The Next Chapter (Sequel to A New Story)

16 ~Maria & Daniel~

Daniel escorted Maria from their car up the pathway to the large countryside home they would be renting. Alex, who had met them at the airport, stayed close by her mother's side. Anna and Ella followed close behind with Helen.

"Here we are now, finally made it. That was quite a bit of travel. What would you like to do first? Have a bite to eat, take a full tour of the house—"

"Rest. I think I just need to rest," she said with a sigh. "Would it be terrible if I asked to be shown to my room right off and see everything else later?"

"Of course not, love. I told you in the car—we'll take things at whatever speed you need to. I'll show you straight to your room once we say hello to Katie and JP—"

At just that moment, the front door opened and Katie and JP stood waiting for them with smiles on their faces.

"Welcome to the Blakestone & Statten Estate!" Katie said cheerfully.

Maria gave her a weary but sincere smile, leaning in to give her a hug. "You are a sight for sore eyes, Katie. I can't thank you and JP enough for coming ahead of us and preparing everything. I've missed you so much."

"Maria has asked to be shown straight to her room for now, Katie," Daniel added. "We'll give her the full tour later."

"Daniel, the head of the security team would like to introduce the team to you," JP said as he stepped forward. "They're here in the foyer waiting for your arrival.."

Daniel nodded and stroked Maria's back, looking into her eyes as he spoke, "Love, this will just take a moment. I think it's important for you to meet the team so you can recognize their faces later." She took a deep breath and nodded, so Daniel nodded to JP who stepped aside, as did Katie, allowing them to enter their new home.

When they entered, they found a group of six men and women standing off to the side. There was no doubt they were security personnel, as they each wore matching clothing—tan pants, black, collared shirts, and each had an earpiece.

JP made the introductions. "Mr. Feston, may I introduce Daniel Statten and Maria Blakestone, and their children, Ella Statten, Alex and Anna Blakestone. This is Daniel's mother, Helen."

"Mr. Statten, Mrs. Blakestone, Mrs. Statten, Miss Statten, and both Miss Blakestone's, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Eugene Feston, owner of Feston Security. I retired from the Royal Regiment of Scotland after many years of service and started my own security firm. Each of my employees goes through rigorous background checks and training. All come from some form of military or police background. They are all prepared to guard and protect your home and you. We've already completed a thorough check of your home and the grounds shortly before your arrival and found them to be secure. You'll each be given a panic button. If at any time you feel that you are not safe, push the button and it will alert our team. The nearest team member will arrive at your location within minutes. If at any time you plan on leaving the house, please notify the nearest security team member and we'll adjust our formation on the grounds so that someone can go with you."

Maria looked down, unable to help her embarrassment in that moment. "I... I really don't know if all this is necessary, I just..."

"Mrs. Blakestone, ma'am—" Feston's hard demeanor seemed to soften a bit. "I know this is all very overwhelming. We will be as invisible or as visible as you prefer. Our goal is to help you feel safe, not to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. We serve at your pleasure ma'am. You can tell us to bugger off at any time you please."

Maria smiled at the man. "You are very good at what you do, Mr. Feston."

"You can just call me Feston, ma'am, most people do. And if I may be so bold as to say so, ma'am—you're very good at what you do, as well," he said with a wink. "I'm quite the admirer of your work. And also, ma'am—welcome home to England."