Answered Prayers

Lyn Bradley

Jordan - McKeon Trilogy Part 3

Answered Prayers
Lyn Bradley

Free Edition from www.obooko.com

Copyright 2008 Lyn Bradley
Published by the author. Distributed worldwide by obooko
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author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher.

For Mark who gives me direction.

Answered Prayers

Chapter 1
It was a beautiful Wednesday afternoon in the middle of
June.
She was sitting in the big leather chair looking out of the
office window across the bay. She could see one of the tourist
boats, coming back from its trip to the grim island prison of
Alcatraz. She let her mind drift back to the first time she had
come to the city. It all seemed two lifetimes away now. Her
father had asked her to come to San Francisco to open a new
office for him. In the first week she was here, she had done the
whole tourist bit. Seeing all the sights, visiting the recommended
places and eating in the best restaurants. She had been like a
schoolgirl away from her parents for the first time. She had been
in awe of the city. It was unlike any other she had been to. When
she first saw the office building in which she now sat, was empty
she immediately bought it and claimed this very office as her
own. From here she could see the bay. The most awe inspiring
view was of the expanse of Golden Gate Bridge. Next to that was
the building across the square. The Jordan Security building.
She smiled as she thought of Ben sitting in his identical chair.
She had grown used to the sights and sounds of the big city and
knew she would miss it. But she also missed the tranquillity of
her real home, Millbank Hall.
Millbank, situated in northern England, was the ancestral
home of the McKeon family. Her father Earl Henry McKeon was
the Sixteenth Earl of Borders. Her mother Countess Margaret
was originally from the south of the country but had fallen under
the Millbank spell as soon as she had seen the huge house.
Almost everyone Mikie knew had fallen under the same spell.
Including Ben. It was Bens idea to live there. He had decided
that it was time to hand the business over to the children and

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take semi-retirement. Mikie remembered the smile on his face

when she agreed. The children were old enough to look after
things and she was very happy to go back to Millbank.
The eldest of the children, Kate was thirty five. Bens
daughter from a relationship he had in high school. He had
found out about her by chance two years earlier when he was in
New York on business. Abby, Kates mother, died of Motor
Neurone Disease. Ben had been very happy to discover he had a
daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren. Mikie was also
happy that Kate had been found. They were all now very much a
part of the family. Kate helped to run the charity organisations
Mikie had set up for young people. Her husband Peter, an
accountant, was now the Financial Director of Jordan/McKeon,
U.S. Division.
Mikie had brought four children of her own into the
marriage. Her son Brett and daughter Alesha were now twenty
six. They had both married the previous April.
Brett and Liz, both lawyers, were expecting their first child
in August. Brett worked for two law firms. One in San Francisco
and one in Newcastle, England. He divided his time between the
two firms and would help his parents out with any legal advice
they needed.
Alesha, or Ali as she preferred, and her husband David were
entrusted with running the San Francisco Offices of Jordan
/McKeon Enterprises. They had taken over the running of both
businesses as ducks take to water. They followed the lead of their
parents by helping each other to sort out any problems.
Mikie was extremely proud of her two eldest children. Their
father had drowned before they were born so she had brought
them up with the help of her own parents.
Her daughter Tamara was now studying Medicine at Oxford
University in England
Mikie had married Jack Stanmore a year after arriving in

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San Francisco. It was not a match made in heaven. Jack had had
a number of affairs, much to the disgust of Ben who was his
business partner and best friend. When Mikie gave birth to twins
Tamara and Greg, she thought it would make Jack settle down.
Unfortunately, Greg had been born with Downs Syndrome. This
made Jack worse. He idolised Tara but would have little to do
with Greg. This drove the wedge between Mikie and Jack to
breaking point and he left her when the twins were four years
old. Ben had tried to console her. Mikie realised that he was in
love with her but would do nothing about it as he was in a
relationship. She had returned to England to spend time at
home.
When Jack died from Cancer, Ben travelled to England to
find her. Within days, he had told her how he felt. How he had
felt since the first time he met her. Mikie also admitted her true
feelings. They married and now, even after twelve years, they
were still very much in love with each other. This fact sometimes
embarrassed Ali as they could act like a couple of love-sick
teenagers.
Just after they married, Mikie found she was pregnant and
was elated when Jessica had been born. She found motherhood,
this time, very difficult and suffered a bout of depression which
almost destroyed the happiness she had found with Ben.
Tom, their youngest son, was born two years later. There
were complications following his birth and Mikie had to undergo
an emergency hysterectomy. Ben took over looking after Tom
while she recovered. He doted on all of his children, accepting
Mikie's older children as his own without question.
Ben had helped her through Cancer. He had thought he
would lose her as she was so ill, but she came through. Mikie was
grateful that he had the strength to help her. She knew Jack
would have left her to fight on her own.
When Greg died at twelve, both Mikie and Ben were

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devastated. They still missed him now. Even after all the years
that had passed.
Ben, too, had suffered trauma. During the year earlier, he
had been kidnapped and beaten by an ex boyfriend of Mikie's.
Mikie had been frantic with worry when he did not return home
to Millbank. He lay in a coma in hospital for weeks. When he
regained consciousness he could not remember Mikie. She was
devastated.
She spent weeks trying to coax him into
remembering her. In frustration he had stormed out of the
house and went swimming in the big lake on the estate. When
Mikie found him, he had remembered her. Then just before
Christmas he collapsed with a blood clot in his brain and had to
be rushed to hospital. Apart from the odd twinge of pain he felt
in his leg, he had now made a full recovery.
"They must be worth at least a million dollars." The voice
said quietly from above her.
"Two." She looked up into his face.
Ben folded his arms on the top of the high backed leather
chair. "Thinking about me then, are you?"
"No! I was thinking B J!" She laughed.
"B J?"
"Before Jack."
"Mmm! Are you sure you can remember that far back?" He
teased.
She swung the chair round to face him. He had pulled
himself up to his six feet one inch tall and was leaning against the
edge of the desk.
"I can." She informed him. "How long have you been here?"
"About five minutes." He said. "I could see your reflection
in the window. You looked like you were lost in a world all your
own."
"I was. Is there something you want?"

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"A kiss would be nice." He grinned. "I thought we could

have some coffee together."
"Dont you have any work to do?"
"Not really. David and Ali do most of it. Ive been over the
books and everything is fine."
"Same here. I guess were not needed anymore."
"I realised that yesterday. We can safely retire to Millbank."
"You, retire? When?" She laughed.
"Sunday."
"Sunday? Why Sunday?"
"Cause thats when I booked the flight."
"Oh right. Did you? When?" she sounded disappointed.
"About an hour ago. Do you want some coffee?"
Mikie shrugged. "Sure. You could have discussed it first,
Ben."
"I thought you wanted to go home."
"I do. Its just that I might have had something planned for
next week."
"Have you?"
"Thats not the point."
"Have you?" He repeated.
"Not really, no. I just thought that we could go up to the
ranch for the weekend and then fly back to England."
Ben shrugged. "Okay. Ill cancel the seats and rearrange
them for next week sometime."
Mikie watched him pour two cups of coffee out of the jug
from the machine that sat on a table near the door. Ben gave her
a cup.
He found it impossible to read the expression on her face.
"What did I say now?" He asked.
"You infuriate me sometimes. Do you know that?"
"How?"
"By being so easy going."

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"You want me to lose my temper or sulk, just because I made

plans that you want to change?"
"Doesnt it annoy you?"
"Nothing you do annoys me." He said, honestly. "Any way,
it's just a phone call. I dont mind."
"I do."
"Why? You want to change things so thats what Ill do." He
shrugged.
She took a sip of coffee and looked at him over the top of her
glasses. "Why dont you ever tell me that plans are made and
cant be broken? Why dont you ever put yourself first?"
"Because I never make plans that cant be broken and in my
book you always come first." He smiled.
"I dont deserve you." She said, sitting on the big black sofa
next to him.
He put his arm round her. "Whats got into you?"
"Nothing. Im bored I guess."
"So what can make you un-bored?"
"If I knew the answer to that, I wouldnt be bored."
Ben sighed. "And you said Im infuriating. Youre in a very
strange mood today, darlin. I think I should take you home."
"Thats a good idea. Ill get my jacket."
She got up from the sofa and walked across the office to
where her jacket was hanging on the coat stand.
The half hour journey home took them through the centre of
the city. They lived in a big house on Canyon Drive, in one of the
most exclusive neighbourhoods in the city. Their neighbours
were lawyers, doctors and the city mayor. Theirs was the house
at the head of the cul-de-sac and they could see to the end of the
road from the attic window. Mikie had bought the house after
she had split up from Jack, who hated it. Just as he disliked
Millbank. He tolerated it so he could see Tara. Ben, on the other
hand, loved it. He had redesigned the gardens and had planted

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hundreds of roses everywhere. He had chosen the varieties well

so there was colour all year round. Ben loved flowers. Not only
growing them but sending huge bouquets to Mikie at least once a
week.
"Do you realise that this will be the first real time weve
spent together since the wedding?" Ben asked opening the front
door of the house.
"Uh-hu! I didnt think youd noticed." Mikie replied.
"Of course I noticed. How could you think I wouldnt?"
"I suppose weve been so busy I didnt notice until a couple
of days ago." She admitted.
"I, on the other hand, noticed weeks ago." Ben pointed out.
"Im sorry, darling, Ive been neglecting you?"
"Youve been busier than I have. I dont mind really. Im
just pleased that we can have a week or so where we dont have to
do anything but be together."
Mikie smiled at him. She put her briefcase down on the hall
table. "Okay! Were home. What now?"
"Im going for a swim. Coming?"
"Good idea."
They went upstairs and changed into bathing suits. Then
spent an hour messing about in the pool.
Mikie felt happier than she had done for weeks. Being alone
with Ben relaxed her. He was her best friend, husband and the
best lover she had ever had. He had put her on a pedestal and
she knew he viewed her as someone to be worshiped.
Ben was also happy. He was content to do whatever Mikie
wanted him to do. He had a few obsessions in his life, football,
fast cars, roses, all the usual things men liked, but Mikie was his
biggest obsession. He had realised it about seven months earlier,
as he was recovering from the operation to remove a blood clot
from his brain. Adam Carpenter, the man who had kidnapped
him, was also obsessed with Mikie. She had a strange power over

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men which Ben could not define. He spent hours thinking about
what it was that made her so powerful. Was it her beauty? Her
sense of humour? Her ability to take most things in her stride?
Perhaps it was all of these things and more. Ben had given up
trying to figure it out and just accepted that she was his wife and
totally devoted to him. The fact that he was ten years older than
Mikie did not seem to bother her as much as it did himself. He
worried that if anything happened to him, she would be left all
alone with no one to take care of her.
"Where are you?" She asked softly.
They were lying on sun lounger's by the pool.
"Just thinking." He smiled.
"You havent heard a word Ive said, have you?"
"Sorry darlin. Tell me again."
"I was thinking it would be nice to go out for the evening."
Ben shrugged. "Sure. Where to?"
"You choose, my treat."
"Italian?"
"Fine. I dont mind."
Ben sat up. "Ill go see if I can book a table. Inside or out?"
"Whatever. You decide."
"Mikie!"
"What?"
"What the hell is wrong with you? You usually know exactly
what you want."
"What I want right now is for you to choose something
because you want it."
Ben laughed at her. "Okay! Ill choose. Shall I order when I
book?"
"If you want to, yeah."
He blew out his breath, shook his head and headed off into
the kitchen to use the phone.
When he returned she had disappeared. He scanned the

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expanse of garden, but she was nowhere. To get into the house
she would have had to go through the French window in the
lounge. It was open so he went inside. He went upstairs and into
their bedroom. She was lying, on her stomach, on the bed.
"There you are. Whatre you doing?" He asked.
"Waiting for you." She smiled.
"Oh, really. So here I am. What now?"
"Come over here and Ill show you."
"In the middle of the afternoon? Are you serious?"
"Now youve got me worried, Ben. You never pass up an
opportunity."
"Im not now. Youre usually the one to think about what
others would say."
Ben walked across the room to the bed. She was sitting in
the middle. He crawled to her and wrapped his arms round her.
She made love to him. It was as if they had been parted for a
long time.
They lay, happy but exhausted, in each other's arms for an
hour. Ben craned his neck to see the clock on the table next to
Mikie.
"I guess if you want to go out to dinner, we should get
dressed." He whispered.
"Mmm! I suppose so. What time is it?" She said.
"Six thirty."
"Is it.?" She was astonished. "What time is the table booked
for?"
"Seven." Ben grinned.
"What!?" Mikie tried to get up, but he stopped her.
He laughed at her. "I'm joking. Eight."
Mikie laughed with him. "Thanks, Ben."
"Pleasure. For what?"
"For being you."
Gino's Italian Restaurant was placed next to a small marina

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in San Francisco Bay. They could see the long stretch of the
Golden Gate Bridge from the terrace table that Ben had booked.
They always enjoyed their meals in the small, family run
restaurant. The jovial manager Gino Betellini had taken a shine
to Mikie the first time she had come to dine. It had been in the
first week that she had come to San Francisco. Gino was a typical
Italian restaurant owner, mid fifties, large build with a sense of
humour that would pick a manic depressive from despair. He
always waited at their table as he did for all his best customers.
It was shortly before ten when Mikie and Ben left to find a
taxi that would take them home. On Friday morning, they
headed north to the ranch.

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Chapter 2
The Lakeside Ranch was situated in a valley between
Medford and Ashland, Oregon. The drive was spectacular. The
roads took them through the mountains and forests of northern
California. They arrived at their destination at ten forty five in
the evening. After having a cup of cocoa on the porch, Mikie and
Ben went to bed.
They woke at seven.
"Riding or swimming?" Ben asked.
"Riding."
"Good. That's what I wanted you to say."
"So why give me a choice?"
"You may not have wanted to go riding."
"But you do."
"Uh-hu."
"So why didn't you just ask if I wanted to go riding?"
Ben sat up in the bed and looked at her. "You're doing it
again, Mikie!"
"What?"
"Complaining."
"I'm not. I just want you to put yourself first for a change.
You always do what I want, even if it's the opposite of what you
want."
"Has it ever occurred to you, that I'm happiest doing what
you want?"
Mikie sighed. "You have just as many needs and wants as
me, Ben. All I'm asking is that you do the things you want
sometimes."
"I do. All the time. I ask you what you want. What you
want is what I want." Ben grinned.
"Do they have the death penalty for murderers in Oregon?"
"I don't know, why?"

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"Because I think I might be going to find out after I strangle

you."
Ben laughed at her.
"You infuriate me sometimes, Bennett Jordan!" Mikie said,
exasperated.
"Why? Because I love you?"
"Because you always put me first."
"I'm your husband. It's my job to put you first."
"I give up. Please Ben, just for a few days, tell me the things
you want to do."
"Right now I want to go riding. It feels like years since I
thundered across the countryside on a horse."
"Okay. Come on then. I'll race you to the stables."
They both jumped from the bed and pulled on jeans and
sweatshirts. Mikie was well aware that Ben allowed her to win
their race to the stables. He had pretended to have trouble
putting on his boots and told her he would catch up.
Since Ben had bought the ranch most of the buildings had
either been rebuilt or extended. The original stables had been
demolished and replaced with a car park. The new stables were
five times the size. There was a staff of ten who looked after the
fifty horses. The stable manager, Rochelle de Laver, was a
trained Veterinary Surgeon.
Their horses were saddled and waiting for them.
They sped across fields and through the small pine forest
that skirted the south edge of the ranch.
The ranch was set in a hundred acres and was divided by the
river which supplied the lake. It was sheltered on two sides by
mountains. There were one hundred and twenty cabins dotted
about the ranch, which were rented out to holiday makers from
all over the world. When Ben had bought the ranch for Mikie
there had been only twenty cabins. He had decided that the
ranch could be put to work to earn it's own income and had

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instructed the staff to build more cabins and do whatever they

thought necessary to work the ranch to full potential. The lake
was stocked with trout and salmon. There were a dozen boats
that could be hired for fishing or water sports. Aside from a jeep
used by the staff, vehicles were not allowed past the main car
parking at reception. When guests arrived, their luggage was
taken to their cabin either in the jeep or by means of a horse
drawn wagon. It was a tranquil place and most visitors returned
year after year. Each Sunday all guests were invited to the main
reception area for a bar-be-cue. This usually went on until the
early hours of Monday morning.
It was two fifteen before Mikie and Ben fell into bed after the
bar-be-cue.
"I enjoyed that." Ben said, pulling Mikie to him.
"I didn't think I would, but I've had a good time too." Mikie
smiled. "I'm sorry I've been neglecting you, Ben, I didn't mean
to."
"You haven't. Youve been busier than I have. Besides, I
could have done something about it, so it's not all your fault."
"Yeah well, its over with now. When we're back in Millbank
we'll have lots of time to spend together."
"Yep! The rest of our lives." Ben hugged her. "Have I told
you lately how much I love you?"
Mikie propped herself up on her elbow. "You don't have to
tell me, I know."
"I know you love me, but I still like hearing it."
"But I tell you every day."
"Not every day."
"Don't I?"
Ben's statement puzzled Mikie.
"Most day's, but not every day."
"Want me to apologise?"
"No. As long as you make up for it." Ben grinned.

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"Mmm! I will, just not now, okay?"

"Why?"
"I guess thundering across the countryside this morning
took more out of me than I thought. My back is killing me."
"Did you bring your kit with you?" Ben asked, concerned.
"Just the pills, They're in the bathroom."
Ben brought two painkillers and a glass of water. Mikie took
them.
They left the following morning and arrived back in San
Francisco at eight in the evening.
They travelled back to England and Millbank Hall the
following day. When the taxi pulled into the drive, Ben sighed.
"There's no place like home." He said.
"There's certainly no place like this home, mate, that's for
sure." The driver of the taxi said. "Is this place a hotel?"
"Only sometimes, when all the family get together." Mikie
laughed.
"You mean you really live here?" The young, dark haired
man was in his mid twenty's. He was astonished by Mikie's
statement.
"We do. Would you like a cup of coffee? It's a fair distance
from the airport."
"That's very good of you, I would thanks."
"Michaela! Ben! We weren't expecting you for another
week." Margaret was standing at the top of the steps to greet her
daughter home. "James said there was a taxi coming up the
approach road."
"Hi, Mum! It's good to be home." Mikie's face beamed with
the smile for her mother. "I hope there's a pot of tea on the go,
I'm parched."
"You always know when there's tea around. Come on its just
been made."
After tea and coffee Mikie showed the taxi driver round the

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ground floor of the house and explained about how it came into
the family. "There have been bits added over the years, but the
front faade is just about the same as when it was built."
"My wife would love this. She's into old houses. We've got a
Victorian semi in Newcastle that she's restoring. I try to help but
I'm no good at all that D.I.Y stuff."
"We have an open day in the summer." Mikie explained.
"Bring her up. I'm not sure of the date but I'll find out before you
go."
"That's great. She'll be thrilled."
The taxi driver left after having found out the date of the
open day and promising to return.
Mikie and Ben fell into a routine over the next few weeks.
They would spend most of their days together, but kept
Wednesday and Thursday to either visit the office in Newcastle
or so Mikie could catch up with friends. They were both
extremely happy to be away from the hustle of the big city of San
Francisco.
"I'm convinced you brought the sun with you, Ben."
Margaret said, one Tuesday afternoon at the beginning of July.
Margaret, Ben and Mikie were sitting on the patio outside
the conservatory having tea.
"Even when it's pouring with rain, Ben brings sunshine,
Mum." Mikie smiled.
Ben looked at her with raised eyebrows. "I do, do I? What
was that in aid of?"
"What?"
"You being all mushy?"
"I'm not. I was stating a fact."
"I guess all this fresh air is finally getting into your system."
"Yep! Its a different planet from San Francisco." Mikie
smiled.
Ben said nothing. He was looking across the lawn to where

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Tom and Jess were chasing Tara around in circles. The sun was
shining, his children were happy and he was content for the first
time in months. Life was sweet and he was feeling very lucky.
"This has just arrived for you Ben." James, the butler,
handed Ben a large brown envelope.
"Thanks, James." Ben smiled. He opened the envelope and
read the contents. "Great. Just what I need."
"What is it?" Margaret asked.
"They finally came up with a date for Carpenter's trial." Ben
sounded disappointed. "Tuesday August seventeenth."
"We knew it would be soon, darling." Mikie said gently.
"We'll get through it."
Ben sighed. "Maybe." He stood up. "I'll go and call Brett."
He disappeared into the house.
"That explains the black cloud that's been hovering for the
last few days." Mikie said.
"It's sooner than expected, Mikie, isn't that a good thing? At
least now you'll be able to get it out of the way and get on with
things." Margaret put her hand on her daughter's arm.
"I hope you're right, Mum. I'd better go and find him."
Ben was in their room, sitting at the desk, looking out of the
window. Mikie stood looking at him for a few seconds, then
walked to him and put her arms round his shoulders. "Are you
okay?"
"I'm not sure." Ben's mind was a tangle of questions. "Part
of me wants it over with and part of me doesn't want it to
happen.
"I'm here for you Ben. I love you and, what ever happens,
you have to remember that."
Ben took hold of her hands and pressed them into his chest.
"I know. I guess I'm not sure if I'm strong enough to go through
with it, that's all."
"Of course you are. You've got me and the kids behind you.

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We're all here for you."

Ben said nothing. He was remembering the hurt he had
caused Mikie when he could not remember who she was. He
remembered the pain in her eyes when she looked at him. He
remembered the confusion he felt. There were still big chunks of
their life together that were lost to him. For the first time for
years, he felt frightened. Frightened that the trial would open the
old wounds again and that the stress would cause him to forget
her again.
"Ben." Mikie whispered into his ear. "Ben. Darling, that
hurts."
"What?"
"You squeezing my hand that hard."
Ben let go of her hand. In one move he stood and turned to
her. "I'm sorry, darlin', I didn't realise I was doing it. Are you
okay?"
Mikie smiled up into his face. She nodded. "I'm worried
about you."
Ben shrugged. "I'll be fine."
She was worried. Very worried. She was thinking back to
the months she had spent coaxing him back to her. The pain it
had caused her. The feelings of anger mixed with feelings of
dread and confusion. She put her arms round his waist and
hugged him to her.
"We've been through worse than an attempted murder trial.
We'll get through this."
"Yep! Sure we will. We've got each other. I love you. As
long as I remember that, then everything will be fine."
"You won't forget, Ben, I'll make sure of it."

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Chapter 3
The next five weeks were an ordeal for both of them. There
were long meetings with lawyers to discuss the details of the
case. The strain on Ben was difficult to cope with. He was a
rational man, but the anger he felt was slowly engulfing him.
Mikie noticed all too closely how badly he was affected by
the nearing trial. Ben suffered from Post Traumatic Stress
Syndrome, a souvenir of when he was a Commander in the
marines during the Vietnam War. He had at least two flashbacks
each night. Waking her up by screaming in terror at some
invisible demon. She felt helpless. All she could do was sit with
him and coax him out of the nightmare. She noticed how short
tempered he had become. He would shout at the least thing.
Although it hurt her deeply, she tried to ignore it. She knew it
was the stress that was causing him to flare up for little reason.
Everyone gave him a wide berth. Tom and Jess stayed in their
rooms or played out in the grounds to avoid their father. Mikie
had explained to them what was happening and they understood.
Ben did not seem to notice the effect of his behaviour on others.
He refused to talk about his feelings with anyone. When he
started picking rows Mikie could ignore it no longer.
They were dressing on the Saturday morning before the trial
was due to start.
"Why don't we skip breakfast and go out and have brunch
somewhere?" Mikie suggested brightly.
Ben had one arm in the sleeve of his shirt. He stopped and
looked at her. "Maybe I don't want to have breakfast. Or brunch.
Or dinner. In fact, I dont wanna eat at all!!" He was glaring at
her.
"Okay, fine."
He glared at her. "That's it? No lecture about how I should
eat something because I need to keep my strength up?"

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"If you're not hungry I can't force you to eat." She kept her
voice at normal pitch.
He threw the shirt to the floor. "I've had it with you!! I
really have!! I thought you were supposed to care!!"
"I do care."
"You'll let me starve to death? That's caring?"
"I'm tired. I don't have the strength to argue with you, Ben.
If you don't want to eat that's up to you."
"You're something else, you really are!!"
Ben said
exasperated. "Yesterday you gave me some long winded spiel
about not getting very far without food inside me!"
Mikie looked at him, turned and walked from the bedroom
into the adjoining sitting room.
Ben followed quickly after her. "Where are you going?"
"To have breakfast."
"What about me?"
Mikie stopped in front of the door. She turned, slowly and
faced him. The anger, she was trying desperately to control,
spilled out from deep inside her.
"What about you, Ben?" She said. "What about all the crap
you've been throwing at me for the last five weeks? What about
all the sleep I've missed out on because you've been having
nightmares? It's all about you!! All of it!!" Her voice grew louder
with each sentence until she was screaming at him. "You're not
the only one who was hurt by Carpenter! You spent most of the
time in hospital! I was the one sitting here wondering whether
you were going to come home! I was the one who had to endure
all the weeks of torment when you couldnt remember who I
was!! Me, Ben!! Me!! I'm in this with you! Only you've shut me
out! Well I'm sorry, but I can't take anymore of it!!"
She wanted to cry. She wanted to curl up on the floor and
cry until her tears were all gone. Instead, she shook with anger.
Ben was stunned. He was standing about eight feet away

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from her, unable to move. Unable to walk to where she was and
take her in his arms.
She left him standing there and walked out of the room,
banging the door behind her. She ran along the corridor, down
the stairs, across the hall and out through the front door,
slamming it behind her. She got into her car and drove.
Margaret had heard the shouting and doors slam shut. She
had been in the breakfast room and she came to find out what
was happening.
Ben ran down the stairs, pulling a sweater over his head and
running out of the door.
"Mikie!!!!" He shouted. "Damn!!"
"Ben? What's going on?" Margaret asked.
"I've done it this time, Mom! This time I've really hurt her."
The tears were streaming down his face. "I dont know where
she's going but she's in a state, she shouldn't be driving."
"It can't be that bad, Ben. Come on she wont go far."
"It is that bad. She's had to put up with a lot from me these
last few weeks. I guess I've been so selfish I didn't see it."
"You're stressed and worried. She'll be all right. Come on,
have some tea"
It was an hour later when Mikie finally realised what she
was doing. She pulled the car onto the hard shoulder of the
motorway and stopped. She fell sobbing against the steering
wheel. She had been there for half an hour when she was startled
by the tap on the window.
The policeman smiled at her. "Lady McKeon? Could you
step out of the car, please?" His voice was deep and rich like
Ben's.
Mikie undid her seatbelt and opened the car door.
"You're obviously in a state over something. You really
shouldn't be driving."
"I'm sorry!" She sobbed. "You're right. I dont really know

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why I got in the car in the first place. I don't usually. I usually
take one of the horses out. I suppose I thought I could get
further away from him in the car."
"Him?"
"Ben. My husband. We had a row. It was stupid really. I
lost my temper because he didn't want breakfast. It's all because
of this stupid trial."
"Trial?"
"Attempted murder."
"I see. You think being on trial for attempted murder is
stupid?"
Mikie was surprised and confused by the policeman's
statement, but reality hit her quickly. "Oh no! You've got it
wrong. Ben's not on trial. Its Adam Carpenter. He tried to kill
Ben, you see. He was in a dreadful state. He couldn't remember
who I was."
"Want me to call it in Steve?" The other policeman shouted
from the patrol car.
Steve nodded. "Let's go and sit in the car, shall we? Until
you calm down." He suggested to Mikie.
He helped Mikie to walk round the car and sit in the back
seat.
"Bravo Seven-five to control." The other policeman had a
higher pitched voice than Steve. "Wendy, we have Mrs Jordan
with us. She's about sixty five miles from home. We'll take her
back if thats okay."
"That's fine, Bill. Mr Jordan is pretty frantic. I'll give him a
call and tell him she's on her way." Wendy said.
Bill drove Mikie's car while she travelled in the patrol car
with Steve. She was quiet for most of the journey. She gave
directions as they neared Millbank.
When they pulled up outside the house Ben was sitting on
the steps waiting for her. He ran the dozen or so yards across the

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drive to where Steve was helping her out of the car. He took her
in his arms and held her close.
"You scared the hell out of me Mik. Anything could have
happened." He said.
"She's okay, Mr Jordan. A bit upset, but okay." Steve
smiled.
"Thanks!" Ben said. "I appreciate you bringing her home."
"All part of the service." Bill said.
"Would you two gentlemen like some coffee before you go?"
The voice belonged to Margaret.
"That would be lovely Your Grace." Steve said and smiled.
They followed Margaret into the house, leaving Ben and
Mikie in the middle of the drive.
"I'm sorry, Ben." Mikie sobbed.
"Don't be! I should be the one to apologise. I've put you
through hell and you've taken it all. I'm the one who should be
sorry."
Mikie looked into his face. "It's okay, Ben."
"No. It's not okay. You could have had an accident. Driving
off in such a temper. I could have lost you. Forgive me, please?"
"I'll think about it." She smiled. "After I've had some tea."
They went into the house and into the breakfast room.
Margaret was talking to Bill and Steve.
"I'm sorry I've put you to so much trouble. I haven't had
much sleep lately." Mikie said.
"That's okay, Mrs Jordan." Bill said.
"Please, it's Mikie."
"I recognised your car, Mikie." Steve Litton said. "I was one
of the arresting officers when we brought Carpenter in. He's a sly
fox is our Mr Carpenter."
"He's a snake." Mikie spat.
"He'll get what's due to him, Mikie, believe me." Steve said.
"I hope they lock him up for a long time. If they don't I'm

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afraid my daughter will do time for murder." Margaret said,

quickly.
"As long as the jury do their stuff, he'll be out of the picture
for quite a few years, Your Grace. Judge Gregory likes to make
examples of people. Especially if they've led a privileged life."
Bill said.
"Excuse me." Ben said. "But did you say Judge Gregory?"
"I did. Old JJ is a stickler when it comes to thugs!"
"JJ?"
"John Jeffery."
Ben and Mikie looked at each other then started to laugh.
The two policemen and Margaret sat staring at them.
"You know what, darlin'?" Ben said after a few seconds. "All
of a sudden I feel much better about this trial."
Mikie stifled her laughter. "Yep! So do I." She looked at the
others. "It's okay, we haven't lost our minds completely. I just
don't think any of you would believe us."
"Try." Margaret said.
"John Jeffery Gregory. Don't you see it?"
Margaret looked at Mikie as if she had suddenly grown
another head. "Good heavens. Yes I do!"
"My first husband was called Jeffery." Mikie explained to
the two policemen. "My second was John and we had a son called
Gregory. I also believe in Guardian Angels." Mikie explained.
"Now I see." Steve said. "It is a bit of a coincidence."
Ben had visibly relaxed. They all sat chatting for another
half an hour while they finished their coffee. When the two
policemen finally left Mikie knew she had made two new friends.
Steve had explained that he would be attending the trial at some
stage and would see them both again.
It was now almost eleven thirty.
"I'm going up to get changed." Mikie said. "I think I'll go
riding. Coming?"

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"Good idea."
Half an hour later they were walking their horses out of the
stable yard.
"Cross Fell?" Ben asked.
"Bradwell." Mikie smiled and spurred her horse into a
gallop.
Ben had difficulty keeping up with her. Even though his big
stallion was four hands taller than hers, she was better at
jumping fences than he was. It took them twenty minutes to
thunder across fields to Bradwell Farm. The farm was empty.
The last tenants, the Sewell family, had moved south having
bought their own farm. The animals had gone with them and the
barns and out buildings were eerily quiet.
Mikie tied Shooter next to the water trough. Ben did the
same with Sultan.
"Coffee?" She shouted walking across to the farmhouse. She
took the key from her pocket and opened the door. The house
was dusty. She turned on the electricity and filled the kettle with
water.
"It'll have to be black, there isn't any milk or cream." She
said.
"Fine, so long as its coffee." Ben smiled.
While the kettle boiled, Mikie checked the rest of the house.
The furniture had been covered with large dust sheets and the
curtains in the upstairs rooms had been closed.
Ben finished making the coffee and had followed her
upstairs.
"Your coffee ma'am." he said from behind her, making her
jump.
"Give me heart failure, why don't you.?" Mikie spun round
to face him.
"You didn't answer my question."
"What question?"

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"Do you forgive me for putting you through hell?"

"I'm not sure that I should." Mikie said. "I mean, if I forgive
you, you might do it again."
Ben looked hurt. "I did say sorry."
"Perhaps sorry isn't enough."
He put the coffee mug down on the window sill. "I can't do
anything else. Sorry is all I have."
Mikie sat on the edge of the bed. "Convince me."
He took hold of her hands and knelt on the floor in front of
her.
"Please forgive me, Lady Michaela, I won't do it again." He
said, looking into her eyes. "I'll do anything to make you forgive
me."
"It's not working, Ben. You're supposed to convince me, not
grovel."
He sat back on his heels. "How?"
"Come here and I'll show you."
Ben realised what she was saying. "I'm sorry darlin', but I
don't think I can."
"All I want you to do is hold me. Tightly."
Ben held her.
They stayed for a long time in each other's arms letting their
thoughts drift. Slowly letting go of the stress of the last few
weeks.
"Let's go home." Mikie whispered.
"You still haven't answered."
"Of course I forgive you, Ben. You really doubt that I
would?"
"I doubt a lot of things lately."
She took his face in her hands and looked deep into his eyes.
"Don't doubt me, Ben. I'm here for you and I always will be. You
have to remember that."
"I know I shouldn't doubt you, but I have been. I know you

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love me, but over the past few weeks I've been doubting that too."
"I know you have. I've been trying to reassure you. I guess
it hasn't been working. Maybe its because I'm so tired. Trust me
Ben. As long as you do that, everything will work out."
"It's hard, sweetheart, very hard. Somewhere deep in my
mind I've got a nagging feeling that everything is about to go
wrong. My world seems very fragile at the moment and I can't do
anything to change that."
"Stop shutting me out, darling. We're in this together.
Carpenter will get what's coming to him, then we can get on with
our life."
"I hope so."
It was after one when they returned to Millbank. All of their
older children had arrived to stay for the duration of the trial.
The hallway was full of suitcases and bags.
Ben and Mikie followed the sound of the voices to the
lounge.
"Granddad!" Jenny shouted.
"Hello, sweetheart. How're you?" Ben said as the little girl
ran to him.
"I'm fine. Are you?"
"I am."
"Don't you worry, Granddad, they'll put that bad man away
in prison so he won't be able to hurt you again."
"I hope so, Jenny, I hope so." Ben looked round the room.
"Where's Tara?"
"Behind you." Tara said, coming into the room.
"You might have known she'd want to make an entrance,
Dad." Brett said sarcastically.
"Why would I possibly want to spend time in a room with
you, Brett?" Tara returned the sarcasm.
Ben looked puzzled. "Have you two been fighting?"
"I wouldn't waste my energy. How are you, Daddy?" Tara

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asked.
Ben looked at her questioningly. "Fine. Come on we'll go
somewhere quiet." He took Tara's hand and led her in the
direction of the library.
"What's that all about?" Mikie asked Brett.
"No idea." Brett replied.
"Okay, I'll take your word for it. I just hope you're not
lying."
The next few minutes were spent giving and receiving hugs
from her children and grandchildren.
Mikie was not convinced that Brett knew nothing about
Tara's attitude. She knew Tara wanted something by the way in
which she had addressed Ben. If every thing was all right Ben
would be 'Dad' or 'Pop' when she wanted something it was
'Daddy'.
The row could be heard through the heavy oak door of the
library. Mikie shook her head, glared at Brett, then hurried
across the hall. She collided with Tara just outside the door to
the library.
"Stop right where you are, Tara!" She said, sharply. "What
the hell is going on?"
"Ask him!" Tara said angrily, indicating Ben with her head.
Ben was standing in the middle of the room. By the look on
his face Mikie could see he was both hurt and angry.
"I'm asking you!"
"All I need is my car fixed."
"And you choose today of all days to bring that up? You
really are selfish, Tara."
"I had to come up on the train. I could have been here
yesterday if I'd had my car. No one cares about me."
"Don't you think Dad has enough to contend with just now,
Taz? I really don't believe you sometimes." Brett said angrily. "I
told you I'd sort it out."

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"You said you had no idea what was going on." Mikie said,
glaring at her son.
"I'm sorry Mum. I didn't think she'd be so insensitive."
Brett said sheepishly. He turned and looked at Ben "You okay
Dad?"
Ben said nothing.
"Leave it, Brett." Mikie said quietly. "I think, young lady, it
would be a good idea if you stay out of the way for a while."
Tara looked at her mother. "That's typical. Take his side,
you always do."
"Tara!" Brett took hold of his sister's arm and dragged her
across the hall to the staircase. "Stop acting like a two year old!
If you know what's good for you, you'll disappear!"
Tara tugged her arm from her brother's grip and ran up the
stairs.
Mikie was seething. She turned and walked into the library
and closed the door behind her.
"Don't say it." Ben said. "It's my own fault. I should have
listened to you years ago. I shouldn't keep giving in to her."
"She shouldnt be so bloody selfish." Mikie crossed the
room. "Are you okay?"
Ben took a deep breath. "I'm fine. I can't believe she did the
same thing again. She blew the engine again. Six months old that
car is. She's gonna have to live without it."
"I hope you mean that."
"I do. What she forgets is the agreement we had. Five
thousand a year plus the rent on her flat we said. If I was a bank
account she'd be at least ten thousand overdrawn."
"I'm glad you've finally seen my point."
"Like I said, it's my fault."
"Come on, sit down."
Ben sat beside Mikie on the big leather sofa.
"Take some deep breaths and calm down." Mikie suggested.

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"I'm calm. She got the sharp end, I'm afraid." Ben said.
"It'll do her good. She's almost twenty one. She's gonna
have to grow up sometime. What did she say to make you so
upset?"
"I told her no. That if her car needs fixed she'll have to get a
job to pay for it."
"And?"
"And she said that I didnt love her. Because if I did, I would
be happy to pay for it."
"So you stood your ground and she lost her temper. Throw
the wicked, don't care, father thing at you, did she?"
"She did. I can usually see it coming. God, Mikie, I was this
close to slapping her face." Ben indicated about a quarter inch
with his thumb and fore-finger.
"You should have."
"Don't be stupid. What would that have solved?"
"She might have woken up and realised that there are more
important things to worry about at the minute."
"I would have to hit her pretty hard for her to realise that."
Ben was starting to relax.
"She's her fathers daughter, you, of all people, know that."
Mikie smiled.
"Sometimes I forget. I guess I should go and see her."
"You'll do no such thing. Let her stew for a while. She's
gonna realise one way or another that things do not always come
easily. Heaven alone knows how she's going to cope with being a
doctor."
"She'll be brilliant at it." Ben smiled.
"She's got all the years of training to go through yet. Eighty
hour shifts. Being tired and hungry and having to cope with
awkward patients."
"She's determined. She's also as stubborn as a mule. She'll
survive."

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"Probably. I'm going to freshen up." Mikie said, standing

up and walking to the door.
"Good thinking. I'll come too."
They went up to their room.
Ben walked across the sitting room to the French window
and opened it. He took a long, deep breath of the summer air.
Mikie took off her boots and went through the bedroom into
the bathroom. The shower was like a tonic. She stood for a long
time letting the water spray over her. She was both physically
and mentally tired. Her body ached. The headache she had been
ignoring for the past three days showed no indication of letting
up. When Ben put his arms round her waist she melted into him,
sobbing uncontrollably.
"Hey. Come on. Its not that bad. Is it?" He whispered.
She nodded. "I'm exhausted, Ben. I can't take any more of
this."
Ben picked her up and carried her from the shower. He
wrapped her gently in one of the big towels.
"It's okay, sweetheart. I'm sorry I've put you through it all."
He said softly.
"I really don't want to talk about it, Ben. I just want it all to
go away and leave us in peace."
He guided her into the bedroom and pulled back the sheets.
"In you get. You're exhausted, so sleep."
"I don't think I can."
"Try."
"Will you stay with me?"
"Of course I will. As long as you promise me that you'll close
your eyes and rest."
Ben climbed into the bed next to her and held her. He
gently stroked her back.
"I love you, Mikie, I'm sorry that I doubted you. I do trust
you and I'm sorry that I've been shutting you out."

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Mikie said nothing. She snuggled into his chest and fell
asleep.

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Chapter 4
When she eventually opened her eyes again she was alone in
the big bed. She stretched out, then sat up. She put on the robe
that hung on the back of the door and went through into the
other room. The clock above the fire said eight thirty five. She
wandered where Ben was. Turning back into the bedroom she
put on some clothes intending to go down to the dining room to
see if dinner was underway. She had just pulled a sweater over
her head when Ben came into the sitting room carrying a tray.
"I thought you were still sleeping." He smiled. "I wouldn't
have woken you."
"I feel much better now, thanks." Mikie returned the smile.
Looking at the tray she screwed her face. "There's only one
plate."
"Like I said, I wasn't gonna wake you. You have this and I'll
go and get another."
"Call down and ask Emma to bring some." Mikie suggested.
"Good thinking. I forget about the Maids. Mom is worried
about you."
"I'm fine. I'll go down later and see her."
Ben put the tray on the table and picked up the phone.
Emma appeared a few minutes later with another tray.
"Thanks, Emma, You're an angel." Mikie smiled.
"It's my job, Miss." Emma said. "If you need anything else,
you know where I am."
Emma left them to their meal.
After they had finished eating, they sat snuggled together on
the sofa. Ben had switched on the television to watch the news.
"This is depressing." he said after the first two reports. "It
amazes me who chooses the importance of the reports. I mean,
wouldn't you think that conflict between two peoples would come
before some sad, pop-star getting drunk and causing a

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disturbance?"
"In an ideal world there wouldn't be any conflicts to report
on. Turn it off if you don't like it."
Ben pressed a button on the remote control and the
television screen went black.
"Now I'll have to find some other way to occupy my mind."
He sighed.
"Read a book."
"I've been reading for most of the evening."
"Go down to the games room and play pool or something."
"Now that sounds like a good idea."
"See, I'm sure if you ask Brett he'll be happy to give you a
game."
"You're talking about pool, I'm talking about the 'or
something'."
Mikie looked up into his face. "What?"
"It's still light, we could go for a walk."
"Okay, I could do with a bit of fresh air."
While Mikie put on a pair of shoes, Ben put the plates back
onto the trays. They went down stairs. Ben headed for the
dining room and Mikie went into the lounge.
"Hello, Mum. Are you all right?" Ali asked, brightly.
"I'm fine, Ali, thanks. I was just tired." Mikie smiled at her
eldest daughter.
"You shouldn't over do things, Mikie." Margaret said,
concerned.
"I don't really have a choice at the minute, Mum. I'll be
okay."
"You'll be more than 'okay', You're not gonna have any more
stress." Ben said, coming into the room behind her, putting his
arms round her shoulders and kissing the top of her head.
"There's going to be at least two weeks of stress before the
trial is finished."

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"Mmm! Okay when it's finished, we'll go somewhere quiet

for a few days."
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Ben." Margaret said.
"I have to make up for all this somehow." Ben smiled.
"You don't have to make up for anything." Mikie said.
"None of this is your fault."
"Disturbing your sleep is. Come on, lets go for that walk."
"Take coats with you. It's forecast for rain." Ali said.
"We'll be fine thanks Ali." Ben said.
Ben and Mikie strolled round the extensive gardens that
surrounded Millbank Hall. All the gardens where in full bloom
and the aroma from the flowers was stunning. As they
approached the rose garden Ben stopped.
"Well look at that! It flowered!" He said amazed.
"What?" Mikie was puzzled.
"There look. The blue rose in the middle." Ben pointed to
the circular bed at the centre of the garden.
"Oooh. It's beautiful. How long has that been there?"
"Only since the end of June. Henderson said it wouldn't
even bud this year. He said I'd put it in too late."
"You planted it?"
"I did. Guess what it's called."
"I've no idea."
"Lady Michaela." Ben grinned.
"Oh Ben. You're so sweet."
"Its a hybrid, I had it commissioned. Henderson reckoned
it wouldn't bloom this year. A little bit of T L C and there you
go."
"It really is beautiful, darling, well done."
They sat under the arbour and looked at the scene. Mikie
noticed how different the garden was. Ben had redesigned the
whole area, much to the pleasure of Margaret and the annoyance
of Tom Henderson, the head gardener. When Ben noticed the

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rain drops, he opened the tool box that was stored under the seat
and went over to the blue rose and cut the bloom from the
middle of the bush. He brought it back for Mikie.
Mikie took it, smelled it and smiled at him. "There arent
any thorns."
"Nope! Just like you." Ben grinned.
"You smoothy!"
It was starting to rain harder. Even the thick layer of roses
over the top of the arbour gave no shelter from the downpour.
Ben took hold of Mikie's hand and they ran up the path to the
house. They were both soaked through by the time they had
reached the front door.
"Good god! Have you two fallen in the lake?" Harry said.
He was coming out of the library with a book.
"It's raining." Mikie said. "If I'd known you were in there, I
would have knocked on the window. Then we wouldn't be so
wet."
"You'd better go and get dried off before you catch
something awful."
"Too late for that, Harry. I already did!" Ben winked at his
father-in-law.
Mikie pulled Ben up the stairs.
Harry went into the lounge. "Ben seems to have cheered up
a bit." He said to Margaret.
"Mmm! I'm still worried about him, though. The trial
hasn't started yet." Margaret said, cautiously.
"They've survived worse than a trial. They'll be okay."
"We'll see. Where are they?"
"Gone to get dried off. They're both soaked."
"I wonder if he knows his rose is in bloom?"
"Mikie's got a blue one in her hand, if that answers you?"
Margaret smiled. "It does. Henderson thought that he'd be

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disappointed. I'm pleased he's not. This might help him see the
good things again."
"I hope you're right, Maggie. It's about time he smiled
again. Maybe he'll start taking notice of the wee ones again."
"He will. He's still under a lot of stress, Harry. Tom and
Jess know that. They're okay. They've got us to come to."
"I just hope the bloody thing doesn't drag on for weeks. The
sooner it's finished, the sooner we can get back to normal round
here."
"Ten days Brett thinks. After that the jury will have to
decided. I think it will be an easy task for them. I just hope that
the sentence fits the crime." Margaret showed a rare glimpse of
anger. She was a very easy going sort of woman and would try to
see the good side of everything. Sometimes to the annoyance of
her family.
"One way or another, Carpenter will get what he deserves."
Harry reassured.
"So what's this awful thing you caught?" Mikie asked Ben
when they had reached the top of the stairs.
"Did Harry say awful? I must have water in my ears. I
thought he said wonderful." Ben grinned.
Mikie shook her head and laughed at him.
"It's good to see you laughing."
"I'd almost forgotten how to."
Back in their sitting room, Ben turned on the fire and Mikie
went to get some towels.
"We should have taken Ali's advice and took coats. I can feel
this sweater shrinking." Mikie said as she crossed the room to
where Ben was sitting on the floor.
"If it's shrinking you'd better take it off. Come here and I'll
give you a hand."
"I'll manage, thanks. I've been able to dress myself since I

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was three."
"Yeah, but could you undress yourself when you were
three?"
"I'd mastered that art by the time I was two. Mum used to
say that I'd run around naked if I got the chance."
"See. My opinion of you was right all along. You've always
been a harlot."
Mikie threw a towel at him. She sat on the sofa and tried to
take her sweater off. The wool had shrunk so much, no matter
which way she pulled, she could not get it over her head. Ben
helped her to tug the garment off.
"If you stand up I'll pull those jeans off you, too." Ben
suggested.
Mikie gave in and stood up. Her underwear was also,
expertly removed and Ben wrapped her in one of the big towels.
"Sit in front of the fire and get warm." He instructed.
Mikie sat on the floor and pulled the towel tightly round her
body.
Ben took off his own clothes, wrapped himself in a towel and
sat on the floor behind her. He kissed the back of her head.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I know." Mikie replied.
"I'd forgotten. Sitting in the rose garden I remembered the
first time I saw you. You looked so nervous, clinging to Jack's
arm. You also looked stunning in the silver-blue dress you were
wearing. I've got to admit I was insanely jealous of Jack. He
didn't seem to realise what he had."
"I remember the smile you gave me. It was more than
'Hello, I'm Jack's best friend.' "
"I wish I'd had the courage then to take you from him. It
wouldnt have been difficult. We had screaming matches in the
boardroom over you. When I found out he'd cheated on you, I
wanted to strangle him."

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"How did you find out? He was good at keeping secrets."

"He would disappear in the middle of the afternoon. It
wasn't usually a problem. You know how stressed out he used to
get. When he started turning up late for meetings or missing
them all together, I started to get suspicious. We used to check
each others Tax forms. When I came across receipts for lunches
and hotel rooms I knew he'd been seeing someone else. I went
into his office and exploded."
Ben relayed the conversation.
"'Have you lost your mind completely!? What the hell is all
this?'
'So I've been taking a friend out for lunch. What's the
problem?' He looked like I'd broken some unwritten rule about
not being bothered by what he did.
'What about Mikie and the kids?'
'Mikie doesn't need me. The kids are fine. There really isn't
a problem, Ben!'
'That's where you're wrong, Jack! There's a big problem!
You're married!'
'And you're the expert on happy marriages! Yours went
down the pan!'
'Dont turn this around, Jack! Mikie deserves more than
this!'
'Mikie won't even let me near her! I'm surprised she even
lets me sleep in the same bed!'
'You stop this now Jack, or I'm warning you! I'll tell her!'
'You wouldn't! you dont have the guts! Anyway it's your
fault! I should have listened to you years ago! Okay, you were
right! She is different! I can't handle her! She's not the usual
dim-wit I shack up with!'
'Jack Stanmore you're a fool! She's the best thing you've
ever had! If she suffers because of this, I swear I'll kill you!'
He looked at me like he was seeing me for the first time.

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'My god! How havent I seen this before? Youre in love

with her! Christ! I should have seen it! I wouldn't be surprised
if you've been sleeping with her!'
'You forget, Jack, that I'm not as low as you! Not everyone
thinks at gutter level! She's gonna be hurt badly by this and I'll
never forgive you!'
I wanted to pick him up and throw him out of the nearest
window."
"I still loved him." Mikie said quietly. "I knew what was
happening. I suppose I was partly to blame for it. I wouldnt let
him touch me. I couldnt handle the way he was treating Greg."
"I guess I pushed him to make the decision to leave. I'm just
sorry that you got hurt so badly."
"I decided to make the best of things. I couldn't just get on a
plane and fly back here. I had to make arrangements. So I
bought the house in Canyon Drive and set about getting someone
I could trust to look after the office. Jack hated the fact that I
hadn't crumbled in a heap without him. He also hated having to
visit the kids in that big house. When I had to borrow his car on
the afternoon I had the accident, he had to stay in the house with
the kids and Beth."
"I still think he knew more about that accident than he let
on. I know he was doing something illegal."
"It's all irrelevant now. I should never have married him in
the first place. I knew what I was letting myself in for. The best
thing I've ever done in my life was marry you."
Ben put his arms round her and pulled her close. "I agree."
She laughed at him. "You're so arrogant, Bennett Jordan.
You think you're gods gift to women."
"No. I know I'm gods gift to you. All I can do is make you
happy. It's hard sometimes but I hope I get it right more often
than wrong."
"You make me happy, Ben. Very happy."

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"I'm glad."
Mikie snuggled back against his body and sighed. "You
realise all that sleep I had this afternoon means I'm wide a wake
now?"
"Well there's a coincidence. So am I. I guess I'll just have to
do something to make you sleepy."
For the first time in weeks, Ben made love to her. They were
still on the floor in front of the fire. The room grew dark as the
light faded outside the window. The only light was the glow from
the fire. He was so gentle with her. She responded to every
touch of his fingers. For three hours he loved her. For three
hours she let him. All the hurt of the past five weeks slowly faded
into distant memories. The room was warm and quiet as they lay
together.
The last Ben could remember was the clock saying three
twenty. He was woken by Mikie moving his arm.
"Hu!? What?" he said, sleepily.
"I have to get up, sweetheart. This floor doesn't get any
softer." She said.
Ben pulled her over so she was lying on top of him.
"Better?"
She smiled into his eyes. "A bit. It's after nine."
Looking over her shoulder he saw that she was right. Nine
thirty six, the clock said.
"So it is. What would you like for breakfast?" he grinned.
"Toast and tea."
"That sounds like food."
"Breakfast is a meal. You eat food at a meal."
"Not always."
She propped herself onto her elbows. "Aren't you hungry?"
"Not for food." his eyes were sparkling.
She smiled at him. "Not on the floor, darling, my back is
killing me."

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"What you need is a nice hot bath."

Ben helped her up from the floor and carried her into the
bedroom.
"You stay there and I'll fill the tub." he smiled.
"While its running, bring me my kit, will you?"
"Pain that bad?" he was concerned.
"We've been on the floor all night. It's a combination of that
and stress."
Over the years Ben had become good at injecting Mikie with
the strong pain killing drug she was prescribed. It was easier for
her to take injections than oral drugs. He measured out half a
dose and gave her the injection in the top of her thigh.
When the bath was filled he carried her into the bathroom
and put her gently into the hot water.
"Remind me to have a Jacuzzi installed." he said.
"You need to install a Jacuzzi." she grinned.
"Very funny."
"You didn't specify when you wanted reminded."
"I haven't woken up yet."
"Come on in, the water will help."
"The water or something else?"
"The water and something else."
Over the years they had also become expert at making love
in a bath full of hot water and bubbles with minimal spillage.

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Chapter 5
It was after eleven when they finally went down stairs to find
something to eat.
Brett, Ali, David and Tara were in the breakfast room,
having morning coffee.
"Remembered where you left your bucket and spade, Dad?"
Brett asked, grinning at his mother.
"I did." Ben replied.
When Mikie and Ben first admitted their feelings for each
other, they went to a cabin on the estate and shared a passionate
two hours. They explained their absence to Tara, who was eight
at the time, that they had been building sandcastles on the shore
of the lake.
Mikie said nothing. She poured two cups of coffee from the
pot and gave one to Ben. She sat opposite Tara, looking at her
daughter wandering if the young woman would apologise.
"I'm sorry about yesterday, Dad." Tara said after five
minutes. "You're right, I should take more care of things. I'll pay
for the car."
Ben smiled at her. "I'll have your car repaired, Tara. Just
don't do it again."
"No, its okay. Really. I can't run to you forever. I have to
stand on my own feet." Tara said determined to stand her
ground.
Mikie was astonished. "Someone tell me that I'm hearing
this. You really intend to get a job?"
"I already have." Tara said. "I've been there for three weeks.
It's great. I've met loads of new friends."
"You've got a job?" Ben was also astonished. "Where?"
"In the Chatsworth Hotel. Granddad suggested it." Tara
was visibly proud of the fact that she had shocked her parents.
"The salary is not fantastic but I've been promoted once already."

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"Do they know you're the granddaughter of the company

owner?" Ali asked.
"I dont think so. They seem really impressed that I know
how to do most things."
"I'm proud of you, honey." Ben said. "I'll pay for the repairs
to your car. You can pay me back if you like."
"Okay, I will. You will take the money, won't you?"
"Sure." Ben shrugged. "Why didn't you tell me this
yesterday?"
"Yesterday I wasnt thinking straight."
"Yesterday she was thinking about Tim." Ali pointed out.
"Tim?" Mikie asked.
"He's really sweet, Mom. He's reading Law. He comes from
Los Angeles. Amazing isn't it. I come thousands of miles from
home to meet someone who lives five hundred miles away."
"Amazing." Ben agreed. "And when can I meet this Tim?"
"This afternoon. He's staying at the Fox."
Ben looked at Brett and Ali. "Have you two met him?"
"No." Ali said.
"Sort of." Brett said. "I've spoken to him on the phone."
"Seeing as it's almost afternoon now, why don't you go and
call him and tell him to come over now?" Mikie said to Tara.
Tara beamed at her mother and ran from the room.
"So what else do you know about him, Ali?" Ben asked.
"His parents are divorce lawyers." Ali replied.
"She's known him for almost a year." Brett put in.
"She also shares a house with him." David said brightly.
Ali glared at her husband. "It amazes me that can you stand
up with both your feet in your mouth, Dave."
"What did I say?"
"Enough to make Dad go pale."
David shrugged. "I'm stating facts."
"I'll go and get him. He hates driving on English roads."

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Tara shouted from the hall and disappeared.

Brett, Ali and David made their excuses and left their
parents alone.
"She's hiding something." Mikie said.
"She's pregnant." Ben said.
"Don't be stupid, Ben."
"She's got the same glow you had when you were pregnant."
"I hope you're wrong."
"This time, so do I." Ben said. "That's gonna throw a
wrench in the works."
"Big time."
They stayed in the breakfast room and waited until Tara
returned.
Tim Chapman was a charming young man. Tall and athletic,
he obviously adored Tara. He was very polite and answered all of
Ben's numerous questions.
"He's not a steak, Dad. You don't have to grill him." Tara
said after the fifteenth question.
"It's okay, Tara. He's your father, he's entitled to ask
questions." Tim said, smiling at her. "Is there anything else
you'd like to know, Sir?"
"Not at the moment." Ben said.
"Mrs Jordan?" Tim smiled at Mikie.
"I think everything has been covered, Tim, thank you."
Mikie smiled.
"Good! Come on Tim, I'll show you the house." Tara
practically dragged Tim from the room.
Mikie looked at Ben. "Well?"
"He's a nice guy." Ben said. "I'm not sure he's got the
strength for Tara."
"You're right about one thing."
"What's that?"
"She is pregnant. I don't think she realises yet."

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"Lord help us all if she doesn't. It'll be fireworks when she

finds out."
"I think I'd better go and find her. This is one problem that
can't be sorted out with a cheque book."
"Want me to?" Ben asked.
"I'll manage. If I need you, I'll scream." Mikie went off to
find the two youngsters.
They were in the games room playing pool.
"Hi, Mom." Tara said brightly.
"Hello, Tara. Tim. I think we need to talk." Mikie said,
flatly.
"Would you like me to leave?" Tim asked.
"No, I think you should stay." Mikie said, she took a deep
breath. "I realise that you're not a little girl anymore Tara. I just
want to know one thing"
"Mom. How could you think that?" Tara interrupted,
horrified at the implication in her mother's words and tone.
"I know, Tara. It's all very obvious. I'm not going to give
you the lecture on being careful because I think it's too late for
that."
Tara looked at her mother with horror. "Shut up, Mom."
she said sharply.
"Tara! Don't talk to your mother like that." Tim said
angrily.
Tara ignored him. "How do you know?"
"I didn't. It was your dad. I didn't believe him at first."
"Excuse me. But would someone like to fill me in on the
riddle?" Tim asked.
Tara looked from her mother to the young man who was
standing at the other side of the pool table. She had lost the
colour in her face and was now visibly shaking.
"Whatever it is, darlin' can't be that bad." Tim's face was
contorted with confusion.

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"I'm pregnant." Tara whispered. "At least I think I am."

"Oh that. I could have told you that a couple of weeks ago,
Taz." Tim laughed and relaxed. "I was wondering when you
would admit it."
Tara stared at him. Her eyes were as wide as they could be
and her mouth was open. She tried to speak, but no words would
come from her mouth.
"Tara, darling, you look like a fish." Mikie said.
Tara snapped out of the semi-trance she was in. "You knew?
Why didn't you say something?"
"I was going to. Only you came up here to be with your
dad." Tim said.
"So. What happens now?" Mikie enquired.
"I guess we get married." Tim grinned. "Unless Tara has a
better idea?"
"I'll leave you to it." Mikie turned and closed the door
behind her.
Ben was in the library. "Well?"
"You're right. Tim knew."
"So what's happening?"
"Well, Tim just asked her to marry him."
Ben smiled. "Uh-hu!? I was wrong about one thing."
"Which is?"
"Tim can handle her. If he can see the little details he wont
go far wrong."
"A bit like you in that respect, isn't he?"
"Only a little bit." Ben laughed. "He's got a long way to go
yet."
There was a knock on the door.
Mikie looked at it. "Come in!"
Ali put her head into the room. "There you are. I've been
looking for you two."
"You found us." Ben said.

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"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"You're not usually bothered."
Ali gave him a withering look. "I need to talk to you."
"Talk away." Ben could see it coming.
"Sit down. You'll be more comfortable."
Ben and Mikie sat on the big leather sofa.
Ali sighed. "I've been practising this and now I can't
remember what to say."
"Say 'Mum, Dad, I'm pregnant.' that should do the trick."
Mikie smiled.
"What? How? Dad?"
"Don't look at me. What do I know?" Ben held his hands
up.
Ali looked at her parents. "God, you two are hard work."
"We're your parents." Mikie smiled. "We know a couple of
things."
"Like, all of a sudden I feel very old." Ben laughed. "Two in
one day. I dont think I can stand it."
"Two?" Ali said confused.
"Tara's pregnant too."
"She is?" Ali was astonished. "I'd better go and find her."
"I'd leave them for a while, Ali, sweetheart." Mikie
suggested. "They're talking."
"She sprung it on him?"
"No, it was the other way round. He already knew."
Ali stared at her mother for a few seconds, then shook her
head and walked from the room.
"It's gonna be fun around here for a few days." Ben said. "I
don't think I can cope with seeing two of them looking ill every
morning."
"Not everyone has morning sickness, darling. I didn't."
Mikie reassured him.
"Mmmm! But then, not everyone is a special as you."

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Mikie twisted round and put her arms round his neck.
"You're greatest asset is knowing just exactly what to say and
when to say it."
Ben smiled and kissed her nose. "You are special. Very
special. You have to be to put up with all the crap I keep
throwing at you."
"You do not throw crap at me. Its hardly your fault that a
jealous, ex-boyfriend of mine decided to get you out of the
picture."
"Don't spoil the moment by talking about the trial, darlin'."
Ben said, quietly. "Tell you what. Let's go out for dinner."
"Sure. Where to?"
"Let's see if there's a table in the Bay Hotel."
"Okay. I'll go and call." Mikie kissed him and left.

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Chapter 6
They were lucky enough to book the last table in the hotel
restaurant. When they arrived they found it to be the same
window seat that they usually ask for. It was a company hotel
and they had been back many times over the years and were
known to the staff. Their meal was booked for eight thirty which
gave them plenty of time to get into the seaside town and give
enough time for them to have a walk along the promenade.
During their evening out they talked. For the first time in
weeks they talked about their thoughts and fears. Mikie felt
closer to Ben than she had ever before. She realised that it was
hard for him to admit that he was terrified of the trial. That he
felt his world would fall apart if Carpenter was acquitted. She
did her best to reassure him that, whatever happened, she would
always be by his side.
After the meal, they decided to go into the night club that
was part of the hotel. They danced until two in the morning.
Enjoying the renewed closeness they had found. When Mikie felt
the twinge of pain in her back she knew it was time to leave.
Ben had noticed her wince. "Come on. Time for home." he
smiled.
"Now we need to find a taxi." Mikie said as they left the
club.
Out in the cool night air the road was empty. The usual fleet
of taxis were nowhere to be seen. Mikie shivered. She was
dressed for a warm summer evening. The thin dress she was
wearing was no good for the cool sea air. Ben wrapped her in his
jacket.
"That's plan A out the window. Plan B, I think." he said.
"Plan B being?"
"We stay in the hotel." he grinned.
"Good idea."

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The hotel reception was fairly busy, given the hour.

"I'm sorry, we don't have any more rooms." The young
woman was saying to the three people standing at the reception
desk.
"You must have a few, surely? Check again. Please?" the
man was in his early twenties. It was obvious from his slurred
speech that he had drunk a fair amount.
"I've already checked. There's nothing. All the rooms are
booked."
"But you always have rooms." He insisted.
The receptionist looked past him to where Ben and Mikie
were standing. "Hello Mr Jordan. We have your room ready for
you." she smiled.
The young man at the desk turned and looked at Ben. "How
come he gets a room? I thought you had none left?"
"Mr Jordan pre-booked. Now if you will all leave, I'm sure
you'll find somewhere."
"You're the last hotel in Whitley Bay. We've been to all the
others."
"Then I'm sorry I can't help." She was beginning to tire of
the young man in front of her. "If you don't leave now, I'll have
no option but to call security."
"Do you need some help, Julie?" Ben asked.
"That's okay, Mr Jordan. They're leaving." Julie smiled.
"Typical. Some Yank can get a room, but anyone from
Newcastle has no chance." The young man was starting to get
angry.
"I think it would be better if you and your friends left." Ben
said to him. "I'm sure you'll be able to find a taxi to take you
home."
The young man glared at him. "We're not going anywhere
until we get rooms."
"There aren't any. So leave." Ben was insistent.

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"Who the hell do you think you are, pal..? Anyone would
think you own the place.!"
"Not your pal to start with. And I do own the hotel."
The young man was shocked. "'Course you do. And I own
the Holiday Inn."
The three youngsters started laughing.
Ben walked across the lobby to where they were standing.
"You either leave now or I'll make you leave." He said through
gritted teeth.
"You threatening me?"
"No. It's a promise."
"Oh yeah? Listen, granddad. There are three of us."
"Listen, sonny, I've been in bigger battles than with three
drunken kids. Now leave!"
"'Course you have. Fight with your gran' kids, do you?"
"Try Vietnam. I was trained to kill with bare hands."
The group went quiet. The young man doing all the talking
looked at the others and indicated the door with his head. They
left.
"Thanks Mr Jordan. They were beginning to get to me."
Julie said.
"Happy to help, Julie." Ben smiled. "How may rooms do
you have?"
"Before you came in, seven." Julie grinned.
"And which one of the seven is ours?"
"There are only four doubles.
One of them is the
Honeymoon suite."
"That sounds good to me. Champagne and chocolates?"
"Of course. Do you have any luggage?"
"We weren't planning on being out all night." Ben laughed.
Julie gave him the key to the room. "Sleep well."
"We will." Ben took Mikie's hand and headed for the lift.
"You're quiet."

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"I was watching you. It seems ages since you did anything
like that." She said.
"It seems ages since I needed to. I'm not sure it's such a
good idea to have female staff on night duty."
"That's sexist, Ben. If they can cope with it, let them."
"Sorry, darling. I didn't mean to imply anything."
"We'd have a rebellion on our hands if you start saying
things like that. Dad tried it a few years ago and he ended up
paying a huge amount in compensation."
"Okay, but we should have some extra security, I'll sort it
out tomorrow."
When they reached the room, there was a small trolley with
a chilled bottle of champagne and a large box of chocolates.
"Magic. How do they do this?" Ben said surprised.
"Maybe it had something to do with me already booking the
room." Mikie said, coyly.
Ben looked at her, eyebrows raised in surprise. "If there had
been taxis we would be half way home by now."
"There are never any around at this time in the morning."
"When did you book this?"
"When I called about the table. It was my plan A. I figured
that if they didn't have a table, but had a room we could have
dinner anyway."
"You mean we could have spent all evening here, alone?"
"I didnt think you'd want that. Anyway, I've enjoyed
myself."
"So have I. I guess you'll want me to open this bottle?"
"No. We can have it for breakfast. I'm going to bed."
Mikie took his hand and walked across the room to the large
bed.
It was after eleven when they woke. The sun was streaming
through the open curtains of the window.
"Good morning." Ben said brightly.

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"Hi."
"Brunch?"
"What happened to breakfast?"
"It's eleven fifteen."
"Mmm! You order something. I'll stay here for a while."
Ben laughed at her. "That's something I dont often witness.
My wife with a hang over."
"I haven't got a hang over. I'm just tired."
"You look awful."
"Thanks. You don't look like an oil painting at the moment,
either."
"Any preference of food?"
"No. just lots of it."
Ben climbed from the bed and pulled on his trousers. He
crossed the room to the telephone and called room service. He
ordered a meal for them, then turned back to the bed.
"Ten minutes. Are you getting up or staying there?"
"I'm staying here."
"What you need is a shower." he tugged the sheets from her
body.
"Ben. Go away."
"Come on. Bathroom. Shower."
"Why?"
"Because I'm gonna take you into Newcastle and buy you
something special."
She sat up. She was looking at him, smiling. "Hello, Ben."
Ben was confused. "What?"
"Hello."
"Hello? What?"
"It's like all of a sudden, you've come back from some long
trip. Like yesterday and today are to make up for me missing
you."
"I love you. I'm sorry for the crap."

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"I know. I love you too. Are you coming?"

"Where?"
"For a shower."
"Want me to put brunch on hold?"
"Nope, they'll leave it outside the door."
They showered and Ben used one of the disposable razors to
shave. It was after one when they finally left the hotel and got
into a taxi that took them into Newcastle.
"I think I need to get some different clothes. This dress is a
little glamorous for shopping." Mikie laughed.
"You tell me what you want and I'll get it for you." Ben said.
"We'll go into one of the big stores. Then I'll be able to get a
change of underwear too."
"A clean shirt wouldn't come wrong."
They went into the first big store they saw. Mikie chose a
smart trouser suit, a different pair of shoes and some underwear.
Ben decided that he would buy a new suit as well as a shirt.
"Will it be okay if we use your changing rooms?" Mikie
asked the lady at the cash desk. "We haven't been home since
yesterday."
"Of course." The woman smiled.
Mikie felt better with fresh clothes. She chatted to the
woman at the cash desk while she waited for Ben.
She was impressed with Ben's choice of the dark green suit.
"I like it. See you don't always have to buy made to order."
"It feels good. I'm used to paying six times this much for a
suit. I guess it'll do for now."
"Bennett Jordan. You snob." she laughed. She looked at
the woman. "The last suit he bought was four years ago. He
hates spending money on himself."
The woman smiled. "I think a well cut suit makes a man."
"Well thank you, ma'am." Ben smiled.
They left the store.

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"Where to now?" Mikie asked

"Goldings. If I remember right there was a bracelet you
were looking at. They may still have it."
"That's optimistic."
"We can go look. You might see something else."
They spent an hour in the large jewellery store looking at
various pieces. Mikie eventually choose a platinum bracelet.
"Thanks darling." She stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
"Pleasure. Lets go find a taxi and go home, shall we?"
"Dad'll be at the office."
"Okay. we can catch up with things while we're there."
The Newcastle office of Jordan McKeon Enterprises was on
the outskirts of the city centre. They walked hand in hand,
enjoying the summer afternoon. When they arrived at the office
building the receptionist gave them a welcoming smile.
"Good afternoon. May I help?" She was in her early
twenties. A small, slim, dark haired woman.
"We're here to see Harry." Mikie said.
"Harry?" the woman looked confused.
"McKeon."
"Oh. I see. Do you have an appointment?"
"We don't need one."
"I'm afraid Earl McKeon is very busy. May I make an
appointment for you?"
"No thanks. If you buzz his office, he'll see us."
"He's in a meeting at present. I really must insist on you
making an appointment."
"Well, I'll give you one hundred per cent for knowing your
job." Ben smiled. He pulled his identity card from his wallet and
gave it to the woman behind the desk. "Lady Michaela has a
wicked sense of humour."
"My apologies." The receptionist said, surprised. "Earl
McKeon is in a meeting."

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"That's fine, we're bound to have mail to catch up with."

Ben smiled and walked to the double doors behind the reception
desk.
Mikie smiled at the woman and walked through the door
Ben was holding for her.
"That poor girl. You've got this thing about testing new
receptionists."
"Well. They could let anyone in. She's good."
Their respective offices were at either end of a long corridor
on the first floor of the building. Once out of the lift they went
separate ways.
Mikie sat behind her desk and looked at the mountain of
letters and messages that were too numerous to be housed in her
'In-tray'. She sorted through the messages first. Some of them
were a week old. She made at least twenty phone calls to reply to
the notes. That finished, she started opening envelopes. The
letters were sorted in order of importance. Some of them she
stored in her desk drawer and others she piled up to be taken to
the general office later. All of this took two and a half hours.
Ben's desk was not quite so cluttered. He had several
contracts that needed signatures. There were several requests for
estimates for which he arranged appointments for someone to
visit. His tasks took two hours. He went into the general office
to take various things for posting. He was surprised at the new
faces in the room.
"Hello, may I help?" the girl was only about seventeen years
old. About five feet six tall, with medium length dark hair. She
was a pretty girl with sparkling brown eyes.
"Could you post these for me, please?" he smiled. "The
addresses are attached."
Several of the girls in the office turned and looked on
hearing his voice.
"Hello, Ben." Joan, the office manager said, surprised to see

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him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, Joan, thanks. You?"
"Great. Where's Mikie?"
"Ploughing through paperwork, I think." Ben smiled.
"How long have you been here?"
"A couple of hours. There's been a few changes lately, hasn't
there?"
Joan introduced the new staff to Ben. The pretty girl was
called Helen.
"I bet you could do with some coffee?" Joan said.
"You're an angel, Joan. I went into the kitchen earlier, but
everything has changed in there too, I can't find anything." Ben
laughed.
"You should have rung through. Someone would have
brought you some. I'd better make some for Mikie too."
"Make some what for Mikie?" Mikie said as she came
through the door.
"Coffee."
"I've had several suggestions in the past couple of hours, but
that's the best so far. You're an angel."
"That's as may be. If you'll let me get my wings out the door,
I'll make the coffee."
Mikie looked round the office. "Post?"
"Helen." Ben said, pointing to the young girl.
Mikie put the pile of letters down in front of Helen. "They'll
all need to go off tonight, I'm afraid." She smiled. "I'm sure
someone will help if you ask."
"Oh, that's all right, Mrs Jordan. I'll manage." Helen said,
confidently.
"Don't worry about my stuff, Helen." Ben smiled. "I'm not
as impatient as Mikie."
"That's a surprise. You usually want everything done
yesterday." Claire shouted from the corner.

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"Not anymore, Claire. I'm laid back and patient."

The longer serving staff members laughed.
"Harry's meeting finished about ten minutes ago, if you
want to go and see him." Claire said.
"Thanks Claire." Ben smiled.
Ben and Mikie went along the corridor into Harry's office.
"Hi Dad." Mikie smiled. Noticing the bottles and cans on
his desk she looked at him. "Brewery meeting?"
Harry nodded. "New beers, I'm impressed with all but one
of them. How are you two?"
"Fine. We came to hitch a ride home."
"Didn't you bring a car?"
"Albert brought us down last night. We decided to stay out."
Harry smiled. "At least you look more cheerful than you
have of late."
"I'd forgotten a couple of things, Harry." Ben said. "It took
a shake from Mikie to make me remember. Did you see Ali and
Tara this morning?"
"I did. Both glowing they are. Poor Liz, on the other hand,
is having a hard time with the heat."
"She'll survive. It's cooler here than back in California."
Mikie pointed out.
They left the office just before six. Arriving back at Millbank
in time for dinner.
After spending an hour talking to the older children, Mikie
and Ben went to bed at ten thirty.
Ben found sleep impossible. He lay staring at the ceiling for
an hour. Then he decided that he would go into the sitting room
and read for a while. He had been there for about ten minutes
when Mikie came sleepily through the door.
"What are you doing?" she asked, yawning.
"Reading. I can't sleep."

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"Have you had any?"

"Nope."
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"Don't you think I've done enough of that over the past few
weeks?"
"You look exhausted, Ben. Come on and I'll give you a
massage."
Being in no mood to argue with her, Ben followed her back
into the bedroom.
She chatted to him as she rubbed his taught muscles. She
could feel him slowly relaxing. As his breathing became
rhythmic, she thought that he had fallen asleep.
"Don't stop, that feels good." He whispered.
"I thought you'd gone to sleep."
"I guess it's gonna take more than this."
"This trial could go on for ten days, Ben. Try not to think
about it. You're never gonna get any rest if you don't."
Ben turned over and looked at her. "I can't, sweetheart.
Every time I close my eyes I see images of things. The room I
was locked in. The bright lights of the car. The look on your face
when I came home from the hospital. I dont think I can cope
with the feelings. I just want it to be over with."
"It will be, darling. Sooner than you think. You have to get
some sleep."
"I'm not taking drugs. I'd rather be tired than feel dopey."
"What else is there, Ben?"
"Hold me, Mik. You're the only thing that makes me feel
safe."
Mikie wrapped her arms round him and held him tightly
against her. She stroked his hair. After half an hour he had
finally fallen asleep. They were woken by the sound of the radioalarm playing loudly from it's position on the dressing table.
Mikie looked at her watch, it said eight o'clock.

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Ben twisted in her arms. "Hu!? What time is it?"

"Eight. D'you feel any better?"
He kissed her neck. "I do. I feel like I've been asleep for
days."
"Good. Come on. Lets have a shower. I've a feeling it's
going to be a long day."

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Chapter 7
They arrived at Newcastle Crown Court at nine thirty. There
was a meeting with the lawyers before the starting time of eleven
o'clock. Ben was anxious and tense. Mikie held his hand tightly
throughout the meeting.
She walked with him into the
courtroom and stayed until Stephen Appleton, Ben's barrister,
told her she would have to wait outside.
"I'm with you, Ben. Trust me. I'll be right outside the door
if you need me." She said, hugging him.
The next two hours seemed like a week as she sat in the
corridor outside. Brett and Liz had come to sit with her.
"I don't understand why I'm not allowed in there." Mikie
said to Brett.
"You're a witness for the prosecution, Mum. It's not fair, but
you have to wait." Brett tried his best to make his mother relax.
The judge adjourned for lunch at one o'clock. Both sides
had given their opening arguments to the jury. Adam Carpenter
had pleaded Guilty to abduction, but Not-Guilty to Attempted
Murder and Grievous Bodily Harm.
Ben looked pale and tired when Mikie saw him emerge from
the court with Stephen.
She hugged him close. "Let's get out of here for an hour.
What time do you have to be back?"
"Two." Ben said, simply.
They went to one of the nearby pubs for lunch. Brett and Liz
joined them. Mikie tried to keep away from the subject of the
trial. During the meal she chatted to Liz and Brett about the
baby. Ben was very quiet. He spoke only when asked a direct
question.
They were finished their meal, when Stephen approached
the table.
Mikie saw the look on his face. "What's happened?"

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"The defence are going to call you as a witness." Stephen

said.
"For the defence.? I don't think so.!" Mikie was appalled.
"You can be a hostile witness, Mikie. They're well within the
law, I'm afraid."
Mikie looked at Ben. "Does that mean that I can stay in the
court afterwards?"
"It does."
"Okay. As long as I can explain that I'm doing it under
duress."
"The judge will be made fully aware of that. We'd better be
getting back."
Mikie was the first witness to be called.
"Please state your name." Oliver Franklin, Lawyer for the
defence said.
"Lady Michaela Elizabeth McKeon-Jordan."
Mikie
answered.
Mikie was questioned for two hours about her relationship
with Adam Carpenter. His defence lawyer made him sound like a
perfect gentleman. Mikie was made to feel that she should be
grateful for the attention she had received from him. When the
prosecution asked about why she had split up from Adam, she
tried to explain about the attempted rape but was told she could
not tell the court about it.
The next few days was taken up listening to character
witnesses for Adam Carpenter. Mikie listened in disbelief as he
was made out to be a pillar of the community.
The surprise came on Monday morning when, having
listened to seven people other than Mikie, the defence rested
their case. This gave the prosecution a chance to voice their case.
Ben told how he had been taken at gun point from the road
near Millbank. He had been injected with something that
knocked him out. He explained about how he had woken and

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had thought he was back in Vietnam. How he had escaped

through the window and been hit by the car. He was questioned
and cross-examined by the defence lawyer for two days.
Mikie was called to the stand and asked to explain how Ben
had changed following his ordeal.
"Is Mr Jordan fully recovered now?" Steve Appleton asked.
"Not really, no." Mikie replied.
"So he is still traumatised by what happened to him?"
"Ben won't admit that he is, but I know different. My
husband is usually a very confident man, but sometimes he loses
that. If he is stressed about anything he has terrible flashbacks."
"Could you explain what you mean by flashbacks?"
"Ben suffers from P.T.S.."
"For the benefit of the jury please explain P.T.S."
"Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. In layman's terms shellshock. He's a Vietnam War Veteran."
"How does P.T.S affect him?"
"He has nightmares. He's usually shouting orders to the
men in his command."
"Does this happen every night?"
"No. Usually only when he's under a lot of stress."
"What happened after he came home from the hospital?"
"He had two or three episodes a night. They were different
though. It was like he was trying to get away from something or
someone. He was terrified. There was one time my brother tried
to sedate him. There were three of us with him. We tried to hold
him while my brother, Dr Paul McKeon, injected him." Mikie
looked at Ben.
"What happened?"
"He picked Paul up and tossed him across the room like a
rag-doll."
"So he was violent towards him?"
"He wouldnt let him near. In the end I had to convince Ben

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that no-one was going to hurt him. He dropped his guard for a
second and I managed to inject the sedative into his arm. It took
nearly half an hour for it to work. Normally it takes five
minutes."
"Is it usual for Ben to be violent?"
"No. That was the first time it had happened."
"Could it have been because Ben and your brother do not get
on?"
"Oh no! They're good friends. Ben is good friends with all
my brothers."
"Does Ben remember any of this?"
"No.
He never does.
That sometimes adds to his
confusion."
"Has Ben ever been violent towards you?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"After he came home from the hospital following the blood
clot. He lost his temper. He never loses his temper with me.
He's the gentlest man I know." She explained, looking at Ben.
"What happened?"
"He nearly hit me. If it hadn't been for my son Brett, he
might have."
"So Brett managed to restrain him?"
"He wrestled Ben to the floor and sat on him. When Ben
calmed down he was in a state of shock. He didnt remember
what he had done. When he realised, he cried like a baby for an
hour."
"All these instances were totally out of character?"
"Oh yes. He's not a violent man." She looked at Ben and
smiled. "He's seen so much violence and killing in his life. He
wont even spray insecticide onto the roses in the garden. He
says that the green fly have just as much right to be there as the
roses." Mikie smiled.

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The whole court laughed.

Mikie also explained about the attempted rape and also
about the blackmailing incidents, when Carpenter had arranged
for some photographs to be shown to Ben, the woman in the
photo's looked like Mikie, but Ben knew it was not. The second
incident was when a video had been delivered. Again the woman
looked and sounded like Mikie, but it was the work of a special
effects friend of Carpenter. Mikie also relayed times when
Carpenter had followed her to a club when she held her 'hen
night' and how menacing he had been.
She also told the court of an incident in a Newcastle pub
when Carpenter had threatened her. When she relayed this
incident, she was unable to look at Ben, as she had never told
him.
The trial went on until Thursday of the following week. The
final arguments were given and the jury instructed to consider
the verdict. They were away for an hour and a half.
"Chairman of the jury, please rise." Judge Gregory said.
A middle aged man stood.
"Have you reached a verdict?"
"We have, your Honour."
"In the case of the Crown versus Adam Carpenter, on the
charge of Abduction, how do you find?"
"We find the defendant Guilty."
"In the case of the Crown versus Adam Carpenter, on the
charge of causing Grievous Bodily Harm, how do you find?"
"We find the defendant Guilty."
"In the case of the Crown versus Adam Carpenter, on the
charge of Attempted Murder, How do you find?"
"We find the defendant Guilty."
"Are these the verdicts of you all?"
"Yes, your Honour."
Judge Gregory addressed Carpenter. "Adam Carpenter.

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You have been found guilty of a savage and dreadful attack on a

defenceless man. Not once, but on several occasions, did you try
to destroy a loving, loyal family. You are driven by jealousy and
greed. I have no hesitation but to deliver the maximum sentence
that the law will allow. On the charge of Abduction, I sentence
you to twelve years. On the charge of causing Grievous Bodily
Harm, I sentence you to fifteen years. On the charge of
Attempted Murder, I sentence you to fifteen years. The
sentences will run simultaneously and I recommend that you
spend at least six years in prison." He then turned to the jury. "I
would normally at this point discharge the jury, but in this case I
will ask them to consider the question of compensation." Judge
Gregory turned to the Jury. "Mr Jordan and his family suffered a
great deal of anguish and hurt at the hands of Adam Carpenter.
Carpenter is not a man without means. Would you, once again
retire, and consider a fitting amount that may go some small way
to repairing the damage?"
The court awarded Ben half a million pounds in
compensation. Stephen Appleton asked for permission for Ben
to speak.
"Thank you, your Honour. I realise this may be a little odd.
I would like it if the compensation award could be paid to
Newcastle General Hospital Neurology Department. If it weren't
for the staff there, I would not be in this court today."
"A very gallant and noble gesture, Mr Jordan. I'm sure the
arrangements can be made to accommodate your request."
Adam Carpenter did not appeal against his sentence.
Neither Mikie nor Ben were expecting the media coverage
that the trial had attracted. They had to plough their way
through a throng of photographers and newsmen asking them
questions as they went.
Mikie said that she was very pleased that Carpenter had
been given the maximum sentence, but that they just wanted to

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be left alone to get on with their lives.

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Chapter 8
It took weeks for Ben to get over the trauma of the trial. He
clung to Mikie like a small child would to his mother. Mikie was
patient with him. She knew he would need time.
They were climbing into bed late in the evening three weeks
after the trial had finished. Mikie snuggled into him.
For all Ben wanted to make love to her, he found it
impossible. He got out of the bed, pulled his robe round him and
went into the sitting room.
Mikie followed him.
"Go back to bed, Mik." Ben said, pouring himself a large
glass of whiskey.
"It doesn't matter, Ben." Mikie said softly.
"It does. He's in prison and still he haunts me."
"Ben don't. It really doesn't matter. Come back to bed, you
need sleep."
"I'm wide awake. I need some time on my own." His tone
was flat.
Mikie turned and went back to bed. She lay for hours
staring at the ceiling.
Ben did not return to their bed.
When Mikie woke the next morning she found Ben asleep on
the sofa. She bent and kissed his cheek. He did not stir. She
made some coffee and sat watching him sleeping. It was almost
lunch time when he finally opened his eyes.
"Hi." she smiled.
"Hi."
"Coffee?"
Ben nodded.
"Are you hungry?"
"Not really, no." he took a drink from the mug of coffee.
"I'm sorry about last night, Mikie."

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"I told you it doesn't matter."

"And I told you, it does to me."
"I'm not gonna argue with you. I love you and I know you
love me. Thats what matters."
Ben felt like he was letting her down by his inability to make
love to her. He tried everything he could, but he found the act
impossible.
Mikie tried to reassure him that it did not matter.
Margaret decided that everyone needed a party to cheer
things up. She used Paul's birthday as an excuse. The whole
family had a great time.
Mikie was mingling with the guests. Ben was sitting talking
to Paul, watching her as she laughed with family and friends.
Each time she looked in his direction, Ben gave her a glowing
smile.
Mikie felt happy.
Ben danced with her. He held her close to his body. She
snuggled into his chest as they slowly moved to the rhythm of the
music.
"I'm tired." He whispered, just after midnight.
"So lets go to bed." She suggested.
They said their good nights and went up to their room.
Ben sat on the bed with his back to her.
"I thought you said you were tired?" Mikie said, putting her
arms round his shoulders.
Ben nodded.
"So come to bed."
"I can't." Ben said quietly.
"Sure you can. Come on."
"I can't. I dont wanna let you down again."
"When have you ever let me down?"
"Over the past weeks, when I haven't been able to show you

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how much I love you."

"Look at me, Ben."
Ben turned to face her.
"The one thing you've taught me over the years is that
there's more to making love than sex."
"But sex helps."
"Maybe. So does the way you've been looking at me all
evening."
"I dont follow."
"You haven't taken your eyes off me. Even when I was at the
other end of the room. Every time I looked at you, you smiled at
me."
"I always smile at you."
"I know. But it was an 'I love you more than the universe'
smile. You don't have to have sex with me to make love to me,
Ben. I wish I could get you to see that."
"It's the only way I know, Mikie. What am I supposed to
do?"
Mikie sighed. "It is not the only way you know. Every time
you look at me you show me. Every time you touch me you show
me. Every time you buy me flowers and gifts you show me. Hold
me Ben. That's all you need to do. Just hold me."
Ben took her in his arms and held her. He let the tears
escape from his eyes. They sat in the middle of the bed for an
hour, holding each other.
"I love you, Bennett Jordan." Mikie whispered. "You're my
whole world. The air I breathe. Nothing would make any sense
if you weren't with me right now."
Ben held her away from him and looked into her eyes. "I
love you so much. Sometimes when you're out of my sight I get
so scared. It feels like I'm suffocating. I want to be physical with
you. I want to be able to part of you."
"You are part of me. Just as I'm part of you. We've made

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babies together, Ben. We've been to hell and back and we still
have each other. When you make love to me, it's never about sex.
It's always about something much deeper, more special. Any two
people can have sex. It takes a special bond to make love. Relax
and forget about it, darling. Please believe me when I tell you
that you have not let me down. In any way, shape or form. You
don't have to have sex with me. You dont even have to touch
me."
Mikie slowly unbuttoned his shirt and pushed it from his
shoulders. She loosened his trousers and pulled them from his
legs.
He sat and watched her as she let the long, blue dress she
was wearing slip from her body. The body suit she was wearing
was pale yellow. Cut high on the hips and low at the top. She
still had the same slim figure she had when she married him.
She pulled the stockings from her feet.
"God you're beautiful." He said, sucking in a lung full of
breath.
"You're not so bad yourself. For someone who's over the
hill." she laughed.
"Oh really? I'm over the hill am I? Well we'll just see about
that." he grinned.
He jumped from the bed and tried to catch hold of her arm.
She ran out of his reach into the sitting room. He chased her
round the sofa. They were laughing like a couple of kids. As she
ran round the sofa again, she tripped on the rug. He caught her
and picked her up. He carried her back to the bed, kissing her all
the way.
He made love to her. For the first time in what seemed
months. It was like they had been apart for a year and they each
felt the need to show each other how they felt. For hours they
loved each other. Caressing and kissing each others body. Ben
took her to places she had forgotten she could reach. Mikie

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showed Ben places he had never been.

Exhausted and happy they slept in each others' arms.
It was early afternoon when they were woken by the knock
at the door.
Ben kissed Mikie quickly and went to see who was knocking.
It was an ashen faced David. "Is Mom awake?"
"She is. What's wrong?"
David looked into Ben's face. Searching for words.
"Dave? What is it?" Mikie said, concerned.
"Ali lost the baby. I don't know what to say to make it right,
Mom."
"Oh David. Come in and sit down."
David was devastated. He sat between Mikie and Ben on the
sofa.
"It wasn't meant to be, Dave. There'll be other babies,
sweetheart." Mikie said gently.
"She wanted this so bad, Mom."
"I know it's hard at the minute, Dave, but you have to
concentrate on the positive things. You're still both young.
There'll be other chances."
"Ali won't see that. She said she doesn't want to try again.
That this was the only one she wanted."
"She'll get over it, Dave. Trust me." Ben said.
When Ali had recovered enough, David thought it best that
they went back to San Francisco.

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Chapter 9
Life seemed to carry on uneventfully for the next five years.
Tara and Tim were married.
Brett and Liz had a baby daughter whom they called
Margaret Rose, Maggie for short and a son whom they called
Bennett Stephen.
Tara and Tim had a baby son whom they called Andrew
Bennett.
Mikie and Ben were contented and happy.
After their earlier trauma, Ali and David had twin daughters
called Sophie Louise and Emma Danielle.
Tara had started her training as a doctor in San Francisco
and the baby was looked after by Beth in the house in Canyon
Drive.
Kate and Peter came to England to see them as often as they
could get away.
Josh was now twenty one. He was studying Law at Harvard.
Mark was eighteen and in his final high school year. Jenny was
fourteen.
Jessica was seventeen years old. A typical teenager, she was
about to start at university. She had decided that she would
study Electronics at Newcastle so she did not have to move away
from home.
Tom at fifteen was still at secondary school. He was an
intelligent boy who was ahead of his friends. He was now in the
sixth form studying for six A levels.
Sunday breakfast seemed the only time that Ben and Mikie
saw anything of their two youngest children. They always seemed
to be out with their friends or studying.
"So what's on the agenda for today then, Jess?" Ben said
brightly.
"I'm going into town to meet the girls for lunch. I think

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we're going to the cinema after that." Jess said brightly.

"Tom?"
"I've got a project to finish for tomorrow. I guess I'll do
that." Tom shrugged at his father.
"If you need help, you only have to ask." Ben smiled.
"Thanks, Pop. I'll manage." Tom said, flatly.
Ben looked at him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Yes there is. You know I hate being called that."
Tom shrugged. "Sorry."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Tom scraped his chair back and stood up. "I'll
probably see you at lunch time." He disappeared through the
door.
Ben shook his head. "I'm too old for all this."
"It's not your fault, Daddy. Girl trouble. Donna told him to
take a hike."
"Donna?"
"Moorcock. She's in his English class. He's been like a bear
with a sore head all week."
"Uh-hu. I remember how that feels.
"Gosh Daddy. You remember that long ago?" Jess grinned.
"Can't forget that. It only happened once." Ben returned the
grin.
"Is he telling the truth, Mum?"
"As far as I know, yes." Mikie answered.
"And they say the stories about Casanova are fabricated."
Jess laughed.
"Casanova has nothing to do with it. Ask your Mom."
"Keep me out of it, thank you." Mikie said.
"I just used to click my fingers and girls would fall at my
feet."
"Oh sure. And I bet they all loved your ego best." Jess

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laughed.
"I dont have an ego."
"'Course not."
"If you two are gonna start arguing, go somewhere else. Its
Sunday morning and I'd like, for once, to read the papers in
peace." Mikie said.
"It's okay, Mum. I'm going out." Jess said. "There's just
one thing."
Mikie looked at her daughter and sighed. "You'll have to use
your bank card. I don't have any cash."
"Oh. Right. There's a slight problem." Jess looked at her
mother. "The machine at the bank took my card. I won't be able
to get it back until tomorrow."
"You cant be overdrawn again, Jessica. That's the second
time this month." Mikie said crossly.
Ben gave Jess fifty pounds. "Remember you have to get
home."
Jess kissed her parents and left.
"I swear she takes lessons from Tara." Ben said.
"Mmmm. And what's on our agenda for today?" Mikie
asked.
"I don't know. We could go out for the day. Or we could
stay home."
"Which would you prefer?"
"Stay home. We could go back upstairs."
"Fifty nine you are, Ben. Not sixteen."
"I'm well aware of my age, thanks darlin'. When did that
make a difference?"
"It doesn't. I just think that you need reminded sometimes."
"No I don't. I see it every time I look in a mirror. What's
your preference?"
"Let's go out somewhere."
Ben looked hurt.

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"We don't have to come home. We could stay out and burn
the midnight oil."
Ben shrugged. "Okay. if that's what you want. Where to?"
"We'll decide when we get to the crossroads in the village."
When they reached the crossroads they decided to go north.
Ben drove the car along the twisting country lanes. The scenery
was spectacular. Each junction they came to they tossed a coin to
decide which way to go. They ended up in a small village in the
south of Scotland. They stopped at a pub for lunch, then went on
further north. Eventually they ended up in Edinburgh.
"You know, we never did get to finish our honeymoon." Ben
smiled.
"Mmm. I wonder if they have a room at the Royal Station?"
Mikie replied.
Although it was the beginning of July they were lucky.
"We were wondering if you have a room?" Ben asked the
receptionist in the hotel.
"I'll check for you, sir." she smiled. "How long are you
planning on staying?"
"Just for tonight." Ben said thoughtfully. "I dont suppose
by any chance the honeymoon suite is available?"
The woman checked her computer. "The only suite we have
left is the honeymoon suite. I'll give you the tariff."
"That's okay. Whatever it is will be fine. We came here a
long time ago and never did get to spend the night."
"I see. Would you like to see the room now?"
"Later will be fine. We've got some shopping to do." Ben
smiled.
Ben filled in the check-in form and gave the receptionist his
credit card. Once the girl had taken the details, he took Mikie
into the busy shopping centre.
"Why are we going shopping?" Mikie asked.
"I'm gonna buy you something appropriate for Edinburgh."

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"That sounds intriguing."

They went into a big department store and headed in the
direction of the lingerie department. Ben picked out a long night
dress for her. It was thick cotton with long sleeves and a high
neck. Mikie laughed so hard she started coughing.
"What's so funny? This morning you were telling me my
age. Isn't this appropriate attire for the wife of someone my
age?" Ben said seriously.
Mikie could not answer. She could only laugh.
Ben laughed with her.
The stares from the people walking passed them brought
them back to reality.
"You can't possibly be serious?" Mikie asked, gasping for
breath.
"Why not? Don't you think it's appropriate?"
"Darling if I start wearing things like that for bed, have me
committed to an asylum."
They were in the middle of the store, which was crowded.
Ben took Mikie in his arms and kissed her. Mikie felt a million
miles away. Like they had found some secret place far from
everything.
"Come on you." She whispered. "Let's get out of here before
we get arrested!"
"So you don't want the night dress?"
"Ben!"
"Okay. I'll think of something different. You go and wait by
the door, I won't be long."
When Ben met her near the door he was carrying a bag.
"So what did you get me?" she asked.
"You'll find out later."
They decided to do the whole tourist bit. The guided tour of
the castle and city. The history that surrounds the many
buildings. It was seven thirty by the time they got back to the

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hotel. They ordered dinner in their room.

Mikie felt happier than she had for months. There had been
a lot of stress in her life lately, caused by various situations. She
had taken over the running of McKeon Enterprises from her
father which meant that she spent most weekdays at the office in
Newcastle. Jess had caused them both concern when she said
that she wanted to take a year out from studying before going on
to University. She had changed her mind when Ben had told her
she would need to get a job because he was not going to allow her
to sit around the house all day doing nothing. Tom had been
caught drunk at school and had been suspended for a month.
Mikie had a huge row with him and it had taken days before she
calmed down.
Now she was alone with her husband. She felt closer to Ben
than she had ever felt before. She realised that her children were
all but grown up and that now she could concentrate on Ben.
Ben, too, was happy. He had noticed how Mikie had lost a
lot of her glow over the passed few months. He was pleased that
she had suggested coming out for the day. He spent most of his
time reading or gardening. There was always something to do.
He spent one day a week in the office, leaving the majority of the
running to the staff.
They were both staring into space.
"I bet they're worth at least a million!" Mikie said, smiling
at him.
"At least, but I'll give you them if you want." Ben smiled
back.
"Thanks, Ben."
"For what?"
"Tolerating me. When we came to live in England, it was
because you wanted to spend more time with me. I don't really
help by taking on more work."
"The amount of time is not important. It's what we do with

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it that counts."
"Mmm! I've decided to cut down on some of the work.
Maybe cut another day at the office out."
"Whatever makes you happy. I don't mind either way."
"So, what did you buy?"
Ben opened the bag and pulled out the same night dress he
had picked up in the store.
"You bought it!?" Mikie said amazed.
Ben nodded. "Don't you like it?"
"It's very nice, for someone who's eighty!"
"I guess this will be better then!"
It was another night dress. Long black silk, with shoe string
straps and vast amounts of lace.
"Much better!" Mikie grinned. "Should I put it on?"
"I bought it to see what you looked like wearing it."
When they woke the next morning it was after ten. Mikie
had started keeping a small bag of spare clothes and some
toiletries, in her car. They showered and dressed and went down
to the reception to pay the bill.
They returned to Millbank, feeling relaxed and happy.
"Ah, Ben. You're back!" Harry was coming out of the
breakfast room.
Ben looked at his father-in-law. "Uh-hu! What's up?"
"I think you'd better come in here." Harry indicated the
lounge.
Ben and Mikie followed him.
Harry switched on the television. "You're no' gonna like it,
Son."
Ben watched the news report. He listened as the reporter
announced that Adam Carpenter had been released from prison.
"It had to happen sooner or later." Ben said, flatly.
"Thanks, Harry. I appreciate you letting me know."
"I made some enquiries and it appears he's going off to

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Hong Kong, so you'll be well rid of him." Harry said.

Mikie was quiet. The feelings running through her were
concern for Ben, anger and revulsion for Adam and confusion as
to how to make sure Ben was not too affected by the news.
Ben put his arms round her and held her close. "I'll be fine.
If he's leaving the country, there won't be any chance of bumping
into him, will there?"
She sighed deeply. "I suppose not. I thought it would be a
few more months."
"No. It's happened today. Let's have some coffee."
She was surprised by his matter-of-fact attitude. She
resigned herself to staying close to him.

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Chapter 10
Mikie was sat in her office one morning in the middle of
August, when an ashen faced Ben stood in front of her desk.
"Dad's in the hospital. He had a heart attack." He said, his
disbelief at the words was obvious.
When they arrived at the hospital they were directed to the
Coronary Care Unit, where they found Margaret with Mikie's
brothers David and Paul.
"Hen's on his way." Paul said, hugging his sister.
"How bad?" Mikie asked.
"Very. They've resuscitated him once already. He won't
take another one."
"Can we see him?"
Paul took Ben and Mikie into the room where Harry was.
The monitors bleeped and flashed.
She gently touched his cheek. "Hi Dad. What've you got
yourself into now?"
Ben stood at the other side of the bed. "Hey Dad."
There was no response. They stayed with him for a few
minutes, holding his hands and talking to him gently. When they
left the room, their mother and brothers were in the relative's
room.
"He looks so peaceful, doesn't he?" Margaret said. "It's a
while since he had such a good sleep."
Mikie felt her heart was breaking. She wanted to tell her
mother that her father would be all right.
"Do we know when Hen will get here?" she asked David.
"Should be shortly. He's using the company jet." Dave
replied.
Ben sat close to Margaret and put his arm round her
shoulder.
"I'm fine, Ben, really I am." She smiled at him.

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The door opened and David's wife Jean and Paul's wife Jan
came into the room, with a tray of tea and coffee.
Henry and Stella arrived just before mid day. They hugged
everyone, then went to see Harry.
When they returned to the room, they were both very pale.
Margaret was sitting with her head on Ben's shoulder and
her eyes closed. All the siblings looked at each other.
"Mum?" Mikie knelt in front of her mother. "You have to
tell him it's okay to let go." She said, gently.
"Let go of what, darling?" Her mother asked.
"You know what I mean, Mum."
Margaret looked at her children and sighed. "I can't. Not
just yet. I need a little time to get used to it. He's my life. Ben
once told me, you're the air he breathes. Harry is mine. I think
I'll just go and have a chat with him. See how he's getting on.
Will you come with me, Ben please?"
Ben took her to see Harry.
"What the hell did you say that for?" Henry said, angrily,
looking at Mikie.
"Because it needed saying!" David answered, flatly.
"No it didn't! He'll give up fighting now!"
"Don't start arguing, for gods sake!" Paul said.
"He's tired, Hen." Mikie said, quietly. "He's been saying so
for months. I've been waiting for something like this to happen."
"Why didn't you say something before now?" Henry asked.
"And worry everyone to bits? Don't be stupid Hen!"
"You're not his only child, Mikie!"
"That's enough, you two!" Stella said, sharply. "Henry, sit
down and shut up!"
Henry glared at his wife and then sat down.
Ben returned. David was looking at the floor. Paul was
pacing. Henry was leaning back against the wall, with his eyes
closed. Jan and Stella were sitting next to their husbands and

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Jean and Mikie were looking out of the window.

"Mom wants us to go in." Ben said, to the room in general.
When they were all gathered in the room, Margaret looked
at them all and then down at her husband.
"Harry, darling, you know I love you. That you're my whole
world and I'll be lost without you." She swallowed hard. "But,
you don't need to hang on any longer, sweetheart. You just rest,
darling. You deserve it. Just let go and be peaceful."
She felt his hand grip hers. He opened his eyes for a
moment and looked at her, then at his children, smiling at each
one of them. His eyes stopped at Mikie.
"We love you, Dad. But it's okay to let go." She said.
He took the oxygen mask from his face. "You're all grown
up. You dinnae need me, no more. Look after your mum for
me."
"Sure we will, Dad." Henry said. "It's time you rested."
"Aye lad, that it is." Harry looked at Margaret. "I'll be
waiting for ye, my pet." He closed his eyes and let go of the
world.
The funeral was an ordeal for the whole family. The service,
in Newcastle Cathedral, was attended by royalty, gentry,
politicians and staff members. It had always been his wish to be
cremated. This wish was fulfilled and his ashes were scattered on
the lake at Millbank Hall.
A month later, Margaret had a massive stroke and died in
David's arms, in the library. Again the funeral was an ordeal.
All the children threw themselves into work. Working
longer hours than they normally would.
Mikie had decided that change was needed and discussed
with the Board, the possibility of a new building to house head
office.

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Chapter 11
Mikie was sitting in the middle of her office at the beginning
of April. She slowly turned her chair a full circle as she scanned
the empty room. She sighed. She knew every corner of the old
building. Knew which doors creaked and which stair gave
underfoot. Sitting in the quiet, she would swear she had heard
whispers of long ago meetings, boardroom arguments and office
parties. Part of her was sad to be leaving. The business had
grown, from humble beginnings, into a multi national
corporation. One that she and her brothers were proud of. She
remembered the day her father had brought her here, it seemed
much longer than thirty years ago.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. How far they had
come. She wondered if her father would approve of her choice to
move the office to a larger, modern building across the river in
Gateshead. She looked up at the wall clock, ticking away minutes.
She felt sad at leaving, but had an optimism that she was unused
to, that the new building would bring new opportunities. There
was certainly more space.
The workshop for Jordan Security was now to be housed in
the same building. She had been very happy when her father
accepted a merger between McKeon Enterprises and Jordan
Security and the new company, Jordan McKeon Corporation was
born.
She sighed deeply and walked to the window. Took one last
look at the city from her office. She closed the door on her way
out.
Ben was talking on the phone but looked up and smiled, as
Mikie sat on the desk in front of him. He let his left hand rest on
her thigh, as he always did and she returned his smile. She
waited the ten minutes until the call was finished.
Mikie walked across to the door and indicated to two men to

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follow her.
"I guess I'm the last to move out?" Ben sighed. "Sorry if I'm
holding everyone up."
"I forgive you. Come on, lets let these two pack your phone
away." She took him by the hand and led him out into the
corridor.
"I'll miss this place." He sounded sad.
"And you'll get used to the new office. Just think, the view of
the river will calm you down and give you more to look at than
other buildings."
"I guess so. I still think we could have kept this building and
found somewhere else for the workshop."
"I'll never understand how you can get so sentimental over
buildings, Ben."
"This place has character, Mikie. Look even the door
surround has battle scars!" He grinned.
"Mmm! Hopefully there won't be so many coffee mugs
smashed against the walls and doors in the new building." She
laughed. "At least, not until the paint dries!"
"That depends on how quickly you rile me."
She looked at him with mock surprise. "That implies I'm the
one who causes the arguments."
He thought for a few seconds. "No, I cause them, but you
always win."
"I don't"
"You do! Because you're always right."
"That I can't help." She kissed his cheek. "Are you sure you
can drive in your distressed state?"
"Don't be sarcastic, darlin', I'm fine."
They climbed into their cars and she followed him out of the
carpark.
Mikie was sad to leave the building behind. It had served a
good purpose in the thirty years it had housed the McKeon

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Corporation. The basement had been transformed into a

workshop when Ben first introduced the security business,
almost eighteen years ago. It had been decided that more space
was needed and the big building opposite the Big Mall Shopping
Centre in Gateshead was chosen, after a couple of days speaking
to the city developers, mainly because it reminded Mikie of the
Jordan/McKeon Building in San Francisco. It was on the south
side of the river and added an extra twenty minutes to the
travelling time, but it meant that more security systems could be
built in-house. It was a modern four storey building and had
enough room on the two lower floors to hold the workshop and
the ground floor had been turned into a storage area and crche.
There was also underground parking. She reflected as she drove
across the river.
For the first time, Ben and Mikie had adjoining offices. She
had spoken, at length to Andrew Marshall, Head of Development
and Regeneration Corporation for Gateshead. She told him what
she wanted and he was happy to allow her to change the interior
of the building.
"I'm happy with the size of the building Andrew, but I need
specifics on the inside." She was sitting on a box in the shell of
the building.
"Okay, what is it you want. I can't give you carte blanche
but we should be able to agree most things, Ms McKeon."
Andrew was five seven, slim build with black hair and
brown/green eyes. He was approximately forty five and had a
professional air that impressed Mikie.
"Okay, this is what I want. An open plan first floor for the
workshop. A fifty seat conference room on the second floor and
one large and six smaller offices on the third floor." She thought
for a few seconds. "I also need shower rooms as well as toilets
and an area on the ground floor where the crche can be put."
Andrew smiled. "I thought you were going to ask for the

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impossible! Give me five minutes." He flipped open his laptop

and started clicking buttons.
She got up and walked the length of the top floor of the
building and looked out through the openings where the
windows would be. "Id like my office in this corner and Ben's
office next to it." She called from the north east corner.
"I thought you'd say that!" he shouted.
When they were finished she took printouts of the floor
plans back to show Ben.
That was four months ago and now she was pulling into the
garage and parking in bay number 1, which was marked
'Reserved for M.D.' Ben was waiting for her.
"I suppose that's a good thing." He said brightly. "We won't
get wet walking from the parking lot."
She shook her head. "Come on, lets see if there's any coffee
on the go!"
Mikie scanned the new reception area, with its bright,
welcoming feel and the modern art paintings on the walls.
"Good morning, Jill!" Ben said to the young woman on
reception.
"Good morning, Ben! Mikie! Welcome to your new home!"
Her smile was dazzling.
"Home for three days of the week anyway." Mikie said.
"Has everything arrived yet?"
"Apart from Ben's desk and chair, yes."
Mikie turned to Ben and looked over her glasses at him.
"You're bringing your old desk and chair?"
"Sure, we've been through a lot! Let me save something
from the past!" He looked hurt.
"Sentimental old fool! I ordered you a new desk and chair."
He shrugged. "And I cancelled the order."
Mikie looked despairingly at Jill. "This was supposed to be
looking forward."

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"You can't forget the past though Mikie, that's the only way
you can move forward." Jill smiled.
"Thanks, Jill." Ben grinned.
Mikie shook her head and pressed the call button for the lift.
On the top floor, she had to turn left and walk along the corridor
until she reached her office. She opened the door and looked
around her. Her desk was placed at an angle in the corner with
windows behind on two sides. Her new high-backed chair stood
proudly behind it and two low backed chairs in front. There was
a large leather sofa to the left of the desk with a low glass table.
From her desk she could see, through the glass partition wall,
into Ben's new office.

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Chapter 12
"First cup of coffee in the new building!" Alison Bradley, the
office manager said, following Mikie and Ben into the office with
a tray. "Chockie biscuits too, but don't tell the boss that I put
them on the expense sheet!"
Ben laughed at her. "Chocolate cookies! You'll have us
bankrupt in a week, Alison!"
There was usually a light hearted tone to the office. Both
Mikie and Ben had tried to keep the pressure low, although some
times were more difficult than others.
Jordan-McKeon
Corporation had a reputation as a good employer and had many
loyal staff, from sales people to the office cleaner, everyone felt
secure in their job.
Ben sat on the sofa with his coffee and looked across to
where Mikie had sat at the desk. "You look good surrounded by
the view from the windows."
"Why thank you kind sir! I feel good!" She grinned. "I've
got a good feeling about this, Ben. I think we can be more
positive about how things are going to go from now on."
"I hope you're right Mik. These last few months have been
like a roller coaster!"
He let his mind drift to six months previously. Mikie could
not balance the books. All the figures refused to add up. She was
tetchy and frustrated, try as she might there was no way of
getting things to work out. He had ignored her harsh words and
sarcasm earlier, when he insisted on her drinking the coffee he
had brought her. She had been on her fourth attempt at the
calculation when Ben stood framed in the doorway of the
boardroom.
"How's it going?" He asked.
"It's not!" she said sharply. She threw the calculator across

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the room in frustration.

"Whoa! Surely it can't be that bad?"
"It's worse! I can't get these bloody books to balance!"
"Can I help?"
"No! Go away!!" Her tone was granite hard.
"I'm gonna ignore that!" Ben said, sharply and slammed the
door behind him.
Mikie closed her eyes and sat back in the chair. The books
were a mess. The bank had decided to call in a loan early and the
company was doing very badly in every area. To top everything
she had a migraine starting. She pulled herself up from the chair
and walked to where the calculator had smashed against the wall.
She knelt on the floor and put the pieces in the waste basket.
She walked out along the corridor to Ben's office and
knocked on the door. When there was no answer, she opened it
and looked in to find it empty. She turned and went into the
main office.
"Alison, have you seen Ben in the last five minutes?"
"He said something about meeting Brett for lunch and to tell
you they'll be in The Lawyer, if you want to join them." Alison
smiled.
Mikie went back into her office to collect her jacket and
handbag, then decided to walk the ten minutes to the pub.
Brett was surprised to see Ben without his mother. "Hi Dad!
Where's Mum?" he hugged his father.
"She'll be along soon. She's having a bad day." Ben
explained.
They were seated at a corner table, Ben with a pint of
Highlander ale and Brett with mineral water. The other glass on
the table was lemonade. Both men stood up when they saw her
entering the pub.
"Hi Mum!"
"Hi Brett! How's the case going?" she smiled at her eldest

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son.
"As well as If you know what I mean?"
Ben watched her drink the half pint of lemonade in one go.
He had his arms folded and she knew what he was expecting.
"How're Liz and the kids?"
"Fine." Brett looked from her to his father. "What's going
on?"
"Ask your mother" Ben said.
Brett raised his eyebrows and looked at her, pleadingly.
"I'm not gonna apologise for something that isn't my fault!"
She said sharply.
"Ouch! Have you two been fighting?"
"No!" they said together.
Brett knew not to press the point. "Would you like salad or a
sandwich?"
"Sandwich." Ben said flatly.
"Salad." Mikie said equally flatly.
"Great!" Brett said, sarcastically and went to the bar to
order.
Mikie and Ben looked at each other. There was a wall
between them that seemed impenetrable.
Ben smiled. "How about dinner at Renaldo's and dancing
till dawn at Sammy's? Oysters, champagne, chocolate?"
She visibly relaxed. "You know I don't like oysters." she
smiled.
"So skip the oysters. The champagne. The chocolate. And
have me instead." He grinned.
"I can live with that!" she walked round the table and sat on
his knee. "I'm sorry. I really do like your head on top of your
neck, it suits you there."
"Me too! Although I felt like I'd come out of the boardroom
with it in my hands."
She kissed him. A long, deep, apologetic kiss. The bar was

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full of young business people and about a dozen of them

applauded the kiss.
Brett pushed his way back through the crowd. "For god's
sake! Do you to have to?"
"Yes, I do!" Mikie said. "I was pretty horrible and your dad
didn't deserve it."
He sat down, embarrassed and handed his mother another
glass of lemonade. Lunch went much better from then on. All
three left the pub relaxed and happy.
"Where's your car?" Ben asked Mikie after saying good bye
to Brett.
"I walked."
"Come on, I'm this way."
"No thanks, I'll walk back. I need to clear my head."
"Wanna talk?"
She nodded. They strolled back along the quayside and up
through the centre of the city. Mikie explained what was
happening.
"Darlin', why didn't you tell me this before?" Ben was very
concerned.
"I thought Keith was exaggerating. But it's worse than he
said."
"Okay. So we start from scratch and get everyone on it."
Which is what they did. The accounting team worked in
twos. Ben was helping Mikie. By six thirty they were no further
forward.
"This is crazy!" Ben said, frustrated. "How the hell don't the
figures add up?"
"If I knew that, we wouldn't be here now!" Mikie said in
exasperation.
"Maybe the wrong figures have been put in the wrong
columns?" Henry suggested.
"They can't have been. I put the figures in the book!" Dave

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said, defensively.
"Then someone has given wrong information somewhere!
That's all it can be!"
"Just don't look in my direction, Hen!"
"That's it! No more! Not today anyway." Ben said, quickly.
"Lets all go home and have a good nights sleep and come back in
the morning."
"I'm up for that!" David said.
The others left Ben and Mikie sitting at the big boardroom
table.
"Come on you. Go get changed and we'll have dinner and
forget about this lot." Ben pulled Mikie to her feet.
"I'm not hungry." She shrugged.
He pulled her close and held her. "Whatever it is, is not your
fault."
"If I can't balance the books, we're gonna lose everything,
Ben!"
"We'll sort it out, darlin', we always do."
"I wish I had your optimism." She sighed. "I feel like
everything is going down the toilet!"
"Switch it off, Mik." He held her away from him. "I mean it.
We'll look at it tomorrow." He was concerned by her reaction.
He knew her so well and knew that she would not be able to rest
until things were sorted.
"Half an hour more." She said.
"Oh no! I don't think so! You'll still be here at three o'clock
in the morning! Out now!"
"Ben, please!"
"No! You're coming to dinner with me. If you're not
hungry, you can watch me eat! Change. Now!!"
She knew when she was beaten. She went into her office
and changed from the smart business suit into pale blue trousers
and a silver sweater. She put on some new make up and brushed

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her hair. Ben had changed from his suit into black trousers and a
polo shirt.
"I hope you realise, I'm doing this under duress." She said,
solemnly.
"Yep! And I'm gonna make you forget all about this place
until six a.m tomorrow!"
The early May evening was warm and clear. They walked
the fifteen minutes to Renaldo's Italian restaurant, hand in hand,
without speaking. The restaurant was very popular and there
was a crowd of people outside. Mikie's heart sank at the thought
of having to wait for a table. Ben pulled her to the front of the
queue.
The doorman was a stern looking, muscular six footer, who
seemed almost as wide as he was tall. He was scowling at a
young couple who were pleading for a table. He looked passed
them to Ben.
"Good evening, Mr Jordan! Your table is ready." His face
visibly relaxed.
"You're kidding!" the young man said. "We've been here
almost an hour!"
"And Mr Jordan booked his table."
"Thanks Jim!" Ben said, as he guided Mikie through the
door.
After dinner, they went on to Sammy's, a private members
club. Both venues were owned by the company. Mikie had
relented and eaten dinner and was now much more relaxed. As
it was Wednesday, the club was not as busy as if it had been a
weekend. They danced and chatted and drank champagne. Ben
was relaxed, but knew Mikie was still thinking about the
accounts.
Ben put his finger under her chin and lifted her face. He
smiled at her. "Repeat the last sentence I said, please."
"What?"

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"You heard me."

"I can't be bothered with your games, Ben."
"Indulge me!"
She looked into his eyes and sighed. "You know I can't."
"I told you to switch it off. My patience is starting to wear
thin, Michaela!"
"I'm sorry, Ben. I can't just forget it."
"Fine. Thanks honey for ruining a perfectly good evening."
He stood up and walked away from her.
"Ben, please." She ran after him. "I'm sorry, I'll try, I
promise!"
He turned and looked at her. "I'm just as worried as you
are." He sighed. "But I want to spend time with my wife, not the
company accounts."
"I know, I truly am sorry, darling. Dance with me and make
me forget." She shot him a dazzling smile.
He folded his arms and looked at her for a few seconds.
"No! Got a better idea. Come with me, Lady M!" He took her by
the hand and led her to the exit of the club. "Paul? Could you get
us a cab, please?"
The doorman seemed surprised. "Leaving already? It's only
ten thirty."
"Yep! Got somewhere else to go! Make sure the cab has a
full tank of gas."
"Sure thing, Mr J!" Paul went out into the cool night and
left them waiting in reception.
"What are you up to, Ben?" Mikie asked, puzzled.
"You'll see!"
"You're playing games again!"
"Need to know basis. Right now, you don't need to know!"
He grinned. "Trust me! I'm your husband!"
She shook her head, puzzled.
Before he would let Mikie climb into the taxi, he spoke to the

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driver.
Mikie sat in the back of the cab, rested her head on
Ben's shoulder and closed her eyes. They drove through the city
centre and headed south for about an hour.
"I know you're not asleep, you can open your eyes now."
Ben said, quietly.
She looked out of the car window. "Where are we?"
"The Spa Hotel." Ben said, leaning forward to pay the
driver.
"This isn't one of ours."
"Yes it is, I bought it last month."
"You did? Why didn't you tell me?"
He blew out a lungful of breath. "Last months Board
meeting. You told me I was clever."
She thought for a few seconds. "Oh? You're right. Sorry."
The hotel was impressive. The reception area was large and
airy, with marble floor and opulent wall coverings. The reception
desk was staffed by an immaculate young man.
"Good evening, Sir. Madam. Do you have reservations?"
"No." Mikie said.
"Yes." Ben said at the same time.
The young man looked confused.
"Ben and Michaela McKeon." Ben smiled.
"Ah! I thought you weren't coming until the weekend, Mr
McKeon." The receptionist smiled.
"Change of plan. Is there a problem?"
"No. The only suite we have is the Ambassador."
"I'm happy with that." Ben said, signing the register. "We
don't have any luggage until I get some sent down tomorrow and
I can't tell you how long we'll be staying."
"Ben. I have to go to the office tomorrow!" Mikie protested.
"No you don't. You're the boss."
"The accounts, Ben."
Ben put both his hands on the reception desk, blew out his

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breath and looked directly at the young man behind. "I swear
I'm gonna do time for murder!" He turned and looked at Mikie.
"One last time. Switch it off! Now! I mean it! 'Cause if you
don't, I'm gonna blow!!" His tone was hard and final.
"I'll try." She replied, quietly.
"You will, Mik, I'm not gonna tell you again!"
"Okay! Okay! I'll stop thinking about it!" she conceded.
They were given directions to their suite. The rooms were a
large bed - sitting room and a bathroom with Jacuzzi. Ben had
brought a bottle of champagne with him and he opened it,
expertly.
"Go fill the jacuzzi, please." His tone was now much more
gentle.
Mikie walked into the bathroom and turned on the taps.
"Exactly what do you have in mind?" she called.
"Darlin', you don't seriously need me to answer that, do
you?"
"Oh Ben, I'm really tired!" she stood at the door of the
bathroom.
"Uh-hu! I know. I also know you're wound up like a timebomb!"
They sat in the jacuzzi for an hour. Ben sitting behind her,
holding her gently as the water bubbled around them. He had
already made love to her once.
"Answer me a question?" Mikie whispered.
"Mmm?"
"How come you still find me attractive, after all these
years?"
"How could I not? You're pretty, intelligent, got a great
sense of humour, great taste and you push all my buttons!"
"I love you!"
"I know. Come on, let's go to bed."
They lay entwined in each other's arms, after Mikie had

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made love to him. It was almost four when they finally drifted off
to sleep. He was watching her from the sofa, when she opened
her eyes, just after eleven.
"Morning!" she stretched.
"Feel better?"
"I do!"
"I owe you an apology."
"You do?"
"The accounts are my fault."
"Don't be ridiculous, Ben."
"It's true. I bought this place and I haven't entered it in the
books."
"You are joking? Tell me you're joking!"
"Sorry. It's true. I'm not used to buying hotels. That's your
department. I called Dave and he's gonna sort it out."
"Oh Ben! I thought I was going insane!" she walked across
the room to where he was. "Three days I've spend with those
bloody books!"
He did not fully hear what she said. He was mesmerised by
her. "I'll make it up to you."
"I should hope you will! How?"
"You walk across the room naked and you ask me how?"
He picked her up and carried her back to the bed.
It was almost one, when they went down to the dining room
for lunch. After lunch they went shopping in Leeds.
They returned to Newcastle on Saturday morning. Mikie
had told Ben her fears about how badly the leisure side of the
company was doing. Ben came up with some ideas as to how to
change things. Some of the loss making pubs were to be sold off
and money ploughed into making the rest more family friendly.
There would be changes to menus in some of the restaurants and
price reductions in some of the hotels. Ben also had an idea to
invest in residential property for letting at reasonable rent to

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young people and families.

They worked hard for the next three months and Mikie had
decided they needed more office space.
Now here she was sitting in her new office watching two of
the workmen install Ben's big oak desk in the office next door.
"We could still share an office, if you like." She said, looking
at him.
"I'd never get any work done! The glass wall is bad enough.
I think I should have stuck to my guns and had my office at the
other end of the building."
"Then I would only see you three or four times a day." she
protested.
"Uh-hu! What is it they say about absence making the heart
grow fonder?"
She started to say something, but was interrupted by the
phone ringing.
"Mikie McKeon." She said brightly into the receiver. She
waited several seconds. "Hello?" There was still no answer. She
replaced the handset and shrugged.
"What was that?"
"Wrong number I guess."
"Strange."
"Very. That's the fourth time in a week."
"Maybe I should get the phone company to look into it?"
"Maybe." She seemed to drift off in thought.
It was her private line. Other than family and close friends,
no-one else knew the number. She had the strangest feeling that
it meant trouble.
Mikie was quiet for the journey home that evening.
Ben touched her hand when he got no response to a
question.
"Oh sorry, what?" she looked at him.

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"What's wrong with you? I was asking about the phone

calls." Ben replied.
She sighed, deeply. "I think it's Adam. He's been sending
me cards and gifts."
Ben pulled the car to the side of the road. "Since when?"
Anger was tearing through him.
"As long as I can remember. The staff are good at making
sure I don't get most of them. It's a bit difficult when I've got a
husband who's as generous as you."
"And you didn't think to tell me?"
"And have you explode? I don't think so."
Ben closed his eyes and gripped the steering wheel tightly.
"He's in Hong Kong and still he manages to wind me up!"
"That's another thing. He's not in Hong Kong."
He turned and stared at her.
"He's in Edinburgh."
"Since when?"
"About eight months ago."
"So that's why you've been so wound up?"
"Probably. The only thing that gets me stressed is that man.
It's like having a constant black cloud hanging over us." She
sighed. "I also get the feeling he's behind the business doing so
badly. I know he's in Edinburgh, but I'm sure I've seen him
around Newcastle."
"And I thought we were rid of him." Ben said bitterly.
"Me too. Unfortunately, I don't think we'll ever be fully rid
of him. All the years he was in Hong Kong, it felt as if he still
knew every move I made."
"I've been struggling to understand why you've been so
agitated for the last six months. I thought it was something I'd
done."
"Oh darling, I'm sorry. I've been trying to hide it. I suppose
I should have told you."

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"Maybe. I know why you didn't. What do we do?"

"Try to forget him, I guess."
They sat and stared through the windscreen for a few
minutes.
"Let's go home." Ben started the car and drove towards
Millbank.

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Chapter 13
There was a dramatic change in both of them. Mikie was
terrified that Adam would try to hurt Ben again. Ben was angry
that Adam was able to get so close to Mikie. Their children and
the staff noticed the change. Their boardroom rows were the talk
of all of their staff. At home it was no different, they spent most
of the time trying to avoid each other. Things finally came to a
head on the afternoon of Paul's birthday. It had been raining
hard all day and most occupants of Millbank were subdued.
Mikie was sitting in the library, when Emma the maid
brought her a parcel.
"This was delivered by courier, Lady Michaela."
"Thank you Emma."
Mikie opened the box and smiled. She went up to her room
and found Ben reading.
"Thank you."
He looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Oh Ben, don't look like you don't know."
"I've no idea what you're talking about."
"This." She held the black silk negligee against her.
"Very nice." He said, sarcastically. "where did that come
from? Or should I say who?"
Something in the tone of his voice told her he knew nothing.
"You didn't send me this?"
"No." His tone was cold.
A feeling of revulsion tore through her body and she threw it
to the floor.
Ben stood up. "It's from him, isn't it?"
"I . I don't know. There isn't a card."
Ben picked the negligee from the floor and checked the label
"God, you're something else, you really are! Its from your
favourite store. Why don't you just go off and be with him?

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That's what you really want, isn't it?"

"No! Ben I thought you sent it." She said quickly.
"You probably think I sent the roses you have on your desk
too."
"But you did. They came from your account at the florists. I
checked."
"I cancelled the account weeks ago. You havent even
noticed I stopped sending you flowers."
Realisation dawned on her. She had thought it strange that
her weekly flower delivery had stopped, but had not been
surprised that the roses had arrived the day before. She had
thought they were over their differences and had felt closer to
Ben than she had for months. They had started going out again
and had spent a night in a hotel in Newcastle.
"He follows you all over the city and you pretend not to
notice. He even had lunch in the same pub two days ago. I
wouldn't be surprised if it was set up that way."
She looked at him, horrified. "What are you talking about?"
"Adam Carpenter. He turns up in the strangest of places."
He was now standing very close to her, glaring into her eyes. He
gripped her arms tightly. "You're having an affair with him,
admit it!"
The slap left his face stinging. She ran from the room, down
the stairs and out of the front door.
It was about twenty seconds before Ben realised what had
happened and he ran after her. She was almost on the shore of
the lake when he caught up with her.
"Mikie wait!!" he shouted.
She stopped running and sank to her knees.
Ben skidded to a halt and knelt beside her.
"Oh Mikie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that."
"Then why say it? How could you think that? You do think
that don't you, or you wouldnt have said it."

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"I don't! I don't know where that came from. I don't think
that at all."
"How do you know he follows me?"
He sighed. "Because I have someone watching you."
She looked at him, a hurt expression in her face. "You don't
trust me?"
"Of course I do."
"But you have me followed?"
"I don't trust him. I'm terrified that he's gonna try and hurt
you. Oh Mikie, I don't want you to go through anything like I
did."
"I've never seen him near me. I've had strange feelings of
being followed, but when I've turned to look I've seen no-one I
recognise. It's starting to really scare me, Ben. I'm terrified he's
going to do something to you or one of the kids."
"He wouldn't dare. I've got someone watching his every
move." He touched her face. "I'm sorry I said that about the
affair. I really don't mean it."
She put her arms round his neck and kissed him. "Please
don't ever think it Ben. It will never be true. The very memory of
his face fills me with revulsion."
They held each other tightly for ten minutes.
They were soaking wet and cold.
"Come on you, lets get back to the house before we catch
something awful." He whispered.
"Didn't we do that years ago?" she smiled.
He laughed as he helped her up.
They walked back to the house, with arms wrapped round
each other.
Ben had gone into the bathroom and was running a bath.
"Are you okay?" Mikie asked, stepping from the shower.
"I guess so." He sighed. "I'll be even better when I'm
warmed up!"

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"You have your bath and I'll get your suit out of the
wardrobe."
"Fine! Whatever! We don't have to go if you don't want to."
"I do! Paul will be disappointed if I don't go. Did you say
the blue dress or the black one?"
"The blue one."
"Okay!" Mikie went into the bedroom. She pulled out Ben's
best dinner suit and hung it on the front of the wardrobe. Her
blue dress was placed across the bed.
Ben sunk into the hot water of the bath and submerged his
head under the bubbles. He sat up and ran his hands through his
wet hair. His mind was racing. He felt like he'd committed every
sin on the earth and a few extras no-one had thought of yet.
"What d'you think?" Mikie asked standing in the doorway.
Ben looked at her.
She was wearing the briefest of underwear and was holding
earrings to her ears.
"I think you should come over here 'cause I can't see from
there!" Ben said.
Mikie walked across the room. "Ruby's or Diamonds?"
In one move Ben put his hand round her waist and pulled
her into the water with him. He kissed her. A long passionate
kiss that sent an electric charge racing through her body.
"So I guess you don't think I should wear either?" she
grinned.
"What I think is that you knew I would react like this when I
saw you in that underwear!"
"I knew no such thing! I'm all wet again now! My hair will
be in a frightful state! I'll have to tie it up!"
"I like your hair wet. And you're right. I don't think you
should wear either. In fact, I don't think you should wear
anything at all!"
"Oooh! Bennett Jordan! Are you getting kinky in your old

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age?"
"I dont think we should go to the party after all. I think we
should escape somewhere. Somewhere quiet where nobody can
find us."
"And where did you have in mind?"
"Our bed will do!"
Mikie smiled at him. "I'm not in the mood for sex."
"Neither am I. I wanna make love to you for days!"
"Maybe later. We have to go to this shin-dig. Paul will be
upset if we don't."
"You are joking?"
"No. we have to."
"But, Mikie?"
"But Mikie, what?"
Ben suddenly looked like a dejected child.
"If you're this lustful now, you'll be worse later! Or should
that be better?" She said.
"You really mean this? You're not even gonna let me make
love to you once?"
"Save it for later."
"But? Mikie!"
"Mikie nothing! Come on! Get dressed. It's gonna take me
an hour to sort my hair!"
She climbed from the bath and peeled the silk suit from her
body.
Ben watched her walk back into the bedroom.
"Don't empty the bath until you find my earrings!" she
shouted.
It took Ben ten minutes to retrieve the missing jewellery. He
climbed from the bath and dried himself. When he went into the
bedroom she was fastening the zip on her dress. Her hair was
dry and piled on the top of her head.
"I thought you said it would take an hour to sort?" he said.

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"I thought it would. Get a move on. It's nearly eight

o'clock."
"I don't believe you. I don't know what you're up to, but it's
not funny."
"I'm not up to anything. I'm going to my brother's birthday
party. If you don't want to come, stay here!" She bent forward
towards the mirror on the dressing table to put on her lipstick.
"Are you coming?"
"I suppose so. He said it was up to us. We dont have to go."
"Yes we do." she was talking to his reflection in the mirror.
"Its time we started getting things back to normal around here. I
love family parties."
For two hours Ben watched Mikie as she circulated the room
chatting with various people, dancing with her brothers and her
sons. She had done almost a full circuit of the room and was now
within hearing range of him.
"I'm fine, thanks." she was saying to Duncan McRae, a
colleague of Paul's.
"That's good to hear! I was talking to Tara earlier"
Duncan was saying.
"What ever you did, worked! Thanks, Dad!" Brett sat beside
Ben.
"It took a row and a cold shower!" Ben smiled, nervously.
"You two had a row?" Brett was shocked. "I didn't realise it
was that bad!"
"We've had a lot of rows lately. It got to breaking point. I'm
glad that dress has sleeves. She's got two hand prints on the top
of her arms where I held her a bit tight."
"I guess a couple of bruised arms is better than a bruised
heart."
"Thanks, Brett. It does hurt. A lot. I'm not sure which pain
is worse. The pain of living with her ticking like a time bomb or

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the pain of knowing I've hurt her."

"Knowing you, probably the latter. Maybe you should ask
her to forgive you."
"I've tried. I'm not sure she wants to."
"Course she wants to. She loves you!"
"I'm not so sure she should forgive me, after what I said."
"It couldn't have been that bad, surely."
"I accused her of having an affair."
"You did what?" Brett looked at his father. "Who the hell do
you think she would have an affair with?"
"Adam Carpenter."
"Have you lost your mind?"
"I know. I know. I'm crazy. I do trust her. It just kinda fell
out of my mouth."
"Really dad, you should know better."
"It was heat of the moment. I've apologised twice, but I
don't think she'll ever forgive me."
"Sure she will. I can see how she's looking at you." Brett
looked at his father and smiled. "She promised me this dance."
The young man stood up and went to where his mother was
talking. "If you don't mind me interrupting. I was promised a
dance." he smiled at Duncan.
He whisked his mother across the ballroom floor.
Mikie was watching Ben as she danced. She flashed him one
of her smiles.
Ben smiled back. All of a sudden everything was right
between them. He could see the love in her eyes. It had been a
long time and he had all but forgotten what that particular look
did to him.
As the music ended, Brett delivered his mother to the sofa
where Ben was sitting. "You two could be arrested for indecent
behaviour in a public place!" he grinned.
Mikie stared at her son.

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Ben grinned and winked at him, but said nothing.

"Just watch Ali doesn't see you. She's on one of her moral
campaigns."
"I don't care." Ben laughed.
"Like I said. Be careful."
"Son! I'm far too old to be careful."
"I'm not sure my husband and my son should be having this
conversation." Mikie said. "Come on Ben. You can dance with
me."
"Only if I can choose the music."
Ben chose a slow soft tune and held Mikie very close as they
swayed, rhythmically, to the beat.
Mikie sang the words softly to him.
The tune changed but they carried on dancing.
"I love you." She whispered.
"I know."
"No. I don't think you do. You've put up with so much crap
from me over the last six months, I don't think I can express how
grateful I am."
"It hasn't been six months. A month or six weeks. That's
when it started getting to me."
"Kiss me."
"What?"
"Kiss me."
Ben kissed her. It was like turning the clock back a few
years. They were totally oblivious to the fact that everyone was
standing around watching them.
"I'd like to say thank you to everyone for coming!" Paul said
using the microphone attached to the stereo system. He looked
at Mikie. Paul indicated for her to come to him.
She left Ben standing in the middle of the room.
"Will you sing for us?" Paul asked.
Mikie shrugged. "Sure! What?"

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"I've got a list." he grinned, handing her a piece of paper.

"As long as you don't want all of these. I'm not sure I can
remember the words to some of them."
"I'll help. I'll play the piano, you sing."
Mikie sang a variety of songs. From slow ballads to raunchy
rock songs. Apart from Paul playing the piano, Dave played
guitar, Henry played drums and backed her singing.
They all had a great time. All of the guests applauded them.
The list was finished but Mikie whispered to Paul, then she
sang Ben's favourite song.
He was sitting at the other end of the big room smiling at
her. She could see the tears running down his face. The music
finished and everyone applauded again.
"Thanks Mikie! That goes some way to making up for the
birthday present you neglected to give me!" Paul laughed.
"You're too old for birthday presents." Mikie said. "Any
way. With me as your sister what else could you possibly need.?"
Everyone laughed.
Mikie indicated to Ben to follow her as she left the room.
He caught up with her at the foot of the stairs.
"It's later now!" she said, hitching up the long dress and
running up the stairs.
Ben ran up after her.
Ali, Brett, Tara, Jess and Tom watched them go.
"It's nice to see her back!" Ali said. "It's embarrassing
sometimes and you miss it others!"
"It's nice to see Dad found his bucket and spade." Tara said.
"Will someone please explain what the hell this thing about
building sand castles is? Tom said, exasperated.
His siblings laughed at him. "when you're eighteen!" they
chorused.

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Chapter 14
Within days everything seemed to return to normal. Mikie
made her peace with her family. Her family told her there was
nothing to forgive. Ben walked around with a permanent smile
on his face.
Back in the office in Newcastle, Ben found a problem that
would take him back to San Francisco.
"It'll take a couple of weeks I think." He said, scratching his
head.
"Mmm! That means six at least. I'll come with you." Mikie
laughed.
"Fine. It'll take longer, you'll distract me."
"Probably! When do we leave?"
"Tomorrow morning."
When they arrived in San Francisco, Mikie checked up on
the businesses and the charity homes that she had set up years
ago. The business was run by Ali and the charity by Kate. They
were both doing fine.
Ben's security business, on the other hand, was not fine.
There were big production problems caused by a collapse in
computer chip manufacturing. He spent a week in meetings or
on the phone trying to track down a company that could make
the complicated circuit boards and computer chips needed for
the security systems.
The Friday afternoon Board meeting began without him.
"I suppose if we don't start now, we'll be here until
midnight." Mikie said looking at the clock which said two thirty.
"How are orders going, David?"
"Fine! We've got new ones coming in all the time. It's the
systems that we're running short of. We've lost orders because
we can't supply the budget range anymore. We've had to price
ourselves out of some markets. We're not the only ones. I was

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talking to a guy at Bridgemont, he's saying the same thing. We

fare better being a bigger company. They're laying off workers.
They closed their Los Angeles office last month."
"So we take less profit margin and price down." Mikie said.
"Dad won't like that one."
"He'll have to. We'll be able to manage for a while. Peter?"
"We're not exactly losing. We haven't gained anything much
either." Peter said. "staff moral is pretty low. They're all
wondering if they'll have jobs at Christmas."
"Yes they will!!" Ben shouted coming through the door.
"Sorry I'm late. I just found a plant that can make exactly what
we want. Guess where?"
"I hardly think this is the time for games, Ben." Mikie said.
"Indulge me! A wild guess?"
"Millbank." Mikie said, dryly.
"Pretty close! Just outside Newcastle. Well about fifteen
miles anyway. They've been struggling to keep their workers on.
They're all on short weeks. I guess I just saved a few hundred
jobs. I also bought shares in the company to ensure the deal."
Ben was grinning.
There was a knock at the door.
"Sorry to interrupt!" Shirley, Ben's personal assistant said.
"I think you should see this." She switched on the television set
in the boardroom.
'Bridgemont owner Michael De Vesser made this
statement earlier today.' the newscaster said.
'I feel it is in the best interest of everyone to close the
business as soon as possible. We've tried our best for the last two
months to try to get components, but we've failed. I'm too old to
fight any longer. It's time to call it a day. The workers were
given a months notice this morning." De Vesser was a broken
man. Like Ben, he had built his business up from nothing. He
was heavily in debt and had no where else to go.

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"Thanks, Shirley!" Ben said. "Get Mike on the phone will

you?"
"Shall I put him through here?" Shirley asked.
Ben nodded. He looked around the table. "Suggestions
would be appreciated!"
"Buy him out." Peter said. "We can soak up the loss by not
having to pay redundancy if we take his men on. We could offer
him a seat on the Board"
"Good idea, Peter." Mikie said, smiling. She looked at Ben.
Ben was looking out of the window. "I don't think he'll like
it. I know him."
"The difference is that we're a much bigger company, Dad."
David said. "We've got solid contracts with big companies. And
we're not restricted to burglar alarms."
"You're right, I guess. It just feels like I'm kicking him when
he's down."
The phone rang.
Ben pressed the loudspeaker button. "Hi Mike! I just heard.
I don't know what to say, buddy."
"So far I've had three offers to buy me out, Ben. I don't like
any of them, 'cause they're not prepared to take on any of the
men. These men have families."
"I was gonna offer the same, with the exception of the men.
I would need to take them on. Training costs money. Most of my
guys are trained for big offices, not houses. Your workforce is the
opposite. We're prepared to offer you a seat on the board, Mike.
It'll mean a drop in salary, but you won't have any debts."
"That's a generous offer, Ben! How long do I have to think it
over?"
"Take as long as you like."
"Thanks Ben!"
"Just remember, Mike! The longer you leave it the bigger
the debts." Mikie said.

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"Oh hi, Mikie! I didn't realise you were in on this!"

"So are the rest of the Board. We'll have dinner and discuss
it. Bring Grace with you, she must be worried sick."
"Sure! You just tell me when and where and I'll make sure
we get there."
"If you're more than twenty minutes late, we'll start without
you." Mikie laughed.
"Still got your sense of humour then, Mikie?"
"Seven thirty at the Steak-Out!"
"Seven thirty! I'll see you later!"
The deal was signed and sealed the following day.
Mike De Vesser declined the seat on the board, but was very
relieved along with the hundred workers he employed.
While they were in San Francisco, Ben was invited to a reunion of Vietnam War Veterans, in the White House in
Washington. He was proud to attend. He had met President
Crawford on numerous occasions and was considered a friend by
the President.
Mikie spent half an hour pinning his medals onto his best
dress uniform.
"Sweetheart! There's one I can't seem to find!" Mikie was
talking to him as he laced his shoes in the hotel room in
Washington DC.
"Which one?" Ben asked.
"The blue one."
"I don't have a blue one."
"Yes you do. The heart shaped one."
"You lost my Purple Heart?" Ben started to panic.
"Is it important?"
"Do you know how may men get the Purple Heart? Of
course it's important! I can't go without it!"
"You look in your case again. It can't be far, I'm sure you
packed it."

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They checked suit cases and bags, twice, but could not find
the medal. Mikie looked in her handbag and jewellery case.
"Here it is! How it got in there I don't know." she smiled.
"Where?"
"In my medi-kit, I suppose I must have put it in there by
mistake."
"Go ahead. Give me heart failure! My blood pressure is
through the roof to start with."
"Now don't you go getting all wound up. It's only a party."
"You're taking this all very calmly. Some of those guys I
haven't seen since we got back."
"I know. Just relax and enjoy it. I'm going to."
"You're not taking this at all seriously, Mikie."
"I know how important this is to you, Ben. But you have to
relax or you'll end up having a flashback."
Ben sighed. "You're right, I'll try to calm down."
"Good! You look so smart. I've changed my mind. I don't
think we should go. Seeing you in that uniform just makes me
wanna take it off you. Slowly. Button by button."
"Mikie! Don't look at me like that. That's supposed to be my
job, remember?"
"Oh really? And where in our marriage vows does it say you
shall not lust after your husband, 'cause that's his job?"
"Very funny! Are you ready?"
"I suppose so. Will I do? Do I do justice to Marine
Commander Bennett Jordan?"
"You do more than justice. You're gonna upstage the First
Lady!"
"I don't think so. She's younger than I am."
"She may be younger, but you're still gonna out shine her."
"We'll see. Come on. There's a limo waiting for us."
There was a ten minute drive to the White House from the
hotel. Ben was getting more and more nervous. Mikie tried to

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keep him calm. They were among the last to arrive.

"Commander Bennett Jordan and Mrs Jordan!" the master
of ceremonies cried on their arrival.
There was applause from the crowd.
The President and First Lady arrived ten minutes later.
Mikie squeezed Ben's hand. "I'm glad I didn't choose the
blue dress. It's almost the same as Carol Crawford has on."
"Mmm! Then you would have upstaged her. You look better
in it."
"No darling. You always say I look better out of it."
Ben laughed.
They were shown to their seats for the formal dinner. Ben
had spoken to several of the other veterans, who were sitting
close. Once dinner was finished, they all moved into the
adjoining ballroom. They spent a few more minutes talking to
people.
"This seems to be going well." Ben said quietly. "I don't
know what I was so worried about."
"Why be worried? It's not as if you've never met anyone
before." Mikie smiled.
"You get worried when you see the Queen."
What he had not noticed was that President Crawford was
walking towards him. "Good to see you Ben!"
"And you too, Sir! Carol, you look stunning as always!" Ben
smiled. "How are you both?"
"Fine! Mikie you look radiant!" the President said. "How
are you?"
"I'm very well thank you, Mr President." Mikie smiled.
"I hope you'll do me the honour of allowing me a dance,
later."
"I'm sure Ben will let me go for one."
"If you'll excuse us. I've got a speech to make."
The speech was short and to the point, not something Alan

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Crawford was known for.

"I had my researchers ask the men who, in their opinion, did
most good for the welfare of the men in his command. They all
came up with the same name. I'm so pleased that he's with us
this evening. I had the thought that I was gonna have to go half
way across the planet to track him down. At this point it gives
me the greatest pleasure to give the following Commemorative
Plaque to Marine Commander Bennett Jordan, for single handily
saving the lives of seventy five young men in his command from
certain entrapment and death. Come on up here Ben!"
Ben was stunned. "This is a great honour." He said. "I'm
not sure what to say. Thanks, I guess! We lost so many kids out
in those fields it's a miracle any of us came back. I just wish that
more of them could be here with us today. I'd like to dedicate
this to all of you and all the guys who didn't make it back. It was
an honour to serve with all of them. My wife thinks I'm a hero.
They're the hero's, I just tried my best to get you all back home
safely to your families. I know the trauma of having to wait for
someone you love to come home. Even though I abhor violence,
I'd do it all again to save the lives of innocent people."
There was lots of applause and whistling from everyone
present.
During the evening President Crawford whisked Mikie
across the dance floor.
"How are you really, Mikie?" Crawford asked.
"I'm fine, Alan."
"I must say that you've got a fabulous figure for someone
who has six children. Carol has a constant fight with hers."
"Thank you for embarrassing me Alan. Ben helps. We go
horse riding most mornings."
"Can I ask you something personal about Ben?"
"That depends on how personal." Mikie smiled.
"Does he have flashbacks?"

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"Yes. Not every night, it depends on how stressed he is."

"So you think stress plays a part?"
"A big part as far as Ben is concerned. Its not the same for
all of the men. I know some of Ben's friends ended up in
institutions because of Post Traumatic Stress. I suppose Ben
feels safe so he's mostly okay."
"That's what I thought. I've been doing some research. I
didn't get to Vietnam, didn't pass the medical. There are still an
awful lot of guys who suffer because they were out there. I'm
glad we had men like Ben who were determined to bring them
home. They went into trap after trap."
They continued talking and dancing for about fifteen
minutes. They were interrupted by a commotion at the far side
of the room. The President and Mikie went to investigate.
There was a large crowd gathered round a man who was
sitting in the corner screaming in terror.
"Who is he?" Crawford asked.
"Private Alex Youngman, Sir." A man said.
"Is he with anyone?"
"He came up from Florida with us, Sir. He gets like this
after he's been drinking. We just have to wait it out. The last one
lasted an hour."
"Have you tried talking to him?" Carol Crawford asked.
"No ma'am! It don't do no good, he can't hear."
"You can't possibly leave him in that state." Mikie said,
concerned that he may injure himself. She sat on the floor in
front of Alex. "Hello Alex. My name is Mikie. Can you hear
me?"
Everyone waited for a response. Alex just continued to
shout.
"Alex! Listen to me! You're safe now! You're home!
They're all gone! No-one is going to hurt you!!" Mikie shouted to
Alex.

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Alex looked at Mikie. Seeing her for the first time. "You
have to get out of here, ma'am! It's not safe!!"
"It is, Alex. It's very safe. You're home now. In the White
House. It's okay. It's all over." Mikie said gently.
Alex looked around him. The smiling faces of his friends
and guests made him realise she was telling the truth. He
jumped up from his crouch. "I'm sorry! I guess I shouldn't have
come!"
"You have nothing to apologise for, Alex!" Alan Crawford
said. "It's men like you who made this country what it is today!"
"Come on, Alex." Mikie said. "Let's get you some air!"
Mikie guided Alex to the open French window and took him
out onto the terrace. Ben came with her.
"Come and sit over here." Mikie said indicating a seat in the
wall.
"Thanks, Mikie. I guess it was a mistake coming here. My
doctor said it would be good for me." Alex said.
"You have more right to be here than some of the others,
Alex." Ben said. "Some of them were Medical Corps, they were
miles away from what was happening."
"Thanks, Cap! It's been a long time!" Alex smiled.
Mikie was relieved to see him relaxing.
"Twenty five years!" Ben smiled.
"Thanks for your help, Mikie. I think I'll just go back to the
hotel now."
"Really? And here I was hoping for a dance!" Mikie smiled.
"I couldn't do that, ma'am! Dance with the Chiefs wife?
That's not done!"
"Don't be ridiculous! You're not in the marines now!"
"It's okay Alex. Go right ahead." Ben said.
Alex and Mikie went back into the large room and danced.
They chatted and smiled. When the music ended, Alex took
Mikie back to Ben.

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"Thanks Mikie! You've made me feel a whole lot better."

"Good! Keep smiling!" Mikie said.
Alex went back to his friends.
"Do you think I could dance with my wife now?" Ben asked.
"I'm not sure. Try asking her!"
Ben laughed. "Mrs Jordan! Would you do me the honour of
dancing with me?"
"I suppose so!" Mikie said. "I haven't anything better to
do!"
"You've got ideas above your station. Dancing with the
President has given you an ego."
"Being propositioned by the President has given me a bigger
ego."
"What?" Ben was shocked. "You're joking?"
"Serious. I kept telling him I needed to sit down. He
wouldn't hear of it. Gave me his Cell-phone number and asked
me to call him tomorrow."
"If I didnt know better, I'd swear you were lying."
"All the newspaper reports are true. I had to keep asking
him to move his hands."
"Maybe I should have a word with him."
"And say what, exactly? Stay away from my wife or I'll
punch your lights out."
"That's a start." Ben laughed.
"Don't you dare. Anyway, I threatened to tell Carol."
"Oh. Right."
"Mmm! He behaved himself after that." Mikie grinned. "I
did ask him to put a word in over this new contract though."
"Ooh, clever girl."
"It's nice to have friends in high places."
"Did he agree though?"
"Of course he did. I think we can be safe in the knowledge
that the contract will be signed and on the desk in the office

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tomorrow afternoon."
"Made quite an impression on him, didn't you?"
"I make quite an impression on a lot of people." Mikie
looked into Ben eyes. "And right now you're driving me mad."
"By doing what?"
"Wearing that uniform. I still wanna take it off you, slowly.
Button by button!"
"Mikie! There are people in hearing range."
"Bennett Jordan. Are you embarrassed?"
"No! It's just I'd rather be a bit more discrete."
"Ben Jordan? Discrete? You're getting sensible in your old
age. What happened to your sense of adventure?"
"I left it in the hotel room. We're in the White House for
gods sake."
"So?"
"So, you could be arrested for what your doing."
"Oh so its all my fault? You're the one wearing the uniform."
The music changed to a much slower pace. Mikie ran her
hand down Ben's back and held him closer to her.
"Okay! I get the message. We'll go. Before we both end up
in the stockade for behaviour unfitting an officer."
"I don't mind sharing a cell with you."
"My I interrupt?" Alan Crawford tapped Ben on the
shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Alan. I'm feeling a little tired now. We were just
about to leave." Mikie smiled.
"One more dance?"
"Just one." Mikie agreed.
Alan took Mikie to the other side of the room. Ben was left
to dance with Carol.
"I think my husband has designs on your wife, Ben." Carol
said, keeping one eye on her wayward husband.
"I'm sure you're mistaken, Carol. I don't see why he would

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want anyone else but you."

"He thinks it's part of the job description. He's a hopeless
flirt."
"You can breath easy, Carol. He won't get anywhere with
Mikie. She's hopelessly in love with me."
"I know. I can see the way she looks at you. The
temperature in here is sky high because of you two."
Ben swallowed hard.
"Don't worry, Ben. I dont think anyone else noticed." Carol
laughed.
The music ended and Ben and Mikie said their good-byes
and left.
The night air was cool and Mikie shivered as she got into the
limousine that took them back to the hotel. Ben put his arm
round her.
"Are you okay?"
"Fine! You?"
"Yep!"
"What was Carol saying?"
"She knows about Alan's proposition."
"I thought she would. I noticed you putting her at ease."
"I told her you weren't interested."
"Why would you tell her that?"
"Because you're not, are you?"
"It was an interesting proposition. I still have his phone
number."
Ben laughed. "Once a harlot always a harlot."
"Well! How many girls can say they've had the President of
the United States?"
"It depends which President."
It was just before midnight and the traffic in the city was
jammed solid. As they sat in the car it started to get very warm
and Ben was starting to be very uncomfortable. He unbuttoned

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the top three buttons of his jacket.

"It looks like we're gonna be stuck for a while, folks!" the
driver called over his shoulder. "I could go the long way round if
you like. It'll take about an hour."
"That's okay. just take your time, we don't mind." Mikie
said.
The driver closed the glass screen between the front of the
car and the back.
Mikie snuggled into Ben. "That gives us a bit more time."
"For what?"
"To just sit back and enjoy the ride."
She unbuttoned the rest of his jacket, some of his shirt and
put her hand across his chest.
"What's got into you?" he asked.
"Nothing. Yet."
Ben held her close. He kissed the top of her head. "Hello
you. Do you realise it's been two years since you did anything
close to this?"
"Two years too long. I love you."
"I know."
"I dont think I've been telling you often enough. I feel like
I've been neglecting you."
"You don't have to make up for it, sweetheart."
"I do. I still think I have an awful lot of making up to do."
"I think all that champagne has gone to your head."
"Two glasses? I've been drinking lemonade."
"You have?"
"Someone had to keep sober. After the episode with Alex I
thought that there might be more. I think I was the only one who
knew what to do."
"I'm glad you were there."
"Did you enjoy catching up with your friends?"
"It brought back memories. Good and bad. I'm glad it's

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only once in a while."

"Mmm! At least your men appreciated all that you did for
them."
"I did my job."
"I think it was more than that. Alex told me that you risked
your own life several times to save others."
"They were my men. I couldn't do anything else."
The driver pulled up at the hotel.

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Chapter 15
It was after one o'clock the following afternoon, when Ben
and Mikie arrived at the Washington office of Jordan/McKeon.
They were greeted by chaos. The building had been cordoned off
by the F.B.I.
"I'm sorry, Sir! Ma'am! You can't go in." the man informed
them.
"I'm Ben Jordan. This is my office." Ben smiled.
"Oh right! Sorry Mr Jordan. Do you have ID?"
Ben and Mikie showed their security passes.
"What's going on?" Ben asked Ann, the receptionist.
"President Crawford is waiting in your office, Ben." Ann
replied.
"Great. That's all I need."
When Ben and Mikie got out of the lift on the twentieth floor
of the building, they were scanned for weapons and their
briefcases searched.
"Good afternoon Ben. Mikie." Alan Crawford said. "I called
this morning. Your secretary said you had an opening at One. I
hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, Alan. What can we do for you?" Ben said.
"I brought that contract over. I wanted to say thanks for last
night."
"I think the thanks should come from us." Ben said.
"The way you handled that guy was commendable." Alan
smiled at Mikie.
"Not really." Mikie said. "You just need to know how to talk
to them. They're usually very confused."
"I also came to apologise to you, Mikie. I hope I didnt
embarrass you."
"In what way?" Mikie asked.
"I tend to say things when I've been drinking. I'd hate to

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lose you as a friend."

"Apology accepted, Alan. If you ever find yourself in
England, look us up."
"Actually. That's the other thing I came for. I've been
invited over there for a couple of weeks next spring. Hotels are
complicated to protect."
"You'll be more than welcome to come and stay with us,
Alan. Let me know the exact details and I'll arrange it."
"Won't your brother mind? He'll probably have to move
out."
"He doesn't live permanently at Millbank. He lives in Essex.
He likes his own space."
"I see. I'll have my office fax the information across. It
might mean a reception for some government officials."
"It won't be the first time. We've had Kings and Crown
Princes stay with us." Mikie smiled. "Would you like some
coffee?"
"Excellent. I'll try not to stay for too long. I tend to cause
chaos when I leave the office."
Alan Crawford left Ben's office an hour later, entourage of
guards and F.B.I. agents in tow.
Mikie and Ben returned to England the following day. They
stopped over in London for the night and flew to Newcastle the
day after.
They were sitting in the lounge at Millbank, drinking coffee
when Tara arrived.
"Hello. Did you have a good trip." she beamed.
"We did.
What are you doing here?"
Ben asked,
suspiciously.
"Can't I come and visit my parents if I want to?"
"Where's Tim?"
"Playing pool with Andrew."

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"How long have you been here?" Mikie asked.

"A couple of days."
"You didnt answer my question." Ben said.
"I've got something to show you." Tara grinned. She left the
room and returned with a baby in her arms. "I wanted to
surprise you both."
"Surprise? That's my girl! Queen of the understatements."
Ben smiled.
Tara handed the baby to her mother.
Mikie looked down at it. It was like turning the clock back
and looking at Greg. Mikie kissed the baby, gently and then
started to cry.
"It's okay, Mum. They asked if I wanted to terminate when
they told me about the Downs. I told them where to go." Tara
smiled. "We called him Greg."
Ben took the baby from Mikie and looked at him. "He's
beautiful, Tara."
Mikie hugged her daughter. "Why didn't you say?"
"I was going to, then I found out about the Downs
Syndrome. I guess I wanted to see how things turned out. It was
pretty awful. They said the best thing we could do for him was
leave him to his own devices. They weren't very happy to give
him medication to keep him alive. We nearly lost him twice. If it
hadn't been for Tim insisting, I'm sure they would have just let
him die."
"Well good for Tim. He's so gorgeous. What does Andrew
think?"
"He's thrilled. I suppose he's like Brett was with Greg."
"Andrew thinks he's the best brother in the world!" Andrew
shouted running into the arms of his grandmother. "Hello Nan!
How are you?"
"I'm fine! You kept the secret from me all this time. You're
a clever boy."

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"Mom and Dad asked me to. Dad promised me a new bike if

I managed it."
"You're not supposed to tell them that either, Andrew." Tim
said.
"Did you get the bike?" Ben asked.
"Not yet. I was gonna ask if you could remind Dad for me."
Andrew grinned.
"I'll do better than that. We'll go out tomorrow and buy you
a bike."
"You will? Thanks Granddad!" Andrew said, jumping up
and down.
"Thanks, Dad." Tara said. "We'd forgotten about that."
"You've also forgotten about Greg's medication." Andrew
said.
"Come on. You can help." Tim said, taking the baby from
Ben.
"I'd better go with them. Andrew spills most of it." Tara
smiled.
Ben looked at Mikie. "Are you okay?"
Mikie sighed. "I think so. He just looks so much like Greg.
I remember what they told me in the hospital after he was born.
It sounds like there isnt much change in attitude."
"Come here." Ben wrapped his arms round her.
"I wish he was here with us now." She whispered.
"He is. He's always here. As long as you're around, He is."
"I guess that's another Christmas present to buy."
"Yep! I think we'd better get started on that. It's nearly
November."
"And you'll still be rushing out on Christmas Eve."
"No. I'm gonna save Christmas Eve for you this year. I
missed out on last year."
"If you think I'm gonna be dragged round shops for hours,
you're sorely mistaken."

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"No. No shopping."
Mikie laughed at him. "I'll believe that when it happens."
Christmas faded into spring. The visit by Alan Crawford
went by without a hitch. Mikie had arranged several dinner
parties for him and Millbank was filled with Government
Officials and dignitaries. She managed to escape with Carol
Crawford for a day to take her shopping. Mikie and Ben were
invited to have dinner with the Prime Minister, which they
accepted. The big house seemed very quiet once everyone had
left.

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Chapter 16
Mikie was sitting, in the conservatory, one afternoon in the
middle of April with Paul and Jan. They were each lost in their
own thoughts.
Mikie was reflecting on the way her life had slowed down.
"God this place never changes." Paul reflected.
"That's why I like it so much." Mikie said.
"I'm gonna miss it." Jan said.
"Going somewhere?" Mikie asked, suspiciously.
"The doctors reckon six months. I think three."
"How long have you known that?"
"Since Christmas."
"Why didn't you say something?" Mikie was shocked.
"There isn't anything that can be done. I'm okay with it.
The kids are fine."
Mikie looked at her sister-in-law. "If there's anything you
need, Jan."
"I wish I had your strength. You've always been the strong
one."
"No I'm not. Ben is the strong one. He gives me the will I
need."
"Where is he?" Paul asked.
"He's got a headache. He said he was going to lie down. I'd
better go and check on him."
Mikie went up to her room. Ben was sitting on the edge of
the bed. "How's the head?"
"Fine. I was coming to look for you." he smiled.
Mikie sat next to him.
Ben put his arm round her. "Been talking to Jan?"
She nodded. "She's got cancer."
"I know. She asked me the best way to tell you."
"I don't know how I can get through with out her. Who am I

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gonna argue with now?"

"She's sick darlin', she's tired."
"I know."
"She's left you a list. Everything is arranged. All you have to
do is arrange a date."
"For what?"
"The funeral. You know how organised she is. She doesnt
want to burden anyone with the responsibility of getting it
wrong."
"Come on. Lets get some air."
As they walked downstairs Ali and David arrived.
"Hello you two." Ali said.
"Hi!" Ben smiled. "I thought it was next week when you
were coming?"
"Now there's something I didn't ever think I'd witness. My
Dad losing his memory. It is next week."
"Is it? I'll take your word for it. I'm sixty six. I'm allowed to
forget things."
"As long as you don't forget what matters." David smiled.
"I don't, your Mom won't let me."
"Where are the kids?"
"All asleep in the car. We'll dump this lot then go and get
them." Ali said. "David hates flying."
"We're going for a walk. We'll be about an hour." Mikie
said.
"Take coats, it's gonna rain." Ali said.
"Garbage! It's blue skies." Ben said.
"Don't come running to me If you get wet and catch
something awful."
"It's way too late for that." Ben winked.
"Dig yourself a hole darling." Mikie laughed.
David and Ali laughed with her.
Mikie and Ben went out through the big front door and

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walked round the side of the house.

"God knows how I'm gonna tell them." Ali said to David.
"You'll find a way. You told me."
"You're you. Mum and Dad are different."
"It's not that bad. They'll know what to do."
"We'll see."
Mikie and Ben strolled round the gardens. They sat in their
favourite spot under the rose arbour for a while.
"We always come back to this seat." Ben sighed.
"It's a good place to be." Mikie agreed. "Are you happy,
Ben. Really happy?"
"Happier than any man deserves to be. With you by my side
life can't throw anything at me that I can't deal with."
"Ali has something to say. I'm not sure what, but it's not
good."
"I know. We'll work it out, whatever it is."
Mikie sighed.
"Come on, we'll go ask her." Ben suggested.
As they walked out of the garden the rain started.
"I swear she's got friends in high places. She always knows
when it's gonna rain." Mikie smiled.
"And we always get wet."
They walked quickly up the path into the house. It was a
short shower and they were only slightly damp.
Ali was waiting in the library for them. "You two never
listen. I said it would rain."
"Maybe we should start listening to you. But only about the
weather." Ben smiled.
"Coffee?"
"Sure. Then you can tell us what's on your mind." Mikie
said.

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"There isn't much gets past you is there?"

"Not much no."
"The State department is looking into the contract. They're
under the impression it was given to cover something up."
"Oh really? And what exactly do they think was covered
up?"
"An affair."
"Between me and Alan Crawford?"
"You know?"
"I know it never happened."
"I know that. We have to convince the State department of
that. At least we've got Carol Crawford on our side."
"Why bring it up now?"
"It's called politics, darlin'. You know how they work. It's
also an election year." Ben pointed out.
"Mmm. What's happening?" Mikie asked Ali.
"They want you both to go to Washington and answer some
questions."
"Wonderful. I don't suppose we have a choice?"
"No. They want you there Monday." Ali said, flatly.
"Well so much for peace and quiet." Ben said.
They went to Washington and answered the questions of the
Senators. Mikie managed to convince them that the affair never
happened.
Alan Crawford was well known for flirting with beautiful
women. He was also a member of the Republican party who
were in Office. The Democrat party were throwing the usual
mud and trying to discredit their opponents.
Mikie and Ben returned to Millbank after a week of
questions and answers which made Mikie feel like she was being
tried for treason.
"Home sweet home." Mikie said, wistfully as they climbed
out of the car in the drive at Millbank.

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"Yep. There's no place like it." Ben laughed.

It was late in the evening and they went straight to bed.
The following day they were woken by Paul. "Jan's taken a
turn for the worst. She want's to see you."
Mikie looked at her brother. "I'll get dressed."
Paul left them to return to his wife's side.
When Mikie and Ben got there, Jan was very weak.
"Hello, you two." Jan said as brightly as she could. "I
wanted to tell you good-bye."
"Jan please." Mikie said.
"Don't you dare start crying, Mikie. I have to go some time.
I'm tired. I'm in pain and I can't think straight." Her breathing
was laboured and she gasped between words.
"Is there anything you want, Jan?" Ben asked softly.
"A hug from you both."
Mikie hugged her for a long time.
Ben also hugged her.
"You look after Mikie. She needs you to breathe."
"Haven't I always? Go to sleep, Jan. You need your rest."
"Thanks, Ben. I love you both more than words can say."
"We know. We love you too. Now sleep. Please."
Paul sat beside her and held her.
Jan smiled at them all. Then closed her eyes.
Paul was devastated. He clung to Mikie for strength. She
and Ben helped him get over his loss.
Jan had been a good friend to Mikie. Someone to confide in
and ask advice from.
"Thanks for helping me, Mikie." Paul said, one afternoon in
late August. "I don't think I could've coped without you."
"It's what sisters are for. You would've been fine."
"I would have crumbled. I guess in the way of things, I'll be
next to go."
"Why do you think that?"

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"I haven't got any thing to live for with Jan gone."
"Rubbish. You've got the kids, your charity work, your title."
"It's been a good life. I often wonder what it would have
been like if we'd been ordinary kids from the suburbs. If we'd
had no money or privileges. Would we have been as happy?"
"We would still have had each other."
"I suppose so. Out of all of us you're the one who's had the
rough deal. But you just face everything head on and get on with
it. I've always admired you for that."
"I had a lot of support. I remember silly things like family
Christmases. The fights we used to have. Hen getting into the
middle of it. And you, the voice of reason, trying to calm
everyone down."
"It never worked. Dad would stand and let us get on with it.
Mum used to flap about like a headless chicken. As I remember
it, it was usually caused by you."
"It was!"
They were sitting in the conservatory looking across the
lawn towards the rose garden.
"Wasn't Ben down in the garden?" Paul asked.
"He is. I thought he would be back by now. I'll go and look
for him. He was complaining of his leg this morning."
Mikie found Ben sitting on the bench under the arbour. His
face was screwed up with pain.
"Ben!? What is it?" she said, concerned.
"This darn leg! I can't move it!"
"I'll be back in a minute!" she ran up the path towards the
house.
"What's up?"
Paul shouted from the door of the
conservatory.
"It's his leg! He needs help!"
"I'll get one of the boys to come!"
Mikie turned and went back to Ben. "Why didn't you say it

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was this bad?"

"It wasn't when I came down here. I guess the damp doesn't
help."
Paul arrived with Tom.
"I warned you about over doing things, Dad!" Tom said
sharply.
"I know my limits, Tom!"
"Sure you do! You're way passed them!"
Tom and Paul practically carried Ben back to the house.

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Chapter 17
Mikie insisted on taking him into Newcastle to the hospital
to have an x-ray.
The plate that Ben had fitted in his leg had moved and
broken the bone under it. It was a permanent reminder of the
time he had been kidnapped by Adam Carpenter.
"It's a bit of a mess, Mr Jordan." the young doctor said.
"We'll need to replace the plate."
"When?"
"Now. There's no time like the present."
"What if I say no?"
"Are you going to be stubborn?"
"How long will it take?"
"About an hour and a half. Then you can stay with us for a
few days."
"How many days?"
"Six or seven."
"Do I have a choice?"
"Do you enjoy pain?"
Ben looked at him. "Okay. Where do I sign?"
"You'll be back to normal in no time, promise." the young
man smiled.
"Normal is not a word you can associate with my father."
Tom said. "Come on, old man. Let's get you sorted."
"Hey. Not so much of the old man."
"I know Dad. Thirty five." Tom laughed.
The operation went without a problem. The problem arose
when the nursing staff could not bring Ben out of the
anaesthesia. They tried for three hours. Then they sent for Tom
McKellor, the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, to come and look
at him.
"I can't understand why he's not awake yet." McKellor said.

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"Lets get some scans done. I don't like this a bit."

Mikie was frantic. She paced the floor and wrung her hands.
Ben was taken to Intensive Care. Mikie sat with him for
three hours.
"Your husband has had a stroke, Mrs Jordan." Mr McKellor
said. "We're not sure why."
"Will he come out of it?"
"We don't know. I've asked Geraldine Masdon to take over
his care. She has the expertise in these cases. She'll be in to see
you shortly."
Mikie looked at Ben and squeezed his hand. "Don't you dare
leave me, Bennett Jordan. I wont let you leave me."
She sat watching him for a week before he made any sign of
coming round.
When he opened his eyes he was confused. He tried to
speak and nothing came out. His face felt tight and strange. He
had no control over his movements. Tears ran down his face.
"Don't cry, darling." Mikie said gently. "Everything is okay.
You've had a stroke. Don't try to talk. It'll be fine."
"Well. It's nice to see you've joined us finally." Geraldine
Masdon smiled at Ben.
Ben looked even more confused.
"Can you move your head?" Geraldine asked.
Ben tried. He moved his head from side to side and up and
down.
"Good. Nod or shake, okay?"
Ben nodded.
"Do you understand what's happened to you?"
Ben nodded then shook his head.
"You've had a stroke, Ben. You understand that?"
He nodded.
"Fine. As far as the tests go we think it might just be speech
that's affected. We'll go through the movements shall we?"

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Ben shrugged.
"That's a good start." Geraldine smiled. "My name is Geri
Masdon. Can you lift your left arm?"
Ben followed all of Geri's instructions. He moved his limbs
when she asked him to. It took a little longer than normal but
Geri said that was usual.
"You're doing very well, Ben. We'll get you out of the Unit
and back to a proper ward, then you'll feel better." Geri smiled.
"We'll get you up and about as soon as we can. Do you think your
memory has been affected?"
Ben shook his head.
"You know who this is?" Geri pointed to Mikie.
Ben's face lit up with his smile.
Mikie smiled back at him.
"How many children do you have, Ben?"
Ben held up seven fingers.
"Do you?" Geri asked Mikie.
"No. we have six between us."
Ben screwed his face and shook his head.
"We do, darling. Kate, Ali, Brett, Tara, Jess, and Tom."
Ben shook his head. He held up another finger.
Mikie was puzzled for a second. "He's right. We do have
seven. One of them died, but he's right."
Ben grinned.
Ben's recovery was a slow process. His strength was
diminished considerably. His limbs would not always do what he
wanted them to and this made him annoyed. The biggest hurdle
to overcome was the loss of his speech. He could make noises,
but none of them resembled words.
Mikie was patient with him. She encouraged him with his
exercises and helped him with the things he found difficult.
Together they made up a sort of code using the noises he
could make.

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Ben spent a total of three weeks in the hospital. He needed

to use a wheelchair to get around because of his leg. Mikie took
him home to Millbank.
"Home." she said, helping him from the car. "The kids are
here."
Ben looked at the house. It was a sight that he did not think
he would see again. He smiled.
Mikie helped him into the wheelchair.
He reached up, took her hand and kissed it.
She looked at him and smiled. "I know. It's good to have
you home. It can only get better from now on."
She took him in through the ballroom. Their children were
all waiting in the lounge for him.
His face lit with pleasure when he saw them.
"Hi Dad. It's good to have you home." Brett said, smiling.
The children took turns in hugging him.
Ben wanted to tell them all how good it felt to be back. He
could only grin at them. He watched Mikie as she moved away
from his side so his family could get closer to him. As she moved
further from him he outstretched his hand.
"I'm not going anywhere, Ben. I'm here." she said, taking
his hand.
He squeezed her hand tightly.
"Okay! I won't go that far."
He smiled at her.
Mikie knew only too well how hard it was for him. He liked
to tell his children how he felt. He wanted to tell them how much
he appreciated them being around for him.
As Christmas approached again, Ben grew stronger.
Mikie felt this was a mixed blessing. Just because he could
not talk, did not mean that he could not tell her what he wanted.
Over the weeks he mainly stayed either in bed or on the sofa in
their room. He would watch her work, often interrupting her so

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he could make her come close to him to allow him to kiss her. He
still had the same physical energy he always had. He could still
make love to her and this made him very happy.
Mikie was in the middle of typing a long report. Ben was
reading a book. He looked at her.
"Mmmmik!" he said.
She turned, astonished at what she had heard. "What did
you say?"
"Mmmik!" he grinned.
"Ben that's great!" she walked across the room to where he
was sitting on the big sofa.
"Mmy Mmmik!" He stammered.
"Your Mik!"
"Ffffood!"
"Your hungry? What can I get you? Toast, sandwich, icecream?"
He shook his head. "Yyyou!"
Mikie laughed at him. "Oh no! I'm not on the menu. I've
got to finish this report."
He looked disappointed.
"Don't look at me like that. You're supposed to be resting."
He shook his head. "Nnno breakfast."
"You did have breakfast." she protested.
"Not."
There was a knock at the door.
She opened it to find Brett.
"Hi, Mum! How's Dad?"
"Ask him yourself. If you talk to him for a while I'll be able
to finish what I'm doing."
Ben was scowling at Mikie.
"What's wrong Dad?" Brett asked.
"He's miffed with me." Mikie said. "He can't catch me if I
run away from him. He thinks he's nineteen again."

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"Oh! Right! Good for you Dad." Brett grinned.

Ben smiled at him.
"I came to ask if you wanted to go for a walk?"
Ben shook his head.
"Not even round the rose garden? There are still some
bushes in bloom."
Ben shook his head again.
"Ben! Go for a walk. The air will do you good. I'll be
finished in about half an hour."
Ben hesitated.
"It's okay. I'll be here when you get back. Brett wont let
anything happen to you."
Ben nodded. There was reluctance in his agreement.
"Come on Dad. It can't be doing you any good being cooped
up here all day." Brett said.
Ben let Brett help him into the wheelchair. The two headed
off to the lift.
Mikie finished her report sooner than she thought. She
went down to the basement office to fax a copy to the San
Francisco office. From there she put her coat on and went out
through the library to the garden. She found Ben and Brett
sitting in the rose garden.
"Hell teeth. It's freezing out here." she said.
Ben smiled at her and pointed.
She looked in the direction he was indicating. "What?"
"Your rose is still in flower." Brett said.
"I don't know how. It's far too cold."
"Lllove yyyou!" Ben said.
"Just because you love me doesn't mean that the rose
blooms!"
"Yes!"
Mikie laughed. "I'll take your word for it! Come on, lets get
you back inside! Before you catch something awful!"

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"L. l. late!" Ben laughed.

Brett shook his head at the exchange. "You realise you two
have your own language?"
"He said it's too late to catch something awful. He caught
me years ago!"
Brett laughed.
"We'll have coffee before we have to leave for your
appointment, Ben." Mikie said.
Ben grunted.
"It'll help, trust me!"
"Not!" Ben said. "No go."
Mikie looked at him. "Why not?"
"Not g. g. good."
"They're trained professionals. They help people to talk all
the time."
Ben shook his head. "Nnnno go!"
"Ben, please."
"Nnno!"
Mikie could see the pain in his eyes. She knew she could not
make him go.
"Okay. I'll call and make another appointment."
Ben relaxed a little. He smiled.
Over the next two weeks Ben refused to go to any of the
speech therapy appointments that Mikie set up for him. She
started to lose patience with him.
"You're going, Ben!" she said flatly "You're not getting out
of this one!"
Ben shook his head.
She was trying desperately not to lose her temper with him.
She knew it was his pride getting in the way of logic. She
clenched her fists so hard her fingernails dug into her palms. She
wanted to shake him and wake him to the reality that without
help he may not get his speech back.

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"I'm not gonna argue with you." She said finally. "I'm also
not gonna help you anymore. I can't do this, Ben. I don't know
what I'm doing. You'll have to do it all yourself."
Ben looked hurt. She turned away from him and left him
sitting in his wheelchair in the middle of the hall. Even though it
was bitterly cold she walked out of the house and went to sit in
the rose garden. She stayed there for over an hour, crying with
frustration. She wanted to help Ben. She wanted to make
everything right. She wanted to make his pain go away. She had
watched him struggling with everything from eating to fastening
his shirt buttons. He could not hold a pen properly so he could
not write how he felt. They were both suffering in their own way.
"Are you okay, Mum?" Tom asked quietly, sitting beside
her.
"Not really, no."
He put his arm round her shoulder. "It's not your fault. He
needs professional help. Love won't make this one better. He
needs to swallow his pride and listen to you."
"Tell your dad that."
"I have. When did Dad ever listen to me?"
"He doesnt listen to me either. I don't know what to do,
Tom. I'm frustrated, tired and at the full stretch of my temper. I
can't help him and it hurts like hell!"
"I know. I also know that you can't let this thing destroy
what you have."
"It won't."
"It is. You've both lost the sparkle in your eyes over the past
few days. We've got to get through to him somehow. Maybe if
we talk to him together?"
"Anything is worth a try."
They walked back to the house. Tom still had his arm
around his mother's shoulder. Mikie was grateful for the
support.

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They found Ben in the office, sitting in front of the

computer. He was tapping slowly at the keys.
Mikie put her arms round his shoulders and kissed the back
of his head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so horrible to you."
She said.
Ben shrugged. He pointed to the screen.
'I love you Mikie.' He had typed. 'I'm sorry I've been such a
jerk lately. I want to tell you the things I always tell you. How
much I love you. How much you mean to me. I want to call you
harlot and hear you laugh at me. It hurts that I can't. I'm
angry and frustrated. I'm scared that I'll never be able to talk
to you again. I don't understand why any of this happened. I
just have to make the best of the bad situation. I dont want to
go to the therapist because I don't think she can help me. I want
to get back to normal. I want to shout from the roof how
grateful I am that you've been so patient with me. I know how
hard it is for you. I need you, Mikie. More than the air I
breathe. I know I'm hurting you and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for
all the hell I've put you and the kids through. Right now I think
it would have been better if I hadn't woke up. You would be
better off without me. Losing my voice is like losing you. I can't
cope. Going for therapy just reminds me what I've lost.'
"Ben! I know its hard for you. I know you think you're
never gonna get better, but you have to at least try. For me if not
for yourself. I love you. None of this is your fault. Please give it
a try. You've already done the hard bit. You just need to know
how to put the sounds into words. Please Ben." She was
standing behind him, her arms round his shoulders and her chin
on his head. She kissed the top of his head.
He pulled her hands tighter round him and kissed the back
of them. Then he nodded.
"I'll be there with you, darling. You're not going through any

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of it alone. I promised you a long time ago that I would never

leave you. For better, for worse, in sickness and health and all
that stuff, remember?"
He nodded. 'Love you' he typed. 'Are we going now?'
"I love you too. We'll go into town first. We can have lunch
out. What do you think?"
'Okay.'
Mikie hugged him. "You've got your appointment for your
leg this afternoon, too. They might finally take that cast off!"
'Good! Then I'll be able to catch you!'
"Unless I ask them to leave it on for another month!"
Ben laughed.
"Do you want any help, Mom?" Tom asked.
"If you want to, you can come with us."
Ben nodded.
"I'll go get my other jacket. D'you want a sweater Dad?"
Ben shook his head.
"I'll meet you in the car." Tom left them.
'Thanks!' Ben typed.
"For what?"
'Being you. Love you!'
"I love you too. Tom's worried that this thing is driving a
wedge between us."
'Never!'
"It would take more than you losing your voice!"

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Chapter 18
The three of them headed into Newcastle. They had lunch in
the Royal Standard, one of the company pubs. Then there was
time for a little shopping before going to the hospital. Mikie was
glad Tom was with them, she found the wheelchair heavy to
push.
She had left Ben and Tom waiting outside a shop for her.
When she came out she was puzzled as to where they were. She
sat and waited. Thinking that they would return to find her. She
was there ten minutes before they appeared.
"Where've you two been? I was worried!" she said sharply.
"Dad needed to get something." Tom smiled.
"Why didn't you wait? I would have got it."
"That would spoil the surprise!"
Mikie looked suspiciously at the grin on Ben's face. "I dont
know what you're up to, Bennett Jordan!"
Ben shook his head.
"You're not innocent! So you can take that stupid grin from
your face!"
"Young lady! You should show a bit more compassion to the
disabled!" the elderly woman said sharply.
Mikie spun round to face her. "Don't worry, my husband is
well capable of fighting back if he needs to!"
The woman glared at Mikie. "That doesn't give you the right
to be so nasty!"
"It's okay, ma'am. When Dad gets his voice back I'm sure
he'll make up for it!" Tom smiled.
"You are right. If I've caused you any offence I apologise!"
Mikie smiled to the woman. "Come on we'll be late!"
Ben gave the woman a dazzling smile.
The woman shook her head and walked away.
The visit to the hospital was good in two aspects. Ben had

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his cast removed and the therapist was very encouraging.

Ben decided that he would go twice a week to therapy
sessions. They lasted an hour at a time.
The weeks running up to Christmas were an ordeal for both
of them. Ben tried his best to make everyone understand what
he was trying to say. He ended up frustrated and angry. Mikie
watched in despair as he struggled with his speech. The younger
grandchildren did not really understand that their beloved
granddad could not tell them stories like he used to. This upset
Ben, he wanted to tell them all how much he loved them. Using a
Lap-top computer to type on helped with the adults and the older
children. He was getting more and more frustrated as the days
passed.
Mikie knew only too well how frustrated he was. She saw at
first hand his temper. He threw things across their rooms in
anger. He looked constantly miserable. The sparkle had gone
from his eyes. She felt helpless. There was nothing she could do
to cheer him up.
Ben withdrew into himself, he stayed in their room for most
of the day.
Mikie worried about him. There were times when she had to
leave him to fulfil long standing engagements and she worried
when she was away from him.
She was preparing to leave for a lunch date with some
friends she had know since school. Ben was lying on their bed
watching her finish putting on her make up.
"I'll be back by three. Will you be all right?" she asked him.
Ben shrugged.
"Please don't make this any harder than it already is, Ben!"
"Nnnot!"
"Yes you are! Come with me if you want to."
He shook his head. He typed something on the keyboard of
the computer.

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She looked at it.

'Come with you and be humiliated by not being able to talk
to anyone? Good idea!'
"So stop making it hard for me. You've known about this for
weeks."
'Go! I don't mind.'
"Yes you do. You think I should stay here with you. I can't
help you any more than I am, Ben. For my sanity's sake I need to
take time out."
He shrugged.
She looked at him, trying to figure out what he was thinking,
trying to understand what he was feeling. "I love you, you know
that don't you?"
He nodded.
"I'll be back by three, promise. Would you like me to bring
you anything?"
'No.'
She bent to kiss him, but he turned away from her. Instead
of reacting, she walked from the room.
James, the butler,
was in the hall when she went
downstairs.
"I've got my phone with me, James. I'll be back at three.
Keep an eye on him for me, will you?" she said.
"Of course." James smiled. "I'll take him some lunch in
about half an hour."
"Don't forget to wear a hard hat. He'll probably throw it at
you."
"I'll survive, Mikie, don't worry."
Mikie met her friends, Ann, Alison and Jill in the centre of
Newcastle. "You don't mind doing a bit shopping first do you?"
she asked.
They all agreed.
Mikie took them to a small lingerie shop. "Oooh! That looks

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interesting. Ben will love that!"

The friends all looked at the item in the window Mikie was
indicating.
"You wear that, or use it as a hankie?" Jill asked.
"Don't be such a prude, Jill!" Alison said. "Don't you wear
things like that for Trevor?"
"Good heavens no! He'd probably have a heart attack!"
"Excuse me! But is this the same Jill Crosby who was the
first among us to lose her virginity?" Ann laughed.
"It was to Trevor!" Jill protested.
"You do still have sex, don't you?" Alison asked.
"Of course!"
"Saturday night, in bed with the lights off!" Ann sniggered.
"That's not very fair girls." Mikie said. "Jill and Trevor have
been married for ever."
"All the more reason to spice it up a bit." Ann said. "Go on,
Jill, I dare you!"
"It is nice. It's probably way too expensive." Jill sighed.
"Come on you lot! We'll all get something. My treat, I've got
an account." Mikie smiled.
Jill laughed. "You're the only person I know who could have
an account in a knicker shop!"
The four friends all chose some underwear.
"Would you like them gift wrapped, Lady McKeon?" the
assistant asked.
"Yes please!" Mikie told the woman the names of her
friends husbands to be written on the cards. "I don't suppose, by
the remotest chance, any of my daughters have been in, in the
last few days?"
"I'm not aware of it. I could ask Isabel, she's gone to lunch
at the minute."
"That's okay, Joan, thanks. We'll call back for these later, if
that's okay?"

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"Fine! I'll have them ready for you."

The friends went to find a restaurant to have lunch. Mikie
was unusually quiet for most of the meal. Her mind was drifting
back to thoughts of Ben.
"So chocolate crocodile pie is fine with you then, Mikie?"
Alison asked.
"Mmm!" Mikie agreed. "What!!?"
"You haven't heard a word we've been saying!" Ann said.
"Can't you just leave Ben at home for a few hours?"
"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have come. I'm worried about him."
Mikie shrugged.
"Why? Is he ill?" Jill asked.
"He had a stroke." Mikie said quietly.
Her friends looked at her, astonished by her words.
"When?" Ann asked.
"Eight weeks ago."
"So how is he?" Alison asked.
"He's okay. He just can't speak. It's been hell these last few
weeks. We've had rows where I'm the only one doing any
shouting."
"Why on earth didnt you say something?" Jill demanded.
"For gods sake, Mikie! How long have you known us?"
"I know. I know! I should have told you, I'm sorry! I'm just
trying to have some time for myself."
"Here! Call and see if he's okay." Ann pushed her mobile
phone across the table to Mikie.
"Thanks Ann, I've got my own."
Mikie phoned Millbank to ask if everything was all right.
"Everything is fine, Mum!" Tom said. "Dad is fine. I've just
been talking to him. Enjoy the rest of your lunch. See you later."
"Well?" Alison asked.
"He's fine. Tom said he's been talking to him."
"See! They'll look after him!" Jill said. "I wish my kids were

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half as close to us as yours are to you and Ben."

"Me too." Alison said. "The last time I saw Donna, she told
me in no uncertain terms to stay out of her business. I only
offered a bit of advice."
"Michael didnt even invite us to his wedding." Ann said.
"They said they wanted a quiet affair. So quiet that the only
people who knew about it were him and Janet."
"I know I shouldn't worry. I can't help it. I'm scared."
Mikie confessed.
"So scared you buy the sexiest piece of underwear you can
find." Jill laughed. "I think Trevor might be the next one to have
a stroke."
They all laughed. Mikie relaxed a little and enjoyed the rest
of the afternoon with her friends.
"You are all coming up for New Year, aren't you?" she asked
the girls.
"Sure!" Ann said.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Jill smiled.
"It's the only party I ever look forward to!" Alison grinned.
"At least this year all your husbands will have smiles on their
faces after getting their Christmas presents!" Mikie laughed.
After collecting the parcels from the shop, the friends went
their separate ways. Mikie headed for home. Traffic was terrible.
She was caught in a long tailback that added almost an hour to
her journey. She sat in her stationery car and worried about Ben.
She knew he would be angry with her for not being home on
time. She pressed a couple of buttons on her phone and waited.
"Millbank Hall!" James answered.
"Hello, James! Can you tell Ben I'll be late, please? The
traffic is terrible out here."
"I'll pass your message on, Mikie.
I'm sure he'll
understand."
Millbank was quiet. As she walked through the big front

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door there was silence. She put her bags down near the foot of
the stairs. There was no sign of anyone, no children, no adults.
Even the staff were missing. She quelled the rising panic. She
went into the library and pressed the button to call a staff
member. She waited in the hall. It was a few moments before
James appeared.
"James! Where is everyone?"
"Ah! Hello Mikie! I think you should see this." James said.
Mikie followed the butler towards the ballroom. He opened
the door. From where she was standing she could see Ben
standing in the middle of the room, he appeared to be alone.
"What on earth are you doing?" she asked.
"Waiting for you." Ben smiled.
Mikie was surprised, his speech was clear there was no trace
of the stammer he had had for the last few weeks.
"Ben?"
"I'm fine. I've been practising." he grinned.
"I can hear that. Come on I've got something to show you."
She was still standing outside the room.
"Come here a minute."
"Why?"
"Because I'm asking you to."
"Where is everyone?"
"Out."
"Uh-hu! So there's just you, me and the staff?"
"Uh-hu! Just the hundred and three of us."
Mikie smiled at him. "What exactly are you up to, Ben
Jordan?" she asked walking towards him.
He wrapped his arms round her and kissed her. A long
passionate kiss that she had missed for a while.
As he put her down there was a loud cheer, applause and
whistles from behind her. She spun round to see all the family
and a few of the staff lining the wall of the room.

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"Happy birthday, Mikie!!!!" they all shouted.

The smile that spread across her face was illuminating.
She looked at Ben. "How long have you been planning
this?"
"Since you reminded me about your lunch date."
"Now I understand what Tom meant when he said he'd been
talking to you!"
She scanned the faces in front of her. The biggest surprise
came when she saw Ann, Alison and Jill.
"How on earth did you three get here before me? I used the
shortcut and broke the speed limit!"
"They had a police escort." Steve Litton said.
"Hello Steve. That's what all the sirens were."
"Happy birthday, Mikie!" he smiled.
The birthday party went on well into the evening.
Jess, who shared her mother's birthday, had been taken out
to dinner by friends.
There was a pile of parcels on a table near the door. Mikie
spent an hour opening her gifts. There was everything from
perfume to silk scarves and jewellery. There was a large box that
had been placed underneath the table. It was the last parcel that
she opened. When she eventually managed to undo the fastening
she pulled the box open. Inside were several other boxes. All of
them containing notes. She read them.
'You have to find me.'
'you're getting close!' 'closer!'
'Closer!' 'almost!'
"I suppose you think this is funny?" she asked Ben.
"How should I know? I didn't give you it! Mine's upstairs!"
Ben replied.
The last box she opened contained an envelope. She opened
it to find two tickets for a trip to the Caribbean. The card had
been signed by all her children.
"Thanks kids!" she smiled.

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"You deserve it!" Kate said. "I'm not sure about dad, but I
suppose he'll have to go with you."
"You could come. We could leave the guys here to fend for
themselves for a week."
"You know? I never thought of that." Kate grinned.
"You two are joking?" Ben said, with a hurt expression on
his face.
"Why? It's my birthday present. I can take who I like, can't
I?"
"I guess so."
Mikie smiled at him. "I'll think about it over the next couple
of days."
"Just think about me and all that sand." Ben grinned.
"I am! That's what's giving me second thoughts."
Ben's birthday gift to her was a silver locket with both their
photos inside.

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Chapter 19
Ben did not take Mikie shopping on Christmas eve. They
spent the day at the office away from the hustle of the big house,
then went out for dinner. They returned to Millbank in the early
hours of Christmas day. The house was eerily quiet as they crept
up the stairs.
Ben stopped on the half landing. "Listen."
Mikie listened. They could hear muffled sobs and someone
talking. When they followed the sound they found Jess and Ali
sitting in the drawing room. Jess was sobbing and Ali had her
arm round her trying to comfort her.
"What's happened?" Ben asked.
"Hi Dad! She's just a bit upset." Ali said.
"Over what?"
"Her boyfriend dumped her."
"Isn't that his problem? Come here sweetheart!" Ben
wrapped his arms round his youngest daughter.
"Why did he dump her?" Mikie asked Ali, quietly.
"She's pregnant."
Mikie blew her breath out slowly.
Ben looked at her. "What?"
Mikie raised her eyebrows.
"Jess? Are you pregnant?" Ben asked.
Jess nodded. "I'm sorry Dad."
"Why the hell didn't you tell us yesterday?"
"I didnt want to spoil Christmas. John said he was coming
up. Then he phoned to say he didn't want to see me anymore."
"Does he know about the baby?"
She nodded.
"So he's not gonna take any responsibility?"
Jess shook her head. " He told me he doesn't think it's his
and to get rid of it."

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"What do you want?"

"I dont know. I wanted him to come up here and talk about
it."
"Do you love this guy?"
"No."
"No?"
"We got drunk at a party. I didnt even know I'd slept with
him until we woke up in the morning!"
"What happened to using protection? You're not that
stupid."
"That's what I can't understand. We did, I think. I guess it
was faulty. I lost Keith over this."
"Who the hell is Keith?" Ben felt like he was losing the
thread of what Jess and Ali were saying.
"I love Keith. We were talking weddings and babies and
everything. Until I ruined it all."
"Keith is in Newcastle." Ali said. "He came up yesterday
while you two were out. He practically got down on his knees
and begged her to talk to him."
Ben sighed. "Now I'm confused."
"I've been trying to tell her that she might be wrong." Ali
said. "When she explained it, I think she's mixed up as to who
the baby's father is."
"Do I really want to hear this?" Ben asked.
"She's not a child anymore, Ben." Mikie said, sharply. "I
think we need to know the whole story, Jess. Start talking."
Jess told her parents about the night of the party. Keith
Johnson had a paper to write so Jess went with a couple of girl
friends. John is known as the charmer of the campus. He has
been seen with most of the girls. Jess insisted she had no more
than three drinks. She was as shocked as everyone else when she
woke up the next morning with John in her bed. When Keith
found out they rowed. Then John told her he didnt want to

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know and that he had put drugs in her drink. He said he had a
bet with some friends that he could get her into bed.
"So I ruined everything. Keith insisted I go to the stupid
party in the first place. I can't face him." Jess concluded.
"So what you're saying is that John raped you?"
"No. Apparently I was willing."
"That doesn't sound like you.
You dont go behind
someone's back, Honey." Ben said, trying to keep his temper in
check.
"I dont know what to think, Dad. All I know is that I slept
with him. End of story."
"But he drugged your drink." Mikie said.
"That's what he said. I don't know. I honestly don't know.
I've made a mess of everything."
"Okay so we sort it out. But the first thing we have to do is
get you calmed down." Ben said.
"How can I? I've destroyed everything I had with Keith."
Jess was almost hysterical.
"I'm not so sure of that." Ali said.
There was the sound of the doorbell ringing. Ali went to
answer it.
"Who that is at this time, I don't know." Mikie said. "Listen,
Jess. What ever happens we love you. Yes you've been foolish.
But we're here for you."
"Thanks, Mom! I don't know what I'd do with out you."
"You'd come to me I'd hope." The voice belonged to a young
man who was standing with Ali.
"I told you I didn't want to see you!" Jess said, sharply.
"And I told you that I would come and sort this mess out."
"I guess you must be Keith?" Ben said.
"I am. It's nice to meet you Mr Jordan. Mrs Jordan." Keith
smiled.
"I found out something interesting about Mr
Crookshank. You couldn't possibly be having his baby."

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"How not?"
"He had a vasectomy. About six years ago. You realise he's
thirty five?"
Jess was shocked. "He He can't be! He's only in his third
year!"
"He's a mature student. In the loosest sense of the term
mature!"
"But. He I"
"Jess! You're stuttering. Shut your mouth and listen. He's
been married twice, divorced twice and he's a Jack the lad! I, on
the other hand, am the same age as you and I'm hopelessly in
love with you."
"I don't understand any of this."
"You're not supposed to. He raped you, for gods sake. He's
been charged four times but the cases have all been dropped due
to lack of evidence. Well this time his goose is cooked. Alison
kept the glass you were drinking from. She gave it to the police a
couple of days ago. You're going to have to testify, but we'll get
over that later. Right now it's two o'clock on Christmas morning
and I have this for you." Keith grinned.
He handed a small parcel to Jess.
She opened it to find a set of rings inside.
"You can only have the sparkly one for now." Keith smiled.
"The others you get when you need them."
Jess looked at him, then looked at her parents, then at Ali.
"For gods sake, Jess! Tell him yes then we can all go to bed.
My lot are gonna be up in two hours." Ali said.
"You mean it?" Jess asked Keith.
"No! I'm joking!" Keith said sarcastically. "I just paid the
deposit on a house for that lot."
"Oh Keith! I'm sorry but I can't!" Jess said.
Keith looked at her. "Fine! I'm not gonna argue. I'm
staying at the Fox. If you want me you can find me there." He

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turned and started to walk from the room.

Ben and Mikie were staring at their daughter.
"Honey, if you let him go, you'll have ruined everything. He
loves you just as much as I love your Mom." Ben said quietly.
"You really think so, Dad?"
"I know so! Go on! Before he gets to his car!"
Jess ran after Keith. "If you really want me, I will!"
Keith stopped in the middle of the hall and turned to look at
her. "Of course I want you. I sacrificed a family Christmas to
come looking for you. Dad went ballistic when I told him. I don't
think Mum will speak to me for a month."
Jess grinned at him. "Then I'd better make up for being an
idiot."
They threw their arms round each other and kissed.
"Happy families!" Ben sighed. "I'm getting too old for this."
"You and me both." Ali said. "God knows I've got all this to
look forward to. I'm going to bed. Dave will love this one."
"That sounds like a very good idea." Mikie agreed. "Should
I use a fire extinguisher on those two?"
"Jess! You'll set the fire alarm off any second." Ben said.
"Go to bed."
"I'll put Keith in your room, if that's okay." Jess said.
Ben screwed his face in confusion. "Didn't you just tell me
you're pregnant?"
"Yes."
"So it's way too late to be careful. You've got a big enough
bed for both of you."
Keith grinned.
"Don't say it, Son! It's either far to late or far too early. I'm
going to bed." Ben turned, took hold of Mikie's hand and went
up the stairs.
"That was a shock." Mikie said as they climbed into bed.
"A big shock." Ben agreed. "Suddenly I feel very old."

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"No you're not.

"My little girl just told me she's gonna be a Mom. I feel old."
"She hasn't been your little girl for a long time. She's
nineteen years old. Old enough to drive and vote and go into
pubs."
"She'll still be my little girl when she's forty. I still
remember the year she was born. I told her a lot of things back
then."
"Mmm! She's forgotten most of it."
"I remember the first time she called me Daddy."
"Shall I get some tissues?"
"Why?"
"'Cause any second now, you're gonna start bubbling."
"I'm not! I'm just remembering."
"You're getting sentimental. What you forget is she's my
little girl too. Only I see her differently."
Ben hugged her close. "I know you do. It's my job to get
sentimental. I did it with Tara and Ali, Jess is no different."
"Apart from the fact that she is your daughter."
"So is Tara. Ali may as well be. How come you brought that
up?"
"I'm not sure really. I guess I'm just proud of the way you
accept them all as your own."
"I wish they all were. I wish I'd known you all those years
ago. I wouldn't have left you on your own with Brett and Ali.
And I would have taken care of Greg."
"I know." Mikie sighed. "I'm too wide awake to sleep."
"Yep! Me too! We could get some cocoa or we could use up
some energy. What do you think?"
"I think the latter." Mikie smiled and snuggled into his
chest.
All told they must have slept for about an hour and a half.
They were woken by the sound of children running and shouting

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down the stairs.

"I guess the kids are up." Ben yawned. "What time is it?"
"Six forty five."
"Mmm! That late! We don't have to get up, do we?"
"Maggie will be knocking on that door any second!"
"We can ignore her."
"Maggie? Be ignored? Never."
There was a loud knock on the door.
"Nan!! Granddad!! Are you up!? It's Christmas!!" The little
girl shouted through the door.
"We'll follow you down, Maggie sweetheart!" Ben shouted
back. "I don't remember it being like this when the kids were
small."
"It was! Come on! Up you get!" Mikie pulled Ben to a
sitting position. "We'd better have a shower. It'll wake us up!"
"You go! I'll just stay here for a bit!"
"Oh no you don't! If you're not under that shower in five
seconds I'll throw ice-cold water over you!"
"Okay! Okay! I'm going!!"
They showered and pulled on jeans and tee shirts. Their
family were sitting in the ballroom. Brett was shouting out
names and passing gifts out to the little children who were all
gathered around the Christmas tree. There seemed to be fifty
children sitting on the floor. Paul's grandchildren were there
also, as were Henry's. The faces of the little ones were shining
with joy and excitement.
Ben scanned the room. Jess and Keith were missing.
"She's been down. She's a bit rough so Keith took her back to
bed." Ali said. "You two look like you've been asleep for a week!
I didn't get a wink!"
"I've told you before, Ali honey, you have to know how to
pace yourself!" Ben said.

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"Yeah! But you don't have three little ones to cope with!"
"No we've got this lot! The best thing for you to do is go
back to bed! We'll look after the kids!"
"You know? That's the best Christmas present I've had so
far!" Ali kissed Ben's cheek.
"Take David with you! It'll give you some energy!" Ben
winked.
"Dad!! I don't believe you!! You couldn't have! Not last
night!"
"Why not? We were too awake for anything else!"
Ali glared at Ben, then went to tell David she was going back
to bed.
"Great! Leave me with the kids!" David said.
"Dad said he'll look after them."
"Even better!! It's Christmas morning and you're way too
tired to sleep!" David winked.
Ali looked at him. "You've been talking to dad! Is that really
all men think about?"
"When they've got wives as beautiful as we have, yes!"
Ali blew her breath out, then walked out of the room
towards the stairs.
"Thanks Dad!" David said as he passed Ben.
"Don't mention it! Just put a smile on her face, it's
Christmas!" Ben laughed.
"Yes Sir! I intend to! One that'll last till new year!"
"What's gonna last till new year?" Mikie asked handing Ben
a mug of coffee.
"I'll tell you later!"
"Where's Jess?"
"Gone back to bed! Same as Ali and Dave!"
"Youre joking! Ali and Dave have gone back to bed?" Mikie
was astonished.
"Yep! Without any argument."

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"Hells teeth! It must be Christmas."

Ben laughed. He laughed so loud the children all turned to
look at him.
"What's funny Granddad?" Maggie asked.
"I'll tell you when you're eighteen." Ben said.
Maggie was totally confused. The little girl gave her
grandfather a very strange look and shook her head. "I think you
should ask Aunt Tara to look at your head."
"My head is fine, honey. You'll understand it one day."

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Chapter 20
As their family grew Ben and Mikie found contentment in
their grandchildren. Life was good to them. They shared their
days with each other happy to relax in the atmosphere of the big
house and estate.
When Jess gave birth to a daughter Sarah, Ben was ecstatic.
Jess and Keith entrusted the baby to Mikie and Ben so that they
could finish their Degree Courses at University.
Ben spent his days doting on his little granddaughter. He
took her for walks, read her stories, played with her or watched
her sleeping.
By the time she was two years old, Sarah knew just how to
twist Ben round her finger.
"Dad! You spoil her." Jess complained when Ben bought
Sarah a pony.
"I'm not doing anything I didn't do for you." Ben protested.
"I was seven before you let me anywhere near a horse."
"You were five."
"Seven."
"Five."
"Grow up you two." Mikie interrupted. "I thought Sarah
was the two year old."
Ben smiled. "I suppose you think I spoil her?"
"You do. But, then again, you spoil them all." Mikie smiled.
"I'm supposed to spoil them. I'm their granddad."
"I give up!" Jess said throwing up her hands in despair. "I
can't win with you, can I?"
"You're not supposed to win. Just accept that I love her.
The same as I love all of you."
Jess regarded her father for a while. "You infuriate me. Do
you know that?"
"How?"

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"Because you're always right."

Ben gave his daughter a satisfied look. "I know."
Sarah was playing on the lawn with Keith, while Jess, Ben
and Mikie sat on the patio watching them.
"I suppose you'll spoil the new baby too?" Jess grinned.
Ben and Mikie looked at her.
"Not a word." she said. "I haven't told Keith yet."
"I think you'd better go and do that pretty quickly, Jess
sweetheart." Mikie smiled. "You know how good at keeping
secrets your Dad is."
"Yep! I guess now is as good a time as any." Jess agreed.
Her parents watched her walk across the lawn to Keith and
Sarah.
"Why am I not surprised by that?" Ben asked.
"I can't answer that one. I'm pleased they've only got
another month before their exams." Mikie answered.
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
"You have, this morning." Mikie smiled. "What's wrong?"
Ben shrugged. "Nothing."
She looked at him.
"Nothing, really. I just feel like I'm losing them all."
"How d'you work that one out?"
"Look at her. She's not my little girl anymore."
"She'll always be your little girl."
"It's hardly the same, Mik. I mean she's married with a child
and another one coming."
"I suppose trying to convince you you're still thirty five
would be stretching your imagination too far?"
He laughed at her. "Just a bit, yeah."
"At least we still have Tom. For the time being anyway."
"That sounds like you know something I don't."
"Only that he's bringing his new girlfriend home for dinner
tonight."

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"Mmm! That sounds serious."

"I'm not convinced." she said. "He goes through girlfriends
like you go through clean socks."
"Does he?" Ben realised he had not been taking much notice
of Tom.
"In the last three months he's had five."
"Really? I guess I'm not surprised by that."
"Go on, say it."
"Say what?"
"He's your son."
"Ain't that the truth." He grinned.
"I'm pleased he chose today to bring her."
"Why?"
"Jess and Keith are going to Keith's parents for dinner."
"So there'll just be the four of us?"
"Yep! Bringing her tonight means we can get to know her
without the others asking ten thousand questions."
"Which is a privilege I didn't get, as I remember it."
"I'm not sure what you mean." Mikie screwed up her face in
confusion.
"I mean, I was introduced to your family at a birthday party.
I had to endure a grilling from your brothers."
"Who's birthday party?"
"Henry's."
She thought for a while. "Oh yeah! I remember. You loved
it. Poor Henry didn't get a look in. You got all the attention."
"And all the stress of you taking ill and ending up in the
hospital."
"I wonder if Sarah has the faintest idea why her dad is
swinging her mum round like that?" She changed the subject.
Ben sat quiet for a while.
"Where are you?" Mikie asked him, touching his face with
the back of her hand.

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"Not sure really. Somewhere in my memory is a picture of

me doing that to you."
"Mmm! The best time was the afternoon I walked into your
office with the kids."
"When?"
"After we got married. When you had to go back to San
Francisco to sort some contract out. Brett couldn't travel.
Remember?"
"Yep! I remember. I remember how much I missed you and
how you made it up to me."
"I would have been a bit more gentle if I'd known about
Jess."
"I wonder what would have happened if you'd got to the
hospital quicker when you had Tom."
"We would have ended up with about twelve kids!" she
laughed.
"At least." he agreed. "Then, I guess, I wouldn't feel like
something is about to end."
"Not an end, darling, a beginning. For Tom anyway. If he's
as serious about Angela as he says he is, there'll be a wedding to
plan."
"Which means I finally get to have you all to myself."
"You do now."
"Not really. Tom still lives at home."
"If you think he's gonna move out, you're mistaken."
"You don't think he will?"
"I know he won't. He told me he could never imagine living
anywhere else."
"I feel a whole lot better for knowing that."
Mikie looked at her watch. "I'm going for a swim to cool off.
Coming?"
"That's a good idea." Ben smirked.
"Why the smirk?"

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He shrugged. "Swim first, shower later."

"So much for feeling your age!"
"I didn't say I felt my age. Just not thirty five. I guess I can
live with forty five."
"I know I can live with forty five. At forty five you could just
about keep up with me."
"You think I can't at sixty seven?"
"I don't know."
"I'll show you!"
Ben took her hand and led her through the house to their
bedroom. The swim was forsaken for the love he made to her for
two and a half hours.
"Feel better for that?" Mikie asked him.
He nodded. "Did I convince you?"
"You didn't need to. But it was fun letting you think you had
to."
"Once a harlot, always a harlot!"
"Yep! But only for you."
"I love you."
"I know that too. I suppose we'd better get dressed. Dinner
will be half an hour."
"Right this minute I don't want to move. I just wanna stay
here for a week with you."
"I'm tempted. The problem being, I promised our son."
"Mmm! I guess we can't give his new lady the wrong
impression, can we?"
"And since when have impressions bothered you?"
"They don't normally. I'm just thinking of you."
"Me? Why?"
"Because you have an image to keep. You're the daughter
and sister of an Earl."
"If we get into that subject we will be here for a week. Come
on. Let's have a shower."

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Chapter 21
Tom's girlfriend Angela Stewart was a pretty, nineteen year
old. She was five feet six with brown hair and blue eyes. She had
a bubbly personality which immediately endeared her to both
Ben and Mikie.
Tom had been introduced to her three weeks earlier by his
friend Joe. He had been captivated by her smile and when he
shook her hand he felt a spark that left him light-headed.
"She's great. Isn't she?" Tom asked Ben as they walked out
of the breakfast room after dinner.
"She sure is. She obviously likes you a hellava lot." Ben
replied.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure!"
"Let's go into the library."
When they were in the library Tom closed the door. He
reached into his pocket and produced a small box.
"Do you think she'll like this?"
Ben looked at the diamond and ruby ring his son was
showing him. "I'm sure she'll love it."
"Thanks Dad! I guess the direct approach is the best?"
"From you? Isn't that the only approach?"
"I was thinking of the rose garden."
"Uh-hu! Best place for stuff like that."
"Thanks! I'll go get her."
"Take a jacket. It looks like rain."
Tom looked at his father. "I thought half the fun was getting
wet?"
Ben laughed. "Your Mom was right about one thing. You're
my son."
Tom hugged him and left.
Ben sat on a chair and let his mind drift.

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"So what's this ring like then?" Mikie asked walking down
the room towards him.
"Diamond and ruby!"
"Mmm! Rose garden, is it?"
"Yep!"
"She's gonna keep him dangling for a couple of days."
"Is she? Why?"
"Because he bought the ring last week and she feels like she's
been kept waiting."
"Good for her! I think he's met his match."
"I don't! I think she's one step ahead of him."
"That's funny. I know a girl just like that too."
"You do? and who is she?"
"The woman I married twenty two years ago."
"Twenty two years ago I was one step ahead, now I'm two."
"Are you?"
"You didn't see it coming. I did."
"Yep! You're also right more times than I am."
She gave him an amused look. "And charm like that used to
get you a long, long way with me."
"Doesn't it still?"
"Sometimes."
"Let me re-phrase, doesn't it now?"
"It might." she teased.
Ben stood up and put his arms round her waist. "Want me
to pour it on a bit?"
She looked into his eyes. "Looking at me like that, you don't
need to."
He kissed her. Long and passionate. They stood locked in
each other's arms for a long time. It was Mikie who heard the tap
in the window.
Tom and Angie were soaked to the skin from the rain.
"I told you it would rain." Ben smiled, opening the French

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window to let them in.

"You did!" Tom grinned. "I guess we'd better go get dried
off. Did you say Angie was in your wing?"
"I did! Across the landing from us. The others will be here
tomorrow." Mikie said.
"In Dad's old room?"
"Uh-hu!"
"Great." Tom sounded disappointed.
Mikie gave her son an amused look. "So you'll have to
behave yourself and act like a gentleman."
"So you can spy on me, you mean? I'm not a kid, Mum." he
protested.
"I'm well aware of that."
"So why can't Angie be in one of the other rooms?"
"Because the view is better from that one."
"What difference does it make, Tom?" Angie asked. "I'd
sleep in the stables if I had to."
"The difference is that we're gonna be at opposite ends of the
house."
"Stop making such a fuss. At least I'm here. Isn't that the
main thing?"
Tom looked at her and shrugged.
"Anyway, if you had your way, I'd be sharing your room."
"I don't have a problem with that." he grinned.
"I do! What kind of girl do you think I am?"
"A gorgeous, intelligent, independent, strong, capable girl."
Angie looked at him. She was trying to work out if he was
serious or just trying to kill her with charm.
"Who's dripping all over an antique rug." Ben put in.
"Go and get dried off, before you catch something awful."
Mikie smiled.
"Oh no!" Angie said. "It's too late for that. I already did!"
she winked at Mikie and walked quickly from the room.

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Ben roared with laughter.

"Welcome to the family Angela." Mikie said, quietly.
True to her word, Angela kept Tom waiting all weekend for
an answer. She was amused by the way in which he had
promised he would not push her and then proceeded to ask her
every ten minutes.
"Are you always this persistent?" She asked him as they
came down stairs for dinner on Sunday evening.
"Only when it's something as special as you." Tom grinned.
"You have to remember I have two options here."
"Two?"
She nodded. "Yes. Or no."
Her statement left Tom standing on the half landing.
She had been introduced to the family on Saturday
afternoon and was very comfortable in their company.
"Hi Angie." Brett said, as she walked into the dining room.
"Where's Tom?"
"Thinking." she smiled.
"Have you told him yet?" Ali asked.
"No."
"He must love you a hellava lot. He wouldn't wait this long
if he didn't." Tara observed.
"I know." Angie had a satisfied look.
"Do we have to wait for Tom, or can dinner be served?" Jess
asked.
Ben looked at her. "I'll go look for him."
Ben found his son sitting on the stairs. "Are you coming in
for dinner?"
Tom looked up, a worried expression on his face. "I thought
she was just kidding around, Dad. Keeping me hanging on for a
while."
"She is."

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"I'm not so sure. I thought she was just gonna say yes, but
she says she's got two choices."
"That'll teach you for being so sure of yourself." Ben smiled.
"I thought I was sure of Angie. Of her feelings for me. I
thought she felt the same about me."
Ben crossed his arms and regarded his son.
Tom looked at him. "What?"
"Between you, me and the chandelier, the girls have been
planning a wedding all afternoon."
The young man's face lit up. "They have.?"
"I'm your father. Would I lie to you?"
Tom jumped the six stairs down to the hall. "Thanks Dad!"
Dinner was the loud, raucous affair it usually was when all
the family were home.
Tom and Angie were seated next to each other. After coffee
had been served Angie stood up.
Most of the younger children had been packed off to bed.
"I suppose I should put Tom out of his misery." she smiled.
Tom looked at her.
She smiled into his eyes.
Tom grinned, stood up and hugged her.
Everyone applauded.
Ben looked down the length of the table to where Mikie was
sitting and smiled. She smiled back.
Tom and Angie stood, locked in each others arms for about
five minutes while everyone else looked on.
"You know, this reminds me of something that happened a
long time ago?" Brett said, thoughtfully.
"What?" Ali asked.
Pointing at their parents Brett said. "Those two!"
"I think we should throw some cold water over them." Tara
laughed. "Otherwise it's gonna get awfully hot around here."
Tom looked at his sister. "The trouble with you Tara, is

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you're jealous."
"How can I be jealous? I've got a lot more than you right
now."
"Really?"
"Really! I've got a husband, two kids and, in six months
time, a baby." she grinned.
Tim looked at her, astonished. "What!?"
"You heard. A baby."
"Hey Tim! You gotta be working too hard. You don't miss
details like that one." Dave laughed.
"That makes two of you then." Ali said, quietly.
No one appeared to hear her. The room went quiet.
Ben looked at her. "What detail has Dave missed, Ali?"
Ali smiled at him.
Ben returned her smile and nodded, knowingly.
Dave screwed his face in confusion. "I haven't missed
anything, have I?"
Ali grinned.
"You're not serious?"
"I am!"
"What happened to you having had enough of all that?"
She shrugged.
"You wanna do this?"
"I don't have a choice."
"What happened to being careful?"
"It went out the window when you took me to Hawaii for the
weekend."
Dave thought for a minute. "I packed your case."
"You did."
"I guess underwear wasn't the only thing I forgot to pack."
"It wasn't."
The adults and older children in the room laughed.
"It's gonna be fun round here for a while." Ben smiled.

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Brett looked across the table to Liz. "Wanna join in?"

"I'm not!" Liz looked horrified.
"It could be arranged." he grinned.
"Think again, buddy!"
"If you change your mind, just yell."
"So when is this wedding going to be?" Mikie said, tactfully
changing the subject.
"Next month." Tom said. "The fifth."
"That's not much time!" Angie said.
"Sure it is! Mum's a wizz at stuff like this."
"That's as may be. But I need to get some money together to
buy a dress."
"You just go out and get one. Whatever you want. I'll pay."
Angie looked at him. "Don't spoil the moment, Tom."
"I'm not! I've told you. Anything you want just go get it."
Angie blew her breath out, then walked from the room.
Tom looked at his mother, pleadingly.
Mikie followed Angie out of the dining room and into the
lounge. "Are you all right?"
"Fine!" Angie said.
"Is there a problem?"
"Not really. I just have to ask my uncle for some money
from my trust fund."
"I see."
"No. I dont think you do. My parents were killed in an
accident five years ago. Since then, if I need anything I have to
ask uncle Alex for it. He's not very keen on giving me money.
He's gonna go spare when I tell him I'm getting married."
"Does he know about Tom?"
"No. He would have stopped me seeing him. He thinks I
should finish Uni first. I don't. I love Tom and nothing Uncle
Alex says is gonna stop me from marrying him."
"Money has nothing to do with this, Angie. If you're afraid

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to tell your uncle about Tom on your own, invite him down here."
Angie looked up. "I dont think that's a good idea, Mikie.
He's a pig headed oaf when he's riled."
"You're going to have to tell him you're getting married."
"No I don't. If Tom will give me a few more weeks, I can
save some money and I wont need to tell him. Its not as if I need
his consent. I'll be twenty next month."
"But don't you want to invite him to the wedding?"
"No. We don't get on very well. He thinks I should be
grateful to him for taking me and my brother Steve in after Mum
and Dad were killed. He only did it for the money he would get.
I wish Mum was here. She'd be able to help me sort my head out
over this one."
"Money doesn't matter, Angie. What matters is that you're
happy."
"I want to tell him, Mikie, I do really. I just know he won't
be happy for me. I don't want him at the wedding if he's going to
spoil things."
"I get the feeling that if he isn't there, you're going to be
pretty unhappy."
Angie sighed. "This is why it's taken so long to make a
decision. The easiest thing I could have done was tell Tom yes
immediately. Then I thought of Uncle Alex and everything got
complicated."
"Does Tom know all this?"
Angie nodded. "I have to phone Uncle Alex." She resigned.
"I suppose now is as good a time as any."
"Want me to stay?"
"Yes please."
Angie dialled the number and waited. Far from being upset
or angry, her uncle was ecstatic.
"That's wonderful news, Angela! When can we meet this boy
of yours?" Alex Stewart said in a loud Scott's accent.

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"You really think it's okay, Uncle Alex?"

"Of course I do! You're not a child any more, Angie."
Angie invited Alex and his wife Morag to Millbank the
following day.
When she replaced the receiver, she turned to Mikie. "I'm
not sure I believe him. I got the feeling he's hiding something."
"Shall we just wait and see?" Mikie smiled. "I'm sure
everything will be fine."
"Thanks for being here for me, Mikie."
"You're part of the family, Angie. We look after each other.
Shall we go back to the others?"
"I suppose I'm not used to it. As soon as Mum and Dad died
we were packed off to Boarding School, so I've forgotten what
families are."
They went back into the dining room to the others.
No one mentioned anything.
"So do you think the fifth is a good idea, Angie?" Ali asked.
"If you all think we can arrange things that quickly." Angie
replied.
"Sure we can!" Kate laughed. "Mom is an old hand at this
stuff."
"I wouldn't have said that if I were you, Kate darlin'." Ben
said looking at the expression on Mikie's face.
"Okay, I'll re-phrase it! She's good at it." Kate corrected.
"I accept your apology, Kate." Mikie smiled.
"Can I be Brides Maid?" Maggie asked, expectantly.
"Of course you can, Maggie." Angie smiled. "You can all
either be Brides' Maids or Page Boys."
"But right now it's time you were in bed." Brett said.
"But Daddy."
"It's after nine, Maggie."
The little girl took a deep breath and blew. "Okay! I'm
going. I dont think its fair though."

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"Maybe not but if you don't go now, you'll be cranky in the

morning."
The little girl gave her father a withering look, then
proceeded to go round the table kissing everyone goodnight. She
had calculated it so she would get to Ben last.
"Goodnight Granddad. I love you much better than Daddy."
"That's only 'cause I let you stay up later." Ben smiled.
Maggie said nothing, but walked slowly from the room.
"I'll be there in five minutes to tuck you in." Brett called.
"Don't bother! I'll manage on my own. After all, I am nearly
ten."
Brett looked at Liz. "Next time I suggest having any more
kids, kick me. Hard!"
"Oh hell! And I was just coming round to the idea." Liz
teased.
The family moved from the dining room to the lounge.
Ben waited for Mikie in the hall. "I feel like a walk.
Coming?"
"Yep! I could do with some air." She smiled.
They left the others and went out through the library, down
the path to the rose garden.
"Happy?" Ben asked as they sat under the arbour.
"Yep. Are you?"
"Have you ever known me be anything but?"
Mikie looked at him. "Yes I have."
"Have you?"
"Mmm! The day I married Jack. Anyone would have
thought you were at a funeral."
Ben laughed. "It felt like I was."
"Of all our children, Tom is the only one I'm looking forward
to getting married."
"Why? I thought you said it would make you feel old?"
"No. I think it's because he's said he wants to live here with

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us."
"We haven't really lost any of the others, you know?"
"I know. I suppose I just miss them all being home."
"Come on, you! You should go and make arrangements to
take Angie shopping for a dress."
The mid July evening was still warm with no trace of a
breeze to cool them. As they walked slowly back to the house it
started to rain. They did not hurry up the path and by the time
they reached the house they were dripping wet.
"One of these days you two are going to catch something
awful." Ali said, as they came out of the library.
"We all ready did!" Mikie and Ben said together, laughing.

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Chapter 22
The wedding preparations almost complete, Mikie walked
into Ben's office two weeks later. Ben was talking on the phone
so she sat on his desk and waited for him to finish.
"Hello!" He smiled.
"Hello. Busy?" she asked.
"Very!"
"Oh."
"Why?"
"I thought I could take you out for lunch."
"Sorry! I've got an appointment."
She sighed. "Oh. Right."
Ben sat back in the big leather chair and looked at her.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing! I just thought it would be nice to have lunch with
my husband."
"In other words, you're bored!"
"No! I just have some spare time. I like spending my spare
time with you."
"You're bored. Admit it."
"I'm not. I have plenty of things to do. If you don't wanna
have lunch with me, that's your loss." She jumped down off the
desk and walked out of the office.
She went into her office and collected her jacket and bag and
left the building. She went into Newcastle city centre and went
into the Market Tavern pub for lunch.
"Good afternoon, Mrs Jordan!" John Nestworth, the
manager said brightly. "I wasn't aware you were paying us a
visit."
"I was hoping to have lunch." Mikie smiled.
"Oh sure! I think we should be able to squeeze you in."
"Thanks John."

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John showed Mikie to a table in the corner of the restaurant.

She was half way through eating her chicken salad when she
became aware of the man standing in front of her. She looked up
into his face.
"Hello Mikie!" he smiled. "It's been a long time."
"Hello Adam. What are you doing here?"
"May I?" He indicated the empty seat, but did not wait for
her permission to sit. "You look well. How's the family?"
"They're fine, thank you. You didn't answer my question."
"I came up for a family wedding. I live in London now. It's
taken me a long time to rebuild things, but I'm doing okay now."
He looked at her, measuring his words. "Is Ben all right?"
"He's fine." She said, flatly. "As if it matters to you."
"It does. What I did was out of sheer jealousy, Mikie. I'm
not proud of it. If it means anything to you, I hurt myself much
more than I could hurt you."
"You have no idea how much you hurt me, Adam."
Adam sighed. "You're right, of course. I dont have any
idea. I wish I could make it right. I would like to be friends with
you. I'm not such a bad person. We had some fun times, didn't
we?"
She did not answer.
"I'm so very, very sorry for what I did, Mikie. Would you at
least consider accepting that?"
"I don't think I can, Adam. Ben still suffers because of what
you did to him. So does Tom. Tom thought it was all his fault for
talking to you. He had nightmares for months. He still has bad
nights now."
She watched the hurt in his eyes. Something deep within
her felt sorry for him. He had been a good friend to her until he
started drinking heavily and became obsessed with her.
He was looking deep into her eyes. "I truly am sorry, Mikie.
I need to make peace with you, before it's too late."

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"That sounds like you're going somewhere."

"I've got cancer. The medics reckon I've got a year at the
most. They want me to have the treatment, but I think they
should save it for someone who deserves it."
"And you don't?"
"No. I don't. I've caused so much hurt and upset, I don't
deserve to live through this. When I was in prison I thought
about ending it. But you know me, Adam Carpenter, biggest
coward on Earth."
"I don't think you're a coward, Adam. I pity you. I think you
could have found someone else instead of me and been happy."
He looked at her. "I have to go. It's been nice to see you. I
guess I would be pushing it if I said give my regards to Ben?"
She glared at him.
Adam leaned across the table and kissed her cheek. "Be
happy, Mikie."
She watched him walk from the pub. She sat for a long time
thinking about the look in his eyes. She knew he was genuinely
sorry. She also knew that she could not tell Ben about the
encounter.
She finished her meal and returned to the office.
It was two thirty when Ben sauntered into her office and sat
in the chair opposite her.
"Hi!" he smiled.
"Hi!"
"I'm sorry about lunch. I'd already rescheduled that one, I
couldn't do it again. He's a good customer."
"You dont have to explain. I understand."
"Can I buy you dinner to make up?"
"You don't have to."
"Yes I do."
"Okay! I'm not gonna argue."
"Where would you like to go?"

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"We could go check out the Statesman in Durham city

centre."
"Where?"
"The Statesman. I've just bought it. I haven't been yet."
"Okay. We'll check in for the night."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
The Statesman was an old building that had once been a
school. It was now a hundred room hotel with conference and
function suites. It was five thirty when they arrived and they
were greeted by a middle aged woman.
"Good afternoon, Sir! Madam! How may I help?" she
smiled.
"We were wondering if you had a room free?" Ben said.
"Double or two singles, Sir?"
"Double."
"A room or suite?"
"A suite if you have one. What d'you think, honey?"
Mikie said nothing but nodded in agreement.
"Would you have any luggage?"
"No. We didn't expect to stay."
"There's a choice of the Ambassador or the Honeymoon
Suites?"
"Well, you know? I always think you can tell how good a
hotel is by the standard of the Honeymoon suite." He was
speaking in an exaggerated accent.
"If I could just ask you to register?"
Ben filled in the register, giving their address as Canyon
Drive, San Francisco.
The receptionist smiled. "I hope you're enjoying your stay in
England, Mr Jordan?"
"We are. Which way for the restaurant?"
"Please follow me." The woman led the way through a set of
double glass doors into the restaurant.

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"It's nice enough so far." Mikie observed in a hushed tone,

taking in the surroundings of the room.
"Mmm! Sorry for calling you honey. I thought it would
sound better."
"You're forgiven."
The meal was excellent.
Mikie called the waiter. "Would it be possible to have a
word with the Chef?"
"Of course, Madam! Is there a problem?" The young man
looked horrified.
"Oh no. No problem."
He bustled away and returned a minute later with a tall man
of about thirty.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you, I realise you must be very
busy." Mikie smiled at the Chef.
"Not at all, Madam! I hope your meal was satisfactory?"
"It was excellent! I like to compliment good work."
"Thank you. My staff will appreciate this so much."
"Whatever they're paying you is not nearly enough." Ben
smiled.
"Oh I have a perfectly adequate salary Sir!" Chef said to
Ben. "If you'll excuse me, I have an apprentice whom I've left
with a rather delicate sauce." He went back to the kitchen.
"Staff orientated. I like that." Ben observed.
"Lets go for a walk." Mikie suggested.
They went out into the city centre and strolled round the
shops for an hour.
Mikie bought a change of underwear and a new dress. Ben
bought a clean shirt.
It was nine thirty when they returned to the Hotel. The
Honeymoon Suite consisted of a large room that doubled as a
sitting room/bedroom and a bathroom. There was a view of the
old part of the city from the window.

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"I'm impressed! The bed doesn't feel like marshmallow."

Ben said, stretching out across it.
"There's a Jacuzzi in here." Mikie called from the bathroom.
"But is it big enough for two?"
"You could get four in."
"Okay! What first? Jacuzzi or bed?"
"I swear I don't know what you mean." Mikie grinned.
"I brought you down here to apologise."
"And how do you plan on doing that?"
"Come here and I'll show you."
Ben apologised the best way he knew how. He loved her for
hours.
It was after one when they sat in the Jacuzzi, drinking
champagne.
"Have I told you lately how much I love you, Bennett
Jordan?" she asked.
"No. How much do you love me, Michaela Jordan?" he
grinned.
"More than the universe!"
"I can live with that."
It was nine fifteen when they went into the restaurant for
breakfast.
"Good morning, Mr and Mrs Jordan." The waiter greeted
brightly. "I hope you enjoyed a good nights sleep."
"We did, thank you." Ben said.
"Two full English please." Mikie said, refusing the menu the
waiter held out for her. "And a large pot of coffee."
"Of course!" the waiter disappeared.
"Curious. They know who we are?"
"Mr and Mrs Jordan. Good morning!" The receptionist
smiled. "Did you have a good night?"
"We had a very good night." Ben smiled, looking at Mikie.
Mikie gave him a withering look.

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"As long as everything is to your satisfaction?"

"Everything is excellent. Would you have time to join us for
coffee?"
"Of course. It's fairly quiet this time of day."
"I realise that you know who we are?" Ben ventured.
"I do! We had a newsletter from head office this morning.
It has your photo's in. I'm Ann Caldwell, Duty Manager."
"It's nice to meet you Ann. I'm Ben, this is Mikie."
"So do we come up to your standards?" Ann asked.
"Way passed them." he smiled. "I have very simple needs
Ann. Good food and a good bed to sleep in and I'm happy."
"I was reviewing the accounts yesterday, Ann." Mikie said.
"Whatever you're doing, it must be right. You've surpassed your
targets every month for the last five."
"We do our best, Mikie. We have weekly meetings between
senior staff to make sure everything runs correctly. We try to
make allowances for staff holidays and sickness by moving staff
rotas rather than paying overtime."
"That sounds interesting. You'll have to show me that one."
Ben said, interested.
They spent the morning in the hotel with Ann and were
introduced to some of the staff during a tour of the hotel.
It was one o'clock when they finally left to return to the
Newcastle office.

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Chapter 26
Mikie spent the afternoon going over figures for the
restaurant chain they had in the south of the country. She looked
up at the clock on the wall. It said five fifteen. She looked
through the glass wall but Ben's office was empty. She went into
the general office. Joan was switching off the photocopier.
"Have you seen Ben, Joan?" she asked.
"He left at about three. I thought you knew." Joan replied.
"Did he? Do you know where he went?"
"Home, I think."
"Oh! Right.! Was he feeling okay?"
Joan thought for a moment. "He didn't look very happy
about something. Perhaps he had a headache?"
"Probably! That would explain why he didn't tell me he was
leaving. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Mikie."
Mikie was totally confused. Why had Ben left without telling
her? If he was feeling ill, why had he not said anything? She was
worried. He usually told her if something was bothering him.
Traffic was terrible and it took well over an hour and a half to get
home. She could not see his car on the drive.
"Good evening, Mikie." James smiled as he held the door
open for her.
"Is Ben home?"
"No, madam. He was for a short time just after four. Then
he went out again."
"Did he say where to?"
"I'm afraid not."
"Could I have some tea, please?"
"I'll bring it for you. Lounge?"
"Yes please."
She walked slowly across the hall into the lounge. She sat on

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the sofa and put on the television news. She was confused.
Where was he? She did not understand why he was being so
secretive.
It was almost midnight when she saw the lights from the car
on the drive.
He was climbing the steps up to the front door as she
opened it.
"Where the hell have you been? I've been worried." She
said, sharply.
"I had something to do." He said flatly, walking passed her.
He was half way up the stairs when she spoke again.
"You didn't answer."
He turned and looked at her.
She was shocked at the look of hurt in his eyes.
"I told you, I had something to do." he continued up the
stairs.
She followed him. "What's wrong, Ben?"
"Nothing."
"Yes there is. Tell me."
"I said, nothing." He said angrily.
"Ben please!" She caught hold of his arm.
He pulled it free. "Leave it Mikie!"
"But, Ben?"
"Just leave it! I'm tired. I'm going to bed." He closed the
bedroom door in her face.
She stood looking at it. Hurt and confusion ran through her
like her blood. She opened the door slowly and went into the
room.
"What have I done?" she asked quietly.
"Leave me alone. I dont wanna talk about it."
"Surely I'm entitled to know how I've upset you?"
"You havent. Now leave it. Please!"
"Then who has?"

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He sighed and looked at her. "For hells sake, Mikie!! Can't

you just let it drop?" He stormed passed her and out into the
hall.
"Ben!!?"
She ran after him as he ran down the stairs.
"Ben!!! Please!!!"
"Leave me alone, Mikie!!!"
Tom came out of the drawing room with Angie. "What's
going on?" He asked his father.
"Ask your mother!" Ben snapped.
"But you won't tell me what I've done!!" Mikie protested.
Ben stopped in his tracks and turned to her. "You really
have no idea, do you? This morning you were telling me you
loved me more than the universe. That's what hurts, Mikie!
That!!"
"I don't have any idea. I do love you!"
"Sure you do. When you're not being wined and dined by
Adam Carpenter!!"
Mikie caught her breath in horror. "What?"
"I would have thought you would at least be discreet about
your affair!"
"I've no idea what you're talking about, Ben!"
Ben lost his temper. "Don't give me that!! I was shown the
pictures!! Didnt you know you made front page news in the
tabloids!?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about the pictures of you having lunch with
Carpenter! Among other things!!"
"What? I've never had lunch with." She trailed off as the
memory struck her. "Ben! I can explain! I wasn't .!"
"Don't bother!! I don't wanna hear it!!"
He spun on his heels and left, slamming the heavy front
door behind him.

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Mikie sunk to the floor in horror.

"What the hell is all that about, Mum!!!?" Tom asked
sharply.
She was struck dumb. Pain and confusion swept through
her in waves.
Most of the house had been woken by the door slamming
and were coming down the stairs to see what the commotion
was.
"What happened?" Ali asked Tom.
"How the hell should I know!?" Tom said, flatly. "I'm
getting married in three days and they pick now as a good time to
start fighting!"
"Mum?" Brett said gently, sitting on the floor with his arm
round his mothers shoulder.
She looked into his face. She was unable to speak. She
shook her head, then broke down in hysterical tears.
Brett picked her up and carried her into the lounge.
"For hells sake! Someone go after Dad!!" Liz shouted.
Tom made for the door.
"I'll go!" Tara said, running across the hall.
Ben was sitting under the arbour in the rose garden.
"Dad? What is it?" she asked gently.
"I don't understand how she could, Tara. After what he did."
"Who?"
"Adam Carpenter! It was in the newspaper. We spent the
night in a hotel. I loved her. She told me she loved me more
than the universe. How could she, Tara? How?"
"She does love you Dad! Of course she does!"
Ben looked at her. "Does she? Does she really, Tara? I'm
not so sure."
"What's all this about Carpenter?"
"They were pictured having lunch together. They were
kissing for gods sake!"

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"I don't believe it." Tara was shocked. "She wouldn't."

"She did! I asked John Nestworth. He said he had seen
them together. He said they seemed pretty happy. Chatting and
laughing."
Ben put his head in his hands and cried.
"Dad? Please. You have to talk to her."
"I can't, Tara. I cant bear to look at her. After what
happened before the trial. I didn't believe she could do anything
like this to me. She hurt me Tara. Really hurt me!"
"I'm sure there's a perfectly innocent explanation, Dad! You
have to talk to her, please."
"I can't. Right now being near her makes my skin crawl!"
Tara took a sharp intake of breath. "Dad! You can't mean
that!"
"I do!! I can't bear to be near her! I can't stand the pain I
feel when I look at her."
"We didn't have lunch, Ben. He came over to me." Mikie
said softly. "He wanted to apologise for hurting us."
"And you expect me to believe that?" Ben spat.
"He's genuinely sorry, Ben."
"So that makes it right? What would have happened if I'd
ended up dead because of him, Mikie? Would you have forgiven
him then?"
"I haven't forgiven him now!"
"Sure you haven't! I takes more than a meal and a kiss to
make you forgive anything. Seeing him again so he can make up
properly are you?" He said with venom in his voice.
Mikie stared at him. His words cut into her heart like a hot
knife through butter. She turned and walked away from him.
She was halfway across the lawn when she sunk to her knees and
buried her face in her hands.
"I dont understand why you did that, Dad." Tara said. "You
didn't even give her half a chance!"

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"Does she deserve it?"

Tara exploded. She leapt to her feet. "Stop it!!! Stop it
now!!!" She screamed. "Bennett Jordan!! Get up of your sorry
ass and go and give her a chance to explain things!!! Now!!"
He looked at her. "I cant!"
"You will!!! Right now!!! Or, so help me, I'll do something
I'll regret for the rest of my life!!!"
"No, Tara, I can't!!"
Tara slapped him, hard across the face. "Get up!!"
Ben was stunned. He put his hand to his face and stood up.
Tara took hold of his jacket and dragged him to where her
mother was sitting on the lawn. "Look at her, Dad!!!"
Ben looked down at Mikie. He sunk down to his knees.
"Mikie?" he whispered.
She looked at him through her tears.
"Tell me. Please." He said softly.
"There isn't anything to tell. He just appeared from
nowhere. I listened to what he had to say and he left. End of
story. He's trying to make things right. He's got cancer so he
wont be around much longer."
"But you kissed him."
"No. He kissed me. On the cheek as he left."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I knew you would react like this!"
"It hurts, Mik."
"I'm sorry Ben. I really am. I spent five minutes in his
company."
"John said you were laughing with him."
"No I wasn't! How could I laugh with someone I think is a
joke? I pity him. He's pathetic!"
"Did you tell him you forgive him?"
"How could I? I don't. I'll never be able to forgive him for
what he did to us. I nearly lost my life because of his obsession.

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I could have lost everything I value."

He was watching the hurt in her eyes. Watching the pain
etch across her face. She was hurting just as much as he was. He
was confused and angry. He stood up and walked away from her.
Through her tears she watched him go. She watched her
whole life ebb away in front of her.

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Chapter 27
As he walked, he quickened his pace until he was running.
He ran to his car and started the engine. In a cloud of dust he
drove out of the gate.
Tara held her mother while she cried.
"What have I done, Tara?" Mikie sobbed. "I hardly spoke to
him! I swear! How can I forgive him? I hate him! I hope he rots
in hell!!"
Dave was at her side. "Come on, Mom! You can't stay out
here. Let's get you inside."
He picked her up and carried her into the library.
The others were waiting for them.
"Are you all right, Mum?" Jess asked gently.
Mikie shook her head.
"How the hell can she be all right!!?" Tom snapped. "Why
don't you make it right, Mum!!?"
"If your father wont listen, how can I?" Mikie asked.
Tom shook his head and ran from the room.
"Ali go look after Tom for me, will you please?"
"Sure mum." Ali followed her brother.
"Did you have lunch with Adam?" Brett asked.
"Use your brain, Brett!!" Tara snapped. "Of course she
didn't!!"
Mikie sighed. "No, Brett, I didn't. He just appeared. I don't
even remember what he said. Only that he was asking me to
forgive him. I guess he's trying to absolve himself of his wrongs
before he dies."
"Why won't Ben listen to you, Mikie?" Angie asked.
She shrugged.
"Dad sees things from a different perspective, Angie." Kate
explained. "He only sees what he wants to see. At the minute he
can only see the hurt he feels. And the memories of what Adam

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did to him. Sometimes limiting the truth from him is the best
thing you can do."
"So why does Tom feel so bad?"
"Because Tom thought what happened to Dad was his fault."
Tara said. "He was playing outside the gates and Adam spoke to
him. In Tom's eyes Adam was a friend. He knew everything
about Mum and Dad and all of us. When Dad was in the
hospital, Tom had nightmares about him not coming home and
Mum blaming him for talking to Adam."
"Here, Mum! Have some tea." Jess said as Keith placed a
tray on the table in front of her.
Mikie looked at it, blankly. "No thank you, Jess. I just want
to be on my own for a while. I've got a strange feeling that your
dad is going to do something very stupid!"
"Don't worry too much, Mom. Pete's gone after him." Kate
smiled.
Ben drove through the night. He had one thought in his
mind. To find Adam Carpenter and get his side of the story. He
had been able to find out the hotel he was staying in, earlier in
the day. He thought it ironic that Carpenter had chosen to stay
in one of the McKeon Corporation Hotels. He was even slightly
amused by it. He stopped the car outside the hotel and left the
engine running. The doorman opened the big, glass door to
allow him to enter.
"Good evening, Mr Jordan! Would you like a room?" Julie
Philips smiled as Ben approached the reception desk.
"No thank you, Julie! Adam Carpenter. Which room?"
"You know better than that, Mr Jordan. That's confidential."
Julie chastised.
"Cut the crap, Julie and tell me."
"Mr Jordan! You're the one who makes the rules."
Ben glared at her and walked round the desk to look at the

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computer screen.
"Mr Jordan!"
"If you value your job, you'll let me see the register."
Julie was shocked.
Ben tapped the keyboard and waited. The screen gave him
the information he wanted and he headed for the lift.
"Mr Jordan! You can't." Julie shouted. She looked across
the lobby to the doorman. "Stan!! Stop him!"
Stan Richards ran across the lobby and put his hand on
Ben's arm. "I'm afraid you can't do this, Mr Jordan!"
Ben shook his arm free. "Leave it, Stan!"
"I can't do that!"
Ben glared at him. "I said leave it!"
"Dad!!" Peter ran across the lobby. "What the hell d'you
think you're doing?"
"I'm gonna sort it out. I have to know, Pete."
"You'll invalidate the injunction."
"I don't care! He's still doing it. He's still hurting me. After
all these years, he's still hurting me!"
A crowd of about twelve people came out of the bar and were
watching the scene.
Ben looked at them. He tried again to go to the lift. Peter
stopped him.
"Leave me alone, Peter!"
"No! I can't!"
"I said!"
"Hello, Ben." The voice said behind him. "I'm guessing
you're looking for me?"
Ben spun round to face Adam. The rage and hatred started
to boil in him.
"Could we use the office, d'you think?" Adam asked Julie.
Julie nodded.
Adam indicated the office to Ben. Ben stormed through the

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door.
"Sit down Ben. I'll answer your questions." Adam appeared
calm.
"I'll stand!" Ben spat.
"It was a chance meeting. Mikie was halfway through lunch
when I saw her sitting in the pub. She said half a dozen words to
me. I did the talking. She wont forgive me, Ben. She can't. She
hates me. Rightfully so. I nearly destroyed everything she has."
Ben looked at him with contempt.
"I wanted to apologise for hurting your family. It took a long
time to understand why I did it. I had a lot of time to think about
it, when I was in prison."
"Explain it to me, Adam, make me understand it." Ben spat.
"Mikie was, is, the most special woman I have ever known.
She's everything. Sunshine, rain, wind, snow. The moment I set
eyes on her, I loved her. I didnt even know her name then. I just
knew that I had to have her. The first time I spoke to her I felt
light headed. When we shook hands I felt electricity shoot up my
arm. From that moment, I was addicted to her. She was like a
fix to a druggie! I was obsessed by her. Everything she said or
did. Every move she made. Every breath she took. I became
more obsessed with her. To the exclusion of almost everything
else in my life, I knew I had to have her. I messed everything up
when I got drunk. I couldnt understand why I felt like that and
she didn't. I thought she would have to feel something. I offered
her the use of my spare room. I was hoping she would turn it
down in favour of my own bed, but she's not like that. She's a
true lady. I couldn't handle her being in the same flat with me. I
came on to her and she rejected me. I guess it made me pretty
angry. I hurt her, Ben. I'm not proud of it. I wish it had never
happened. You don't hurt a girl like Mikie. I loved her. I wanted
her. I needed her to stop the wanting in me. She knocked me
out. When I came to, David was banging on my door. He

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finished what Mikie had started. I deserved every punch. I tried

to apologise to her. I phoned her and wrote her. I'm not even
sure she got the letters. I destroyed any hope I had of happiness.
I drifted from one relationship to another. When I saw her that
night in Newcastle, it brought back all the feelings I had. When I
read the report of the wedding I was insanely jealous of you. She
was my girl, not yours. I loved her. You couldn't love her like I
did. No man could. I decided to wait. I'm a patient man. I
thought if you were out of the picture, she would come to me. I
kept up on where you both were. I have friends in San Francisco
who kept me up to date. I kept all the newspaper reports written
about you or her. Then I saw you in Newcastle with her. I made
enquiries and found out you'd come to live in Millbank. The
plans I had been making for years started to come together. Tom
was easy to make a friend of. The first time I set eyes on him, I
knew who he was. I knew he had to be Mikie's son. He has her
smile. I'm sorry I brought him into it. That was the worst thing I
did. He was a child. I used him to get to you. I only hope that I
didnt cause any lasting damage. The night you were taken, I was
at home with some friends. I thought I had gotten away with it
for a time. You weren't supposed to run in front of my car. I had
taken a phone call to say the police were on their way to my flat.
I had to get back there quick. The last thing I was expecting was
you to run across the road in front of me. I thought I had killed
you. I panicked and ran back into the warehouse. I told the
others to torch the car and get you to a hospital. I laid low for a
few days. I watched the news reports to find out if you'd made it.
I never intended to kill you, Ben. I just wanted to erase Mikie
from your memory. I thought that you'd just go back to the
States and forget her. I didn't count on the family rallying round
you."
All the time he had been talking, Adam had watched Ben's
face. He was trying to figure out if what he was saying was

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making any impact.

"I'm truly sorry for what I did, Ben. To you, to Mikie and to
your family. I'm not asking you to forgive me. I wouldn't if I
were you. I'm just asking that you accept that I'm sorry."
Ben was leaning against the edge of the desk with his arms
folded. He regarded Adam. He agreed with him in some ways.
Mikie was an obsession. She was the fix he needed to feed his
addiction. But she was his addiction. Not Adam's. Not Jack's.
His. He was aware of the ache in his head. He was aware of his
temples pulsing.
As he waited for Ben to say something, Adam grew more and
more nervous. He was a coward and knew that Ben had every
right to beat him to a pulp.
"Mikie is right." Ben said, finally. "You are pathetic! You're
a sorry son of a bitch, Adam. If you think I'm gonna clear your
conscience by accepting your apology, you're even more pathetic
than I think you are. I hope you suffer all the pain and terror you
deserve. If it was just me, I would've finished you a long time
ago. This way you have to live with what you did. Every minute
of every day. I, on the other hand, am over it. I guess that's
where I'm lucky. I've got Mikie." He paused. "You're right about
one thing, though."
Adam seemed surprised.
"She is an obsession. A drug. And I get all the fixes I need."
He smiled and walked out of the room.
Adam stared after him in astonishment. He was fully
expecting Ben to have hit him at least once. After a few seconds
he left the room and walked to the lift. He packed his case and
left the hotel.
Ben sat in the car and stared at the steering wheel.
Pete watched him. He tapped on the window.
Ben looked at him.
"Are you okay?"

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He nodded.
"Would you like me to drive you back?"
Again, he nodded. They drove home in silence.
The big house was quiet. Mikie had sent everyone back to
bed. She was sitting on the stairs when the front door opened.
She looked into his eyes.
"I'll leave you to it!" Pete smiled, climbing the stairs. "He's
okay, Mom." He said quietly as he passed Mikie.
"Thanks Pete." Mikie said.
Ben stood, framed in the open door and looked at her. "I
went to see Adam."
"Was that wise?" She said surprised.
"I had to. I had to know. He's the only one who could
answer my questions."
"And, did he?"
"He did. He proved something to me, too."
"Did he? What?"
"That in this safe little world I've built for myself, there are
always going to be Adam Carpenter's."
"I don't understand."
"I'm not the only man in this world who's obsessed with you.
Every red-blooded man on this planet who meets you is! You
once said that women throw themselves at me. That they treat
me like some Adonis. If I'm Adonis you must be Venus! He said
you're like a drug to an addict. My drug to feed my addiction.
I'm sorry I didn't believe you. I should have trusted you. I love
you and I know you love me. Forgive me? Please?"
"I can't."
Ben was shocked.
"I can't forgive you, because there's nothing to forgive. I'm
sorry I didnt tell you. That was a mistake. I was trying to save
you from hurt. I didnt want you to remember things. If anyone

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needs forgiveness it's me. I love you Ben."

In six steps he was across the twelve feet of hall and took her
in his arms. They stood locked in their embrace for a long time.
Oblivious to the children standing on the landing watching them.
"Do they always do this after a row?" Angie enquired.
"Not very often." Tara said.
"That's not very fare Tara." Ali said. "It's not very often they
row."
"Oh. I see." Angie said, trying to sound convinced.
"They've got the sort of love that comes around once in a
lifetime, if you're lucky." Tom grinned. "Kinda like the way I feel
about you."
"I think we should go somewhere a bit more private." Ben
whispered into Mikie's ear. "Unless you dont mind our kids
watching me make it up to you."
Mikie turned to look to the landing. She smiled, lovingly, at
her family.
"Come on, you lot! Lets give them some space." Brett said.
"Good night!" They all shouted together.
Mikie and Ben waved at them.
"Would you like some cocoa?" Ben asked.
"I suppose so. I'm not gonna get any sleep. I'm too wound
up for that." she smiled.
"Come on! I happen to know that Sally baked chocolate chip
cookies with the kids today."
They went to the kitchen. Ben made the cocoa and they sat
at the big kitchen table to drink it.
"Next time I dont take your word for something, kick me.
Hard!" Ben laughed.
"I love you."
"I'm sorry."
"Stop saying sorry, Ben! Can we do what we always do?"
"Which is?"

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"Chalk it up to experience and forget it."

"Forget what?"
She laughed at him. He laughed with her.
"We really should try and get some sleep, you know? Our
baby is getting married in a couple of days." He said.
"Yep! The problem with that is I'm not tired."
"That's a problem?"
She smiled at him.
He took her hand and led her out into the hall.
Tom was sitting on the stairs.
"You should be in bed, sport!" Ben said.
He looked up at his father. "You two are all right, aren't
you?"
"Of course we are, Tom. I should have said that I'd been
speaking to Adam. It would have saved me the headache I've
got." Mikie smiled.
"If you two fell apart, I wouldnt get married."
"Why not?"
"I guess because I believe that nothing can touch your
marriage."
"It would take more than this, Tom." Ben assured him.
"I hope I can be half as good a husband to Angie as you are
to Mum."
"The secret is not to have secrets. Tell her everything. Even
if it causes a row. That way, you don't trip yourself up and end
up hurting her." Mikie smiled.
Tom stood up and they all hugged.
"The last time I had to make you go to bed you were ten
years old." Ben laughed. "Now scoot!"
Tom laughed, turned and ran up the stairs. He stopped at
the top. "You do know I love you both heaps, don't you?"
"We know!" Mikie smiled. "Good night, Tom."

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Chapter 28
The following day brought relatives and friends to stay for
the wedding. It was a bright, sunny day and everything seemed
as near to perfect as it could be.
Mikie spent most of the day on the telephone checking
arrangements.
Ben sat on the sofa in their room, listening to the various
conversations she was having.
Tom and Angie came looking for her just after 3 o'clock.
"How's it going, Mum?" Tom asked.
"Dreadful!" Mikie lied. "The florist crashed his van and had
to cancel. The cake collapsed. The hairdresser broke her wrist
and your dad is leaving for San Francisco in an hour!"
Tom looked at her, horrified at her words. "I knew it! I
knew it! It was too good to be true! I knew everything would go
wrong!" He sat on the sofa opposite his father and put his head
in his hands. "Why didn't you come and find me? We may as
well just cancel everything!"
Angie, Ben and Mikie looked at him.
"If I didn't know him better, I'd swear he was joking!" Ben
laughed.
"No. He's been jumpy all day." Angie said.
"Am I the only one to take this seriously!?" Tom looked up.
"If everything is going wrong, it'll be better to cancel!"
"Tom! Calm down. You're gonna hyperventilate." Mikie
said. "Everything is fine."
Tom glared at her. "That's not funny, Mum!"
"Lighten up a bit. You'll make yourself ill." Ben suggested.
"Angela. Be a darling and take your fianc somewhere quiet
and take his mind off all this, will you?"
"Okay, Mum! How?" Angie said.
"I don't know. Play cards or something. Or have a practice

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run for tomorrow night!"

"Oooh! That's a good idea. Come on Tom."
Tom blushed. "Don't be ridiculous!"
"I'm not! Your mother suggested it. I always take notice of
parents. Don't you?"
"Dad!?"
"Leave me out of it, Sport. If it was me, I'd be outta here."
Ben grinned.
Tom sighed and stood up.
"He should lighten up. He'll have a coronary before he's
twenty five." Ben sighed.
"I don't know where he gets it from." Mikie said.
"My dad was just like him. Worried himself sick over having
nothing to worry about."
Mikie smiled. "I wish I'd known your parents."
"Mom would have loved you. She was similar to your Mom.
Accepted everyone on their own merits." He reflected "Dad
would have spoiled you rotten. He used to buy little gifts for
Caroline. She hated it. She said it made her feel uneasy. When
we had problems having a baby, dad offered to pay for the best
fertility treatment there was. She got mad and stormed out of
the house. It took me an hour to calm her down."
She smiled at him.
"What?" he asked.
"Whenever I mention your parents you always say the same
thing."
"I'm glad I knew your parents. Your mom helped me chase
away some bad memories. Harry was the best friend I've ever
had."
"Oh thanks! I'll remember that. I play second fiddle to my
father."
"That didn't come out right. I meant "
"I'm joking! I know what you meant." She interrupted.

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"I'm going to find some tea. Coming?"

"I'll follow you down. I just have to make a quick phone
call."
She kissed his nose and left.
The lounge was noisy with the talk and laughter of Mikie's
siblings. It was the first time, since Christmas, that they had all
been together and Mikie was happy and relaxed.
"So how's the groom-to-be?" Paul asked.
"Heading for a nervous breakdown!" Mikie laughed.
"And how's Mum now her baby's getting married?" David
asked, sympathetically.
"I feel a bit strange. It doesn't seem so long ago that I was
taking him to school for the first time."
"Never mind, Mik! They don't stay away too long. They
always come home for visits!" Jean said.
"Don't I know that to be the truth!" Mikie laughed. "And, as
big as they are, they still fight and tease each other!"
Diane, one of the House-maids appeared. "Excuse me, Lady
Michaela, this has arrived for Ben." She handed Mikie an
envelope.
"Thank you Diane. I'll see he gets it." Mikie smiled.
"Where is Ben?" Paul asked.
"Making a phone call. He'll be down shortly."
"Someone mention my name?" Ben asked.
After handshakes and kisses, Mikie gave Ben the envelope.
"Oh good! I've been trying to chase this." He smiled and
put it in his pocket.
"Isn't it important?" Mikie asked.
"That's for me to know."
Mikie looked at him.
"It's a need-to-know basis and you don't need to know!"
"Oooh! Keeping secrets, Ben? I wouldn't have believed it!"

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Davie laughed.
"It isn't a secret, She just dont need to know!"
Ben refused to be drawn into a discussion about the contents
of the envelope until after dinner.
Everyone was sitting drinking coffee in the dining room.
The younger members of the family had left their parents to chat.
"I don't know, Ben, how do you keep a fool in suspense?"
Henry asked.
"Have an envelope delivered by courier and not tell her the
contents." Ben said, smugly.
"You're not keeping me in suspense. I don't want to know."
Mikie said, equally as smug.
"Here! Open it." Ben tossed the envelope across the table to
her.
She looked at it and then looked at Ben.
Everyone expected her to open it. She did not. She carried
on her conversation with Jean and Stella.
Ben sat and smirked at her. He watched her fingering the
envelope as she spoke.
Unconsciously, she opened the envelope and took out the
contents.
"So much for not wanting to know!" Ben said satisfied.
She looked at the contents. It was two return flight tickets to
San Francisco. She looked at him.
"I thought you would need a change of scenery for a couple
of weeks." He smiled.
"I knew I would!" She laughed. "Anyone in the market for
two return tickets to San Francisco?"
"What?" Ben was confused.
"I picked some up yesterday!"
"I'm not sure whether that's a case of great minds thinking
alike or you two should communicate more!" Henry laughed.
"If you're twisting arms, Mikie, I'll take you up!" Stella said.

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"I've been trying to get Hen to have a break for months!"

"Yours!" Mikie passed the envelope to her sister-in-law.
"Don't I have a say in this?" Henry protested.
"No! Don't refuse a gift! You'll offend your sister!" Stella
said, lightly.
"Why would I want to go to San Francisco?"
"Why not? It's as good a place as any and it's nowhere near
your office!"
"When do we leave?"
"Monday!" Ben said.
"I can't just drop everything and jet off across the world!"
Henry's protest fell on deaf ears.
"I can look after the show till you get back, Hen." Dave said.
Henry sighed. "Okay! I give in! I bet the tickets are
Business Class?"
Ben looked at him. "Hey! I bought those tickets for Mikie!
Victoria Atlantic! First Class!"
"Are you joking!? They must have cost a packet!"
"Not as much as First Class Concorde to New York!" Mikie
said, dryly.
Ben was surprised. "How did you manage that? I would
have had to wait another week!"
"You mean that famous Jordan charm failed? I'm amazed!"
she laughed. "I had to wait three days. But, then again, I didn't
leave it till the last minute!"
"So if you're swanning off to the States, that means the
house will be empty?" Paul asked.
"Paul McKeon! Don't you dare ask permission to stay here!"
she said sharply.
"This is your house, not mine!"
"This house is home to all of us! I've told you all, you can all
come and stay whenever you want! You don't need to ask."
"God you sound just like Mum" Dave said. "I haven't said

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anything but I feel like I've been told off."

"I'm not telling anyone off. I'm just stating a fact. Daddy
may have left the house to me, but it's still home to all of us. It's
also still the Family Seat."
"Okay!" Paul said. "I'll inform you that I'm staying for a
while. I've got the decorators in."
The hall clock struck eleven o'clock.
"I don't know about anyone else, but we've got a wedding to
go to tomorrow. I'm gonna turn in!" Ben smiled.
The morning dawned bright and warm. Mikie had been up
for nearly an hour when Ben walked, sleepily, from the bedroom.
"Morning darlin'! Why didn't you wake me?" He asked,
yawning.
"I didn't see the point in that. I had some things to check
over, so I wouldn't have been very good company." She replied.
He put his arms round her. "Even when you're asleep,
you're good company."
She smiled up into his face. "Thanks, darling. I needed
that."
"What?"
"You being so sweet."
"It's the truth. I don't care what you're doing or how long it
takes you. As long as I'm with you."
"There's some coffee if you want it. I'll be about another ten
minutes."
"I think I'll go see how Tom's doing."
"He's like a time bomb ticking it's last seconds."
"Uh-hu! I'll go calm him down."
"Angie's uncle arrived about an hour ago. I dont think he
likes Tom very much."
"I got that impression the last time he was here. I'll go see if
Tom needs to talk."

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Tom was sitting in the breakfast room drinking his tenth cup
of coffee.
"Good morning!" Ben said brightly.
Tom looked up. "Hi, Dad."
"Why the long face? This is the best day of your life. You
should be flying."
"Should I? Tell that to Angie's uncle. He doesnt like me."
"That bothers you?"
"Of course it does. I want to fit in."
Ben poured a cup of coffee. "You choose today of all days to
say that. You're marrying a gorgeous, adorable girl in three
hours time and you're worried that her folks don't like you. She
loves you. Surely that's what matters?"
"It does! But I'd like to think that I'm accepted by her
family."
"What does her brother think?"
"Steve is great! We get on like a house on fire."
"See! Building bridges takes time, Sport. You'll be okay."
"Every bridge I've tried to build seems to have been washed
away by flood water." He said, ryely.
Ben sighed. "Come on! Lets go out for a while."
"Don't be ridiculous, Dad! I've got too much to do." Tom
was horrified.
"It'll take you an hour to get ready. Come on! We're going
riding."
"I can't!"
"Yes you can. And, furthermore, you're not gonna think
about the wedding."
"But Dad!?"
"But nothing. I'll meet you in the stable yard in five
minutes." Ben said, firmly.
Tom was saddling his horse when Ben arrived at the stables.
Ben's horse was saddled and waiting for him.

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They set off in the direction of Millham Village, then

changed direction so they were travelling west. The countryside
was open fields and Ben quickened the pace to a gallop. Tom
struggled to keep up with his father. Ben took glances behind to
make sure Tom was not flagging too much.
After about half an hour, Ben stopped.
"You realise we're miles from home?"
Tom said,
breathlessly.
"Ten minutes ride away." Ben replied. "You're out of
practise. You should ride more often."
"I don't have time, usually. I've always got a pile of papers to
write."
"Sunday morning. Before breakfast. Gives you an appetite."
"Oh sure! You don't go out on Saturday evenings."
"Best way to cure a hangover. Why d'you think I always ride
after a party?"
Tom smiled. "So us kids thinking you never get hangovers is
a myth?"
"I have never said I don't get hangovers. I just know how to
cure them."
Tom looked at his watch. "Damn! Look at the time. I've
gotta get back."
"Stop panicking. We've got loads of time." Ben assured
him.
Tom looked at him. "Thanks Dad!"
"For what?"
"Making me do this. I haven't thought about the wedding
since we left the stable yard!"
"I promised your Mom I would take your mind off it."
"Before we go back. Can I ask you something?"
"Sure!"
"How d'you keep it going? Marriage. Most of my friends
parents are divorced or separated. You and Mom just seem to

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have something special."

"There's no secret, Tom. I love her. She sometimes accuses
me of loving her too much, but I can't do that. She's an
obsession. Like cocaine to a drug addict. I try never to take her
for granted. I always tell her I love her and we never go to sleep
upset with each other."
"But that last one is easy. You never row."
"Of course we row. Your mother has a volcanic temper and
her right hook would put a prize boxer to shame. We had a full
blown argument in the Boardroom the other day. She nearly
took the door off it's hinges when she stormed out and slammed
it. The sales staff were shocked."
"It must have been some row."
"It was." Ben explained the row as they walked the horses
back to the house.
"I think we should import. The prices are better and the
supply is constant." Ben said.
"But we'll have to pay import taxes. If we go with the local
supplier, we can constantly up-date the order. Then we wont
be tied to the fixed number you're quoting." Mikie said.
"It'll work out cheaper in the end. We use the same boxes
for all models."
"If we have a local supplier they can be colour coded model
to model."
"And increase the price?"
"No it wouldn't! I checked."
"Fine! I'll think about it."
"I've been looking at the price structure for the new range.
It starts off okay, then it gets stupid."
"Stupid?"
"Too expensive. It's way too much! We'll be stuck with a
mountain of deluxe models while the cheaper models will
constantly sell out."

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"That's crap! I worked out the costs on this one myself! I

reckon it'll sell just fine!"
"I think you're living in a tree! You've forgotten the supply
area. We have very few millionaires in our neighbourhood!"
"I don't think I got it that wrong! Neither does anyone
else!"
She looked round the table. "That's because if this lot
manage to sell one every six months, their bonuses will
quadruple!"
"That's not fair, Mikie!" Alan Graves said. "I think the
price is okay."
"You would!" She glared. "Pricing them this high would
mean a pay increase! I think the sales bonus percentage is too
high too!"
"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Ben asked.
"What?"
"Being a pain in the butt! You've done nothing but argue
since you came in here!"
"I'm the Company Accountant! I have to balance the books.
And if I don't you sulk for days!"
"God you talk garbage sometimes!"
"Oh really!? And who was it who said the profits were
plunging? It was you. And who got the blame? Me!"
"I didn't blame you!"
"I told you this would happen. You were the one who
insisted on setting the bonus percent so high! Well I think we
should freeze it for a year. Then maybe this lot will do more
than their minimum sales every month!"
"That's hardly fair, Mikie!"
"So you think it should be increased again?"
"Yeah! By a percent!"
"Well fine! You do that! But do it without me, 'cause I
quit!"

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She walked from the room and slammed the door behind
her.
Ben stared after her for a few seconds. "She's stressed with
the wedding!"
"No she isn't." Keith said. "She's right."
"I have to admit, I feel that way too." Glen Trentwell, the
Senior Salesman, said. "I think we've all become lazy over the
last couple of years. We lose out to competitors because we've
got used to high bonus payments for minimal orders."
"Oh great!" Alan said. "It's okay for you! You don't have
three kids and a mortgage!"
"You get paid your worth, Alan. You've just got used to
expecting the bonus. I think we should increase the sales
targets." Keith said. He looked at Ben.
"You're the Sales Director." Ben said. "What should it be?"
"It should be ten units a month, instead of six."
"You've gotta be kidding." Susan Merryweather said.
"That's pie in the sky."
"Rubbish! I was talking to a guy from Crookwatch
yesterday. Their target is twelve."
"Is ten achievable?" Ben asked.
"I think so." Said Keith.
"Me too." Glen agreed.
"Well I don't." Susan said.
"Neither do I." Said Alan.
"Kelly? Denis?"
"I usually sell that many." Denis said.
"Me too." said Kelly.
"There's no way I could sell ten units on my patch." Mark
Allwood said, flatly.
"I don't think I could." Steve Hepple said. "I'm willing to
try though."
"Okay." Ben sighed. "We'll give it six months. Ten units a

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month. Bonus percentage the same. I'll rethink the price of the
new range. Everyone happy?"
There were nods of heads from most of the staff.
"Alan?"
"No, Ben, I'm not happy. I don't think I'll be able to sell ten
units in my present area." Alan replied.
"Susan?"
"I don't have a choice do I?" Susan asked. "I'll give it a go."
"So I can tell the boss lady that we're agreed?"
Everyone nodded.
Ben punched in two numbers on the phone in front of him.
He was amused when he was put directly through to the main
office.
"She's that mad, hu!?" Ben asked.
"Hello, Ben! She said she doesnt want to talk to any of the
Sales team." Joan replied.
"Mmm! But did she mention the M.D.?"
"No."
"Be a darlin' and put me through."
"She'll be annoyed!"
"Yep! But she'll be annoyed with me."
Joan put him through to Mikie's office.
"I said I didn't want any calls, Joan!" Mikie said, sharply.
"Even if it's to apologise?"
"I don't want to hear it." she cut him off.
"Oh boy! This is gonna take longer than I thought." He
rang the main office. "Joan? Be a darlin' and bring me one of
those bars of chocolate, will you?"
"Sure, Ben! I'll be two minutes." Joan laughed.
Joan knocked on the door a couple of minutes later.
"Thanks Joan! You're an angel." Ben smiled.
"That's what you're gonna be if you're not careful. She was
spitting fire when she came into the office."

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"She won't murder me until after she's eaten at least half of

this." He grinned. "I guess you can all have a coffee break." He
left the room.
Mikie was sitting looking out of the window, her back to the
door. Ben put his arms on the top of the leather chair and
looked down at her.
"You were right. I'm sorry!" He said.
"I don't want to hear it."
"Even if I tell you I love you and most of the others' agree
with you?"
"It won't wash, Ben."
"If you want me to get down on my knees and beg, I will."
"Go away!"
"Okay! Fine! Have it your way." He put the chocolate on
her desk and walked back to the Boardroom.
Five minutes later she threw the door open and slid the
chocolate along the length of the twenty feet long table towards
him.
"If you think I'm that predictable, you're sorely mistaken!"
She glared.
"The last thing I think you are, is predictable, Mikie." He
smiled.
She gave him a withering look.
"Okay! Sorry!" He threw up his hands. "You were right!
You should know. You do the books."
"Well! That's big of you! You actually admit you're wrong
in front of witnesses."
He folded his arms and looked at her.
She was waiting for him to say something.
The other occupants of the room were also waiting for him
to say something.
They all waited.
The staff looked from Ben to Mikie and back again. After a

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couple of minutes she sat down.

She could see the look in his eyes change from one of
amusement to apology. She started to realise she was being
unreasonable.
"Sales targets Ten units a month." Keith said. "The bonus
percentage to stay the same and the new model price will be
changed."
"So you think I was being unfair too?" She asked him.
"No! I agreed with you."
"So do I. Now I've thought about what you were saying."
Ben admitted.
"Most of us do, Mikie." Susan said.
"So the whole situation was defused. As soon as everyone
left she asked for the chocolate." Ben concluded.
Tom laughed. "I'm convinced you two are telepathic. You
can look at each other and seem to know what the other is
thinking."
"We do. Most of the time, anyway."
"How come the row didn't carry on?"
"It didn't need to. She was right. I was being stubborn.
Besides, when we're at work we're two different people."
"That's ridiculous Dad!"
"We are. She's Michaela McKeon, Accountant and I'm Ben
Jordan, Managing Director."
"But aren't you that anyway?"
"Yes, but work is a different world. At work we're driven by
the pressure we're under. We both have a ruthless streak that
makes us want the businesses to succeed. Your mom calls me Mr
Jordan and I call her Ms McKeon!"
"You do? Why?"
"It helps us to differentiate between the two, very different,
worlds we exist in. When we leave the office at the end of the
day, we change back into plain old Mikie and Ben. Sometimes,

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usually after a Boardroom row, I wonder how we survive. Then I

look at her photo on my desk and I know. Without your mom,
I'm nothing. I wouldn't even bother getting out of bed every
morning!"
"I hope Angie and I love each other like you love Mom!"
"Its hard work, Tom. But if you respect her individuality,
you'll be okay!"
"Thanks Dad!" He climbed down from his horse and hugged
his father. "You do know how much I love you, don't you?"
"Of course I do! I'm so proud of everything you do. I guess
the next conversation we have, you'll be married. Enjoy life,
Tom. You've got the world at your feet and a beautiful woman to
share it with you."
"I will, Dad, I will!"
The small Chapel was filled with a hundred and fifty guests
and the scent of roses and lily-of-the-valley. Tom sat nervously
beside Brett and waited. He looked at his watch every twenty
seconds.
"How can she be late? She's only coming from upstairs!" he
whispered.
"She's entitled to be late! She's the bride. Liz was late for
our wedding. Lighten up, Tom, she'll be here!"
"I hope you're right. I've got this rotten feeling that she's not
coming."
Brett looked behind. "She's coming." He smiled.
Tom looked down the aisle of the Chapel. He could see
Steve helping Angie to adjust her dress. Tom stood up as Angie
started walking towards him.
She looked like an angel. Her gown was ivory satin and she
carried blue and white roses.
The reception was a typical McKeon family get together.
Loud and happy. Everyone enjoyed the day. Tom and Angie

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were to spend the night in a hotel near the airport before heading
off to the Caribbean. They left at eight. Rather than live in
Millbank Hall, Tom had decided to live in the Coach House, near
the entrance to the approach road. While they were on
honeymoon, the house six bed roomed house was remodelled.
"Enjoy yourselves!" Mikie said, hugging them both.
"We will!" Angie smiled.
Mikie was left standing on the drive as everyone else headed
back into the house.
Ben stood at the top of the steps and looked at her. He
walked down and put his arms round her shoulders.
"He's my baby and now he's all grown up and gone." She
whispered.
"Yep, ain't that the truth! He'll be back in a couple of
weeks."
"But it won't be the same. He's married now."
"I know."
"He's not my little boy anymore."
"I know that too."
"I looked at him in the Chapel. He looked terrified. I
wanted to hold him and tell him it would be okay. I wanted him
to know how much I love him. I wanted to tell him he can still
come and talk if he needs to."
"You think he doesn't know all that?"
"I don't know what he knows. He's changed so much I
hardly know him."
"He knows it. He hasn't changed that much. He just got
bigger! He loves you. He knows he can talk when he needs to.
Besides, it's not as if he's going to live on the moon!"
"I know. I suppose today has brought back so many
memories. I remember the day we came home from the hospital.
Everyone made such a fuss of him. I wanted to scream! I wanted
to tell everyone to get lost and leave me alone with him!"

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"Did you? Why?"

"Because for five days it hurt too much to pick him up and I
was looking forward to being at home and getting to know him."
"I guess I'm to blame for that. I was so excited that I didn't
think you'd mind."
"Once I saw the look on your face, I realised that it was your
way of saying hey! Come look at my son!"
"I was also saying come look at my beautiful wife who's just
given me the moon!"
She laughed at him. "I love you. Do you know that?"
"Yep!"
"I wonder what would have happened if I hadnt gone to San
Francisco to set up that office?"
"Something would have brought us together! I believe that
if two people are meant for each other, things are engineered so
that they meet."
"When did you come up with that one?"
"I've always believed it."
"So who's the engineer?"
"That one I'm not sure of!"
"I thought it was the fact that my father had a company
expansion scheme!"
"Even if neither of us had two dimes to our names, we would
have met somehow. Its part of some great plan, I guess!"
"You're being very philosophical!"
"Maybe. All I know is that when I met you, my prayers were
answered."
"That I don't believe! You've never prayed a day in your
life!"
"Of course I do! I may not be big on the Church thing, but
you don't have to go to church to pray! I've said more prayers in
the last thirty years to last three lifetimes!"
"You never cease to amaze me! I've never seen this side of

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you."
"I have several sides that you haven't seen."
"You do? Show me."
"Oh no! Some of them you wouldn't want to see! Trust me!
There are parts of me I keep buried away for a purpose!"
"Which is?"
"Because I don't like the me that they show!"
As they stood talking, their family stood at the top of the
steps watching them.
"I bet she's telling him how old she feels now Tom is
married!" Jess said ryely.
"Probably!" Brett said. "She's entitled to that! She's had a
rough deal in some ways."
"Until she met Dad!" Ali smiled.
"I'd love to know the secret of how to keep going and be
happy all the time!" Kate reflected.
"That's easy!" Tara said, softly. "They respect each other as
individuals. They let each other do whatever they need. Above
everything, they love each other. Purely and unconditionally. Its
not a secret."
"Maybe you're right. I wish I'd known Dad longer. He
would have saved me from making a lot of mistakes!" Kate said.
"You and Pete arent having problems are you?" Ali asked.
"No. we're fine. It's just that sometimes I think I'm doing
everything wrong."
"Your marriage is stronger than any of ours." Brett said.
"I don't think that! I think mine is the worst!"
"You've got too much of Dad in you to make a mess of
things, Kate!" Brett said. "What you have to remember is that
he's your father. No matter what his influence on us, you have
the best bit, you have his genes!"
"At the risk of being big-headed, I guess Tara, Tom and I

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are in the best place! They're both our parents!" Jess smiled.
Mikie and Ben turned back to the house. They looked up to
the big, open, front door and smiled.
"Look at them! If that isn't the answer to a prayer, what is?"
Ben whispered.
"Mmm! Even the one who's missing!" Mikie agreed.
"Greg is there. He always is!"
"Yep! It's just most of the time I don't see him!"
"Everything we've done, all the trials we've been through,
they're always there for us. There have been times when I didn't
think I'd survive. Then I'd look at them and know that whatever
happens I've got the strength of all of you behind me."
"I suppose we havent done so bad, have we? Everyone of
them has given us so much, even Jack!"
"Yep! I still feel like the luckiest man on the planet."
"Come on! Lets get back into the fray before anyone misses
us." She started walking back towards the steps.
He caught her arm. "We could go missing. I could always
say you've got a headache."
She looked at him and smiled. "You would be right. My
head is splitting, but we have guests. Some of whom wouldnt
understand if we left them to their own devices."
The party continued until the early hours of the morning. It
was after two when Mikie and Ben finally fell into their bed.
"I'm getting too old for this!" Ben said yawning.
"You and me both! I don't think this headache is gonna let
me sleep." Mikie said, rubbing her eyes.
"Come here. Let me fix it." Ben massaged her temples for a
few minutes until the headache had gone.
She smiled at him. "How you do that, I'll never know.
Thanks darling, I feel much better now."
"Good! At least now we'll both be able to sleep."

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He wrapped her in his arms and they were asleep in

minutes.
Mikie was surprised to find that they were the first adults to
enter the breakfast room. Their grandchildren were putting on
coats and were being taken out for the day by the nannies.
"Morning Granddad! Nana!" Sophie shouted. "We're going
out. Would you like to come with us?"
"Not today, Sophie, honey."
Ben smiled.
"I've got
something I need to do."
"I'm surprised you're up." Jenny said. "You two are usually
the last to bed after a party."
"We were!" Mikie smiled.
"We'll be back at about five, Lady McKeon." Susan
Crawford, the senior Nanny said.
"That's fine, Susan, thank you. Have fun."
Mikie followed Ben into the breakfast room.
"So what's this thing you have to do?" She asked
He handed her a cup of tea. "Oh nothing much. I just
thought that we could spend some time together."
"Have I been neglecting you again?"
"I didn't say that. It's just, with the wedding out of the way,
we should have some spare time on our hands."
She sat down and rested her arms on the table. "Ever the
diplomat. Why don't you just say I've been neglecting you?"
"You've been organising our son's wedding."
"Aren't I the one who is supposed to make excuses?"
"Its not an excuse. It's a reason."
She blew out her breath. "It's the reason why I've been
neglecting you, yes."
Ben looked at her and smiled. "Touch! You win! I was
thinking we could go out for the day."
There was the sound of a telephone ringing.
"Where to?"

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"I dont know." He smiled. "Where ever you want."

She gave him a withering look.
Her reply was interrupted by Andrew, the assistant butler.
"There's a call for you, Miss!"
"Thank you, Andrew!" She took the phone from him.
"Mikie Jordan!"
"Hello Ann!"
"Oh right!
Is it bad?"
"Newcastle?" "I'll be there in about an hour." "I'll tell the kids
too, they're both here." "Okay, I'll leave a message for them."
She hung up.
Ben was looking at her. "That sounds like a problem."
"I have to go into Newcastle to see a friend. It shouldn't take
long. Come with me if you like."
"I'll wait here for you. I'll start packing for our trip."
"That's a good idea! I promise I won't be long, two hours
tops!" she smiled.
"Fine! I've got some things to catch up with anyway."
"If I leave a note, will you give it to Brett for me, please?"
"Sure!"

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Chapter 29
Mikie returned to Millbank three hours later, ashen faced
and very quiet.
Ben was in the library and discarded the book he was
reading as she came in. "What is it?" he asked, concerned.
"Ann didn't tell me how bad it was." She replied. "It was
awful. I wish I had taken Brett with me."
"Where did you go?"
"I went to see Philip, Jeff's brother. He's had a stroke. They
don't expect him to see the night out."
"Come and sit down." Ben guided her to a chair. He quickly
poured some brandy and gave her it.
"No thanks, I'm okay."
"Drink it! You're far from okay!"
Andrew appeared at the door.
"Would you ask Ali and Brett to come and see me, Andrew
please?" Her voice shook.
"Of course!"
It was five minutes before Ali and Brett arrived.
"What's up, Mum?" Ali said brightly.
"It's Philip. He's in a pretty bad way. I think you should go
and see him."
"That's what the note was about. We could have gone to the
hospital with you." Brett said, annoyed with his mother for not
telling him sooner.
"You were both still asleep. I was expecting to find that Ann
had exaggerated."
"I'll get my coat." Ali said. "Are you coming back with us?"
"Yes."
"I think you'd better come too Dad." Brett said, regarding
his mother.
"So do I. I'll be back shortly." Ben left to get a jacket.

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"Does dad know who Philip is?" Brett asked.

"He knows what he needs to."
"Mum?"
"I can't very well tell him that the man who's sickbed I've
been beside for the last two hours, used to be more than a
friend."
"You're joking! You haven't told him? Why the hell not?"
He said, angrily.
"Because now is not the time, Brett!" Ali said. "Don't you
dare upset dad!"
"Is everyone ready?" Ben called from the hall.
"We're coming!" Ali replied. "keep your mouth shut, Brett.
I mean it!"
Brett glared at his sister and marched out of the room.
Ben watched his son as he walked out to the car. "What's
got him so fired up?"
"Nothing. He's just miffed because mum didn't wake him
up. He's pretty close to Uncle Philip."
The drive to the hospital was strained.
Brett stared out of the window and said very little.
Ali tried to engage her mother and brother in light
conversation, but gave up after twenty minutes.
Ben kept a tight grip on Mikie's hand, managing to drive
one-handed for most of the journey.
They arrived at the hospital to be met by Ann, Philip's sister.
"He's been asking for you." She said to Mikie.
Mikie, Ali and Brett went into the room to see Philip, leaving
Ben talking to Ann.
"I'm sorry I rang. I wouldn't have, but he was getting
agitated." She explained.
"It's okay. I guess it must be hard for her. She told me that
Philip reminds her of Jeff so much."
"I'm surprised she married Jeff. We always thought it would

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be Phil."
"Really?" Ben was surprised.
"It was Phil who introduced her to Jeff. He's always carried
a torch for her. I think that's why he never married."
"Oh."
A nurse appeared at the door to the room and beckoned to
Ann.
The four appeared about ten minutes later.
Brett and Ali were supporting Ann. Mikie was walking
slowly behind them.
Ben wrapped Mikie in his arms and she sobbed gently.
The funeral was an ordeal Mikie could have done without.
She felt confused. Upset, angry not really knowing what to do.
She thought she had buried her feelings for Philip a long time
ago.
Brett had hardly spoken to her for days. He was annoyed
with her for not telling Ben the history between herself and
Philip. Philip had been his friend. Someone who had brought
him close to his father. Someone he could question about what
his father would think of the things he did.
Ali could see things from both sides. She understood her
brother's annoyance, but could also see her mother's point of
view. Why should she tell her husband that she and Philip had
been lovers. She was sure Ben had not told her about every lover
he had had.
They were sitting in the drawing room having tea. It had
been a bright day, but the rain had started as they arrived at
Millbank and it was now a torrential down pour.
Brett, Ali, Liz, David and Mikie were chatting about not very
much. Ben was standing watching the rain through the window.
The children drifted off.
"That spoiled plans for taking you out to dinner." Mikie said

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brightly, putting her arms round his waist and hugging him.
"I'd rather stay here anyway." He replied. "I think we
should be here if the kids need us."
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine! You?"
She took his hand and led him to the sofa. Sitting next to
him she tried to read his face. "He helped me get over Jeff. He
was there for me. He was always there for me. In the worst
times in my life I knew I could rely on him." She sighed. "I used
him and he let me. After Jeff died my life lost its meaning. I had
no interest in the kids. I couldn't sleep. Phil helped me. At one
point he even asked me to marry him. To let him be a father to
the twins. When mum found out she went ballistic! She
marched me into the library and gave me the biggest dressing
down of my life. She told me to end it or she would force me to
face the world on my own. I took the cowards way out and
phoned him. Then I locked myself in my room for a week and
grieved for my dead husband. That was six months after he died.
I went back to Uni, packed three years work into eighteen
months and graduated with honours. Then I came home and
was a mother to my children. I threw myself into work and the
kids and left no time for me. That went on for about five months.
Then Dad walked into my office and found me collapsed on the
desk. Delayed Post-Natal Depression the doctor in the hospital
said. He said I needed complete rest. I had counselling which
made me put things into perspective. I started seeing Phil again
and I felt happy. Then Dad asked me to go to San Francisco to
set up the office. Phil was brushed off again. When I came home
after the disaster I had with Jack, I turned to Phil again. After
Adam hurt me, I called Phil. I picked him up and tossed him
aside when I didn't want him anymore. I had affection for him,
but I could never say I loved him. I had needs and he was willing
to help. I'm not proud of myself. I could see the pattern going on

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for the rest of my life. Then you turned up and changed

everything. I guess it was because of Philip that I didn't fall into
your arms when Jack left. I loved you and I didn't want to hurt
you. Phil was used to me hurting him. I spent two hours at his
bedside asking him to forgive me for all the years I'd used him.
The last thing he said was he had nothing to forgive. He said that
he could have stopped me at any time, but he loved me so much
that he was happy just to accept things the way they were. He
said he'd been waiting in the wings all these years in case you and
I fell apart. I'm sorry, Ben. I should have told you all this years
ago. Forgive me? Please?"
"Forgive you? For what? For being alive? For being a
vibrant woman with physical needs? You once said to me that
you knew I hadn't spent my life in a monastery, that you knew
that I'd had other lovers apart from you. You haven't spent your
life in a convent!"
"So why are you angry?"
"It was the way Ann told me. She made you out to be some
rich bitch who had used her brother as a plaything!"
"She was right!"
"No she wasnt. I'm sure Phil had other lovers."
"He did. He almost married one of them. Then she let him
down and he came to me for help. I blew him off like a fly on a
cream cake! The one time he'd asked for comfort from me and I
turned my back on him. Looking back, I suppose you were right
all those years ago."
"When?"
"When you called me a harlot."
"Mikie!"
"But isn't that what harlots do? Use men for their own
needs then push them away?"
"I was right when I said you're an obsession. You're like a
fix to a drug addict. Just when you think you've kicked the habit

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you come back and temptation takes us over."

"Us?"
"Men. You once said that most of the female employees we
have are infatuated with me. Most of the men in our employ are
obsessed with you."
"That's rubbish!"
"No it isn't! I go back to the floor and fill in for sick leave
and holidays, remember? Some of the guys don't have a clue
who I am. They think I'm over from the States to find out how
things are done out here. Men talk."
"So do women."
"Yeah! About fashion and music and the high price of kids
clothes. Men talk about women. Sex, sport, sex, cars and sex.
You'd fire most of them for the way they think about you. Given
the opportunity, practically everyone of them would give up
everything if they thought it would buy them a chance to spend
one night with you."
"That is the biggest load of garbage you've ever said. You
make me out to be some goddess. Some Hollywood sex symbol
that men idolise from afar."
"It's fact! Other than to ask the men to come right out and
tell you, I can't prove it."
"I don't want you to. Thank you very much! I don't think I'll
ever be able to go into the office again!"
"The one comforting thing in all of this is the fact that you
wear my wedding ring." He gave her a beaming smile.
"The one comforting thing in all of this should be knowing
that you're my obsession. My drug. The addiction I can't live
without. The air I breathe. I love you. I'm not saying that I
never look at another man. I do. But I just look. Because
whenever I try to think of how it would be with another man, I
can't. I can't ever see another man in my life. I can't even
remember what it was like with Jeff or Jack or Adam or Phil or

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any of the others. You're there. It's like you've always been
there. Like there've been no others. Just you."
He looked at her for a few seconds. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They sat for a long time staring into the flames in the fire.
"I changed the flight tickets." Mikie said, quietly.
"Flight tickets?" He asked.
"New York on Concorde."
"Oh! Did you?"
" We have to go to Heathrow. I was thinking we could spend
the night in London. Have dinner, see a show. The flight leaves
at midnight."
"Great idea! Then we can have breakfast in New York."
"Yep! And then we can call into the office to check
everything is okay. Greg Sanderson is gonna meet us in the
company jet."
"I guess you've booked us on a shuttle flight to London?"
"Of course!"
"It's everything down to the last detail with you, isn't it?"
"Only when I'm doing something for you." she snuggled into
him. "Now I'm going to bed. Coming?"
"I'm not tired."
"Neither am I." she grinned.
"Harlot!"
"If the cap fits I'll take pride in wearing it!"
Brett was coming down the stairs as they left the room. He
looked at his mother. "I was coming to apologise."
"There's no need. You were right."
"No I wasn't. I was interfering."
"I kept it from Ben because I was ashamed of the way I'd
treated Philip over the years. I'm sorry I haven't been much help
to you, Brett."
"That's okay. I'm sorry I made things difficult for you. I

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didn't want a repeat of what happened before Tom's wedding."

"Thanks Brett." she smiled at her son. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I guess I feel guilty because I haven't seen much of
Phil over the last few years. I've been thinking about some of the
advice he gave me. Some of it is pretty ridiculous. He once told
me to be very sparing with the truth so far as telling Liz anything
about other women in my life. I could never do that. I couldn't
risk losing her."
"And that's what you thought I was doing?"
"Sort of. I had an idea that dad would end up hurt."
"I've always known that Philip was more than a friend,
Brett." Ben assured him. "I also know your mom hasn't spent
her life in a convent."
Brett smiled at his father. "I'll see you both in the morning."
"I doubt that. We're booked on a flight to London at seven
thirty. Mikie said.
"Oh! I'd forgotten about that. Have fun, won't you? And
dont do anything I've never thought of!"
"If we do we won't tell you." Ben laughed.
"Why not?"
"I'd hate you to be jealous."
Ben and Mikie continued up the stairs to their room.
"Thanks for humouring Brett." She said.
"Humouring Brett? How was I doing that?" Ben asked,
puzzled.
"By saying that you knew about Philip."
"I did know about Philip. I realised the first time you
introduced me to him that you were far more than friends."
"You did?"
"You once said that I should give you credit for seeing the
signs men put out when they're in love. The same could be said
for me. You looked at Philip the way you looked at Jack."
"So all the worrying I've done over the last week has been for

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nothing?"
"Why were you worried?"
"I was trying to figure out how to tell you."
Ben smiled at her. "Did you think I'd care?"
"I thought you'd feel threatened. I didn't want a repeat of
the Adam thing."
"I think that was a tad different, darlin'!"
"Was it? I had an affair with Adam as well, remember?"
"A long time ago. Then you found out what he was really
like. I'm glad you had Philip to help build your trust in men
again. Otherwise I would have had no chance with you."
"I disagree. As soon as you turned on that Jordan charm I
would have melted."
He looked at her. He was watching her face. A smile spread
across his own.
"What?" she asked.
"I'm just wondering, if I turn on that Jordan charm now
will you melt?"
"You never know! I just might."
He scooped her into his arms and spun her round. Burying
his face in her hair he said. "I love you."
"I love you too. More than the universe!"
"Wanna make a mess on the bathroom floor?"
"Splashing around in the Jacuzzi is the best suggestion
you've had all day!" she laughed.

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Chapter 30
They returned from their trip to the States refreshed and
happy.
James was waiting at the front door when they arrived at
Millbank.
"Hello James! It's good to be back!" Mikie smiled, brightly.
James stared at her as if she were an alien. "I think you'd
better come and sit down."
"What's wrong?" Ben asked, suddenly very worried.
"His lordship is in the drawing room. I'll get some tea!"
"James?" Mikie said.
James ushered them into the drawing room.
"Hello you two!" Paul said. "Come and sit down."
"Why don't I like the sound of that?" Ben asked.
"I've been trying to contact you for the last two days. I
realised you were on your way home."
"What the hell is wrong, Paul?" Ben demanded.
"Jessica. She. There were.." Paul struggled.
"Paul?" Mikie said.
Paul looked deep into his sister's eyes.
"Where is she?" Mikie gasped. "She is all right?"
Her brother shook his head. "She started haemorrhaging.
By the time Keith got her to the hospital there was little they
could do. She lost the baby. It's pretty bad. She's heavily
sedated. Until they can get her blood count back up, they're
going to keep her like that."
Ben stared at his brother-in-law. He started to shake. "I
have to see her."
"Sure you do! I'll take you." Paul responded.
"Let's get freshened up first, darling." Mikie suggested.
Ben looked at her and nodded.

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The journey to the hospital seemed to take longer than the

hour that passed. Paul ushered them along corridors and into
the Intensive Care Unit.
Keith looked up, ashen faced, as they arrived.
"Hello Keith, sweetheart." Mikie smiled. "How is she?"
"I don't know, Mum. Nothing has changed. I don't think
they know." The young man said, quietly.
"She'll be all right, buddy!" Ben said with a conviction that
made Mikie look at him with surprise. He was looking at his
daughter lying pale against the sheets, covered in wires and
tubes. "Hey Jess! It's Dad! What sort of mess are you in then?"
He bent and kissed her forehead.
Mikie was standing on the other side of the bed. "Hello, Jess
darling! We're here with you. You'll be okay!" She looked at
Keith. "Have you moved from that chair at all?"
He shook his head. "I can't leave her on her own. The
other's have been bringing me food and the staff keep me in
coffee." He smiled.
"Why don't you go with Mom and I'll stay here with Jess?"
Ben suggested.
"That's okay, Dad. She might wake up."
"She won't wake up unless we wean her off the drugs,
Keith." The voice belonged to Denise Warrender, the nurse in
charge of Jess's care.
"Won't she?"
"No! Go on! It'll do you good to get out of here for a couple
of hours!" Denise smiled.
"Thanks Denny!" He smiled. He kissed Jess's cheek. "You
stay out of trouble till I get back, Duchess. I won't be long."
"I'll be back soon too, Jess darling." Mikie said, stroking her
daughter's face.
She guided her son-in-law out of the hospital.
"I don't wanna go too far, Mum. Just in the grounds for

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some air." Keith said as they reached the entrance.

"You could do with some clean clothes. I should have
thought of bringing some for you. Come on well go and get some
for you." Mikie smiled.
"I'm not going home. That'll take too long." he protested.
"Okay, so we'll go and buy some. It's not far."
They returned to Jess's bedside two hours later after having
a meal.
Keith went to the relatives suite where he showered, shaved
and changed his clothes. He looked much brighter when he
returned to his wife's side. "How is she Dad?"
"The doctor is coming to see us. I guess something must
have changed." Ben smiled.
"Oh god! What does that mean?" Keith said quickly.
"Now don't go getting worried, I'm sure its just an up-date."
Mikie said.
"Oh good! You're back!" The man was short and broadly
built. He was about fifty years old with a kind manner. "Her
blood count is back to normal, so we're going to start weaning
her off the drugs."
"You are? So she's gonna be okay?" Keith asked.
"She's not out of the woods yet, Keith." the doctor said. "I'm
surmising you two are her parents?"
"Ben and Mikie Jordan." Ben offered his hand to the doctor.
"Oh sorry." Keith said. "Mum, Dad, this is Mr Gordon."
"We've met, Mrs Jordan." the doctor said. "A long time ago.
I was at a party at Paul's. I believe you'd just returned from San
Francisco."
"Good heavens.
I thought I recognised you from
somewhere. It's good to see you Mr Gordon."
"It's Bob! I wish it were under better circumstances. It'll
take about two hours before she comes round. I'll be back every
half hour or so. Denise will be here if you need anything." he

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smiled and left.

Keith, Ben and Mikie sat, anxiously watching Jess. They
hardly spoke. Each lost in their own thoughts.
'Come back to me Jessica, I need you!' Keith prayed
'Come on Jess, Honey! Open your eyes and show us you're
okay! Ben prayed.
'There are a lot of people who need you to get well, Jessica
darling! Not just us three. There's a frightened little girl at
Millbank who wants her mummy to come home!' Mikie held her
daughter's hand.
After twenty minutes one of the machines by the bed started
to alarm. The three of them were pushed out of the way by the
four staff who descended on the bed.
"What's happening?" Keith demanded.
"It's the respirator! She must have swallowed!" Denise said.
The tube that was helping Jess to breathe was removed. As
were some of the wires that were attached to her.
Keith was gripping Mikie and Ben's hands. When the nurses
had finished working he released his grip.
"Is she okay?" he asked.
"If you call defying the rules okay, yes she is!" Denise
smiled. "I think she's obviously heard your prayers!"
The young man sat down again.
Mikie rubbed her sore hand.
Ben did the same. He looked at Mikie and smiled, painfully.
Bob Gordon arrived a few minutes later. "Well look at her!
She should still be well under! I've just been told she
swallowed!"
"She did!" Keith smiled.
Bob looked at her chart. "Well everything seems to be fine!
I think I'd better stay around, though!" He walked off in the
direction of the office.
Ben, Mikie and Keith waited. Fifteen minutes later Jess

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wrapped her fingers round Keith's hand.

"Jess! Sweetheart? Can you hear me?" He said, excited.
"Mmmm?" She replied.
Ben went to get Denise and Bob.
Jess opened her eyes and smiled at Keith.
Keith gave her a radiant smile in return. "You scared the
hell out of me Duchess!"
"What happened?" she asked, quietly.
"Well! You re-write the rules, don't you!?" Bob said,
enthusiastically. "You're in the hospital, Jessica. You had a
haemorrhage. I'm afraid you lost the baby, but you're young,
you'll get over it!"
Jess smiled at him.
"I have to say that I wasn't expecting to get home for dinner
until midnight." the doctor laughed.
"She's her mother's daughter." Ben grinned.
"And aren't we glad about that." Keith said.
Jessica was transferred to a room in another part of the
hospital and was allowed home four days later. Mikie was
waiting at the open door to Millbank with Sarah as Ben helped
Jess from the car.
"Mummy!!" Sarah shouted. "Are you all right now? I'm
glad you're home! We've got some tea for you, come on!"
"Hello Sarah! I'm glad I'm home too." Jess smiled.
"Hello Jess, sweetheart, how are you?" Mikie hugged her
daughter.
"I'll be better for a cup of tea!" she replied.

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Chapter 31
On the face of things Jessica seemed to have recovered well
from her ordeal. Although she was withdrawn, she seemed to
have grieved for the loss of her baby. It was a month later when
she insisted on going back to work, much to the surprise of Keith.
Mikie had watched, from a discreet distance, her daughter's
recovery. There was something not quite fitting into place, but
she could not figure out what.
"You're quiet." Ben said.
Mikie was sitting in the conservatory staring out into the
garden. She appeared not to have heard him.
He touched her hand and she looked at him.
"Sorry! What?" she asked.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm not sure really. I can't explain it."
"You noticed too, hu?"
"Noticed what?"
"Jessica. She's over this too quick."
She nodded. "I'm worried about her. I know she's hiding it.
Not just from us. She's hiding it from Keith too. He seems
oblivious to it."
"He isnt. He knows she's still hurting. He thinks that her
going back to work might be good for her."
"I don't. I think she should have counselling."
"She'll never agree to that one. She thinks that stuff is all a
scam."
"I know. I just hope she can handle what ever it is she's
feeling. She hasn't mentioned the baby at all."
"She told Sarah that the baby is fine. That it won't be long
before she has a brother."
"When was that?"
"Friday."

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"Why the hell didn't you tell me?" Suddenly Mikie was very
concerned.
"I guess I didn't think it was important."
"Hells teeth, Ben! You can be such a moron sometimes."
His reply was interrupted by James bringing the telephone
to Mikie.
She had a brief conversation, then stood up. "She hasn't
been seen in the office since ten thirty this morning. I knew I
should have stopped her."
"Where was she going?" Ben asked.
"Out for a sandwich, she said."
They walked through the house to the hall.
"James. If Jessica comes home before we get back, call me
immediately."
"Yes, of course." James said, somewhat bewildered.
They were half way to Newcastle when the radio news
bulletin started.
'Concerns are growing for a two month old baby boy who
was taken from a buggy in the centre of Newcastle earlier
today!'
Mikie gasped.
"Oh no!" Ben said.
Mikie's phone rang. "Hello James." "Oh good. Is she
alone?" "That's what I thought." "That's okay, I'll do that." she
pressed 'hang-up'
"I'll turn round." Ben said.
Jessica was in the nursery when they got back.
"Jess, honey. There you are!" Ben smiled.
"Hello Daddy. We went shopping. I should have told
someone, sorry." Jess said, brightly.
"We?" Mikie asked.
"Christopher and I. We spent loads of money. It was great!"
"Can I have a cuddle? It seems ages since I held him."

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Mikie said, gently.

Jess handed her the baby.
"Jess. We have to talk, sweetheart." Ben said. "Who's baby
it this Jess?"
"Don't be silly. He's mine."
"Jessica. He's not your baby. Your baby died." Every part
of his body was numb.
Jessica looked at her father, then at her mother and the
baby. She seemed unable to speak and continued to look from
one to the other for several seconds. Realisation hit her like a
sledge hammer.
"Oh god, Daddy! What have I done?" Her hand flew to her
mouth.
Ben wrapped his arms round her and hugged her tightly.
Mikie had called the police on the way back to Millbank and
they had brought the baby's parents.
Mikie walked quietly from the room. She took the baby into
the drawing room and back into the arms of his parents. "He's
fine." She assured them. "I'm so sorry for your ordeal. I'll
understand if you want Jessica charged."
"No, that's fine. We've got Peter back. That's really all we
wanted." The young man said.
"Why did she take him?" the baby's mother asked.
"She lost a baby a couple of months ago. I don't think she
realised she was doing anything wrong." Mikie explained.
"I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!" Jessica said, coming into
the room. "He's such a good baby."
"He's an angel." his mother said. "We've waited ten years
for him. I had four miscarriages."
"Then some stupid woman comes and steals him. I am so
sorry!" Jess was horrified.
"It's okay. There's no harm done, really." the baby's father
said.

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"I hope you don't mind that I bought him some clothes."
"I don't mind a bit. They must have cost a fortune." the
woman laughed. "We could never afford this sort of thing."
"There's more, I'm afraid. I just about cleared the store."
"I'm sure you'll be able to put it all to use soon." the man
said.
"Oh no. I'd very much like you to have it all." Jess said. "I
bought them for for What's his name?"
"Peter." his mother said.
"Peter. Poor little thing. I've been calling him Christopher
all day. Any way, I'd still like you to have them."
"We couldn't really. I'd never be able to keep up with
designer labels."
"There's enough clothes to keep him going until he's three
years old." Jess said, sheepishly.
"Really.?"
"I went a bit over the top. Please take them. It'll go some
way to saying sorry."
The couple looked at each other.
"I suppose it won't do any harm." The father said.
The policeman who had been waiting in the hall was sent
away by Peter's father who said they did not want to press
charges.
"I'm Jessica Johnson. These are my parents, Mikie and Ben
Jordan."
"Malcolm and Amanda Rennington."
Introductions made, they all had tea.
"This is some house you live in." Malcolm said.
"It's the Seat of the Earl of Boarders, only he doesnt live
here." Jess explained. "Mum is Lady Michaela McKeon."
"Oh right." Amanda said, surprised.
"Would you like the grand tour?"
"Ooh, could we? I love big houses like this."

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Jessica showed them round the big house.

Keith arrived home just after four o'clock, frantic with
worry.
"Everything is fine, Keith, sweetheart." Mikie assured him.
"The couple were just grateful to have their son back safely."
"I had no idea. How could I have been so stupid?" Keith
asked.
"Hello, Keith. You're home early." Jess said.
Keith wrapped her in his arms. "I've been frantic, Duchess."
"This is Malcolm and Amanda Rennington and baby Peter."
Keith looked at Malcolm.
"Hello, Keith." he said, surprised. "Long time no see."
"Hello, Mal! How're you?"
"I'm okay now, thanks. You?"
"Great."
"I take it you know each other?" Jess said.
"Mal went to school with Alex." Keith explained. "So what
are you up to now?"
"Not a lot. I left the Air force last year thinking I could walk
into a job. I should have secured one first. We're living off our
savings at the minute."
"So having a wife and baby is eating into that, I bet."
"It sure is. A month after I came home, Mandy found out
about Peter. Her parents have been great, but it's still a
struggle."
"What area were you in?"
"Electronics."
"I was hoping you were gonna say that. Know anything
about alarm systems?"
"I've fitted a few for friends."
"Great. I've got a vacancy for a field engineer."
Malcolm looked perplexed. "Where do you work?"
"Jordan Security."

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"I wrote to them six months ago. Got the standard 'keep you
on file' letter."
"I never get to see those things. I'm the Sales Director. If
you're interested, the hours are mostly eight to four, some
weekends and one week out of five you're on twenty four hour,
emergency, standby. I'm not sure what the salary is but I can
find out."
"That sounds good!"
"It's fourteen and a half." Mikie said. "Plus call out
allowance. There's a van and mobile phone too."
"Thanks Mum." Keith grinned. "How you remember that,
I'll never know."
"I'm the accountant. Its part of the job description."
"If you're free to start work, how about tomorrow?" Keith
asked.
"You're kidding?" Malcolm asked.
"No! We're three men short. I've been out with the crews
for the last three weeks. So has Dad, and Mum."
Amanda looked at Mikie. "You go out and fit alarms to
houses?"
"Factories, cars, shops. If it moves I can fit it with an
alarm." Mikie grinned. "In fact If you'll excuse me a minute."
She disappeared.
"Where's she off to now?" Jess asked.
Ben thought for a second. "Down to the office." He tickled
Peter's face. "She's gone to get something that will make a whole
lot of noise if you're taken from your buggy again."
"Really?" Amanda said.
"Yep! She's been working on it for the last two years. This is
smaller and more powerful. Runs off a 9 volt battery and gives
out fifty decibels. We just got a new contract from the Health
Authority to supply hospitals and nurseries for the next five
years."

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"There was an alarm fitted to the crib in the hospital where

Peter was born." Amanda said.
"That would be the last one we issued. We're upgrading
them to the new model."
"Here you go. You lay the baby on the sensor sheet and if
he's picked up, it goes off." Mikie said.
"I wanted to get one of these but two hundred pounds is a lot
of money." Amanda said.
"Two hundred? From where?" Ben asked.
"All the big baby shops. They were all the same price."
"They're supposed to retail at about thirty five. No wonder
they've been slow sellers! I'll get onto the companies we supply
and see what they're playing at. That's a five hundred per cent
increase."
"Six and a bit." Amanda said.
"She's right." Mikie said amazed.
"I trained as an accountant. I only ever use a calculator to
check my work."
"With a brain like that you can come and work for me
anytime you want." Mikie laughed.
"Are you serious?"
"Oh yes! Talent like yours should never go to waste."
"I left my job to have Peter. I'd only been there for six weeks
so I wasn't entitled to maternity benefits. Mal has just said that it
will be easier for me to find a job. He was quite prepared to stay
at home with Peter."
"Come and work for me and you can bring Peter with you."
"I could?"
"We have a staff crche. It's housed at the opposite end of
the building from the workshop." Keith explained. "There's a
garden for the kids to get some fresh air. The only draw back is
the C.E.O."
"The C.E.O? Why?"

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"Because that's where you find him at three o'clock every

afternoon. Feeding the kids with ice-cream." He laughed.
"Oh really?"
"Hey! That's the best perk I have." Ben said with mock
hurt.
"Oh! He's referring to you, Ben?" Mal said.
Ben grinned.
"You know. Two hours ago I was frantic because Peter was
missing. Now I'm the happiest I've been for ages. My baby is
safe and we've both got jobs." Amanda smiled.
"The best bit is, you'll earn more money than Mal." Jess
laughed.
"I will?"
"Nineteen and a half plus bonus." Mikie smiled.
"Hey! That means we can buy that house you've set your
heart on." Mal said.
"Yep! With a ten year mortgage." Amanda laughed.
"Subsidised." Ben said.
"What?" Mal asked.
"It's one of the benefits. Pension, Health and Life Insurance
and Subsidised Mortgage for anyone who wants one."
"I gotta say. When we were coming up here, I was seething.
I wanted blood. You've all totally changed my mind."
"Mine too." Amanda laughed. "I was hoping they would
throw the key away."
"I'm sorry I caused you so much distress." Jess said. "I'll
make it up to you both, I promise."
"Whoa! There's no need for that. We've got more out of this
than we thought we would." Mal said.
"At least I know where to come for a baby sitter." Amanda
laughed. "My parents are too old to cope with Peter for more
than an hour."
"Oh I'd love that! Do you mean it?"

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"Of course I do! It seems like we're going to be working

together."
Mal was very quiet.
"Is there a problem?" Mikie asked him.
"Only a small one. How the hell are we gonna get home
from here?"
"I guess you left your car in Newcastle?" Ben said.
"We don't have a car. I guess it's a bus journey."
"Nah! I'll take you home." Keith said. "Stay for dinner first
though."
"Oh we couldn't impose, really." Amanda replied.
"You're not imposing. It'll mean less food gets wasted."
"If you're sure? What do you think, Mal?"
"I'm fine with it."
It was after ten when dinner finished. Amanda was very
tired.
"Why don't you two stay the night, then Keith can take you
home in the morning?" Ben suggested.
"I'm not looking forward to an hour long journey at the
moment." Amanda said.
"That settles it then. I'll get one of the staff to put a crib in
one of the guest rooms." He smiled and went off to find James.
Jessica sought counselling for her grief. It took a lot of
courage to work through her trauma. She knew she had the
support of her family and new friends to help her. Five months
later she found she was pregnant again. After spending the best
part of five months practically bed-ridden, she gave birth to a
healthy baby boy.
"I've got news too!" Tom said, after hearing of the birth.
"We're gonna have a baby too!"
"That's brilliant news Tom!" Mikie beamed.

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"A perfect baby it will be! After all the practice you two have
had to make one." Ben laughed.
It was with much concern a month later that Mikie and Ben
sat opposite, an ashen faced, Angie as Tom gripped her hand
tightly.
"What's the problem?" Ben asked.
"There isn't one." Tom said quietly.
"That's the problem." Angie said. "There isn't one, there are
three."
"Three what?" Mikie asked.
"Babies!"
Ben blew out his breath. "You never have done anything by
halves, Tom."
"I'm never going to be able to do this!" Angie said.
"Of course you are!" Tom said. "You'll be brilliant at it!
Just like everything else you do!"
"You don't have to carry three growing babies inside you."
"You're hardly the first to have triplets, Angie darling."
Mikie smiled. "Everything will work out just fine, you'll see."

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Chapter 32
"I'm pleased she's only got a couple of weeks to go. I don't
think she can handle much more discomfort!" Ben said, climbing
into bed some months later.
"Angela is a woman!" Mikie informed him.
"So?"
"So women can handle all sorts of things. We have men to
contend with."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Men might be stronger in body, but women are much more
resilient."
"Oh really? I bet you couldn't handle being in a jungle in the
middle of August, extremes of temperature, getting wet and
drying out, then getting wet again and if that wasn't enough
there are bombs dropping all around you."
"I probably could. The question should be, would I want
to?"
"I didn't have a choice."
"You enlisted before you were drafted."
"But I would have been drafted anyway."
"Okay, I'll give you that one. But could you handle being
pregnant and having a baby or three?"
Ben looked at her and smiled. "Probably not. But then
again. I was good at making them."
"And bringing them up."
"We havent done such a bad job, have we?"
"Not really, no. Next down the line is great-grandchildren."
"Whoa! Lets handle the grandchildren first."
"You'll have to have that conversation with Josh."
He was stunned into silence.
"So much for being able to handle things." she smiled.
"I hope your joking."

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"Nope! That's why he came over here. He wanted to tell us

in person. Only his Granddad was in London on business."
"Oh lord! I'm getting too old for this."
"Rubbish! When Sarah starts having babies, then you'll be
too old."
"Oh shush! That don't bear thinking about. That I couldn't
handle."
"Oooh! The great Bennett Jordan admitting he can't handle
something. Can I have it in writing?"
"Maybe by the time Sarah gets married, I might be used to
the idea."
"Me too. I know what you can handle."
"Do you? What?"
"Me!"
"What gives you that idea?"
"Experience."
"Maybe I'm just good at faking it."
"Ha! If you admit that one I'll die a happy woman."
"What? That I can't handle you? Maybe I can't. Maybe I've
just been trying all these years."
"So maybe you need to try harder."
"Maybe I do. And maybe you need to try a little less hard."
"Impossible. I put no effort into it at all."
"You liar. You give a hundred and fifty per cent."
"I give that. I don't try to give it."
He laughed.
"What's funny?"
"You! You always have the last word."
"Do I?"
"The most infuriating thing is, you're always right."
"No I'm not. I just make you think I am."
They were wakened just after three by Tom.
"What!? Hu!?" Ben mumbled.

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"I'm just letting you know I'm taking Angie to hospital."

Tom said quietly.
"Would you like us to come with you?" Mikie said.
"Nah! I'm okay! I'm not sure if they'll deliver today or try
and put it off."
"Call if you need anything."
"I will." Tom left.
"What time is it?" Ben asked.
"Three ten."
"Great. It'll take hours to get back to sleep."
"Tea?"
"Yep! Good idea. I'll make it. Milk or lemon?"
"Milk."
"Won't be long." Ben kissed her and climbed from the bed.
Mikie was curled up on the sofa when Ben returned ten
minutes later.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
"Headache."
"Go back to bed."
"I will. After I've had some tea."
She finished her tea and walked towards the bedroom.
They were woken once again by the telephone ringing.
"Hi! It's me!" Tom said. "Two boys and a girl! They're all fine!
Angie's tired but she's okay!"
"That's great news Tom!" Ben said happily. "We'll come
over later. If you need anything, let me know."
"I will. Will you tell the others?"
"Sure! It'll be my pleasure!"
Ben telephoned the rest of the family with the news.
The babies were beautiful. Each weighed just over two and a
half pounds each. They were kept in the hospital for two months
before they were allowed home.

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"I guess now we can sit back and enjoy our grandchildren."
Ben said, proudly.
"Yep! Enjoy doesn't mean spoil them rotten." Mikie smiled.
"You'd deprive me of that little pleasure?"
"As if I could. I think you've forgotten that some of our
grandchildren are not babies anymore."
"I know. I guess Tom being a dad has made me aware that
they grow up so fast."
She laughed at him. "I know that. I think you should
concentrate more on Mark than Tom."
"Mark? Why?"
"Because he came over for a reason other than to say Hi!"
"You're not suggesting?"
"Who am I to suggest anything? You keep forgetting, Mark
is older than Tom."
"But Mark is dead set against marriage."
"Who said anything about him getting married? All I know
is that Veronica is pregnant."
"Oh god I feel old."
"Why? Because your grandson is gonna be a dad?"
"Yeah! Don't it make you feel old?"
"He's not my grandson." She smirked.
"Thanks darlin'. I appreciate that."
She laughed at him again. "Oh you poor old man. Come on
I'll take you for a lie down in a dark room."
"This is serious, Mikie." he protested.
"Babies usually are. But there's very little you can do about
it, so you'll have to get used to the idea."
"But great granddads are in their eighties."
"Rubbish. My great grandparents were only sixty six when I
was born."
"They were?"
"Yep! It was Harry who taught me to ride a horse."

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"Harry?"
"He hated being called granddad. By anyone. Even dad
called him Harry."
He smiled at her. "Thanks darlin'!"
"You're welcome. What did I do?"
"Made me feel better."
"That's my job. I'm going for a walk. Coming?"
"Sure."
It was a bright, warm, day in November. The gardens were
still blooming with colour. They strolled, hand in hand, along
paths taking in the scenes. They came to the formal garden and
sat for a while.
"Have I told you lately how much I love you?" She asked
him.
He wrapped his arm round her shoulders and pulled her
close to him. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"You're shutting me out."
"What day is it?"
"Friday."
"The date?"
"November tenth." He held her a little closer. "You
remember his birthday, even after all this time?"
"Always. The last one we shared caused so much pain to
both of us."
"He only had himself to blame. If he hadn't been messing
around he might have been able to see what he had."
"That was Jack. The last time I saw him he apologised. So
did I."
"Why?"
"Because I should never have married him. Because of the
feelings I had for you."
"If I had known about that, I would never have let you marry

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him."
She smiled. "And we probably would have about a dozen
kids!"
"Probably! I liked making babies with you."
"Only because we're good at it."
"Couldn't you two make out somewhere more private?
There's a tour on at the minute." Ali said brightly.
Ben turned his head to look at his daughter.
She handed her mother an envelope. "Dave found it in the
back of the filing cabinet in Jack's old office."
Mikie recognised the handwriting to be Jack's.
'Dear Mikie,
I guess I haven't been much of a husband to you. Ben was
right, I didn't know what I was getting into when I married
you.
I'm sorry for all the hurt I've caused you. I do love you. I
wish I could make it right with you. I've been a fool. You're the
best thing that ever happened to me.
I don't think I'll be able to cope with things if anything
happens to you.
I've been pretty stupid, Mikie. Getting involved in things
that are way over my head. If Ben finds out, he'll probably kill
me!
I love you so much, Mikie. I hope one day you'll be able to
forgive me for whats happened to you.
I know you hate me, I dont blame you, but please, please
come back to me. I need you.
If you want me out of your life I'll walk away. As long as
you're okay, I'll do whatever you want me to. If you want a
divorce you can have one. As quick as I can make it happen.
I'll be insanely jealous of Ben. I know you're in love with
him. He's in love with you. At one point I questioned who's kids
they were, but I know you wouldn't sink that low, even though

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you've got cause to.

I'm not sure when you'll find this letter, Mikie. When you
do, know that I'm writing it to express things I can't say to you.
Things you need to know. For all the hurt I cause you, please
know I love you.
Come back to me, Mik.
Jack.
As she read the words in silence, she remembered Jack. The
dark, handsome, Californian who had swept her off her feet with
his charm. She remembered how he had loved her. How they
fought and cried and made up. She remembered the bitterness
she felt when he left. The pain he caused the children. She
crumpled the page in her hand.
"Are you okay?" Ben asked softly.
She nodded.
"So what's the letter?"
"It's just words." She said, bitterly.
"Mikie?"
"Here, read it."
Ben scanned the page.
"At least now I know for certain that it wasn't an accident."
"What wasn't?"
"The brakes failing on his car. It was meant to be him
driving."
"That's water under the bridge, darlin'."
She sighed. "Yeah! A lot of water has passed under the
same bridge since then."
"I love you."
"I know. I'm glad. For every trauma I've been through in
my life. For all the hurt and the heartache. I'll be eternally
grateful to you for everything you give me."
"I wish I could shield you from all the bad things in life. I
wish I'd had the courage to stop certain things happening to you.

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All I can really ever do is be here for you."

She let her mind drift.
"I remember having
this
conversation a long time ago."
"When?"
"At the cabin, the first time I took you there. You said then
that you wished you could protect me from hurt. And I said that
its the bad things in life that make us the people we are."
"And as usual, you were right. I guess I wouldn't have half
as much drive and determination if I hadn't been through so
much crap."
"I remember a long time ago, I must have been about ten
years old, I prayed that, whatever happened to me, I'd be happy."
"Are you?"
"Happier than anybody has a right to be."
"That makes two of us then."
"I sometimes think it's all a dream. That my life is a novel
that someone wrote half a century ago. That I don't really exist
other than in someone's imagination. Then I look at you. You
gave me back faith in men. I thought that, after what happened
with Jeff and Jack and Adam, I would never find anyone who
really loved me. You once said that you'd give me the moon on a
plate if I asked for it. I didn't ask but you gave more than that.
You've given me the whole universe!"
"I'm pleased your opinion of me is much higher than my
own. I don't think I've given you the universe. I think I fall way
short of that."
"That's because we see each other through our own eyes. If
you could see you through my eyes, you'd see a different Bennett
Jordan."
"And I guess you'd see a different Michaela Jordan. I see a
strong, vibrant, twenty five year old girl, with a bright smile and
shining eyes."
She laughed. "After all these years, you still see me like

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that?"
"Sure I do! And if this life does turn out to be the result of
someone's imagination, I know it will end with all our prayers
having been answered."

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Chapter 33
As the rain started to fall, Ben reached under the seat and
pulled out one of the large, golf umbrella's that were stored there.
They were sheltered from most of the downpour as they walked
back to the house.
"Let's eat out tonight. Let's go wild and stay out till dawn."
Mikie suggested.
"Tell me where and we can do that."
Mikie had booked a table and room in the Bay Hotel in
Whitley Bay, near Newcastle. They had dinner, walked along the
promenade, stopped in a pub for a drink and then returned to the
hotel, where they spent time in the nightclub.
Ben woke to find the bed next to him empty.
"Hi! Would you like some coffee?" Mikie looked up from
the book she was reading.
"And an aspirin. My head hurts!" Ben pulled himself from
the bed and went into the bathroom.
He showered and dressed before sitting on the sofa next to
her.
"At least you slept and you look better than you did
yesterday." Mikie said brightly.
"I feel terrible." Ben rubbed his head. "I'm hungry, what's
for breakfast?"
"Dinner." She smiled. "Is whatever you feel like eating."
"Dinner?"
"It's almost eight thirty."
"You let me sleep the whole day? Why?"
"You needed it!"
Over dinner, Mikie suggested a holiday.
"Ranch or Caribbean?" Ben asked.
"Both. I booked flights to Seattle next week. We can decide
where to go from there."

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"And I don't get a say in this?" he was amused by her plans.

"Can you think of a better destination?"
He shrugged. "It sounds good from here. How come you're
so decisive, all of a sudden?"
"You need a break and I need a rest."
"Next week, hu?"
"Problem?"
"We've got an exhibition at the trade fair."
"We have plenty of people who can cope with that."
He put his elbows on the table, rested his chin in his hands
and watched her devouring the chocolate dessert.
Chris Cooper, the restaurant manager, walked passed their
table. "Is everything to your satisfaction?"
"Pull up a chair, Chris!" Ben said, without taking his eyes off
Mikie.
Chris sat down. He thought Ben was going to complain.
"I've got a complaint, Chris"
Chris groaned. "What is it?" He said quickly.
"I need to speak to who ever it was who made that dessert."
"I'll get chef!" Chris rushed off and returned a couple of
minutes later with a very harassed looking young woman.
"Is there a problem, Sir?" She asked Ben.
"You made the chocolate mousse?"
"I did."
"What's your name?"
"Karen."
"Karen. Nice to meet you. I'm Ben." He gave her a dazzling
smile.
Mikie had stopped eating.
"You see Karen. Twenty three years we've been married, but
I guess I must be doing something wrong."
"I wouldn't say that. Twenty three years is a long time."
Karen said, confused.

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"In all that time, I've never been able to make my wife lust
after me, the way she has over that dessert!"
"Ben!! You are so cruel!!" Mikie chastised him. "The poor
girl thinks she's done something wrong!"
"Will you show me how to make that, Karen?"
Karen breathed a sigh of relief. "Of course I will. It only
takes about five minutes."
Karen and Ben disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.
Chris visibly relaxed and sat at the table with Mikie.
"Sorry, Chris. You should know his sense of humour by
now." She apologised.
"It's fine. I really thought there was something wrong."
She looked around the room and was surprised that there
were only two other tables occupied. "How's business?"
"Not good. It's August. We should be full. Since the new
restaurant opened last month, we've barely covered our costs. At
this rate, we'll be closing to the public."
"Tell me about this new place."
Chris explained that a new restaurant, owned by a national
chain, had opened a mile along the sea front. The prices were
much less than any of the other existing establishments could
charge. All of the other businesses were feeling the same. Chris
had let some of the kitchen staff go and were currently left with
Anton, the head chef, Karen and a porter.
"I don't mind competition, Mikie. I've seen a lot in the
twelve years I've been here. But I don't think we can survive
much longer." He sighed. "I was talking to Simon Fielding last
week and he's having the same thing in Durham."
Mikie thought for a second or two. "Same chain?"
"I think so."
"Who?"
"Carpadam Castle."
Mikie stared at him, horrified. "Whatever you do, don't

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mention it to Ben!"
"Don't mention what to Ben?" Ben was behind her and put
another dessert in front of her. "Give me a verdict, darlin"
"I couldn't possibly eat any more, Ben." she protested.
"One bite. Then you can tell me what Chris hasn't got to
mention to me."
She gave her verdict as being just as good as Karen's dessert.
"So. Tell me the secret, Chris."
Chris looked at Mikie.
She closed her eyes and sighed. "Carpadam Castle."
"What!!?" Ben shouted, his face set in a rage.
"They opened a restaurant along the promenade from here."
She said quietly, keeping her tone even.
"I don't believe this!! What do I have to do to get away from
him!!?" he got up from the table and stormed out into reception.
Mikie ran after him. "Ben!! Wait!"
He was half way across the room.
"Alan, don't let him leave!!" Mikie called to the doorman.
Ben stopped and turned to her. He closed his eyes as she
reached him. "What have I done, Mik?"
"You haven't done anything, sweetheart. It's me he's getting
at. This side of the business doesn't have anything to do with
you." She put her arms round his waist and hugged him.
"He's taking business from the security side as well." He
said quietly.
"How can he? He doesn't know anything about that!"
"Neither did I, but I'm a billionaire because I found out!"
Ben hugged her tightly. "This is the last straw. I can't take any
more. I have to find a way to end it."
"Don't do anything stupid, Ben."
"You know me, all legal and above board! I'm gonna call in
some favours!" he looked at Chris. "call me a cab, Chris, please."
They returned to Millbank Hall, in silence. Both deep in

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thought. There was a knot in her stomach that threatened to

engulf her.
They went to bed, sleep was short and restless. Mikie
opened her eyes when he got out of bed.
"Want some tea?" He asked.
"Mmm." She followed him.
"So much for him coming to you, begging forgiveness
because he had months to live. I thought we were gonna be rid of
him at last!"
"I had heard he had been in the Royal Marsden for
treatment. I didn't know it had worked." She measured her
words and watched his face. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm gonna ruin him.
Undercut him.
Damage his
reputation. Pull the rug from under him. I'm not gonna be Mr
Nice Guy any more." He looked at her. "You know the worst
thing? I've known about this for the last two years. I though
we'd survive because we've got the Jordan-McKeon reputation.
How wrong was I?"
She stared at him. "You knew?"
He nodded. "Sorry. I didn't think it was important enough
to tell you."
"Me too. I've known all this time too. I didnt want to upset
you."
"But I'm not gonna think about it until we get back from our
trip!" He put his arm round her shoulder. "You're right about
one thing. I do need a break and you need a rest. We've been
working much too hard!"

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Chapter 34
They spent a week at their ranch in Oregon then went on to
a small island in the Caribbean. They returned to England
relaxed, happy and much more positive. It was raining hard
when Brett collected them from Newcastle Airport on Monday
evening.
"God, it's good to be back!" Ben said, hugging Brett.
"It's been raining for the last four days!" Brett said
solemnly.
The journey to Millbank took twice as long as the usual
hour. They had to divert through villages and towns as the main
road was flooded. Brett gave them news of all the family.
"Uncle Dave is staying at Millbank. I think Aunt Jean has
lost her patience with him. He's like a bear with a sore head!
Uncle Paul thinks he's lost the company five million dollars in
shares. Tara got the Head of Research job she wanted. Jess fell
of her horse and broke her wrist. Jenny turned up yesterday
saying she's quit school. Kate turned up this morning and tore
her off a strip. Peter called to say the I.R.S are investigating
Jordan-McKeon for tax evasion. Uncle Henry is giving up his
seat in the House. Liz has decided we need to spend more time
in San Francisco, but that's okay with me, because I got the job
with the Justice Department."
"Just what I need!
Happy families!"
Mikie said,
sarcastically.
"There is very little of all that that I can possibly believe. So
what is it you're not telling, Brett?" Ben asked.
"Ali is also at Millbank." Brett said, sheepishly.
"Uh-hu? And?"
"And nothing. She filed for divorce."
"Ali and David? You're joking, right?"
"Nope! She's acting really strange. She sits in her room all

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day and won't speak to anyone."

"We've been away for two weeks and we come back to
chaos!" Mikie said.
"You are joking, Brett?" Ben said quietly.
Brett grinned. "About some things yeah!"
"Which bits are true?"
"Tara, Uncle Hen, Me and Ali."
"Wow!"
The house was eerily quiet when they arrived. It was five
past nine and there was usually a buzz of conversations
happening.
"Where is everyone?" Ben asked
"In various rooms, I believe sir." James, the butler said
closing the big front door. "There's a very subdued atmosphere
at the moment, with Alesha and David having their differences."
"I can believe that. In her room is she?"
James nodded.
"I think I should go and speak to her first, Ben." Mikie said
quickly. "You'll give her a lecture."
Ben shrugged as Mikie headed for the stairs.
"Master David is in the library, Ben." James said quietly.
Ben tapped on the library door before he entered the room.
David was unshaven and unkempt in his appearance, which
shocked Ben.
"Hey Dad! How was the vacation?" The young man asked,
with feigned brightness.
"Fine. What's happening?"
"I think you should ask Alesha."
"Uh-hu?"
David shrugged. "She's the one who's having the affair."
Ben sat in the armchair opposite his son-in -law. "Talk to
me, Dave."
Dave looked at him, he seemed to be searching for the words

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to say. "It's my fault. I should have been paying her more

attention. I got wrapped up in work and I guess she needed me
around a bit more. I didn't think it was so serious." He sighed.
"I don't know how to fix it, Dad. She filed for divorce."
"Is that what you want?"
Dave was horrified. "God no! I love her. She's my wife, my
kids' mother and my best friend. I feel like I'm dying. Tell me
how to fix it Dad. Please?"
"Mom's gone to speak to her. I don't think I'm the right
person to give you advice, Dave."
"Then I'm done for! I may as well go back to California and
wait until she decides what's gonna happen." He put his head in
his hands and started to cry, hysterically.
"Whoa! Just you hold on there. I didn't say I can't help. My
first marriage broke up, because I couldn't handle my wife
spending more time in hotels than with me!" Ben sat on the sofa
next to David and put his arm round his shoulder. "You two
need to work things out together."
"She won't speak to me." Dave sobbed.
"She will when her mom's finished with her."
When Mikie found her eldest daughter, she was sobbing into
a tissue.
"Hi Mum. Good holiday?" Ali sniffed.
"Fine. Tell me what's happening." Mikie said, gently.
"I ruined everything, Mum. Dave has been so busy this last
year, that I thought he didn't love me anymore. He's always tired
and tetchy. I've been giving him a wide berth!"
"So have you spoken to him about it?"
"I've tried, Mum, really I have. He didn't seem to want to
know." She took a deep breath. "I guess the cracks must have
showed. Jason Farnsworth asked me out to dinner and, fool that
I am, I went."

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"Oh Ali!"
"I had an affair with him, Mum. How stupid am I?"
"Are you still seeing him?"
"No. Two months, he wanted me to leave Dave and go live
with him. Poor Dave didn't suspect anything. He walked into my
office one afternoon when Jason was there. He glared at me and
walked out again."
"Why?"
"I was sitting on my desk and Jason was very close to me."
Ali was embarrassed. "Intimately close."
"Alesha! How could you? What the hell were you thinking?"
her mother showed her anger.
"I know, Mum. You don't have to shout at me. I can't even
look Dave in the eye." Her sobs turned to hysterical tears. "He's
my best friend and I've hurt him so badly. How can I make it
right, Mum?"
"Come with me." Mikie took her daughter by the hand and
lead her downstairs to the library.
David's tears had subsided to sobs, once more and Ben had a
supportive arm round his shoulder. Both men looked up when
the door opened.
Mikie pushed Ali into the room. "There's your husband
Alesha, make it right!" she spat.
David and Ben stood up.
Ali stared at David, biting her lip. She was visibly shaking.
They stood looking at each other for a few minutes. Ben and
Mikie looked on, helplessly.
Ali swallowed hard "I Dave.. I'm."
Dave took two steps and wrapped her in his arms. "Don't
say it Ali, please. If you say it we have no hope of sorting things
out. I should be the one to say sorry, not you Princess. This is
all my fault. I should have taken more notice of you."
They both sank to the floor and sat, wrapped in each others

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arms. Mikie and Ben sat on the sofa, watched and waited, unable
to hear the whispered words between them. It was more than an
hour before Ali and Dave got up.
Ali looked at her parents. "Sorry, I've probably spoiled your
holiday."
"No, you haven't, Sweetheart." Ben said, gently. "You two
have to sort things out."
Ali smiled at him.
"Thanks! Both of you." Dave said. "I didn't think I'd ever be
this close to her again."
The hall clock chimed midnight.
"I think both of you have making up to do." Ben grinned.
"And how do you think we should do that, Dad?" Ali
smirked.
"Honey, if I have to answer that, you're in worse shape than
I thought!"
Ali hugged him. "You don't have to tell me Dad, I've sort of
picked it up over the years watching you two."
Ben kissed her cheek. "Talk to him Ali. He needs that." He
whispered.
"I know."
The two young people left the room.
Mikie blew out a lungful of breath. "I hope they survive,
Ben. I really do."
"They'll give it their best shot, darlin'. All we can do is be
here."
"I should have been here a fortnight ago."
"Oh no you don't! Don't you dare go on a guilt trip. This is
not your fault. It would have happened even if we had been
here."
"It wouldnt have gone on so long."
"You don't know that. They may have hidden it from us."
She thought about his words. "You're right, of course. I just

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can't stand the kids hurting."

"We're their parents. I'm supposed to keep them from
harm, but there are some things even I can't stop." He put his
arm round her shoulder. "I think we should go to bed."
"You go, I'm not tired." She said.
"Did I say anything about being tired?" he grinned.
"My back is killing me!"
"What you need is a soak in the jacuzzi. Come on."
Ben filled the tub and they sat in the bubbling water for half
an hour. She was lying back against him with her head on his
chest. They did not feel the need to speak, it was enough to be
close.
"If we stay in this tub much longer, we're gonna dissolve."
He whispered.
"Yep! I suppose we should try to get some sleep."
They were in the process of drying off, when there was
frantic knocking at the door. Ben wrapped a towel around
himself and went to see who it was.
"Get Mom, quick! She fell asleep and I can't wake her up!!"
David was ashen faced.
Mikie brought Ben his robe and they followed David.
Ali was on the bed. Mikie touched her face and tried to
rouse her. Ben called for an ambulance.
"What has she taken, Dave?" she looked at her son-in-law.
"Nothing! I don't think. I don't know. Mom?"
Ben left the room and returned, having dressed, with some
clothes for Mikie. "Get dressed, Son. We'll meet the ambulance
half way."
Mikie scanned the room. She looked on the dressing table,
under the bed and in the drawer of the bedside table. There was
an empty paracetamol bottle there.
In the car David explained that they had talked for a while,
then he had gone to have a shower. When he came back into the

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bedroom, she appeared to be asleep. He had guessed she was

tired and had tried to wake her to undress. When he was unable
to he knew there was something wrong.
"Stupid girl! What the hell is in her mind?" Mikie was
exasperated.
Ben sped through the night until he saw the lights from the
ambulance that was waiting for him.
"We think she overdosed on paracetamol." He explained to
the paramedic, as he lifted Ali from the car into the ambulance.
"How long since she took them?"
"We dont know."
"I'll do my best."
"I'm coming with you!" Dave said.
"You're?"
"Her husband!"
"We'll follow." Ben said.
It was another twenty minutes before they reached the
hospital. Then they had to wait another hour and a half.
"Mr Carlton?" The doctor was a tall, thin man in his late
twenties. "I need to ask you some questions."
David looked at him. "What? Is she okay?"
"Other than paracetamol, what has she taken?"
"I didn't even know she'd taken them."
"Is she taking any sort of prescription medication?"
"Contraceptives."
"Anything else?"
"No. Not that I'm aware of. I don't know."
"Whatever she's taken, it's not paracetamol."
"Can I see her?"
"Not at the moment. I'll let you know soon"
David sank back into the chair, between Ben and Mikie.
The minutes turned to hours as they waited.
"How much longer do I have to wait? Theyve been in there

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for hours." David said, frustrated and worried.

"I'll see if I can find out, Son." Ben said and walked off in
the direction of the room Ali was in.
"Sorry, Mr Carlton, You'll have to wait outside." The doctor
said.
"It's Jordan and she's my daughter. We need to know what's
happening." Ben said, firmly.
"I can't tell you anything at the moment, Mr Jordan. I have
to speak to the police first."
"Police? Why?"
"We think your daughter has been poisoned."
"That's not funny."
"I'm being serious. The test results are all wrong for
paracetamol overdose. I really have to insist you wait outside."
"She's my daughter." Ben repeated.
"I'm aware of that." the doctor's patience was wearing thin.
"Please wait outside."
"What's your name?" Ben asked.
"Doctor Gupta."
"And whos your superior?"
"I'm the senior doctor in charge."
"That's not what I asked. Who's your superior?"
"Mr Pritchard."
"And he is where?"
"In his office."
Ben indicated the door. "Show me where."
"I can't do that, Mr Jordan, I'm very busy at the moment."
"Professor Anderson. Know him?"
"He's head of staff, everyone knows him."
"He's a very good friend of mine. I dont think he'll take too
kindly to me calling him before his breakfast."
"Are you threatening me, Mr Jordan?"
"I don't make threats. Are you gonna show me this office, or

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do I have to find it? I'm sure the nurses are more than capable of
doing without you for five minutes."
Gupta's face was set hard. He glared at Ben, then marched
from the room.
The Accident and Emergency office was at the end of the
corridor. Ben walked in without knocking on the door.
"Sorry for the intrusion, Pritchard. Ben Jordan."
James Pritchard was in his early fifties. A short, medium
built, grey haired man, who had jumped to his feet when the door
opened.
"How can I help, Mr Jordan?"
"I'd like to know what's happening with my daughter. We've
been here for almost six hours and we keep getting told we can't
see her."
Pritchard looked at Gupta.
"She is showing all the signs of alcohol poisoning. The
strength she's taken must be nearly pure. I'm waiting for the
police and some test results." Gupta explained.
"I spoke to her an hour before we brought her in here. She
was fine. She rarely drinks. We're all pretty worried." Ben said
quietly.
Pritchard looked, once again to Gupta. "I can't see that there
is any reason to suspect crime, Jas. Let the family see her. I'm
sure there will be a logical explanation. In fact, I'll come along
with you"
As the three men walked back along the corridor, Ben could
see a police officer talking to Mikie and David.
"We can see her now." Ben said to Mikie and Dave.
They all went into the room.
Mikie and Ben spent five minutes with Ali, then left David at
her side.
"Mr and Mrs Jordan, I need to ask you a few questions,
please." The young police officer was six feet tall, broad to the

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build, with dark hair and a kind face.

"Sure, could we get some coffee?" Mikie asked.
"Good idea, I'll come with you."
They were in the cafeteria a few minutes later.
"I'm Sergeant Graham Cook. Can you tell me what
happened, please?"
Mikie explained all she knew.
"So Alesha was alone with David for an hour?"
"Yes. David worships the ground she walks on. He'd never
knowingly hurt her." Mikie said.
"I need to get someone to check out the house. Is that
okay?"
"Sure." Ben said. "I'll give James a call and he'll show you
whatever you need to see."
"James?"
"The Butler. No, he won't be there it's his day off. It'll be
Andrew."
"The butler? A large house is it?"
"Millbank Hall, near Millham in Northumberland."
"Oh right. She lives there?"
"Sometimes. It's the family seat." Mikie said. "Most of the
time she lives in California."
"So she must be related to the Earl."
"Lady Alesha Holbourne. My brother is the current Earl,
although he lives in Essex."
"I see." Graham thought for a second. "This may be a little
delicate, but does Alesha have a drink problem?"
Ben smiled. "She'd probably say only the lack of it. She's got
two kids to keep her occupied and, other than wine, she doesn't
keep alcohol in the house, usually."
"But she's not at home?"
"Technically no. There's a cellar full of alcohol at Millbank."
"Usual strength stuff? No foreign imports?"

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"Not that I'm aware of. But you'd have to ask the staff that.
How about you, Mik, do you know of any?"
Mikie was thinking. "We were given a case of vodka from
one of the distillery reps. I think it was pretty strong, but I don't
know. Let me go find out for you." She stood up. "I'll just go
and call home and ask." She left them and went out into the cool
morning air to use her mobile phone. She returned a few
minutes later. "Ninety per cent proof. That's almost pure
alcohol!"
"Yes it is." Graham agreed. "We'll need to tell the doctor."
Mikie explained to Doctor Gupta about the vodka.
"My god!" David exclaimed. "she had about half a bottle in
the time it took me to have a shower."
"That explains the reaction." Pritchard said. "Jas have you
got charcoal in her?"
"Yes. That's the first thing we did." Gupta replied.
"Then hopefully, we'll sort her out. Does she usually drink
heavily?"
"No" Mikie and Ben said together
"She has been lately." Dave said. "This is all my fault. If I
hadn't been neglecting her, she wouldn't be here now!"
"Now David. Stop it." Mikie put her hands on his
shoulders. "she's as much to blame as you are!"
"Don't say that, Mom. I'm the one who ignored her and
pushed her into someone else's bed."
"You're not to blame." The quiet voice came from Ali. "I
should have made you listen to me. Someone give me an aspirin,
I've got a hell of a headache."
"And so you should have. That vodka is nearly pure alcohol,
Princess." there was relief in David's voice.
Ali spent two days in the hospital. David refused to leave
her side. But they talked a lot and sorted out their differences.
Doctor Gupta apologised to them for being over zealous and

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promised to think carefully, before jumping to conclusions in

future.

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Chapter 36
Ben decided that he needed to spend more time in the office,
so he could get the business back onto a firm foundation. He
spoke to business people in the area and across the country to
ask them to oppose any new ventures by Carpadam Castle. Most
of them agreed with him, as they had also lost business because
of new restaurants, pubs and hotels opened recently. Carpadam
Castle had undercut everyone of them.
Ben had travelled to London to have lunch with several,
prominent business people and politicians.
"Who are these people, Ben?"
Duncan Slater, Chief
Executive of Slater Leisure asked.
"Adam Carpenter." Ben replied.
"Carpenter?
Carpenter Where have I heard that
name?"
"He's the snake who did time for abducting Ben!" Henry
McKeon spat. "He nearly cost my sister her world!"
"My god! I thought he was in Hong Kong?" Duncan, said
shocked.
"He was. He came back to England about two years ago"
Ben replied. "He's been conducting most his business from the
other side of the world."
"What can we do, Suzanne?" Henry asked.
"I've instigated a few investigations into Carpenters
activities. Both here and abroad. He's built himself quite a little
empire in the Far East and is using the funds to open venues
here. We've had our eye on him for months. Don't worry, Chaps,
I've got a dossier already and there's more coming in everyday.
Tax and VAT evasion are just two. We're looking at fraud at the
moment. We'll pin him." Suzanne Reynolds MP, Chair of the
Parliamentary Committee for Monopolies, said.
Ben stopped eating and looked at her. "You could have

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warned me, Suzanne. I've been trying to upset his apple cart for
nearly two years."
"We know. One of my juniors ran an investigation on you,
thinking you were some sort of partner. Obviously, he came up
blank." Suzanne smiled.
"I wont tell you about the shares in Carpadam, then." Ben
smirked.
"You don't need to."
They started to laugh.
"Ben, my dear brother. You should know, being married to
my sister, that you can't get one over on a woman. They're
always one step ahead." Henry said.
"Ain't that the truth! Speaking of Mikie, I'd better call,
otherwise I'll be in the doghouse. Will you all excuse me for a few
minutes." Ben left the table.
"Henry, you really need to tell Ben to be careful who he
associates with." Suzanne said. "This thing with Carpenter
almost blew up in his face."
"I'll try. It's not easy. Once he's set his mind to something,
he goes hell for leather until it's done. I'll speak to Mikie, she's
better at it than me." Henry saw Ben coming back. "So did you
get the licence for the new casino, Duncan?"
"I did. Opens in April, I'll send you a few invites." Duncan
replied. "How's that fabulous wife of yours Ben?"
"Working too hard, as usual. She just bought me a seven
storey apartment block. At auction for half the price I would
have paid."
"Executive properties?"
"Budget rentals. Do you know how many young families
there are with no place to live?"
"I'm not sure I want to." Duncan said, indignantly.
"I think it's very commendable, Ben." Suzanne cut in
quickly. "Mikie showed me some of the places you have already.

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It's a shame there weren't more of them about."

"Thanks Suzanne." He looked at his watch, which read one
forty five. "I'm really gonna have to get going. I'm booked on the
four o'clock shuttle." He said.
"Oh, I was hoping I could persuade you to attend dinner
with the big-wigs this evening, Ben"
"Sorry Suzanne. I need to get back. Any way, I'm sure
Duncan won't mind escorting you." He said his good-byes and
headed off in the direction of the reception with Henry.
"I thought you were staying until tomorrow?" Henry said.
"I don't think that's such a good idea, Hen. Especially not
since Suzanne has been coming on to me for the last hour and a
half!"
"I had noticed. I won't tell her ladyship."
"Why not? She thinks it's a hoot!"
"She knows?" Henry seemed surprised that Mikie would
know about Suzanne having a flame for Ben.
"Sure! She told me!" He grinned. "Look Hen, I'll see you
Saturday, don't be late."
"Saturday?"
"She'll murder you! The party?"
"Oh, yes, I'd forgotten about that. Thanks Ben, we'll be
there."
Ben headed for the airport and managed to find a flight to
Newcastle that took off an hour later.
He took a taxi to the office. "Is the boss lady in?" He asked
the receptionist.
"Hello Ben! I wasn't expecting you, I thought you were in
the City until Friday?" Jill said. "Shall I buzz and let her know?"
"Not if you want to keep your job!" Ben laughed.
There were three other people in the reception office, who
all looked at Jill with surprise.
"He's joking!" Jill grinned.

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"Any of those truffles left?"

"Yep." Jill disappeared through a door behind her.
"I'll watch the shop. Be a darlin' and take one up to the boss
for me."
"What do you want me to tell her?"
He smirked. "Tell her.. Tell her. Tell her there's a guy in
reception who just blew off an MP and he needs company for
dinner."
Jill smiled. "Answer the phone, but don't touch anything!"
she warned and went into the lift.
"Did anyone want some coffee?" He looked at the others.
"That would be nice." A young woman said. "I've been here
for nearly an hour."
"Really? Who are you waiting for?" Ben poured her coffee
and handed her the cup.
"Alison Bradley."
"Oh. Job interview, yes?"
"We're all here for interviews, mate." A man of about thirty
said. "I'm waiting for Keith Johnson."
"Uh-hu." Ben was measuring them all. He was drawing
quick conclusions as to who he would employ. He answered the
telephone switchboard. "Good afternoon, Jordan Security, how
can I help?" "One moment please?" he looked at the computer
in front of him and pressed a few buttons. "Thursday afternoon
at three. Is that convenient?" "I've made the appointment for
you. Do you know how to find us?" "Then I'll see you at three on
Thursday." He hung up. He looked around the room. "So.
You're all here for interviews? Who's up for the office job?"
pointing to the young woman. "I know you are."
"Me too." A man of about twenty, smiled at Ben.
"I hope you know what you're letting yourself in for, buddy.
The girls in the office will eat you alive!"
"Ben! Stop terrifying him." Jill said, sharply. "Mikie will be

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down in a minute. Any calls?"

"I made an appointment for the boss man at three on
Thursday."
"There aren't appointments for Thursday." she said, wide
eyed.
"There's one now."
Jill sighed. "Can't you just be good and go up to your office?
You've messed something up, I know you have."
"Me?" he looked hurt. "How could I? I only made an
appointment."
"The diary is full for Thursday afternoon!" Jill was
exasperated "Who was on the phone? Don't answer that! I'll find
it. Get away from my desk. I knew I shouldn't have trusted you."
Ben sat in one of the leather arm chairs, next to the others
and folded his arms. "I think I'm in trouble."
"Is she always that scary?" The twenty year old whispered.
"Nah! She's usually worse!" Ben used a hushed tone. "She
usually fires me. But I manage to talk her round."
"How?"
"Charm, wit and the fact I'm the Managing Director usually
helps!" The wicked grin spread across his face.
"Charm and wit won't help you now, Jordan! You've wiped
your appointments for Thursday!" Jill said, glaring at him.
He made a face "Oops! Sorry, Jill. I was just trying to be
helpful!"
"After the last time, Its a good job I back everything up,
then isn't it?"
"I wiped the whole appointments database the last time I
took charge in reception." He explained to the others. "I sent
them all out for lunch to celebrate a birthday."
"I came back to havoc. It took me weeks to sort out! But I
forgave him, because he paid for lunch."
"Not because he's the boss?" the young woman asked.

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"God no! He's got an ego the size of an aircraft hanger. If I

forgave him because he's the boss, there'd be no living with him
at all!"
"And you guys really wanna come work here?" Ben looked
at the others.
They were all smiling.
"I'm hoping to be out in the field more than in here." The
older of the men said.
"You're an engineer?"
"That's right. I've got a degree in electronics. I've been
working for a construction company for the past three years, but
this job means I can go home every night and help my wife with
the kids, is more money and less hours."
"How many kids do you have?"
"Two. Ten and Six they are. Julie, the ten year old, is a big
help. Simon has Downs Syndrome, so he takes a lot of work."
"I can relate to that! We had a son with Downs."
"They're great. aren't they?" the man was filled with pride.
"How old is yours?"
"He would have been thirty now. He died when he was
twelve. I still miss him." Ben reflected.
"Sorry."
"It's okay."
Keith came out of the lift. "Dennis Farnsworth?" He read
from a list, then looked up. "Oh, hi Dad! I though you weren't
back till Friday?"
"Caught an earlier flight."
"Does Mom know?"
"Yep! She's in a meeting. How many jobs are going?"
"Two."
"Make that one. I just hired Dennis."
"Jill, how long has he been here?" Keith asked.
"About fifteen minutes. I wish he'd leave, he's causing chaos

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as usual!"
Ben threw his hands up in the air.
"Don't say it!" Jill said.
Keith looked at Dennis. "I guess I'll just show you round
then, Dennis!"
"Thanks, Mr Jordan! I wasn't expecting that! Marie will be
thrilled!" he shook Ben's hand vigorously.
"It's Ben! Don't forget to tell him about the Family package,
Keith!"
"As if I would?" Keith and Dennis walked off through a door
to the right of the reception desk.
"So you two?" Ben turned to the others.
Alison came out of the lift. "Oh no you don't! I'm doing the
interviewing, thank you very much! Come with me you two."
"Spoil my fun! Thanks Alison!"
Mikie came out of the lift with two men in dark suits, who
signed out and then left. She beamed a smile at Ben.
"Couldn't find a gift, so I brought you me instead!" He
smiled back.
Mikie walked across to where Ben was now standing and
threw her arms round his neck. "I forgive you!"
"Whoa! Do they always do that?" they heard the young
woman say, as the lift doors were closing.
"Come on you." Taking hold of his tie and pulling him
towards the lift. "I've got a box of truffles waiting in my office!"
"Jill?" Ben said, glancing at the receptionist.
"Ordered some more this morning, Ben." Jill replied to the
unasked question.
"I found out quite a bit of information about Carpadam
Castle. You can pour me a coffee and I'll fill you in." Ben told
Mikie.
Once in her office, Ben told Mikie all the information he had
gathered.

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"What I need to know, is what you're planning on doing

now?" Mikie asked, suspiciously.
"Absolutely nothing." He replied firmly.
"You'll have to convince me of that."
"Seriously! I don't have to do anything. Lots of other people
are going to do it for me."
"At what cost?"
"A couple of free holidays to the Ranch."
"Who are we talking about?"
"Suzanne. Duncan. Richard Summers. James Philipson."
"Oh Ben!" she put her hand across her eyes. "That could be
construed as bribery."
"No it won't be. It's well known that Suzanne and I are
friends."
"That's as maybe, but there are some who will still see it as a
bribe."
"She said she'll wait until the dust settles."
"Sometimes you can be such an idiot, Ben."
He looked at her. "You're mad at me?"
"Very!"
"Because I'm trying to save your company?"
"There are ways and means, Ben. I'm more surprised at you,
stooping this low."
"Uh-hu!" he stood, plunged his hands into his pockets and
walked out of her office in the direction of the main office.
She watched him go, blowing out a lungful of air. She stared
at the door in disbelief. She knew how stubborn he could be and,
once he had a thought in his head, it was difficult to convince
him he was wrong. But this time she had to. Their whole world
depended on it. The question was, how? She picked up the
phone and dialled.
"Suzanne Reynolds." The voice at the other end answered.
"Suzanne, hi! Mikie Jordan."

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"Hi Mikie! What can I do for you?"

"Help me stop Ben losing me my company and being
arrested!"
Suzanne sighed. "I wondered where he'd disappeared to.
Listen Mikie, there's nothing to worry about. I've found out this
afternoon that Carpenter has enough rope to hang himself five
times over. Ben or you or Jordan-McKeon, will not need to be
involved. He's made the mistake of trying to compete with some
unsavoury characters in the City. They're not happy about it and
it's all about to tumble down."
"I hope your right, Suzanne."
"You'll see! By the way, I wouldn't have accepted the
holiday. I'm not allowed to accept gifts of that nature."
"Thanks. I told him it may be seen as a bribe, but you know
how stubborn he is, he wouldn't hear it." Mikie was relieved.
"Thanks Suzanne. I'll speak to you soon."

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Chapter 37
When Mikie found Ben, he was sitting on Alison's desk in
the main office, talking to the administration staff. The move
from the old building had been made on a weekend and went
very smooth, with little disruption to the day to day running of
the office.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks for all your hard
work. You've all made the move very easy." He scanned the
smiling faces. "I've spoken to Andrew Devlin and told him to put
a tab behind the bar on Friday night, so you can all go out and
celebrate! Partners included, and take the new people with you!"
There were shouts of 'Thanks Ben!' from the staff.
He had been watching Mikie since she had stood at the
office door. "I think I owe the boss lady an apology." He said.
"Not in here!" Alison said, quickly. "I don't want these two
put off before they even start!"
"This one's gotta be private." Ben said quietly.
Mikie glared over the top of her glasses at him, turned and
walked from the office.
"Oh boy! I'll try not to scream too loud guys." He started
following Mikie from the office then paused just inside the door
and turned. "Sarah. Table for two at Marcello's for seven
please." He said to his Personal Assistant, before continuing.
Mikie was leaning against the front of her desk. "It's not
funny, Ben. This is serious stuff!"
"I know. I'm sorry. He's riled me this time. I thought we
were rid of him, but he keeps coming back." There was venom in
his words.
"Like I said earlier, there are ways and means of sorting
things out and what you've done has involved other people in a
private fight."
"Hardly private, Mikie. He's affected so many other

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businesses. Everyone is mad at him."

"Being mad at someone is one thing, but what you're talking
about is revenge."
"And I'm not entitled to that?"
"Of course you are! It just doesn't get you anywhere."
"It would make me feel a whole lot better." His anger was
starting to show.
"Lose the edge, Ben." She said, flatly.
"I thought I could rely on you to be on my side."
"It's not a question of sides. It's a question of morals.
You're a well respected businessman, Ben and I think you've put
that on the line."
He looked at her. His anger was bubbling to the surface and
he was in danger of losing control. He turned and walked back
out of the office.
She went after him. "Bennett Thomas Jordan! Don't you
dare!!" she shouted along the corridor. "I haven't finished with
you yet!!"
He stopped and turned to look at her, she never used his full
name, unless she was really upset with him. He stared at her.
The door to the main office had been closed, when their
raised voices had carried through the open doors.
"What the hell did he do?" Alison asked Sarah.
"It's got something to do with Carpadam Castle, I think."
Sarah replied.
The colour drained from Alison's face. "Tell me you're
joking!"
Sarah shrugged. "I've minuted meetings for him."
"Why the hell didn't you say?" Alison asked, sharply.
"He's my boss, not you. I don't have to report to you."
Sarah said, equally sharply.
"Oh Sarah! Don't you know who Carpadam Castle is?"

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"Should I?"
"Adam Carpenter."
"Oh god!"
"Oh god, indeed!" Alison was thinking. "Get Steve Simpson
on the phone now and tell him to come up with a crisis that
needs Ben." She looked across the room to Mikie's PA. "Marion,
call Dave McKeon and get him to speak to Mikie." she waited
while the calls were made. Then went out into the corridor
where Mikie and Ben were still looking at each other. "Sorry to
interrupt. Ben, you're needed in the workshop. Mikie, Lord
David is on line one for you."
Neither of them appeared to hear her. She touched Mikie's
arm.
"Sorry Alison. What?" Mikie was surprised.
"Lord David, line one."
"Tell him I'll ring him back."
"It can't wait."
Mikie blew out her breath. "Fine!" she walked back into her
office.
Alison looked at Ben who was still staring at the space Mikie
had been standing in. "Ben?"
There was no response.
"Ben?"
He did not hear.
"Mr Jordan!!"
He looked at Alison. "Sorry?"
"Come in here."
Ben followed her and let her guide him to her chair. Alison
had worked for McKeon for twenty seven years. She had taken
over as office manager seven years earlier, when Joan Marchant
retired. She knew the history surrounding Mikie, Ben and Adam
Carpenter. She knew that Mikie had been in a relationship with
Carpenter, that ended when he became violent and tried to rape

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her. She also knew that Carpenter had almost killed Ben,
because of his obsession with Mikie.
"Listen, Ben. Whatever it is, can be sorted out, but you need
to calm down."
"He's doing it again, Alison! Every time I think he's gone
and I can relax, he comes back to haunt me!" he explained
quietly.
"Alison, I've got Steve on the phone." Sarah said.
"Tell him it's okay, Sarah." Alison replied.
Ben put his head in his hands. "She's so mad at me, Alison.
It's a long time since she's been this mad."
"She's worried about you. What d'you expect? Whatever it
is you've started, Ben, you have to stop."
"I can't!" he looked up at her, horrified. "It's too late."
"What have you done?" Alison was now very concerned.
"I'm not the only one involved."
"What have you done, Ben?" She asked, angrily
"We're gonna beat him at his own game." he said, flatly.
"For an intelligent man, you can be so bloody stupid
sometimes, Ben Jordan!"
His temper flashed across his eyes. "And I'm your boss!!"
"So fire me!"
"That can be arranged!" he was now standing, towering over
her. "You can start clearing your desk!"
"Jordan!!! My office, Now!!!" Mikie shouted from the door.
Ben stormed after her.
"Jesus! I'm not sure I can handle this!" The statement came
from Matthew Forrester, the twenty year old new office recruit.
"What's happened here today, does not happen very often,
Matt." Alison said.
"She's gonna rip him to shreds!" Sarah put in.
"He deserves it! Stupid man! He's just put the whole
business in jeopardy. Earl McKeon will do his nut."

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"Earl McKeon?"
"He's one of the other partners."
"Mikie will sort it out." Sarah said.
"Even I'm not convinced of that one, Sarah." Marion said,
wryly.
"Well, it seems pretty quiet at the moment." Alison said,
looking through the open door towards Mikie's office.
Mikie was sat at her desk and Ben had stood at the door for
a few seconds before she looked up.
"Close the door, please." She said, her voice level and
measured.
He sat in the middle of the big, leather sofa, leaned back,
resting his head on the wall and looked at the ceiling. "Sorry's
not gonna fix this, is it?"
"There's nothing to fix. I spoke to Suzanne and she told me
a few things. You, or any of the others, will not be involved."
He looked at her.
"He's upset the London mafia. He'll get what's coming to
him."
"Really?" the grin spread across his face.
"Don't be so smug, Bennett! I'm still mad at you."
He shrugged. "But you've no reason now, have you? Not if
everything is gonna be sorted."
"It's the principle of it, Ben!"
"So dinner at Marcello's is not gonna make up for it?"
She visibly relaxed and smiled at him. "If you think you can
get round me with a plate of chicken pasta, you're mistaken."
"But it's a start?"
"I'll think about it. You'd better go un-fire Alison."
He pulled a face. "Can I borrow those?" pointing at the
flowers on her desk.
She nodded.
Alison was not in the office.

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"She's gone down to reception with Matt and Grace." Sarah

told him.
He ran the corridor and called the lift.
"Alison!" He called to her as she was crossing to the main
door. "I'm sorry! Please don't leave."
The three people turned to look at him, holding out the
flowers in the direction of the office manager.
"You really think you can get round me with second hand
flowers? God, you're pathetic!" Alison said, with mock hurt.
"You're gonna have to try harder than that!"
"Please don't make me get down on my knees. This suit cost
five grand!"
Matt and Grace looked on with disbelief.
"Oh? So I'm worth less than a suit?"
Ben got down on his knees in the middle of the reception
office and looked at her, pleadingly.
She looked at him and shook her head. "Pathetic, isn't it?"
she said to Matt and Grace.
"Your boss is begging you to stay, and you're calling him
pathetic?" Grace was shocked.
"He is!" she looked back to Ben. "My company car is almost
four years old"
"Whatever you want, Alison." Ben smiled.
"Anything?"
He nodded.
"I have witnesses! I've seen a nice, sleek, black Ferrari ."
Ben got up from the floor. "You're pushing your luck."
"Can't blame a girl for trying. Mercedes?"
"How much?"
"Twenty five, nine hundred."
"Haggle them down to twenty and you can have it."
"Twenty two?"
"You break my heart." he smiled. "But okay!"

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"See! He's not so bad! You just have to know how to handle
him." she said to Matt and Grace. "I'll see you both in the
morning!"
"Wow. Your some boss, Mr Jordan!" Matt said.
"You'll quickly find out he's the best!" Alison grinned.
At nine thirty the following morning, Alison took delivery of
a large bouquet.
"Oooh! Who's the admirer?" Grace asked her.
"The boss man! These I was expecting, the car is a bonus!"
Alison grinned.
"I haven't seen him this morning." Matt said.
"They've gone to the Ranch for a week. I think Mikie wants
to keep him out of trouble!" Alison had explained about the
previous afternoon and that, usually, the office was filled with
laughter.
Mikie had suggested a week at the Ranch in Oregon, so Ben
would not be around when the mafia caught up with Carpenter.

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Chapter 38
When they returned from the Ranch, they were both relaxed
and happy. They had spent a night in London and had returned
to Newcastle on Wednesday morning. As it was 10am, Ben
insisted on visiting the office before they returned to Millbank.
"Good morning, everyone!" He called across the main
office. "And how is everyone today?"
"Not as bright and breezy as you are!" Alison smiled. "Good
trip?"
"The best, I put a smile on the Duchess's face!"
"Coffee?"
"In Mikie's office please."
He left.
They caught up with messages, opened mail and had
updates on all ongoing issues. They were both in Ben's office.
"I saved this for you, from yesterday." Sarah handed Ben a
newspaper.
"Wow! Intensive care. He upset them that much, hu?"
"He died." Sarah left the office.
"Oh my god! He wasn't supposed to die!" Ben was shocked.
"Ben?" Mikie was puzzled. "What do you mean by that?"
He looked at her. "Nothing." He said, quickly. "I guess I
just thought they would hurt him a bit."
Her face was set hard. "If I ever find out you had any
involvement in this Bennett, it'll take more than dinner to calm
me down!"
He put his hand over his heart. "I swear, Mik. It's only what
I heard on the grapevine!"
"Mmm! I believe you. For now. Lets go have lunch."
Ben took her across to the Big Mall shopping centre for
lunch in one of the many restaurants. After lunch he insisted on
taking her shopping for the afternoon.

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"We've got no meetings and it's ages since I spoiled you."

He said, when she protested.
Her reluctance quickly abated when he took her to one of
the exclusive jewellers and bought her a diamond and ruby
bracelet. They strolled round the mall, mostly window shopping.
"Oooh! A new lingerie boutique!" She said, excitedly.
"Coming?"
"I'll wait here. Surprise me!" he grinned.
The boutique was fairly large and she spent almost an hour
browsing and choosing various items.
"May I be of assistance?" The woman was about thirty five,
at least five feet seven, with long brown hair and immaculate
make-up.
"No thank you. I must say that the quality is superb!"
"Many of the items are sourced from abroad. France, Italy,
the Far East. I also have some exclusive one off designs."
"Really? May I see?"
The assistant took Mikie to a room at the back of the store.
"Oh wow! That is fabulous!" she said looking straight at a
display of ruby red underwear. "I've gotta have that!"
"The woman picked the items from a glass drawer. "Would
you check the sizes please?"
"My goodness! How did you do that?" Mikie was amazed
that every item was the correct size.
"Just experience. Most of the things in here are my own
design."
"You're very talented! I must tell the girls you're here!"
She chose several more items.
"Do you take Amex?" she smiled at the assistant.
"Of course! I also run an account, payable by bill or direct
debit."
"Marvellous! May I open an account, please?"
"Have a seat and we'll go through the application. Would

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you like a coffee or a glass of wine?"

"Seeing as how I'm being spoiled today, a glass of white wine
would be lovely, thank you."
They were half way through the form, when Ben appeared.
"I thought you'd left through a different door!" He said,
kissing her cheek. "Have you bought the entire stock?"
"No. Just bits and pieces." Mikie smiled at him. "This is Zoe
Pritchard. Zoe this is my husband Ben, he'll be the one using the
account more than me!"
Zoe smiled. "I wish I could get my husband to buy my
underwear. I don't even think he'd know my size!"
"Size ten, thirty four.. C or D, not sure which." Ben
grinned.
"Good heavens! I don't suppose you need a job?"
"No ma'am. Although I'll keep that in mind if my boss fires
me!"
"How on earth did you know that?"
"Mikie, four daughters and two daughters-in-law! You get
used to it!" he had a self satisfied look. "I guess I'd better get a
crate of bubbly, if you're gonna model this lot for me!"
"A dozen bottles, I got twelve sets!" Mikie laughed.
The account was set up and Mikie and Ben left the boutique
knowing that they had made a new friend.
"I need a coffee!" Ben said.
"I need food! Let's see if the Mall Hotel have any spaces in
the restaurant."
"Okay." He said thoughtfully. "Let me go buy you that suit
you were looking at earlier. It'll save time in the morning!"
"How?"
"We can stay in the hotel." She grinned at him.
They spent another hour buying changes of clothes, then
walked the short distance to the hotel. Luckily the hotel had both
a table and a room. They booked into the room and changed into

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the new clothes they had bought.

Ben was amused when she locked the bathroom door.
"You've gotta be kidding me!" He shouted.
"It'll spoil the surprise!"
"Okay! Just this once, it'd better be worth it!"
"I think you'll approve!" She opened the door and grinned
at him.
He was sitting on a chair across the room from the
bathroom.
"You're going to dinner like that?" He liked the pale green
bra and thong she was wearing.
"No. I just wanted to see your reaction!" she had a wicked
glint in her eye.
"I though you said you were hungry?"
"I'm ravenous!"
"You're not gonna get anywhere near the dining room, if you
do this every five minutes!"
"It's okay. I just thought I'd give you an aperitif!" she called
through the closed door.
"Soup it ain't!!"
They had dinner and danced to the quartet playing in the
room. They were swaying slowly to the music.
"You're driving me nuts, Mrs Jordan!" He whispered to her.
"Me? How can I drive you nuts?"
"I think we should go up to the room!"
"Me too! Before you get arrested!"
As soon as they were in their room, Ben removed the dress
she was wearing. He revealed the red set she had bought in the
boutique.
"Oh my word! That's fabulous!"
"So the girl did good?"
"The girl did very good!"
She put her arms round his neck. "Even after all these years,

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I still push your buttons?"

"Wearing that lot, a man would have to be dead or gay, not
to have his buttons pushed!"
"Thank heavens you're not either!"
They made love for hours before falling asleep at four thirty.
Ben had set the alarm for seven. When Mikie heard it and
opened her eyes, he was propped up on his elbow, watching her.
"Good morning." He said, brightly.
"Time?" She yawned.
"Seven."
"Cancel my day. I need to go back to sleep." She turned
over.
"That could be arranged! Mine too. Then I could spend all
day here with you!"
"Go have a cold shower, Jordan!"
"Oooh! We're tetchy this morning!"
"Were tired! Go away!"
"Breakfast?" he kissed her ear.
"Ben, I'm tired!"
"Croissants and coffee or tea and toast?"
"Go away!"
He got out of the bed and walked across to the table. He
poured a cup of tea and brought it to her.
"Breakfast is served!"
She opened one eye and looked at him, he was standing
naked holding the tray. "If I had half an ounce of energy, I'd
forgo the toast."
"Oh, Sorry darling! Did you want croissant?" He grinned,
wickedly.
"The toast will do." She pulled herself up to sit in the middle
of the bed. "Answer me a question?"
"Sure!"
"What was last night all about?"

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"You need a biology lesson?"

She glared at him.
"Can't I make love to my wife without the third degree?"
"Last night was about proving something."
"Last night was about me loving you."
"There's more to it than that."
He looked at her. The thoughts going through his mind
were jumbled. He felt alive. As if he had been comatose for
years. As if someone had lifted a heavy weight. As if someone
had shown him the way forward.
"Last night I buried Adam Carpenter." He said quietly.
"I know. I feel like I've got my husband back."
"I feel like I'm your husband. Like all these years, I've been
pretending. Always having to look over my shoulder. When
things have gone wrong, I've thought he's been behind them. I've
blamed him for everything bad in my life. But now I feel free!
Like I've been born again. It's so good to be alive, Mik!"
She put down the tea cup and crawled across the bed to
where he was sitting. She wiped the tears from his face.
"I love you so much, Ben. I've always blamed myself for the
bad things that have happened to us in the last twenty years.
Whenever things go wrong, I get so scared that I'm going to lose
you again. That you'll wake up one morning and forget who I
am. There have been times when I thought you were going to
crack. That I was going to crack. That our world and everyone
and everything in it was going to disappear. I've spoken to Brett
so many times, he knows more about how I feel than me."
He looked deep into her eyes. "You should have been able to
talk to me. I should have been there for you. I'm sorry I wasn't
the husband I should have been." He gave her a bright smile.
"But, I promise you, that's all gonna change now. Now that he's
gone, he's not a shadow hanging over us anymore."
She wrapped her arms round him and hugged him tightly.

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"We've got meetings all day. We have to go to the office."

He whispered.
"I know." She sighed. "All I want to do is stay here with you
in my arms."
"Darlin', last night was something I can't repeat very often.
Not at my age anyway!"
"Rubbish! You'll always have the energy of a thirty five year
old!" she grinned. "Anyway, I don't want you to repeat it very
often. I couldn't keep up with that!"

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Chapter 38
A week past with both of them being happy and content.
Ben had got out of bed every morning and brought Mikie
breakfast, before waking her. He laughed and joked with the
staff in the house and the office. He was whistling or singing
most of the time. Everyone commented on his new demeanour.
The Friday morning board meeting was about to start, when
her telephone rang. She looked at the flashing 'reception' button.
"Jill, I'm just about to go into the meeting." She said.
"Sorry, Mikie. I tried Ben's extension, but he's not there.
I've got two policemen in reception wanting to speak to him." Jill
replied, apologetically.
"Did they say why?"
"No. Only that they need to speak to Ben."
"I'll get him and we'll come down."
Mikie went down to the second floor and into the board
room.
"You're late!" Ben said.
"Sorry everyone! Ben I need to speak to you." Mikie looked
at her husband.
"Surely this can wait, Sis?" Henry said.
"Sorry, Hen, it can't. You've all got the agenda, start without
us. We'll be back as soon as we can."
"That sounds serious, Mum?" Brett said.
"It may be. I'll let you know, soon."
She met Ben outside the boardroom. "What's this all
about?"
"Two policemen in reception, wanting to talk to you."
"Why?"
She shrugged. "You probably ran a red light." she said
lightly.
They were met in reception by a police inspector and a

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sergeant. The inspector they recognised.

"Hello, Steve! What can I do for you?" Ben offered his hand
to Steve Litton.
Steve swallowed. "Sorry Ben. It's not a social visit." He
took a deep breath. "Ben we need to talk to you in connection
with a murder carried out last week in Soho, London."
"You're joking?" Mikie said looking at Steve.
"Sorry, Mikie. I've been given orders from the Met."
"Don't be ridiculous, Steve! Ben wouldn't hurt a fly." She
said, frantically.
Ben sighed. "Mikie. He's serious. I guess I've been waiting
for this."
"What are you talking about?" She was shocked.
"I'd heard that my name had been linked. It's got nothing to
do with me." Ben had looked at the two policemen the whole
time. "Can I bring a lawyer with me?"
"You can." Steve replied.
Ben looked at Jill, who was visibly shocked. "Jill, call the
boardroom and ask Brett to come down, please and tell him he'll
need his jacket."
Mikie was confused and exasperated. "Will someone please
tell me what the hell is going on?"
Ben and Steve looked at each other.
Ben looked at her. "Steve is doing his job. He's arresting me
because he has to. I have not done anything wrong."
She looked deep into his eyes. "Who's murder?"
He said nothing.
"Who's murder?" she repeated.
Again he said nothing.
"Who's .."
"Adam Carpenter." Steve said, quietly.
She closed her eyes. Hurt, anger, confusion and rage built
quickly within her. "I don't know which of us is more stupid!"

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she spat. "Probably me for believing you!"

"Mikie. I've done nothing wrong." Ben repeated.
"You don't get arrested for murder if you're innocent,
Bennett!" she screamed at him. "How could you be so stupid!?
Didn't you think they'd catch up?"
Ben could not hide the hurt. He choked back tears and said
quietly. "I've done nothing wrong, Mikie. You, of all people,
have to believe me."
"How can I? After what you said? How can I believe you,
Ben?" Tears were streaming down her face. She turned and
walked in the direction of the lift, bumping into Brett.
"Mum? What's wrong?" Brett said, catching her by the
shoulders.
"Ask Jordan!" she said, angrily.
Brett looked at Ben. "Dad?"
"I need a good lawyer, Brett." Ben said.
Brett looked at Steve Litton. "Steve?"
"We're following a line of inquiry into the murder of Adam
Carpenter." Steve replied.
Brett closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Can I speak to
him?"
Steve nodded.
"We'll go up to the office. There's a glass wall, so you can see
us." Brett sighed.
The five of them went up in the lift to the third floor.
When they reached Ben's office, he and Brett walked
through the adjoining door into Mikie's office. Brett turned the
chairs in front of the desk so he could be facing Ben and could be
seen by the others. Ben attempted to close the door.
"You need to leave it open, Dad." Brett said.
Ben sat in front of Brett. "What happens now?"
"You talk to me, Dad. I need to know everything." Brett
took a notebook and pen from his mother's desk.

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Ben took a deep breath and started talking.

When Carpenter was released from prison, Ben asked
friends and business associates to keep him informed as to his
whereabouts. He found out that Carpenter had gone to live in
Hong Kong and work for his father in investment banking. He
also knew of every business transaction that Carpenter had
carried out, through his contact in Companies House. Ben found
out that Carpenter wanted to return to England, but needed to
build a business interest here. As soon as Carpadam Castle first
appeared, Ben knew who was the proprietor. Carpadam Castle
had been buying pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels at hugely
inflated prices, then undercutting all competition. Because of the
sudden growth of a relatively new company, the Investment
Company Ben used, purchased a block of shares. It was only
after three months that Ben found out and ordered the sale of the
shares immediately. Ben later found out about the investigation
that had been carried out, into the purchase and sale of the
shares, by the Monopolies Committee.
Ben heard from friends in London, that Carpenter had
purchased a casino and had upset some seedy characters who
were linked with organised crime and money laundering. The
people he had upset had issued warnings, which were ignored.
The warnings were issued with the threat of a beating and the
forced closure of the casino, if Carpadam Castle did not sell to
them.
Carpenter was subsequently badly beaten, the
perpetrators did not know that he was in poor health and would
not stand such a savage beating.
"As far as I know, the guys who did the beating, are exiled in
Spain." Ben continued his explanation to Brett. "My name came
up, I think, because these two guys found out about what
Carpenter did to me. I'm being set up, Brett. This is all I know."
He sighed. "I don't know how to get out of this. The Duchess is
pretty mad at me. I think she thinks I'm involved. I'm not. I

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swear I'm not."

Brett looked at him. "I know you well enough to realise that
this is way beyond you. There must be some sort of evidence to
link you in."
"I lost my cell phone the day before we went to Oregon."
"Did you report it?"
"I thought I'd left it in the club in London. The last place I
remember having it was there. I'd put it on the reception desk,
when I used the phone to call your mom. I guess my mind was
full of other things. I didn't miss it until I got to the airport.
Then I forgot about it until the morning we flew out."
"So you didn't report it?"
Ben shook his head.
Brett scratched his head, got up and walked to the window.
He blew out his breath. "You really know how to complicate
things, Dad."
In Ben's office, Mikie, Steve Litton and Sergeant Andy
Knowles waited. Mikie had asked Alison to bring some coffee.
"I think the evidence is circumstantial, Mikie. But you didn't
hear that from me." Steve smiled.
"Sir, I don't think" Andy Knowles started.
"Shut up Andy! You didn't hear me say it either!"
"I think you're being kind, Steve. I think he knows more
than he's told me." Mikie said, quietly.
"The only evidence is a mobile phone that Ben reported a
week after it was lost. The week the two of you were in Oregon."
"When we came back, Sarah showed him the newspaper
saying Adam was in hospital. She then said the news reports
were that he had died. Ben seemed shocked by that and he said
that they were only supposed to hurt him. I told him if he had
any involvement, it would come back on him. I suppose in the
time since it happened, I've come to the conclusion that he wasn't

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involved. Now I'm not so sure."

Steve looked at her. "Listen Mikie. Ben told me he was
being followed. I put an officer on him and we picked up a guy
who had been paid by Carpenter."
"When Adam was dead?"
"He's been following Ben, on a regular basis, for the last two
years. He's obviously so good Ben didnt notice him until
recently."
Mikie looked through the glass wall to where Ben was
sitting. Her heart was telling her to believe him, her head was
telling her different. "What's going to happen, Steve?"
"There are two guys from the Metropolitan Police coming up
to interview him. It's up to them."
"Do you think he's involved?"
"No I don't. Personally, I think Carpenter orchestrated the
whole thing."
"Sir, you really shouldn't be saying things like that!"
Knowles said.
"Listen Andy, I've known Ben and Lady Michaela for a long
time. I arrested Carpenter after he put Ben into intensive care.
I've kept up on the story because I knew Carpenter wouldn't stop.
I also don't want to be here, doing this!"
"I know about the history, Sir, I just don't think it's
appropriate"
"Look, just butt out, Andy. I'm doing my job."
"You should have stayed in the station."
"What? And sent you and Peterson, the heavy mob in? This
way, I know what's happening."
"I appreciate it, Steve." Mikie smiled. "And I know Ben
will."
Ben and Brett came back into the office.
"So. What happens now?" Ben asked Steve.
"Andy, read Mr Jordan his rights." Steve replied.

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Knowles looked at Ben. "Bennett Thomas Jordan, I am

arresting you for conspiracy to commit murder" He continued
to tell Ben his rights, then took out his handcuffs.
"Put the cuffs away, Andy!" Steve said, impatiently.
"There's no need for them."
"Can I have a minute, with Mikie?" Ben asked.
"I'm sorry, you." Andy began.
"Yes!" Steve replied. "We have to watch." He looked at
Andy and moved his head in the direction of Mikie's office.
Ben looked at Mikie. "I'm in big trouble, Mik."
Tears welled in her eyes. "Oh Ben! I don't know what to do
or how to help."
"I swear to you, I'm innocent. For all the crap he's caused
me, I didn't want him dead. If he's dead, he doesn't have to live
with what he did to us." He voice was barely audible.
"I believe you, Darling." She put her arms round him. "But I
don't count. You have to convince the police."
Ben held her tightly. "I know. I just don't know how."
"Tell the truth, Ben, that's all you can do."
"Sorry, you two, we have to go." Steve said, reluctantly.
"I'll keep in touch, Mum." Brett said.
Mikie kissed Ben. "I love you."
"I love you too." He smiled. "If I'm not back by seven, send
cake with a file in."
She laughed at him. "Take him Steve, will you please?"
"You've got my number if you need anything, Mikie." Steve
said, much to the disgust of Andy.

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Chapter 39
Ben was questioned by two detectives from Scotland Yard.
The interview took five hours and Ben declined Brett's advice
about not answering questions.
"If you think the question is unreasonable, you can say 'no
comment'." Brett had advised.
Ben looked at detective's Marshall and Hillman. "Whatever
question you ask, I'll answer."
Brett sighed. "Dad, please."
Ben looked at his step-son. "I promised your mom I would
tell the truth. If that means answering all the questions, then so
be it. You're a great lawyer, Brett, but I have to do this my way."
Brett folded his arms and sat back in his chair.
Ben explained to the detectives exactly what he had
explained to Brett.
"When was the last time you spoke to Adam Carpenter?"
Marshall asked.
Ben thought for a few seconds. "Not sure. About two years
ago."
"Not more recently than that?"
"No."
"Have you had any association with him?"
"No."
"None?"
"The investment company I deal with bought some shares in
Carpadam. When I found out they were sold."
"So the investment company don't consult you first?"
"Not always. I've worked with them a long time, I trust
them to invest my money for the best profit."
"Did you profit from the sale?"
"I lost ten thousand pounds."
"How did you feel about that?"

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"Relieved. It could have been a lot worse!" He grinned.

"When was the last time Mrs Jordan had contact with
Carpenter?" Hillman asked.
Ben looked at him, puzzled. "The same day as I did. As far
as I'm aware. You'll need to ask my wife."
"Are you aware of a correspondence between your wife and
Carpenter?"
"No."
"While he was in prison, Carpenter sent letters to two people
every week. His father Bernard and your wife."
Ben folded his arms and sat back in the chair. "Were there
any replies from my wife?"
"Did you know that Carpenter had sent letters to your wife?"
Ben was angry. "Answer my question first."
"Did you know about the letters?"
"I want to know where this is heading."
"I need you to answer the question, Mr Jordan."
"If you answer my question, I'll answer yours."
The two men stared at each other.
Hillman's face was set hard. "Did you"
"Yes. I knew. The letters never reached Mikie."
"Really?"
"They were intercepted by our butler."
"What did he do with them?"
"He gave them to me. They're in a safe deposit box in the
bank."
"Was there a reason to keep them?"
"Only so I could prove they didn't get to Mikie."
"She doesn't have access to the box?"
"She doesn't even know about it."
"Do you often keep secrets from her?"
Ben glared at him, but said nothing.
"So you've kept sixty letters addressed to your wife. Have

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you read them?"

"Some of them."
"Are you aware that it's an offence to tamper with Royal
Mail?"
"Now just hold on a minute!" Brett said, half standing.
Ben put his hand on Brett's arm and looked at him. "It's
okay, Brett. I'll answer him." He turned back to Hillman. "Yes I
am aware. Arrest me for it. In the last eighteen years, my wife
has received at least one letter a month from Carpenter. If they
reach her she usually burns them. When James told me about
the first letter, with Carpenter's name on, I asked him to keep
any more that came. The only two people who know about the
safe deposit box are myself and James."
"Why would Adam Carpenter send letters to your wife?"
"He was obsessed by her. They had a relationship which
ended when he tried to rape her. He was so obsessed by her, he
wanted me out of the picture. So he abducted me, drugged me,
beat me and then drove his car into me. It almost worked. I
spent weeks in the hospital and couldn't remember Mikie,
because of selective amnesia."
"'Obsessed' is a very strong word Mr Jordan." Marshall said.
"It is. But then again, my wife is an obsession. She's that
kind of lady. Once you get to know her, she's under your skin
and you can't do without her." Ben smiled, proudly.
"Is she aware of this effect she has on people?"
"On men? Yes she is. She uses it to do some pretty shrewd
business deals!"
"Why would Adam Carpenter have your mobile phone?"
"He stole it from me. I thought I'd lost it. But thinking
back, I guess it was stolen."
"From where?"
"The Royal Standard Club, in Westminster."
"Why were you there?"

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"I was having lunch with friends."

"Who?"
Ben explained who was at the lunch.
"What time did you leave?"
"Just before two pm."
"Then where did you go?"
"To the airport."
"And then where?"
"Home. Well to the office. I was originally booked on a
flight the following day, but I decided to come home early."
"Was there a reason for that?"
"To save a scandal."
"A scandal?"
Ben explained Suzanne Reynolds infatuation for him, the
row he had had with Mikie and the trip to Oregon.
"When did you report the phone missing?"
"When we came back from the States."
"How long was that?"
"A week."
"You weren't worried that a thief could run up a big bill?"
Ben shrugged. "The phone has a pass code on it and I have a
credit limit with the phone company."
"Can you tell us what the last number you dialled from your
phone is?"
"My brother-in-law."
"His name?"
"Henry McKeon."
"Did he answer?"
"He did and got into hot water! He was in the House at the
time."
"The House?"
"Of Lords. Earl McKeon."
"When did you make the call?"

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"Eleven fifteen. Seventeenth of June."

"That's very precise."
"The plane landed at eleven. I only had hand luggage. I
walk quick."
"What was the purpose of the call?"
"To check if we were still having lunch. Sometimes Suzanne
has to cancel, so we occasionally change venues."
"But not on that day?"
"No."
"Who knows the access code for your phone?"
"My self and my wife."
"Not Earl McKeon?"
"No, just Mikie and me."
The interview was suspended for thirty minutes. A police
constable brought Ben and Brett some coffee.
"How am I doing, Brett?" Ben asked.
"Fine. I can understand why you're answering all the
questions."
"I've got nothing to hide."
Marshall and Hillman re-entered the room.
Marshall smiled at Ben. "Your story checks out, Mr Jordan.
There's just a few more questions. Do you know anyone by the
name of Michael Southwood?"
Ben shook his head. "No. Should I?"
"Bruce Driffield?"
Again, he shook his head.
"Victor Kee? Harry Limm?"
"No."
"Are you intending to leave the country, in the near future?"
"No."
"I'm happy that the information you've given us, is the truth,
Mr Jordan. You're free to go. I must warn you that I may have to
speak to you again."

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Ben and Brett left the police station at four thirty.

"I'd better call Mum." Brett said.
"Don't do that. I like surprising her!" Ben grinned.
"One of these days, you're gonna regret that!"
"Nah! She loves it!"
Ben found Mikie in the main admin office, when he
returned. "Any chance of a coffee, I'm parched?"
"Ben!" She threw her arms round him and burst into tears.
"Hey! It's okay. I don't have arrows on my clothes." He
smiled down at her.
"That's not funny. I've been frantic!"
"But I'm here now and everything is just fine."
"What happened?"
"They believed me."
"So its over?"
"I think so."

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Chapter 40
Over the years Mikie had built her charitable organisation.
She had set up holiday retreats for underprivileged and disabled
young people. Most of the retreats were farm based, which gave
the youngsters a look at how people lived in the country and also
allowed them to work with animals. All holidays were on a
donation only basis and if someone could not give the donation,
it did not exclude the child from the holiday. She also felt it
important for families to have breaks together and had set up two
holiday parks were families could stay in static caravans or
lodges, again on a donation basis. She worked closely with other
charities and schools to offer the holidays. The charity was partly
funded by some of the money taken from the housing association
Ben had set up, to provide cheap housing for young people and
families. Other funding came from opening Millbank Hall to
public tours during eight months of the year. There were also
donations from many other sources.
Celebrities, sports
personalities, the Gentry and business people, all donated.
There was also an annual fund raising evening, with guests
paying ten thousand pounds for tickets. Mikie was in the middle
of organising the event, which was to be held in the Freeman
Hotel, in Newcastle. She had organised a board meeting and was
on her way to the conference room. Ben was waiting outside the
room.
She stopped and looked at him, enquiringly.
"Just waiting for the boss lady." He grinned, shrugging his
shoulders.
"I know you're up to something, Jordan. You've been acting
strange all morning!" she said.
"You've got a peculiar view of the world, darlin'."
She knew he was up to something. He had whistled and
hummed since he woke up that morning. He had explained it

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saying it was a beautiful day, even though it was raining hard,

and life was great. She had thought back to Tara's high school
graduation day, when he knew she was going to be given an
award and kept it a secret from everyone.
She took a step closer to the conference room door.
"Allow me, Ma'am!" He knocked on the door and opened it,
guiding her inside.
The room was full. She had only been expecting the board
and a few staff members, but now she was confused.
"Ah! The woman of the moment!" Henry said, hugging his
sister.
"Someone tell me what's going on." She pleaded.
"You, my dear sister, have been summoned to the Palace."
"Why?"
"Because, along with Ben, you've both been awarded KBE's
in the Birthday Honours!"
"Why?"
"For humanitarian work."
"Wow! I'm stunned."
Ben beamed a smile at her. "It's great, isn't it? Recognition
for all the hard work."
"I don't know what to say."
The meeting turned into a congratulatory lunch.
Henry made a speech. "I think it's great news that Mikie
and Ben are to be recognised for their charity work. There are
still a lot of young people, in this country, who have never been
out of a town and know what the countryside is like. There are
still families living in poverty. Ben and Mikie have made a huge
difference to the lives of those people. I know that Mikie has
always had privilege and money, but has never let it stop her
from being a 'hands on' type of person. Ben, however, has grown
used to wealth, but he's still down to earth and has the attitude of
'if you need it, you can have it.' It's also great that he'll be able to

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use the title, as he has always had dual citizenship." He looked at

Ben. "Being an Earl, I have certain things that I can do.
Granddad bestowed a title on me that I have never used, other
than in official documents, that of Baron of Kirkland. Because
this is a Scottish Feudal Barony, then I can pass on to whom I
choose, so I've decided that Ben needs a decent title that he can
pass on to Tom, so I'm giving my Barony to him."
Ben was stunned.
Henry laughed. "I never thought I'd witness my brother-inlaw speechless!"
Mikie and Ben travelled to London at the beginning of
December for the ceremony.
They both found a greater sense of contentment over the
next two months. Happy to be with each other and share their
worries. Mikie found that she stopped thinking about all the
trauma they had been through and finally managed to lay the
ghost of Adam Carpenter to rest.
Mikie woke to brilliant sunshine one morning in the middle
of February.
"Come on you. Let's saddle the horses and thunder across
the countryside!" Mikie suggested.
She had recently bought two new horses and was keen to try
them out. They galloped across fields, jumping gates and fences.
Ben's horse, General Marshall, was faster than Mikie's, Chestnut.
Mikie found her horse a bit reluctant with some of the fences, but
tried to keep up with Ben.
Ben was at full gallop across a field when he looked back and
could not see her. He pulled up, turned General round and backtracked to find her. He could see Chestnut walking round in a
circle, snorting and braying. He had been trotting but now he
was at full gallop again. When he pulled General to a stop, he
jumped down, tying him to the gate, then climbed over. He
scanned the field.

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"Mikie?" his heart was thumping, more from concern than

the ride. "Mikie!?"
There was no answer. He walked across to Chestnut. "Here
Chestnut! See what I've got." He held out an apple in his open
hand.
The horse, much calmer now, walked to Ben and took the
apple.
"Where's your mistress then?" Ben said gently, taking hold
of the reins. He tied the horse to the other side of the gate from
General.
The field still appeared empty.
"Michaela darlin', this isn't funny!" He shouted. "Where the
hell are you!?"
There was still no sound.
He was now almost frantic. "MICHAELA! STOP THIS!
COME ON, DARLIN'. THIS REALLY ISN'T FUNNY!!"
The only sounds he could hear were birds, the light breeze
and the sounds from the horses. He turned to look at the two
stallions tied to the gate. He took his mobile phone from his
pocket and pressed the speed-dial for Mikie's phone. He waited
and listened. He heard the phone ringing from somewhere near
the fence. He scanned the area as he walked towards the sound,
rigid with panic. Running to the fence, he saw her. She was lying
on her side partly under the hedge.
"Mikie? Sweetheart? Can you hear me?"
She mumbled.
"Mikie? Open your eyes, darlin'."
She looked at him. "What happened?" she said, quietly.
"Chestnut threw you." He took his jacket off and put it over
her. "How do you feel?"
"Sick. Numb. My ankle hurts."
"I'm gonna check some things. Tell me if it hurts."
Ben used his first aid skills to check for broken bones. "You

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may have broken your ankle."

He ripped his t-shirt into strips so he could bandage her
ankle.
"How does that feel?"
"Okay."
"where does it hurt most?"
"My ankle."
"If I put you on General, d'you think you'll be okay if we
walk back to the house?"
"I'll try."
He untied both horses and opened the gate for General. He
walked back to Mikie and lifted her onto the horse. They set off
at walking pace to the house. He had to climb down from
Chestnut to open and close gates. Once back in the stable yard,
Ben left the horses with stable lads and carried Mikie in to the
house.
"I'll just go get my wallet, then I'm gonna get you to a
hospital."
Mikie said nothing.
Ben took her to Hexham General Hospital so she could be
checked over.
"There's no sign of concussion or trauma to your spine.
Your ankle is badly sprained, so it'll be painful for a few weeks."
The young doctor explained.
"Great." Mikie was relieved.
"I would stay off the ankle for a couple of days, then you can
start putting weight on it again. Take it easy though. Do you
need any pain killers?"
"No thank you."
"Any problems, just come back and see us."
"Thank you."
She was given some crutches and Ben took her home. It
took seven weeks before she felt the sprain was finally healed.

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Ben stayed close to her, nursing her back to health. He

bought her a different horse, one with a gentler temperament.
She was understandably nervous and it took Ben weeks to coax
her in to riding again.
She noticed that her back was more painful and decided to
get it checked. The news was not a surprise to her.
"Well. You're not getting any younger, Michaela." Peter
Broomfield a Consultant Neurologist, told her. "You should
really start taking things a bit easier. You realise that a relatively
minor fall, could leave you paralysed?"
"I know. I'm just not ready for a zimmer frame yet."
"Yes well. Just try to take it a bit easier, will you? If you
must ride a horse, no jumping fences. I would also recommend
that you use your wheelchair if you're going to be walking any
distance."
"I'll try."
"I'll make sure she does!" Ben said.
She realised that she did need to slow down with some
things. She decided to spend less time at the office.

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Chapter 35
By June Mikie decided that she needed to organise
something special for Ben's birthday. She discussed the party
with Tom and Angie.
"Have you decided what gift to get him yet?" Angie asked.
"I've got a couple of ideas." Mikie replied, thoughtfully. "He
was looking at a car parked across from the office the other day.
I sent one of the office staff to get the make and model of it. I
also know he's not fully happy with General, so I might decide to
buy him a new horse."
"He was pretty cut up when Sultan had to be put down. A
new horse sounds good." Tom said.
"He'll probably end up with both, because it's gonna be
difficult to decide."
"So why don't you buy the car and we'll buy the horse." Tom
smiled. "I happen to know of a descendent of Sultan that's up for
sale!"
"Okay, that suits me. Now. What about a theme for this
party."
"Have a rodeo." Angie suggested.
"And have Country and Western music blasting across the
estate? I don't think so." Tom said, horrified.
"I think it's a great idea, Angie! Thanks." Mikie grinned.
"I was thinking of something more sedate! Like a big band
theme, or something." Tom said.
"Sedate? This is your dad we're talking about!" Angie
laughed. "His body may be sixty eight, but his mind is about
twenty!"
Tom looked at his wife, shrugged and sighed. "You're right
as usual! I guess we could have a barbecue."
So it was settled. Mikie asked Angie to design some
invitations on the computer and gave a list of who to invite. She

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told the rest of the family and staff and swore them all to secrecy.
As it turned out, Ben received a telephone call from the San
Francisco office regarding a crisis and headed off to find out what
was happening.
"It was a bit of luck dad going to the States." Tom said.
"How did you manage that?"
"I didn't. I don't know what's going on. Ali seems to think
someone is trying a hostile takeover of Jordan Security. Your
dad thinks it's nothing more than someone trying to dig dirt!"
Mikie smiled at her son. "Anyway, it keeps him out of the way for
a few days."
"You know Brett has bought him a bike, don't you?"
She blew out her breath and nodded. "I'm not happy about
it, but what can I do?"
"Brett reckons it's to save dad from borrowing his all the
time." Tom looked at his mother. "Have you seen it yet?"
"No. I'm not sure I want to."
"Come on, I'll show you."
They walked across the stable yard to the food store. There
was a silver Harley Davidson motorcycle stood in the centre of
the store.
"Why did I know it would be silver?"
"Does the colour make a difference?"
"Jeff's Harley was silver. It was also pretty much the same
as this."
"That's Brett for you. Ever sensitive to save your feelings."
Tom said, flatly.
Mikie sighed. "It's okay, Tom. I know your dad thunders
round the estate on Brett's bike. I guess after all these years, I
should be used to it."
"Are Brett and Ali anything like Jeff?"
"Ali has his temper and Brett has his looks." Mikie smiled at
the memory of her first husband. "He would have been really

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proud of both of them."

"Do you ever think of how things might have turned out?"
"If's, but's and maybe's never got anyone anywhere, Tom. If
I went down that road I'd start regretting things."
They were walking back across the stable yard towards the
house.
"Like what?"
"Like marrying Jack Stanmore. That was a big mistake. I
should have listened to my instincts and married your dad
instead."
Tom smiled. "Then it would have been really crowed in this
family!"
"Probably. If there's one thing your dad is good at, it's
making babies!"
"Yep, I'm testament to that!"
"Arrogant ones!"
They were both laughing when they walked through the
kitchen door. It was almost dinner time, so the two headed to
the breakfast room.
On the way Mikie answered the ringing telephone. "Mikie
Jordan."
"Hey you? It's so good to hear your voice!" Ben sounded
relieved.
"Hi. How're things looking?"
"Fine. Keep some dinner for me, I'll be there in about an
hour."
"You're home? How come?"
"Mikie sweetheart, It'll be better if I explain when I get
there."
"Okay. Is everything all right?" She could not hide the
concern in her voice.
"It's fine, darlin'. I'll see you soon."
She walked slowly into the breakfast room.

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"Who was on the phone?" Tom asked, concerned at the

worried look on his mother's face.
Mikie appeared not to hear him.
"Mum?"
She looked at her son. "Oh sorry, darling. Did you say
something?"
"I asked who was on the phone."
"Your dad."
"So why the worried look?"
"Not sure. The way he spoke I guess." She sighed. "It
sounds like there's trouble."
"I'm sure you'll be able to sort things out. When you two
work together, you could sort out the problems of the Third
World." Tom smiled.
After dinner, Mikie sat in the library. It was almost an
hour since Ben had telephoned. She heard the big front door
closing and walked out into the hall.
Ben beamed a smile at her. "I missed you." He put down
his cases.
Mikie was looking past her husband to the young man
who was standing behind him. The colour had drained from her
face and her head was spinning with questions.
"Mik, darlin', are you alright?" Ben asked, then followed
her gaze. "Ah! This is Michael Greyson."
"Hum?" Mikie said.
"Michael, this is my wife Michaela."
Michael took two steps toward Mikie. "Hi! I've really
been looking forward to meeting you." He held out his hand.
Mikie took a step back, looked quizzically at Ben then
turned and walked back into the library.
Ben blew out his breath. "Wait here, Michael. I knew this
wasn't gonna be easy." He followed Mikie.
She was staring out of the French windows. Ben put his

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arms round her shoulders.

"I thought it was Jack standing there." She said quietly.
"The likeness is uncanny, isn't it?"
"Who is he?"
"Jack's son."
"And he wants what, exactly?"
"He wants to know about his dad."
"Didn't his mother tell him?"
"Only the bad bits. I'm sorry, sweetheart, I should've
warned you."
"Why did you bring him here?"
"He wanted to meet you."
She spun round and looked at him. "Why?"
"He wants to know everything about Jack. Good, bad and
indifferent. I reckon you could tell him more than me."
"So you want me to tell him what a bastard his father was?
That he lied so often he couldn't tell the truth if his life depended
on it? That he hurt me and my children by telling lies? That my
son took the hurt to his grave with him?"
Ben folded his arms and leaned back against the arm of the
leather sofa. "No. I already told him all that. I thought you
might tell him what his dad was really like."
"Why, didn't his mother tell him all that?"
"She put him up for adoption when he was two years old.
He's been looking for her since he was nineteen. He found her in
a rehab centre in LA. She told him who his dad was. Then she
OD'd on coke. He just wants to know who he is, Mikie." Ben's
tone was gentle.
"So, Marriann is dead too?" She sighed. "What about his
adoptive parents?"
"His dad died six years ago. Heart attack. His mom last
year from cancer." He sighed. "You knew about Marriann?"
"The happy hooker? Of course I knew. I knew about most of

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Jack's indiscretions. It was because of Marriann I nearly died.

Jack upset her dealer."
Ben was speechless. He had always drawn the conclusion
that his partner managed to keep details of his affairs secret from
Mikie.
Mikie folded her arms and regarded her husband. "So,
what are you going to do?"
"About what?"
"Michael. There's no denying he's Jack's son."
"I don't follow you."
"He has more of a claim on Jordan Security than I do, Ben."
"He doesnt want anything. He just wants to know about his
dad."
"Whether he wants it or not. He's entitled to something."
She smiled at him. "I think I'll talk to him, while you two have
dinner." She took Ben's hand.
Mikie sat at the breakfast room table while Ben and
Michael ate. She talked about Jack, she told Michael what sort of
a man he was. How loving he could be and how volatile.
"I still think that part of Jack's problem was me. Maybe I
expected too much of him. I should never have married him."
"My mother said that he talked about you all the time.
That he regretted marrying you. He knew he was hurting you.
At one point he said that he was going to tell Ben to take care of
you. He was going to file for divorce and told mom that he would
take her to live in New York and she could go through rehab for
her addiction." Michael looked at Mikie. "Then you got
pregnant."
Mikie smiled at him.
"If you don't mind me asking a personal question. Didn't it
bother you, that you knew your husband was having an affair?"
The young man was apprehensive.
"Of course it bothered me. He knew I'd made a mistake

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marrying him and he twisted the knife. Considering we'd only

been married a few months. But I wasn't an angel either." Mikie
kept her eyes on Michael, she could feel Ben staring at her.
"Granted it was one night when I was drunk, but still I shouldn't
have shared another man's bed."
Michael said nothing.
"I found out twelve years later that the twins weren't
fathered by Jack. Had I known when they were born, things
would have been very different."
"So Tamara and Gregory aren't my sister and brother?"
"No. They're Ben's children."
The three of them sat in silence for a few minutes.
"Thank you both for being so honest with me." Michael said,
finally. "I expected to hear that my dad was some kind of
monster. I guess I can finally put some of my past to rest and get
on with my life."
"Do you work?" Mikie asked.
"Not at a job that I can make a career out of. I work in a
bar." The young man smiled nervously.
"Any qualifications?"
"Electronics and IT."
"Haven't you tried getting a job in electronics?"
"Yes ma'am. It's difficult. Most of my college buddies have
moved to other towns. I want to stay in San Francisco. I sent my
resume to every company in the city and got the standard 'keep
your details on file', reply."
"What about Jordan/McKeon?" Ben asked.
"Yes sir. I've sent my details every six months for the last
three years."
Ben smiled at Mikie. "Do you wanna tell him, or shall I?"
"You tell him." She replied.
Ben looked at a bewildered Michael. "I guess you own a big
chunk of Jordan Security."

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"How do you reckon that?" Michael asked, surprised.

"The original company, Jordan/Stanmore Security, was set
up by your father and I. When he died, we didn't know he had a
son."
Michael looked from Ben to Mikie. "I'm not a gold digger.
I didn't come here for money." He said quickly. "All I wanted
was to know about my father."
"We know that, Michael." Mikie said, gently. "But that
doesnt take away the fact that it's your inheritance."
"I don't want it. I'll sign papers stating that." He stood
up.
Mikie took hold of Michael's shoulders. "I know it's a lot
to take in, but it is a fact. You're more entitled to a share in
Jordan Security than me."
He looked deep into her eyes. "I need to think about
this."
"Of course you do. Take all the time you need."
"Thanks for dinner. I guess I should find a hotel."
"I wouldn't dream of you staying in a hotel. I'll have one of
the guest rooms made up for you." She smiled at him. "Anyway,
you must stay for the party tomorrow night."
"Party? What party?" Ben asked, in mock surprise.
"Your birthday party. The one you've know about for the
last three weeks!"
Ben grinned.

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Chapter 36
The party was a great success. Ben was thrilled with the
gifts his wife and children had bought him. He was also pleased
when Brett talked Mikie into singing for everyone.
Michael was accepted into the family. He was taken by
surprise by Ali who insisted he stopped thinking about joining
the business and accept that part of it was his. He had been
dragged around the dance floor by Tara, Liz, Kate and Ali, it was
now Mikie who was standing in front of him.
"Dance with me Michael?" She smiled.
"Sure, as long as the pace stays this slow! The girls sure
know how to jive!" He grinned.
As they danced Mikie smiled at him. "I'm guessing Ali was
trying to lay the law down."
"Yes ma'am. She told me I'd be a fool to refuse the
partnership."
"It really is up to you. Whatever you decide will be fine. She
can be a bit of a bully when she sets her mind to something."
"I think she's right. These last few days have been a bit of a
roller-coaster. But I can see what you told me is right. I guess if
you can find me a place somewhere, I'll be happy to accept."
"I'll turf David out of your dad's old office. That's a good
place to start. Then Ali can show you the ropes. I always think
it's best if you start at the bottom and work your way up. Then
you know what sort of problems the staff have, so you can see the
whole picture."
"You don't have to give me an office! I intend to be hands on
and work with the installation engineers. That's the job I've been
applying for all these years."
"You'll still need an office. Once you've got the hang of the
installations, you'll realise that it's more involved than that. We
place guards and have mobile squads, they all need looking after.

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If you get bored with that, then you can move over to the leisure
business. You also need to find somewhere to live."
The young man blew out his breath. "Three weeks ago, my
life was simple. I live in small rented apartment, work in a bar,
barely survive. Then Mom got sick again and I tried to help her,
but she didn't really want help. When she told me about Jack, I
went to Jordan Security to find Ben. Ali explained that he didn't
live in the US anymore. She got him to come over, the rest you
know. I just wanted to know about my dad. I never expected any
of this. Now I guess I'm a rich man."
"Very rich! I suppose I've always known about you, Michael.
I just ignored your existence. I'm sorry. Had I not done that,
your life would have been so different. At least now I can make it
up to you."
"You really don't have to make anything up to me. I'm
grateful for the fresh start. When my adoptive parents died, I
thought I had no one. Then I found Mom again, but that was
short lived. Finding out about my dad is great." He stopped and
looked at her. "You've all been so kind to me. It's like I've got a
family."
"You have. I'm happy that your part of my family, Michael.
If you ever need anything, Ben and I are at the end of the phone!"
"I don't know how to thank you."
"You don't need to."
There was a commotion at the bar.
Mikie looked
apologetically at Michael, then walked quickly across the floor.
"I really think you've had enough to drink Dad!" Brett was
saying to Ben.
"It's my birthday and I'll know when I've had enough!" Ben
was angry.
"There you are!" Mikie smiled. "I've saved you a dance."
She took hold of Ben's hand.
"Maybe later, darlin', I'm just gonna have another drink."

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"Dance with me first, then I'll get you a drink." She pleaded.
Ben looked at her and grinned. "Okay! But only 'cause it's
you!" He wrapped Mikie in his arms and spun her round. "This
is the best birthday I've ever had."
"Mmm! Tomorrow you're gonna have the sorest head!" she
smiled.
"I haven't had that much to drink!"
"You've been mixing them. So far you've had champagne,
whiskey, rum and vodka. I'm surprised you're still standing!"
"Have I? I guess I'll have to start on the lemonade then!
How's Michael?"
"He's fine. He's accepted the business."
"Great!"
The party went on until almost three in the morning. Mikie
was relieved when she finally fell into bed.
Ben was already asleep, but was grinning and muttering.
"You're gonna have such a hangover tomorrow." She
whispered, climbing into bed.
The following day was bright and sunny, Mikie was enjoying
the peace and quiet of the breakfast room, when Ben walked in
just before eleven am.
"Good morning." Mikie smiled.
"Is there any coffee?" Ben sounded tired.
"You'll need to call down to the kitchen, Betty only brought
tea." She
Ben poured a cup of tea and sat down.
Mikie looked at him. "I thought you wanted coffee?"
He shrugged. "Tea is fine."
"That bad, hu?"
"I'm guessing I was up past midnight, but I can't remember
anything past eleven."
"Uh-hu!"

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"What the hell was I drinking?"

"Anything you were given." She smiled. "You were pretty
bad."
"I feel bad." He looked at her. "I didn't do anything
embarrassing, did I?"
"That depends on what you term embarrassing." She
suddenly decided to have some fun with him.
"Oh god! What did I do?"
"Just forget it, everyone else will have."
He looked at her pleadingly.
"If you can't remember, then, trust me, no-one else will
remember."
"What did I do?"
"Seriously, Ben, everyone else was drunk too. They won't
remember either."
"Please tell me."
"If I do that, you'll forget what a good time you had." She
smiled. "Besides, it was your birthday."
He put his head in his hands. "It must have been bad."
"Nah! Trust me, no-one else will remember."
"Good morning!" Brett said, striding into the room. "And
how are we all today?"
Ben groaned.
Brett laughed at him. "My god! You look awful, Dad!"
"I think I'm getting too old for parties." Ben looked at his
son. "Your mom won't tell me what embarrassing thing I did last
night."
Brett shrugged. "Don't ask me, I had just as much to drink
as you. I don't remember."
"See. I told you everyone else will have forgotten." Mikie
smiled.
"Come on Dad! Lets go saddle the horses and go for a ride.
The air will do us both good!" Brett winked at his mother.

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As much as he pleaded and cajoled her over the next few

days, Ben could not get Mikie to let him into the secret. She was
sitting in her office the following Thursday, when she looked up
to see him watching her, through the glass wall. She smiled at
him, waved, then watched as he walked across his office and into
her own.
"Michaela darlin', this has gone on for days. Tell me what I
did, please!"
She chewed her lower lip for a few seconds then started to
laugh.
He crossed his arms, put his head on one side and looked at
her. "It's not funny!"
"You're right, it's not funny. It's hilarious! I didn't think I
could keep you in suspense for this long!" she said. "You didn't
do anything!"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Exactly what I said. You didn't do anything. The funny
thing is, you can't remember!"
He closed his eyes for a couple of seconds, then walked from
the room.
She wanted to follow, but was interrupted by her phone
ringing. During her conversation, she watched him sit back
behind his desk. When she had finished, she went into his office
and sat on his desk.
"Sorry. I couldn't resist and you made it so easy!" she gave
him a dazzling smile.
"You can take me out to dinner to make up."
"Sure. Where would you like to go?"
"Anywhere. I don't mind. Surprise me."

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Chapter 37
Over the next two weeks, Mikie noticed a change in Ben's
behaviour. He became very secretive and would disappear in the
middle of the day without warning. He whistled and hummed to
himself and when she asked him what was going on, he would
only say that she would find out soon enough.
She was in the library at Millbank, when Tom walked in.
"Hi mum. Where's dad?" He kissed his mother's cheek.
"Gone out somewhere." She replied.
"Do you know when he'll be back?"
"No."
Tom looked at her and frowned. "You two haven't been
fighting, have you?"
"No. what gives you that idea?"
"The acid in your voice."
She sighed. "I'm sorry, darling. I don't know where he is.
Or when he'll be back."
"Is everything all right?"
"I don't know. He's acting very strange. He's got a grin on
his face all the time and he keeps disappearing in the middle of
the day." She looked at her son. "He hasn't said anything to you,
has he?"
"About what?"
"About what he's up to."
"No. I'm sure he'll tell you, mum. When he's ready to."
"I think he's having an affair."
Tom gasped. "Don't be silly, mum! He worships you!"
"So did Jack and it didn't stop him."
"It's hardly the same. I'm sure there'll be a logical
explanation."
"I hope you're right, Tom." She sighed. "You can't blame
me for thinking he's having an affair, with the way he's been

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acting."
"What happened to trust? He goes off all over the world on
business trips and you never doubt him then, do you?"
"No. But this is different."
"How?"
She looked at him. "It's not something I can put easily into
words. I just know something is not right."
"I think you're paranoid! This is Ben Jordan were talking
about. The Ben Jordan who love's you more than his own life.
The same Ben Jordan who paces the floor when you're ill or sits
by the phone when you're not here. I think you're being
ridiculous."
"We'll see. I wouldn't blame him really. I mean things are
not what they used to be."
"How?"
"We're not getting any younger and my back doesn't get any
better. We haven't been able to do a lot of the things we used to.
Like riding or going for walks. And there are other things that
have changed."
"I'm sure dad understands all that. What other things?"
"Your dad is a very physical man. I can't always be as
physical with him as I used to be."
"Mum, please!" Tom was horrified.
"I'm sorry darling, I didn't mean to embarrass you."
Ben was standing outside the library, listening to the latter
half of the conversation. He wanted to rush in and tell her what
he had been doing. But he did not want to spoil the surprise. He
would have the papers by noon.
"There you are!" Ben strode into the room as if he had
walked across the hall. "Hi Tom. How're Angie and the babies?"
"Hi dad! They're all fine. I'm going into the office this
afternoon. Is there anything you want me to do?"
"Not especially. Did you get that Cookstone deal?"

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"Yep! For five thousand a year more than I expected."

"You've got your mom's touch!" Ben laughed. He sat next to
Mikie and put his arm round her shoulder. "And how's my girl
this morning?"
"It's a long time since I've been a girl, Ben." Mikie said,
trying to keep her voice light.
Ben looked at her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I'm just a bit tired. I didn't sleep very well."
"Maybe you should go back to bed then."
"If I do that, I'll be awake all night again."
"Okay. How about a walk instead?"
"I don't feel up to walking."
"The fresh air will do you good."
"I'm fine at the minute, thanks. Coffee?"
"Yes please. Then we can go for a walk."
"No coffee for me mum. I'm gonna check on Angie before I
leave for the office." Tom said.
"Okay. I'll see you at dinner." Mikie smiled at her son.
Ben and Mikie went into the lounge for their coffee.
"I was hoping you'd come out to dinner tonight." Ben
smiled. "I've booked us a table at Renaldo's."
"Oh. Can I give you an answer later?"
"Sure." He looked at her suspiciously. "What is wrong with
you?"
She looked at him, watching his face. "Are you having an
affair?"
"Good god! What makes you think that?"
"Well. What am I supposed to think? You've been acting
pretty strange lately."
"I realise that, but I'm not having an affair."
"I wouldn't blame you, if you were."
"Where the hell is all this coming from?"
"You've got a smile on your face all the time. You disappear

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in the middle of the day, just like" she left the sentence
unsaid.
Hurt flashed across his eyes. "Just like what? Or should I
say who?"
"Like Jack used to."
"That hurts." He said quietly. "You comparing me with
him." He ran his hand through his hair. "Darlin' let me get one
thing straight. I don't need to have an affair. You're more
woman than any man could need."
"I used to be. I can't be now, can I?"
He took a deep breath. "So that's what all this is about? It's
about you feeling sorry for yourself."
"I don't."
"Oh yes you do! You think just 'cause we don't make love
every day anymore, I'll look elsewhere. Get rid of the thought,
Mikie. I love you and I certainly don't want to look elsewhere.
I've got everything I need and want right here."
Mikie was interrupted by Andrew.
"There's a package for you, Ben." The assistant butler said.
"Thanks Andrew." Ben took the package from him and gave
it to Mikie. "Open it, then tell me I'm having an affair."
"Ben I."
"Open it. It's the answer to what I've been doing for the last
two weeks."
Mikie opened the package to find legal papers and a letter.
She read in silence, looking at Ben occasionally.
"Oh Ben, I'm so sorry. Forgive me."
"There's nothing to forgive."
"You bought our island."
"Yep! Happy anniversary darlin'." He grinned.
She burst into tears and sobbed "I'm so sorry, Ben. I didn't
mean to doubt you."
Wrapping her in his arms he held her tightly. "Hey! It's

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okay. Don't cry. Everything's just fine."

"Everything is not fine. I doubted you. I thought you were
having an affair."
He shrugged and grinned. "It's an easy mistake to make. I
haven't been very forthcoming with what I've been doing."
"So when are we going?"
"Where?"
"You just bought an island. I think we should go try it out."
He shook his head and laughed. "We've been trying it out
every year since we got married!"
They spent three weeks in August on their island and
returned to England happy and relaxed.

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Chapter 38
Over the next year, they settled back into their life, making
changes when Mikie found she could no longer do the things she
used to.
Tom organised a lavish party to celebrate their twenty fifth
wedding anniversary at the end of June. The family were joined
by friends from Royalty, the Gentry, Politicians and employees
from across the world. Everyone had a wonderful time and
Mikie and Ben felt very blessed.
Ben took her to their island for a week so they could
celebrate alone. When they returned, Mikie decided that she
needed to take some time away from the office. Ben cut his work
to two days a week.
By the end of August Mikie started to worry about Ben. He
looked tired and she noticed that he was drinking more whiskey
than he usually did.
"Maybe you need to think about retiring, darling." She said
after dinner one evening.
"Retire, me? Nah! Like the saying goes, I'll die with my
boots on."
"But you don't need to work. You could stay home and keep
me company."
He looked at her suspiciously. "You think I'm neglecting
you?"
"I don't. I think you look tired."
"I'm seventy. I guess I just look my age."
"Maybe, but don't ask me not to worry about you."
"I wouldn't dream of it!"
"Perhaps you need to go get a check up."
"If that'll make you feel better, I will."
She still worried about him. She tried to put the thoughts to
the back of her mind. In mid September she decided to go to the

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office and take him to lunch. When she walked into the building
she could sense the heavy atmosphere.
"Hello Jill. How's things?" she asked the receptionist.
"Hello Mikie. What're you doing here?" Jill smiled.
"I came to take my husband to lunch."
"Oh." Jill shifted uneasily in her chair. "He's umm. Not
here."
"Oh. Where is he?"
"He already left for lunch."
"Oh. Right." Mikie was suspicious. "Where's he going?"
"I don't know."
"When did he leave?"
"About an hour ago."
"He left for lunch at eleven?"
"That's what time he usually goes for lunch."
"He usually has lunch at one o'clock."
Jill avoided eye contact with Mikie.
"What's going on Jill?"
"Nothing that I'm aware of."
Mikie looked at her puzzled, then walked passed the desk
and pressed the button to call the lift. On the third floor she
went into the main administration office.
"Hello! I wasn't expecting you today." Alison Bradley said.
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"You can start by telling me what the hell is going on."
Mikie was scanning the faces of the administration staff.
"What gives you the idea something is going on?"
"You all stopped talking as I came into the room. Where's
Ben?"
"He's gone for lunch."
"Really? Where?"
Alison sighed and swallowed. "I don't know." She lied.
"When will he be back?"

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"I don't know."

"Alison, I've known you for twenty odd years, you've never
needed to lie to me before now. Where's Jordan?"
Alison looked at her and searched her face. "I think he may
be at the Freeman Club."
"Why would he go to a club in the middle of the day?"
"I've no idea, but he should be back by two."
"Oh really? And when he comes back, what sort of frame of
mind will he be in?"
"I. I don't know what you mean." The office manager was
very uncomfortable.
Mikie glared at her. "Follow me!" she turned and walked
across the corridor to her office.
Alison followed her.
"Close the door, Alison and sit down." Mikie waited until
the other woman was seated. "Tell me what's going on, Alison,
please."
"He's been doing this a lot lately."
"Doing what?"
"Going out at eleven and coming back at two." Alison said,
quietly.
"And?"
"He's usually in a foul temper." She looked at Mikie. "And
often drunk."
"I see."
"I dont think you do. He shouts at everyone. He doesn't
turn up for meetings. The police brought him back yesterday."
"The police!?"
"It's not the first time. He usually sleeps it off."
Mikie took a deep breath. "How long has this been going
on?"
"About a month."
"Why didn't you tell me?"

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"Because he said he'd fire me if I did." Alison was obviously

worried. "He's already fired four of the sales team, two of the
admin staff and three engineers."
Mikie stared at her in disbelief. "Where's Tom?"
"Out with the installation crews. So is Keith."
"Jessica?"
"Covering the sales team."
"Get all of them back here as soon as you can. And rehire
the staff."
"Yes, Ms McKeon." Alison stood to leave.
"Ms McKeon? Where the hell did that come from?"
"We have to call Ben, Mr Jordan."
"Since when?"
"A few weeks ago."
"My god! What the hell has got into him?" Mikie said to
herself as Alison left.
At twelve forty five she sat in the boardroom with Tom, Jess
and Keith. They all looked very uncomfortable.
"Someone tell me what is going on." She said.
"We don't know, mum." Jess said.
"Your father starts acting very strange and you don't know
what's going on?"
"No."
"We've all tried talking to him, but he just tells us to keep
our noses out of things that don't concern us." Tom said,
miserably.
"And none of you thought to talk to me?"
"We didn't want to worry you."
Mikie closed her eyes and sighed. "I guess I'll just have to
wait until he gets back, so I can talk to him."
She was sitting in his office, staring out of the window along
the river, when she heard him shouting in the main office just
after three.

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He slammed the door closed as he stormed into his office.

She turned the chair, slowly. "Hello Ben. I came to take you
to lunch."
He stopped half way across the floor and stared at her, then
he looked at the nine whiskey bottles that were lined up on his
desk. He glared at her, turned and walked out.
She went to the door and looked down the corridor. "Where
are you going, Ben?"
He turned. "It's none of your business, Mikie. Leave me
alone!" then he stepped into the lift.
It was as if she was glued to the spot. She could not move.
She felt an arm around her shoulder.
"Come and have some tea, Mikie." Alison said, guiding her
into the main office.
"What's wrong with him? Where's he going?"
"I wish I knew."
Mikie accepted the cup of tea. She sat shaking while she
drank it in silence.
"Tom will be back soon. He can take you home." Alison
said, gently.
Mikie looked at her. "Oh Alison! What's wrong with him?
I've never seen him like this before." She burst into tears.
Alison hugged her. "I'm sure everything is fine, really
Mikie."
"No everything is not fine."
Tom arrived and took his mother home.
As they got to the car park Mikie noticed that Ben's car was
missing.
"Oh god! He's way over the limit to drive!"
"More than likely. But none of us can stop him mum. It's
like he's turned into a completely different person."
"But at home he's his normal self. Apart from the drinking."
"You noticed too, huh?"

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"Of course I noticed. He's my husband."

"For some reason he's pushed the self destruct button. I
can't get through to him."
"I'll talk to him Tom, I'll find out what's wrong."
Tom squeezed his mother's hand.
Mikie was expecting Ben to be at home, when they arrived,
but his car was not on the drive. She paced the floor, waited and
worried. She could not eat dinner, though Tom tried his best to
get her to have something. From eight thirty she sat in the
drawing room and watched the front door, willing him to come
through it. At ten twenty the telephone rang.
"Mrs Jordan? Gerry Grice at Mikie's. Ben turned up at here
about twenty minutes ago. He's making a scene."
Mikie sighed. "I'll come get him."
Mikie returned with Ben an hour and a half later and put
him to bed.
The next morning she was having coffee in the library when
Tom came in.
"Hi mum! Where's dad?"
"In bed sleeping off his hangover."
"When did he get back?"
"I went to Mikie's to collect him."
"How drunk was he?"
"Paralytic I think is the word." Ben said, coming into the
library.
Mikie looked at her husband and opened her mouth to
speak.
"Don't say anything, Mik. Not until I'm finished." He
looked deep into her eyes. "Tom, I need to speak to your mom,
please."
Tom nodded and left.
Ben knelt on the floor in front of Mikie and took hold of both
of her hands. "I'm sorry, Mikie, I've been acting like a prize jerk."

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He smiled. "I've been trying to get my head round something but

it's not working."
"Tell me what it is and maybe we can sort it out together."
She said as brightly as she could.
"You know about all the trouble we've been having with the
hotels and restaurants again?"
She nodded.
"I found out who's behind it."
"Uh-hu?"
"Carpadam Castle." He said quietly, avoiding her eyes.
She gripped his hands tightly. "How? Who?"
"Carpenter had a daughter and he obviously told her his
version of the truth. She's been using pretty subtle means to
undermine the company."
"How long has it been going on?"
"Since he died. I don't really think it ended, we just thought
it had." He sighed. "He's still doing it Mik. He's still controlling
us."
"No he isn't. I'll pour you some coffee and you can tell me
what you know."
Ben explained that he had received a phone call from Jason
Rowlands, the manager of the Priory Hotel near Durham. Profits
had plummeted quickly and he asked if Ben could go and check
out the books for him. When Ben arrived, Jason told him that he
thought there was a campaign to blacken the hotel name in the
area. A wedding and two conferences had been cancelled, which
did not appear abnormal. When the restaurant was almost
empty for several weeks, Jason started to be concerned. He
asked other hotel and restaurant managers if they were having
the same problems and one of them told him of a rumour in the
city that the Priory was in trouble with Health inspectors. He
also found out about Carpadam Castle.
Ben had returned to the office and employed a Private

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Investigator to find out as much information about Carpadam as

he could. The managing director was listed as Michelle
Carpenter. The Investigator also found that there were several
staff members in Jordan-McKeon who were spying for
Carpadam. The staff were employed in various areas across the
business, bar staff, hotel administrators, receptionists and
security staff.
"The worst thing was that one of the admin staff in head
office was involved. She had access to everything." Ben
concluded.
"Who?" Mikie was shocked at the last revelation.
"Diane Thompson.
She was employed on my
recommendation."
"Don't start blaming yourself, Ben." She touched his face.
"What's happening now?"
"I was speaking to Richard Black. He said not to fire Diane
for the time being, but to put a trace on everything that she does.
Jess has brought in a change to the bonus scheme and Alison has
introduced some new 'audit trails' in the office. Other than that,
nothing."
"What did Richard recommend?"
Richard Black was a barrister specialising in business law.
He had been the legal advisor for Jordan-McKeon for more than
twenty years and was a colleague of Brett.
"That we sit tight until we get evidence. Then we can call in
the police."
"How much evidence is there at the moment?"
"Not enough. I've got tabs on all the other staff too."
Mikie sighed. "Why didnt you tell me when you found out?"
"Because I thought it was a joke!"
"When you found out it wasn't, you should have told me."
"I know. I'm sorry, darlin', I didn't know how to handle it.
Suddenly I felt as if I was back to where we were two years ago."

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"Yeah well. It's different this time." She said, thoughtfully.

Ben looked at her. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that we could do with expanding our
investments."
"How?"
"By buying stock in Carpadam. There's nothing to stop us."
He pondered the thought for a few seconds. "If we use
Capital Investments, they can hide the purchaser." He grinned at
her. "You're so clever. I would never have thought of that."
"I'll get Tom on to it." She stood to leave.
"Ask him to come in here, sweetheart please. I need to
apologise."

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Chapter 39
When Bob Winton, the Private Investigator Ben had
employed, finished his investigation, he was called to a board
meeting. He explained to everyone that Diane Thompson was, in
fact, Michelle Carpenter.
Everyone was shocked at the
revelation. The other people who were spying on the company
were close friends of Carpenter.
Richard Black was also at the meeting, along with Detective
Inspector Brian Scott.
"I've examined all of the information." Richard explained.
"There's certainly enough evidence to prosecute Carpenter."
"On what grounds?" Ben asked.
"Industrial espionage." DI Scott said. "The strangest thing
I've come across so far, is that Carpadam Castle seems to have
lost a lot of money on the stock market in recent weeks. From
speaking to a colleague in the Met, it seems that no one will
touch Carpadam shares with a barge pole! Strange."
"I spoke to our investment company, last week. I believe
they unwittingly purchased some Carpadam shares. I told them
to sell." Mikie said.
"I see." Scott said. "Did you profit from the sale?"
"Nope. The shares sold for a quarter of the purchase price."
"Is Carpenter or Thompson, should I say, here?"
"Yes. I'll ring through to the office and ask her to come in."
"I think it would be better to ask Alison Bradley to come in
first, Mikie." Richard said, quickly.
Alison came into the board room and clarified the situation
for Richard and DI Scott. They were certain the evidence they
had was enough for a conviction.
Just so Carpenter would not get suspicious, other members
of the admin team were asked to go to the board meeting. When
it was Carpenter's turn, she did not suspect anything unusual.

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"Ah Diane! Come and have a seat." Mikie smiled. "I'm not
sure who you know, so I'll do some introductions." She went
round the table and introduced everyone by name, but did not
give their job title. "You've been here, how long now? Six
months? How are you settling in?"
"Oh fine, Miss McKeon. Everyone is very friendly." Diane
replied.
"And you're not having any trouble with the work load? It
can get very busy."
"It's nothing I'm not used to."
"And the computer system? I know you have a good
knowledge of IT systems, any problems there?"
"No. Its a good system. Simple and easy to use."
"You do a lot more work using e-mail than your predecessor,
is there a reason for that?"
Diane looked suddenly suspicious. "Only that it's quicker."
"Of course you know that every e-mail sent is copied to the
mainframe server?"
The colour drained from Thompson's face.
Mikie looked at Brian Scott.
"You seem to have gone pale, are you feeling all right?"
Scott asked.
Thompson coughed. "No I'm fine."
"You weren't aware of the back ups used?"
"No. Some of the e-mails were personal."
"Yes. I'm afraid I've read them. In fact I have one here.
'Sam, this is so easy. Everyone here is so trusting and
gullible! I could stay here for ever and no one will ever suspect
who I am. What my father ever saw in Mikie McKeon, I'll never
figure out. She's an idiot'.
Shall I go on, Miss Thompson. Or can I call you Miss
Carpenter?"
Carpenter jumped up.

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"Well your real name is Michelle Carpenter, isn't it?"

Richard said.
She sat back down.
"I'm obviously not as big an idiot as you think, am I?" Mikie
glared. "Brian, get her out of here, she makes my skin crawl as
much as her father did."
Brian Scott arrested Carpenter for Industrial Espionage and
fraud and took her away.
Mikie and Ben were told that Carpenter's reasons were that
her father's business and reputation had been destroyed and that
she blamed them both for what had happened. All the other
people involved were also arrested and charged.
"Do you think, this time, we're rid of the Carpenters?" Ben
asked.
"Oh Ben, I hope so." Mikie was sitting on his desk. She
touched his face.
It took months before Ben trusted anyone, other than family
and long term employees, again. He was still wary of anyone he
had not had several conversations with. He kept his feelings very
close to his chest, Mikie being the only one he would really let
close. Even the children felt their father had changed and
seemed to be reluctant to express his feelings.
Tom found this harder to cope with than the others. He still
felt he was some way to blame for his father being involved with
the Carpenters.
"It's like, all of a sudden, he hates me, Angie." Tom was
pacing the bedroom floor.
"Don't be stupid, Tom. He loves you. He told me the other
day you're not to blame for any of it. He said you're just like him.
You trust people too easily. Let people close before knowing
them well enough."
"I used to be like that. I'm not any more. Now I like to read

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a couple of pages before I judge the book, so to speak."

Angie sighed. "You really need to talk to him, darling. Only
he can answer your questions."
"I don't think he will. I think he'll shut me out." He sat on
the end of the bed and put his head in his hands. "He's my dad.
I love him, but he's so distant lately. We've always been close. I
just don't know how to deal with this, princess."
"Oh Tom. You have to tell dad this. I'll come with you, if it
helps." Angie put her arms round his shoulders.
"Maybe you're right. I guess I have to try." He kissed the
back of her hand. "I want us to go and live in New York."
Angie was shocked. "Why in gods name would we go and
live in New York?"
"Because then dad can't blame me for everything that goes
wrong."
"He doesn't!"
"He does!"
"Now you are being stupid!"
"I'm being truthful! If you don't want to come, stay here, but
I'm going to live in New York. I can work from there just as
easily as I can from here!"
"You're serious about this aren't you?"
"I've never been more so!"
"God you're something else!" She screamed at him. "You
never deal with anything, do you? You just run away from it."
"No I don't."
"You do!"
Tom got up and headed for the door.
"See what I mean? We don't even have rows. You just take
yourself off somewhere and sulk if I say something you don't
like!"
He turned and looked at her. "No I don't."
"You do! You never confront anything. I tell you I don't like

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something and you shrug and walk away. You don't change
anything. You don't even attempt to!"
"There's nothing to change. I'm certainly not going to
change my mind. Either come with me or stay here. Whichever
way, you know where I'll be!" He walked from the room, closing
the door behind him.
Angie stared after him for a few minutes. She got up and
pulled on jeans and a sweater. She looked quickly round the
house, but Tom was nowhere.
She went out the front door and noticed his motor cycle was
gone and started to panic. She got into her car and drove in the
direction of Millbank Hall. She ran up the steps and flung the
door open.
"Mum! Dad!" she was standing in the centre of the hall.
Ben appeared from the dining room. "Angie? What's
wrong, sweetheart?"
"Tom. I don't know where he's gone." She was sobbing
hard.
"He said you blame him for this thing with the
Carpenters."
"No I don't. What makes him think like that?"
"He said you're shutting him out. Not asking him about
things like you used to. He said he's going to live in New York."
"That's crazy."
"Try telling him that. We've just had a huge row. Now he's
stormed out and took his bike."
"Oh hell! Mikie, I've gotta go after him. Call the police and
get them to stop him." He was half way up the stairs.
Mikie wrapped her arms round Angie and looked up at Ben.
"Just be careful. Don't speed."
It seemed only a few seconds and he was leaping down the
stairs, three at a time, zipping his leather bike jacket. "I've got my
phone. I think I know where he's going."
Mikie took Angie into the dining room and looked at her

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guests. "Sorry everyone, family crisis! This is Tom's wife Angela.

I won't be a minute."
She returned after making a telephone call to the local
police, who assured her they would put a call out to stop Tom.
"If you need to be with your family Mikie, we can go and let
you have some space." Chris Duggan was a local businessman
and had been an associate of Mikie and Ben for a long time.
"I wouldn't hear of it Chris. Let's finish the meal. I'm sure
Ben will find Tom soon."
Mikie introduced her daughter-in-law to the other eleven
occupants of the room. She then persuaded Angie that she
needed to eat something. One of the maids brought another
place setting.
It was almost three hours before Ben arrived with Tom
behind him.
Angie flew into Tom's arms. "I've been worried. You could
have been killed, then where would I be?"
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't do that. You were right. I don't
confront things. I just let them bottle up and don't deal with
them until it's too late." Tom was holding her tightly. "Forgive
me, please?"
"Maybe."
He held her away from him. "What do you mean 'maybe'?
You always forgive me."
"Perhaps that's been my mistake. Perhaps I shouldn't
forgive you until you put things right."
"I have. Dad and I have talked." He said quickly. "We're
okay. Aren't we dad?"
Ben nodded.
"Good! The last place on earth I want to live is New York!"
"Not even if I tell you the apartment is in Manhattan?"
"No."
"Okay. Compromise. How about Edinburgh?"

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She looked at him surprised. "Why?"

"You could be near your family."
"I've just got the house the way I want it. I don't want to
move."
"Okay. We'll stay then."
"Mum, I think you need to call the police again. And plan a
funeral!"
Mikie laughed.
"Um. About the police. I have to go to the station in
Morpeth tomorrow."
"Why?"
"I got a speeding ticket."
She shook her head and pointed to the door. "Home, now!"
"What about diner?"
"You don't deserve any!"
He shrugged. "I guess we'll say goodnight then." He walked
towards the door.
Angie hugged Ben and Mikie and said goodnight to the
others.
After they had left Mikie and Ben rejoined their guests, who
were now in the lounge.
"Sorry about that everyone." Ben said. "I guess I've been a
bit sensitive over this Carpadam Castle thing."
"Well that's understandable, Ben." Helen Symmonds voiced
what everyone else was thinking. "I think you've all been
through a lot more than most of us could cope with!"
"Thanks Helen, I celebrated when Adam died. I guess that
was too soon."
"Did you know he had a daughter?" Alex Marchant asked.
"Nope. Although I have had someone search to see if there
are any more Carpenters in the closet."
"And?" Colin Gibson asked.
"None, thank god! I think if there were any, I'd end up

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either in prison or in my grave."

"Good heavens, why prison?" Rachael Marchant asked.
"Because I'd do time for murder." Ben smirked
Everyone laughed except Mikie. "Lets change the subject,
otherwise were going to spoil a really nice evening."

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Chapter 40
It still took several weeks for Ben to return to his usual self.
He determined to look to the future with optimism. He decided
he and Mikie should tour the whole of the Jordan/McKeon
empire.
"You realise how long this is going to take, don't you?"
Mikie asked, as she zipped the final suitcase.
"By my estimation ten weeks." Ben said.
"Ten weeks away from home. I'm not sure I like the idea."
"What happened to your sense of adventure?"
"I left it somewhere about ten years ago."
"Then get it back. I'm looking forward to this. Ten weeks in
thirty different hotel rooms."
"Then go on your own."
"But then it won't be half as much fun."
"What's so attractive about hotel rooms?"
"Its the sort of place you take a harlot."
She laughed.
"Anyway, we need a break from routine and this is the ideal
solution."
"Maybe."
He sat on the bed and looked at her. "If you really don't
want to go, we can cancel."
"Don't you dare!" she said, sharply.
"Dare what?"
"Change plans because I'm not as enthusiastic as you."
"I wouldn't mind."
"Yes you would. You want to go and I'm happy to go with
you."
"You don't sound happy."
"I'm happy to do something that you want for a change."
"You're in a strange mood."

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"I'm just thinking that I'm going to miss everyone."

"So am I. But we'll be together." He smiled at her. "I want
to do this for some sort of closure. To put the past behind us and
move on. I also want to be able to spend some real quality time
with you, away from everyone. I nearly ruined everything and I
want to make it up to you."
She hugged him. "There's nothing to make up. None of it
was your fault. In hindsight I think the whole Carpadam thing
was good. It's shown us that we need to communicate more and
not keep things to ourselves to save worry or hurt."
"If it gets too much, we can come home early."
"We'll see."
They went off on their trip and had a great time. It was the
first time Mikie had visited some of the offices.
When they arrived back at Millbank, Tom met them.
"How is everyone?" He asked anxiously.
"They're all fine, Tom darling." Mikie said. "How've things
been here?"
"Good. They've been good."
Something in his tone alerted Ben.
"Good, hu?" He asked his son.
"You can tell us over a decent cup of tea." Mikie smiled.
Tom explained. "Uncle Paul has been acting a bit strange."
James appeared. "There's a call for you Mikie." He handed
her the phone.
"Hello?" "We got here about half an hour ago." "And you
need to ask that?" "I'm not going to answer you, because you
already know." "Dinner will be at seven." "Love you. Bye!" she
closed her eyes and shook her head.
"Who?" Ben asked.
"Paul."
"Let me guess. Asking permission to come for dinner?"
She nodded.

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Tom went off to see how Angie was doing. Mikie and Ben
went to freshen up before dinner. Paul arrived at six thirty.
"Don't say it, Ben. I know I don't need to ask. But you could
have had guests." Paul said as Ben shook his hand.
"Mikie won't say it either. Drink? She'll be down in a few
minutes." He offered Paul a glass of wine.
"Before she gets here, I need some help."
"Sure."
"I've got an inoperable brain tumour. How do I tell her?"
Ignoring his shock Ben looked at him. "Want me to?"
Paul nodded.
Ben smiled at him and left.
Five minutes later Mikie ran into the room and hugged her
brother. She said nothing for a few minutes.
"How long?" she asked.
"A year. Maybe longer." Paul said quietly.
"Do the kids know?"
"Yes."
"Hen and Dave?"
"Yep."
"Treatment?"
"I'm considering it."
"Then stop considering and just have it."
"I've had to give up work. The treatment will mean I need to
employ a nurse to look after me."
"No. You come home and I'll look after you."
"I can't. I knew you would say that, but I can't let you."
"Give me one good reason why not."
"You're my sister. You have your family to think about. It'll
get ugly. We'll fight. You have no medical training. You'll end
up hating me. I'll end up hating you. I can afford to get a nurse."
"And the one good reason?"
He looked at her.

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"You know she's right." Ben said.

"Henry and Dave said you would do this." Paul said.
"You knew I would. I promised Jan I'd look after you."
"Yeah, but there's a limit."
"No there isn't. you're my brother."
Paul endured six weeks of daily radiotherapy. He was tired
and tetchy. Mikie and Ben did their best to keep his spirits high,
mostly by ignoring his mood swings. They took turns in taking
him to the hospital. When he was so weak he couldn't walk, Ben
made him use a wheelchair. His doctor was pleased with his
progress. The tumour had shrunk to half the size. There were
regular visits from the rest of the family. Philip and Simon were
so grateful that Mikie and Ben were looking after their father.
After four months, Paul seemed to be getting better. He was
having breakfast one Sunday morning at the end of October.
"Good morning. How're you feeling?" Mikie asked brightly.
"Okay. I've got loads of energy. I think I might go riding."
He replied.
"That sounds like a good idea. Mind if I tag along?" Ben
asked.
"Not at all. I'll race you to Westfield and back."
"Westfield? Are you sure?" Mikie was concerned.
"Positive."
The two men set off. They estimated they would be back in
three hours. Their horses had been saddled, so they left the
stable yard just after ten.
Mikie sat and read the papers, enjoying the peace and quiet.
Ben and Paul thundered across fields on the powerful
stallions. Ben making sure Paul was in front of him. They had
been riding for about twenty minutes, when Paul suddenly
stopped. Ben pulled his horse to a stop next to him.
"Okay?" Ben asked.
Paul shook his head. He was gasping for breath. Ben got

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down and then helped Paul from the horse. He tied the horses to
a nearby fence.
"Here, have some water." Ben handed Paul the bottle.
"I'll be okay once I catch my breath."
"Take your time."
Ben sat next to Paul and waited. His breathing did not get
any easier. After ten minutes, Ben was more worried. He took
his mobile phone and called Tom, asking him to come and get
them.
"Sorry Ben. I thought I could do this."
"Don't apologise. It's fine."
"I've never told you how grateful I am that you've looked
after Mikie all these years. after Jack, I thought she would give
up on life. You gave her the sparkle again. I know it hasn't been
easy for you both, but you always seem to manage things. I
couldn't have got through a third of the things you two have."
"Thanks Paul. I'm just glad that no-one has had to go
through the things we have. When I came to find Mikie, all those
years ago, I didnt reckon on her brothers'. It took her, maybe,
three months to convince me that you had all accepted me. Over
the years I've realised I can rely on all of you if I need to. My
family is not just Mikie and the kids. It's all of you. You, Henry,
Dave and your families too. When I was growing up, I didn't
have the closeness that you all have. My parents were devastated
when my brother died. I guess the only option I had was to fight
my way to where I wanted to be. I've made mistakes, I still do.
But having a strong family helps to keep me grounded and
reminds me of who I am. I love you all."
"I know all that. I need to ask you to look after Mikie for
me."
"You don't need to ask. Havent I always?"
"Yeah, but she's going to need you in the next few days."
Ben hugged him. "I know."

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"You're very perceptive, Ben. That's one of the things I like

about you. I want to ask you to look after Philip and Simon.
They both told Hen they want Tom to succeed him. They're
going to fall to bits. It was bad when Jan died. Phil doesn't
handle this sort of stuff well. Simon paces."
"You're asking things you don't need to. Just rest for a few
minutes."
Ben could see Tom coming across the field. They helped
Paul to the car. Tom went to get the horses, while Ben took Paul
home. By the time he'd reached the house, Paul was very drowsy.
Ben carried him from the car, he had lost so much weight it was
an easy task.
Mikie followed them up the stairs. "What happened?"
"I called for a doctor. He should be here soon." Ben said.
They settled Paul on his bed and put an oxygen mask on
him.
"Sorry Mikie." Paul whispered.
"Shush."
"Really. I am. I shouldn't have gone out. I've been feeling
worse over the last couple of days. I know this is it."
"Shush! Don't talk. Conserve your energy." She touched
his face. "Phil and Simon will be here shortly."
The doctor arrived and wanted to give Paul drugs that would
sedate him.
"Not until I've seen my sons." Paul insisted.
Once he'd seen his sons and daughters-in-law, he was happy
to accept the sedation.
"what do we do now?" Simon asked the doctor.
"Wait."
"How long?"
"That I can't tell you."
Paul had slipped into a coma. Mikie sat with him. The
others paced the floor. Dave, Jean, Henry and Stella arrived.

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They spent a few minutes with Paul. When Mikie returned to the
room, she looked at her brother. He opened his eyes and smiled
at her.
"Mum's here." He said quietly.
"I know. I'll get the boys." She went to the door and called
Simon and Philip into the room.
She appeared at the door a few minutes later. "Doctor
Harris, can you come in please?"
It only seemed like seconds before they all emerged from the
room.

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Chapter 41
Mikie hated funerals and her brother's was no different. She
was on auto-pilot for a week. Ben watched her, he knew what she
was doing. She was shutting it out. She was the perfect hostess.
She looked after everything, the arrangements, the wake, made
sure everyone was looked after.
Three days after the funeral it hit. Ben woke to find she'd
got up. He went looking for breakfast and found her sitting on
the bottom stair.
"Come on you." He said, gently. Picking her up he carried
her back upstairs and put her on the bed. He held her for two
hours while she cried. Then she fell asleep. He watched her until
she woke.
She opened her eyes and looked to where Ben sat in the
chair reading. "I was going for breakfast." She said quietly.
"You made it as far as the bottom of the stairs." He smiled.
"Sorry."
"Oh no you dont. Let it go."
"I think I'm fine now."
"Hum, maybe, we'll see! Hungry?"
She nodded.
"Lets see what we can find to eat."
"What time is it?"
"Ten forty five."
"Maybe it will be better to wait for lunch then."
"PM."
"Wow. I slept all day."
"Thirty eight hours."
"What!?" she was shocked.
"You obviously needed it."
"Have you had any sleep?"
"Yep. I thought you'd wake up sometime in the middle of

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the night. So I snuggled up next to you."

"You have been eating though?"
"Mikie stop. I'm fine. I've been sleeping, eating, drinking
coffee. I'm fine."
She sat up and swung her legs off the bed. Ben helped her
up and wrapped his arms round her.
"Come on, let's find you some food." He said, quietly.
Ben found some steak and set about cooking. They stayed
in the kitchen to eat their meal.
"I know it's late, but I need some air." Mikie said.
"I'll get coats and we'll go for a walk."
Strolling hand in hand down the path that ran, along the
edge of the lawn, to the rose garden, Mikie was lost in thought.
Ben put his arm round her shoulder. "I know." He
whispered.
"What?"
"That you miss him. So do I. I guess Paul is the one I've
been closest to."
"He's the one most like mum."
As they strolled it started to snow, so they turned back to the
house. Ben made some cocoa and they sat, curled up together in
the sitting room of their rooms, watching the flames dance in the
fire.
"Thanks Ben."
"I don't need thanks. It's what I'm supposed to do." He
kissed her head. "The only thing I ask is that you don't shut me
out. Talk to me."
She looked up into his face. "I've got nothing to say. I won't
shut you out."
Christmas was more subdued than usual. Everyone kept
glancing at the empty chair. Even the traditional New Year party
ended earlier, everyone drifting away before one.
Life moved on. As difficult as Mikie and Ben found the days,

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they took strength from each other. They talked a lot about how
they felt and shared memories of when they were children. Mikie
felt closer to Ben than she had ever been.
"This is so hard. I keep expecting him to walk through the
door at any minute." She said, sadly.
"I know. I guess it's going to be just as hard with Dave and
Hen." He wrapped her in his arms and held her gently.
"Hmm. You never know, it may be me next."
"Don't say that. You know I'll never survive with out you."
"No-one knows for sure, do they?"
"Yeah well, I think what we need to do is live everyday as if
it's the last!"
"Really? And how do you suppose we do that?"
"Oh I don't know. I guess we can make it up as we go."
She looked up into his face. "So carry on as usual?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
She laughed at him.
"Whatever happens, just remember a few things." He kissed
the top of her head. "I love you more than my life. You've given
me more than I could ever ask for and I'm happier than anyone
deserves to be."
"Mmm. Me too. Looking back over all the things we've been
through, I'm so grateful that I've had you to share my life. I
stopped thinking about ifs, buts and maybe's and just accept
things. You taught me that. You've also taught me to believe that
I can face life and survive it. When I was a little girl, I used to
pray for a prince to come along and sweep me off my feet. It took
a few attempts but I'm so happy we found each other. I think I
would have ended up a lonely old woman if we hadn't."
"I guess I would have ended up a bitter old man. I certainly
wouldn't have had half as much fun as I have."
"Fun? Is that what you call it?"
"Yeah. It has been. Let's face it, our life is never dull, is it?"

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"Nope."
"Sorry, Gran, Granddad. Can I interrupt you?" Jenny came
into the room.
"Hello, Jen sweetheart. What are you doing here?" Ben was
surprised to see his granddaughter.
"I've got some news."
"Do we need to sit down?" Mikie asked.
"Maybe it'll be best."
They sat on the sofa and waited.
"I'm getting married." Jenny grinned.
"That's great!" Ben was genuinely pleased.
"So when do we get to meet him?" Mikie asked, excitedly.
Jenny motioned to the door.
"Hello Ben, Mikie." Michael Stanmore appeared in front of
them and took Jenny by the hand.
"Well. This is good news!" Mikie said. "You should finally
believe you deserve a share in the business!"
"Yes ma'am. I do."
"Not quite history repeating, but as good as." Ben said.
"Sir?" Michael was confused.
"A Jordan-Stanmore partnership." Jenny smiled. "That's
where most of it started."
They all laughed.

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