The Master's Child - Box Set Three

James I tap and my daughter’s voice replies. “Come in. It’s open.” Pressing the handle down with an elbow, I nudge the door open with the tray. “Good morning,” I say, injecting into my voice as much cheerfulness as I know how. “Breakfast. I thought we might eat together.” Georgie smiles from her seat at the dresser where, looking fresh and a little pink from the shower, she is brushing out her long hair. Born in my physical image, her hair as dark as mine: at least, as dark as mine used to be. Trying not to be obvious about it, I look her over. Still pale… … but the dark rings under her eyes are fading… “Hi, Dad. Yes, I’d love to have breakfast with you.” She’s smiling, but her voice is subdued. “I brought croissants and coffee. Keep it light. I thought we might have lunch together later? I reserved a table for us by the picture window in the restaurant downstairs.” “Lunch? Yes, that would be great…” That not-quite-a-smile again. Masking something… “How are you feeling now?” She sucks at a lip. Swallows. “I’m getting better. It’s just… my head… I’m a bit of a mess inside.” “I can understand that. But Georgie, you’re safe.” Her eyes well. “They were going to rape me, Dad. Takes turns at me. She was going to watch.” “But they didn’t. We reached you in time. And now, you’re safe.” Her breathing shudders and tears trickle down her cheeks. I pour from the pot. “Here, have some coffee. It’ll help.” Georgie nods vigorously and tries to smile, but her eyes still well. “Sure. Thanks.” Then, sipping at the coffee, “Who are they, Dad? Why did they pick me? Was it for a ransom? ‘Cos you’re rich?” “No, it wasn’t ransom. And…” … Christ… Where to start? Explaining this one… I sit on the edge of the bed, lay my hands on my lap… “… and it wasn’t really aimed at me either. The target was one of the other men you saw me with, the older one. He has enemies and they were trying to reach him through me, because I’m his friend. And so, through you.” She swipes hands across teary eyes. “Sounds like you have some weird friends.” Can’t argue with that… “Georgie, believe me. They don’t come weirder than this one.” “Where is he now?” “Looking for the woman behind all this. The woman you saw. Listen, Georgie. I’ll tell you all about it, but not now, while you’re still shaky. I’ll fill you in when you’re calmer. When you’re fully recovered. But what I will say again is, you are safe. There’s not just me here. We have police guards watching too. Also, we have very good reason to believe that the woman responsible is out of the country now.” She sips, then whispers. “Okay.” Another sip. Then she munches a mouthful of croissant. “Um…, Dad. That lunch you were talking about. Is it just… you and me?” Ahhh… “Yes, just you and me.” “I thought you might bring… your wife… along too. So I could meet her again.” Keeping my voice cool, “You weren’t very pleasant to Charlotte the last time you met her…” Georgie’s face falls. “… In fact, you were downright hostile. I’m not risking her being upset that way again...” My daughter bites another mouthful of her croissant, chewing and chewing, but it doesn’t seem to go down. “… Like it or not, Georgie, Charlotte is my wife. And I’m not going to introduce you again to her, and certainly not to Cara, if I can’t be certain of your good behaviour. Or at least, your good manners.” Her forehead wrinkles. “Cara? Who’s Cara?” Oh, for f**k’s sake… “Cara is Charlotte’s daughter. My daughter…” I lean forward… “… My other daughter.” She turns away, her head drooping. “Oh, yes. I forgot.” “Really? Georgie, Cara is my child…” I extend a forefinger towards her… “… Your sister… And you’re going to have to get used to the idea…” She fidgets and looks away… “… In any case, I think the hotel is the best place for you right now. You’re comfortable here, I’m sure. This is one of the best rooms. You have everything you need, don’t you?” “Yes,” she whispers. “Dad, aren't I welcome at all in your home? I thought that… after a few days…” She bites her lip. “… Maybe?” Ah, crap… Head bowed for a moment, I consider how to deal with this… I should have thought it through before I came… … but inspiration escapes me. “It's not just my home, Georgie. You were unforgivably rude to Charlotte when we met you in that clothes store before Christmas. Alright, you fell out with me years ago. But what has Charlotte ever done to you? And our daughter? Our then, unborn daughter... How could she offend you? A grown woman?” Colour burns on Georgie’s cheeks. Her shoulders hunch… “… I cannot simply bring you into our home. It’s not fair on anyone else.” Her mouth opens, as though in protest… “Mom…” “... Your mother is nothing to do with it. I'd been separated from your mother ten years before I met Charlotte.” She lifts her head, but her eyes slide past me. “She wants you back, Dad.” “Georgie, your mother wants my wallet back. And my bank account. It’s not going to happen. That horse rode long ago.” She nods slowly, then finishing off her coffee, takes a breath. Looking around the room, her voice brighter, “You know, I never saw you as a hotel owner.” Back in the comfort zone? “I’m not. The hotel’s not mine. It, and the spa, belong to Michael.” “Michael?” “The blond man I was with when we found you.” “Oh…” Her gaze goes ‘faraway’. “He’s a friend of yours too, then? He’s very good-looking isn’t he…” For the first time something like a smile ghosts at her lips. “… Is he… um… available?” Fuck… “Michael is married.” “Oh.” She pulls a face, rocks her head. “Bound to be spoken for, I suppose. A guy that looks like that… Dad, please...” She gives me a pleading look… “… I’d like to make it up to your wife. Apologise to her. Don’t you think…” “I’ll see what I can do.” But I have no idea where to start. ***** Dear Klempner Larry, I wanted to drop you a couple of lines to apologise for my behaviour the last time we met. I would like you to know that I regret my words to you and if I could take them back, I would. I understand your reasons for leaving without saying goodbye but I wish it had been otherwise. I would have liked the opportunity to apologise face to face. Despite our past differences, for reasons we both understand well, I have come to regard you as a friend and I trust that can remain so. You might like to know that Mitch was very pleased, delighted, overcome when she received your delivery. I think it is fair to say that she is looking forward to your return. In any case, I promised her I would let you know that she is wearing the ring. Charlotte is well, as is Cara Deanna. When Cara cries, Charlotte is telling her not to be scared of the monsters. Grandad K will come and eat them. I trust that your hunt for Juliana Diaz is progressing successfully. Baxter is, I am told, a wreck of a man. The doctors tried to save his hands but could do little. After Juliana’s attentions, there was too little left to repair. I understand that amputation is proposed but that Baxter is resisting that. If he refuses for too long, necrosis will kill him. If there is any way in which we can assist you, do not hesitate to get in touch. I would appreciate a reply to this message, however brief, even if just to confirm you have received it. Best Regards, James ***** I detest writing personal letters. I never know what to say. I’m articulate enough face-to-face, but when faced with penning a simple message, my eloquence founders. Is that enough? I re-read my words. Probably… It’s not as though he’s given to idle chit-chat himself… I hit Send. *****