In A Time And Place

Chapter 21

               Richard stopped the car in front of a classy mansion in Manhattan. It wasn’t secluded at all, but it was privately owned. I smiled at the magnificence of it.

               “Richard?” I looked up at him as he opened the door to my side. “Where are we?”

               “We are at the American mansion owned by Thomas Hugh Stewarts.”

               I stood and looked up at the windows on the 3rd floor. “And who is that? Another business associate?” I looked to Richard. I couldn’t believe I was actually with him again! And he seemed pleased about it. He knew how to reassure me of any insecurity.

               He looked up and pointed to a window. “He’s in there. If you, fail to impress him, I don’t know what will become of our friendship.” He looked over to me with a blank face.

               I became terrified. “You’re father?!”

               Richard gave an amused stare then smiled. I was going to get back in the car when Richard grabbed my shoulders and looked at me. “Don’t tell me you’re going to run away.”

               “What if he doesn’t like me?!” I practically yelled at Richard.

               “We won’t know that until we go up to see him.” Richard stood straight and helped me towards the stairs. With his touch, all willpower against him was futile. I walked in with him.

               Why would Richard take me to see his father? Did he take Sarah here?

               “Oh! Mr. King? How are you?” A fat British maid came up to Richard and hugged him.

               “I’m fine. How’s Thomas?”

               Wait. It couldn’t be his father. He introduced the man in question as Thomas Hugh Stewarts. Richard’s last name was King.

               “He’s doing just fine. He was hoping you’d come by today.”

               “Yes. Well, I brought him some company.”

               The maid looked over to me. “Oh what a precious girl.”

               I blushed immediately. “Hello.” I smiled, walked over and shook her hand.

               “Oh what a precious girl!” She exclaimed. She pulled me down for a hug then took a look at me. “This is Alison? Oh Thomas will be so happy.”

               “I’ll just be going up there now.” Richard smiled to the maid and took my hand and started up the stairs in front of us.

               “Wait one minute.” I stood firm in the hall Richard had led me to.

               Richard turned to me. “Something wrong?” He asked kindly.

               “How did she know about me?”

               “Rather, obvious, isn’t it? I told her about you.”

               I just looked at Richard. “Why?”

               He let go of my hand and put both in his pockets. “Because, you’re worth talking about. But, if you don’t want to be here, just forget it. There are a million other things you could be doing.”