by Clare Revell
“Where would she go?”
“I don’t know. She doesn’t know many places. Just home, your place, and the park. Not that she knows how to get there. She’s only seven…”
“Dad’s going to keep looking. I’ll go home in case she turns up there…would she have gone to Cassie’s?”
“I don’t know. I’ll check.” He hung up and dialed Cassie.
“Hello?”
“Cassie, its Jack. Is Lara there?”
“No, why?”
“She’s missing. I waited for her to come out of school, but someone else collected her. She’s not at home or Mum’s or—“
“Have you rung the police?”
“Yes. Nate and his partner are out looking. So’s Dad. Mum’s waiting at their place in case Lara goes there.”
“That’s good…Bruce and Nate told me what’s happening with you. It’s too much of a coincidence. And the more people we have looking the better. Danny and I will close up here and go and search the park. I’ll call if I find her. What’s she wearing?”
“School uniform, her red jacket…thanks. Cass—”
“Later, Jack. Let’s just find Lara first. Then we’ll talk.”
****
Danny pulled into the parking lot. “You head to the lake, I’ll check the playground.”
“Sure. Thanks for coming with me.”
“Like you said, the more people we have searching, the faster we’ll find her.”
Cassie got out of the car and headed down the path to the lake, praying that Lara would be found. As she neared the lake, she caught sight of a small figure wearing red sitting on the bench. Moving as fast as she could she raised her voice. “Lara.”
The figure didn’t move.
Cassie ran, pain rippling through her stump.
Lara climbed onto her lap as she sat down and clung to her, sobbing hard.
“It’s all right. I’m here. I’ve got you.” She moved a hand over Lara’s back, and pulled out the phone with her other. “Jack, its Cassie. I found her.”
“Where are you? Is she all right? Is she hurt?”
“We’re at at Victoria Park Lake, by the ducks. She’s all right, just very upset. We’ll wait here for you.” She hung up and called Danny, instructing him to ring Nate.
“I thought no one would find me,” Lara sobbed.
“Of course we’d find you. There are lots of people looking for you. Daddy is, Grandad is, Danny and I are. And you know Nate from church?”
“Sergeant Nate?”
“Yes, he’s looking, too. See, lots of people are looking for you, so you wouldn’t have stayed lost for long.”
Danny ran across the grass and stood nearby, lending Cassie silent support as she talked to the little girl.
Cassie noticed he was looking around, wary and alert. Was Lara still in danger?
“Are you better? Daddy said you were sick.”
“It was just a sore throat, it’s gone now. My mum was just being cautious and made me stay in bed.”
“Daddy does that too. I’m glad you’re better.” Lara glanced up. “Why aren’t you and Daddy fwiends, anymore?”
“We’ll always be friends.”
“Don’t you love him, anymore?”
“I’ll always love your daddy. Sometimes grown-ups do or say something that they think is for the best, but it isn’t.”
“Like what?”
“It’s a bit like running away when you do something silly or bad. They stop seeing their friends because they think they’ll hurt them.”
“That’s silly.”
“It is.”
“Can I still call you Auntie Cassie?”
“Oh, sweetheart, of course you can. You and I will always be special friends, no matter what. I finished your dress. It’s in the window—just in time for the visit tomorrow.”
“Is it still mine?”
“Of course it is.”
“Lara…” Jack ran over to them.
“Daddy!” Lara jumped off Cassie’s lap and ran to her father.
Jack swung her into his arms, tears unashamedly running down his face as he held her tightly. He sat down next to Cassie, not letting go of his daughter.
“I’m sowwy, Daddy.”
“It’s all right, princess. You didn’t do anything wrong. Are you hurt?”
“I was scared...she said you didn’t want me anymore, and when she took me home you weren’t there. So she bwought me here and told me to stay. I didn’t want to, but I didn’t know how to get home.”
“You’re safe now. I always want you. You’re the most important woman in my life. My number one girl.”
“Love you, Daddy.”
“I love you back, princess.”
“I don’t want to go to school tomowwow.”
“You’re not, not tomorrow.” He looked at Cassie. “Thank you for finding her.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad she’s all right. How are you doing?”
“Better now I have her in my arms.”
“I bet.” Cassie’s phone beeped and she pulled it from her pocket. It was a picture message of the three of them sitting on the bench, with the comment “You were warned.” Cassie’s hands shook as she forwarded the message to Nate.
“Cassie, you’ve gone pale.” Danny stated. “Was that another one?”
“Yeah. We’re being watched. Jack, you should get Lara home.”
“Yeah.” Jack stood up, holding Lara firmly in his arms. “What did you mean by that statement?”
Cassie let her glance rest on Lara for a moment, then gave Jack a warning glance. “I’ll tell you later —it’s not the time or place. Just get Lara home. Maybe get the doctor to come out and check her over as well.”
He immediately caught on and nodded.
“Daddy, can we watch the woyal visit with Auntie Cassie tomowwow?”
“Sure.”
“Good. Then you two can talk and make fwiends again.”
“That’s a very good idea, Lara,” Danny said. “Jack, your daughter is older than she looks.”
“Danny…”
“Don’t you ‘Danny’ me. She’s right. You two are being children over this whole thing. It’s obvious someone is getting to the both of you and having spoken to Bruce and Nate it looks like the same person. You both need to sit down and talk this through and not let her win.”
Jack settled Lara in the car and closed her door. “Cass?”
“Not in front of Lara. She’s had enough for one day and you need to make sure she’s all right. Nate will want to talk to you both, anyway.”
“All right. We’ll talk tomorrow after the royal visit.”
“Sure. We can go back to my place and Lara can bake cookies with Mum.”
“Thank you.” Jack turned to Cassie and pulled her into a hug.
Cassie hugged him back. She cherished the warmth. She felt safe and loved, even if there would never be anything between them.
“Promise me we’ll talk tomorrow? Be open and honest with each other, about everything?”
“Sure.” She watched Jack drive off, unable to shake the feeling of being watched.
“I should get you home, too.” Danny put a hand on her shoulder. “I spoke to Nate while you and Jack were talking. They’ve got enough now to bring her in for questioning at least. Right now he wants you off the streets and inside.”
“I’m not going to argue.” Cassie looked up at her brother, managing a slight smile at the look of mock shock on his face.
“Now that’s got to be a first.”
Cassie's Wedding Dress
10
Cassie gripped her mug of morning tea, cornflakes getting soggy in the bowl as she sat riveted to the TV. Pictures of several buildings blazing fire and smoke filled the screen. Sirens blared while firefighters ran hoses and sprayed water from every possible angle. A reporter stood at a safe distance.
“The fire began in the rear of the building. It spread quickly and as you can see, it now enc
ompasses the whole block. Everyone managed to get out, and as far as we know, no one was injured. The only casualty of this disastrous fire is the royal wedding dress. No word has yet come from the palace as to what they will do. But with the wedding in three days, time is running out.”
“That’s awful,” Cassie said. “Will the visit go ahead today? Surely they have more important things to worry about now.”
“They’re just talking about it.” Danny nodded to the TV.
“One thing the palace has confirmed is that Prince Edwin and Lady Rebekah’s visit to Headley Cross today is continuing as planned. The couple are said to be looking forward to dedicating the new library and don’t want to disappoint the people who are coming out to meet them.”
“Brave woman. Not sure I’d do that if it were my dress just gone up in flames. Speaking of which…is the shop safe?”
“Relax sis, its fine. Nate rang after you fell asleep last night. They have Miss Wickham in custody. She’s not a threat to you or Jack or Lara anymore. Now you two need to talk and sort things out.”
“We’ll be doing that this afternoon after the visit.”
****
Cassie shifted from one foot to the other, standing outside the store with Jack. The streets were crowded as everyone waited to see the royal couple. The fire in London was still burning, although finally under control. Cassie glanced up at Lara. She sat happily on Jack’s shoulders, waving her union flag and practicing her cheering. “She’s having fun up there. Thank you for letting her come. I wasn’t sure you’d want her out today.”
Jack kept his hands firmly around Lara’s ankles. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She’s not the only one having fun. I don’t know about you, but I have never seen royalty up close before. And it’s not like she’s out of my sight.”
“Yeah. How did the school take you not sending her today?”
“They understood. I told them she’d go back after the holidays which start tomorrow, anyway. Although I’m tempted to find her a new school.”
“They won’t make the same mistake twice, Jack. In fact, security will be tighter now than before.”
“They’re coming! I can see the car!” Lara squealed.
“Keep still,” Jack laughed. “Or you’ll fall off.”
Lara concentrated on waving as police and protective service agents began moving up the street ahead of the royal couple.
It was all Cassie could do not to stifle the silly grin on her face. Butterflies filled her stomach and every nerve she possessed tingled. As much as she wished they’d stop and say hello, panic filled her at the prospect. Her voice dried in her throat, and she had no idea what to say if they did. Which they wouldn’t—would they?
“Put me down.” Lara squirmed as they got closer. “I want to give her my flowers.”
“Honey, I explained that…”
“If I don’t twy, she’ll never get them. Pwease Daddy…”
Jack lowered her to the ground.
She took the flowers from Cassie and gave her the flag.
Jack put his hands on Lara’s shoulders as she pressed against the railings holding her posy of flowers as far forward as she could.
Cassie watched as they grew closer. The prince was so much like his mother and every inch the soldier and future king. Her main impression was how solid and real they looked and so much taller than on television. They really were a striking couple.
Lady Rebekah spotted Lara hanging over the railing and moved over to her. She smiled. “Hello.”
Lara held out the flowers. “These are for you.”
“Thank you. They’re pretty.” Lady Rebekah took them and smiled.
“I’m sowwy your dwess got burned.”
Cassie noticed the prince put a hand on his fiancée’s shoulder.
The protection officers in their dark suits and shades moved closer.
“So am I,” Lady Rebekah replied.
“Will you get a new one?”
“I hope so. Otherwise I’ll be getting married in this one.”
“You should see the dwess Auntie Cassie made. It’s weally pwetty. She made it to celebwate your wedding.” She pointed behind her. “Do you want to come and see?”
Lady Rebekah looked at the store front and then looked at the prince.
They spoke quietly for a moment before the prince turned and spoke to the security officers.
“I’d like that, but you’ll need to show the police officers first.” Lady Rebekah smiled at Lara. “Is that OK?”
“Sure.” Lara nodded. “It’s wight over there.”
“We’ll be back after we’ve been to the library.” The prince smiled at her.
Cassie looked at Jack, the amazement filling her mirrored in the look on his face. Was this really happening? Maybe she was dreaming.
“Is this real?” Jack asked.
OK, that did it. People in her dreams didn’t ask that kind of question. Oh, Lord, don’t let me mess this up. Showing her is more than I ever imagined. Don’t let me be too tongue-tied. “I think so.”
Lara slid her hand into Jack’s as the protection officers vaulted over the fence. The tall officer towered over her. “Where’s your mummy?”
“I don’t have a mummy. This is my Daddy, but it’s Auntie Cassie’s dwess.”
“That’s me. Cassie Hinton.” Cassie took a deep breath.
“The jockey?” One of the cops looked at her.
“I used to be.”
“Will you come with us, ma’am, sir?”
Cassie walked with them, past the gawking onlookers, into the store.
“Hey. How was the—” Danny looked up, his eyes widening and jaw dropping as several men in black escorted the others in. “Cassie? What have you done, now?”
“Lady Webekah wants to see the dwess.” Lara ran over to him.
“Seriously?” Danny looked from her to Cassie.
“Danny…” Cassie sighed. Now wasn’t the time for his sense of humor. “Just close the shop and pull the blinds.”
****
Half an hour later, she, Jack, and Danny had been thoroughly checked, vetted, and the store swept for bugs, bombs, and paparazzi. It was deemed unfit as there was an alley out the back that was too hard to secure.
Cassie suggested her parent’s house and made a quick call on the protection officer’s secure phone line.
The dress was removed from the window and wrapped carefully.
They set off, via the back entrance, for Cassie’s house.
Her mother was in a flap when they arrived. “The place is a mess. I haven’t vacuumed or dusted…oh, Cassie…” Dorrie pushed her hands through her hair. “I’ve got nothing to feed them.”
“Tea and biscuits will do fine, ma’am.” The lead protection officer smiled. “They really are no different from anyone else.”
Cassie took the dress up to her bedroom, one officer watching her like a hawk. She pulled the curtains closed and laid the garment on the bed.
It was another hour before the royal couple arrived.
Overcome with nerves, which was silly, as she’d met the Queen once at the races, Cassie led Lady Rebekah to the bedroom to show her the dress.
Lara followed.
“Lara,” Jack called, getting up.
“It’s all right, let her go, too.” The prince smiled.
“She’ll be perfectly safe. I’ll see that she behaves,” Cassie said to Jack.
In the bedroom, Lady Rebekah looked at the dress, her eyes widening. “You made this yourself?” Her hand reached out to touch the fabric.
“I drew it when I was twelve, intending to wear it myself. But I never married. So when I was decorating the shop to celebrate your wedding, it seemed a good reason to finally make it.”
“It’s lovely. What size is it?”
“I made it to fit me, so between a twelve and fourteen.”
“Perfect. May I try it on?” Lady Rebekah’s smile widened.
“Of course.”
Twenty minutes later, Cassie led the way back to the lounge. She knew she had a stupid grin fixed on her face, but there was nothing she could do.
Lady Rebekah looked beautiful in the dress—as if it had been made for her.
“Well, love?” Prince Edwin stood as they entered the room. He smiled at Lady Rebekah.
“It’s perfect. It doesn’t need much altering at all. And a real answer to prayer.” She turned to look at Cassie. “Could I buy the dress from you? I know it’s yours, but I would like to wear it when I marry Edwin on Friday. There simply isn’t time to have a replacement one made and although Mum offered hers, I would rather my wedding dress be my something new, rather than something old.”
“I…I…” she stuttered. Cassie heard the gasps from around the room. Her cheeks burned. Was this really happening? My dress? My dress is going to be the royal wedding dress?
“How much would you want for it?”
“It only cost two hundred pounds to make. If you’d really like to wear it, then I’d be honored and wouldn’t want any payment for it at all…Your Highness,” she added quickly.
“That’s Edwin, not me.” Lady Rebekah’s light silver laugh broke the awkwardness. “And I don’t think it would fit him, somehow. Although, I would pay to see him in it.” She paused, then smiled at the jest.
Prince Edwin looked askance at his bride, then laughed, too.
Cassie heard titters around the room, then outright guffawing.
Lady Rebekah gave a mischievous smile.
Suddenly, Cassie saw the real person beneath the royalty.
Lady Rebekah had a sense of humor. “Two hundred really isn’t much. What is the real cost?” Lady Rebekah asked, with still twinkling eyes.
“Two hundred is what I spent on fabric and the accessories.” Cassie looked at Danny and then back at Lady Rebekah. “But if you really want it, then it’s yours. I can’t charge you.”
“Hmmm.” Lady Rebekah looked at Prince Edwin.
Cassie marveled at the silent communication they had between them.
“All right. Then how about this? I will pay you cost price for the dress and another three hundred for the time you need to spend altering and fitting it before Friday. That includes coming to London for the wedding itself—to put the final stitch in at the doors of the Abbey. Mum insists I should uphold that tradition, but I’m not sure I want to with the world’s media watching. I will donate the rest of what I would pay for a dress to any charity you wish to name.”
