After the Curtain
Falls
Act Fifteen
by Beth Dragon and Kathleen Wolf
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Any relation the characters within the following
story have to other people living, dead or fictional is purely coincidental.
All characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property
of the authors.
LOVE/ GRAPHIC SEX DISCLAIMER: This story depicts a love relationship
between two consenting adult women. If you are under 18 years of age or if this
type of story is illegal in the state or country in which you live, please do
not read it. If depictions of this nature disturb you, you may wish to read
something other than this story. Please note there are scenes of a graphic
sexual nature at intervals in the story.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE WARNING/DISLAIMER: Later Acts of this story will depict
scenes of sexual violence/spousal abuse and its aftermath. This type of
depiction may disturb some readers and anyone who is sensitive to this
particular issue may wish to read something other than this story.
ILLEGAL
DRUG WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Later Acts of this story will include reference to
heroin use and the horrors that it causes. If this topic disturbs you, you may
wish to read something else.
FEEBACK: All comments are greatly
appreciated and can be sent to: kathandbeth@hotmail.com
THANKS: To Emma, for her never ending love, support and chocolate. To the Ex-Guards Village for all their
feedback and expert advice.
Rae put her hand to the chilly window as she looked out over the
sprawling tree orchard to the west end of the Eaton estate. She could hear Cleo scribbling and shuffling
papers behind her as she ran her finger down the wet pane of glass slowly. They
both were only passing time, waiting for the Doctor to give them the news.
"Did the Monet deal go through all right?" Rae asked absently trying to find something
to keep her mind occupied. Running her finger down the glass again, she watched
a small bead of water pool underneath it and streak down further.
“Yes, with no problems."
Cleo pulled the cabinet by her desk open. “Do you want to see the final paperwork?"
"No need." Rae shook her head without turning around,
listening to the drawer slide shut again.
"I just wondered." She added absently as she turned and leaned
against the windowsill.
"I'm sure everything will be fine." Cleo offered though she
knew it was a stupid thing to say. She opened her mouth to take it back but
didn't know how.
Rae pushed herself off the sill and went to sit in one of the ornate chairs across from the blonde at the desk.
"Cleo..." Rae almost questioned the words but stopped. It was
a tense time and no one's mind was on quite right.
"Drink?" Cleo asked as she pushed herself up from her place
and turned round to open the liquor cabinet.
"Yeah." Rae nodded. "Please" She added softly. "Were you able to arrange someone to
shadow him?" She questioned leaning into the soft leather chair trying to
relax.
"All done Raven. Someone's been on it since your phone call. If you had of said no when I talked to you I
would have just pulled him off, no questions asked." Cleo informed her
pouring two large Jack Daniel’s. She turned around and held out a glass to the
technician.
"Thank you." Rae's voice was quiet as she reached out and
took the drink.
"Do you want to take Victoria's pizza up?"
"I want to hear what the doctors say." She shook her head.
"Of course." Cleo took a sip of her drink. Almost as if cued,
a sharp knock came to the partially opened door.
"Miss. Eaton?" Dr. Potterly inquired through the door.
"I finished the exam on Miss. Winters. There are a few things that need to
be discussed."
"Come in." Cleo coughed slightly. The doctor stepped in and
closed the door behind him.
"Although she's suffered some severe contusions, there should be
no long term impairment." He started right in. Cleo turned her attention
to Rae as the doctor continued.
"No ribs are broken?"
Rae stood and turned to face him.
"No." He shook his head. "Only bruised, they'll be quite
sore and it will take a week or two before they heal. I've got a colleague on
his way over to re-stitch her lip so that the scar will be minimal and blend
into the existing creasing in the tissue."
Cleo listened to the doctor with growing anger.
"I don't think she has a concussion, but I fear by the morning her right eye will swell closed." He spoke in a profession voice. "It will have to be looked after carefully though. Most of the bruising is deep into the sub tissue, so it’s going to be darkening considerably before it gets better." He took a breath for a moment.
"Will you be calling back tomorrow?" Cleo asked in the pause.
"Of course." He turned to her and nodded adamantly.
"Especially as it is the results of the internal exam that cause greatest
alarm." He stated slowly looking up at Cleo and Rae.
"The internal?" Rae
breathed the words out of clenched teeth.
"Well..." The doctor faltered under the woman’s stare for a
moment. "Due to the nature of the
assault, Miss. Winters has suffered a considerably amount of internal
injury." He frowned deeply. "I am most concerned that her current
persistence to return to the environment that precipitated the rape could lead
to a repeat assault which could risk a life threatening haemorrhage."
Cleo stood up and slipped round to the same side of the desk as Rae,
though she stayed a little ways back.
"Okay Doc!" Rae put
her hand on the desk, driving her knuckles down into the wood. "So in common english, first your
telling me she wants to go back to the hotel and second if he does it again to
her she's likely to die?" Her voice was icy.
"Basically, yes." He looked at her and then Cleo. "She
is adamant that she needs to return.
She's asked that I do all I can to make her capable."
"James, in your medical opinion, would you advise that?" Cleo
spoke quickly. For Rae the office faded into a red haze as Cleo spoke behind
her.
"Angelina." He took a breath. "She has explained to me
the circumstance of getting him out of the country." He took another
breath. "But as a doctor I can
hardly advise this, it is far to risky to her."
"She won't need to go." The Raven's voice came in an eerie
calm tone. "He's going to be dead soon."
‘This is going to end right now and I’m going to end it.’ Plans raced
through her head.
"Perhaps we could talk outside a moment James." She looked at Rae as she spoke.
"Of course." He nodded and moved out to the hallway.
"Raven." She called the occupied woman’s attention in a slow
voice as she moved to follow him to the door.
"Yes, Cleo." Rae turned to her, her mind still moving in calm
circles.
"Stay here." She made the instruction clear. Rae nodded
absently as Cleo pushed the door open and stepped out closing it softly behind
her.
"James…" She began as soon as she stepped away from the
door. "Is the situation really
that serious?" She looked at the old family physician for clarity.
"These things aren't givens." He shook his head. "The
possibility is there. See that as worse case scenario."
"You said something about fixing her up to get through this
evening. What exactly would that entail?" She glanced back at the
door. If Rae was not going to be
reasonable about this then she was left with no choice to take charge.
"Yes." His brow furrowed. "We'd have to walk a fine line
with painkillers. But it might be possible to get her somewhat mobile and if I
put a local into the rib area it would ease her breathing. I can't do anything
about the swelling and bruising. That
just has to take its course."
"No, of course not." Cleo plotted out their options.
"Angelina...." He hesitated. "Patching her together to
send her back tot his man is not the most ethical thing I can do as her
doctor."
"It is her wish James." Cleo replied almost too quickly.
"Yes. She is quite adamant." He shrugged knowing he was being
roped into something he didn’t agree with.
"No matter what we think we have to help her." The tall woman
stopped and dropped her voice. "James could I ask you a personal
favour?"
"Of course Angelina." He smiled softly at her.
"It's Cassie." Cleo breathed the name like acid to her lips.
"To be honest I'm quite concerned." He read her thoughts.
"With her history, she is not responding well to this trauma."
"Do you think you could sedate her? She just needs to get through
tonight." Cleo nodded at his appraisal.
"If we can get the husband out of the way. She can't dwell on the
thoughts she has at the moment."
"Of course not." He took a sharp breath.
"I don't want you to discuss this with her. You understand that,
don't you James?" Cleo fixed him with brown eyes.
"I understand. " He nodded under the glare as he fumbled
through his pocket. "I had these ordered to help Victoria sleep." He
took four of the caplets out of the pill bottle. "Slip the contents into Cassie's drink."
"Will they be strong enough? With her drug tolerance level?"
Cleo needed to be sure.
"Try the four at first." He spoke softly. "If not try
another two, but no more than that. The four should put her asleep for at least
twelve hours." He tried to find some semblance of medicine in this. Cleo nodded as he took another two pills and
handed the six to her.
"Thank you James. I realise this is a terrible situation to bring
you into." Cleo closed her fingers around the pills. "How is Victoria?" She added
almost absently.
"She is just very shook up." He smiled softly. "She
should have one of these before bed, it will put her out for awhile. She needs
a good night sleep. It has all been
quite a shock for the young woman. She seems a bit sheltered."
"I'll make sure she gets all she needs. Thank you James."
Cleo smiled at him.
"I'll attend to Miss. Winters." He swallowed as he set on his
task. "We should have her ready in a hour or so." He shook his head.
"And no thanks, if it wasn't for men like her husband then this night
wouldn't be necessary.”
"I'll have a car ready for her when you’re done." She nodded
and walked back to the study door as James left to do his dirty deed.
******
Thea stood at the top of the long stairway looking down at the ground
in front of her. Her body felt numb and her head thick. She was more than aware
that it was the medication not her own inner power that kept her upright. As
she steadied herself before tackling the stairs she became aware of raised
voices. The argument was coming from below her and she took the stairs slowly
one at a time wobbling just a little trying to listen to the voices.
"Cleo, I
don't want another fucking drink!"
Rae bellowed as she entered the front hall. "Enough talk, she's not
going back." She stamped across the marble. "I am and I'm going to
fucking kill him! Where the hell are my keys?"
"Raven, please." Cleo marched after the tall woman. "I
have them." She slowly reached in her pocket she drew out the keys.
"Keys!" She turned on her heel and held on her hand. Her body waved a little from the sudden
stop. She brushed her hair out of her face.
"No Raven." Cleo replied shortly.
"Cleo, keys!" She snapped her fingers, the first few times
not producing any noise.
Thea made it half way down when she saw the arguing pair. She watched
semi-stunned as they continued.
"No." The blonde stared at Rae and put the keys back in her
pocket.
"Cleo, please." Rae pulled her hand back, for a minute her
voice went soft. "May I have my
keys now?" She reached her hand back out slowly.
"What will you do if I give you them?" Cleo moved her hand
back towards her pocket though she had no intention of handing the keys over.
"I'm going to get in my jeep…" Her voice returned to a growl.
"I'm driving down to the Harbour Castle."
"I already have a man at the Castle." Cleo informed her in a
short voice. "Your place is here."
"Yes but I'm going to have a little meeting with Mr. Jones."
Rae barked back at her, one hand still held out for the keys.
Out of breath and slightly dizzy, Thea stopped five steps from the
bottom of the long flight. She watched as Rae pulled at her shirt, opening the
collar slightly as she started to feel hotter.
"A meeting?" Cleo raised her eyebrow.
‘Hot is good, need rage to kill the bastard!' Rae's mind thought about
the change in her body but brushed it away.
"Yes a meeting." The technician snarled her eyes on fire.
"My fist and his fucking face!" She barked again. "GIVE ME THE
KEYS CLEO!"
"Rae?" Thea called from the stairs her voice weak.
"Thea?" Rae turned in a sharp quick motion to the source of
the voice. Her eyes closed briefly as
her head swam from the motion. Thea focused hard ready to repeat her words if
she hadn't heard. "Love you should
be in bed. You need to rest angel." The technician’s voice was instantly
soft.
"No Rae, I need to leave. What are you doing?" Thea forced
herself down another step.
"I'm going in your place." She turned to glared at Cleo with her hand still hovering in the air. Cleo took the keys out of her pocket slowly, but held them close to her. "You are not going anywhere near that bastard." She spoke with a slur that didn't register in her ears. Blinking hard she turned back, trying to focus on the small, bruised woman before her on the stairs.
Thea frowned as
she heard Rae's voice. Something was wrong, something was very wrong with Rae.
She slowly stepped down the last stairs.
"I'm gonna..." Rae turned her head toward the sound of the
keys coming out of Cleo's pocket, slow to pick up the blonde’s movement to
retrieve them again. "I'm going to
teach him a lesson. Keys!" She stumbled sideways as she stepped toward the
keys.
"Rae, love?" Thea stepped forward a little more. "Are
you all right?"
"I'm fine angel." Her head slowly turned back and she smiled
at the actress with a lopsided expression. "I'm just going to kill him for
what he did, no biggie!"
"No, no you're not all right." Thea looked at Cleo in alarm,
as she noticed Rae see the keys in again in the woman’s hand.
Cleo smiled back at the young actress, not even needing to look, as Rae
tried to snatch them in what was to be a quick movement. In reality her attempt was slow and
telegraphed. As Rae moved she lifted the keys upwards and released them over
her shoulder. The metal fell onto the
marble floor with a clatter.
"I'm..." Rae turned to look into her empty hand.
"Fine." She blinked hard trying to straighten up.
"Rae?” Thea reached out a hand, becoming much more alarmed. She
couldn't understand why Cleo was doing nothing. In fact the blonde seemed to be
baiting this on if anything.
"Angel?" Rae eyes
looked at Thea unfocused for a heartbeat before rolling back in her head. As the strength went out of the tall woman
and she sunk down on the cold marble.
Without a thought the actress rushed to follow her down, pain lacing
through her stomach and ribs as she knelt on the floor. Cleo stepped forward
and knelled on the other side.
"What the hell is going on?" Thea looked to Cleo with angry
eyes, her thin pale hand on Rae’s forehead.
"It was Dr. Potterly's idea." Cleo's voice was small and
frightened.
"What was?" Thea demanded as she placed the back of her hand
against Rae's cheek. The hot feeling was disturbing.
"It's just a mild sedative." Cleo’s lip quivered. "She
was ranting and raving Thea, we were all so afraid of what she'd do."
"Would she have done it?" The actress asked her voice slow
and serious.
"She's got the training." Cleo nodded her head softly.
"We couldn't chance that she'd...."
"No." Thea interrupted, saving her from having to say the words.
"Of course you couldn't. She will
be all right though. Won't she?"
"Oh yes." Cleo reassured her. "Dr. Potterly gave her a
very exact dose. Just long enough for you to do what you need to do."
"Look after her." Thea pushed herself up on unsteady feet,
stopping when upright to look at Cleo with damp green eyes. "Please."
"Of course." Cleo nodded and stood up as well. "I
promise. Thea, I have a man watching
ever move. If trouble starts don't worry it won't escalate." She spoke in a confident tone. "Though
Raven wouldn't see, there is more than one way to protect you. One that doesn't
involve..." She looked to the unconscious figure on the floor.
"Thank you Cleo. For everything." The actress whispered the
words.
"No need little star." She brushed it off. "I wish I
could do more. Come back here as soon as possible."
"You have done so much." Thea paused. "Can I have the
address of the house for the cab? To get back I mean."
"No cab Thea." Cleo shook her head. "The driver who
takes you will be waiting. Say he's with the play. He'll get you back
here."
"I don't want to be any trouble."
"No trouble little star." Cleo moved her hand softly down the
actress' uninjured cheek. "We just want to get you through this."
Thea closed her eyes to the touch even though it was not Rae the hand
was soft and gentle and most importantly not Edward’s.
"I will get through it Cleo." Thea vowed. "I have done
it before. I can again."
"Shine bright my star." Cleo smiled at her warmly.
"After tonight you'll have a long rest and we'll make sure you never have
to do this again."
Thea did not reply she merely moved to the door eager to get this over
with.
"Thea?" Cleo called to her following her up to the mahogany
entrance. Thea stopped and turned to her.
"Please don't blame Raven for this." She moved close to stand
in front of her. "It's just her breeding." She spoke in a soft
whisper. "In her world when someone hits you, you just hit them back, no
thought for consequence. She's not from the circles that you and I have lived
our lives in. She doesn't understand what you have to do tonight, but I
do."
Cleo again moved her hand to the actress' cheek. Thea looked at her
unable to pinpoint just what about the blonde’s words made her uneasy. This
time the hand on her cheek brought her less comfort.
"I... I should go." She stammered.
"Be strong Thea." Cleo spoke firmly.
"I will." Thea replied desperate to get out the door.
"I'll take good care of Raven while your gone." She removed
her hand finally. "And when you get back tomorrow morning, I'll take good
care of you too."
"Thank you." Thea took a final glance at Rae. With one last deep breath she mentally
prepared herself for that which was to come.
******
"Thank you so much for the game." Edward smiled again to the
other gentleman who he'd met in the hotel fitness facility. "I'll be in
touch about the deal."
‘This trip has been more profitable than I’d ever dreamed.’ He smiled
smugly to himself. Resting the racket on his shoulder he happily sauntered
through the lobby.
"Theandra!" He called to the young actress as he noticed her
come into the lobby slowly through the main doors into the large room. He
stayed in his spot waiting for her to come to him.
Thea looked up slightly surprised to hear Edward’s voice. With a strained breath she walked forwards.
Her husband beamed at her as he took a cautious glance around to see who was
about. It would be damaging for someone important to be around while she looked
like this.
"Have you had a good day?" Thea asked her voice soft and
controlled.
"Fabulous!" He beamed. "Did you and Tori get off
shopping or something? Where is she?" He questioned her when he didn't see
Victoria following. "She knows we have an early flight."
"Actually you won't believe this but Tori hooked up with a chorus
guy." Thea pushed herself into character. "Marcus, actually he is a
lovely guy."
"Good Christ." Edward rolled his eyes. "Is your sister
constantly in heat or something?" He laughed at his own joke. "Is she
staying then?"
"It would seem so." Thea forced herself to laugh with him.
"Well at least I'll have peace on the plane. Does your father
know?" He asked shortly. "If
I walk into him, I won't be pleased to be the news bearer." He reached out
to her face.
"I was going to call him but I forgot the time. Perhaps you could
explain?" She smiled at him lightly trying not to pull her stitches.
"Did you see someone discreet?" He asked in a low tone moving
his finger lightly down the bruise.
"Of course." She answered in an equally low voice. She had been here so many times.
"Good girl." He leaned to kiss her cheek softly.
"What time is your flight?" Thea asked as she leaned into
him.
"An ungodly four am.” He replied with a laugh.
"That is ungodly." Thea slipped her arm through Edward’s
intending for them to head up to his room.
"Oh well we all must suffer." He smiled at her slightly.
"Actually Theandra." He pulled his arm away from hers and stepped
back.
"Yes?" She looked at him not quite sure what his next move
would be.
"As I have such a early call and you need rest my love. Why don't
you toddle off now, while I get a good nights sleep?" Thea looked at him, her heart skipped a
beat. "I don't want you fighting
the pills to see me off." He added in an even tone.
"Are you sure?" She could barely find the strength to
question, afraid the offer would disappear.
"Of course Theandra." He took her hand and kissed it.
"Anything for my princess."
"You don't want me to come to the airport?" Thea needed to be
confident of his choice.
"No." He shook his head.
The early flight might have too many of his colleagues at the airport.
"You need your rest. I'm a big boy and I’m sure I can make a plane." He tapped her nose lightly.
"That being the case, would you mind if I go to the apartment the
theatre got for me?" Thea asked suddenly realising she may be able to get
out of this.
"Of course I don’t mind Theandra." He smiled at her again.
“Though I'm disappointed I didn't get to see it." He shook his head.
"Next time." She whispered.
"Next time I expect a full tour, my little independent
woman." He laughed lightly.
"You can have one." She patted his arm.
"And I'll even be the martyr that tells your Father that Victoria
is on another quest." He laughed. "Least I can do." He added the
last words smugly.
"Thank you Edward." The words burnt her like acid, but she
kept up her role.
"You are quite welcome." He moved closer. "Give us a
kiss and let's not make this messy."
"Gently." She whispered as she felt her lips sting at the
thought of kissing him.
"Would I ruin you?" He whispered as he kissed her lightly
pulling back immediately. "Do you
need money for a cab?" He reached into his pocket.
"No, no. It's fine."
Thea smiled. "I'm a working actress." She made the light joke hoping
to appease him.
"Well buy yourself some flowers." He pulled a few bills from
his money clip and handed them too her. "And try to call a bit more
often."
"Give my love to everyone. I will." She felt her strength
failing away.
"I'm at the club on Thursdays for lunch that would be a good time.
Off you go." He patted her gently on the backside as he moved away.
"I'll give everyone your love."
He waved the comment to her as he turned his back and moved off toward
the elevator. Thea stepped backwards to lean against a pillar. She took a deep
breath thankful again that it was over.
******
Cleo put her feet up on the bed, leaning into the chair she'd pulled
over to it. Dressed now in a pair of silk pj's, she studied the technician in
the dim light. Rae was under the covers unconscious and oblivious.
"Whose bed are you in dear Raven?" She spoke openly to her.
"Oh that would be mine wouldn't it!"
She laughed lightly. "I wish you'd gone down sooner
blackbird." She licked her lips. "Though I did enjoy your little show
in the lobby. Seems I have two little stars." She laughed again.
"Thea?" The thick lisped whisper came out of the woman on the
bed. Cleo pulled her feet back to the floor as her eyebrows arched up.
"I'm right here." Cleo kept her voice a whisper as she moved
closer to the bed.
"Thea, my head." Rae raised a hand up without opening her
eyes.
"You've had a lot to drink my love." She sat on the edge and
put her hand up to the woman’s forehead.
"I'm sorry." Rae struggled finally getting her eyes open.
"I don't usually feel like this angel." She reached out her hand to
the blonde’s cheek.
"No need for sorry." Cleo breathed. "Close your
eyes."
"You are so beautiful." Rae whispered following the soft instruction closed her heavy eyes
easily.
"So are you." Cleo feed the lines she thought Thea would be
likely to say.
"No, you are beautiful angel." Rae slurred a heavy hand
coming to rest on Cleo's leg nearby. "I love you."
"Oh love. You shouldn't do that." She breathed controlling
her temper, though her face curled up into a snarl.
"Do what?" Rae questioned drawn back from oblivion by the
voice.
"Love me." Cleo breathed back.
"I do." She mumbled. "I always have." Cleo had to breath hard to control her
growing temper. "I always
will." The words were thick and heavy as her head lulled off to one side.
"But you hardly know me." Cleo seethed, an edge entering her
voice.
"I know your heart." One eye briefly tried to open but closed
again strained.
"But what about Cleo?" The blonde whispered her face set and
her voice hard.
"Cleopatra." The word rolled off Rae's lips in the same
loving tone as her breathing evened again.
"What about her? Do you love her too?" She pushed for an
answer.
"With the Queen's standard." Rae tossed her head and spoke
suddenly. Cleo blinked and stared at her in wonderment. It was hard to tell if she’d stirred
really. "Fly with the Queen's
standard." The words repeated in a soft laboured voice.
"And that makes you feel?" Cleo asked her heart beating fast.
"I like to fly." Her voice laboured as the sedative worked to
take even her illusion away.
"Could you ever fly with me?" Cleo pushed.
"I fly with the Queen's standard." She slurred again as she
curled her legs up around where Cleo sat.
‘It would be so easy, so easy to take you.’ The blonde thought with a
smile as she watched the unconscious form.
"Cleo?" Rae's eyes opened as she stretched her arm out, her
voice was a bit clearer. Cleo blinked
trying to catch her mind up to the reality that broke into her fantasy. "Where have you been?" She reached
over to place her hand on the blonde’s thigh again.
"Raven." She kept her voice soft.
"I waited at that fucking restaurant for an hour." Rae rubbed
at her face with her other hand.
"Restaurant?" Cleo queried completely lost.
"I knew your secretary was wrong." She snuggled back around
the blonde.
"Wrong?" Cleo tried to put this conversation into a context.
"I knew you wouldn't just pick up for Monaco and leave me."
"I wouldn't leave you my Blackbird." Cleo laid a hand over
the one on her leg.
"I don't want to fight baby." Rae pulled on her leg.
"Come to bed."
"Is that what you want?" Cleo asked a broad smile across her
face.
"I'm sorry I blew up at you." The words were forced as she
sank into a bit of a slur. "I'll make it up to you baby."
"That would be nice." Cleo draped herself over Rae.
"You smell good." She gave her a sleepy grin. "I guess
all the girls at the spa know I'm an evil bitch again." She laughed and
Cleo couldn’t help laugh softly.
"I think you should settle Blackbird." She purred.
"Naw." The sleeping figure mumbled. "Too busy fighting
for you to settle." She lazily put her arms around the body draped over
her.
"No need to fight Raven." Cleo softly kissed Rae's arm.
"You starting something Queeny?" A lumbering laugh came out
of Rae.
"Maybe." She purred relaxing a little.
"Maybe?" Rae slipped into the hallucination a bit more.
"Well guess I'll go back to sleep then until you make up your mind."
She smiled and snuggled back down the pills drawing her one way then the other.
"Sleep is good." Cleo instructed having grown tired of this
it reminded her of the days that Rae had spent stoned.
"We have to meet Tommy tomorrow at the train." Rae held onto
her tightly and forced Cleo to pull at the arms that held her beginning for the
first time to feel uncomfortable. "Sweet dreams baby and no matter what
you say..." Rae held her tight a second longer. "I do love you."
With that the arms dropped away and Rae sunk completely into unconsciousness
again.
"Yes." Cleo moved the limp hands from off her body and pushed
herself off the bed. She shook her head
as she stared at the unconscious figure. This was supposed to be everything she
wanted so why didn't it feel like heaven?
A stark ray of light streaked across the bedroom wall to catch her
attention and draw her to the window. The soft sound of a motor moved through
the room with the light. She moved the blinds aside a little and saw the dark
shape of the limo pull into the drive
"What do we have here?" She whispered to herself as she watched. "Maybe heaven just needs an angel." She knew the limo could only hold one person. Flicking the blind into place she moved swiftly down to the main door.
******
"Bartholomew get the door for her!" Cleo barked at the
lumbering driver.
Thea delicately stepped out of the limo as the door was opened for her.
Never believing she’d ever be this happy to be back at the Eaton estate.
"Thea, are you all right?" Cleo moved down the steps to help
her. The actress looked up at her, her small body almost defeated. "What
happened?"
"Nothing." Thea responded weakly.
"Thank God!" Cleo breathed through her teeth. "Come inside before you get a chill." She offered the actress her arm and Thea took it for fear of falling over. She let herself be led inside.
"Let's get you into bed." Cleo spoke in a soothing concerned
purr.
"Do you mind if I sit for a second first?" Thea asked
glancing at the study door.
"Of course." Cleo followed her gaze to the study and led them
that way.
"He told me to go home and get lots of rest." Thea’s voice
had a hint of venom. Though it was good
to talk about it, she was unsure why she was telling Cleo this.
"How delightfully proper." Cleo's seethed back her anger at
him.
"Yeah." Thea agreed.
"Let me help you sit." Cleo offered when they reached inside.
"He took the news about Tori without question." Thea filled
the blonde in as she was helped into one of the leather chairs.
"Good." Cleo smiled as she pulled the other closer to sit as
well.
"Shouldn't you be in bed?" Thea asked working out the time in
her head.
"I couldn't sleep." She shook her head softly.
"How is Rae?" Thea asked the scene of her lover’s collapse
forefront in her mind.
"She's sleeping like a baby. It’s you I was worried about
you." She laid her hand gently on Thea's. "I'm afraid I know how his
kind are."
"You do?" Thea’s mind caught on the words.
"I'm afraid it's a legacy of the Eaton men." She shook her
head softly in shame.
"Really?" Thea concentrated on her every word, her face going
sad. She rested her hand over Cleo's and frowned.
"Oh little star." Her frowned deepened. "They are a
brutish bunch."
"Your father?" Thea hardly dare ask for clarification. Cleo
looked away pained and nodded. This new information was hard for Thea to
process through her growing medicinal haze.
"Little star, I myself have not faced your particular
horror." She spoke softly. "But I have seen it and how his type of
man treats it."
"You have had to deal with a lot Cleo." Thea was suddenly
overwhelmed with sadness and compassion for this relative stranger.
"You have such a heart little star." She swallowed the venom
in the words as she remembered Rae’s little rant.
"So you think I could trouble you for a drink?" Thea asked
gently.
"What would you like?" Cleo moved back toward the cabinet
without thought.
"Fruit juice?" Thea suggested.
"Orange okay?" Cleo opened the small fridge in the cabinet.
"I think a drink would do us all good." She turned back to the desk
where two crystal tumblers sat. The blonde hesitated as she stared at them.
Trying to remember which one was Rae's and which had been hers, it gave Thea
time to move forward and offer them to Cleo.
"Oh little star don't hurt yourself." Cleo tried to get her
to stay still as she attempted to retrieve them before her without looking odd.
"It's okay." Thea wrapped a hand around her aching ribs as
her hand closed round one glass.
"I'll get the juice then." Cleo reluctantly backed off
forcefully pulling the juice container out of the fridge. Thea collected the
two glasses and struggled to her feet glancing down at the tumblers.
"No, no." Cleo dropped the juice and moved over to Thea.
"Don't get up. No need." She held her hands out for the glasses.
With a smile Thea held them out taking a second glance at one of them,
which seemed to be lined in white.
"Isabella should have cleared these away by now." Cleo’s
voice was tight as she took them away and dropped them onto the cabinet. With a
gentle shake of her head Thea cast the observation aside and sat back.
"Do you want ice?" Cleo asked over her shoulder.
"Please." Thea nodded.
"I think I'll join you." Cleo laughed as she returned with
two tall ice filed glasses of juice. She sat down and held the glass out for
Thea, who nodded her thanks.
"Victoria's sleeping soundly too by the way."
"Did James put her out too?" Thea was a little worried.
"Just something light." Cleo tried to reassure her.
"Nothing like Rae. That was only because of her history. James is a fantastic physician." She
tried to turn Thea's doubts away.
"I am sure he is and as you say with Rae's history it can't be
easy." The actress said trying to hide her concern.
"No." Cleo let the small word come out pained, as the recent
episode in the bedroom was enough of a reminder of the Raven's history.
"Sorry." Thea looked at Cleo the look on the blonde’s face
had been enough to tell Thea to stop.
"It's just the past." Cleo looked off. "Always has this
odd way of coming up behind you when you least expect it doesn't it?"
"The past is over."
She leaned forward a little painfully and placed her hand on Cleo's.
"Yes, I guess it is." Cleo turned her head against the chair
back to look at the actress. "Thea…"
"Yes, Cleo?" Thea met the woman’s brown gaze.
"I'm sorry, it's not my place." She used the term purposely
as she abandoned the question.
"Place?" Thea asked picking up on the word.
"To ask questions little star." Cleo sighed softly. "We
should get you to bed. Angels need their rest."
"Please Cleo." Thea squeezed the hand beneath her own.
“Please ask.”
"Thea..." She hesitated before seeming to gain the strength
to continue. "I understand your husbands cut so to speak and how horrible
what life you do have with him is. Why didn't you explain it to Raven?"
"You wouldn't believe how many times I tried to tell her.” Thea
smiled sadly.
"I can imagine." Cleo
smiled back, but her face fell a bit as she thought. "She has no concept of it little star."
"I know and she is right to say I didn't try hard enough."
The actress conceded softly.
"No Thea." Cleo shook her head. "She has no right to say that when she has no idea about
what it is. Everything is so black and white to her." She sighed.
"She has no idea of grey."
"Yes but I suppose the black is that I didn't tell her. But I
never once lied to her Cleo. I swear to you I never did. It's just…" Thea
stopped.
"Little star, little star." Cleo moved a bit closer putting
the glass on the desk and then moving her other hand over Thea's. "You
couldn't lie to Rae if you tried."
"How could I tell her?" Thea suddenly felt tears prick her
eyes and heard her voice tremble.
"The real question is how could you get her to listen?" Cleo
spoke softly. "Oh little star let it out." The blonde moved to brush
the strawberry locks behind the actress’ ears.
"How could I tell a person who treated me like a princess, made me
feel like a beautiful person, that I was married to a man who beat me, raped me
and treat me like dirt? Just because he could." She couldn't stop the sobs.
"Oh little star, little star." Cleo moved gently to hold her
settling down in the large chair beside the actress.
"How could I tell her as she held me and made love to me, that he
haunted my sleep? Threatened to destroy
all we had?" She continued to sob.
"You couldn't Thea, you couldn't." Cleo cooed softly.
"His reign stops tonight." She whispered.
"No, it doesn't." She sobbed. "He won. I've lost her and
now I only have him."
"No, my star. No."
Cleo shook her head. "You can win her back."
"I can't." Thea shook her head.
"You must!" Her voice was firm as she moved to look the
actress in the eye.
"How?" Thea blinked her eyes.
"Tomorrow morning." Cleo instructed softly. "Try to wake
up early, she'll be out till at least nine. She's resting in the room at the
end of the hall. Go to her, tell her everything."
"You have to my star." Cleo brushed her hair again. "You
can't let the raven fly alone. She is
lost without you to guide her."
"I don't know Cleo." Thea hesitated. "I think I need to
go to bed."
"Of course." The blonde pulled back. "But at least
try." She added softly standing and offering her arm. "We'll get you
tucked up all safe and sound."
Thea willing took the offered support. She was too tired, confused and
in too much pain to argue.
"Tomorrow will dawn a much better day." Cleo mused as she led
the disoriented woman up to bed.
"I guarantee it."
******
Cleo closed the door to Victoria’s room laughing to herself. The squeals of excitement that followed her out actually brought a smile to her face.
‘Hell, could a day of shopping and at the club with her be that bad?” She rolled her eyes and laughed again. ‘We’ll definitely need a driver 'cause I’m going to need wine and lots of it.’ She planned out her agenda. ‘The good thing is that it will leave Thea and Rae alone. The rest doesn’t matter.’
Cleo stepped up to the actress' door. She knocked softly, but not
expecting the knock to get a response she opened the door after a time and let
her self in. Softly padding across the
room to the large bed. Thea was splayed
in the middle of it asleep though looking very uncomfortable. Cleo sat on the
edge and watched the young actress for a few minutes studying her.
"I can see what you saw Raven." She laughed to herself.
"But lets see if you can give it up. Thea...Thea." She called softly
at first gently rubbing her hand down the actress arm that was out of the
blankets. "Thea, wake up honey."
A soft moan came back to her.
“Thea, Thea." She repeated the word smiling as the woman struggled
out of sleep and against all the pills.
'She'd have made a much more complacent drug addict then Rae.’ The evil thought chuckled through her mind.
"Yes?" Thea opened her eyes with a blink. She blinked again to bring the figure
sitting on the bed next to her into focus.
"Darling it's just me." Cleo smiled down at her. "Wake
up slow, the pills are a bit of a bear."
"Cleo?" She questioned softly.
"Yes Thea, just Cleo. Nothing to fear." She rubbed her arm
gently again.
"Morning." Thea smiled slighted.
"Good morning darling. How are you feeling?" She asked in a
bright tone.
"Fuzzy." Thea replied honestly knowing her body hadn't woken up enough to register pain at least not in the full technicolour she expected.
"That's the medication, don't worry about it." Cleo shook her
head. "You have nothing to do and all the servants at your beckon call so
just give into it."
"How are you?” Thea asked with a gentle nod as she made a move to
sit up in the bed.
"Me?" Cleo was a little taken by the question it wasn't often that people asked how she was.
"Yes Cleo, how are you?" She repeated.
"I'm fine little star. Just worried about my little clan."
She shook off the question. "That is why I wanted to get your approval on
taking Tori for a little shopping trip and lunch at the club." She spoke
quickly. "I figured it would give you time to rest and her a bit of a
distraction."
"You don't have to do that." Thea shook her head a little.
"Thea, darling." Her voice went low. "I don't have to
'do' anything. I want to." Her tone lightened again. "She's an
adorable young woman and besides she's here for while. She needs more than what she brought."
"Have you asked her then?" Thea asked managing finally to sit
upright as she looked at the tall blonde.
"Well I mentioned it, I hope that was okay." Cleo looked
worried. "I didn't mean to overstep my bounds."
"Oh not at all. Though I am surprised you got the suggestion out
before she agreed." Thea gave her a warm look.
"Oh I didn't." She laughed. "She almost crushed little
me with the biggest hug."
"She would." Thea nodded happily.
"I also figured…" The blonde paused. “Well in case you decided to talk to Rae it
would give you two privacy with her and I out of the house."
"Oh!" Thea looked down at her hands on the sheets.
"Just in case." Cleo spoke quickly. "No pressure and
really I'm excited about having a day with your sister. I never had a little
sister"
"Well don't let her roller coaster you into anything." Thea
looked up with a smile as Cleo laughed.
"Me? Thea, unless she asks me to buy her a small country I can put
in on credit and have it paid off by morning." The blonde kept laughing.
"Are you an only child?" Thea asked generally.
"Yes, only me." Cleo straightened out the sleeve of her
blouse.
"That must have been hard." Thea mused quietly.
"Didn't matter in this house." She tried to keep calm.
"But you must have been lonely." Thea kept on. "Such a
big house and only you."
"Here?" Cleo laughed tightly. "There are at least a dozen servants milling about at any
given time. So anything your sister is
partial too?" She tried to steer the topic away.
"Did your Mother spend a lot of time at home?" The actress
asked, her curiosity steering easily with the influence of the painkillers.
"No." She spoke quietly and pained. Cleo’s her mind screamed to shut this woman up, talk of mother
was not allowed.
"A business woman too huh?" Thea smiled knowingly.
"No, she is deceased." Cleo spoke in a short voice that
caused Thea to instantly lose her smile.
"I'm sorry." Thea punctuated her short sentence with a long
pause.
"Not your fault little star." Cleo laughed it off. "These things happen. Now Tori, who is
her favourite designer? Or shall we be finding her one today?"
"Oh you will find all about Victoria if you take her dress
shopping." Thea laughed her focus switching to the easier topic.
"How so?" Cleo asked intrigued.
"If you come back with anything other than jeans. I will shake
your hand."
"Oh no, not another Blackbird." She laughed openly. "Get
that hand ready then as I have managed to get even the mighty Raven in a dress
on..." She thought for a moment. "Three... no four occasions." A
wide smile broke on her face.
"Tori is more of a sparrow than a raven but… " Thea laughed
lightly at Cleo's victory list. "Good luck with her. As a tip, she hates
her legs!"
"I love a challenge.” Cleo winked at her. “Hates legs eh...
humm... we'll work on that." She
thought of the younger woman in the other room. Well they weren't the best legs but they weren't something to
hate. No, she could find a few moments
of like for them. "Anything you need while we are about? I'll get Tori to
pick you out some things to rest in."
"I was about to place an order for a loose pair of cotton pants
and a few baggy shirts." She conceded with a smile.
"Easily done." Cleo nodded.
"And don't let her near a shoe shop." Thea warned amazed at
the geniality of Cleo.
"Why?” Cleo studied her.
"Because she'll only look at the boots! The chunkiest, bulkiest
ones there." She laughed loudly.
"I think I can afford a few pairs of boots darling." The
woman laughed motioning to their surroundings.
"Oh please Cleo." Thea laughed lightly. "Buy her a pair
of shoes, with a pretty heel!"
"How about I make a deal with her?" Cleo grinned.
"A deal, why not." Thea looked at the blonde ready for
details.
"No boots till we get one pair of heels and a nice formal
outfit?" She gave them easily.
"If she goes for it, then the next time we dine out is on
me." Thea pledged.
"Good show little star." The blonde smiled. "So anything else for you but pants and
shirts?" She questioned. "Anything special I can get to cheer you
up?"
Thea looked at Cleo and began to say something but she stopped
herself. Her heart painfully reminding
herself just who she was talking too and that she had been going to react to
the question as if Rae had asked her.
"Come on there must be something." Cleo pushed lightly.
"The sky is the limit little star."
"I can't ask for what I was going to." Thea gave her a little
smile and then she laughed at her own mind.
"Why not?" The tall blonde questioned softly.
"Because you will think I am mad!" Thea laughed again.
"Never!" Cleo was adamant. "Can't hurt to ask,
right?"
"A teddy bear." Thea looked away from the tall smart blonde.
"What kind of teddy?" Cleo leaned in, trying to keep the
actress’ eye. Thea looked at Cleo to see if she was smirking, happy when there
was nothing but a genuine smile.
"Fluffy, big, brown?" This was too precious to mock. Her little actress wanted a teddy bear.
"Any kind." She breathed.
"I will get you the most precious bear little star." Cleo
reached out to lightly take her hand.
"And he'll always remind you that today and forever, you fly under
the Queen’s standard and no one can ever hurt you again." She whispered
softly.
'Well no one but the queen herself.' Cleo's mind hissed the fact for
recognition.
"Cleopatra?" She whispered back. "The Queen of the
Nile."
"The Queen of the world." Cleo purred.
Thea smiled at the blonde but her smile was not as assured as it once
had been. There was something about
Cleo's response that threw her.
“Now I am going to collect that darling sister of yours and we will be
back laden with a fashion show before dinner." The blonde announced as she
moved to stand.
"Cleo?" Thea watched the woman stand and tracked her movement
to the door. “Enjoy her. She is
lovely, no matter what she says." She added the last part softly.
"I will Thea, I will." Cleo’s pearly white teeth flashed
momentarily. "And no boots till we got heels!" She laughed openly and
the actress laughed back.
"Remember the legs!" She interjected as Cleo reached the
door.
"Legs!" Cleo winked. "Consider it noted." She
tapped her temple. "And little
star." Her voice went soft. "Think about talking to Raven.
Please." She let the word hand long as she stepped out and left.