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Feb-25-2009 03:59


Leopold Parr walked as fast as he possibly could in and around Victoria Station. The young officer had anticipated the arrival of his younger sister with great trepidation. He finally saw her waiting for him in a mauve overcoat and a large purple hat through the window of one of the station’s waiting rooms.

When Miss Violet Parr got up and walked out of the waiting room, Leopold’s walk turned into a sprint as he finally reached Violet and hugged her tightly in a collision of joy.

Violet pushed hard against his force not to fall on her back. She kissed him on the cheek and whispered. “Really Leopold, this show of affection can do with some self-restraint!”

“Two years in France…” Leopold replied, “…haven’t changed you a bit!”

“I know better than to let the French freely mold me to their pleasing!” Violet Parr huffed in a mock of indignation. Then she turned her gaze to a young girl standing next to her looking curiously and cautiously at Leopold. “…but I am afraid I can’t say the same about young Isabella.”

Leopold looked at his young niece in utter astonishment: Isabella was a pretty little thing with curiously mixed features. At such a young age, her skin looked like a yellowish tanned shade of ivory. She had long light brown hair, hazel eyes and a serious look of disapproval on her face.

Mar-4-2009 08:27

The tension was fortunately broken by Cody, as he stepped ahead from behind his father and gently pattered Pierre on the head. “Nice doggy…” He then reiterated the affirmation a couple of times more. Pierre seemed to have now cooled down and sat, curiously sniffing Cody’s mouth.

Before anybody could say one more word, Joey decided to make his exit. He turned towards Violet Parr and spoke up: “As much as I’d like to stick around and share the joy of your…family, I do have an appointment that I need to honor. My deepest regards, Miss Parr.” He leaned towards her and again kissed her hand.

Violet nodded politely. Bane headed towards the exit, nodding at Garret and at Miss Brewers on his way out. The little girls waved at him, so he waved back, smiling. “Pierre?” he inquired stopping in the frame of the door. To his astonishment, Pierre actually followed.

They both left the café, Bane aiming for the pub from the night before and Pierre to…wherever.

Mar-4-2009 09:42

Joseph Zeo woke up in the strange city by the noise of double deck buses and the occasional horse dawn carriage. Gregory was already up. Since their new residence was relatively empty at the moment, the two men went downstairs to a local café for a simple breakfast of coffee and toast.

In his usual melancholic self, Zeo munched his toast in quiet reflection, thinking back on how Lisette used to force him to eat sumptuous breakfasts. He lit up an after meal cigarette, while Gregory tried his best to cheer Joseph via trivial conversations, to no avail. Zeo was quite capable in social situations, but felt like being himself when he’s with a good friend. Seeing that Joseph was in no mood to talk yet again, Gregory sighed, “Okay, maybe we should get going.”

Zeo thought it’s a good idea, lest they couldn’t find their way and become late. He stubbed out his cigarette, lifted up his tall thin figure and headed south on the street. Very soon the two hit the river Thames, and a little further down after turning left, they reached the headquarter of the New Scotland Yard.

The forty years young red and grey Victorian building spanned across a few blocks, overlooking the ancient river. Gregory led Joseph through the staff entrance in search of their contact officer. The young lad then took the two down the hall. Along the way, Zeo noticed many sharp looking policemen who looked like they meant business. If the New York police department was one tenth of what this looked like, Zeo thought, the streets of New York would not be littered with crime. They settled in a meeting room, where minutes later, two inspectors entered.

Mar-4-2009 09:44

The senior inspector with graying hair greeted the two while the younger officer stood patiently behind him, with a stack of files in his arm. “Welcome, gentlemen. I’m Chief Inspector Coleman. Let us get right down to business.” The old man said in a serious tone. He signaled the younger officer to close the door. “Recently the underbelly of our city is being plagued by ‘foreigners’ from abroad. The affect of the economic down turn in America is spreading far and wide.”

The younger officer took out two photographs and placed it on the table. One of them was a blurry picture of a middle age man with spectacles coming out from his car, the other one was of a beautiful lady with heavy eye make up. Coleman continued, “They belong to a large criminal fraction from your hometown. All we know at the moment is the code name ‘Stinger’. We’re not even sure if that’s the name of the man or the woman, or of their operation. Does the name or the faces ring a bell?”

Zeo took up the photograph of the man and looked closely. “This is Edvard Bergen, a known go-to person in the kidnapping and ‘cleaning’ business in New York.” What was he doing in London?

“Good, finally, someone who knows something. Mr….Zeo? Right.” The old man continued, “We believe this group is behind a number of deaths in this country in the past month. Just last night in a train coming from Maidenhead, a man of Arabic origin was killed with a meat hook.”

“A meat hook?” Gregory exclaimed.

“No eye witness.” The chief inspector shook his head. “Either that he was the man they need to ‘clean up’, or that he happened to be in the way between them and their real target.”

Mar-4-2009 09:49

Zeo’s brain was churning away, trying to piece things together, he finally said, “Bergen and his minion is basically up for hire by any one with the right connection and enough gold. Someone in London might have shipped them over to do their dirty work for them.”

Chief inspector Coleman considered the information for a moment. “Mr. Zeo and Mr. Morgan, we need your assistance to rid of Bergen’s group as well as finding out who’s their client.” Coleman nodded towards the young officer, “Inspector Parr here is assigned to work with you, and is leading this investigation. Please note that you are only hired as consultant for these American criminal related cases; in no way should you assume the role of a police officer. However, Inspector Parr would provide you with the help you require.”

Inspector Parr shook both their hands and nodded, “Call me Leopold, if you will.” The old man let them to go through the details on their own. The younger officer seemed a bit relieved as Coleman left the room. “Mr. Zeo and Mr. Morgan-“

“Call me Gregory, and this is Joseph.”

Inspector Parr nodded. “Our patrol observed strange activities by the dock of late. They mentioned rough characters in American accents. Perhaps they are related to Bergen’s group. I suggest that we visit the area in the afternoon.”

Zeo had doubt about the connection, knowing Bergen’s style of working. However, it would be impolite to shot down their new partner’s first suggestion, and he needed to learn more about the city anyhow, so he nodded.

“Wonderful,” Parr said, “Before we go, why don’t we have some lunch? My treat, for welcoming you two to our great country.” Gregory was delighted, Joseph thought that perhaps this city was not as cold as it seemed.

Mar-4-2009 12:06

At the cafe', Clift and Violet stared at one another. Holding her composure, as always, Violet smiled, and said, "Clift...How....very nice to see you"

Clift didn't return the smile, as Cody kept tugging on his Dad's coat.

Makensie grabbed Cody's hand gently and pulled him to her side, saying quietly, "Not now, little man, Daddy's in a discussion"

He let out a disapproving squeel, as Makensie looked at him with serious eyes, that were saying, 'That would be enough' He may be only two years old, but, he catches on quickly for his age, and knows his Mother's looks, so he quickly straightened up. My Mom always told me that if you can get a child to behave with just a look in the eye, then that means you are a good, but fair,disciplinarian.

Looking back to Clift and Violet, she watches them, feeling a bit nervous herself.

Violet looks over Clift's shoulder, and says to Makensie, "Hello Mak!"

"Hi Violet", Makensie said, in return, then mouthed the words, 'I'm sorry'

She smiled, letting her know that it was ok, and not her fault.

Clift turns to Makensie, as she returned the stare, then said to both, "I will just go order me a cup of coffee, and something for Cody. I'm sure you two need private time right now"

"Makensie, you can stay. Anything that is said, can be said in front of you", Violet said.

Smiling, she said, "I do appreciate that, but, I just think it would be best if I step away right now"

She looked at Clift, raised her chin a bit, then took Cody by the hand and walked toward another table.

"We won't be long, Makensie, so, just wait for me, please! We will head to my home, get you settled, then do some catch up, while our children play"

"Ofcourse", Makensie said, in response, as she could feel Clift watching her.

She walked to an empty table, sat down, and ordered herself a coffee, and Cody a glass of orange juice.

Mar-5-2009 12:29


Clift kept quiet long enough for Makensie and Cody to be seated at table on the far end of the restaurant. He waited for Violet to break the silence but she maintained her smile and grip on Isabella’s left hand as the young girl tried to make her way over to where Makensie and Cody were.

Clift decided to break the silence himself. “What is this?” His tone was surprisingly mild. “Bane? With my two daughters? Carrying one? And the other I have no knowledge of, yet Mak and Bane do?”

Violet’s smile vanished -it was just too tiring to maintain at times. Nevertheless, she maintained a very pleasant disposition. “This is Isabella…” She said pulling her most daring child into her lap. “Isabella, this is your father.”

“Mon père?” Isabella spoke in wonder.

“Yes, I know I have seen the pictures. Why don’t you introduce me to the child you decided was not mine?” Clift was starting to seem visibly upset.

Miss Parr decided not to entertain his mood. “… and this is Victoria, the apple of my eye. Victoria this is your father.”

Victoria looked to her mother, but Miss Parr’s mind was too occupied to approve any interaction. Clift took a step forward and reached to Victoria, who shrunk into her mother’s purple dress folds. Violet sighed. “Clift, please have a seat and give the girls some time.”

Clift spoke dryly as he sat opposite Violet and her girls. “I think you already gave them all the time in the world leaving me all alone and isolated from my own flesh and blood.”

“It is not loneliness I sense in your tone Clift Garrett… Guilt, regret perhaps, but not loneliness…” Violet pursed her lips. Isabella looked to her mother’s facial expressions and mimicked them in defiance. “C’est impossible!”

Mar-5-2009 12:33


Clift gave his daughter a very confused look. “And how come Isabella speaks no English? Didn’t you raise her?”

Violet mouth opened in shock. “…in France!”

“Aren’t you English? Can’t you speak enough English for your children to learn it?!”

“You try living in Paris for a couple of years on English, Clift. Let me know how that works out for you.” Violet felt the conversation being lost from her. “The nerve you have…”

“The nerve I have?”

“Walking into my life after two years demanding all your paternal rights.” Violet shook her head. “You made no attempt of reaching out, Clift. I know I am hard to track but you are a detective! Also, from what Makensie tells me, you were not that available with Cody James till after his birth… till after you physically met him actually.”

Violet suddenly realised that her daughters were there listening to all this. “Isabella, take your sister to your Auntie Mak and Cody over there.”

“Oui maman.” Isabella got off the chair, took a hold of Victoria’s hand and led her over to where Makensie sat. Violet’s eyes followed the two over to Makensie’s table.

“They are very beautiful though,” Clift spoke in a change of pace.

Violet smiled. “Clift, I do not want to blame you or anyone or thing for whatever happened. Whatever that is… I would be very much obliged if you refrain from blaming me either. I was nearly killed on that ship for someone's fear that my child is a boy. I had to protect my children. When they came, two at once, I was overwhelmed… physically, emotionally, financially… I could not work, the agency clerk at the Sirens sent me word that you resigned and started to freelance. All I could do was live for them and I felt that remaining in France was the best idea for us all. I knew your heart was always for and with Mak. I felt that perhaps if I vanished from everyone’s lives, everyone would be safer and the craziness would all go away.”

Mar-5-2009 12:44


Clift sat in silence for a few minutes. “I have a right to know that you gave birth to two girls, not one. That is all.”

“Well you know now. I hope that is sufficient to end any potential conflict.”

Clift waved back to Cody, who was waving to him from afar. To his surprise he felt Violet’s hand on his. “You are a great guy, Clift Garrett. Isabella and Victoria will grow to love you in time just as much as Cody does. I am sure.”

Clift smiled. “Fine. You are still keeping much hidden from me though. I can feel it.”

Violet arched an eyebrow. “Do you expect anything less from me?”

Clift chuckled. “I think anyone who knows you over one minute wouldn’t.”

***

Mar-5-2009 12:47


Miss Parr showed Makensie Brewer to the unoccupied bedroom in her apartment.

“Are you sure it’s ok Violet?”

Violet nodded. “The girls sleep with me anyways. I have had this room renovated recently so that it looks slightly different from the rest of the apartment… Apparently some people find the colour purple tasteless.” She shot a glance at Isabella who was speaking to Cody in French whilst he was replying in English.

As Mak put her things in the wardrobe with Violet’s help she spoke fluidly. “I am so sorry about Clift. You know how he gets when he’s tense.”

“All is forgiven.” Violet assured. “He is after all my daughters’ father.”

“… and your husband.” Makensie added.

“That’s another thing that needs settling.” Violet shrugged. “I never carried his name and do not intend to.”

“What about the girls?” Makensie wondered.

“Oh, I had Leopold register them under Isabella and Victoria Garrett.” Violet brushed the question aside. After a while she decided explained. “I felt it only appropriate and after all, that was what the marriage was for in the first place, was it not?”

Makensie smiled. “Oh, I am so happy to be with you again.”

Violet returned the smile with a wide one. “Come, I will make you my famous cheese and chutney sandwiches.”

As they walked past Isabella and Cody, they heard Isabella mutter in annoyance. “Non, non, I say, let us play wis zat toy, not zat one!”

“Oh!” Violet put her left hand on her heart and her right on Cody’s head. “God bless America!”

Mar-5-2009 13:58

*back on the streets of London, upon Bane's exit from the cafe*

Joey was walking with his hands in his pockets, amusing himself at Pierre’s freshened up image. “I guess we should’ve also equipped you with a bow tie, mate!” said him with a large mocking smile. Pierre stopped in his tracks and looked up at him, giving Bane the strangest impression that he actually understood him. The dog grumbled something in a sturdy throat sound and the quickly turned his back towards Joey, lifting his leg. Bane jumped back just in time to avoid Pierre’s…feelings release. “Damn, mate! I thought you didn’t understand English!” With this they went on.

Upon a short walk, Bane entered the small pub near Victoria Station. He raised an inquiring eyebrow towards the bartender, but received a negative answer. The man he was supposed to meet there had not yet arrived. The clock on the wall showed half hour past twelve, so Bane realized he was early and decided to wait. ‘It ain’t like I got anything better to do anyway…’

He took a seat somewhere close to a window and ordered himself a drink. Pierre lay sluggishly at his foot. Bane opened the newspaper he had picked up back in the café and started reading with curiosity. “Ok…let’s see if this will spread some light about that whole incident…” he mumbled.