faster? I wanna get outta here too!" cried the man in the back of her car.
"If you hadn't tried to duck out on your wife and your six children and have them rollover into poverty while you spend your recently acquired inheritance elsewhere, I wouldn't be stuck in this mess with you!! And by the way, Vegas is that way!!!" she pointed wildly. "Now shut up and let me concentrate on keeping us alive!" That tiny tirade almost exhausted her.
She gripped the steering wheel and lightly tapped on the brakes as the wind and snow swirled around them. This squall was so fierce that not only was the car being pulled from side to side, but, it was being pelted with icicles resembling spears, and no amount of wiper fluid could dent the torrent of white plastered against the windshield.
She drove on for what seemed like weeks, but merely a day, on ice-coated roads, to disappearing byways, and snow-banked and slippery highways. Once they had passed by Oklahoma City, the snowstorm turned to a wicked rain that included lightening strikes, thunderous growls, and a howling wind that reached peaks of 80 miles per hour. At times she felt as though she could lift her foot from the accelerator and let the cosmic processes take her home. Or rather, that's what her mind was telling her to do, 'cause it was damn near ready to shut down. She could have easily succumbed to the sweet soft call from her brain, but something else ruled her: willpower, inner strength, fear... Who knows?
This 380-mile trek, that normally would have taken 6 maybe 7 hours each way, now stretched into almost 3 whole days.
Regardless of the whimpering and simpering of the lawbreaker in the back seat, she did not stop. No, would not stop! The last 4 or 5 months had been horrid at times, frustrating every now and then, and fruitless more often than not. Now all she wanted to do was relax: relax her mind, her feet, her back, her eyes, her ears, and her nose. She had plans and no whim of Mother Nature was going to stop her! This was her plan: she would drop this sorry excuse of a human being off on the local authorities, drive home, sleep for an entire day, make her apologies to her family for skipping the holiday dinner, pack up her stuff, and skeedaddle!
Just as soon as she saw the city limits sign of Ft. Worth, Texas, she almost wept in relief.
Tuesday, November 24, 1998
In the background, a rolling river is heard, birds chirping overhead, and movement in the far off vegetation. In the foreground, the crackling of a campfire, the sizzle of fish frying in a cast-iron skillet, coffee brewing, and the humming of a well rested, satisfied human being.
If there were no background and foreground noise, one might hear the quiet trill of a cellular phone. However, at this particular moment, the owner was otherwise occupied.
Much later, after quietly resting from a full dinner, the ringing returned and awakened the owner from her quiet reverie back to reality.
"Who died?" she snapped.
"Hello?"
"I repeat, who died?"
"No one's dead, at least not yet..."
"Charlotte?!"
"Lizzy, where in the world are you?"
"Why?"
"I've been calling your house, paging you..."
"I'm on vacation, Char!"
"I need you." Dramatic pause. "I wouldn't have called on your private line, if I didn't."
Elizabeth let out a heavy sigh. "Okay. Spill it."
"Not on the phone... How soon can you get back?"
"If I drop everything right now, I can be there in about 3 hours." Elizabeth was lying through her teeth! It would only take her a little more than an hour to get back to Dallas, but no one was supposed to know where she was.
"Drop by my office then. I'll be here for sometime."
"Char... Is this going to occupy me through the Christmas Holiday?"
"Depends."
Elizabeth sighed again. "All right."
"Hello Mr. Collins," said Elizabeth as she tightly smiled at the intern.
"Hello Elizabeth! My, you're looking lovely, as usual!" he smiled leeringly. "You could be..."
"Is Charlotte in?" she interrupted.
"Yes. She's inside waiting for you."
"Thank you."
Charlotte was staring out the large window; patting a lead pencil against the sill to an unknown beat and looking at nothing in particular, except possibly the nighttime Dallas skyline.
"What's up Char?" asked Elizabeth as she leaned on the open door.
"You made it!" Elizabeth closed the door behind her and they embraced somewhere between the door and the window. "And you're early." Charlotte chided as she raised an eyebrow. "And I know you probably broke all the sound barriers and speed limits." They both laughed and sat down. "Should I be calling some backwoods sheriff or magistrate on the premise of tearing up speeding tickets?"
"No Char, I was able to talk my way out of a few." Elizabeth smiled and looked around. "Nice digs for the new Deputy D.A.!"
"Thanks, but it could've easily been you're office."
Elizabeth waved her off. "Yeah right!" she dismissed. "But, I'm not coming back Char, so stop hinting."
Almost immediately after law school, Elizabeth began working at the City of Dallas, District Attorney's Office. Charlotte was assigned as her mentor and they became fast friends. Not too long after starting, Elizabeth was quite familiar with the daily grind. Heartburn, headaches, and stiffness were a constant. Late-night studying for the bar (later assigned cases) and early morning meetings were secondary to breathing. Scarfing down meals in and around clients was considered excellent table manners. Loads of files were another appendage, like an arm or a leg. A social and/or love life were things one only dreamt of, if one had the time or energy to dream. Soon after year 2, Elizabeth began to realize that her spirit was being crushed and her temper gave way due to frustration. And although she had bright career path and was much sought after by law firms across the country, a little more than two and 1/2 years of that life, Elizabeth quit.
"All right. Let's get down to business... Gina Darcy is missing."
Elizabeth sat back quickly. "What?"
She closed her eyes, remembering the shy little girl at the Bingleys' wedding, who had just lost her mother a few weeks before then. Elizabeth had taken to the little frail child, even watching her from time to time during those few days. In her efforts, Elizabeth was in hopes of being noticed by her brother, at least for her baby-sitting skills. But that was another story!
"What exactly does 'missing' mean?"
"She's not a runaway, if that's what you're implying." Elizabeth knew Charlotte would clue her in so she waited for her to finish. "The Darcys have been receiving threatening phone calls, etc., a few times in the last 5 years. None of them turned out to be anything serious, but in the last 6 months they have been continuous and menacing. In August, Will sent Gina away to a private school in Italy where they have a secluded villa, but someone, obviously, found her out and kidnapped her."
"Is there a ransom note?"
"Not yet. It only happened three days ago."
"But why call me in? He probably has a whole camp full of private investigators to find her."
"Well, yes he does. However, he asked me for help, confidential help, of course. He doesn't want it in the news. I told him you didn't come cheaply and he said to spare no expense."
"You told him you wanted me?!"
"Not exactly. I wasn't sure if I could track you down, or, if you'd want to after..."
"None of that matters."
"Good! Now let me tell you what's going on." Charlotte proceeded to tell Elizabeth about Georgiana Darcy's disappearance, or as much as she knew.
"So, they think the kidnappers are here in the U.S.?"
"Yes. According to Interpol an unidentified man and woman boarded a California bound airplane with a young woman in a wheelchair."
"Unidentified?"
"Fake ID's."
"Dangerous?"
"Don't know," shrugged Charlotte. "They were never death threats, just things like 'I'm going to hit you were it hurts the most', etc."
"You never did lay a figure down for me."
Elizabeth was all anticipation and leaned forward in her chair. Since leaving the D.A.'s office 2 years ago and changing to her present position, Charlotte Lucas and a few of her other lawyer friends threw some very lucrative work her way.
"Ah, yes." Dramatic pause. "For the return of his sister and/or the capture of her abductors...$10 million dollars."
"Good Lord, I could retire!"
"I know." Charlotte smirked as she handed Elizabeth a dossier. "You're going to have to meet with him, you know?"
"I know," she said thoughtfully as she scanned through the file. "I'll call him tomorrow morning."
"You should call him tonight."
"It's late and he'll probably think it's important."
"Well, it is, isn't it?"
"I need to wrestle this around in my mind a few hours before I talk to him."
"Okay. But after you talk to him, call me."
Wednesday, November 25, 1998
"Come in, Ms. Bennet."
Ice cold?! She bristled at his business-like manner. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy."
He led the way through his spacious downtown Dallas penthouse apartment, without saying a word until he had closed the door to his office behind them. "Please, have a seat?"
She did as asked and he walked to seat himself at his desk.
"I..." they both said at the same time.
"I'm sorry, please let me go first?" asked Darcy. She nodded. "I believe I owe you an apology Ms. Bennet." Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "I was rude, obnoxious, self-righteous, and all those other things you wanted to say to me, but didn't have a chance."
Elizabeth sat silent for a few moments. "Are you apologizing to me now, because you need me?"
Darcy was taken aback at her audacity. But she was sort of correct; he had no intention of ever seeing her again after that first incident, so an apology was out of the question. Then the dealings with her father's business, Charlotte's party, and their other infrequent meetings, she had been anything but polite. Well, at the celebration, at least she was civil. But when Charlotte called him last night to inform him of who else would be on his team, he surmised that there should be no ill will between them any longer. Plus the fact, that every time they had met, she had a profound effect on him. One that he fortified himself against this very morning.
"No. I had been thinking about what I said last year, and I realized how very wrong I was. I didn't mean it and I..."
"If you didn't mean it, then why did you say it?" she interrupted.
"Um..." He didn't think he would have to explain himself. "I have this habit of... well, that is to say, that I haven't been in the best of moods lately and I tend to take it out on anybody that happens to be in my way."
"Or anybody you think not worth your notice." Elizabeth regretted those words as soon as they left her mouth; she had no intention of antagonizing him.
Darcy winced. "You're not going to let me get away with just an apology, are you?"
"Not until I'm satisfied with it," she smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "But you'll have plenty of time to make it up to me after we find your sister." Rather, your money will! "Now, tell me about Gina."
Darcy and Elizabeth spent the better part of an hour going over the Darcy's family life, recent photos, friends, acquaintances, etc. Charlotte had already given Elizabeth copies of the threat letters, faxes, and scripts of phone messages, which she studied last night. As she was leaning over, her eyes picked up on a thin red light, dancing on the paper, on the desk between them, and on the wall beyond them.
Elizabeth quickly glanced out of the smoke colored window and when she squinted her eyes she saw a flicker of light from a distant rooftop that was apparently not from the sun. Instinct kicked in, immediately.
"Get down, Mr. Darcy!"
Chapter 12 - Color Me Blue
"Get down, Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth screamed and pushed him out of the chair before he could say a word, but more importantly a split-second before the sudden stream of bullets blasted the window, the desk and the door and wall beyond it to pieces unrecognizable. They rolled over and over each other until Elizabeth felt they were in a safe spot.
In the background, screaming could be heard from the floor near the bookshelves. In the foreground, the shredding, popping, and ripping sounds of furniture, wood, and plaster being destroyed.
Then the noises stopped, suddenly, abruptly, chillingly.
Elizabeth lay on top of Darcy, protecting him, but both clinging to each other in fear.
At length, a soft sob came from Elizabeth then she regained her wits and wherewithal. "Are you okay?" she whispered. He, being in complete shock, said nothing. "I want you to stay down and moan and groan, no matter what I say or do, okay?" He blinked as though he understood.
Then Elizabeth commenced to screaming-bloody murder. As she performed her part, she checked his pulse, looked for glass and/or bullet wounds (some of the flying glass had managed to knick and cut them both). She quietly checked the pieces of his desk and cabinets, found something of interest, and did what was required; all the while remaining imperturbable and ducking out of sight of the gunman. Darcy could not move, let alone, play his role, but Elizabeth was unfazed.
She dialed 911 and within minutes the police and ambulance came. The rescuers worked furiously to make sure that Darcy was okay, but took him on a stretcher to the ambulance and to the hospital for precautionary measures. Elizabeth followed in a police car. She calmly explained the situation to the officer and called Charlotte from a pay phone in front of the hospital cafeteria.
Charlotte met her 15 minutes later. "Where can we talk?" she whispered as she embraced her friend. Elizabeth pointed to the stairwell. "Everything's all set."
"How are we going to get him out of here?"
"You let me handle that. Go on home, pack some things up, you're going back on vacation."
"Where am I going now?"
"Back to the house..."
"I was just there when you asked me to come back to Dallas."
"I want you to take Will to your country house."
"What?!"
"Lizzy, think about it. You're in danger too. When your name and face hits the press..."
"But, I..."
"No buts! No one knows that's your house!"
"And I want to keep it that way!"
"That's not an option, right now! No more questions. Meet Billy at 7:30 p.m. at the old diner on Route 30. We'll make the switch there."
"I don't want Billy Collins involved in this!"
"Why not?"
"I don't trust him."
Charlotte looked confused for a minute. Then realizing her friend's instincts were usually very good in these types of matters; nodded her head in assent. I wonder what she suspects? Charlotte was presently involved in a tepid unsatisfying affair with Collins; but she was resigned to this kind of life for she felt she had no other alternatives. And that particular thing angered her above all others!
"I'll get Denny on it then."
"But Char, what about my family?"
"I'll make something up!" snapped Charlotte.
"Just how long is this going to take?"
"How should I know! Now go! Have the police take you back to your car. No, on second thought, slip out the back and take a taxi home. I'll take care of getting your car back to you before the meet. I'll call you on your private line, okay?"
Elizabeth sighed with resignation. "Okay," she handed over her car keys. "Oh, I almost forgot!" She reached into her jacket pocket. "Here."
Charlotte examined the small piece of metal that was placed in her hand. "What's this?"
"I think it's a bug."
Charlotte nodded in understanding. "I'll give this to the police."
They embraced and went their separate ways.
"He's been very quiet Lizzy," whispered Denny Carter, Charlotte's other intern. "He may still be in shock." Elizabeth nodded knowingly, for she had quite a time of it herself; after reality set in, she had a good cry. "I bought him a few things, and we'll find a way to get him some more clothes, okay?"
"Thanks Denny. Ask Char to call me tonight, okay?"
"No problem."
"You sure you'll be okay here... until your ride comes?"
"Yeah. I'll be just fine. My wife's picking me up in a few minutes."
"I could wait."
"Nah, go ahead on."
"Okay. See ya."
Darcy had already taken his seat on the passenger side when Elizabeth approached the car. She got in and closed the door, he turned to her with glassy dazed eyes, then turned back to look straight ahead. She took off down the dark road in her customized Mustang GT. For the first half-hour, the only sound in the car was a heavy-labored breathing, drooling and slurping, coming from her dog in the back seat; she decided to turn on the radio for the rest of the drive.
As she parked the car and got out, Elizabeth noticed that Darcy had not even attempted to do the same.
She pulled his door open and leaned down to whisper. "Everything'll be just fine. Trust me?"
Darcy nodded his head and after a few moments got out, walked onto the porch and stood at the door. Elizabeth felt a pang of sadness for him; he had no one. She unlocked the door, took his arm and guided him upstairs to his room, where he promptly laid on the still-made bed. She closed the door quietly, went downstairs and out the door to retrieve their luggage.
The house was too quiet. Elizabeth was used to it, but not in this way. It was an eerie sort of quiet; a disquiet. In the brief moments that Elizabeth and Darcy shared together in this life, she thought of complete and polar opposites. Stiffness and awkwardness before the Bingleys' wedding and heartfelt delight during it. Harsh words and rudeness at their anniversary. Indignation and haughtiness at the Dojo. Embarrassment and vexation at both the formal celebration and at Charlotte's promotion party. Deep-seated anger and disgust at all those meetings in between. Yet, incomprehensible fear today.
The ringing of her cellular phone awakened Elizabeth from her quiet contemplation.
"Hello?"
Subconsciously, Elizabeth changed her answering remark; 'Who died?' just did not seem appropriate under the present circumstances.
"Lizzy, it's your father," he whispered. "We heard..."
Elizabeth sucked in her breath. "I'm all right, Papa. It's dangerous for you to call me right now. Call Charlotte. I love you." She hung up quickly so that the call could not be traced.
Elizabeth was restless. She suddenly realized that, other than Charlotte, she did not have anyone to share this torment with either; she reached down to scratch behind her dog's ear. It would be a test of wills to be in this house, walking on tiptoes around Darcy. She did not know his make-up and could readily believe that after the initial shock wore off, he might just crack. To keep herself busy, she cleaned up what she did not have time to clean up before she left.
At length, Elizabeth made tea and sandwiches. He probably hasn't eaten since this morning. She quietly opened his bedroom door and placed the tray on the nightstand beside the bed. He lay, just as she left him. All the sadness came flooding back to her and she was tempted to stroke his hair and comfort him, but she was uncertain as to what his reaction would be. Instead, she leaned over to quietly wake him.
"I'm not sleep," he said barely above a whisper.
"Oh!" she startled. "I, I brought you something to eat and drink."
"Thank you," he mumbled as he rolled over and sat up along the edge of the bed.
She left him to his meal.
Chapter 13 - Secret Hideaway
Thursday, November 26, 1998 (Thanksgiving Day or Day 1)
Around 3:00 a.m., her cell phone rang again.
"Hello?"
"It's Char, Lizzy..."
"Hi. Did my father call you?"
"Yes. I told him that you were safe and not to worry."
"Thanks. What's being said?"
"The press believes Will's in critical condition and well-guarded in a private suite."
"What about the kidnappers? Have they..."
"Nope. We haven't heard a thing. Do you suppose this could be another plot?"
"I'm not sure. But tomorrow, if he's feeling better, I'll ask him about it."
"Do you need anything?"
"Just something to occupy my restless mind. I'm not going to get much sleep tonight."
"How is he? Denny said he was darn near comatose on the drive over."
"That just about sums it up. He's only said 5 words to me all evening... I hope he's asleep, or at least trying."
"All will be well, Lizzy."
"I hope so, Char. I hope so."
Elizabeth had fallen asleep at the kitchen table. It was a troubled sleep, so the quiet footsteps on the wooden floor, the faint tinkling of keys, and the front door and screen door opening and closing, were only background noise in her unsettled state. However, the ferocious barking of her dog and the blaring sounds from her car alarm a few moments later, startled her into action. She recovered her bearings and raced out the front door only to find Darcy feverishly beating the steering wheel of the stalled car and her howling dog sprawled across the hood and windshield of it.
Elizabeth laughed to herself, then after whistling for her rather large dog; she rushed to the car. After composing her features, she tapped on the window, startling Darcy. He sighed frustratingly, threw up his hands, and opened the door.
"I see you can't drive a stick," she stated calmly as she reached over him to withdraw the key from the ignition.
Darcy mumbled some curse words under his breath, but Elizabeth paid no mind to it. Late last night, she decided that 'kid-gloves' would be the course of treatment towards Darcy for as long as they stayed together in the house.
"I can't stay here!" He trembled with quiet rage and shook his head. "I can't!"
"You're here for your protection. Mine too," she whispered as she leaned back out the door. Elizabeth disarmed the alarm then squatted beside Darcy. "I know this is going to be hard for you." She wanted to stroke an errant dark curl from his forehead, but instead concentrated on the task ahead of her. "But understand that the only way we're going to catch these creeps is to let them think you're indisposed. So, let 'em get lazy, then they're mine."
Darcy looked upon Elizabeth with an almost stern demeanor, betrayed only by the deepest anguish in his eyes. Eyes so coal black, they were almost purple. She grasped tightly to both the car door and the doorjamb, as their gazes locked. It was as though he could see right through her and that she could see to depths of his very soul; it was powerful, mesmerizing, gripping, and sad, all at the same time. Neither spoke for the longest of minutes.
As Elizabeth's knees were beginning to quake and quiver, it awakened her from her engrossed state of mind and she looked away from his stare. She abruptly stood up. "How about some breakfast?" Then she walked back toward the house.
A single tear fell from his eye; he quickly wiped it away, in case she turned around. After a few moments, Darcy gathered his conflicting thoughts and returned to the house. Instead of joining her in the kitchen, he went back to his room to stay for the rest of the day.
Elizabeth spent Thanksgiving Day, basically all alone. Other than that phone call from Charlotte, no other human contact. In this full day of quiet, she could only try to unscramble the mush that were her thoughts. As much as she tried not to, she thought of Darcy: the helplessness and hopelessness in his eyes, his trembling voice, the scent of him, his distorted breathing in her ear as she leaned over him, his being here in this house alone with her, and her previous but forever-present daydreams of him.
Friday, November 27, 1998 (Day 2)
Elizabeth was in the kitchen, looking through the refrigerator, trying to decide on what to make.
Darcy stood in the doorway watching her. Well actually, the dog stopped him at the door, but Darcy's eyes stayed on Elizabeth. His thoughts were contained as he walked down the stairs, or so he thought, but seeing Elizabeth in thoughtful contemplation while leaning in the door of the appliance, brought back some of his previous conflicting emotions. Emotions and feelings that yesterday, he tried desperately to bury. He thought back to the wedding and how she had taken care of his sister and how he barely recognized her efforts. And later how Georgiana tried to emulate her. He bristled every time he thought about their first encounter and subsequent strained exchanges, but those battles made him think about her a little more than he wished, although he was loathe to admit them to anyone, including himself. He sighed as he thought of his reaction during some of those encounters, and just as quickly pushed them away. But when she leaned across him in the car, and her long ebony tresses lightly touched his bare arms and chin, he felt he might bury himself in its softness for the comfort he desperately needed and knew he would find there. He was definitely not prepared for all of this! Being with her in so close a proximity, living with her, seeing her every waking moment. This was disturbing!
He shook his head to dismiss such thoughts and regain his self-control. I should be thinking about Gina! "Can I help?"
She startled. "Can you cook?"
He started to walk toward her, but the dog growled and he smiled slightly, but remained frozen in position. "Enough to live on my own."
"Sit!" she exclaimed, making Darcy jump to attention and almost obey her command. "Well, good!" Elizabeth took the tray he was carrying and placed it on the table. "What should we make?"
"What do you have?"
"Everything."
"Everything?" he raised an eyebrow and walked, quietly, a little further into the room; the dog bared its teeth.
"Well, almost everything. I was just down here 3 days ago."
"So this is your place?"
"Yes," she answered suspiciously. "Why? Is there something wrong with it?"
"No. It's nice," he tried to smile.
"Another compliment?"
He noticed a faint sparkle in her eyes and quickly looked away.
Elizabeth closed the refrigerator door. "Well, since you can cook, I'll just run up stairs and take a shower while you prepare the meal."
She left the room without giving him the opportunity to respond; the dog remained on guard of the kitchen.
They ate in relative silence, except for the episodic low growl accompanied with gnashing of teeth.
"What is that?" Darcy asked and nodded toward the dog, sitting at her feet.
"A dog." Elizabeth hid her mirth, but her eyes betrayed her amusement.
He rolled his eyes but included a small smile. "I meant what kind of dog is that?"
"Part Doberman, part Mastiff."
"Ah." He looked again at the dog; it had the dark coloring of a Doberman, but taller, heavier, more muscular with a very large head and dagger-like teeth. The teeth that he was almost intimately acquainted with yesterday morning. "What do you call him-her?"
"Her. Bud."
"Bud?"
"Bud. Butt-ugly dog."
Darcy nearly choked on his food, and took a few moments to venture anything else. "She hates me."
"Who Bud? Nah! She doesn't hate anybody... However, if you try that stunt again, she might just change her mind." Darcy merely stared at Elizabeth. Elizabeth got up, so did the dog. "Come on, let me introduce you, formally."
Darcy immediately scooted out of his chair. "Uh..."
"No sudden movements," she said calmly and grabbed Bud's collar. Darcy inhaled heavily. "Stand still," she advised as she moved closer toward him. "Now let her sniff your hand."
Darcy, still holding his breath, tentatively held out his hand. Bud sniffed and tilted her head under Darcy's hand to be scratched. Darcy wisely did as he was bid.
"Didn't you have pets growing up?"
"Not really."
Elizabeth waited for him to elaborate, but he did not. She went back to her seat. "Bud's gonna make sure you don't leave before your time and that no harm comes to you either."
Darcy nodded.