Consequences

Mysteries and Surprises - A New Way of Life.

Tags: Relationships

For the list of Characters fast forward to the end.

Author's note: All location information used has been obtained from online and map research or just imaginary, no opinion of real places is intended. The names and background of characters used are entirely fictitious and any similarity to a real person is entirely coincidental. This is a work of fiction and entirely the author's creation for the purposes of a story.

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Intro: The development business is growing fast and David has involved Jill and Olivia to continue processing opportunities in the West Coast states while his new team accompanies him back to the East Coast where they are immediately involved in a mysterious land opportunity.

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In their Hotel Room, David took an opportunity to call Jane, "Did you enjoy Honor?" he started with.

"That poor girl is not going to be able to walk properly for a week," replied Jane.

"Should I assume that Lauren took a liking to her?"

"I think it was a case of lust at first sight for both of them."

"Has it backfired then?"

"No, no, I think Lauren is a different person now, compared to when she joined and she wasn't the only one involved."

"Good, I'm afraid I need the plane back here, tomorrow if possible."

"You are coming here?"

"Most definitely."

"That's wonderful, will you be bringing your team!?"

"Yes they need to spend time with people there, we also have a new person, a man by the name of Andrew."

"Now that is news, a first for us."

"He's a hotel specialist that I hope can take work off Ruth's plate. Elle's going to join too; she enjoys research and will possibly take some work off the marketing team when they need help."

"What about Sophia?"

"It's more difficult for her because of her status but I have a feeling she will find a way, she's really found her niche with us and her legal expertise also helps us to weed out potential problems that save a lot of wasted time." They discussed her for a while then David started to bring her up to date on the day's events.

"Today's story is even more fantastic than some of the others," there was squealing then, coming from the shower room that interrupted for a moment.

"Sounds like they are enjoying themselves without you."

"Sophia spent most of last night with Andrew so I think she's making up for it."

Jane laughed loudly imagining clearly from experience.

David told her about the land and the mysteries that were still to unfold and she promised to pass on questions to others who might be able to find out more. Their talk then meandered into more family orientated matters, her baby, and her siblings and then Bree, Jo, and Lauren as well as all the other women. Ana, Elle, and Sophia came out of the shower and continued to enjoy each other's company so that their banter made Jane realise how much she missed him and she began to voice her feelings. It reminded David of the true size of his responsibilities.

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In California, Aleesha in a conference call, provided the Lawyer with enough evidence to upgrade the counter application for Ciaron's divorce, citing attempts to extract money from the settlement by deception. She wasn't sure whether the evidence counted for much in modern day divorce law but hoped that the legal threat might push things along. Ciaron's lawyer was not encouraging that the divorce would be settled as quickly as they would like and they discussed just how much money it would take to make the husband go away and possible tactics to do so.

In the meantime, the Baltimore lawyers were piecing together an agreement so that David could pay the asking price to secure the property but give Ciaron future rights in the golf course and other provisions.

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Later that night, David felt a movement on the bed and a body slipped out, the realisation made him come around to see that Sophia was putting on a robe then started to open the door, then changed her mind, came back, and kissed each one of them. As she bent to kiss him he opened his eyes to look into hers, she must have sensed him even in the relative darkness because her eyes widened in realisation. "I'm sorry." she whispered, "I hope you will forgive me."

"Be careful with your heart," he said, and she kissed him fully on the mouth bringing her hand to cup his cheek. Then swiftly she was gone leaving David wondering if they would lose her.

In the morning they were down before Andrew and Sophia, chatting about plans for the future. David had asked for the plane to be ready and knowing that, they were packed and anxious to get away.

Andrew and Sophia came in holding hands, heads close together in private conversation and David felt sure he had been right, the others saw him looking a little dejected and sensing something they turned to look too. Their heads came back with a look of sorrow even though in another way they had to be pleased for her. David looked away and back to the others. "What should we do?" he said to Ana and Elle. "Do we just leave and see what happens if they make contact in the future?" Their expressions and a shake of the head said that they needed more time to think and talk. "Shall we finish up here and discuss it in our room?" he suggested. They drank the rest of their tea or coffee and got up, leaving as quickly and quietly as they could. Andrew and Sophia were so absorbed they didn't notice anyone or anything.

After discussion on the rights and wrongs they decided to leave Sophia a message.

'Sophia, we saw you come into the dining room and didn't want to interrupt you, the two of you looked so close that we felt that we shouldn't try to influence what you wanted to do. We are headed out to take one more look at the land then on to the airport. We will probably take off at midday, if you want us to wait longer let us know otherwise call when you want to be collected. Love Ana, Elle and David.'

Finally satisfied with their message they rang for a bellboy to deliver it and then for him to come back to collect their luggage.

In the Dining Room, Sophia read the message with consternation. 'Ohhh, you silly ones,' she said under her breath, then she asked the Bell Boy for a pen and scribbled on the back. 'Wait for me I won't be long'. "Please take this back to them straight away."

She turned to Andrew, "I have to go, my new family is packed and ready to go."

He looked very disappointed, "I was hoping for a little more time."

"Yes, I'm sorry too, but they didn't think I was rejoining them and pushed on with their plans."

"You could stay longer."

"No, I really like you Andrew and maybe we will meet again in the future but for now they are my family and my heart."

He nodded sadly, "I thought so, but hoped."

"I know, you're a good man Andrew, I really hope you can be a success with David's group. He is going places that man and the marvellous thing is that everyone with him is having a great time. It's not to everyone's taste but that's the way of the world. I just know that I haven't really lived until now, after all I wouldn't have met you, would I? Take care." She leant forward and kissed him briefly then rushed out of the room."

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Their arrival in Baltimore brought David home onto their own landing strip for the first time and their reception made them feel like royalty, they all wore the same white shirt and were lined up like a load of dignitaries for a presidential visit. Everyone that could be, was there to greet them so Elle and Sophia felt quite overwhelmed. David realised after a minute or two that this was a 'set up' and played along to the full, greeting each one, and kissing their hands or cheeks. Jane, Bree, and Jo beamed with delight, this was obviously their doing. So he turned to his fellow adventurers and said, "When you get to Jane, Bree and Jo, do something different, let's play up to this big style." So upon reaching each one, he went down on a knee and kissed the back of their hand and then upon rising, he gave a lascivious wink. The others following closely decided to take each ladies hand and give a deep curtsy, at first there was silence and then everyone started laughing and crowded around the adventurers to welcome them properly.

The following hours went by in a blur for Elle and Sophia, they had imagined much from the descriptions of Ana and David but they had definitely understated the place and the atmosphere, it drew you in so that one never wanted to leave. 'Astonishing' thought Sophia a day or two later, 'how will they ever repeat this in all of the other sites they are setting up.' She found herself spending a lot of time with Jane and decided to ask her.

"We don't know," she said, but David has asked Ciaron, who is a psychologist, if she will study us and try to quantify what makes the place tick. Personally, I think every site is going to have to find their own way, I have my own idea about this place."

Sophia pressed her for that opinion.

"In the beginning it was about Olivia with David's support but now it is just David, he has a way of drawing out the best from the women and finding a new life for them and now I hear you're drawing the men."

"Sore subject," said Sophia.

"Ohhh?" and Sophia found herself explaining to this woman whom she had only just met.

"And how do you feel?" Asked Jane.

"I really liked Andrew, if I had met him years ago I could easily have fallen for him and possibly married him but I'm a big girl now with a background of responsibility. How I have been seduced into this mad life we have been living I don't know, but I am and there was no way I was giving it up for a quick fling, maybe things will change in the future but for now I am happy."

"Hooked huh?"

"I keep telling myself it can't be, that I'm too old, but I love them all, I'm hooked, do you mind?"

"Of course, but I messed up a long time ago."

Of course Sophia had to hear the whole story and in the process of both sharing their secrets they became friends.

Jane was saying, "Most of the women here are in love with him in one way or another and he gives them as much as he can, but he doesn't expect them to stay. His theory is that coming here the women are suffering from bad relationships and are susceptible to someone who treats them well. Unfortunately, he feels for them all and accepts them as his responsibility until they leave."

"I wonder if I come into that category."

"I would say possibly not, none of you adventurers are in Retreat as victims, your bond is something entirely different."

"Well, if it's any consolation I get quite jealous of the amount of time he spends on the phone talking to you, discussing something meaningful between you."

"You seem to be building a history with him quickly and I am jealous of that, so let's be friends in mutual jealousy."

Jane added "How would you feel if you knew David had children?"

"Jealous, I was never able to conceive and then I became too busy anyway."

"And if you had a second chance?"

"Hmm that's something I'd have to think about, it might mean giving up too much of this life I'm now living."

"Come and meet his children."

Sophia exclaimed "How many does he have?"

Jane explained the golden seed phenomena as she led her to the nursery where they found David playing with one of the babies whilst the others slept close by. For a while they stood and took in the scene, Jane always found his involvement touching and Sophia felt some of it too, she found herself feeling broody which was not like her at all, and she wasn't about to admit it. Still, she decided, it wouldn't hurt to cradle the one David was holding, so when he offered her the little one to hold, she accepted without reservation but very tentatively.

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Elsewhere

Ana is on a mission, she has left it with her firm to consider an alternative arrangement where their contract is with David's firm rather than employ her full or shared time. The present arrangement of shared use worked well for the first few weeks but she was worried about being called upon when she is far away.

Next, she has arranged a face to face meeting with Zoe to find out where their relationship stands.

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The mystery that was Epping continued to plague David's thoughts as he wondered who donated the land. He spoke to Michael at some length, and he suggested they had some tests done for foundations and further research on the environment, just to see whether the whole thing was a non-starter. Leaving that underway with the office to organise, David rang Erika to see if it might be something to cut her teeth on between classes or possibly as a course project. The latter very much appealed to her and excitedly she said she would discuss it with her tutor. In other respects she said she was having a good time, not getting much free time but had a good social group when the chance arose. David's heart gladdened at that, he had great hopes that she would enjoy and succeed in her time there.

A call from a Mr Carlson later in the day was a surprise; he was Erika's tutor and wanted to know more of the development proposal she will work on. The discussion ran to some length and the tutor became enthusiastic trying to persuade David to let the University take on the whole research and design project for the class, involving investigations by the archaeological department, more ground tests, data research, design and specification. David didn't have too many reservations about the idea as long as the Retreat was kept out of it. He would be able to give guidance and ultimately make final decisions; except that is, a growing concern about the secrecy aspect. Mr Carlson suggested that a confidentiality document be signed by all those involved witnessed by Erika on behalf of the development company. He was eventually convinced into allowing lawyers to create a suitable document and so with an outline agreement on how to move forward, David suggested that Mr Carlson speak with the Mayor to get him onside. Privately David thought the Mayor would love the idea and take every opportunity to use the publicity.

Finally, he brought up the subject of David's firm sponsoring Erika and asked whether she would eventually join the firm. David said there was no question of it, she already did before joining the University, he considered her to be special and they can't wait for her to come back. Mr Carlson asked whether David would consider other students for sponsorship, which surprised him momentarily. Michael was close by and he turned to him for a second opinion. Michael said he would like to support people who may be working towards related qualifications and were in a difficult situation, if the firm could afford it.

David turned back to the phone and said they could on a case by case basis. "Do you have someone in mind?"

Mr Carlson told him of a bright student by the name of Janine who has lost funding due to problems in her family, she is in her final year.

David said "I suppose we ought to meet her, or perhaps Erika could talk to her informally."

"She is a very headstrong person and won't like a charitable approach."

"We do need architects and designers, so to satisfy her principles I could sponsor her in exchange for work, perhaps we can make an agreement where she works for us unpaid for some period in each full day or some such nonsense, I'm sure I can work out something generous without her knowing. Can you introduce her to Erika, they sound similar to each other, and I have full trust in her."

David's next call was to Tania during which he mentioned the sponsorship, and this was to become the beginning of an annual sponsorship program heavily supported by Tania and Christina, together with their recent design course sponsorships. Unfortunately a month later Epping and the University were to become famous nationwide bringing the sponsorship and David's involvement in the project to the public eye.

But that was in the future, In the meantime, he rang Mr Carlson back saying that there would be a scheme put in place to support bright students who might otherwise be prevented from pursuing a University education. We'll be sending you a list of skill sets that are our priority and an outline of the range of sponsorship but to be honest it's the individual that we are most seeking to help, people like this new case, Janine, you're asking help for. Our business is primarily charitable but nothing comes free so we build businesses to help support the charity and encourage people we are helping to become part of the business in whatever way suits them best and makes them happy. Students who can help facilitate those aims can help us to grow and fulfil the charitable principle at the same time, so in a nutshell we'll consider any deserving case.I am

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David decided he didn't want to travel back to California too soon; he was enjoying time with the little ones as well as the others. Elle and Sophia were becoming totally involved in the growing business and the people involved locally. A few days later Jill and Olivia returned from California with everything they needed followed by Ciaron soon after.

Everyone was there on the day when the students found the body in Epping and David faced a decision of who will become the face of the company. He wanted it to be someone who wasn't involved in day to day negotiations. David was amazed and surprised as Jane nominated the new style Nina. She explained how she had grown into a role of representing the various businesses, particularly the Hotels and Golf Courses and was adept at sidestepping questions about the Reserves. David found himself amazed at how competent she had become. Was she just right for this job? Could he risk her? Ultimately he had to rely on the people he trusted most and if Jane said she was right, then he would take the gamble, but he knew it was a big one.

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Nina and David went into a conference soon after the news became publicised and all he could think about were the possible delays for the Students and the subsequent development. He explained to Nina that the question of 'whose body it is,' seems to be the focus of attention for the authorities but the press wanted more. David went through the project with Nina and they agreed that they would avoid any mention of the northern natural land. All went as expected in the press conference, they got through easier because they had only just acquired the land and it was only as they were leaving did they walk into any problems. A well known TV reporter Emma Hardwick, cornered them outside and homed in on David, presuming to impose her feminine wiles.

Emma had done some background checking and the first question was why the University was involved. He explained how the collaboration had come about and she followed up suggesting in sly words that it was cheap labour. He explained that the project would be monitored by their company but the case was especially useful for practical educational purposes working hand in hand with the sponsorships. They had promised their sponsored students a chance to contribute to cases where it would help with their degree progress. Then he hit back with a question, "Does your newspaper oppose altruistic actions?"