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Anais Nin
Anais Nin
Thespian

Sep-4-2009 12:17

*Prologue*

In the mornings, when no one could see me, I cried until I was gasping for air. The pain of losing my husband, baby, sister, and a friend in less than a year was finally penetrating the hard shell of protection that had enveloped me for so long. But would I let anyone see me that way? No. Never. I was strong.

After I got my breath back, I would carefully dry my eyes, apply makeup, and paste a cheerful grin on my face. I would stop to pet dogs on my way to the office, say hello to people on the streets, and studiously avoid any baby trams I saw coming my way.

In essence, I acted as my friends had always seen me, and did my best to make sure no one worried about me. But I was falling apart, and wishing I would just die. There was no point in living anymore. All day long I hunted for murderers. I saw my family in every face that lay stiff and cold. Every case where the victim was shot made me remember being shot. And the days had begun to blur together.

Then the letter came. It looked like an ordinary letter. A long envelope, the return address was an Attorney's office in New York City. I looked closer. It was the attorney my father had used. 'Why are they contacting me?' I thought as I ripped open the envelope and closed the door to my office. Another envelope with a return address of Leake and Watts from Yonkers, New York fell out along with a with a note that had READ THIS FIRST written on top. 'Strange,' I thought as I began to read.


Replies

Anais Nin
Anais Nin
Thespian

Sep-4-2009 12:19

*Prologue Continued*

June 15, 1932

Dear Miss Nin,

I am writing to inform you of a number of matters that were left unfinished when you headed off to London after your sister's tragic death. First off, I must commend you for hiding your trail so well. As you can see, it took me over a year to find you. Unfortunately, by that same token, things have become more complicated.

Your sister had an illegitimate child a year and a half before her death. She told no one, and put the child in a facility for care until, as she put it to me, "Got the darned man to propose" or as she put it to the Orphanage, "Was able to care for the child properly." Lisette never told me, or anyone for that matter, who the father was. You are the closest living relative, and you are the girl's legal guardian. Her name is Josèe. She is almost three years old- will be by the time you get to New York. I hate having to inform you of this by post, but it was more urgent than ever, as you will see when you read the
enclosed letter.

On another matter, you have yet to accept your inheritance from your late father. We can discuss that when you see me.

Anais? I do wish you would just come see me. I am your godfather after all!

With Love and Sympathy,
Henry Durell


Shaking, I opened the second letter.


June 10, 1932

Dear Miss Nin,

We recently were informed that you are the legal guardian of Josèe Nin. We feel that it is in the best intrest of the child that you care for her, as she does not fit in with the other children, and is emotionally wanting for a mother.

Thank you for your time,
Leake and Watts Orphanage


With that, I burst into tears.

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Sep-4-2009 13:55

Anais phoned me,if I could meet her when she arrived in New York. I was already waiting at the docks,picking up an old habit of mine which I forgot and which I once did,for only one time : "Smoking". It was nothing for a girl like me,smoking. My mother died when I was 4 (which is true btw),of smoking cigarettes and using medicines together,causing a cardiac arrest.

I only smoked when something troubled me. And when Anais phoned me,she sounded distraught. Something happened to her. I only heard a few words,like "Josèe", "Lisette's illegitimate child" and "I'm now her mother".

When I heard that,I burst almost out of tears of sadness of what happened to Anais. I was one of those few people who Anais trusted and with who I solved cases. I was also the witness of her sister's death and she once told me she was also married,secretly. And that her husband was killed.

"How can one person live with such strength to carry on" I mumbled,with a cigarette in my mouth and taking a heavy inhaling smoke. Blowing circles of them,I waited for the boat to arrive.

And there the boat was,the "Ye olde Sea Shanty" (yes,the one from Chase around the world in 80 days xD). I knew the captain,he was trustworthy,unless he was bribed with some fine Cuban cigars and a nice whiskey.

And there she was,standing on the deck. The only one,Anais Nin. "My,has she changed" I mumbled and threw my cigarette on the floor and "pushed" it out with the tip of my shoe.

"Anais,welcome back to New York. It's good to have you back for some time. Long time no see. How's life been for you?" I asked.

"Yeah... Great... Well,let's not keep everyone waiting. Let's go to the attorney's office. It's on 34th street" Anais said and I followed her to my car.

I could swear she let out a tear...

Anais Nin
Anais Nin
Thespian

Sep-5-2009 11:12

Moisture started to gather at the corners of my eyes. 'I will NOT cry I will NOT cry I will NOT cry...' I told myself harshly, 'Neither Anais Nin, nor Ana L'Anglais, nor Ana Nowicki would ever cry-' a lone tear trailed down my cheek. I quickly dashed it away with a bat of my hand and got into the car beside Vulkie, hoping she hadn't seen my sign of weakness. I pasted a cheeky, yet strained grin on my face, and inquired "What have you been up to? Letters don't ever seem to tell enough."

Vulkie, not usually very talkative, seemed to know that I needed to hear someone talk about any and everything. The time seemed to drag until we pulled up to the Attorney's office.

"Anais? We're here," Vulkie looked at me worriedly.

"Yeah, we are," I responded dully. "We should go in."

"Are you ready?"

"No. I'll never be ready," I said as I climbed out of the car.

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Sep-7-2009 10:24

As Anais and I entered the building of the attorney's office,we were immediately greeted by a receptionist. "Goodmorning,how may I help you?" the receptionist asked. "We're here to see Mr. Durell. Henry Durell." Anais replied.

"Just a moment please,I'll phone him" the receptionist said and she guided us first to some seats and we waited until she came back.

"Anais?" I asked carefully. "Yeah?" Anais replied. "Have you ever considered,that the dad may be..." I asked.

"Yeah. It can be... I mean,he was with Lisette at the time..." Anais replied.

We both knew it,that it had to be possible. That our old friend Joseph Zeo possibly could be the dad...

"Mr. Durell will receive you now" the receptionist said and she guided us to the elevator. "He's waiting for you on the 11th floor. Good luck and have a nice day!" the receptionist said.

On the 11th floor,Mr. Durell waited. "Miss Nin,it has been a long time we've seen eachother. Last time I saw you,was in a newspaper. Of course,it had to do with your dad..." Mr Durell said,with a sad voice.

"Yes. Well,let's do this. By the way,this is a good friend of mine. She is a witness of the "execution" of the will. I presume she may be seated with us?" Anais asked.

"Of course Miss Nin. If you wish so" Mr. Durell said and he shook my hand. "Henry Durell,miss...?" Mr. Durell asked. "Vulkie. Miss Vulkie" I replied bluntly.

And so,the attorney guided us to his office.

"Without further due,here we go" the attorney said,as he ripped the paper that holded the will open..

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Sep-7-2009 10:44

"Bla bla bla. Hereby,I leave my house and all my money plus all my earthly possessions to my daughter Anais. My other daughter Lisette may pick out whatever she want,what she needs or what she likes. There is a limit for the money for Lisette,only 100.000 may she claim.

Signed with full mind and in perfect shape..." Mr. Durell said.

"Well,that's about it. But ah,I forgot something!" the lawyer said,as he went out. And within 5 minutes,the lawyer came back,with a child 3 years old.

She was a bit shy,nervous of all the people in the room. I smiled friendly and walked towards her. "Hello Josèe. I am a good friend of your mommy. Well,I was,of your mommy" I said,knowing that the child wouldn't understand.

As soon as Anais turned her face around,to see the child,she started crying. She couldn't believe how she looked. It was a small female resemblance of Joseph. The dark,black hair. The shape of the face. But the eyes. The eyes were Lisette's eyes. Small,green eyes.

As the child began to walk towards Anais,Anais shivered. And so,Josèe spoke her first word. "Mommy!" and Josèe ran up to Anais.

I almost started crying also,it was so beautiful. "Well,we've got some shopping to do,haven't we to do Anais?" I said,knowing that Anais wanted to go as quickly to home. "Yeah..." Anais said absent,and she got out of her chair,carrying Josée.

"Well,good luck to you!" Henry Durell said and shook my hand and Anais's free hand.

As Anais stepped in the car,she almost stopped with crying. Josèe placed her small hands on Anais's face and she began to smile. Anais immediately began to smile also.

"Well,Joseph is away,out of town. He knows nothing of this. When I can contact him,must I tell..." I asked. "No! I want to keep this for myself,for some time. I... I need some time..." Anais said and so,I drove towards the tailor,to get some new clothes for little Josée..

Anais Nin
Anais Nin
Thespian

Sep-7-2009 11:51

Vulkie had been wonderful, taking charge, getting Josèe clothing and food while I sat like a log with my niece in my arms. Finally, I asked Vulkie to drop us off at the apartment she had rented for us. She was a bit unwilling, but after I told her that I wanted some time to bond with Josèe, Vulkie agreed.

"I'll be visiting a good friend, Heimlich VonVictor. Here is his phone number, alright?" she asked me worriedly. Josèe stuck her thumb in her mouth.

"We'll be fine. Go. Have fun!" I forced a smile as I shoved her out the door.

Then I was left with a wide eyed three year-old and my thoughts.

How could she already be calling me 'Mommy'? She had never really known her mother. I had planned on being Auntie Ana to this little girl- NOT Mommy. I was already Mommy- to a little boy who never had a chance to live because of me and my work. A little boy that saved my life. I broke down, weeping and sinking to the ground.

Josèe put a soft hand against my cheek and looked at me.

"Oh, sweetheart," I blubbered as I scooped her into my arms and then carried her into the bedroom. I tucked her into the middle of the big bed and kissed her cheek. "Nap time, sweetie," I whispered, still crying, as I started to leave.

Josèe started crying and shouting, "No! Nonononononono!"

I ran back. "What, you want me to sit here while you sleep?"

A solemn nod that made her jet black curls bounce was my reply.

"Ok, I'll just sit right here, ok, sweetheart?"

Josèe smiled and closed her eyes.

I just watched her. It was amazing how much little Josèe resembled Joseph. And Josèe was the feminine form of Joseph in French. But Joseph could not have known about little Josèe. Knowing him, he would have married Lisette and taken on the responsibility, no matter how uncomfortable he would have felt.

*continued*

Anais Nin
Anais Nin
Thespian

Sep-7-2009 11:52

Would Joseph want to take Josèe once he learned of her? It might be for the best- but... But. That word standing in the path of my wanted solitude and swinging single life that didn't seem to swing. There had been a connection the instant Josèe's eyes had locked on mine. Could I really give away the only family I had left? No. Never. Josèe was mine, for better or for worse.

"I can't do this. I can't do it alone," I argued with myself, quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping child. "But my friends will help. I know they will. But- should I stay here? In New York? Or go back to London? I know I need to stay here for at least a month. But I miss London. And there isn't anything here for Josèe, really. I'm all she has-" that thought struck me hard. I repeated it to myself, feeling my heart twang in pain as I repeated my last words. "I'm all she has."

Heimlich VonVictor
Heimlich VonVictor
Vigilante

Sep-7-2009 12:52

"So who is this woman to you Vulkie?" Heimlich asked.

"She's a good friend of mine Heim," Vulkie responded, "and she's really new at this. I mean... well our lifestyle doesn't exactly lend itself to being parents."

Heimlich nodded, "Indeed, it is quite a difficult task," he lamented as he walked over and shut the door to his office, "and it would seem that this woman is faced with a most difficult decision. Years ago I had the same decision taken away from me."

Vulkie's eyes widened in shock, "Heimie! You don't mean?"

He nodded, "Her name was Serena Paterson. She was a witness to a murder who feared for her life. I don't know how she found me, but the day after she testified, she came knocking on my apartment door. She feared to go home, so I took her in against my better judgment. Had they found out, I could have been disbarred. She stayed with me for six months over which time feelings of love developed."

Vulkie gasped, "Heimlich! What are you telling me?"

Heimlich placed his hand on his forehead, "After she disappeared I thought the worst. Then after a year of searching I received a letter from Serena. She had given birth to a boy she had named Heimlich Paterson. She told me not to look for them. I chose to ignore this request and searched for them frantically. They were always one step ahead of me and finally Serena sent me one last letter that I still have." he said sadly as he reached into his desk, pulled out a letter and handed it to Vulkie.

Vulkie read aloud, "Dear Henry. Please stop trying to track him down. I've come to realize that nothing he could have with you would resemble an actual relationship. People around you only get hurt, and I don't want that for my boy. I want him to grow up away from all of this and that can't happen with you in this picture. Please don't ever attempt to contact us again. Serena..." Vulkie placed the letter down and stared at Heim, "Henry? Why did she call you Henry?"

Heimlich VonVictor
Heimlich VonVictor
Vigilante

Sep-7-2009 13:01

Heim chuckled, "After this letter I changed my name. I hoped the boy would seek me out due to the similar name. I guess it was wishful thinking, but at that point I would have done just about anything." He stood up and began walking around the office as if in deep thought, "About a year later Serena died from some unspecified sickness in Germany. My searches for the boy were fruitless."

Vulkie felt her eyes welling up with tears, "That's so sad! Why didn't you ever tell me?"

Heim smiled, "Because it's ancient history! Yes I think of him sometimes, but he's a man by now. The reason I told you is so that you realize why your friend's sister kept this girl a secret! You must admit that this lifestyle is dangerous. Criminals will go after whatever they can to get to us, and from what you've told me, this Anais Nin has quite a few. My advice would be for her to get away from anywhere that she has enemies, and for a detective of her standing, that doesn't leave many options."

Vulkie shook her head, "She needs to be close to friends. She needs to have support in this."

Heimlich let out a sigh, "Well I'll help in any way that I can, but my years of dealing with dangerous criminals tell me this can only end in disaster."

"Mr. VonVictor?" A secretary said as she poked her head in, "there is a call for you."

"Thank you Lauren." Heimlich replied and picked up his phone, "Hello? Heimlich VonVictor speaking. Ah yes, just one minute." Placing the phone down he addressed Vulkie, "It's for you. It appears your friend Ms. Nin wishes to speak with you."

Vulkie3
Vulkie3
Haynes

Sep-8-2009 10:29

"Thank you Heimlich" I replied and took the phone. "Hello" I asked and Anais started to talk. As she explained a lot of stuff,I nodded towards Heimlich to make sure everything was fine. After 5 minutes,I hung up the phone and began to speak against Heimlich.

"As you already said,it was Anais. She asked if I could come by,for a drink. I don't know if you have to do anything at the moment.....?" I asked Heimlich.

Heimlich began to search to some casefiles and maps and saw that he had nothing left to do. All was handed out and all was taken care off.

"At the moment,no. I'll join you,so I can meet your friend" Heimlich said and so we walked out of his office,to my car.

Suddenly,a car screeched around the corner and my senses became alert. As I watched at the black Sedan,I saw a open window and a tommygun out of it.

"Duck!" I screamed and I forced Heimlich towards the ground. Immediately,shooting began and my car was all shot up.

"That's my fifth car for this year!" I screamed angerly. Heimlich asked if I could help him up and so I did. Heimlich was getting old,I thought. He was already in his 60's,probably mid 60's.

"We'll take my car" Heimlich said and he pointed to another black Sedan. As I stepped in the driver's seat,Heimlich took place in the passengers seat.

And so we drove towards Anais,not noticing that we were being followed...

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