Christian's Yearning

CH32

~ Wisk me away ~

Investigators have requested copies of all surveillance videos and a preliminary decision has been made. The powers that be decided Luke made the right call, therefore, even though Luke was interviewed, he was not taken into custody.

Soon, there are paparazzi at the hospital and Escala. Some of them have been able to snap pictures of Mr. Grey and Ms. Steele as she was carried into the ambulance and the hospital. After Ana’s discharge James Smith, Christian’s VP of Public Relations, gives a press release as a diversion. During the press release Christian, Ana, and Grace leave the hospital and are able to avoid the circus.

Back at the apartment, Ana is surprised at all the people around. She recognizes Christian’s dad, Carrick, who is talking to a man in an expensive suit. Also, the lawyer that was in the apartment the other day, the Callaghan woman, is there as well. She is listening attentively to whatever Carrick is saying. Dr. Grey, Grace, walks toward her husband and interlaces her fingers with his. Carrick smiles but does not miss a beat.

Gail is busy in the kitchen and she loudly gasps at Ana’s appearance. Ana is self-conscious of her blood stained sparkling tank and jeans; even her belt is splatter with blood. Ana took a nap in the hospital but she was looking forward to a shower and a quiet evening but right at the moment she is self-conscious. She is standing in the middle of an expensive apartment with blood stained clothes among people that do not sport a wrinkle in theirs and exude confidence and elegance. Can we say awkward! Thank goodness for small miracles, at the very least her head is clear and the fuzziness is gone.

Christian is holding her tight in an embrace not letting her go, even as they approach the group. “Ana, this is my father, Carrick Grey.” He says as way of introductions.

“Mr. Grey.” Ana extends her hand but Carrick gives her a hug.

“Carrick, please.” He says.

After the hug, Cristian continues.  “… and this is my personal attorney Mr. Mark Perris.”

The older man with the expensive suit acknowledges her with a fatherly smile. “Hello there.” He says extending his hand with confidence and shaking hers. Ana tries but fails to smile back; the least she wants to do is entertain and be polite around company.

“… and Ms. Melinda Callaghan, trial lawyer.” Christian finally introduces the tall woman that commands the room.

"Ma'm" Ms. Melinda says. Ana shake hands with her as well and exchange pleasantries.

Finally once introductions are complete, Ana makes her exit. “Excuse me, I – I would like to change.” Her mind is running a mile a minute with images of elevators, blood, hospitals, and cameras. She cannot think of lawyers at the moment; she wants a hot shower, and a few minutes of solitude. “I will be back as soon as I clean up.” Ana then walks to the master bedroom leaving the group to do whatever over paid lawyers do in these situations.

~0~

“Dr. Grey,” Callaghan is the first to speak “please, if you could.” She hands her an evidence bag “put her clothes here.”

Christian nods at his mother. “Yes, of course,” Grace follows Ana into the hallway, towards her son’s bedroom.

Ana is in the when she hears a knock. “Ana, dear; it is Grace.”

Ana inhales deeply. Her hands are shaking as she parts her hair. “I am fine Mrs. Grey; thanks for checking on me.”

“Dear, I need you to put your clothes in this bag. Please.” Dr. Grey insists.