It should’ve been easy; it wasn’t.
***
Hannah and Vera were dressed and ready early and waited for their departure time. The helicopter would arrive that would carry them and their entourage to Glastonbury, though they themselves had no idea where they were going. All the ladies in residence assured the intendeds that they would love their surprises; Hannah was anxious about the plural of “surprise”. She could tolerate a surprise; multiple surprises were unsettling.
“Stop being such a control freak,” Vera said. “Let our new family do this for us. Sit back and relax. Enjoy the ride.”
She tried but no matter the effort, she was still a tangle of nerves.
The crew left the Manor and within a reasonably short space of time had landed on the grounds of Glastonbury Abbey. The place was deserted for a Saturday, something that hadn’t happened since the War. Tourists with tours and seminars had been informed and disappointed; the facility would make it up to them with a special nighttime admission and special guests. It would be memorable and worth the minor inconvenience. Most were OK with the explanation; some were not.
Those who came to the Abbey anyway to make a point found young men in suits with sophisticated communication devices and side arms. Police were visible and in evidence; whatever was going on was serious and private. Speculation in town was that top government officials were onsite giving foreign dignitaries a private tour.
Some said it was one rock star or another; others speculated that American movie stars were involved. No matter the cause, security was ultra-tight, and nobody was allowed anywhere near the event. Only James and Edward knew the entirety of the details; even Raoul was kept in the dark. Vera was too influential with him and everyone other than him knew it.
Vera on the other hand reveled in the secrecy and the ability of James to manage the family; mostly she was amazed that Hannah could get nothing out of him. James was strong and steely and on a mission. If this was how he had been in the military, he was everything she knew him to be, and more. Men like him were rare in her estimation; he was powerful, quiet and a tower of strength. And a good guy with endearing instincts. No wonder Doris had fallen in love with him so fast, and so hard. Had Vera fancied any man at all, James was the type she would’ve chosen. This was not “cheating” on Raoul; the brothers were equally attractive. But Raoul was devastatingly handsome and the boyfriend you took home to meet your mom and dad; James was the bad boy you kept all to yourself. He was the man you knew better than to love, who might break your heart with a casual slight, but for whom the chemistry was just too overpowering.
The Pennington girls had chosen well and both Doris and Penny knew they had hit the jackpot. But it was the men who knew they were the fortunate ones. They were devoted to their women and happy every day that their lives and fortunes had turned around. They were not alone; they would never again be alone.
When the entourage arrived, the Nave of the Abbey Church was already set up, with the honor guard in full dress uniform. Permission to wear active duty uniforms had to be given by the SAS; that had been a pain, but one phone call from the right guy had paved the way forward.
They were taken to a large tent and asked to await further guests. Hannah and Vera had chosen a hippie “flower power” theme for their wedding and their hippy dress reflected that theme well. They were beautiful; radiant to all who caught a glimpse. They were young and happy, the flower of American youth. The tabloids would’ve had a field day if they had been allowed to attend.
The dais which would’ve been the altar, had the Church not been a ruin, was prepped and ready. Music for the occasion was provide by a string quartet; two violins, a cello and a viola. The music was lyrical and romantic; the mood set for the wedding was appropriate to the wishes of the intendeds, though they had no say in the planning.
Whatever anxiety Hannah had felt evaporated upon their arrival at the Abbey. Her eyes became as big as saucers and she immediately understood that this day would be equal to the love she felt for Vera. It was like a birthday party at age seven with a mountain of presents to open and all your family and friends around.
But she couldn’t relax; she was too excited. Still more surprises were yet to unfold.
Chapter 12
First of the guests to arrive by military helicopter was an old friend of Edward’s, the man who had been imposed upon to return to England. When he stepped off the transport, he was immediately recognized by all in attendance. The SAS lads snapped to attention. They had never before been anywhere near him, and he had been their leader, and the Prime Minister during the time they served. Their respect and admiration for him was immense; he was a well-known favorite of the Americans too. He had cemented the “special relationship” between the US and Great Britain and his reputation internationally was without peer.
He approached his men, first calling them to attention for inspection. They snapped to.
He approached one of the soldiers, noting the snug fit of his uniform. “Shrunk, did it? Still as fit as they day you mustered out?”
“Yes sir. I mean I may have increased in girth over time but…”
“No need, soldier. No need to explain. At ease, everyone, no formalities today. Gather round.”
The men gathered around the ex-politician and were all smiles. They were both shocked and pleased that he was here to officiate, which is what they presumed his role to be.
“Where are James and Raoul Bentley? he asked.
“In the tent, sir. They’re to give the brides away.”
“Corporal, please go fetch them and the brides. In fact, please fetch everyone in the tent, ask them to break protocol and joins us here while we wait for the late arrivals.”
“Yes sir.” Corporal Wilton, a tall young man, scurried off to the tent and within minutes a long train of guests together with the brides and their male escorts were walking toward the ex-Prime Minister. The entire group now surrounded the PM, with James and Raoul in civilian suits, looking dapper and fit.
The PM looked at the two men, the brides on their arms. “May I presume that you gents are the brothers Bentley? May I ask which is which?”
James spoke first. “I’m James sir. This is my brother Raoul. We’re both honored to meet you in person, sir. Honored.”
“The honor is all mine. You both first came to my attention when I was still in office. Your story is remarkable, and your reputation precedes you. Heard what you did over there and what you did in the north. Can’t thank you enough. Sorry we couldn’t be more public with you and the honors you earned. Felt you were in danger, you know. Didn’t want to make things any worse.”
Vera looked at her men, as did Hannah. This was new information and they would likely have to pry the stories out of them later.
“What honors, if I may ask?” asked Vera. “Can you share?”
The PM looked at Vera and said, “And who might you be, if I may ask?”
“Vera. Vera Capri, sir. Thank you so much for coming. I had no idea. Now what stories, sir?”
The PM smiled, recognizing that this was her day, not his. And not the men. “Why don’t we have a private chat after the ceremony, then we can have a proper sit down. Your lovely bride can join us.”
He looked at Hannah. “You must be the serious one. I hear your intended is a handful. That true?”
Hannah laughed and said, “Oh, sir, she’s incorrigible. We do our best, but she still gets us in trouble everywhere. Not allowed to go back to visit five small nations.”
Vera looked on in consternation, “Don’t believe a word they say, sir. I’m the fun one. Along with my man Raoul. The rest are dullards. Except for my girlfriends, Doris and Penny. Where are you ladies?”
The girls had been standing just off to the side, dressed in beautiful floral prints chosen by Vera, their hair sprayed with tiny flowers.
“And together you’re the ladies of 3 Birds fame I take it? Saw the video. Quite imp
ressive. Understand you’re dating our heroes?”
“Yes sir, yes sir we are.”
“Can’t say who’s luckier, you boys or you girls, but I can say you make great couples. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, sir, thank you.”
“Now, you miss Vera.”
“Yes sir?”
“For you, and your partners in 3 Birds, I have a special letter I have been asked to deliver. He couldn’t make it today, but when he heard of your impending nuptials, he was quite piqued that an invite hadn’t been sent. On the other hand, he did mention that there was some level of top secrecy involved in your relationship, so perhaps his absence is best.”
“Is it from Peter in London?”
“Indeed, it is. Says to convey his best and that he expects to see you at the usual place at the usual time on the usual day.”
Hannah said, “Sounds racy. Care to elaborate?” Everyone there was dying of curiosity.
The PM said, “The letter is from my old friend, and current Ambassador to the Court of St. James, the honorable Peter Wellington. He’s the Ambassador to Great Britain from you Americans. Great guy, on and off the job, and I’m told, married to a … how should we say, a rather high maintenance woman. Old Long Island wealth. He married up but he’s still just a regular guy from Omaha who enjoys a cold beer, and a ball game to watch on a hot summer day. I’m told that his security team keeps an eye on his diet for the missus and his doctor regularly sells him out likewise. Peter was a broken man until he met the ownership of 3 Birds; Miss Vera and the sisters Pennington. Now they have to meet in darkened streets in the dead of night with dead drops and subterfuge.”
“Not quite, sir” said Vera. “But close. Poor man can’t get a proper jelly donut. Or the occasional beer. We decided he was a project we could help with. Doris keeps watch, Penny carries the cooler and I have the goodies. He’s a lovely man and he has been very kind to us. Haven’t seen him since the event, so I hope he’s well.”
“He is. Was given a dreadful scare. Thought you ladies had been in harm’s way. He was relieved when you turned up alive and sad again when he heard your cover story. Wanted to be here today but thought it might too dangerous for you.”
“Give him our love. Maybe we can have him over for barbeque at our secret hideout.”
“Already thought of that,” said the PM. “Seems he wants to have an official Fourth of July doo at my place in Scotland this year. Wants all of you to come up. Said he was going to try to ditch the wife and run with the fun crowd. He expects the brothers and sisters to be there. Just in case.”
“Just in case what, sir?” asked James.
“Just in case you decide it’s time to stop stalling and marry your girls. Just a thought. I’m volunteering to officiate. He’ll provide the burgers and beer.”
The crowd, including his men, were all applauding and hooting for a proposal right there on the spot.
“Well?” said the PM.
The guys looked at their girls and saw yes in their eyes. Raoul then said, “Why don’t we set the date? Fourth of July, in Scotland.”
“Is that a yes, Doris?”
“It is an emphatic yes. Yes, yes, yes!”
Raoul then asked, “Penny? Please say yes.”
Penny said, “I was thinking of asking you anyway, so yes. A definite yes!”
Vera screamed her approval and hugged her partners. Hannah couldn’t have been happier and shouted her approval too. Everyone was hugging and even the PM got caught up in the hoopla.
As the unruly crowd noise settled down, the sound of another helicopter could be heard in the distance, heading directly for the Abbey grounds.
The PM looked up. “That has to be Edward. No one makes an entrance like Edward. He may be a dodgy … something, whatever he is. But you have to admit, he has style.”
Chapter 13
The helicopter landed, and the steps rolled out. First to pop his head out, smiling like he just won the lottery, was Edward. Behind him came Edmund, Rod and Cindy. The little flower girls dropped their bouquets and sprinted as fast as their little legs could carry them in the direction of their mom and dad. Mark and Julia looked on, happy their kids had made it back home, and to this wedding safely.
Mark was standing next to the PM and was introduced by Hannah. The ex-politician then gave Julia a hug; she and her husband had new respect for Edward; that he could arrange this was incredible. That he knew the PM was insane.
What came next made Julia cry, and gave Mark a new perspective on the man he had detested for so many long years.
Next to last out of the helicopter were Hannah’s parents, Phil and Allie, followed finally by Vera’s mother, Harriet Capri. The girls dropped all pretense of formality and ran like the flower girls toward their families. Vera’s impeccable makeup was ruined and Hannah’s, always spare, was mussed.
Tears flowed, but this time they were tears of joy. The Clan St. James had enlarged once again and what had been the Eight Families had now become the Ten or Eleven Families. Or was it Twelve? Edward had lost count. When the reunion was over, and the final hugs and kisses given, it was time to settle into the ceremony, and get the gals married.
The honor guard formed up and the brides walked through the tunnel of crossed swords led by James and Raoul Bentley to the faux altar, where the PM waited, Bible and script in hand. Hannah was then given away by Phil Parker, Hannah’s father, and Vera given away by Edward, in place of her father. Vera’s father, a deeply religious and pious man, couldn’t abide the wedding of his daughter to a woman. He chose not to attend. Edward had done everything in his power, short of the coercion he had fully intended to employ, to get Seth Capri to the UK.
Vera’s mother asked him to stop his efforts. “I love my daughter and this day should be her happiest. I have met the Parkers’ and they seem lovely and loving parents who want only happiness for their child. As do I. One day I pray that Seth will realize his behavior is both ugly and foolish, accept the New Testament, and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and understand and accept His message of love and forgiveness. Until then he has his Bible Study to occupy his time. Perhaps one day he will stop just reading the words and start understanding the meaning. I pray so.”
Doris and Penny stood in as bridesmaids, their future husbands at their side.
Edward and the rest of the entourage stood silently watching as the ceremony proceeded and the vows were exchanged. Vera cried throughout the entire ceremony, while Hannah stood close holding her hand. Even the honor guard, its purpose complete and fulfilled, stood to one side, looking on.
What for the ex-SAS men had started out in conflict and discomfort had become a lesson in the meaning of love. They had witnessed a genuine outpouring of emotion and if their former PM was willing to officiate and Dr. St. James had engineered this entire affair, what complaint had any of them to the solemn events of the day?
They returned to London, their home, after the festivities. They could speak to no one of the events of the day as they had been sworn to secrecy. One day they could tell their families of their meeting with the former Prime Minister and the amazing events they had been allowed to witness. Until then, every year on the anniversary of the marriage of Miss Hannah Parker to Miss Vera Capri, they would reunite at a Pub and hoist a pint to the memory of an extraordinary day with new friends and almost family.
***
The PM was talking to Mark and Julia Eagan about the youngster who had just taken the reins of the Canadian government. “I knew his father, you know. A good man. A very good man.”
Off to the side was the old devil himself and his young apprentice, Misti. “You did good today, old man,” she said.
“How so, young pup?” He was holding her hand, watching the women in tears and the men trying in vain to find something stronger than punch to drink.
“You made a lot of people happy today. Assuming you believe in that thing called heaven, you just scored som
e mighty big points. Chances are you still might get there. I’d put at least a buck on that outcome.”
“That much?”
“Maybe fifty cents. Hard to say.”
“All my kids are married now or are in new relationships. What do I do now for Alana and Noki? They’re part of us now too.”
“Love them. Love your grandkids when they arrive. Care about them every day and keep them close in your heart. None of us need or want for anything else. Find a way to do that and you’ll always be the hero to them that you have always been to me.”
“I can do that. I’m learning how; I can do better now. You’re a wonderful woman, Misti Alarcon St. James.”
“Don’t forget your son. He still needs you. He wants your approval and respect, even if he’s a huge pain in the ass some of the time. Should remind you of someone you know intimately. Someone very special.”
“Who might that be?”
“Guess.”
Chapter 14
It had been several months since Saldana Ri had left her husband and children behind in the City. She had struggled with the issue of what to do with them; their continued survival, however, wasn’t one of the options she had considered. They were now a major inconvenience on the road to the conflagration she had hoped to construct along with her Black Shirt followers. She decided she had to dispose of them quickly and neatly, so that no evidence remained of a human husband, or a human family, that could undermine her authority and credibility as the undisputed leader of the Black Shirt Movement.
When she considered her options, she eventually settled on the most humane course of action she could imagine, given that she was a Gens of a particularly ruthless and nasty Siberian clan who held no deeply ingrained notions of what it meant to be humane. Her family would simply be disposed of as she dictated but allowed that a human team should do the deed with instructions to be quick and the deaths painless. This task could obviously never be assigned to any Gens who might be tempted to reveal the very secret the deaths were designed to conceal.
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