Six Years Later

“Julius!”

Julius sighed as he looked up from his paperwork to see his self-proclaimed fiancée stride into his office. The woman didn’t know the meaning of the word knock among many others.

Katherine Trent was everything one expected of an heiress: blonde, tall and well-endowed. Her parents were hotel moguls worth several million but still far short of the DaLair family. Yet with their support Katherine had never needed to work a day in her life. Instead she spent her time traveling the best social circles looking for her perfect groom. She found it in Julius. He was everything she wanted: rich, powerful and handsome.

“Julius! Look I have found the perfect venue for our wedding!”

Scowling he accepted the brochure seeing it was for Twin Peaks Country Club. Even for members the reception hall would cost a million to reserve at such short notice. He grunted.

“I thought you decided on Tribeca,” Julius said.

He knew her family had already made the down payment for the reservation which was non-refundable. Despite being a prominent family they still had limited means and certainly couldn’t afford to throw it around even for their daughter.

“That one was fine but this one will take the wedding to the next level!” Katherine squealed.

“No.”

“What?”

“I said no,” Julius glared not likely to repeat himself. “The other hall is already reserved.”

“But Julius, don’t you want…”

“No.” He snapped.

Katherine brought her lip forward, quivering it as she pouted. Julius glared at her, unyielding. The stand-off continued for several moments before she finally gave in.

“All right, but mommy will be so disappointed.”

“She’ll live.”

“Well I already know how you can make it up to me,” she smiled. “I want M. Gray to be our photographer.”

“Who?”

“Really, Julius sometimes I think you were born under a rock,” Katherine gave him another brochure.

This one was for an art exhibit. Apparently M. Gray was a photographer and quite famous. The brochure announced the opening of the new gallery and its exclusive contract to display M. Gray’s work in America. Julius knew very little about art so he only gave it a cursory glance.

“M. Gray is only the most famous photographer of this decade! Everyone praises his work as genius. Can you just imagine what our wedding will look like through his vision!”

Julius gave a noncommittal grunt as his phone rang. Picking it up the receiver he answered, “Prescott, to what do I owe this call?”

Katherine waited impatiently as he listened to the man on the other end of the line. Julius hoped she would take the hint and go but she remained as if determined to get the last word in.

“No. I told you before we weren’t interested. Yeah, maybe next time.”

The moment Julius set the receiver down Katherine began exactly where she left off, “The gallery’s grand opening is next week and will have M. Gray’s newest show on display for the first time anywhere! It will be the perfect opportunity to contact the artist, you know face-to-face. It’s supposedly really difficult to contact them. I guess he’s a bit of a recluse or something but there is no way he would deny seeing us.”

Julius shrugged. An outing to an art gallery was the least offensive of her usual appeals. Though his answer was less than enthusiastic she was satisfied. Pecking a kiss on his cheek she breezed out as quickly as she entered finally leaving him to his work. Scowling Julius grabbed a handkerchief and wiped away the lingering wetness Katherine left on his skin. Her touch was nauseating. Glancing at the brochure again he realized the gallery looked familiar.

Opening a drawer he removed an invitation that had arrived a few days ago for the grand opening of the same gallery. He remembered it because it was an invitation sent by his father. Augustus DaLair was not much of an art aficionado and yet he now somehow owned a gallery and wanted to display the photographs of this artist? Were they also war buddies just as he was with Macey’s father?

And now Katherine wanted to go to the gallery to appeal to this photographer too? What was so special about M. Gray? Not for the first time he wondered how he got himself roped into this situation. Angrily he stood and went to his liquor cabinet pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

He knew exactly how he got here. Two years ago he got drunk like he did most nights since Macey’s disappearance. Katherine came up to him and aggressively started making out with him right at the bar. His mind had been elsewhere. His inhibitions and standards were lower. So low in fact he was beginning to wonder if something had been slipped into his drink.

Luckily his brother was at the same party, pealed her off of him and took Julius home to sleep it off. Shortly after that Katherine started to claim he was her fiancée even going as far as buying herself an engagement ring. He hadn’t cared in the beginning but now she was planning their wedding.

One moment of weakness and his life was sliding out from under him. Pouring himself another drink Julius returned to his desk. But really it started falling apart long before that. Hesitating he unlocked the bottom drawer to remove a small velvet lined box and a folder. Taking another sip of his drink he opened the folder. On top was a pack of papers: divorce papers. Lying on top of that was a short note written in a careful scrawl. In moments he was taken back to that night six years ago.

* * *

Slam!

“Macey! How dare you ignore my calls!” Julius shouted as he stumbled into the apartment. “Macey! Don’t ignore me! We’re not done talking!”

He made it through the entry, past the kitchen tossing his keys and phone on the counter without really seeing it or the items left on it and skirted the living room as he headed toward the bedroom. If he had been sober he might have realized it was too quiet and no one would be able to ignore his drunken ranting.

“Macey!”

He burst into the bedroom only to find it empty. Undeterred he headed for the master bath intent on finding his wayward wife. Throwing open the door he stumbled all the way into the luxury shower before he realized she wasn’t there. Turning he staggered toward the door kicking over the garbage can and tripping on the trash that spewed across the floor. Sprawling on the bedroom floor he passed out completely.

A splitting headache woke him the next morning. Rising from the floor he shuffled through the trash to reach the toilet and relieved himself. He groaned as he head slowly woke from its fog and a thought suddenly occurred to him.

“Macey! Don’t think I’ve forgotten about last night!” he called.

Quickly washing his hands he kicked his way through the garbage again. Growling in anger he righted the trash can and began throwing the refuse away. He hated messes.

“Macey, get in here the clean this up! I wasn’t put on this earth to clean up after a woman!”

A small, plastic piece caught his eye. It almost looked like a toothbrush but with no bristles. Turning it over he read the digital display: pregnant. Julius’s hangover was instantly forgotten as the single word sank in.

Pregnant.

“Macey!”

Julius rushed into the bedroom to find it empty. The bed was unused and no sign of the redhead who shared it with him for the last two years. Suddenly panicked he darted out of the bedroom heading to the kitchen.

“Macey!”

She always woke early to start the coffeemaker knowing he couldn’t get his day started without his morning cup. There was no sign of her and none of the usual breakfast smells. The living room was likewise absent of life. He continued to check every room of the condo refusing to believe she was really gone.

The faint smell of burnt paper eventually led him to the study. Here at last was something she had touched. Stepping up to the desk his eyes fell on the stack of papers: the divorce papers he requested from his lawyer in a moment of impulse after hearing the rumors circulating about her. He had been enraged that she thought she could play him for a fool. But he was a fool.

Resting on top was her engagement and wedding rings. It was a simple, understated set. Her engagement ring was a smooth band with five small stones: three diamonds and two emeralds. The wedding band it was made to attach to was likewise a simple band with three stones: two diamonds and a slightly bigger emerald in the center. Underneath the rings was a note. With a shaking hand he reached for it.

You win. I officially want nothing from you.

No. No-no-no-no.

Panic sent his heart racing as he spun around and headed to the kitchen again. Her purse, wallet and keys sat on the counter. He ignored them reaching for his phone and dialing her number. Julius listened to the ring until it finally went to voicemail.

“Macey! Pick up the phone! Please!”

Hanging up, he dialed again only to receive the same results. He tried again. Julius was ready to try a fourth time before a thought occurred to him. Checking to see the time was past eight he searched his contacts for a new name and hit send. It rang twice before a chipper voice answered.

“You’ve reached the Lord of the Underworld…”

“Chris shut up!” Julius snapped. He was not in the mood for the usual antics of the director of his company’s IT department.

“Okay geez. Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“Just shut it. I need you to track Macey’s phone and tell me where she is.”

“…You realize that is illegal, right?”

“I don’t care! She’s not answering and I need to find her. Can you do it?”

“…What’s the number?”

“646-555-4547.” Julius ran a hand through his hair.

“Just so you know I’m doing this because she might be in the gutter somewhere because that will hold up in court.”

Julius let out an audible groan. She couldn’t be injured. Dear God, let her be okay. Out loud he demanded, “Well?”

“Hold on. This takes a little time even if you do it legally. Do you know if her phone is on?”

“It rang before going to voicemail,” Julius headed to the bedroom to change switching his phone to speaker.

“Good. If it was off it would go directly to voicemail.”

Julius pulled on a pair of jeans and a clean polo before returning to the entry for a jacket and shoes all the while watching his phone and waiting for Chris’s verdict. Just as he reached for his keys he got his answer.

“Got her.”

“Where?”

“She’s about six blocks from you. Just down the street.”

Julius rushed out the door and down to the underground parking. Leaping into his favorite car; a blue Shelby GT, he raced out onto the street following Chris’s directions. He suddenly screeched to a stop at a quiet intersection. Climbing out phone in hand Julius searched for any flash of red hair.

“Where is she, Chris?”

“She should be right there. You’re practically on top of her.”

“Chris there is nothing here…” Julius cut himself off as his eyes fell on the garbage can on the corner. “Chris, call her phone.”

The spirited sound of Beethoven began to play. Blood drained from his face as his fears crept in. Clenching his jaw he approached the can shoving off the cover. Reaching inside he rifled through the trash before straightening with her phone in hand. Julius began to shake: trembling with rage and fear. It couldn’t end like this.

Please.

“Boss?” Chris asked over the phone.

“She threw it in the trash.”

“Damn. Okay. So what now?”

“We have a route. She obviously came this way. There have to be cameras.”

“Yeah, but…”

“I don’t care how you get it done. Find her!”

* * *

Setting aside the papers he picked up the stack of five photos underneath. Their resolutions were poor. Only one was in color. They were retrieved from various sources: a neighbor’s Ring, an ATM, surveillance and security cameras. One thing they all shared was the subject: a woman dressed in jeans and a hoodie as she walked down the street hugging herself.

Only one gave him a proper view of her face as she walked under a street light. Despite the poor resolution it was clear she was upset and had been crying. Her normally sparkling eyes were clouded with sorrow and fear. Macey had always been a vibrant woman but in the image she was pale and listless. She looked broken, abandoned. He had done that. It was his fault.

Numbly he flipped through the photos as guilt gnawed on him. They tracked her to a bus stop and then she simply disappeared without a trace. He spent the last six years trying to find her but always he came up empty. Finally he came to the end of the folder and last two items. He had combed the hospitals to find the one she visited. He now had a copy of her tests confirming her pregnancy as well as a picture of the ultrasound estimating the baby’s development.

Julius stared at them for a long, quiet moment. He had people stake out several hospitals hoping to catch her. Babies required careful monitoring even before they were born but she never appeared and no one recalled a woman matching her description. He refused to believe she was gone. She had to be out there…somewhere.

His shoulders shook with pent up emotion. Slowly he opened the small box to reveal both of their wedding rings. Next to hers was his own: a silver colored band inlaid with a green strip through the center. He had worn his for four years after her disappearance refusing to give up hope. Julius fingered the tiny diamonds and emeralds, belatedly recalling they were in fact their birthstones. With a sigh he once again found himself silently rehearsing his planned speech for when he found her again.

Would he ever be able to say it? Would she even listen?

Macey, where did you go? Come home…please.

“Julius, you look like hell.”

With a sigh he turned to face an older version of himself. March was ten years his senior and growing up the brothers had been quite close. Their connection remained to this day. Standing next to each other it was not difficult to see the family resemblance: sandy blonde hair, gray eyes, prominent nose, chin and jaw. They could almost be twins.

Julius gave his brother a warning look before sipping his whiskey. All around them were people dressed in fine suits and summer dresses despite the lingering chill of spring. The air had a party feel with balloons and even a DJ as they crowded the wide, stone patio surrounding the pool of the DaLair family estate. A large sign declared: Happy Birthday, Augustus!

Augustus DaLair was the reigning patriarch of their family empire. At sixty-five he was as domineering as ever and despite losing his much loved wife to cancer thirty years prior he soldiered on with a sharp mind and cutting wit. He was known to be ruthless to his enemies but exceptionally generous to his friends. Everyone strived to be on his good side hence the dedicated attendance for the day’s festivities.

“Dad! Uncle Jules!”

The brothers turned smiling as a much younger version of themselves approached. Jude DaLair was nineteen. The only son of March and his loving wife Rose he was something of a miracle. March and Rose had struggled to conceive and the pregnancy had been fraught with difficulties throughout. Jude was born four weeks premature and struggled to survive even with the latest technology and techniques.

Yet all that was hard to imagine now. His height rivaled his father and he was an open, charismatic young man with a bright future. There had been no doubt in his mind about following his father’s footsteps as the only heir to the DaLair business empire and was currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire.

“Jude!” March exclaimed wrapping his son in a bear hug.

Like their father, March always wanted a large family. Given the difficulty of Jude’s birth he was resigned to one progeny but March would never give up the happy years with his son and wife.

“Dad!” Jude chuckled hugging him back.

There was no embarrassment from his father’s affections. Like his father and uncle Jude had been raised to cherish close filial ties.

“Hey nephew,” Julius ruffed his hair.

“Uncle Jules!” Jude mockingly whined about his hair being messed up.

“How’s school?”

“It’s all right,” Jude shrugged. “Honestly the stuff they’re covering is pretty basic. I learned more on bring-your-son-to-work day.”

“Well it’s only your first year,” March chuckled. “And not everyone has your advantages.”

“True,” Jude agreed. He knew he was exceptionally lucky. “What’s the matter Uncle? You look like you haven’t slept in days.”

“Just a little stressed at work,” Julius made an excuse.

“There’s your mom,” March said changing the subject, “make sure you say hi before you disappear.”

“Sure. Sure.” Jude laughed but obediently went search of his mother.

“It’s about Macey, isn’t it?” March said quietly when they were alone again.

The anniversary of her disappearance was around the corner. Every year Julius’s mood got worse and his drinking increased to dull the depression and guilt but it never worked. The collapse of Julius’s marriage made news six years ago yet was all but forgotten now. Still not even March knew the whole truth: that she had been pregnant at the time. It was a secret Julius simply couldn’t bear to tell.

Julius scowled.

“Brother, I know how you feel but…”

“You have no idea how I feel,” Julius snapped.

March had been there that night though he hadn’t seen their argument, only the aftermath. He pulled his brother away from the bar and the social harpies congregating around him to demand what he was doing and where Macey had gone only to receive a disgusted answer, she’s probably flirting with some other guy.

It took everything in March not to hit his brother right then and there but settled for calling him an idiot. Shoving Julius toward the door March told him to head home, get his mind right and talk to his wife. He had hopes for his brother’s marriage, until it all came crumbling apart.

“Okay, you’re right. I don’t. But you might have to face facts. You might not ever see her again.”

“Don’t you think I know that? Do you think it makes it easier?”

“No. I don’t imagine it does. Is that why you put up with Katherine?”

“She keeps the others away.”

“And what about the wedding she’s planning?”

Julius grunted not offering a genuine answer. He had no plans to marry her. In fact he had no plans to attend the function at all. Surely that would send her a clear message.

March studied his brother. It was hard to believe it had come to this. Like Julius he grew up with Macey and considered her his little sister. He couldn’t remember exactly when he realized Macey developed a crush on Julius but he watched as she struggled to keep her feelings to herself while Julius remained oblivious. Like any teenager Julius dated several girls and the hurt in Macey’s gaze as he ignored her was palpable to those who realized the truth.

When Augustus proposed their marriage March supported the idea hoping time together would help Julius finally realize the truth about Macey’s true feelings but it had all come crashing down. Only now in her absence did Julius realize how much she meant to him but it was too late. If March could turn back time he knew he would have done more to help his brother. Instead of waiting for Julius to figure out the truth he should have just told him.

“There you are dad!” Katherine squealed as the DaLair patriarch finally made his appearance. “Happy Birthday!”

Augustus scowled at the woman he only ever referred to as the Harpy. How his son endured someone so blatantly shallow and deceptive was beyond him. Out loud he declared, “And exactly what’s so happy about it? Last thing I want to look at is you!”

“Now dad,” Rose said coming up to him to play peacemaker: a role she was all too familiar with. “This is a happy day.”

She was a small woman. Short and almost rail thin. Her lack of weight had always been a health concern but it didn’t matter what she ate she hardly gained a pound. Despite that she was a successful real-estate agent much sought after for the attention she devoted to her clients as well as the reputation of her father-in-law.

“Yes, my dear,” Augustus smiled at his daughter-in-law hugging her tight. “You are right. Forgive this cranky old man.”

“Of course,” Rose tenderly smiled.

“Happy Birthday, granddad,” Jude said joining them to try and ease the tension.

“Jude! My boy!” Augustus welcomed his grandson with a hearty hug completely forgetting the woman who constantly irritated him.

Katherine’s forced smile faded. For two years she tried to earn the DaLair patriarch’s favor and never once received so much as a grin from him. He was ruthless in his rejection and without Julius to contradict him or support her no one else dared stand against Augustus.

Augustus was a man of intense loyalty and filial love. He cherished his family and was ready to defend them to the death. It was well-known he always wanted a large family and had he not lost his wife so early he might have had ten kids and still not been satisfied. After his loss he devoted his time to his sons and later his grandson. Rose easily earned her father-in-law’s favor and it was known he treated her as a cherished daughter.

This was not something Katherine successfully achieved. Her jealousy toward Rose often made her snap at the latter. Had she realized her tantrums were well known to the patriarch she might have curtailed her childish behavior though it wouldn’t have secured her place within the DaLair family. Augustus had no interest in her at all.

The gathered crowd murmured quietly amongst itself. A few shot Katherine sympathetic looks but most averted their eyes. None dared defend her for fear of incurring his wrath themselves. Augustus was not a man to be trifled with. He could singlehandedly make or break someone’s career and it would serve no one to befriend someone who clearly did not have his favor.

As the crowd milled around clearly uncomfortable a tall gentleman in a simple black suit sidled up to the DaLair patriarch. His dark hair and eyes as well as his impressive six foot five height made him instantly recognizable: Stephen Hugo, Augustus’s personal aid as well as secretary, valet, chauffeur and, some said, body guard. Though the last title was told as a joke the truth of the matter was Stephen was also a veteran and highly trained or else he wouldn’t have caught Augustus’s eye. It was not a stretch to say no man was closer to the patriarch than Stephen save his sons.

Bending close to his employer’s ear Stephen whispered low. Augustus’s expression immediately softened and he eagerly turned to his aide saying, “Are they really?”

Stephen nodded. Pecking a kiss on Rose’s temple Augustus excused himself claiming he had an urgent business matter to attend to before retreating inside with Stephen close at his heels. Rose let him go with a conflicted look on her face. It wasn’t like Augustus to interrupt such a gathering for business but in the interest of reducing the guests’ tension she let him go.

Augustus hurried down the hall his cane rasping harshly in his haste. Reaching his study he disappeared inside. Stephen closed the doors and remained outside guarding it from entry.

Reaching the desk Augustus sat down and turned his attention to the open laptop. The sight that waited him took his breath away and made him smile broadly.

“Happy Birthday, Grandpa Gus!” two excited five-year-olds declared as soon as they saw him through the Skype connection.

“Hello, you rascals!” he chuckled.

The boy and girl on the screen giggled. The boy had a rather serious expression despite his bright green eyes. His blonde hair had a reddish tint to it. While his features were nearly identical to his father his sister had softer features inherited from their mother. The girl possessed her mother’s vibrant red hair and bountiful curls but her gray eyes definitely belonged to her father.

“Are you having a good birthday?” the girl asked.

“Of course. And it’s even better now,” Augustus smiled. “I’ve been missing you both so much!”

“We miss you too!” the pair declared.

They hadn’t been together since their grandpa flew to Paris for their birthday. Though they Skyped at least once a month it wasn’t the same as seeing each other in person. All calls had to be carefully planned as Paris was six hours ahead so while his party started at one o’clock, in Paris it was already evening and nearly the twins’ bedtime. Being so far from his grandchildren was a constant irritation to Augustus who was so devoted to his family.

“Where’s your mom?” Augustus asked.

“Mommy had to work,” the boy said. “There’s a lot to get done before her big show.”

“Ah, that is right. It’s only a week away,” Augustus nodded.

“We have a special present for you, grandpa,” the girl said.

“Oh do you?”

She stepped back from the screen as her brother carefully set up his keyboard. Placing his hands on the keys he played Beethoven’s Ode to Joy. Augustus sat back as the all too familiar chords echoed around him. His smile broadened as the boy’s fingers nimbly moved along the keyboard with practiced ease.

The melody unexpectedly changed to a far simpler one with an upbeat tempo and soon the girl’s voice chimed in, “Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire! Joyeux anniversaire grand-père Gus! Joyeux anniversaire à toi.”

Augustus chuckled at the adorable pair. The only thing that could have made it better was if they were able to perform the number in person. How he would have loved to see his grandchildren sing and play their song in front of the stunned crowd.

“Joyeux anniversaire, Grand-pére!” the pair said together.

“Thank you, my little birds,” Augustus smiled.

“Mommy says we’ll be visiting you soon.”

“That’s right. I’ll be seeing you real soon,” Augustus promised. “You be good for your mother now. I don’t want to hear about any shenanigans.”

“Okay grandpa. We’ll be good! You be good too! Love you!”

All too soon the call ended and he slowly closed the laptop. Augustus leaned back savoring the memory of his grandson’s expert piano playing and his granddaughter’s clear, sweet voice. It took him five years but he finally convinced his wayward daughter-in-law to return home. He could only guess at the fireworks that would begin once they set foot in the States.

He already knew his sons would never forgive him once the truth was known but Augustus was prepared for that. It was time Julius earned his comeuppance and if he had any sense at all…he would take advantage of this opportunity. Things were about to get very interesting.

“Oooo! Here it is!” Katherine excitedly cooed as she dragged Julius into the newly opened art gallery.

Though its grand opening was still a week away it was open for business. Located along East Houston Street it enjoyed proximity to several other galleries and ensured a steady stream of curious visitors. His father might not have much experience when it came to art but he knew a good location so Julius was not surprised; however, it still didn’t explain why his father bought the art gallery in the first place.

He sighed. It had only taken a day for Katherine to recover from his father’s public rejection. Julius hated to admit it but she had some fortitude. She probably thought it earned her sympathy from him but he couldn’t care less, if she wanted to punish herself by irritating his father that was her business.

Julius glanced around him to distract himself from her irritatingly shrill voice. Gray Studio Gallery’s mission was to be the premiere proprietor of M. Gray’s work: both past as well as current. Gray’s new show was set to debut exclusively at this location and promised to garner quite the reception during its grand opening. It was rumored the illusive artist in question would even be making a personal appearance. No effort was spared to present a sophisticated atmosphere in the gallery including the rather odd addition of a grand piano.

Julius didn’t have an eye for art but as he looked at the various photographs his interest was piqued. There was something captivating in the compositions whether in color or in black and white. Lighting, angle and focus all harmonized to create subtle but intriguing moods. Images were raw when they were meant to provoke the viewer and soft where they meant to inspire. He could see why M. Gray was touted as a ground breaking artist. The praise was definitely earned.

“Excuse me, where is the gallery director?” Katherine inquired from one of the gallery’s personnel.

“She’s right over there,” the worker nodded to a woman dressed in a formal suit and skirt.

Katherine proceeded onward without as much as a thank you. Julius was dragged along behind her as she maintained a grip on his arm. He was irritated being unable to study the photographs at his own pace. Reaching the woman she had been directed to Katherine loudly announced, “Hello! Are you the art director?”

“Curator,” the woman corrected with a forced smile. Her brown eyes studied Katherine with an undisguised look of disdain.

Though the gallery had yet to celebrate its grand opening she had already been inundated with several amateur art experts. Some came merely to ogle and some to haggle. A few of the more annoying ones insisted they knew the artist which should guarantee them a discount. Most wanted to add to their collections in an effort to prove they were on the cutting edge of the art scene not because they had any genuine appreciation for the artwork itself.

Having seen so many, the curator quickly placed the woman approaching her into the same superficial category. The man, she wasn’t quite certain about. He seemed to be reluctant to even be there though his gaze kept drifting to the artwork on display.

“I’m Sylvia Adwin. How can I help you?”

“We’re planning our wedding and I thought M. Gray could be our photographer. He would make it so magical!” Katherine announced in a rather loud voice hoping to impress the other patrons.

“I’m very sorry but Gray does not accept commissions.”

“Excuse me?” Katherine scoffed. “Our wedding will be the social event of the year! Gray should feel honored we even considered him. We’ll pay of course though he should do it for free!”

Sylvia grimaced, “Ma’am you see this picture…”

Katherine looked to see a black and white piece depicting a small tree alone in a plain of grass. The simple composition evoked loneliness, introspection and ultimately hope.

“…This piece is worth $100,000 and we’ve sold three prints since we opened,” Sylvia said carefully letting her words sink in. “Gray is an artist…not some amateur photographer.”

“Why you…do you have any idea who I am?” Katherine demanded.

“No. And I don’t really care. This gallery was founded solely to showcase and promote Gray’s work. It is not an advertisement seeking employment. It is a celebration of someone’s unique artistic eye and style.”

“I suggest you drop the attitude,” Katherine warned. “I can have this whole place shut down like that!”

She snapped her fingers to reiterate her point. Katherine expected the curator to crumble and beg for forgiveness as most did. Instead she was met with an unperturbed stare as the curator said, “You are welcome to try.”

“What?” Katherine scowled.

“M. Gray does not accept commissions. If you insist, you are welcome to submit your request in person. Gray will be here for the grand opening but I can say with certainty the answer will be the same.”

“You haven’t heard the last from us. Right Julius?” Katherine turned only to find he had slipped away.

Blushing with embarrassment she rushed out of the gallery looking for him. The curator watched her go with an amused look. She had seen him slip away but he hadn’t headed outside. Curious she circled around one of the false walls to find Julius captivated by a series of black and white photographs.

The series consisted of six photographs. Each depicted a model, her torso only. In each photograph the model wore less and less clothing until in the final piece she was completely nude, her breasts covered only by her posed arm while the other cradled her large belly. The composition and slow removal of clothing were all in service to highlight her swelling abdomen. Beside each photograph was an ultrasound picture depicting the developing baby within courtesy of the Hôpital de Paris. Beside the final photograph the ultrasound depicted two fetuses cradled together revealing the meaning of the series title: Two Hearts.

“It’s an impressive series, isn’t it?” the curator asked standing beside him. “It’s one of Gray’s masterpieces, the first really.”

Julius nodded not taking his eyes off the final piece. Would Macey have looked like that in her final month? What would it have been like to hold her then? To know their baby was soon to emerge.

“People often make the mistake of thinking men have all the power but in truth woman do; after all, only a woman can create life.”

Slowly Julius’s raging thoughts calmed. Only then did he feel ready to return to work. Before he left he bought the entire Two Hearts series, only the third to do so from the gallery’s exclusive fifty print run.

* * *

Augustus scowled as the meeting droned on. He glanced at his youngest son who seemed distracted but better composed than he had been the last few days. Glad Julius seemed a little more collected Augustus hadn’t complained when his son returned from lunch late pushing back the start of the bi-monthly, Board meeting. But because they started late they were now running long and he would miss a much anticipated arrival.

Giving Stephen a pointed look Augustus received a nod in return. Stephen extricated himself without anyone noticing his departure. That was the advantage of constantly shadowing his employer. People were used to ignoring him and thus no one marked his passage as he retreated to the garage where the company’s vehicle fleet was stored. Selecting one of the limos he headed out arriving at JFK an hour later.

Parking the limo in the pick-up area Stephen headed in. His gaze went to the board announcing arriving international flights then he headed to the Air France check in area. The flight was on time and he didn’t have to wait long. Even customs seemed to be operating efficiently and soon the passengers were steadily streaming into the terminal.

Among them was a woman crowned with a mane of brilliant red curls. Her clothing was simple: jeans, tank top and denim jacket that hugged her trim form. She strode through the airport with confidence. Her confidence and serene expression caused many heads to turn as she dragged her wheeled carry-on containing her expensive camera equipment along. Trailing her was a set of twins.

Brother and sister, they were dressed in loose clothing comfortable for flying. The girl wore bedazzled jeans and a sweater with a unicorn on it while her brother wore a long-sleeved t-shirt with jacket. Both also wore a backpack in which their travel distractions and snacks for the flight were stored. They had no trouble keeping up with their mother’s even pace until they spotted a tall figure they were all too familiar with.

“Stephen!” the girl suddenly exclaimed before running forward dragging her brother along.

“Greetings Miss Aria, Master Caden,” Stephen smiled warmly at the exuberant twins.

“You talk so funny, Stephen,” the girl giggled.

Her brother said nothing but nodded in agreement. He was generally more reserved than his sister and often chose to remain silent. This usually meant his sister took the lead and sometimes it seemed she was just dragging him around but he was almost always in full agreement with her.

“Miss Macey,” Stephen greeted their mother.

“Really?” Macey smiled. “Stephen we’ve known each other over twenty years. How long are you going to keep addressing me so formally?”

“At least twenty more.”

She chuckled at his answer and earned a smile from him. Shadowing the DaLair patriarch meant Stephen came into contact with all sorts of nefarious and shameless characters. Macey was a breath of fresh air compared to all of them. He completely understood why Augustus cherished his daughter-in-law enough to defy his son.

“Where’s Grandpa Gus?” Aria asked.

“Unfortunately his meeting ran long and he could not be here,” Stephen apologized. “He looks forward to seeing you all tonight however.”

“Tonight?”

“He’s throwing a special party at the Baccarat tonight. He’s hoping all of you will attend.”

“I don’t know,” Macey hesitated.

“Please mommy! Can we go? Can we?” the twins looked up at her with pleading gazes.

They had waited months to see their grandfather and, quite shamelessly, they enjoyed attending parties with their mother. They loved showing off their beautiful mother to everyone.

“I didn’t pack anything for a party.”

“Not a problem. Mister DaLair reserved you time at Saks to find some options,” Stephen announced.

“Of course he did,” Macey sighed.

“Please mommy!” Aria pleaded. “I like it when you wear pretty dresses!”

Macey hesitated a moment longer before admitting defeat, “All right. Let’s get our luggage first.”

Stephen escorted them to baggage claim and helped carry their five bags back to the car. Once they were situated in the limo he drove them directly to the store. Augustus hadn’t just arranged them time to shop but had in fact reserved the whole store for their exclusive use. Security stood outside the doors allowing Macey to shop unperturbed by other shoppers aside from her overly eager twins. The situation made Macey uncomfortable but she decided to roll with it. She knew from experience how overbearing Augustus could be when he wanted something but his heart was usually in the right place.

Sifting through the racks Macey eventually found one that piqued her interest. Taking it back to the changing room she emerged wearing the hunter green evening gown. It had a high neckline leaving her back and shoulders bare though it covered her chest. It fit her like a second skin hugging her curves and left very little to the imagination to despite its coverage. Its snug fit continued down her thighs before flaring out giving her legs freedom of movement.

Macey used an alligator clip to give herself an up-do similar to one she planned for the evening. Such gatherings had never been her favorite but she had learned styling her hair up and keeping it off her neck kept her much cooler and comfortable as the night progressed.

“Well, what do you think?” she looked to her children.

“You look just like a princess, mommy!” Aria exclaimed clapping her hands. She loved it when her mother dressed up.

Caden smiled equally pleased. In his mind no woman was more beautiful than his mother and it was important everyone agreed with him. Anyone who disagreed was clearly wrong.

“You two really like this one that much?” Macey laughed. “All right. I’ll get this one.”

“You might want a couple more,” Stephen reminded.

“Why?” Macey asked.

“Well there is the show at the end of the week and I imagine Mister DaLair might want to take you to other outings as well.”

Macey sighed. It wasn’t as if she didn’t anticipate this. Augustus was a caring if overbearing father-in-law. Being separated from family was not something he was used to or tolerated. He loved the twins and supported her through everything so she could hardly argue with him wanting to spend time with them.

“Mommy, do you think they have a dress for me to match yours?”

“You want to match me?”

“Yes!”

“We might have something close to that color,” the saleswoman said. “Shall we check?”

“Yeah!”

The saleswoman chuckled. When she originally learned the store had been reserved for a single shopper she had been apprehensive. Normally clientele capable of such a feat were unbearable, rude and obnoxious. But this trio proved polite, refreshing and adorable.

“What about me?” Caden asked. “I don’t want to wear a suit.”

He scowled. Caden hated formal events requiring clothing that was restrictive and uncomfortable. Well aware of his preference Macey smiled apologetically before saying, “I don’t think you need a suit sweetie. A pair of dress pants and a collared shirt should be more than enough.”

Caden brightened at the suggestion. That much he could do as long as the shirt wasn’t itchy. He took his mother’s elegant hand and followed her to the children’s section. When they found their suitable choices the kids disappeared into the changing room and emerged in their party clothes.

Aria wore a sleeved party dress. The top was a similar green to her mother’s gown and made of soft velvet. Her skirt was satin white layered with lace. Caden wore black dress pants with a white, button-up shirt. The shirt had green buttons which he liked since it also matched his mother and sister. It was cotton ensuring his comfort as well.

* * *

As the trio modeled their party clothes for each other Katherine and her two closest friends marched toward the store entrance only for security to block her path. Startled Katherine backed a step then fury flashed in her eyes.

“What do you think you are doing?” she suddenly demanded.

“We’re sorry ma’am, but this store had been reserved by a private party,” one of the guards informed her.

“Excuse me?” Katherine scoffed. “Do you know who I am?”

The security officer didn’t answer. His orders were very simple. No one was to enter while the party currently inside the store remained. The actual time limit was nominal. If the shoppers took longer the patron who reserved the store promised to pay more thus ensuring they could shop in peace without interruption for as long as they wanted.

Katherine took out her phone, “If you refuse to be reasonable I’ll just have to call my father. He’ll have you fired. Are you sure you can handle that?”

“I’ll be fine, ma’am,” the guard informed her. “Are you sure you can handle the consequences?”

Katherine felt her face warm as she angrily dialed her father. As soon as he answered she began her tirade, “Daddy! I’m outside Saks and they won’t let me in! They say the store has been reserved but this is the only time I can get my dress!”

“Okay, okay,” her father sighed with slight irritation for being called out of his meeting. “Let me call the store.”

Katherine waited impatiently tapping her foot as the minutes ticked by. The security personnel remained unperturbed. Just when she was out of patience her father finally returned to her.

“Come back to the store later.”

“What! But daddy I need my dress now!”

“Leave it and come back later!” her father yelled. “We can’t afford to irritate the client who reserved the store!”

“But…”

“No buts!” her father hung up and Katherine was left without recourse. This was the second time she was left without satisfaction. After complaining about the rude curator she berated her father to have them fired only to be met with much the same excuse.

There were only a handful of people capable of reserving an entire store and a select few of those had the clout to ensure no interference. If she was on better terms with Augustus DaLair she could enjoy the same preferential treatment but she dared not even call Julius after the debacle at the gallery. He made no effort to assist her in securing their photographer and then disappeared without a word.

“Come on!” Katherine snapped at her waiting entourage. “Let’s go!”