“Probably not but as you said earlier, you’ve had some experience with being in the public eye. We’ll do our best, I’m sure. But again, you’ve a chance to meet your mother. So what if the press mocks you. There will always be cruel people in the world.”
Scottie walked with him to the door. “At the end of it all, your mama and my dad decided where I should be raised and by who. In doing so I became the heir to O’Shay’s Shirts. You feel an obligation and loyalty to the House of Blue? I feel one to the House of O’Shay. My great-great-grandfather started this company and I intend to carry on the traditions the same way you intend to carry on yours. You serve the people of your nation, I serve the people associated with our business, giving them jobs by which they support their families. My kingdom is just smaller and less known than yours.” She delivered her speech with a tangible passion. “But begging your pardon, every bit as important.”
“No one ever said otherwise, Scottie. Don’t think that’s how we see you and this family.” John nodded his goodbye then came back for a final word. “One last word in Mum’s defense. She doesn’t go to people. People come to her.”
“I’m not just any people, am I?”
“No, you’re not.”
Scottie’s assistant came round, reminding her of a meeting.
“John,” Scottie said, walking with him down the hallway to the stairs. “You’re a good son and brother…a good…brother.”
“I’m trying.” He started down the stairs then had a thought. “Some of us are going to the drive-in tonight.Casablanca. Buck’s bringing his own popcorn machine. You should come.”
“Already have my ticket.”
“Then I’ll see you there. Follow the smell of popcorn.”
“And the crowd of people wanting a close look at a country music great and a royal prince.”
“Buck will be the one wearing the crown.”
Down the long stairs and through the marble lobby, John was grateful he came. Whether or not Mum reversed the writ. He had a sister. He liked her and he wanted to know her more.
As he headed home to Buck and Jo’s, he almost detoured toward Gemma’s place. He was off puppy duty but he missed the little rascals. Maybe he should invite Gemma to the movie. Yet they already spent an inordinate amount of time together. Lately, he thought less and less of Holland and more of the woman who rescued horses, goats, and puppies. Of the woman who was perhaps rescuing him.
* * *
Catherine
“What are you up to today, darling?” Edric entered the office from a private hallway, asking what he always asked. At her desk, he bent to kiss her cheek. “You were up early.”
“Couldn’t sleep.”
“The burning sensation again?” He paused at the service table for a cup of coffee. “Have you had breakfast?”
“No, I was waiting for you. Yes, the burning in my hands and feet. But I’m better now.” She’d not mention the labored breathing and a rapid heartbeat. Last time she did he carted her off to hospital.
She’d been home from the hospital over a week and so far, all the tests, the drawing of blood, the scans concluded nothing.
“I slept like a rock,” Edric said, taking a long sip of coffee.
“You always sleep like a rock.”
“Don’t be jealous, Kate. You have your superpowers too.”
She laughed. “Like what? And don’t say being queen.”
“Your intuition is very keen. And I’ve always envied your spirituality, your second sight. I think John has that quality as well, though he’d never admit it.”
“And Gus.”
“Right. I’d forgotten his encounter with Emmanuel. Do you think I’ve done something to offend him? He never appears to me.” Edric sat in the chair opposite Catherine’s desk, legs crossed, spoon tapping the rim of his cup as he stirred.
“You don’t need it. Your faith is different. More rooted than ours in some ways. You don’t question what you believe.”
“True, but still, I’d love a peek beyond the veil, as they say.”
