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Kingsport #30

Alison Farrell Montgomery laid by the outdoor pool at the Montgomery Estate as the humidity clung to every inch of her toned body. She pulled her sunglasses tight against her face as a shadow cast over her. “Move.”

“You do know how to speak,” snapped India. She folded her arms while her mother sighed and rolled over to her side. “Mother, I’m speaking to you!”

“I’m trying to have a few moments of peace and quiet before I meet my friends for dinner.”

“You’ll look like an old weather-beaten suitcase,” clucked India, ruefully. “You haven’t spoken two words to me since you arrived from Paris.”

Alison sat up, removed her sunglasses, and gave India a terse stare. “India, I don’t want to talk to you. In fact, I think it would be better if you stayed out of my way.” With that, Alison grabbed her robe, sunhat, and started for the main house.

“Why?” called India as she ran towards Alison. “Mother, please! You can’t ignore me! I’m your daughter!”

“India, will you please leave me alone?!? My god! I can’t have a moments peace without you demanding every spare second of my time!”

“But you always have time for Billy! It makes me sick!”

“I have time for Billy,” began Alison, “because he didn’t have an affair with my boyfriend and then accuse him of trying to force himself on her!”

India stood in absolute silence, like the world had stopped without any intention of every resuming its usual hum of the last four billion years. “That’s not true,” insisted India. “I never even looked at Count Andre du Renault!”

“You used to be a much better liar,” spat Alison. “I know all about it. Andre told me what you did to him!”

“What I did to him?!? Mother, I didn’t do anything to Andre. He’s lying! He always tried to come on to me, but I stopped him. He would tell me how he wanted someone more nubile…more experienced… Mother, you have to believe me that I never tried to have sex with him!” exclaimed India.

Alison grabbed India by the arm. “Keep your voice down. You sound like a common guttersnipe.” She dragged India into the pool house and slammed the door. “Now you listen to me, India, I am not your father. I see you exactly for who you are. I have since you were a child. I’ve seen the essence of who you really are and always have been. You’re a mean, spiteful, vindictive woman with no regard for anyone around you. It’s anathema to who you really are.”

India’s eyes narrowed in horrified anger. “You have no proof…”

“Very few people know of the lengths you went to in order to get Connor for yourself. The lies you told… The people you hurt…” Alison folded her arms with fury in her eyes. “India, what Count Andre told me you did to him tracks entirely with what you did to Connor. It was like listening to an old record.” She looked India once over. “You disgust me.”

India stood in absolute silence before saying, “You’re just jealous. He wanted me, Mother. That’s not my fault.”

“You accused him of drugging you and trying to sleep with you, India! Have you any idea how damaging that could be to his life if it ever got out?!?”

“I don’t see how that’s my problem,” simpered India. “He never told me to stop.”

Alison let out an exasperated cry. “You’ll never learn, will you, India?”

“I didn’t do anything wrong!”

“You have to stop this! What you did to Connor and Andre…”

“They both wanted me!! It’s not my fault that Connor was desperate to have me, just like Andre. Men find me sexual. They want to be with me, Mother! Connor doesn’t love Billy and Andre certainly didn’t love you!”

Alison’s hand stung from the slap she’d laid across India’s face. “You have no concept of the meaning of love!”

India rubbed her throbbing cheek. It had been years since anyone had hit her, but she wasn’t going to cry or give her mother the satisfaction of seeing her in pain. “If I don’t have a concept of love, it’s because you ignored me during my childhood while you were off being a slut in Europe. You made me this way, Mother. I’m not to blame for my behavior; you are.”

Lisa Davenport Collins sat in the examination room when Dr. Shearer entered the room followed by her husband, Jackson Collins. For Lisa, the last few days had been a special kind of hell. After four miscarriages in the last eight years, Lisa had given up all hope of every having another child and, now that she’d made peace with her present, the future was turning out to be an unkind little stranger. Jackson took his wife’s hand as Lisa said, “What is the result, Dr. Shearer?”

“Mrs. Collins, you are pregnant…”

“Wow,” muttered Jackson. “It happened, Lisa.”

Lisa watched Dr. Shearer’s face. It was a stony mask which told Lisa all she needed to know. “It’s not good is it,” she asked the doctor.

“Lisa, you’re pregnant! This is a wonderful thing,” interjected Jackson.

“Dr. Shearer,” began Lisa, “please tell me what’s wrong.”

Dr. Olivia Shearer quietly said, “Our transvaginal ultrasound has detected that you are having an ectopic pregnancy. That means…”

“I know what it means,” Lisa said, ruefully.

“Due to your age…” began Dr. Shearer, “there are…”

“I don’t want it.” Lisa felt like the world was beginning to lose its color. She felt numb. She felt cold. She felt dead. “Do whatever you have to do to get rid of it.”

Jackson turned to his wife with grief written all over his face. “We need to discuss this, Lisa. Dr. Shearer, it’s possible this could be a viable pregnancy, isn’t it?”

“Due to Mrs. Collins age and other factors, it may not be as viable as we would hope it to be. I’ll give you two time to talk this through…”

“I don’t need time,” said Lisa, gravely. “Tell me when I can come back for the surgery. I will find time in my schedule.”

Jackson waited for Dr. Shearer to go before saying, “Lisa, you can’t just end your pregnancy! We should be able to talk this through.”

Lisa turned her face away from Jackson. She knew he was hurting because she was hurting on a level she never knew existed. The mere fact that she had become pregnant was a miracle, but God was playing a horrific joke on her. She and the doctor knew her odds of carrying this pregnancy to term were unlikely. The thought of growing attached to…and loving…a baby which may not survive crushed every bit of Lisa’s soul. “I’ve made up my mind, Jackson. I can’t go through with it. I won’t…”

In our next installment, Lisa rejects Sheila’s help…

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Kingsport #29

“Jackson?” Lisa Davenport Collins stepped into the library of her home with a look of concern on her face. “I need to talk to you.”

Jackson Collins looked up from the newspaper with a grave concern. It was unlike to his wife to look so drawn and careworn; this was a woman who took life by the throat and never let go. He patted the seat next to him on the sofa. “Lisa, what’s the matter?”

She sat next to him and let her head fall on his shoulder. “I haven’t had my period yet…”

Jackson felt like the world was going to lurch to a stop. “Are you pregnant?”

Lisa shrugged as a look of worry crossed her face. “I don’t know… I’ve purchased six pregnancy tests and… I…just can’t bring myself to take them.” She closed her eyes as if to block out a horrific memory. “I can’t go through this again, Jackson.”

“I know, my baby.” He grasped her trembling body with all of his might. Although they had separate lives when they traveled, they were still in love, and were still very much devoted to one another. “Maybe this time will be different,” offered Jackson.

“It always ends the same way. Four miscarriages in the last eight years. We weren’t even trying this time… I think that’s why I’m terrified.” Lisa could feel the tears fall from her eyes. “I don’t want to know either way,” she began to sob. “I just…”

Jackson took his wife in his strong arms for what seemed to be a lifetime. “We have Oliver. He’s more than enough,” offered Jackson, quietly.

“I know,” whispered Lisa. “I know.” She dried her eyes with a linen handkerchief. “I should take the test, so we know what to do.”

“Do you… If you are pregnant, do you want to keep it?”

Lisa lowered her head as if in shame. “I don’t know.” It was the truth and the only answer she could muster. “I’ve dreamed about having more children, but now…I’ve become accustomed to being happy with you and Oliver, especially after so many disappointments…”

“I understand,” he told his Lisa.

“And with our careers…our lifestyle… I don’t know if it’s conducive for another child…”

“Oliver will be away at college before we know it. Starting over is a big ask right now.”

Lisa nodded knowingly. “I’m going to call Dr. Shearer for an appointment. I want to know exactly what we’re dealing with and if it’s even viable for me to carry this pregnancy to term…if I am pregnant. Don’t worry about being in town, Jackson. I’ll ask my mother to come with me to the appointment.”

“Don’t be silly, Lisa. I’m coming with you. No matter what happens, you’re not going through this alone.”

“Papa. I didn’t expect to see you here.” Jill Stanhope Montgomery opened the door to the luxurious summer cottage on the coast of Maine she and Warren had rented for the last ten years. She wanted to buy it, but Warren thought it was an extravagance which didn’t make financial sense to him.

Charles Montgomery, IV stepped into the foyer of the cottage, barked his martini order at no one in particular, and made his way to the covered terrace. He sat down in a chair facing the ocean without saying a word to Jill until a member of her staff placed his martini beside him. “I understand,” he said after a small sip, “that you have an issue concerning Hannah and Kate being flower girls in Billy and Connor’s wedding.”

Jill could feel her throat tighten. Charles was the last person she wanted to have this conversation with because she knew he would never cede any ground to her. “I… I think… Papa, it’s a personal matter,” she smiled, tightly. “Warren is making a big deal out of nothing.”

“We both know that Warren isn’t one for tales, Jill. He’s quiet. Measured. Thoughtful. He’s not like India or Billy.”

“Papa, this is really between me and Warren.” Jill wanted nothing more than to run screaming for the hills, but she knew that she would have to endure whatever Charles threw her way.

“It ceased being between you and Warren when my son came to me in outright distress over the way you are behaving when it comes to his children being in his brother’s wedding,” snapped Charles. He took another sip of his martini before adding, “I do hope that your reticence isn’t because Billy’s gay.”

“I am not homophobic! Just because I don’t want to fall in line with what Billy wants doesn’t make me a bad person, Papa.”

Charles shook his head with marked irritation. “You’re a young fool. It’s impossible to separate one from the other. Regardless, Billy is my son. He will always have my unyielding loyalty and devotion.”

“It’s a shame you can’t offer that same loyalty and devotion to India,” snapped Jill. “The way you and your family fawn over Billy when he’s marrying the man who tormented India is sickening.”

“Watch your mouth…”

“Why should I??” snarled Jill. “I will not fall in line when this whole wedding is wrong on a thousand different levels! You people have never believed India when she accused Connor of raping her. Never. You people have instantly welcomed Connor into your inner sanctum just because Billy is in love. It’s sickening, Papa!”

Charles narrowed his gaze on his daughter-in-law. In all of the years she’d been married to Warren, Charles had never seen this side of her. Yes, it had been hinted at once or twice, but seeing it in the flesh was another experience unto itself. “Now, you listen to me, Jill. I will choose to forget how you have slandered my family. You should count yourself very lucky that you are Warren’s wife. However, it would behoove you to remember that you are only a member of this family in name only. And that, my dear, can be taken away from you.”

Jill recoiled at Charles’ threat. She felt like she was going to be sick and die at the same time. “Don’t threaten me…”

“I’m not,” Charles said, coolly. “I’m reminding you that it would be in your best interest to leave your personal feelings to one side while performing your duties as Warren’s wife and the mother of my grandchildren. You may think yourself free to do whatever you like, but all of this…” Charles waved his hands at the expensive cottage without a care in the world. “Well, all of this is by virtue of you being Mrs. Warren Montgomery, not Jill Stanhope.” With that, Charles stood up, admired the view, and turned to his ashen daughter-in-law. “I like you, Jill. Really. I do. However, I love my family, of which you are a part, much more. I’d be very careful before you decide to die on your sword because of a deeply held belief.”

Jill screwed up as much courage as she could muster. “I won’t…be threatened, Papa.”

“I’m giving you the lay of the land. It’s up to you to decide how to move forward, my dear.” Charles took in the view once more. “I wonder if you could get a timeshare like this when if you’re no longer Mrs. Warren Montgomery. It would be a lovely memory to have, Jill. Well, I have to catch my plane back to Kingsport. Do have a nice day.”

In the hours that followed Jill after Charles’ departure, a feeling of dread coursed through her body. It wasn’t that Charles had flown from Connecticut to Maine in order to put her in her place, but the fact that he did it without ever threatening her. She could die on her sword or swallow her pride in order to keep her life the way it was. Jill tried to recall her old life. That life was filled with shabby furniture, pity lunches, and well-worn clothes in need of more mending than they could take. This life was one of excess and quiet abundance. The thought of losing it all made her sick, while the thought of having her daughters in Will’s wedding made her just as ill. She was in a no-win situation. If she wanted to win, she had to think fast. Time was running out. And, in that moment, Jill Stanhope Montgomery pulled the trigger.

In our next installment, Alison confronts India about what happened in Paris…

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Kingsport #28

 

Warren Montgomery stood by the large bay window in his father’s office on the Montgomery Estate as a thousand conflicting thoughts raced through his mind like wild horses. He hadn’t wanted to see his father, Charles, today, but they had business to attend to including Kate and Hannah’s trust funds, Walt’s ongoing legal problems, and the one issue Warren needed to discuss more than anything else in the world. Warren was pulled from his reverie when he heard Charles walk into his office while talking in a low, hushed voice on his cell phone.

“Yes… It’s something we can discuss…later,” Charles said as he caught sight of his son. Without another word, Charles ended the call with a small smirk. “Warren. To what do I owe the pleasure. I thought you and Jill headed up to Maine yesterday.”

Warren cleared his throat. “Jill went up with the girls. Her sister, Delphine, will join them. I decided to stay in town.” He sat in a high back chair and removed a stack of papers from his briefcase. “With regard to Uncle Walt’s case, we’re nearly settled on a fine. It seems some in the prosecutor’s office want to send him to federal prison as an example to those who may step out of line in the future. I pointed out that Montgomery Industries will pay the fine along with establishing a clean energy fund of up to two billion dollars for use over a decade. Money talks, so that should be the end of it. I’m just waiting for opposing counsel to sign off on it.”

Charles examined the papers closely. He knew simply paying the fine would be enough to allow him to move on from this incident. Walton was an idiot – everyone knew it – but Charles saw no use in his younger brother going to jail all the while sullying the Montgomery name. “Do whatever it takes to keep him out of jail. The company will pay whatever fines are necessary. We’ll get The Chemical Alliance Company out of this trouble one way or another. Warren, I want you to talk to Janet Ruiz about Walton selling me, Alice, and Sandra the equivalent of his stock in Montgomery Industries as reimbursement to the other company’s owners for cleaning up his dirty work.” Charles lowered his voice, “Make it known to Walt and his lawyers that this is not a suggestion.”

“Understood.” Warren cleared his throat before adding, “Dad, I want to be added as an executor to Kate and Hannah’s trust funds.”

“Whatever for?” chortled Charles. “It’s not glamorous work, Warren.”

“I want to know what’s going on. I trust you, Mom, and the executors from the bank, but I should have a say.” Warren chewed on his bottom lip before adding, “Jill and I are having…problems. She’s against Billy’s wedding to Connor and she’s refusing to allow Kate and Hannah to be flower girls in the wedding.”

Charles took a sharp breath. “I thought we’d beaten the wild streak out of that one.”

“It’s not that easy. I never realized how homophobic and…traditional…the Stanhopes were until I saw it for myself a few days ago.”

“For a family without any money to speak of, they seem to be above themselves,” sniffed Charles.

“It’s worse than that. I’m afraid that Jill’s beliefs will seep into our children. I don’t want them to think their uncle is some sort of wicked degenerate because he’s gay.”

“If Jill has a problem with Billy, then she has a problem with the family. Despite what people may think about Billy and Connor, at the end of the day, it’s a family matter, not one for outsiders to dissect for their own gain. The bigger problem is that Jill is the mother of my grandchildren. That makes her an ongoing concern, Warren.”

“Dad, I don’t know what to do. Part of me wants to divorce her…just be done with it… The other part of me does love her and wants to work through it.” Warren released a pained sigh. “There’s no right thing to do.”

“There will never be a right thing to do, Warren. I’m still married to your mother because it’s easier to keep her. Well, it’s easier when she’s in Paris than when she’s out and about in Kingsport with Sheila. It is not for me to give you advice, but I will remind you that you have the upper hand with Jill.”

“Dad…”

“Warren, I’m serious. Your prenuptial agreement is iron clad. The jewels you’ve lavished on her are in trust; the same with your house. She can’t access a dime from Hannah or Kate’s trust funds unless you predecease her and then she only can access a portion of the income until they each turn eighteen. After that, she gets a quarterly stipend along with the right to live in your house until she remarries. If she divorces you, she gets nothing except the clothes on her back. That woman would do well to remember that,” bit Charles.

As much as Warren loved his father, his blood always ran cold with how clinical Charles could be when discussing matters of money with his family. “Dad, I don’t want to leave her with nothing.”

“Warren, if you want to have a separate divorce agreement which is attached to your income, so be it. Your wife will never get her hands on the Montgomery money, trusts, property, or the like. If you want to be rid of her, then get rid of her.”

“It’s not that easy…”

“While I don’t approve of divorce before children have graduated from college, if this is an extreme situation, then you will have my support.” Charles walked over to his eldest child and sat in the chair next to him. “I don’t want my granddaughters raised by a homophobic woman who loathes one of my sons because he’s gay. It’s not right. I won’t stand for it and neither will your mother.”

Warren gazed at Charles quizzically. “You and Mom are best friends now?”

“When it comes to our children, we’ve always been a united front,” Charles stated, firmly. “You have to do what’s best for your children, Warren. End of.”

Warren pondered his father’s words as he called for his car and walked to the forecourt of the Montgomery Estate. All around him, the ghosts of a million years rushed past him. So much of his life had happened on this estate: His first kiss; where he lost his virginity; his wedding day; and the countless happy times his family had shared before he realized just how unhappy they were. Charles and Alison were always at odds; India hated Will. Warren knew what it was like to grow up in a world filled with acrimony and polite condensation. That wasn’t what he wanted for his daughters; he knew they deserved happiness…and as little suffering as possible. Warren’s marriage to Jill was already sexless. He could wait until Kate finished college before he finally divorced Jill. He could wait that long if he had to. At the end of the day, Warren knew his family meant the world to him…and if Jill insisted on being a former member of his family, then so be it.

In our next installment, Lisa gets some news…

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Kingsport #27

Jill Stanhope Montgomery walked into the drawing room of her home to find Will Montgomery and her husband, Warren, having an early afternoon cocktail. While Jill wasn’t a stranger to the joys of alcohol, she detested the flagrant way in which Will so easily led Warren down the wrong path. Even though Warren was older than Will by nearly ten years, Jill considered Will to be the bad influence.

“I thought you were at the country club,” Warren said to his wife. “Billy and I were just talking about the wedding.”

Jill scrunched up her nose. “Oh. Are your parents paying for it?”

Will rolled his eyes. “Actually, I’m paying for my wedding, Jill. I don’t need my parents to fund my lifestyle.”

“Except that your father bought the polo club for you and your parents contribute to your trust fund,” sniffed Jill. “I’ve often told Warren that I think it will be good for our girls to grow up like normal people away from the burdens of excessive wealth.”

Will glared at his sister-in-law with marked contempt. They’d never been friends. Will found her to be vain, condescending, and rigid. Jill wasn’t the kind of person Will would ever help in a crisis, even if their lives depended on it. However, in this moment, he chose to say nothing because he valued his relationship with Warren far too much to waste his time on the likes of the financially derelict Jill Stanhope.

“Jill,” Warren said evenly, “the girls will be prepared for the wealth they will inherit. They are Montgomerys after all.”

“Actually,” said Will, “I stopped by because I wanted to ask you and Warren a question.”

Jill folded her arms with pronounced annoyance. “What?”

“I would like for Hannah and Kate to be flower girls at my wedding to Connor.”

Jill could feel the fury rising from within her. Flower girls, thought Jill, hotly. The last thing she wanted to do was subject her children to the sham of a wedding between Connor and Will. She knew all too well that Connor was not an upstanding man by any means, even if he was the single best lover she had never known. As for Will, Jill loathed him and she refused to let her girls attend any wedding to which he was a party.

“I think it’s great!” chirped Warren. “I know Hannah and Kate will love it.”

“Warren,” Jill said quickly, “don’t you think we should discuss this first?”

“What’s there to discuss,” interjected Will. “They’re going to be flower girls, not drug mules.”

Jill glared at Will. “I just think it’s something my husband and I should discuss.”

“Why?” asked Will, evenly. He did not like Jill. Furthermore, he felt he knew the reason why she didn’t like him. “Jill, I hope this doesn’t have anything to do with the fact that this is a gay wedding. I know the Stanhopes are known for their…provincial way of life…but I do hope that’s not what’s on your mind.”

Jill’s eyes flashed with marked fury. “How dare you…!”

“It’s a simple question,” insisted Will. “I’d love to have my nieces in the wedding…”

“Have you asked if Faren will be in the wedding party?” spat Jill.

Warren glared at his wife, unable to ascertain why she was behaving in such an unbecoming manner. “Jill, what has gotten into you?”

“To answer your question,” Will said as he stood up, “I asked Eli if Faren can be a flower girl and he said it was fine with him as long as Hannah and Kate were in the wedding party, too. He didn’t want anyone left out.” With that, Will bade goodbye to Warren and Jill before leaving their house.

“What the hell was that about?!” Warren said once his brother had gone.

“Don’t speak to me like that when you’ve been drinking,” huffed Jill. “I’m going to the country club.”

“Hang on,” Warren said, quickly. He moved to block Jill from leaving the drawing room, his mind racing at a thousand miles a minute. “Billy’s right.” Warren looked into Jill’s eyes which showed no hint of emotion. “He’s right, isn’t he?” Warren let all of the air out of his lungs as he moaned, “Oh, Jill…”

“I don’t approve of Billy and Connor’s marriage! Fine! I said it! I don’t want my daughters photographed for newspapers and magazines around the world at a gay wedding, Warren. My family would be mortified! I know your family will do anything to placate Billy, but I won’t do it!”

“How can you be so cruel and homophobic?!”

“I am not cruel or homophobic!”

“Jill…”

“No! Just because I don’t share the same beliefs as you, Warren, doesn’t mean I’m wrong. I am so sick of your family trying to make me into one of you. God! I don’t care if Eli lets Faren be a flower girl! I will not stand for my daughters being in that freak show!”

“How dare you say that about my brother!”

“Oh, please. Wake up, Warren. You think Billy is some sort of saint and he’s not. He’s planning to marry the man who allegedly raped your sister!”

Warren felt the blood drain from his face. “How do you know about that?!” he seethed.

“Everyone knows,” Jill said in a low growl. “It’s the worst kept secret in Kingsport. People think the Montgomery family is a joke because of Billy and Connor. You people pretend to be so upstanding and noble when your skeletons are literally falling out of your closets. I refuse to let my children be a party to this unseemly affair.”

“They’re my children, too! Don’t force my hand, Jill.”

Jill stared at Warren with contempt for the first time in their marriage. “Are you trying to threaten me?”

“I have the resources of my trusts and the Montgomery family at my disposal. You have what I give you. I will destroy you if you try to play me against my children and my family.” Warren’s eyes narrowed as he transfixed his gaze on Jill. “You get away with a lot, my dear wife. You may think you’re high and mighty, but that’s only due to me. You came from less than nothing! Society trash at its best. No money; just a name. I made you. I gave you money…access…real class… If you cross me where Billy is concerned, you’ll be out on the streets with nothing but what’s in our prenup and that’s not much, Jill.”

“You’d threaten the mother of your children…”

“No.” Warren closed his eyes to regain his thoughts. “I’m simply stating the facts. You may think you’ve won this round, but you will apologize to Billy…”

“I will not!”

“You will!!”

“No! I’m not apologizing to anyone! I do not support his union to Connor. I will not subject my daughters to that freak show, Warren. If you so much as push me on this issue, I will let everyone know about what really goes on in this family. You may have the money, Warren, but I will win in the court of public opinion.”

Warren eyed his wife carefully because, in truth, she seemed more like a stranger. “Where did you learn to be so vile?”

“From your family,” she said, pointedly.

With that, Warren stormed out of the drawing room and out of the house.

Jill collapsed on a divan as she heard Warren’s car peal down the driveway. She could hardly contain her emotions as she began to cry without knowing if the tears would ever cease. Oh, and how she ached for Connor. As she tried to console herself in her eight-million-dollar home, Jill knew all too well that Warren was right about everything. In spite of that, she couldn’t let him take away her children. And yet, she couldn’t let her children be in Will and Connor’s wedding. Either way, she would lose. However, there was only one way to ensure she wouldn’t have to compromise: Jill had to ensure Will and Connor never made it to their wedding day…

In our next installment, Warren confides in Charles…

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Kingsport #26

India Montgomery stepped into the Morning Room to find Dr. Connor Windsor with his arm draped around her brother, Will, without a care in the world. The sight of them together made her sick. Ever since their mother, Alison, had returned from Paris for Will and Connor’s engagement, she hadn’t been able to try and win back Connor. Alison hadn’t said anything to her, but she knew all too well not to upset Will in front of Alison because their mother would always side with Will. India had hated Will since the day he was born and that showed no signs of abating now. The only thing India wanted was for Will to get out of the way because he was the only one stopping her path to happiness.

“Good morning,” chirped India as she made her presence known.

Without turning his head, Will blithely replied, “Can’t you eat in another room?”

“You expect me to eat breakfast outside of the Morning Room? I’m not middle class, Billy,” spat India. She sat across from Connor and her brother and rang a small silver bell. “I considered taking breakfast in the rose garden, but it is far too humid for my tastes.” India focused on Connor, who was doing everything in his power to avoid her gaze. “I only like getting hot and sticky…sometimes…” India said, her eyes never leaving Connor.

A moment later, Ada Burke appeared with India’s breakfast under a silver dome. In a flash, Ada vanished into the servant’s quarters.

“Connor, let’s go out for dinner tonight.”

“I can’t,” sighed Connor. “I have to consult for a surgery next week.”

Will kissed Connor’s cheek. “It’s all right. I’ll find something to do.”

“I’m sure you will,” snapped India. “I think you should go play with your horses or whatever it is you do, Billy.”

Connor glared at India with marked contempt. “If you’re only going to stir up trouble, you can have the Morning Room to yourself, India. Come on, Billy.”

Before India could respond, Connor took Will by the hand and left India alone in the Morning Room. She wanted to scream. She wanted to kick something or someone. India’s blood simmered because she knew Connor loved her, not Will. She knew Connor was using Will to get to her. India knew she had to get Connor alone in order for them to reconnect. It was only a matter of time before Will and Connor got married which meant if she didn’t act quickly, her life with Connor would be ruined as it had been before. India wouldn’t let that happen again…she couldn’t…

Sheila Davenport and Alison Farrell Montgomery clinked their champagne flutes over breakfast at the Kingsport Arms Hotel. While it wasn’t normal for either of these two society women to be seen dining in public in such a flagrant fashion, Alison had suggested the idea to her best friend. And, as it turned out, they were having a marvelous time.

“I only wish I knew what to do about India,” Alison said through the din of the restaurant. “Her obsession with Connor is unhealthy.”

“I know you and Charles are worried about her, Ali, but India is a grown woman. She has to make a life for herself without interfering with Billy and Connor.”

“That’s easier said than done,” sighed Alison. “India’s always had an attachment problem. It’s just a shame she hasn’t put all of this energy into her relationship with Faren.”

Sheila took a long sip from her champagne flute. “I hate to say it, Ali, but I feel that Faren is better off with Elijah than with India.”

“No argument there,” added Alison. “It’s a shame really. India will never know the joys of being a mother because of her obsession with Connor.”

“Do you think the two are linked?”

“Yes,” insisted Alison. “Anyway, I didn’t come here to talk about my daughter. Are you still seeing Robert Fairman?”

Sheila made a face of distaste. “Absolutely not! That man turned out to be nothing but a chancer! Trash. I couldn’t get him out of my life fast enough. Are you still dating Count Andre du Renault?”

Alison could feel her face flush. How she wanted to tell Sheila everything that had happened with the count which had been the catalyst for her sudden return to Kingsport. “I… He and I have decided that it’s no longer wise to see each other,” Alison stated diplomatically. “We’re very different people…and I have a husband…”

“You and Charles haven’t had a real marriage in years,” tutted Sheila. “You two deserve to be happy.”

“Sheila, I don’t want to talk about Charles.”

“You two are on the same estate. You’re bound to see each other.”

Alison cast her eyes down to her smoked salmon. “Outside of seeing him once with Billy, we’ve kept out of each other’s way. Sheila, we shared a few lovely years, raised our children, and decided it was best if we went our separate ways. It works for us.”

“I understand, Ali. It’s just…”

“What?” inquired Sheila.

“If you love him, tell the old coot.”

Alison burst into peals of laughter. “Sheila!” cried Alison as she attempted to stifle her laugh. “What a thing to say!”

Before Alison could say anything else, she and Sheila both saw the same sight: Charles Montgomery, IV emerging from the private dining room with a young little thing hanging from his arm. A wave of fury and embarrassment rushed through Alison. Before she knew it, Alison was marching to confront her husband.

“Alison,” stammered Charles. “I…”

“I’m Alison Montgomery. His wife,” Alison said in a low, cautious voice to the young woman.

The young woman turned six shades of red as Alison gave her an icy stare. “I…”

“Please. I have no use for your pitiful explanations. Just go.” Alison watched the young woman scurry away faster than the wind could carry her. “We said we’d be discrete,” Alison said to Charles, quietly.

“I was being discrete.” He cleared his throat as he took Alison by the hand and stepped into the shadows. “You had no right to make a scene.”

“I’m your wife! This is my reputation, too!”

“You’ve lived in Paris for the better part of two decades, Alison! You’re the one who wanted nothing to do with me. We’re estranged.”

“We may be estranged,” bit Alison, “but I am still Mrs. Charles Montgomery, IV. That will never change.”

“My, my, my,” taunted Charles, “I think you’re jealous.”

“I am not jealous!” huffed Alison. “If you’re going to have affairs with cheap young women, do it in New York City, not in Kingsport.”

Charles gazed at his wife with loving contempt. “You want me. You hate me. You loathe me. You can’t stand being around me. Which is it, Alison?” He waited for a response which never came because Alison stalked off towards the restroom leaving Charles and Sheila completely bewildered over what had just happened. However, Charles knew one thing was for sure: Now was the time to ask his wife for the one thing he wanted, yet was afraid to broach. Charles Montgomery, IV wanted a divorce.

In our next installment, Warren and Jill have a heated argument…

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Posted on

Kingsport #25

“Eli, I don’t want to do this.” Nicholas Davenport paced around the living room of his Manhattan co-op apartment as his heart raced a million miles a minute. “I don’t want to join the board of Davenport. I’m not qualified!”

“You don’t have to be qualified because you’re a Davenport. Dylan and I will help you.” Eli gently sipped the ice-cold martini in his left hand. “I know all of this may seem out of left field, but with you on the board, we’ll have intel and more leverage when we take the company private.”

Nicholas turned to face his brother with angst written all over his face. For all of his life, Nicholas had been an after-thought, especially in the light of his father’s disappearance thirty years ago. Nicholas’ childhood had been marred by sadness and grief; no one took an interest in him, so he took an interest in everyone else. After flitting from career to career and failed venture to failed venture, the last thing Nicholas wanted was the burden of sitting on the board of a publicly listed technology company. “You can take the company private without me. Our family owns a majority of the stock. Eli, please drop this plan. I don’t want to do it.”

Eli stared at his brother carefully. He knew Nicholas could be a little wimp, but this was entirely unbecoming. “Nick, you need to understand that I’ve always tried to help you.”

“When?” asked Nicholas, incredulously. “We’ve barely spoken in… What? Three years?”

“I’ve been busy.” Eli cleared his throat. “Regardless, I’ve always kept an eye on you. Always. Ever since you were a baby.”

“You were barely around! After Dad vanished, you went away to boarding school. So much for being a brother.”

“I was sent to boarding school,” corrected Eli. “Mom couldn’t stand to be around me and she still hates the sight of me. I’ve learned how to live with it. But you have to know, Nick, that I always tried to protect you when you were little. Always.”

Nicholas gave Eli a quizzical stare. This was the first time in their relationship that Eli had shown a modicum of love or concern for him, let alone said it out loud. “I appreciate that, Eli. However, I don’t want to sit on the board of Davenport.”

“You’ll do what’s good for you,” whispered Eli. “You need to put your family first.”

“Like you have?” countered Nicholas, hotly. “You live in San Francisco and do whatever you please. All I want is to be in control of my money without having to go to Mom whenever I want access to my trust fund. I want nothing to do with Davenport Technology.”

“You’re such an entitled brat,” bit Eli. “It’s time for you to step-up and be a man for your family. You’ve had everything handed to you your entire life, Nick. Everything. You can’t want the rewards without doing any of the work. Maybe that’s why all of your careers and ventures fail.” Eli walked over to Nicholas and stared at him in the eye. “I’m putting your name forward to take Patrick Petersen’s seat on the board. End of. This isn’t up for discussion. The family will vote you in and that will help us take back control of the company.” Eli patted Nicholas on the arm as he walked towards the entry of the living room. “I’ve done more for you than you’ll ever know, Nick. It’s time for you to do this for me.”

Nicholas thought about Eli’s words long after he left. He couldn’t understand or fathom what Eli meant, especially when Eli had been a non-factor for so many years in his life. Nicholas wanted to call Lisa or Dylan for more information, but when it came to Eli, everyone went silent. Hell, when it came to the disappearance of their father, Larry, everyone went mum. The only facts Nicholas knew about his father were culled from the press and the collective memories of his mother. Outside of that, Nicholas couldn’t remember the man who had once loved him. In that moment, Nicholas had a thought: Maybe if he sat on the board of Davenport, it might be a way to honor the father he couldn’t remember and never knew. That thought alone filled Nicholas with joy. Maybe, thought Nicholas, sitting on the board of Davenport Technology could be just the thing for the rest of the family to take him seriously…and for him to take control over all aspects of his life…

“I think all of this is a big pipe dream,” Lisa Davenport Collins whispered to her brother, Dylan, by his pool. “Where is Eli going to get four billion dollars to take Davenport Technology private?”

Dylan took a long sip of his Tom Collins. “First of all, Eli will have to pay a premium for Davenport. With fifty million shares outstanding and a twenty percent premium on the eighty dollar a share price, he’d have to pay $4.8 billion to feasibly take the company private without upsetting the other shareholders.” Dylan took a small bite of his club sandwich before adding, “Actually, I’d expect the board to force him to pay five or six billion dollars to take the company private. They may not go for it.”

Lisa laid back on the lounge chair as she let the hot July weather sweep over her. “We control the majority of the shares, Dylan. Isn’t this our decision?”

“In theory, but we can’t make a unilateral decision such as this without bringing it to the board and the shareholders.” Dylan finished his sandwich as he turned to Lisa. “I actually think it’s a smart idea.”

“You do?!?” Lisa gulped down the rest of her white wine. “I thought you were against it!”

Dylan shrugged. “I don’t want to run the company… I’ve given enough of my life to Davenport Technology, but having the family own the company again outright while ensuring its long-term future is exciting to me. The only downside is having to work so closely with Eli.”

Lisa sighed heavily. “He’s not that bad,” she said, firmly.

“He’s always up to something, Lisa. I bet he didn’t even ask Nick if he wanted to be nominated for the board. Eli works in an underhanded way to get what he wants. Nothing he does is out of the goodness of his heart.” Dylan exhaled sharply. “I think we should all be on our guard where Eli is concerned.”

“I think you’re holding onto the past, Dylan. I’m the only one who has even been in touch with Eli over the years and he’s changed. We all have,” Lisa added, quietly. “I’ve made mistakes. You’ve made mistakes. However, I don’t think it’s prudent or wise, for that matter, to judge someone by who they used to be rather than who they are now.”

Dylan stood up, walked to the outside bar, and poured himself a tumbler of water. “Believe what you like, Lisa.”

Lisa shook her head with annoyance. As much as she loved her big brother, she hated the way he held a grudge and refused to see the good in people. She knew that Dylan could be ridged, firm, and unmoving. She also knew that Dylan had a big heart and had been hurt time and again by the women in his life. The only thing Lisa wanted for Dylan was for him to learn how to love…how to forgive…and how to let go. “Dylan, if we do vote to take the company private, you’re going to have to find a way to repair your relationship with Eli…so will Mom.” Just then, Lisa’s smartphone began to ring. She looked at the screen to see it was Oliver’s nanny. “Tanya,” she said as she moved to the pool house, “is everything all right?”

Dylan watched his sister walk off as memories of the past flooded his mind. Along with Eli and Sheila, Dylan was the only other person who could possibly remember the events which transpired on the night that Larry disappeared from the face of the earth. He could vividly recall Eli shouting at Larry as Nick cried upstairs… Sheila and Eli got into a fight… Eli chased Larry out of the house… Dylan tried to stop him, but Sheila ordered him to stay in the house… After what seemed like days, Eli returned, wet, cold, and covered in mud. Larry was never seen again. The memories proved to be too potent. Dylan quickly grabbed a clean crystal tumbler and filled it with ten-year-old whisky. He downed the soothing liquid as he tried to erase those memories from his mind. However, the only thing that raced through Dylan’s mind were the words Eli said when he walked into the house, “I tried to stop him… I tried…” Dylan didn’t know what he meant. Eli never offered up any more than that. It had altered the course of their lives. Dylan knew Eli held the missing piece of Larry’s disappearance and until his brother spilled his guts, Dylan refused to trust him ever again.

In our next installment, Alison confronts Charles…

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