Once, and For All

by Kendra G. Johnson

  Since Carter was the only person not staying under Mrs. Gage’s roof, they all gathered in the rotunda to see him off. Mrs. Gage offered him a room.

  “John, you might as well come stay here until we leave for London. It will make it much more conducive to our work.” The others murmured their agreement.

  This meant more to Carter than he could express. He paused to ensure he had his emotions in check. “That has merit, Gabrielle. I will consider it. Good night, all.”

  Jake closed the door behind Carter and turned to the group. “I think he is starting to like us.”

  Everyone laughed.

  * * * *

  Andy and Judy flew home to be with her parents for what was left of the holiday break. They were amazed at her new adventure and marveled at the change in their girl, from driven and sometimes sullen young woman to happily married and now a jet setting actress. Andy loved to spend time with Judy’s parents. It was so cozy and normal and middle America. He had only known politics, greed, and getting a step up at the expense of someone else. He thought his father died just to get away from his mother. Judy asked him earlier if he should spend time with his mother at Christmas. His only response was, “Probably.” She remembered what Kenann said and left it at that.

  The rest of the group decided to share their Christmas together. It struck Judy as she packed to leave that morning how isolated they had all been before coming together. Jake and Danny Mac had only had the church for family; Kenann and Granny had each other. Who knew about Carter? Personally, she still thought he had been hatched.

  Andy had his work. She really had no one as long as she kept herself so shut down. Angelo was certainly adrift before he came to them. She didn’t often pray. Not because she did not believe. Maybe she had gotten out of the habit through her years of bitterness. But today she prayed and thanked God for bringing them all together, and asked him to guide and protect them on the adventure ahead.

  * * * *

  Despite the lavish surroundings, Christmas at Mrs. Gage’s house was very subdued. By mutual consent the adults agreed to forgo gifts. Blade was a different story. Knowing he could not travel with extra paraphernalia, he was gifted with cool clothes and games for his handheld device. They had a wonderful time together sitting by the fire, describing stories from their childhoods. Angelo had quite a different experience in Bulgaria than did Moira in Ireland. Danny Mac had spent his childhood in an orphanage, so he mostly listened. Mrs. Gage, being her enigmatic self, was quiet as well. Jake appalled them with the story about tying a boy on his sled and sending him down the hill because he would not share the only store-bought sled in the group. The boy hit the frozen lake but broke through the ice. They raced down the hill knowing they had killed him. They managed to get him out and revive him. Jake grinned ruefully but turned to Blade and said, “Don’t you ever do anything like that.”

  Carter kept his own council as well. He had gone to military schools for most of his youth. His parents did not know what to do with him. He was always fighting and getting kicked out of public schools. His sister was the perfect one and, to this day, the only one invited home for family gatherings. His mother would scold him and say, of course, he was welcome, but he was never invited. There was a difference in his book. Oh, well, didn’t matter.

  As they all rose to retire, Danny Mac held Kenann back and said, “Let’s enjoy the fire for a while longer.”

  They wished the others good night and settled on the couch together. Kenann nestled herself against him. His arms surrounded her, bringing her even closer, stroking her upper arm. They chatted about the earlier conversations and pondered things about their group. Well, Kenann chatted and Danny Mac listened. He simply enjoyed the sound of her voice and the low chuckle that started deep in her throat. Her voice always had a rhythm and a flow that he found soothing.

  “Merry Christmas, sweetheart,” Kenann said at last. “You will get your gift in our room.”

  His wicked laugh had her looking up.

  “No, you dirty-minded boy. It is a real gift.”

  He laughed again but with less lechery. “I have yours up there, too.”

  “This is our first Christmas. Is it all you wished for?” Kenann asked.

  “Yep.”

  “That’s it? Yep?”

  “Yep. I have you.”

  “Oh, good answer, MacKenzie. Good answer.”

  He shoved her down on the couch and covered her with his body.

  “Danny Mac, someone might come in.”

  “This is just the warm up. The real show comes later.”

  She giggled as he began nuzzling her neck. And then sighed as he got serious.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  They were all buckled in and heading to London. They had decided to fly commercial. There was no real need for private transport at this juncture. The play’s accoutrement was being shipped separately along with Rough, who Mrs. Gage ensured would be allowed to roam the cabin with the workers. The she-devil’s man was among the group and had continued his friendship with Rough during the flight.

  The entourage entered the airport and were completely unaware of the stir they caused just by moving as a group. They laughed and teased and helped each other in a way that brought a smile to everyone who watched them. They were obviously together and a tight-knit unit. People were drawn to their energy and laughter.

  It was no different when they were settled in their respective seats. Snacks were passed back and forth. Pillows, too.

  “Where are my earphones?”

  “Front pocket of your backpack,” came a reply from the next row.

  Mrs. Gage leaned over Jake to Carter. “Are you sure we should not have made other arrangements? I’m afraid we may disturb the natives.”

  Carter laughed as he leaned his seat back, to the annoyance of the man behind him. “Let them eat cake.”

  * * * *

  The woman sitting near the back of the plane had barely gotten tickets for this flight. She had placed herself on stand-by status and at the last minute was allowed on. This required only carry-on luggage, but this was inconsequential in light of her need to follow this group to London. She kept her sunglasses on as they boarded.

  * * * *

  Kenann and Judy had bets on the digs that Mrs. G. would come up with in England. Judy was betting country estate. Kenann had dibs on a castle. Both were wrong.

  Carter had made these arrangements under protest of Mrs. Gage. He had arranged to house his “troupe” in a street of cottages reminiscent of the Cotswolds. While very quaint on the outside with their small front gardens, rock-lined walkways, and vine-covered walls, the insides left much to be desired. Small, cramped rooms and antiquated, inadequate bathrooms were the norm. They were all tired from their journey and the infectious laughter at the beginning of their journey had deteriorated into ill-tempered grumbling.

  Mrs. Gage looked at Carter as he led her to her respective cottage. “Really? John, I am no prima donna, but really?”

  “It looked really nice on the Internet.”

  She almost bellowed. She never bellowed. “You booked our lodgings on the INTERNET?”

  He felt like a child again, being scolded for spilling his milk. “I was trying to be helpful.”

  Mrs. Gage stopped the tirade that she had started to unleash and softened her tone. “I appreciate that, John. But can we agree from now on that I am in charge of accommodations?”

  He dropped his head and muttered, “All right.”

  Still being daytime even though their bodies were screaming “middle of the night,” the members of the group had congregated in the narrow street in front of their cottages. Mrs. Gage, sensing an insurrection, went to them.

  “Let’s all go in and nap for say, four hours?” she said. “That will bring us to dinnertime. Then I will have a driver come get us.”

  The group breathed a collective sigh of relief. All except the Marines. They were used to bedding down in mud and mire. It made no diff
erence to them, but whatever kept the ladies happy was best for all concerned, and they had learned the advantage of a strategic retreat. Carter had never been married, but he was learning.

  * * * *

  Mrs. Gage had made some quick phone calls before indulging in her own siesta. As promised, a limousine service arrived to take them with their luggage to a new location. If Carter was seen to be sulking, no one commented.

  They were pleasantly surprised by Mrs. Gage, as usual, when the limousine van pulled up in front of the Sofitel Hotel in St. James Square. They were even more surprised to learn their rooms were all together on the same floor. Mrs. Gage had been heard to tell Jake that she did not have time to open one of her country homes (Judy punched Kenann in the ribs), so this would have to do. But this would put them close to the theatre for their performances. She was also heard to say she would be in charge of all accommodations from now on—to everyone’s relief.

  They freshened up in their rooms and met in the lobby to dine in the hotel restaurant. It was a beautiful place and the sound of harp music soothed them from their long day. Carter had recovered from his pique and thanked Mrs. Gage for saving the situation.

  “We all have our strengths, John,” was her only reply.

  The group occupied three tables, with Mrs. Gage insisting on leaving their fourth chair free between Carter and Jake. They soon discovered why. Bridget came to the entrance of the restaurant, scanning the crowd. Carter saw her the same time as Mrs. Gage. He did not take his eyes from the woman as he said, “You are a meddling vixen.”

  Mrs. Gage laughed and waved her hand to get Bridget’s attention. She moved toward them with catlike grace as she navigated the tables. Carter stood and pulled out her seat.

  “John,” she said, nodding.

  “Bridget.”

  She turned in her seat and waved at the others in the entourage and blew a kiss to Mrs. Gage across the table while patting Jake’s hand beside her. “Thank you so much, Gabby, for inviting me to dinner.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  Carter inquired, “Were you in town or were you summoned?”

  “I was summoned but not by whom you imagine.”

  He raised an eyebrow, and then it hit him. “No!”

  She only smiled. “I have been tasked with keeping you in line. You have yet to return to favor, my dear.”

  “But he agreed to my plan?”

  “And then called me.”

  Carter sulked while Bridget and Gabby caught up. Jake enjoyed Carter’s discomfort. Bridget informed the others that Pinky would not be joining them. Her husband had discovered her secret life. He could not get past her duplicity, so he was divorcing her and leaving her penniless. She was devastated and sulking in some remote location. Bridget had pleaded with her for years to stop the lies to the person whom she had vowed to love and honor. She had little patience for her tears now.

  * * * *

  The duke and duchess were again in attendance at the opening night of their London premiere. And to the absolute terror of the cast, so was the queen. Carter kept conspicuously to the shadows when he learned she was in attendance. The laughter of the monarch made the next morning headlines.

  As in America, the British audience loved the play. It was an instant success and suddenly the actors were in the spotlight. Thankfully, Mrs. Gage did most of the interviews and was well rehearsed on the back story of why she had embarked on this theatrical endeavor. Kenann was a little annoyed at the attention Danny Mac was receiving from some very beautiful women, but he was also very skilled in private moments, reassuring her that she was the only woman in his life. She took great solace (and pleasure) that she was the sole beneficiary of what these women desired.

  Their latest council of war consisted of how to deal with the sudden notoriety. Mrs. Gage reminded them, saying, “All the world is a stage and we are merely players.”

  Kenann spoke up. “I am so glad we have each other and our time together. I need to be real at least part of the time.”

  “Exactly, my dear. And we must lean on each other for support. We are fortunate in that regard,” Mrs. Gage replied.

  Blade raised his hand. Mrs. Gage smiled and nodded to him.

  “When do I get to do something?”

  “When you least expect it.”

  “Huh?”

  “Soon, dear. Very soon.”

  Danny Mac said, “I am having a time of worship at 3:00 this afternoon in our suite for anyone who would like to attend.”

  Granny James shook her head. “Oh my, is it the Lord’s day? I can’t keep track anymore.”

  Danny Mac smiled at her. “We have been a bit busy. But it will be good to stop and worship.”

  Granny returned his smile. “Yes, indeed.”

  Carter was always uncomfortable with talk of God, so he cleared his throat and changed the subject. “I have received word that there is a meeting of some wealthy petroleum magnates here beginning Monday.”

  Jake asked, “Any ties to terrorists?”

  Carter responded, “Hard to say, but there are suspicions.”

  Judy joined in. “How do we get close to them?”

  Carter smiled. “Well, that is where your husband comes in handy. Ole Handy Andy.” He laughed at his own joke. He was the only one. Andy looked pained.

  All eyes turned to him.

  “My mother,” Andy said, his words dripping with sarcasm, “has contacted one of them and arranged for me to meet with him.”

  Judy offered, “That’s good, isn’t it?”

  He smiled at her and his whole face softened. Oh, he loved her so. She was nothing like his mother, who only wanted to use him for her own devices. Judy actually wanted him to be happy. “Yes, it suits our purposes nicely. But she simply wants me to feather her nest and the nest of her international holdings.”

  Mrs. Gage joined in. Her voice was slightly softer than usual. Jake and Moira exchanged glances. They loved the way she could calm troubled waters with just a word.

  “Despite the intent of your mother, you have an opportunity. And we are grateful for that. You are able to use your connections for the greater good. We love you, Andrew.”

  He blinked. How did she know that was what he had longed to hear from his own mother? He smiled back at her with renewed resolve. “You are right, Mrs. G. Judy and I are going to knock their socks off.”

  “Me?” Judy protested.

  “Yes, silly. You don’t think I am going into that lion’s den without my best weapon, do you?”

  “Weapon?”

  “Yes. One look at you in that black dress and they will tell me anything I want to know.”

  Everyone laughed. Except Judy. She looked a little green around the edges.

  Granny reached over, patting her hand, and whispered, “You will be fine, sweetheart.”

  * * * *

  Kenann took Judy by the shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Here, let me have a look at you.” She then took Judy by the hand and pulled her to the full-length mirror on the wall in her suite. Kenann beamed at Judy’s reflection. Judy still looked like a cornered rabbit. Kenann turned her to face her again. “Jude, look at me.” When their eyes met, she made a motion with one of her hands circling Judy’s face. “You’ve got this, girlfriend. Now, let’s get your game face on. Where is that ice princess I know is in there? You did great at that party in D.C.”

  Judy blew out a breath. “But that was mingling. Not table talk. Not me in the spotlight!” She sighed. “Oh, you’re right. You’re right. Okay.”

  She made herself go to that place deep within that was hard as nails. Kenann saw it as soon as she was there.

  “That’s my girl.” She turned Judy back to the mirror. “Now look at yourself in that killer black dress.”

  Judy turned and, with clear calculation, saw a sultry, sexy woman. Long legs, spike heels, blond hair sleek and coiffed. “Whew, okay. Now give me a buzz word so I can keep myself in this frame of mind.”

&n
bsp; “Well, ice, of course. Just think, ‘I have ice in my veins.’”

  “Ice in my veins, got it.”

  Andy knocked on the door even though it was his suite. He knew Kenann was working with Judy. They called out at the same time for him to come in. Andy stopped in his tracks. She always stunned him, but when she was dressed like this, she simply slayed him. He grinned and gave a slow, deep wolf whistle. Judy grinned back.

  Kenann interrupted their silent communication. “Hey, Jude, show him the look.”

  Judy did and Andy stepped back. “Whoa. I hope that is not aimed at me.”

  Judy laughed. “No, silly, this is so I can feel in control and drop any lecherous old man who decides to make a pass.”

  “You just point him out to me and I’ll drop him myself.”

  Judy was feeling better. She would make this an adventure and have some fun. She had been given her assignment of whom to target for information. Andy had the same list. Between the two of them, hopefully they would be able to glean some good nuggets of intel.

  Not wanting to draw attention, everyone made their way in small groups to their suite to wish them well. Mrs. Gage alerted Judy that Bridget had been invited to the gathering as well. She had not told Carter, as it would tend to put him in a bad mood. The woman laughed together over this little secret.

  Mrs. Gage had secured a luxury car and a driver for their use and they left the hotel in style. Judy sat ramrod straight in the back seat, staring straight ahead. Andy leaned over and bit her earlobe. She turned to him and slapped his shoulder.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded.

  “Trying to get you to loosen up.”

  “I need to concentrate on my game face.”

  “Game face?”