Tag: Charles Montgomery IV

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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 #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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Kingsport #15

India Montgomery closed her eyes to consider the next move in her plan to get Connor to herself. Yes, he had rejected her outright the other week, but he had become aroused at the sight of her naked body. For India, that meant more than any string of meaningless words Connor could hurl at her. She knew that he loved her. After everything they’d been through over the last few years, India knew in her heart that Connor’s love for her was real. He may have protested and even claimed to be in love with Will to avoid his true feelings, but, luckily for him, India knew his true feelings. She and Connor had a connection that no one in this world, not even Will, could destroy. As India opened her eyes in the confines of her bedroom at the Montgomery Estate, she checked the time. According to her source at the hospital, Connor would be leaving in twenty minutes. India climbed off her bed, checked herself in the mirror, and headed off to complete her mission for the day.

Lisa Davenport Collins and Jill Stanhope Montgomery clinked their wine glasses together in the dining room of the Kingsport Arms Hotel. While a lot of women from their set chose to have breakfast and dinner at the Kingsport Country Club, it was considered terribly modern to be seen lunching at the Arms in full view of the world. Women from their set often wore new ensembles from Paris, New York, and Tokyo for lunch while being gawked at by those who swore that one day would be in their set. Everyone knew that would never happen, but it was the dream which kept towns like Kingsport running at full speed.

“I can’t keep up anymore,” sniffed Jill. “Billy runs around like the world owes him something. He acts like a child, Lisa. Warren always gets involved and then I have to hear about it.” Jill sipped her ice-cold glass of white wine. “To be honest, I don’t know why Charles and the rest of the family indulge him. Now that he’s with Connor, it’s all anyone can talk about.”

Lisa looked at her friend with a combination of concern and pity. She knew that Jill always felt ill at ease with the Montgomery family. No one in polite society talked about it, but while Jill had the pedigree of being a Stanhope, her family money had long dried up. They relied on the generosity of a third cousin in Colorado to provide them with the essentials to simply exist in a town like Kingsport. Everyone always said that Jill’s marriage to Warren was the smartest thing she had ever done. Lisa agreed. “Jill, I don’t see why everyone is up in arms about Will and Connor. It’s none of our business.”

“It’s family business, that’s why it matters,” insisted Jill. “You should have seen how self-satisfied Connor was at the family dinner the other week. He was holding onto Will like he’d claimed a great prize. It was sickening.”

Lisa eyed Jill carefully. “Be careful, Jill. Someone who doesn’t know you may think you’re a tad homophobic.”

Before Jill could respond, she and Lisa saw the same sight: Charles Montgomery, IV coming out of the private dining room with a pretty young woman of no one more twenty-five on his arm. The woman looked pleased with herself; Charles looked satisfied. Before Jill could command her mouth to speak, Charles and the young woman left in a hurry.

“Well,” Lisa said, quietly. “I thought Charles was more discrete than that.”

Jill took a long sip of wine. She loathed the fact that Charles could be so brazen in his little affair. “Lisa, if you wouldn’t mind…” Her voice trailed off.

“I won’t say a word.” Lisa meant it. She had little time for her own family, let alone the high drama of the Montgomery clan. “I’ve never been a great fan of Charles, but I’ve always liked Alison. She’s a wonderful woman.”

Jill chortled. “She’s not as wonderful as you think,” replied Jill. “Heaven forbid she doesn’t think you’re good enough for her family.”

“Who are we talking about, Jill?”

Jill cast her eyes down to her salad. She was well aware that Alison didn’t want her to marry Warren, but Jill had prevailed against the odds. “Alison and I have had our differences. It’s in the past, Lisa. Tell me all about life at the auction house.”

Lisa sighed. “Oh, it’s wonderful. It’s great to have something to do other than volunteer at Oliver’s school and plan Jackson’s business dinners. I love having a career which is rewarding, fun, and intellectually stimulating. I really am very lucky, Jill.”

In that moment, Jill couldn’t help but feel envious of her friend. There were times when her life was so empty she wanted to cry. Jill had accepted her life as it was, but she wanted more than anything to have a life – a marriage – of meaning, not quiet desperation.

Dr. Connor Windsor turned off the alarm to his house with deft precision. He carefully walked through each room to ensure he was alone. The last thing Connor wanted was a repeat of the day India had broken into his home and accosted him in the nude. He wasn’t in the mood for her games, nor was he in the mood to deal with anyone else. Connor had the next three days off which he intended to spend at his cabin in Maine. With Will missing in action, Connor decided that the best thing for him to do was to get out of town, get away from India, and relax. Just as Connor walked into his bedroom, a knock at the door sent shivers down his spine.

Connor carefully walked towards the front door, pulled it open, and was shocked to see Will standing in front of him. He pulled Will into his arms and gave him a deeply passionate kiss. “Don’t you ever do that to me again, you bastard,” Connor mumbled into Will’s ear.

Will hugged Connor tight. “I’m sorry. My mother made me see sense. She may not be very maternal, but she is great at being forthright. I missed you, Connor.”

Connor pulled Will into the house as he closed the door behind him. “I’ve missed you so much Will. You should’ve told me you were coming back to town.”

“I didn’t want India to know. Had I used one of the family planes, someone would have told her. I flew first class for the first time ever. I won’t be doing that again,” laughed Will. He turned his head and saw a large weekend bag sitting in the foyer. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Maine,” said Connor. “I have three days off. I wanted to clear my head.”

“Because of me,” asked Will.

“A little,” teased Connor. “Come with me.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Will exclaimed, “Yes, I’ll go!”

A moment later, the sound of shattering glass ricocheted through the air.

Connor ran into the sitting room with Will behind him. There on of the floor, was a large brick which sat in the middle of piles of shattered glass. From their vantage point, they could both see an envelope wrapped around the brick. Connor eased towards it, picked up the brick, and brought it to Will. He removed the rubber band, opened the envelope, and let out a cry of agony. There, staring back at him, were photos of Connor and India having sex from years and years ago. Will spied the photographs which made him want to vomit.

“Will, I can explain!” cried Connor.

“No… You…you told me that it was all in her head!”

“It is!”

“You had sex with my sister!”

“It’s not what it looks like, Will!”

“You told me time after time that it was all in her head. That she was crazy! But… You had sex with her!”

Connor dropped the brick on the carpeted floor. He seized Will by the shoulders. “Will, listen to me. Those pictures are old. Yes, India and I had sex a few times, but it was years and years ago. That’s all! Everything else she’s said is a lie!”

Will glared at Connor with heartbreak in his eyes. “If you lied about sleeping with her, I can’t believe anything you’ve said, Connor.” Will wrenched himself from Connor’s grasp. “Have a nice time in Maine,” he said, coldly.

Connor chased Will to the front door and cut him off before he could leave. “Will, please. Let me explain.”

Will pushed his way past Connor. “No, Connor. No. You’re a liar. — I don’t think I can ever trust you again.”

From the cover of hedges, India watched as Will stormed out of Connor’s house and sped away. She couldn’t have planned it any better if she tried. And she didn’t try. That’s what made this moment so much sweeter.

 

In our next installment, Warren gets tough with Will…

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Kingsport #11

“Billy, I really wish you would reconsider moving into the cottage,” Charles told his son.

Will moved a poached egg around his plate with sheer indifference. He didn’t want to have breakfast with his dad, but Charles had heard the rumor from the staff, so he wanted to ensure it wasn’t true. For Will, living under the same roof with India was unbearable. Will sighed as he took in the sight of the glorious Morning Room. “Dad, it’ll be for the best. I’m a little too old to live with my dad.”

“You are looking a bit rough around the neck, Billy.” India strode into the Morning Room, poured a cup of coffee, and bit into a croissant. “But that’s my opinion…”

“India, now is not the time,” insisted Charles.

“I haven’t said anything that isn’t true. Billy spends too much time in the sun on those horses. It’s bound to age anyone,” explained India, breathlessly.

Will rolled his eyes. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

“Oh, calm down, Billy,” laughed India. “I like having fun with you.” India sat at the table, unfurled a monogrammed linen napkin, and buttered her croissant. “Actually, I heard quite the noise coming from your room the other day. I was on my way to the library when I heard the worst grunting and groaning. I thought you were in trouble, but then I realized that Connor was here, so I knew you were in big, strong safe hands. Tell me, Billy, does he still have that small mole on his inner right thigh?”

Will slammed his napkin down on the table and stormed out of the Morning Room.

“Someone’s touchy this morning,” trilled India.

“India, darling,” began Charles, “I don’t think it’s necessary to goad Billy.”

“Daddy, he’s always been sensitive. Always. We can’t have any fun for fear for upsetting Billy. The last time I checked, this wasn’t the William Montgomery Sad Sack Hour.” India gently sipped her coffee. “He’ll get over it. I’m sure Connor will find a way to calm him down.”

Charles shook his head. He couldn’t imagine why his children were interested in the same man. It belied his entire belief system. “India, I think you may be better served if you re-route your energy elsewhere.”

“Daddy, that’s not very nice,” pouted India.

“I have to meet with Sheila later today. We have a meeting at the bank concerning Faren’s trust.”

India cast her eyes down towards her plate. How she missed her daughter… How she wished she could be the mother Faren deserved… In spite of that, India wasn’t ready to be that mother… “Oh.”

“That’s all you can muster regarding your daughter?”

“I spoke with Eli over the weekend. He said she’s fine!”

“You didn’t speak to her? India…”

“She had a ballet lesson! Eli is her father. She’s in safe hands.”

“India, maybe it’s time that you and Eli came to…an arrangement concerning Faren’s care…”

“Eli lives in San Francisco. He’s not going to uproot Faren for me.”

“Have you asked him?”

“Daddy, please mind your business!” snapped India. “Oh, Daddy…” sighed India. “I love Faren so much. I miss her, but Eli is the better parent. Everyone knows it.”

“She’s your daughter. Whatever you and Eli think, she needs you, India. Stop goading Billy and thinking about Connor. It’s time you put your daughter first before it’s too late.”

Sheila Davenport and Charles Montgomery, IV walked into the dining room of the Kingsport Country Club after their meeting at West Haven Valley Private Bank and Trust, the premiere bank to the best families in Kingsport. You had to have a minimum of five million dollars cash to open an account to ensure you were worthy of this esteemed private bank. Sheila and Charles settled into the star table which shielded them from public view yet gave them a prime view of the entire dining room. “I think that was productive,” said Sheila, crisply.

“Sheila, I know you don’t like Mavis Andre, but she did have a point,” replied Charles as he motioned for the waiter.

“I did not appreciate her tone. She acts as if this is her money. Some people,” sniffed Sheila.

“Mr. Montgomery. Mrs. Davenport. Would you like to place an order?” asked one of the musty waxwork waiters.

“I’d like an extra dry gin martini with two olives,” said Sheila.

“I’ll have the same.” Charles waited until the waiter had walked off before he said, “I had a rather interesting conversation with India this morning.”

Sheila pursed her lips. “Charles, I don’t think we should discuss her.”

“She’s Faren’s mother. We have to discuss her. I’m sure you and Alison talk about India all the time.”

“Alison is my dearest friend. I’d never break her confidence, nor she mine. When it comes to India, I don’t know what to do, Charles. She’s shown no interest in Faren for years and it’s beginning to take a toll on her.”

“I’m aware of it. It’s time for her to become a mother whether she likes it or not. I thought sending her to Paris to be with Alison would have helped, but India’s the same person.”

“That’s not a good thing.” Sheila stopped talking as the waxwork waiter delivered their martinis and left without a word. “Charles, we should probably defer to Elijah where Faren and Alison are concerned. Apparently, he and India are in regular contact.”

Charles gave Sheila a curious look. “Then I take it you’ve been in touch with Eli?”

“It’s not like it sounds. I heard that India was in town and I called Eli to see if he knew why.”

“You could’ve called me…or Alison…”

Sheila took a long sip of her cold, perfectly shaken martini. “It’s not my place, but I will say this: Alison has done a lot for India. I think it’s time she had a break.”

Charles knew what Sheila meant. Even though he and his estranged wife spoke infrequently, he was well aware that India’s time in Paris had been trying for Alison. “What are we going do when it comes to Faren and India?”

“We’re going to do the hardest thing of all.”

“Which is?”

“Nothing. This is up to Elijah and India to straighten out. Maybe it’s best if Faren is three thousand miles away from her mother right now. Let’s see how India fares in the next few months. Once we see that, we can make alternate plans…”

The sound of Charles ringing cell phone interrupted Sheila’s train of thought. Normally, Charles wouldn’t answer his phone, but something told him to answer the call from his office. He picked up the call and listened intensely to his Chief of Staff, Xander Holm. “I see… Please keep me updated, Xander.” With that, Charles ended the call, a look of concern painted across his face.

“Charles… Is everything all right?”

“That was my office… It’s Billy.”

“Is Billy all right?” asked Sheila, carefully.

“He’s leaving.”

Sheila gave Charles a curious look. “Where is he going?”

“He… Billy called the family office to book the private pane from Kingsport to Paris leaving first thing.”

“Charles, I’m sure it’s nothing. He probably wants to spend some time with Alison…”

“It’s not that, Sheila. There’s no return flight. Billy is leaving town for good and… God, I should’ve seen this before…”

“Seen what?”

“He’s leaving town for good to get away from India. I can’t let this happen, Sheila. I can’t lose my son.”

In our next installment, India prods Jill for information…

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Kingsport #8

Montgomery Industries sat in the heart of Kingsport’s business district. The privately held company was based in a low-slung brick building from the 1800s which was filled with the hottest technology and smartest people money could buy. Montgomery Industries was a holding company which owned all of the Montgomery family’s assorted business interests going back generations as well as managing an empire which made them billions of dollars every year on top of the fifty billion dollars they were worth. The company was owned by members of the Montgomery family, but in the 1960s, Charles’ father, Bennett, bought out all of his cousins, gave them shares in a lesser family enterprise, and consolidated ownership of the company to Bennett and his direct heirs. In the wake of Bennett’s death forty years ago, Charles, his sisters Alice and Sandra and their brother, Walton, each inherited 25% of Montgomery Industries. From that moment on, Charles and his siblings were the some of the wealthiest people in the world. Moreover, very few people knew about their offshore interests, private trust funds, and varied economic interests which they had inherited over the years. While the public thought Charles and his siblings were worth $30 billion each, Charles true net worth was closer to $40 billion. Charles didn’t care to correct the record because he had little interest in being truthful to people who were only after his money.

Charles Montgomery, IV sat in his office on the executive floor of Montgomery Industries. He was a man who’d never worked, yet he insisted that other people learn the value of a dollar, and thought his children were gifts from god. While he could be mean, stingy, and entitled, Charles wanted to ensure his children never wanted for anything. He rubbed his eyes as he finished reading a report concerning a chemical company Montgomery Industries had bought from his brother, Walton, ten years ago. When Walton decided he wanted to run for Governor of California, Montgomery Industries bought the company, but Walton’s campaign failed like all of his other ventures. Now, Charles was in charge of cleaning up his brother’s mess. Again.

“Dad, I’m ready when you are.”

Charles looked up to see Warren standing in the doorway dressed to perfection in an Italian suit. He let out a little smile. “I’m not ready for this, Warren. It’s not good is it?”

Warren sat in a chair directly across from his father’s desk. He pulled out the same report concerning The Chemical Alliance Company. “I don’t see how Uncle Walt can talk his way out of this one, Dad. I think…as council for Montgomery Industries…that the company pays a fine, Uncle Walt pays a fine so they won’t throw him in prison, and we move on. Any legal proceedings will damage The Chemical Alliance Company, Montgomery Industries, and our family.”

“Walton is such a moron,” bit Charles. “He’s always been like this. Our father thought Walton was the golden child, but he was just a little shit with too much money and no responsibilities.” Charles grabbed the report and tossed it in his desk. “Have you talked to Walton?”

“No. I’ve reached out to his team. I know Janet Ruiz, one of Uncle Walt’s lawyers. I’m sure she’ll make him see sense. Dad, I know you didn’t want The Chemical Alliance Company or Montgomery Industries to pay the fine because of Uncle Walt’s actions, but it really is the best way forward.”

“Fine. Once the details are in place, I’ll tell Stephanie to wire the funds. It’ll be good to have this over and done with once and for all.”

Warren nodded and started for the door, but something inside him made him stop. “Dad, I’m concerned about India.”

“She’s fine. I think she’s adjusting well.” For all of Charles’ finer qualities, he could be flippant about India’s dark side.

“I think we should keep an eye on her. Billy told me what she accused Connor of doing to her and now that he’s with Connor and she’s back in town…”

Charles shook his head. “It’s none of our business, Warren.”

“Dad, I’m afraid if we pretend like everything’s fine, it’ll create a huge blind spot where India is concerned.”

“Warren, there’s nothing to worry about. India’s fine. Billy and Connor are safe. You’re worrying about nothing, son.”

Connor walked into his bedroom after working a double shift at Presbyterian Medical Center. He’d lost a patient who overdosed on ketamine and another who was shot by his wife. While Connor enjoyed being a doctor, these were the days which made him rethink the trajectory of his life. If he had gone into investment banking at the family firm Windsor & Associates, he would have been able to swan off to London or Hong Kong like his sister, Deanna. Instead, he was stuck in Kingsport trying to save people who, in some circumstances, didn’t want to be saved. Although he wanted to see Will today, Connor was too tired to spend time with the love of his life.

Will. Connor had never before considered a relationship with a man, but that one fateful day two years ago changed everything. He and Will were both at the country club when they realized their tennis partners hadn’t shown up. Instead of playing a match, they had lunch in the clubhouse and there was an instant spark. A few days later, they had dinner. The next weekend, they went to Connor’s cabin in Maine where they spent the whole weekend in bed. It was new territory for Connor, but everything in that moment felt right. Whole. Real.

As Connor stepped out of the shower, he quickly toweled off, silenced his phone, and stepped into his darkened bedroom. He crawled into bed when he felt something under the covers. Knowing it wasn’t Will, Connor flicked on the bedside lamp to find India giving him a menacing glare in the dim bedroom.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispered.

“How the hell did you get into my house?!”

India stood up to reveal her nude, supple body. It shimmered in the dimly lit bedroom. “You used Billy’s birthday for your security code. I guessed you would.” She let her hands find their way to her vagina. Her head fell back in wild bliss as she began to rub herself. “I know how much you like this, Connor.”

“Get out of my house, India!” he screamed.

India slowly walked over to him. She pressed her nude body against his. India could feel his rising erection on her leg. “I thought you liked men now,” she whispered, coolly.

Connor shoved her across the room with such force she grabbed onto the bureau to stop from falling. “I hate you. I’ve always hated you,” seethed the doctor.

“You may hate me, but I know you can’t resist me, Connor. I challenge you. I make life more interesting. Billy can’t do what I’ll do… You can do whatever you want to me…like you did before…”

“I’m not going to tell you this again, India. Get. Out. Of. My. House.” Connor grabbed a robe, tied it around his waist, and turned on all of the lights in his bedroom. “You’ve lost your mind.”

India released a husky chortle. “You and I know the truth. You’ve never been able to keep your hands off of me…whether I wanted you or not.” She bent down, picked up a full-length trench coat, and put it on. “One of these days, you’ll be inside of me. You’ll be in my arms. Billy is a distraction. You may love him, but you’re obsessed with me.”

“You have lost your mind.”

“Men always say that when women hit too close to home.” India slipped into her six thousand dollar heels as she marched towards the door. “I know the truth, Connor. So do you. It’s only a matter of time before everyone finds out…including Billy.” With that, India slipped out of Connor’s house.

His heart raced as it hadn’t in years. While he wasn’t terrified of her, he knew that she was dangerous. He also knew exactly what she was talking about. Connor couldn’t let the truth come out, especially her version of events. In his brightly lit bedroom, the doctor decided that now was the time to begin spinning his version of events because if there was one thing he knew how to do, it was how to make everyone doubt the truth…

In our next installment, Barbara doubles down on her plans for the future…

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