"FINAL RESTING PLACE"
D. A. Demars
The Concorde lands at the Paris airport and taxis to the terminal. As passengers depart the plane, a well dressed young lady, carrying a box like it is a child, gets off. Suzanne Addington looks around and smiles, thinking 'It's good to be back in Paris.' Suzanne moves along with the other passengers and heads to the baggage claim area.
Standing watching the carousel, she wonders what Pappa will think. Flying here unannounced. On a commercial airline. She knew the answer but something drew her home. Suzanne still cannot explain the feeling but she knew she needed to be here.
Now! Watching the carousel, Suzanne moves and grabs a suitcase, being very careful with the box. 'I hope Pappa likes the gift.' Suzanne looks at the box. 'I just couldn't resist'.
Suzanne moves to the exit and flags down a cab. The driver puts her suitcase in the trunk but she holds the box tight. She tells the driver the address and sits back. It is almost dinner hour and traffic is busy. She still wonders why she came. 'Things in Baltimore are going great. Finally got that apartment I wanted. Enjoying new friends. Just talked to Pappa and Helene yesterday morning' -- then yesterday afternoon. Suzanne tries to sort out her sudden need to come home.
Yesterday, walking by a store in downtown Baltimore, Suzanne glanced in the window. Under glass, was a beautifully designed and preserved volume of 'The Works Of Shakespeare'. Suzanne just had to go in to look at it.
Momma had told her the story about the first time she met Pappa. She told her how an evening at the theatre changed her life. How she had seen Pappa across the room. Young, handsome, distinguished and apparently alone.
Momma decided she was going to find a way to meet him. The play had been "Hamlet" and Momma finally got her chance at the book table. He was reaching for a book and she grabbed it at the same time. Pappa released the book and they started to chat. The rest - as they say - was history.
When the shopkeeper brought the book over and Suzanne inspected it carefully. It was almost prefect, thinking, 'Pappa would love this!' Just at that moment, the desire to head home hit her. Suzanne bought the book and went back to the office to book the first available flight to Paris and HOME!
The cab pulls up and Suzanne steps out. As the driver gets her bag, Suzanne glances up to the top, 'Home and Pappa'.
The doorman rushes over and grabs the bag. "Miss Addington! Welcome home! Let me ring upstairs and tell them your coming up"
"No!" Suzanne almost cries out. "I want to surprise everyone."
The doorman smiles, "You sure will, Miss".
Suzanne enters the lobby and moves to the elevator. As the elevator rises to the top, Suzanne prepares herself 'He will be upset at first but Pappa always calms down.'
As the elevator opens, Suzanne steps into an empty waiting room. 'Mmmmm. Helene must be in with Pappa? I did come up unannounced'.
Suzanne moves and sits in a chair, carefully placing the box on the next chair, and waits. 'One never wants to disturb Pappa's meetings'.
A LITTLE WHILE LATER
The door opens and Helene Previn steps out, closing the door behind her. She moves to her desk and is so intent on the stack of papers in her arms that she misses Suzanne sitting there. Helene is shaking her head. 'Wonder what has him so quiet today?' Suzanne watches Helene sit down, wondering why Helene has not noticed her. 'She seems preoccupied'. After a few minutes Suzanne decides to stand up and clear her throat.
Helene is startled and looks up. Shocked to see Suzanne. Helene jumps up from her chair and almost runs to Suzanne, hugging her. "Suzanne, what are you doing here? Let me go tell your father that you are here"
"NO! Not yet".
Helene steps back, curious "Why not?"
Suzanne smiles "I want to surprise Pappa".
Helene laughs softly, "Oh, you will Suzanne, you will". Helene looks at Suzanne, serious now, "Why are you here? Why not tell us your coming? We just talked to you yesterday morning. How did you get here?"
Suzanne sighs. 'Helene can always tell when someone is tense or upset'. "The Concorde /raising her hands/ I know, I know, I should have called J.J. /sigh/ Helene, I don't know. Something told me to come home, so I got on the first flight here. Is Pappa okay? Are things going well?"
"Yes, he just finished a trade deal that should help your Electronics Division and his health is fine but...." Helene turns and moves over to her desk, sitting on the edge. Suzanne watches her wondering about the 'but.' Before she can ask, Helene continues "He seems very quiet and restless today. He has been quiet all day. He didn't eat any lunch and cancelled a few appointments. I cannot tell why. Everything seems to be going fine."
Suzanne smiles to herself, thinking for about the hundredth time, 'Helene really does care for Pappa'. "Well, maybe we both just miss each other".
Helene laughs, "You can be sure he misses you. /pause/ Can I tell him your here?"
"No, just let me sneak in on him." Suzanne frowns slightly "I already know part of what he will say".
Helene smiles and takes her hands. "Need moral support?"
"Oh Yes! Please! Wait, I have a present here for Pappa"Suzanne tries to sort out her sudden need to come home.
Yesterday, walking by a store in downtown Baltimore, Suzanne glanced in the window. Under glass, was a beautifully designed and preserved volume of 'The Works Of Shakespeare'. Suzanne just had to go in to look at it.
Momma had told her the story about the first time she met Pappa. She told her how an evening at the theatre changed her life. How she had seen Pappa across the room. Young, handsome, distinguished and apparently alone.
Momma decided she was going to find a way to meet him. The play had been "Hamlet" and Momma finally got her chance at the book table. He was reaching for a book and she grabbed it at the same time. Pappa released the book and they started to chat. The rest - as they say - was history.
When the shopkeeper brought the book over and Suzanne inspected it carefully. It was almost prefect, thinking, 'Pappa would love this!' Just at that moment, the desire to head home hit her. Suzanne bought the book and went back to the office to book the first available flight to Paris and HOME!
The cab pulls up and Suzanne steps out. As the driver gets her bag, Suzanne glances up to the top, 'Home and Pappa'.
The doorman rushes over and grabs the bag. "Miss Addington! Welcome home! Let me ring upstairs and tell them your coming up"
"No!" Suzanne almost cries out. "I want to surprise everyone."
The doorman smiles, "You sure will, Miss".
Suzanne enters the lobby and moves to the elevator. As the elevator rises to the top, Suzanne prepares herself 'He will be upset at first but Pappa always calms down.'
As the elevator opens, Suzanne steps into an empty waiting room. 'Mmmmm. Helene must be in with Pappa? I did come up unannounced'.
Suzanne moves and sits in a chair, carefully placing the box on the next chair, and waits. 'One never wants to disturb Pappa's meetings'.
A LITTLE WHILE LATER
The door opens and Helene Previn steps out, closing the door behind her. She moves to her desk and is so intent on the stack of papers in her arms that she misses Suzanne sitting there. Helene is shaking her head. 'Wonder what has him so quiet today?' Suzanne watches Helene sit down, wondering why Helene has not noticed her. 'She seems preoccupied'. After a few minutes Suzanne decides to stand up and clear her throat.
Helene is startled and looks up. Shocked to see Suzanne. Helene jumps up from her chair and almost runs to Suzanne, hugging her. "Suzanne, what are you doing here? Let me go tell your father that you are here"
"NO! Not yet".
Helene steps back, curious "Why not?"
Suzanne smiles "I want to surprise Pappa".
Helene laughs softly, "Oh, you will Suzanne, you will". Helene looks at Suzanne, serious now, "Why are you here? Why not tell us your coming? We just talked to you yesterday morning. How did you get here?"
Suzanne sighs. 'Helene can always tell when someone is tense or upset'. "The Concorde /raising her hands/ I know, I know, I should have called J.J. /sigh/ Helene, I don't know. Something told me to come home, so I got on the first flight here. Is Pappa okay? Are things going well?"
"Yes, he just finished a trade deal that should help your Electronics Division and his health is fine but...." Helene turns and moves over to her desk, sitting on the edge. Suzanne watches her wondering about the 'but.' Before she can ask, Helene continues "He seems very quiet and restless today. He has been quiet all day. He didn't eat any lunch and cancelled a few appointments. I cannot tell why. Everything seems to be going fine."
Suzanne smiles to herself, thinking for about the hundredth time, 'Helene really does care for Pappa'. "Well, maybe we both just miss each other".
Helene laughs, "You can be sure he misses you. /pause/ Can I tell him your here?"
"No, just let me sneak in on him." Suzanne frowns slightly "I already know part of what he will say".
Helene smiles and takes her hands. "Need moral support?"
"Oh Yes! Please! Wait, I have a present here for Pappa". Helene sees the box, picks it up and follows Suzanne to the door.
Alexander Addington stands by the window staring out onto the streets of Paris, watching the evening traffic. People heading home or out for dinner. 'Dinner.... I didn't even eat lunch'. As he leans on the ledge watching the pigeons, he wonders why he just could not get himself motivated today. 'Suzanne is doing great at work. Helene brought in the best news today, a great trade deal that will help both the company and the small country where the plant will be built. But it just doesn't seem to matter'.
Grabbing some birdseed, he tosses it out on the ledge to the birds. Smiling a little as he thinks 'Bennett will be after me again, these birds really do make a mess'. Alexander stays there, watching. He doesn't hear the door open.
As Suzanne slowly opens the door, looking into her father's office, she notices that he is standing by the window looking outside. Watching those birds Bennett hates so much. 'Mmmmm....he must be in deep thought. He didn't even hear the door'.
Suzanne and Helene sneak in and move over to the desk.
Alexander still has not heard them enter. He tosses another handful of birdseed out the window and slowly closes it. He sighs loudly, 'Better sign the new contracts'.
As he turns, he looks up and sees ... "SUZANNE!" Alexander moves quickly around the desk and grabs his daughter is a very huge and loving bear hug. Suzanne laughs and hugs him back just as hard.
Helene smiles as she watches, 'There is the first emotion from him all day. Good', then waits.
Alexander releases Suzanne and takes a good look at her. "Suzanne? What are you doing here? Better yet ... how the hell did you get here?"
Suzanne involuntarily takes a step backwards. Helene waits 'And here comes the second'. "I flew here /long pause, bracing herself/ on the Concorde from JFK then took a cab." Pausing to wait for the reaction she knew was coming.
"YOU WHAT? ALONE? DAMN IT Suzanne! That's what J.J. and the DAMN plane are for!"
Helene watches, holding Suzanne's present. Alexander looks at Helene. "Did you know about this too?"
"No sir, she was in the outer office when I went out just now." Helene thinks, 'lucky for me'.
"Pappa, Helene didn't know, I just needed to /pausing/ ...had to... /pausing/ come home"
At this statement, Alexander calms down and looks at his daughter carefully. "Are you alright? Is something wrong? You seemed fine yesterday when we talked."
Suzanne moves to the couch and sits down. "I don't know why Pappa, but I needed to come home."
Alexander watches her for a minute, glancing over at Helene, then moves to sit with her on the couch. Reaching to hold her hands. "Suzanne, are you okay?" Carefully watching her now.
"Yes Pappa, Really!" Suzanne now looks at her father. "How about you Pappa? You didn't even hear us come in. You seemed lost in thought. Helene tells me you have been quiet all day".
Alexander glares at Helene but she only returns the glare. "Well, it doesn't matter now that you're here".
Suzanne looks at Helene then jumps up. "Oh Pappa, I have something for you" and moves to take the box from Helene. Helene gives it to her and starts to leave, "Helene, please stay, I want you to see this too". Suzanne is so exited now.
Alexander sits back on the couch smiling. "Yes, Miss Previn, please stay."
Suzanne brings the box over and carefully hands it to her father. Alexander looks at the box and then back at Suzanne, "Open it Pappa, it won't bite you".
Alexander carefully opens the box and glances inside. Helene watches Suzanne, she seems ready to burst. 'It must be something very special.' Alexander reaches inside and slowly pulls out an antique book. Helene watches as he carefully handles the book and begins to read the title. He runs his hand over the cover so gently, 'It must be a special book, I wonder what it is?' Alexander looks up at Suzanne, then back at the book, then at Helene.
'I have never seen him like this. Never speechless'.
Alexan. Helene sees the box, picks it up and follows Suzanne to the door.
Alexander Addington stands by the window staring out onto the streets of Paris, watching the evening traffic. People heading home or out for dinner. 'Dinner.... I didn't even eat lunch'. As he leans on the ledge watching the pigeons, he wonders why he just could not get himself motivated today. 'Suzanne is doing great at work. Helene brought in the best news today, a great trade deal that will help both the company and the small country where the plant will be built. But it just doesn't seem to matter'.
Grabbing some birdseed, he tosses it out on the ledge to the birds. Smiling a little as he thinks 'Bennett will be after me again, these birds really do make a mess'. Alexander stays there, watching. He doesn't hear the door open.
As Suzanne slowly opens the door, looking into her father's office, she notices that he is standing by the window looking outside. Watching those birds Bennett hates so much. 'Mmmmm....he must be in deep thought. He didn't even hear the door'.
Suzanne and Helene sneak in and move over to the desk.
Alexander still has not heard them enter. He tosses another handful of birdseed out the window and slowly closes it. He sighs loudly, 'Better sign the new contracts'.
As he turns, he looks up and sees ... "SUZANNE!" Alexander moves quickly around the desk and grabs his daughter is a very huge and loving bear hug. Suzanne laughs and hugs him back just as hard.
Helene smiles as she watches, 'There is the first emotion from him all day. Good', then waits.
Alexander releases Suzanne and takes a good look at her. "Suzanne? What are you doing here? Better yet ... how the hell did you get here?"
Suzanne involuntarily takes a step backwards. Helene waits 'And here comes the second'. "I flew here /long pause, bracing herself/ on the Concorde from JFK then took a cab." Pausing to wait for the reaction she knew was coming.
"YOU WHAT? ALONE? DAMN IT Suzanne! That's what J.J. and the DAMN plane are for!"
Helene watches, holding Suzanne's present. Alexander looks at Helene. "Did you know about this too?"
"No sir, she was in the outer office when I went out just now." Helene thinks, 'lucky for me'.
"Pappa, Helene didn't know, I just needed to /pausing/ ...had to... /pausing/ come home"
At this statement, Alexander calms down and looks at his daughter carefully. "Are you alright? Is something wrong? You seemed fine yesterday when we talked."
Suzanne moves to the couch and sits down. "I don't know why Pappa, but I needed to come home."
Alexander watches her for a minute, glancing over at Helene, then moves to sit with her on the couch. Reaching to hold her hands. "Suzanne, are you okay?" Carefully watching her now.
"Yes Pappa, Really!" Suzanne now looks at her father. "How about you Pappa? You didn't even hear us come in. You seemed lost in thought. Helene tells me you have been quiet all day".
Alexander glares at Helene but she only returns the glare. "Well, it doesn't matter now that you're here".
Suzanne looks at Helene then jumps up. "Oh Pappa, I have something for you" and moves to take the box from Helene. Helene gives it to her and starts to leave, "Helene, please stay, I want you to see this too". Suzanne is so exited now.
Alexander sits back on the couch smiling. "Yes, Miss Previn, please stay."
Suzanne brings the box over and carefully hands it to her father. Alexander looks at the box and then back at Suzanne, "Open it Pappa, it won't bite you".
Alexander carefully opens the box and glances inside. Helene watches Suzanne, she seems ready to burst. 'It must be something very special.' Alexander reaches inside and slowly pulls out an antique book. Helene watches as he carefully handles the book and begins to read the title. He runs his hand over the cover so gently, 'It must be a special book, I wonder what it is?' Alexander looks up at Suzanne, then back at the book, then at Helene.
'I have never seen him like this. Never speechless'.
Alexander slowly opens the book, looking at different pages. Finally he looks at Suzanne "Where did you get this? It's....it's wonderful!".
Suzanne sits back down beside him "Pappa, I knew you would love it". Hugging him. Helene watches a bit confused but very glad to see the two together. 'Just what I think he needed today'. "I found it yesterday in a bookshop in Baltimore. I was looking at it when I got the feeling that I needed to buy it and come home".
Alexander carefully closes the book. "Mother told me how you first met".
Looking at Helene, Suzanne explained their first meeting.
"Mother told me she bought the only copy there that night".
Alexander looks up at Helene /smiling/ "Suzanne, this is a very early edition. It is wonderful, thank you". Getting up from the couch and moving to the desk, Alexander carefully puts the book down and caresses it one more time.
Turning he finds Suzanne and Helene chatting. 'They do get along so well'. His daughter was glowing and he was so glad to see her.
"Suzanne, about the plane?"
Suzanne freezes and so does Helene.
"Next time, call J.J. PLEASE!"
Suzanne looks at her father and smiles "Yes Pappa, I will".
"Good, well you must have had a long flight, are you hungry?"
"Yes Pappa. I hear you didn't eat either!"
Alexander glares at Helene again, "Well, shall we go to Henri's?"
Suzanne laughs, glancing at Helene, "I heard a rumor that it is your restaurant now".
Alexander looks at Helene again. 'They talk more than I know'. "Well, since you ladies chat so well together, Miss Previn, care to join us?"
Helene begins to shake her head and refuse until Suzanne jumps up and goes to her. "Oh Helene, please do". "Well, okay". "Pappa, we have to go get ready first. Can we meet you back here in about half and hour?"
Before Alexander can answer, the ladies head out of the office. They pass Bennett as they go out. Suzanne hugs him quickly and heads off.
Bennett watches them go and then turns back to Alexander. "When did Suzanne get here? How?"
Alexander laughs, "Bennett, she is very much her mother. Can you make a reservation for three at Henri's for pausing, looking at his watch/ six thirty. They might be ready by then"
"Yes sir, but...."
As Alexander heads for the elevator to his private suite, he motions to Bennett "Come on, I have to get ready for dinner. I will tell you about it".
Later, Suzanne enters the office and notices that her father is not here yet. She moves over to the piano. Helene had told her how she had brought the piano here, not knowing it had been her mother's. 'Poor Helene, I can just imagine father's reaction when he saw it'. Suzanne had seen it earlier but she wanted to give her father the book first. She runs her hand over the top.
Helene enters the room just then "Hello, Suzanne. I see you found it".
Laughing "Kind of hard to miss it, right here by the desk. Mother loved to play this. /pause/ Has Pappa played it yet?"
Helene moves over to the piano, "I found him playing it one night. He plays wonderfully. But I have never seen him play it again".
Just then the elevator to the suite opens. Alexander and Bennett step out, "Ladies, I see you are ready. Bennett, please call the car"
"Yes, sir."
HENRI'S RESTAURANT
The car pulls up to Henri's. As they approach the door, it swings open and Henri greets them. "Suzanne!" and hugs her. "When did you get in town?"
"Just today - I needed to come home and get some of your great cooking!"
They share a laugh and Henri leads them to a table. Helene and Suzanne sit on either side of Alexander, with the open side facing the room.
Henri comes over "Mr. Addington, shall I get you your usual drink?"
"Yes Henri. Thank you." Alexander turns to the women, "Ladies - some champagne?"
They both agree. Henri returns with their drinks. "Mr. Addington, may I make you a special meal this evening in honour of Suzanne's return home?"
Alexander laughs, "Yes please Henri, but how come you never giveder slowly opens the book, looking at different pages. Finally he looks at Suzanne "Where did you get this? It's....it's wonderful!".
Suzanne sits back down beside him "Pappa, I knew you would love it". Hugging him. Helene watches a bit confused but very glad to see the two together. 'Just what I think he needed today'. "I found it yesterday in a bookshop in Baltimore. I was looking at it when I got the feeling that I needed to buy it and come home".
Alexander carefully closes the book. "Mother told me how you first met".
Looking at Helene, Suzanne explained their first meeting.
"Mother told me she bought the only copy there that night".
Alexander looks up at Helene /smiling/ "Suzanne, this is a very early edition. It is wonderful, thank you". Getting up from the couch and moving to the desk, Alexander carefully puts the book down and caresses it one more time.
Turning he finds Suzanne and Helene chatting. 'They do get along so well'. His daughter was glowing and he was so glad to see her.
"Suzanne, about the plane?"
Suzanne freezes and so does Helene.
"Next time, call J.J. PLEASE!"
Suzanne looks at her father and smiles "Yes Pappa, I will".
"Good, well you must have had a long flight, are you hungry?"
"Yes Pappa. I hear you didn't eat either!"
Alexander glares at Helene again, "Well, shall we go to Henri's?"
Suzanne laughs, glancing at Helene, "I heard a rumor that it is your restaurant now".
Alexander looks at Helene again. 'They talk more than I know'. "Well, since you ladies chat so well together, Miss Previn, care to join us?"
Helene begins to shake her head and refuse until Suzanne jumps up and goes to her. "Oh Helene, please do". "Well, okay". "Pappa, we have to go get ready first. Can we meet you back here in about half and hour?"
Before Alexander can answer, the ladies head out of the office. They pass Bennett as they go out. Suzanne hugs him quickly and heads off.
Bennett watches them go and then turns back to Alexander. "When did Suzanne get here? How?"
Alexander laughs, "Bennett, she is very much her mother. Can you make a reservation for three at Henri's for pausing, looking at his watch/ six thirty. They might be ready by then"
"Yes sir, but...."
As Alexander heads for the elevator to his private suite, he motions to Bennett "Come on, I have to get ready for dinner. I will tell you about it".
Later, Suzanne enters the office and notices that her father is not here yet. She moves over to the piano. Helene had told her how she had brought the piano here, not knowing it had been her mother's. 'Poor Helene, I can just imagine father's reaction when he saw it'. Suzanne had seen it earlier but she wanted to give her father the book first. She runs her hand over the top.
Helene enters the room just then "Hello, Suzanne. I see you found it".
Laughing "Kind of hard to miss it, right here by the desk. Mother loved to play this. /pause/ Has Pappa played it yet?"
Helene moves over to the piano, "I found him playing it one night. He plays wonderfully. But I have never seen him play it again".
Just then the elevator to the suite opens. Alexander and Bennett step out, "Ladies, I see you are ready. Bennett, please call the car"
"Yes, sir."
HENRI'S RESTAURANT
The car pulls up to Henri's. As they approach the door, it swings open and Henri greets them. "Suzanne!" and hugs her. "When did you get in town?"
"Just today - I needed to come home and get some of your great cooking!"
They share a laugh and Henri leads them to a table. Helene and Suzanne sit on either side of Alexander, with the open side facing the room.
Henri comes over "Mr. Addington, shall I get you your usual drink?"
"Yes Henri. Thank you." Alexander turns to the women, "Ladies - some champagne?"
They both agree. Henri returns with their drinks. "Mr. Addington, may I make you a special meal this evening in honour of Suzanne's return home?"
Alexander laughs, "Yes please Henri, but how come you never give me this attention?"
"I beg your pardon Mr. Addington but you are not as pretty as Suzanne." They all laugh.
As they wait for their meal, Alexander watches as Helene and Suzanne chat, 'They do get along so well. Good, Suzanne needs someone to talk too, since....' looking down at his drink. Lost in thought.
Suzanne looks over at her father, then at Helene, both concerned. "Father..... /reaching for his hand/ Pappa......are you okay?"
Looking up, startled a bit "Mmmmmmmmm, oh yes, sorry. Just alot of things on my mind today."
"Father, please, something is bothering you? Even Helene noticed today"
Alexander glances at Helene. 'They do talk a lot. Maybe too much.'
"No, I am fine, so...."
Just then Henri appears with Alexander's favourite - bouillabaisse (chowder made of several varieties of fish). Just as they finish that, Henri brings out Salade Hermine (chicken salad with chicory, celery & truffle).
The main entree follows. Rouelles de Veau Bourgeoise (veal with pickling onions & mushrooms). As they eat dinner, they all chat more. Suzanne asks her father "How are Peter and the team these days?
"Good, they are on an assignment right now."
Helene looks to Alexander, surprised. "Mr. Addington, they are on their way back to Paris. They finished the assignment. You talked to Peter this morning."
Suzanne looks at Helene then to her father, worried now. 'Why did he forget? Something is wrong!'
Alexander shakes his head "You're right, sorry. It slip my mind."
There is alot of noise from the kitchen area now. As they watch, Henri and his staff come out of the kitchen and head to a table across the room with a cake. It is someone's birthday or 'ANNIVERSARY! My God! That's what Pappa's problem is and I forgot. Yesterday was their anniversary. Oh no! I bought that book!'
Suzanne turns to her father but he is staring down into his meal.
Suzanne reaches and touches his hand. "Pappa, I am sorry, I forgot the anniversary date and I bought you that book."
Holding Suzanne's hand "Suzie, it's okay. I am fine, really." Alexander looks at both ladies "Well ladies, what do you think Henri has made us for dessert?"
Just then Henri brings out Concorde (chocolate merinque cake filled with chocolate mousse)
"Oh Henri! You have picked a wonderful desert."
Henri smiles, "Only the best for you Miss Addington".
They eat dessert and enjoy more conversation.
Before they leave Alexander excuses himself and goes to talk to Henri for a few minutes.
Suzanne watches him as he and Henri share a brandy and chat.
"Helene, are you coming back to the office for a little while? Maybe we can get Pappa to play the piano"
Helene laughs "I think you might get him to play better than I can."
Alexander returns to the table "Ladies, are we ready to head back?"
They both answer "Yes" and Alexander helps them both from the table.
On the ride back, Suzanne notices that her father seems to be in a better mood.
As they enter the office, Bennett greets them. "Sir, ladies, shall I bring something for you to drink?"
Alexander turns "Ladies, would you like some wine?" They do. "Bennett, bring a bottle of Beaujolais Moulin a Vent" (a nice full body red).
Bennett leaves and comes back with three glasses and a bottle then leaves.
Suzanne moves to the piano and runs her hand along the smooth top. 'Mother loved this piano.' Suzanne turns and catches Helene's eyes. "Father, will you play something for me? "
Alexander turns and looks at Suzanne.
"Please! It's been a long time since I have heard you play."
Alexander moves toward the piano but doesn't sit. He just looks at it and then at Suzanne.
"Please Pappa. I hear you played it late one night."
Alexander looks to Helene "I guess there are no secrets here." Helene cringes a bit until Alexander starts to laugh. "How can I fight you both." He moves to sit at the piano.
Suzanne watches as he slowly lifts the lid like it is a tender child.
He sits there a minute looking so serious, that me this attention?"
"I beg your pardon Mr. Addington but you are not as pretty as Suzanne." They all laugh.
As they wait for their meal, Alexander watches as Helene and Suzanne chat, 'They do get along so well. Good, Suzanne needs someone to talk too, since....' looking down at his drink. Lost in thought.
Suzanne looks over at her father, then at Helene, both concerned. "Father..... /reaching for his hand/ Pappa......are you okay?"
Looking up, startled a bit "Mmmmmmmmm, oh yes, sorry. Just alot of things on my mind today."
"Father, please, something is bothering you? Even Helene noticed today"
Alexander glances at Helene. 'They do talk a lot. Maybe too much.'
"No, I am fine, so...."
Just then Henri appears with Alexander's favourite - bouillabaisse (chowder made of several varieties of fish). Just as they finish that, Henri brings out Salade Hermine (chicken salad with chicory, celery & truffle).
The main entree follows. Rouelles de Veau Bourgeoise (veal with pickling onions & mushrooms). As they eat dinner, they all chat more. Suzanne asks her father "How are Peter and the team these days?
"Good, they are on an assignment right now."
Helene looks to Alexander, surprised. "Mr. Addington, they are on their way back to Paris. They finished the assignment. You talked to Peter this morning."
Suzanne looks at Helene then to her father, worried now. 'Why did he forget? Something is wrong!'
Alexander shakes his head "You're right, sorry. It slip my mind."
There is alot of noise from the kitchen area now. As they watch, Henri and his staff come out of the kitchen and head to a table across the room with a cake. It is someone's birthday or 'ANNIVERSARY! My God! That's what Pappa's problem is and I forgot. Yesterday was their anniversary. Oh no! I bought that book!'
Suzanne turns to her father but he is staring down into his meal.
Suzanne reaches and touches his hand. "Pappa, I am sorry, I forgot the anniversary date and I bought you that book."
Holding Suzanne's hand "Suzie, it's okay. I am fine, really." Alexander looks at both ladies "Well ladies, what do you think Henri has made us for dessert?"
Just then Henri brings out Concorde (chocolate merinque cake filled with chocolate mousse)
"Oh Henri! You have picked a wonderful desert."
Henri smiles, "Only the best for you Miss Addington".
They eat dessert and enjoy more conversation.
Before they leave Alexander excuses himself and goes to talk to Henri for a few minutes.
Suzanne watches him as he and Henri share a brandy and chat.
"Helene, are you coming back to the office for a little while? Maybe we can get Pappa to play the piano"
Helene laughs "I think you might get him to play better than I can."
Alexander returns to the table "Ladies, are we ready to head back?"
They both answer "Yes" and Alexander helps them both from the table.
On the ride back, Suzanne notices that her father seems to be in a better mood.
As they enter the office, Bennett greets them. "Sir, ladies, shall I bring something for you to drink?"
Alexander turns "Ladies, would you like some wine?" They do. "Bennett, bring a bottle of Beaujolais Moulin a Vent" (a nice full body red).
Bennett leaves and comes back with three glasses and a bottle then leaves.
Suzanne moves to the piano and runs her hand along the smooth top. 'Mother loved this piano.' Suzanne turns and catches Helene's eyes. "Father, will you play something for me? "
Alexander turns and looks at Suzanne.
"Please! It's been a long time since I have heard you play."
Alexander moves toward the piano but doesn't sit. He just looks at it and then at Suzanne.
"Please Pappa. I hear you played it late one night."
Alexander looks to Helene "I guess there are no secrets here." Helene cringes a bit until Alexander starts to laugh. "How can I fight you both." He moves to sit at the piano.
Suzanne watches as he slowly lifts the lid like it is a tender child.
He sits there a minute looking so serious, that Suzanne worries, 'Maybe I should not have asked,' until Alexander begins to play a very familiar piece. Chopsticks! She laughs and sits beside him and plays it too.
Helene watches, 'I am glad Suzie is here, I think he needed the distraction'. Helene moves to stand beside him at the piano.
They spend time together, Alexander playing a few popular pieces and they enjoy a little sing-a-long.
It is late and Helene decides it is time for her to leave. "Mr. Addington, thank you for the wonderful evening but I must go"
"Goodnight Hel.... Miss Previn."
Suzanne moves with Helene to the door and they step just outside of it. "I will walk you to your car."
Helene stops and turns to Suzanne, "Suzie, I forgot to tell you, I live in the building now"
"Really, when?"
"Well, I spend so many late hours working with your father, so he suggested I move here. It was such a long drive across to my apartment, it just made more sense".
Suzanne looks at Helene and thinks 'Maybe things between them are getting more serious than I thought.' Just as they begin to move from the door, they hear the piano again. Helene realizes it is the same tune she heard Alexander play before. It is such a beautiful piece. She looks to Suzanne and notices that she seems a bit upset. "Suzie, what is it?"
She turns and looks at Helene "That piece, I have not heard it in a long time. It was a special piece Pappa used to play for mother." Suzanne moves to the door and steps in enough to watch her father play.
Helene stands with her, listening. Peter appears. Suzanne sees Peter and starts to say hello but he motions for her to be quiet. He moves beside her and gives her a hug, whispering. "Hello Suzie."
Suzanne can see Gabby and Stone over Peter's shoulder and waves. Peter lets her go and turns to watch Alexander play.
Leaning towards Suzanne he whispers again "I have never heard him play. He is very good."
Smiling Suzanne whispers back "It has been a very long time. Helene and I got him playing and singing tonight. It has been a wonderful evening. He seems so happy. Now he is playing a very special song that he only ever played for mother."
Gabby and Stone have quietly moved forward to watch Alexander play and hear Suzie tell about the song. Peter exchanges glances with them then turns to watch again. They all stand quietly in the doorway admiring the song and Alexander's talent. 'Great! And now I have to tell him about.'
Just then the song ends. There is silence until Gabby starts to clap. They all join in.
Alexander is startled and turns to find a door full of people. 'Damn, not again. I thought I was alone. I better start shutting that damn door.' He decides to have a little fun with them. 'Oh well.' Standing up, he turns and bows to his audience.
This causes them to clap, laugh and call out "Bravo."
Bowing again "Thank you, Thank you, your too kind," then he laughs too.
"Father, look who we found lurking in the hall". Smiling she drags the gang into the office. "Welcome back."
Alexander closes the piano and moves to his desk, sitting down and watching the group chat and laugh.
Helene moves over to the side of the desk. 'I wonder why they are here so late.' She looks at Alexander and can see he is wondering the same thing. He sees the contract and picks up a pen. Signs it. Helene notices that Alexander has automatically signed the contract. Smiling. 'Well, he never seems to forget about business'
"Mr. Addington, can I take that for you?"
"Yes, please. I should have signed it earlier, sorry. You can send it to legal in the morning. Smiling, "I have to keep Suzanne working." Standing up, "So Peter, what brings you here so late?".
Peter exchanges glances with Gabby and Stone.
Suzanne watches the exchange 'It must be important.'
Peter speaks up "Well sir, I have a matter I need to discuss with you."
Helene moves and begins to leave. Stone and Gabby leave with her.
Suzanne moves to her father, kissing him "Goodnight Pappa" then moves towards the elevator to her father's Suzanne worries, 'Maybe I should not have asked,' until Alexander begins to play a very familiar piece. Chopsticks! She laughs and sits beside him and plays it too.
Helene watches, 'I am glad Suzie is here, I think he needed the distraction'. Helene moves to stand beside him at the piano.
They spend time together, Alexander playing a few popular pieces and they enjoy a little sing-a-long.
It is late and Helene decides it is time for her to leave. "Mr. Addington, thank you for the wonderful evening but I must go"
"Goodnight Hel.... Miss Previn."
Suzanne moves with Helene to the door and they step just outside of it. "I will walk you to your car."
Helene stops and turns to Suzanne, "Suzie, I forgot to tell you, I live in the building now"
"Really, when?"
"Well, I spend so many late hours working with your father, so he suggested I move here. It was such a long drive across to my apartment, it just made more sense".
Suzanne looks at Helene and thinks 'Maybe things between them are getting more serious than I thought.' Just as they begin to move from the door, they hear the piano again. Helene realizes it is the same tune she heard Alexander play before. It is such a beautiful piece. She looks to Suzanne and notices that she seems a bit upset. "Suzie, what is it?"
She turns and looks at Helene "That piece, I have not heard it in a long time. It was a special piece Pappa used to play for mother." Suzanne moves to the door and steps in enough to watch her father play.
Helene stands with her, listening. Peter appears. Suzanne sees Peter and starts to say hello but he motions for her to be quiet. He moves beside her and gives her a hug, whispering. "Hello Suzie."
Suzanne can see Gabby and Stone over Peter's shoulder and waves. Peter lets her go and turns to watch Alexander play.
Leaning towards Suzanne he whispers again "I have never heard him play. He is very good."
Smiling Suzanne whispers back "It has been a very long time. Helene and I got him playing and singing tonight. It has been a wonderful evening. He seems so happy. Now he is playing a very special song that he only ever played for mother."
Gabby and Stone have quietly moved forward to watch Alexander play and hear Suzie tell about the song. Peter exchanges glances with them then turns to watch again. They all stand quietly in the doorway admiring the song and Alexander's talent. 'Great! And now I have to tell him about.'
Just then the song ends. There is silence until Gabby starts to clap. They all join in.
Alexander is startled and turns to find a door full of people. 'Damn, not again. I thought I was alone. I better start shutting that damn door.' He decides to have a little fun with them. 'Oh well.' Standing up, he turns and bows to his audience.
This causes them to clap, laugh and call out "Bravo."
Bowing again "Thank you, Thank you, your too kind," then he laughs too.
"Father, look who we found lurking in the hall". Smiling she drags the gang into the office. "Welcome back."
Alexander closes the piano and moves to his desk, sitting down and watching the group chat and laugh.
Helene moves over to the side of the desk. 'I wonder why they are here so late.' She looks at Alexander and can see he is wondering the same thing. He sees the contract and picks up a pen. Signs it. Helene notices that Alexander has automatically signed the contract. Smiling. 'Well, he never seems to forget about business'
"Mr. Addington, can I take that for you?"
"Yes, please. I should have signed it earlier, sorry. You can send it to legal in the morning. Smiling, "I have to keep Suzanne working." Standing up, "So Peter, what brings you here so late?".
Peter exchanges glances with Gabby and Stone.
Suzanne watches the exchange 'It must be important.'
Peter speaks up "Well sir, I have a matter I need to discuss with you."
Helene moves and begins to leave. Stone and Gabby leave with her.
Suzanne moves to her father, kissing him "Goodnight Pappa" then moves towards the elevator to her father's suite. "Goodnight Peter."
As she leaves, she sees Peter move towards the desk and Stone closes the office doors.
Stone and Gabby catch up with Helene "Can we talk to you in your office?"
"Yes, sure."
They enter her office. Helene sits at her desk. Gabby takes a chair and sits facing her.
"Gabby, what's wrong? What's happened?"
Gabby and Stone exchange glances, 'She doesn't miss much' "Helene, just before we left Toronto, Peter got a call from Lt. Samuelson, the detective who was in charge of Mrs. Addington's kidnapping."
This gets Helene's full attention.
Gabby looks to Stone. He finishes for her. "They have found a body. It appears to be Mrs. Addington."
Helene sits back in her chair, "Chantal! /Silence/ Do they know for sure yet?"
Gabby answers now "No, they are still checking but they are almost sure. They found a few items, personal ones, that seem to match".
Helene gets up and looks out the window. There is silence in the room for a few minutes. "Peter is upstairs telling Alex... Mr. Addington now?"
Gabby gets up and moves to her "Yes."
Back in Alexander's office, Peter watches Suzie leave, making sure the elevator closes and heads upstairs. He begins to pace, thinking back to the last time Mrs. Addington's name came up. The Winston scam to get money from Alexander. Remembering the pain he had seen Alexander go through. 'I have come to love him like a father and now I have to tell him'.
Alexander watches Peter pace 'I wonder what has him so bothered.' "Come on Peter, there is something you seem to need to tell me. What is it?"
Peter turns and looks at Alexander. 'I knew this was going to be hard but /large sigh/ here goes.'
"Sir, do you remember Lt. Samuelson?"
Alexander looks at Peter. "Yes. From Toronto."
"Well sir, I got a call from him on our flight back here tonight."
Alexander sits, 'This cannot be good'.
Peter moves to sit in a chair across from Alexander, but cannot bring himself to look right at him. "He called to tell me that they have found a body."
Alexander leans forward onto his desk, "A body? Is it Chantal?"
Peter looks at Alexander now, looking into his eyes, already seeing the pain there. "They are doing an autopsy and dental check but they think it might be."
Alexander gets up from the desk and moves to the window, leaning on the ledge. Peter continues. "There were a few personal items that appear to match Mrs. Addington's things." Alexander doesn't react to this at all. Peter continues. "But nothing is confirmed yet?"
Quietly Alexander speaks, "So it may not be her?"
Peter cringes at the sound of Alexander's desperate grab at hope. "When will Samuelson know?"
"I am waiting for a call. I gave him my cellular number but it is five o'clock there. We may not hear until tomorrow now sir"
Alexander does not reply. He just remains there staring out the window. Peter sits silently waiting for him. Just as Alexander begins to talk, Peter sees the elevator open. Alexander has not heard it. "I do not want Suzanne to be told yet."
Suzanne enters hearing this.
Peter tries to interrupt him. "But sir!"
Alexander cuts him off but doesn't turn. "Peter, I want you to treat this like the Winston case. Suzanne wasn't told then either. She didn't have to know about her mother then and I want you to wait for any news now."
Peter looks to Suzie and sees the shock. 'Now she will want to know what this is all about'. "Sir, Suzanne."
Alexander turns on Peter "NO!" but is cut short by the sight of Suzanne. "How long have you been here?"
Suzanne moves towards Peter, "Long enough to know you two are hiding things from me. Who's Winston and what don't you want me to know"
Alexander looks at Peter and then turns back to the window.
"Father? FATHER! Answer me DAMN YOU. What is going on? What about MOTHER?"
Alexander never moves. He doesn't even react to Suzie's yelling at him.
Peter watches him but stays quiet. Suzanne moves towards her father. He never moves. Suzanne stands beside him, then puts a hand suite. "Goodnight Peter."
As she leaves, she sees Peter move towards the desk and Stone closes the office doors.
Stone and Gabby catch up with Helene "Can we talk to you in your office?"
"Yes, sure."
They enter her office. Helene sits at her desk. Gabby takes a chair and sits facing her.
"Gabby, what's wrong? What's happened?"
Gabby and Stone exchange glances, 'She doesn't miss much' "Helene, just before we left Toronto, Peter got a call from Lt. Samuelson, the detective who was in charge of Mrs. Addington's kidnapping."
This gets Helene's full attention.
Gabby looks to Stone. He finishes for her. "They have found a body. It appears to be Mrs. Addington."
Helene sits back in her chair, "Chantal! /Silence/ Do they know for sure yet?"
Gabby answers now "No, they are still checking but they are almost sure. They found a few items, personal ones, that seem to match".
Helene gets up and looks out the window. There is silence in the room for a few minutes. "Peter is upstairs telling Alex... Mr. Addington now?"
Gabby gets up and moves to her "Yes."
Back in Alexander's office, Peter watches Suzie leave, making sure the elevator closes and heads upstairs. He begins to pace, thinking back to the last time Mrs. Addington's name came up. The Winston scam to get money from Alexander. Remembering the pain he had seen Alexander go through. 'I have come to love him like a father and now I have to tell him'.
Alexander watches Peter pace 'I wonder what has him so bothered.' "Come on Peter, there is something you seem to need to tell me. What is it?"
Peter turns and looks at Alexander. 'I knew this was going to be hard but /large sigh/ here goes.'
"Sir, do you remember Lt. Samuelson?"
Alexander looks at Peter. "Yes. From Toronto."
"Well sir, I got a call from him on our flight back here tonight."
Alexander sits, 'This cannot be good'.
Peter moves to sit in a chair across from Alexander, but cannot bring himself to look right at him. "He called to tell me that they have found a body."
Alexander leans forward onto his desk, "A body? Is it Chantal?"
Peter looks at Alexander now, looking into his eyes, already seeing the pain there. "They are doing an autopsy and dental check but they think it might be."
Alexander gets up from the desk and moves to the window, leaning on the ledge. Peter continues. "There were a few personal items that appear to match Mrs. Addington's things." Alexander doesn't react to this at all. Peter continues. "But nothing is confirmed yet?"
Quietly Alexander speaks, "So it may not be her?"
Peter cringes at the sound of Alexander's desperate grab at hope. "When will Samuelson know?"
"I am waiting for a call. I gave him my cellular number but it is five o'clock there. We may not hear until tomorrow now sir"
Alexander does not reply. He just remains there staring out the window. Peter sits silently waiting for him. Just as Alexander begins to talk, Peter sees the elevator open. Alexander has not heard it. "I do not want Suzanne to be told yet."
Suzanne enters hearing this.
Peter tries to interrupt him. "But sir!"
Alexander cuts him off but doesn't turn. "Peter, I want you to treat this like the Winston case. Suzanne wasn't told then either. She didn't have to know about her mother then and I want you to wait for any news now."
Peter looks to Suzie and sees the shock. 'Now she will want to know what this is all about'. "Sir, Suzanne."
Alexander turns on Peter "NO!" but is cut short by the sight of Suzanne. "How long have you been here?"
Suzanne moves towards Peter, "Long enough to know you two are hiding things from me. Who's Winston and what don't you want me to know"
Alexander looks at Peter and then turns back to the window.
"Father? FATHER! Answer me DAMN YOU. What is going on? What about MOTHER?"
Alexander never moves. He doesn't even react to Suzie's yelling at him.
Peter watches him but stays quiet. Suzanne moves towards her father. He never moves. Suzanne stands beside him, then puts a hand on his arm. Quieter now. "Father something is very wrong. Please tell me."
Alexander turns and looks at her. Hand moving to brush the hair from her face.
Suzanne reaches for his hand. "Please tell me." Suzanne turns and looks at Peter.
Peter can see that Alexander just cannot bring himself to tell her. Peter tells Suzanne the same thing he told Alexander. There is silence between them.
After a few minutes of silence Suzanne moves and hugs her father. Peter stays silent, watching. Alexander finally speaks up. "We have to wait and see. We will not hear until tomorrow now."
Looking over at Peter, "Please let me know as soon as you hear anything. I don't care what time it is."
"Yes sir" and leaves the office. Peter heads to Helene's office knowing that Gabby and Stone were going to tell Helene. 'I better find Bennett too.' Just then he is stopped by the sudden appearance of Bennett. "Sir, have you seen the news broadcasts tonight?"
"No Bennett, why?"
"I just saw a story about a body found in Ontario. Is that why you are here sir?" 'Damn, it did make the news.'
"Sorry Bennett, someone should have told you first but I had to tell Mr. Addington. I was just coming to find you. I wish you had not found out that way."
Bennett touches Peter's arm. "Is it Mrs. Addington?"
Peter sighs, "We do not know for sure yet but it does appear to be".
Bennett shakes his head.
"Bennett, keep an eye on him tonight. It is going to be a long night."
Peter moves on down the hall as Bennett heads for Alexander's office. Peter enters Helene's office and all three turn to look him.
Stone speaks up. "Pete, is Mr. A okay?"
"Yes. Suzie knows too and she is with him. I just wish Samuelson would call. Bennett just told me it made the news."
Stone gets up, "Damn, that means we have to worry about reporters now. I'll go and get some extra security set-up."
Gabby gets up now. "I better get some press releases ready. We will need something when the answers come".
As the both are leaving Peter speaks up "Thank you." Peter turns towards Helene. "How are you doing?"
"Fine. Really." Helene starts to move paperwork around on her desk.
Peter reaches for Helene's hand. "Come on, I'll walk you home. I think he is going to need us all in the morning."
Peter walks Helene to the elevator and they ride down to her floor.
They step out and walk down the hall. "Peter, do you think it is really Chantal this time? After the Winston case...Alex....Mr. Addington cannot take /pause/"
Peter watches her for a minute. 'She really does love him'.
They reach her door. "Helene, I think...."
Peter's phone rings. They both stops as Peter removes it from his pocket. He seems to have trouble deciding to answer it. Finally he flips it open. "Sinclair." Helene watches him as he listens to the person at the other end. "Yes. /pause/ I will let him know. Oh, Lt. Sameulson. Thank you very much." Peter closes his phone and stares at it. Silent.
Helene reaches and touches his arm. "Peter, is it her?"
Peter looks to Helene. "Yes."
"Oh no. I always hoped." Silence again. Peter can see the tears starting. After a few minutes Helene speaks softly "I know what he will go through." She backs away and wipes her tears.
Peter thinks about how well she knows the feeling. 'She lost a husband.' "I have to go tell him. Samuelson tells me the press were being informed as we were speaking. /pause/ Will you be okay?".
"Yes, thank you Peter" She enters her apartment.
As he moves to the elevator, Peter calls Stone and tells him. "Please let Gabby know. I am going up to see him now".
Helene closes the door and leans back against it, tears flowing freely now.
Bennett enters the office with a bottle and glass for Alexander, but stops as he sees Alexander and Suzanne sitting on the couch. He stays silent.
Alexander is explaining the Winston scam to Suzanne. "Father, you should have told me. I would have been here for you."
Alexander stands up, moving to the window behind his desk. He sees Bennett. 'He must know.' "Sir, I brought you something to drink. Miss Addington, can I get you anything?"
"No Bennett, it is late. I am heading upstairs." Suzanne gets up and moves to her father. "Pappa, are you coming?"
Alexander smiles "I will be up in a few minutes. I need to do a few things first."
Just after she leaves the room, Bennett pours him a drink. "Thank you, Bennett"
"Sir, can I do anything for you?"
Peter appears in the doorway before Alexander can answer. Peter steps into the room and moves towards Alexander, before he even begins to say anything Alexander speaks. "It is Chantal?"
Peter replies softly "Yes".
Alexander doesn't seem to react to this then... suddenly ... he throws the glass at the wall "DAMN." Turning back to the window he buries his face in his hands.
Stone and Gabby appear at the door just as the glass crashes. There is a long silence.
Peter speaks up. "The press in Canada have already been told. We are working on a statement from here."
Alexander still is silent. Finally he looks towards the three of them.
Peter can see the pain in his eyes but Alexander's voice is steady.
"Good. Peter, can you please have J.J. get the plane ready? We will leave first thing in the morning. Have the car ready for eight."
"Yes sir".
Moving to the desk, Alexander sits down. He sits back in the chair staring down at his hands. Peter remains silent. After a few minutes of silence, without looking up, he speaks softly. "Peter, how did she die? Did she suffer?"
Peter looks to Stone and Gabby. Looking for support.
They move into the room and stand with Peter. "I doesn't appear so. Samuelson told me it was." /pausing collecting himself/
Alexander looks up now. "Peter, I need to know. /pausing/ Please!"
"Yes sir, Samuelson told me it appears quick. A single shot to the heart."
Alexander leans forward and buries his face again. After a few minutes of silence, Alexander gets up and heads for the elevator. Just as he gets there, he stops, still facing the door, "Thank you. Thank you all. Excuse me, I have to go tell Suzanne." He enters the elevator. They all watch the elevator close.
The room is filled with silence now. Bennett moves first. He moves to the broken glass and bends down to start cleaning up. Gabby goes over to him, kneeling next to him. "Bennett, let me do that. I think you need to go with him."
Bennett turns to her, tears streaming down his face, "I can clean" then silence.
Gabby can see that he is very upset. Placing a hand on his shoulder for support "Okay, but if you need any of us. Just call."
Bennett just nods. She stands and leaves Bennett to continue. Peter, Gabby and Stone leave to make arrangements for the press release and the next few long days ahead.
Alexander steps out of the elevator and stands in the foyer of his apartment, listening. He hears the television from the living room and moves to the doorway. He looks in and sees Suzanne watching news. 'God, no, I hope she has not seen it yet'. Stepping into the room "Suzanne".
Suzie turns off the television and gets up from the couch. "Pappa, you are done already? I just turned the news on but didn't get a chance to watch it."
Alexander moves to her thinking 'Good, she shouldn't hear that way'.v "Suzanne, Peter has heard from Samuelson /pause/"
Suzanne stands waiting for her father to continue.
"The body they found......"
"Pappa, it is mother, isn't it?"
"Yes Peanut, it is".
Suzanne stands silent and stunned, then moves to her father and hugs tight.
Alexander can feel her tremble and hears her sobs. He guides her to the couch and they sit. He holds Suzanne tight as she continues to cry.
Alexander can feel his own tears now. Suzanne moves and curls up, head on her father's lap. Alexander sits quietly as Suzie sobs and slowly drifts off to sleep.
Bennett enters the apartment and finds it very quiet. He walks slowly into the apartment seeing Alexander sitting on the couch. As he approaches, "Sir?on his arm. Quieter now. "Father something is very wrong. Please tell me."
Alexander turns and looks at her. Hand moving to brush the hair from her face.
Suzanne reaches for his hand. "Please tell me." Suzanne turns and looks at Peter.
Peter can see that Alexander just cannot bring himself to tell her. Peter tells Suzanne the same thing he told Alexander. There is silence between them.
After a few minutes of silence Suzanne moves and hugs her father. Peter stays silent, watching. Alexander finally speaks up. "We have to wait and see. We will not hear until tomorrow now."
Looking over at Peter, "Please let me know as soon as you hear anything. I don't care what time it is."
"Yes sir" and leaves the office. Peter heads to Helene's office knowing that Gabby and Stone were going to tell Helene. 'I better find Bennett too.' Just then he is stopped by the sudden appearance of Bennett. "Sir, have you seen the news broadcasts tonight?"
"No Bennett, why?"
"I just saw a story about a body found in Ontario. Is that why you are here sir?" 'Damn, it did make the news.'
"Sorry Bennett, someone should have told you first but I had to tell Mr. Addington. I was just coming to find you. I wish you had not found out that way."
Bennett touches Peter's arm. "Is it Mrs. Addington?"
Peter sighs, "We do not know for sure yet but it does appear to be".
Bennett shakes his head.
"Bennett, keep an eye on him tonight. It is going to be a long night."
Peter moves on down the hall as Bennett heads for Alexander's office. Peter enters Helene's office and all three turn to look him.
Stone speaks up. "Pete, is Mr. A okay?"
"Yes. Suzie knows too and she is with him. I just wish Samuelson would call. Bennett just told me it made the news."
Stone gets up, "Damn, that means we have to worry about reporters now. I'll go and get some extra security set-up."
Gabby gets up now. "I better get some press releases ready. We will need something when the answers come".
As the both are leaving Peter speaks up "Thank you." Peter turns towards Helene. "How are you doing?"
"Fine. Really." Helene starts to move paperwork around on her desk.
Peter reaches for Helene's hand. "Come on, I'll walk you home. I think he is going to need us all in the morning."
Peter walks Helene to the elevator and they ride down to her floor.
They step out and walk down the hall. "Peter, do you think it is really Chantal this time? After the Winston case...Alex....Mr. Addington cannot take /pause/"
Peter watches her for a minute. 'She really does love him'.
They reach her door. "Helene, I think...."
Peter's phone rings. They both stops as Peter removes it from his pocket. He seems to have trouble deciding to answer it. Finally he flips it open. "Sinclair." Helene watches him as he listens to the person at the other end. "Yes. /pause/ I will let him know. Oh, Lt. Sameulson. Thank you very much." Peter closes his phone and stares at it. Silent.
Helene reaches and touches his arm. "Peter, is it her?"
Peter looks to Helene. "Yes."
"Oh no. I always hoped." Silence again. Peter can see the tears starting. After a few minutes Helene speaks softly "I know what he will go through." She backs away and wipes her tears.
Peter thinks about how well she knows the feeling. 'She lost a husband.' "I have to go tell him. Samuelson tells me the press were being informed as we were speaking. /pause/ Will you be okay?".
"Yes, thank you Peter" She enters her apartment.
As he moves to the elevator, Peter calls Stone and tells him. "Please let Gabby know. I am going up to see him now".
Helene closes the door and leans back against it, tears flowing freely now.
Bennett enters the office with a bottle and glass for Alexander, but stops as he sees Alexander and Suzanne sitting on the couch. He stays silent.
Alexander is explaining the Winston scam to Suzanne. "Father, you should have told me. I would have been here for you."
Alexander stands up, moving to the window behind his desk. He sees Bennett. 'He must know.' "Sir, I brought you something to drink. Miss Addington, can I get you anything?"
"No Bennett, it is late. I am heading upstairs." Suzanne gets up and moves to her father. "Pappa, are you coming?"
Alexander smiles "I will be up in a few minutes. I need to do a few things first."
Just after she leaves the room, Bennett pours him a drink. "Thank you, Bennett"
"Sir, can I do anything for you?"
Peter appears in the doorway before Alexander can answer. Peter steps into the room and moves towards Alexander, before he even begins to say anything Alexander speaks. "It is Chantal?"
Peter replies softly "Yes".
Alexander doesn't seem to react to this then... suddenly ... he throws the glass at the wall "DAMN." Turning back to the window he buries his face in his hands.
Stone and Gabby appear at the door just as the glass crashes. There is a long silence.
Peter speaks up. "The press in Canada have already been told. We are working on a statement from here."
Alexander still is silent. Finally he looks towards the three of them.
Peter can see the pain in his eyes but Alexander's voice is steady.
"Good. Peter, can you please have J.J. get the plane ready? We will leave first thing in the morning. Have the car ready for eight."
"Yes sir".
Moving to the desk, Alexander sits down. He sits back in the chair staring down at his hands. Peter remains silent. After a few minutes of silence, without looking up, he speaks softly. "Peter, how did she die? Did she suffer?"
Peter looks to Stone and Gabby. Looking for support.
They move into the room and stand with Peter. "I doesn't appear so. Samuelson told me it was." /pausing collecting himself/
Alexander looks up now. "Peter, I need to know. /pausing/ Please!"
"Yes sir, Samuelson told me it appears quick. A single shot to the heart."
Alexander leans forward and buries his face again. After a few minutes of silence, Alexander gets up and heads for the elevator. Just as he gets there, he stops, still facing the door, "Thank you. Thank you all. Excuse me, I have to go tell Suzanne." He enters the elevator. They all watch the elevator close.
The room is filled with silence now. Bennett moves first. He moves to the broken glass and bends down to start cleaning up. Gabby goes over to him, kneeling next to him. "Bennett, let me do that. I think you need to go with him."
Bennett turns to her, tears streaming down his face, "I can clean" then silence.
Gabby can see that he is very upset. Placing a hand on his shoulder for support "Okay, but if you need any of us. Just call."
Bennett just nods. She stands and leaves Bennett to continue. Peter, Gabby and Stone leave to make arrangements for the press release and the next few long days ahead.
Alexander steps out of the elevator and stands in the foyer of his apartment, listening. He hears the television from the living room and moves to the doorway. He looks in and sees Suzanne watching news. 'God, no, I hope she has not seen it yet'. Stepping into the room "Suzanne".
Suzie turns off the television and gets up from the couch. "Pappa, you are done already? I just turned the news on but didn't get a chance to watch it."
Alexander moves to her thinking 'Good, she shouldn't hear that way'.v "Suzanne, Peter has heard from Samuelson /pause/"
Suzanne stands waiting for her father to continue.
"The body they found......"
"Pappa, it is mother, isn't it?"
"Yes Peanut, it is".
Suzanne stands silent and stunned, then moves to her father and hugs tight.
Alexander can feel her tremble and hears her sobs. He guides her to the couch and they sit. He holds Suzanne tight as she continues to cry.
Alexander can feel his own tears now. Suzanne moves and curls up, head on her father's lap. Alexander sits quietly as Suzie sobs and slowly drifts off to sleep.
Bennett enters the apartment and finds it very quiet. He walks slowly into the apartment seeing Alexander sitting on the couch. As he approaches, "Sir?"
Alexander turns a bit and holds up a hand to quiet him. He motions to Bennett to come over. Bennett moves to the side of the couch and sees why there is a need for silence.
As he bends down Alexander whispers "She knows now. Not everything yet, but..."
Bennett places a hand on Alexander's shoulder "Are you alright?"
Alexander stares down at Suzanne and then back at Bennett. Bennett can see the pain in his eyes. "I have always known this day might come. As long as I have her" looking back a Suzanne and placing a hand on her back. "She is all I have left now".
There is silence. "You have me, sir, and a very wonderful group downstairs. They are your family too".
Alexander looks at Bennett. "Yes"
Bennett gets up and heads down the hall leaving them alone.
When he does come back a little while later, he has blankets. Alexander had drifted off to sleep. Bennett carefully covers both of them then leaves silently.
PARIS, EARLY NEXT MORNING:
Suzanne awakens, a bit confused at first. Sitting up, she remembers falling asleep here on the couch with her father. She doesn't remember the blanket. Looking around the room she notices her father is gone and there is a blanket on the floor by the couch.
Bennett enters the room. "Good morning, Suzie".
"Good morning Bennett. What time is it?"
Bennett looks at his watch, "Six am".
"Bennett, have you seen Pappa?"
"No, I was just looking for him myself. He spent the night here with you on the couch. When I got up to check on you both, he was gone. He is nowhere in the apartment".
Suzanne gets up, "Maybe he went to the office?"
Bennett replies, "I was just going there next". They both head for the office.
As they step out of the elevator, they see Helene, Peter, Gabby and Stone enter from the outer office. They are all talking and planning the day. Suzanne looks around the office then goes to Peter.
"Suzie, what's wrong?"
"Peter, have you seen father?"
Peter looks at Suzanne and Bennett, "No, isn't he upstairs?"
Suzanne is very upset now, "No, I fell asleep after he told me about mother. When I woke up, he was gone."
Peter turns to Bennett, "They were both asleep when I covered them up. I left them on the couch late last night".
Peter paces now, "Where the hell could he have gone. Stone, call downstairs, see if he was seen by security. Damn".
Stone moves to the large table and phones, after a minute, "Pete, no one has seen him".
Suzanne is getting extremely upset now. Helene notices papers and a tie on Alexander's desk and moves over to it.
"Peter, he has been here. Look". Picking up the papers, "These seem to be funeral arrangements and a note for you".
Suzanne moves over to the desk, but stops at the side of it. She is staring out the window. "Peter". They all turn and see her staring out the window.
Peter moves to see what she is looking at. "Damn him, he shouldn't be out there". Peter moves behind the desk and starts to move to the balcony door.
Helene grabs his arm, "Peter, wait".
Peter stops and turns to Helene.
Suzanne has moved over to the window now, looking out at her father.
Listening to Peter and Helene talk. "Let me go talk to him, please....I know what he is going through. When Francois /pause/ my husband died, I left a room full of family to take a walk in the park. I just needed the time alone. Alexan....Mr Addington cannot just leave and go for a walk".
Suzanne moves over to Helene, "Please Helene, talk to him. I don't think I can help him as much as you can right now. Please!"
Helene hugs Suzanne, "I will try".
Suzanne leans on the desk and watches her father.
Peter begins to pace, "I still don't like him out there. It's too damn open".
Alexander is leaning on the balcony rail, staring out over Paris. It is early morning and the sun is just rising. Helene slowly steps out onto the balcony and closes the door. Alexander has not moved.
She approaches him carefully, knowing he has not heard her coming. She shivers 'it is cold out here. He "
Alexander turns a bit and holds up a hand to quiet him. He motions to Bennett to come over. Bennett moves to the side of the couch and sees why there is a need for silence.
As he bends down Alexander whispers "She knows now. Not everything yet, but..."
Bennett places a hand on Alexander's shoulder "Are you alright?"
Alexander stares down at Suzanne and then back at Bennett. Bennett can see the pain in his eyes. "I have always known this day might come. As long as I have her" looking back a Suzanne and placing a hand on her back. "She is all I have left now".
There is silence. "You have me, sir, and a very wonderful group downstairs. They are your family too".
Alexander looks at Bennett. "Yes"
Bennett gets up and heads down the hall leaving them alone.
When he does come back a little while later, he has blankets. Alexander had drifted off to sleep. Bennett carefully covers both of them then leaves silently.
PARIS, EARLY NEXT MORNING:
Suzanne awakens, a bit confused at first. Sitting up, she remembers falling asleep here on the couch with her father. She doesn't remember the blanket. Looking around the room she notices her father is gone and there is a blanket on the floor by the couch.
Bennett enters the room. "Good morning, Suzie".
"Good morning Bennett. What time is it?"
Bennett looks at his watch, "Six am".
"Bennett, have you seen Pappa?"
"No, I was just looking for him myself. He spent the night here with you on the couch. When I got up to check on you both, he was gone. He is nowhere in the apartment".
Suzanne gets up, "Maybe he went to the office?"
Bennett replies, "I was just going there next". They both head for the office.
As they step out of the elevator, they see Helene, Peter, Gabby and Stone enter from the outer office. They are all talking and planning the day. Suzanne looks around the office then goes to Peter.
"Suzie, what's wrong?"
"Peter, have you seen father?"
Peter looks at Suzanne and Bennett, "No, isn't he upstairs?"
Suzanne is very upset now, "No, I fell asleep after he told me about mother. When I woke up, he was gone."
Peter turns to Bennett, "They were both asleep when I covered them up. I left them on the couch late last night".
Peter paces now, "Where the hell could he have gone. Stone, call downstairs, see if he was seen by security. Damn".
Stone moves to the large table and phones, after a minute, "Pete, no one has seen him".
Suzanne is getting extremely upset now. Helene notices papers and a tie on Alexander's desk and moves over to it.
"Peter, he has been here. Look". Picking up the papers, "These seem to be funeral arrangements and a note for you".
Suzanne moves over to the desk, but stops at the side of it. She is staring out the window. "Peter". They all turn and see her staring out the window.
Peter moves to see what she is looking at. "Damn him, he shouldn't be out there". Peter moves behind the desk and starts to move to the balcony door.
Helene grabs his arm, "Peter, wait".
Peter stops and turns to Helene.
Suzanne has moved over to the window now, looking out at her father.
Listening to Peter and Helene talk. "Let me go talk to him, please....I know what he is going through. When Francois /pause/ my husband died, I left a room full of family to take a walk in the park. I just needed the time alone. Alexan....Mr Addington cannot just leave and go for a walk".
Suzanne moves over to Helene, "Please Helene, talk to him. I don't think I can help him as much as you can right now. Please!"
Helene hugs Suzanne, "I will try".
Suzanne leans on the desk and watches her father.
Peter begins to pace, "I still don't like him out there. It's too damn open".
Alexander is leaning on the balcony rail, staring out over Paris. It is early morning and the sun is just rising. Helene slowly steps out onto the balcony and closes the door. Alexander has not moved.
She approaches him carefully, knowing he has not heard her coming. She shivers 'it is cold out here. He must be freezing'.
She walks up to him and moves beside him, "Mr. Addington?"
He doesn't move.
Again she tries to get his attention. "Mr. Addington?" She touches his arm.
Alexander jumps at her touch and looks at her. Almost staring through her.
Helene can see how tired he is. She has never seen him look this rough. Beard growth and his suit very wrinkled. She can see the pain in his eyes.
"Miss Previn" looking back over Paris. "What are you doing out here?"
Helene moves a bit closer, "That's our question for you, sir. Please come inside. We are all worried about you, and it is too cold out here".
Alexander doesn't move.
Helene just leans there on the railing with him. After a minute or so of silence she speaks up again. "I know why you are out here".
This gets a reaction from him, "Oh really".
Helene ignores his sarcasm, "Yes, when Francois died, I went and sat in a park".
Alexander looks at her now. He sees Suzanne over her shoulder. Helene notices, "She is fine. But, /pause/ she is very worried about you."
Alexander watches Suzanne for a minute then speaks, "She is so much like her mother". The tears begin and Alexander turns to look away from Helene.
'Good, he needs that'. Helene stays beside him, quietly waiting. Thinking back to her time alone in the park. Alexander begins to talk to her now. "I needed to get away. To be alone. But where the hell can I disappear to.
/silence/
Sometimes I hate this place and my life. I feel trapped. /pause/ I just wanted to go down there and walk the square".
Helene stays silent.
"I guess that is the same way you might have felt after your husband, /pause/ when you went to the park".
Helene places a hand on his arm.
Looking at Helene now, with a quick smile. "Peter would have had a stroke if I went down there".
Helene laughs a bit, "You can be sure of that. I am not sure he still isn't going to have one as long as you are out here in the open. Please Alexander, come inside"
Alexander sighs. "Okay"
Helene starts to move until she feels his hand on her arm.
"Helene, come with me to Toronto. Please!".
Helene looks at him "But..."
He continues, "You knew Chantal and... well, I..." Helene waits. "Helene, I could use someone to talk to. /pause/ Someone who understands."
Helene places a hand on his. "Yes, Alexander. I will". With that she turns and heads back into the office.
ALEXANDER'S OFFICE:
Back in the office, Peter is still pacing. "If they don't come in here soon, I am going out after them". Just as he makes this comment he hears voices and noises from the outer office.
Someone is yelling out "Stop, you can't go in there".
Stone reacts and moves quickly to the door. A woman runs into the office. Stone grabs her and keeps her from coming farther into the room. Security right behind her.
Suzanne sees who it is. "Nikki!"
Peter has security leave and Stone lets her go.
Nikki looks back at Stone, glaring at him, then moves to Suzanne. "Suzie, I had to come" They embrace. "Where is Alexander?"
Just then the balcony door opens. Helene steps inside. Everyone in the room turns to her, finally Peter speaks up. "Helene, is he coming in?"
"Yes, but maybe not right away".
Nikki turns to Peter, shocked, "He is outside? In the open?" Nikki automatically heads towards the door "Peter how can you let him."
Before she gets to the door, Suzanne, watching out the window, stops her. "Wait, he's coming."
Alexander enters the office and sees everyone there. Suzanne is at his side almost right away. He looks at Nikki. "Nikki, how are you?".
She moves to him, "Good /pause/ and you sir?"
Alexander just shrugs "Well at least we are all together", smiling slightly and gives her a hug.
Nikki takes a good look at him, hair a mess, slight beard and a very wrinkled suit. She can see how tired he is. She has never seen him look so rough, not even when they were looking for Mrs Addington.
Nikki looks to Peter and sees that he is just as concerned, tmust be freezing'.
She walks up to him and moves beside him, "Mr. Addington?"
He doesn't move.
Again she tries to get his attention. "Mr. Addington?" She touches his arm.
Alexander jumps at her touch and looks at her. Almost staring through her.
Helene can see how tired he is. She has never seen him look this rough. Beard growth and his suit very wrinkled. She can see the pain in his eyes.
"Miss Previn" looking back over Paris. "What are you doing out here?"
Helene moves a bit closer, "That's our question for you, sir. Please come inside. We are all worried about you, and it is too cold out here".
Alexander doesn't move.
Helene just leans there on the railing with him. After a minute or so of silence she speaks up again. "I know why you are out here".
This gets a reaction from him, "Oh really".
Helene ignores his sarcasm, "Yes, when Francois died, I went and sat in a park".
Alexander looks at her now. He sees Suzanne over her shoulder. Helene notices, "She is fine. But, /pause/ she is very worried about you."
Alexander watches Suzanne for a minute then speaks, "She is so much like her mother". The tears begin and Alexander turns to look away from Helene.
'Good, he needs that'. Helene stays beside him, quietly waiting. Thinking back to her time alone in the park. Alexander begins to talk to her now. "I needed to get away. To be alone. But where the hell can I disappear to.
/silence/
Sometimes I hate this place and my life. I feel trapped. /pause/ I just wanted to go down there and walk the square".
Helene stays silent.
"I guess that is the same way you might have felt after your husband, /pause/ when you went to the park".
Helene places a hand on his arm.
Looking at Helene now, with a quick smile. "Peter would have had a stroke if I went down there".
Helene laughs a bit, "You can be sure of that. I am not sure he still isn't going to have one as long as you are out here in the open. Please Alexander, come inside"
Alexander sighs. "Okay"
Helene starts to move until she feels his hand on her arm.
"Helene, come with me to Toronto. Please!".
Helene looks at him "But..."
He continues, "You knew Chantal and... well, I..." Helene waits. "Helene, I could use someone to talk to. /pause/ Someone who understands."
Helene places a hand on his. "Yes, Alexander. I will". With that she turns and heads back into the office.
ALEXANDER'S OFFICE:
Back in the office, Peter is still pacing. "If they don't come in here soon, I am going out after them". Just as he makes this comment he hears voices and noises from the outer office.
Someone is yelling out "Stop, you can't go in there".
Stone reacts and moves quickly to the door. A woman runs into the office. Stone grabs her and keeps her from coming farther into the room. Security right behind her.
Suzanne sees who it is. "Nikki!"
Peter has security leave and Stone lets her go.
Nikki looks back at Stone, glaring at him, then moves to Suzanne. "Suzie, I had to come" They embrace. "Where is Alexander?"
Just then the balcony door opens. Helene steps inside. Everyone in the room turns to her, finally Peter speaks up. "Helene, is he coming in?"
"Yes, but maybe not right away".
Nikki turns to Peter, shocked, "He is outside? In the open?" Nikki automatically heads towards the door "Peter how can you let him."
Before she gets to the door, Suzanne, watching out the window, stops her. "Wait, he's coming."
Alexander enters the office and sees everyone there. Suzanne is at his side almost right away. He looks at Nikki. "Nikki, how are you?".
She moves to him, "Good /pause/ and you sir?"
Alexander just shrugs "Well at least we are all together", smiling slightly and gives her a hug.
Nikki takes a good look at him, hair a mess, slight beard and a very wrinkled suit. She can see how tired he is. She has never seen him look so rough, not even when they were looking for Mrs Addington.
Nikki looks to Peter and sees that he is just as concerned, thinking ' Maybe more. They have always been very close'.
Alexander moves to his desk, limping more than usual and sits in the chair. Suzanne moves with him and stays right by his side. Bennett appears with hot coffee for Alexander. "Thank you, Bennett."
Peter moves over to Alexander. "Sir, is there anything we can do for you before we head to the plane?"
Alexander looks at the papers on his desk. "Yes, please. I need a couple calls made and I just....I cannot...... " stopping, placing a very shaky hand on the notes.
Peter moves to the desk. Peter sees that the notes are funeral arrangements. Placing a hand on his shoulder, "Alex, I'll take care of it."
Alexander looks up at him, "Thank you." He looks at his watch, then rubs his chin. "I think I better go clean up. I will meet you back here at 7:30" He slowly stands up and heads to the elevator.
Suzanne watches her father leave, then turns to Helene. "I don't know what you said to Pappa, but thank you". Helene just stays quiet. "Helene, is something wrong?" Helene glances at the others.
Gabby understands, "Stone, lets go arrange the cars and security".
Looking at Pete and the others. "Oh right,".
They start to head out but Nikki calls to them. "Can I help?"
Stone replies "Sure, come on" and they leave.
Peter stays, Helene speaks up now. "Suzie, your father asked if I would go to Toronto."
Peter watches Suzie 'She has known that they were getting close, but ...'. Peter waits. Suzanne turns to look out the window. "What did you tell him?"
Helene glances at Peter. He can see she is starting to get very worried about the answer.
"I told him, yes". Silence fills the room. After a minute or so, "But I will not go if you do not want me to".
Suzanne turns to Helene, "I was going to ask you myself. You seem to be able to help him, I cannot..." /pausing/ glancing at Peter, "I know how much you care about Pappa. He cares for you to Helene, I can see it. I can feel it".
Helene is very relieved. Suzanne continues, "I wish he would share with me but...." Helene moves to her. "Suzie, he will. I think he feels he has to be strong for your shake. Give him time. Maybe you need to talk to him. Open up to him."
Suzie hugs Helene "I will. Well we better go pack".
The ladies leave.
Peter sits at Alexander's desk, reads through the papers and makes the phone calls.
Just as he finishes, Stone appears at the door with Inspector Philippe LeEve. "Pete, we have a little extra help with security".
Peter gets up from the desk to greet LeEve. "Philippe, thank you, we might need it".
Philippe looks to Stone. "Peter, have you not been downstairs?"
Peter shakes his head. "The press is filling the street. I have been given orders to clear the street and escort Mr. Addington to the airport. Our President issued the orders himself. Mr. Addington has many supporters in this country. We all mourn with him".
Just then Suzanne and Helene enter the room.
"Suzanne, this is Inspector LeEve."
Philippe bows slightly, "Miss Addington, myself and my country are sorry for your loss".
"Thank you Inspector".
Helene speaks up "Peter, have you seen the street. How are we going to get Mr Addington out of here?"
"The Insepctor is here to help with that". Peter looks to his watch. "We should be leaving here in about ten minutes, if Mr Addington is ready".
"Well, Stone and I will get the cars ready and clear the street".
With that they both leave. Suzanne watches them go. "Peter, do you think we will have the same problem in Toronto?"
Peter pauses, "When we first arrive maybe, but not where we are staying." Before Suzanne can ask where, the elevator opens.
Alexander looks much better. Shaven, clean suit, but the eyes still tell the pain he is in. "Peter, are we ready?"
"Yes sir, the car is out front whenever your ready".
Alexander sighs, "Well, I guess we better go then". Just before he heads to the door, he walks back to his desk and picks up the book Suzanne had given him. Staring at it for a hinking ' Maybe more. They have always been very close'.
Alexander moves to his desk, limping more than usual and sits in the chair. Suzanne moves with him and stays right by his side. Bennett appears with hot coffee for Alexander. "Thank you, Bennett."
Peter moves over to Alexander. "Sir, is there anything we can do for you before we head to the plane?"
Alexander looks at the papers on his desk. "Yes, please. I need a couple calls made and I just....I cannot...... " stopping, placing a very shaky hand on the notes.
Peter moves to the desk. Peter sees that the notes are funeral arrangements. Placing a hand on his shoulder, "Alex, I'll take care of it."
Alexander looks up at him, "Thank you." He looks at his watch, then rubs his chin. "I think I better go clean up. I will meet you back here at 7:30" He slowly stands up and heads to the elevator.
Suzanne watches her father leave, then turns to Helene. "I don't know what you said to Pappa, but thank you". Helene just stays quiet. "Helene, is something wrong?" Helene glances at the others.
Gabby understands, "Stone, lets go arrange the cars and security".
Looking at Pete and the others. "Oh right,".
They start to head out but Nikki calls to them. "Can I help?"
Stone replies "Sure, come on" and they leave.
Peter stays, Helene speaks up now. "Suzie, your father asked if I would go to Toronto."
Peter watches Suzie 'She has known that they were getting close, but ...'. Peter waits. Suzanne turns to look out the window. "What did you tell him?"
Helene glances at Peter. He can see she is starting to get very worried about the answer.
"I told him, yes". Silence fills the room. After a minute or so, "But I will not go if you do not want me to".
Suzanne turns to Helene, "I was going to ask you myself. You seem to be able to help him, I cannot..." /pausing/ glancing at Peter, "I know how much you care about Pappa. He cares for you to Helene, I can see it. I can feel it".
Helene is very relieved. Suzanne continues, "I wish he would share with me but...." Helene moves to her. "Suzie, he will. I think he feels he has to be strong for your shake. Give him time. Maybe you need to talk to him. Open up to him."
Suzie hugs Helene "I will. Well we better go pack".
The ladies leave.
Peter sits at Alexander's desk, reads through the papers and makes the phone calls.
Just as he finishes, Stone appears at the door with Inspector Philippe LeEve. "Pete, we have a little extra help with security".
Peter gets up from the desk to greet LeEve. "Philippe, thank you, we might need it".
Philippe looks to Stone. "Peter, have you not been downstairs?"
Peter shakes his head. "The press is filling the street. I have been given orders to clear the street and escort Mr. Addington to the airport. Our President issued the orders himself. Mr. Addington has many supporters in this country. We all mourn with him".
Just then Suzanne and Helene enter the room.
"Suzanne, this is Inspector LeEve."
Philippe bows slightly, "Miss Addington, myself and my country are sorry for your loss".
"Thank you Inspector".
Helene speaks up "Peter, have you seen the street. How are we going to get Mr Addington out of here?"
"The Insepctor is here to help with that". Peter looks to his watch. "We should be leaving here in about ten minutes, if Mr Addington is ready".
"Well, Stone and I will get the cars ready and clear the street".
With that they both leave. Suzanne watches them go. "Peter, do you think we will have the same problem in Toronto?"
Peter pauses, "When we first arrive maybe, but not where we are staying." Before Suzanne can ask where, the elevator opens.
Alexander looks much better. Shaven, clean suit, but the eyes still tell the pain he is in. "Peter, are we ready?"
"Yes sir, the car is out front whenever your ready".
Alexander sighs, "Well, I guess we better go then". Just before he heads to the door, he walks back to his desk and picks up the book Suzanne had given him. Staring at it for a minute, then carrying it with him. Suzanne takes his arm and they head downstairs. Peter watches Alexander. He can see Alex preparing himself for all the stares and greetings he will face. Thinking 'He's always putting on that strong image. He cannot imagine the numbers outside'. The elevator reaches the ground floor. As they near the lobby, security and staff have lined the halls.
Alexander ignores the attention and walks straight ahead.
They exit the building and Peter can see the crowds of reporters, all kept behind barricades, 'Boy, Philippe works quickly' He guides Alexander and the ladies into the limo and gets in himself. Helene and Alexander on the rear seat, Suzanne and himself on the forward sit.
As the car heads away, police cars move in front and behind them. Suzanne keeps looking around at the cars, amazed. Alexander just sits there staring down at the book in his hands. Helene sits watching him. No one talks at all on the ride to the airport.
Once they reach the airport, the cars enter a side gate and are led to the plane by airport security. J.J. is standing by the plane, waiting for them. As the limo pulls up and stops, J.J. opens the door. Suzanne gets out first and hugs J.J., Alexander follows her and nods to J.J. "Sir, the plane is ready and a flight plan is booked. We are cleared to leave as soon as you are ready".
"Good, once we are all on board we can go".
"Yes sir"
Alexander climbs the stairs, Suzanne right with him. J.J. watches him until he is in the plane then turns to Peter.
"Pete, Miss Previn. How is he doing?"
Peter looks up the stairs "Honestly J.J. /pause/ Not well. He puts on a good front though".
J.J. nods, "You don't have to tell me about that Pete. So, are the others coming?"
Peter shuts the car door. "No. They are taking the Concorde so Stone can arrange security in Toronto. After the crowds outside the hotel, we need to be prepared. The airline had four seats available and it leaves in 20 minutes"
J.J. looks to Peter a bit confused. "Four seats? Gabby, Stone and who else?"
"Bennett went ahead to set-up the house in Toronto. Alexander wants to go back and stay there."
Peter is silent now. J.J. questions Peter. "Pete, the fourth seat?"
"Oh right, sorry J.J., was thinking about the last time at the house. The fourth is Nikki. She heard the news and wants to help"
"Good" J.J. turns to Helene. "Well Miss Previn, shall we go?".
Peter lets them head aboard. Turning to Philippe, "Thank you for the help. I will call you before we come back."
They shake hands and Peter boards the plane. He sees Alexander and Suzanne are already seated and waiting. Alexander is staring out the window and still holding the book. 'I wonder what that book is'. Helene takes a seat on the far side and Peter sits with her.
The plane's engines start and they taxi to the runway. Leaning over and talking quietly to Helene, "Can I ask you something?"
She nods.
"Do you know what that book is?"
She looks to make sure Alexander cannot hear them, then explains to Peter about the book and why he has it. "Peter, Suzie didn't know about her mother at the time she bought it. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?"
The plane begins to take off and they all sit quietly.
Once the plane is in the air, Peter gets up and moves to the back and sits at the desk. He makes a few phone calls. Looking up he sees Suzanne approaching him. She sits in a chair by the desk.
"Hey Suzie, how are you doing?"
"Okay./pausing/ Peter, back at the office you said that we didn't have to worry about security where we were staying. Why? Where are we staying in Toronto?"
Peter shifts and moves as few papers 'Damn, he didn't tell her'.
"Peter, your stalling, just like father does"
Peter looks up at her with a small smile, "Well I did learn from the master."
Looking over at Alexander, pausing/ "Suzie, your father had me make a few arrangements for him. We are staying at the house outside Toronto."
Peter sits and waits for her reaction. Suzanne leansminute, then carrying it with him. Suzanne takes his arm and they head downstairs. Peter watches Alexander. He can see Alex preparing himself for all the stares and greetings he will face. Thinking 'He's always putting on that strong image. He cannot imagine the numbers outside'. The elevator reaches the ground floor. As they near the lobby, security and staff have lined the halls.
Alexander ignores the attention and walks straight ahead.
They exit the building and Peter can see the crowds of reporters, all kept behind barricades, 'Boy, Philippe works quickly' He guides Alexander and the ladies into the limo and gets in himself. Helene and Alexander on the rear seat, Suzanne and himself on the forward sit.
As the car heads away, police cars move in front and behind them. Suzanne keeps looking around at the cars, amazed. Alexander just sits there staring down at the book in his hands. Helene sits watching him. No one talks at all on the ride to the airport.
Once they reach the airport, the cars enter a side gate and are led to the plane by airport security. J.J. is standing by the plane, waiting for them. As the limo pulls up and stops, J.J. opens the door. Suzanne gets out first and hugs J.J., Alexander follows her and nods to J.J. "Sir, the plane is ready and a flight plan is booked. We are cleared to leave as soon as you are ready".
"Good, once we are all on board we can go".
"Yes sir"
Alexander climbs the stairs, Suzanne right with him. J.J. watches him until he is in the plane then turns to Peter.
"Pete, Miss Previn. How is he doing?"
Peter looks up the stairs "Honestly J.J. /pause/ Not well. He puts on a good front though".
J.J. nods, "You don't have to tell me about that Pete. So, are the others coming?"
Peter shuts the car door. "No. They are taking the Concorde so Stone can arrange security in Toronto. After the crowds outside the hotel, we need to be prepared. The airline had four seats available and it leaves in 20 minutes"
J.J. looks to Peter a bit confused. "Four seats? Gabby, Stone and who else?"
"Bennett went ahead to set-up the house in Toronto. Alexander wants to go back and stay there."
Peter is silent now. J.J. questions Peter. "Pete, the fourth seat?"
"Oh right, sorry J.J., was thinking about the last time at the house. The fourth is Nikki. She heard the news and wants to help"
"Good" J.J. turns to Helene. "Well Miss Previn, shall we go?".
Peter lets them head aboard. Turning to Philippe, "Thank you for the help. I will call you before we come back."
They shake hands and Peter boards the plane. He sees Alexander and Suzanne are already seated and waiting. Alexander is staring out the window and still holding the book. 'I wonder what that book is'. Helene takes a seat on the far side and Peter sits with her.
The plane's engines start and they taxi to the runway. Leaning over and talking quietly to Helene, "Can I ask you something?"
She nods.
"Do you know what that book is?"
She looks to make sure Alexander cannot hear them, then explains to Peter about the book and why he has it. "Peter, Suzie didn't know about her mother at the time she bought it. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?"
The plane begins to take off and they all sit quietly.
Once the plane is in the air, Peter gets up and moves to the back and sits at the desk. He makes a few phone calls. Looking up he sees Suzanne approaching him. She sits in a chair by the desk.
"Hey Suzie, how are you doing?"
"Okay./pausing/ Peter, back at the office you said that we didn't have to worry about security where we were staying. Why? Where are we staying in Toronto?"
Peter shifts and moves as few papers 'Damn, he didn't tell her'.
"Peter, your stalling, just like father does"
Peter looks up at her with a small smile, "Well I did learn from the master."
Looking over at Alexander, pausing/ "Suzie, your father had me make a few arrangements for him. We are staying at the house outside Toronto."
Peter sits and waits for her reaction. Suzanne leans back in the chair and looks over at her father. "The house! Is that why Bennett went ahead?"
"Yes"
She gets up now, and moves over to him. "Thank you, Peter. For telling me and for being here for Pappa and I."
Leaning over she gives him a quick kiss, then heads back up front. Peter watches her. 'If she is like her mother, I wish I had known Chantal'. Peter continues with his arrangements and watches the front.
Suzanne sits back beside her father. He has not moved since they left the airport, still looking out the window. "Father?" Silence. Suzanne glances at Helene, then turns back. "Pappa?"
Alexander turns to her.
'He is so tired.' "Will you do something for me?"
Alexander looks at her, "Sure, Peanut."
Suzanne looks at Helene then back to her father. "I want you to promise me you will do what I ask."
Alexander glances at Helene. "Are you two up to something again?"
Helene stays quiet, not sure what Suzie is up to. "No, I am asking."
Looking at her, "I will if I can."
Suzanne sighs "Good. It is a long flight. We have plenty of time. Please Pappa, will you go lay down and get some sleep?"
Alexander shifts in his chair, getting ready to refuse. "You promised you would do what I asked if you could. I know you can sleep."
Alexander shakes his head, then begins to laugh "Guess you got me this time. Your right, we do have a long flight. But you must promise to wake me an hour or so before we get to Toronto."
Suzanne stands up and reaches for his hand. "I will."
Alexander places the book on the coffee table, takes Suzanne's hand and gets up. They head to the bedroom.
Peter watches as they leave then gets up and moves to the couch with Helene. She is sitting there chuckling a little. "What's so funny?"
"Peter, I think Suzie has learned a few bargaining techniques. She just talked her father into resting."
Peter chuckles too "I guess we know that Addington International has a secure future". Shaking his head. "I was wondering how to get him to rest. I have never seen Alex look so old". Peter looks down at the book, "Even during the kidnapping he was so strong. I am worried about him, Helene. /pausing/ Why does he wants to go back to the house?"
silence
Helene places a hand on Peter's arm. "Peter, be patient. He is still in shock, maybe even denial. He has to go back to the house. Face the past. I didn't want to go back to my home after.../pause/ but, you have to. It is part of the healing."
Peter looks to Helene and realizes that she is the best one to help Alexander. She has been through it.
"Peter, Suzie promised him that she would wake him about an hour before we reach Toronto."
Peter reaches to the book and looks at the title. "Then I will make sure we help her keep that promise".
Suzanne follows Alexander to the bedroom. Alex takes off his jacket and tie. Suzie is right there to take it. "You are going to make sure I lay down, aren't you?"
"Yes, you promised".
Shaking his head and chuckling "You are stubborn" as he sits on the edge of the bed.
Suzanne turns from laying his jacket and tie on the couch, "Yes, got that from you".
He reaches to take off his shoes and then lays back on the bed.
Suzanne can see that he is in pain with his knee. 'He's been on his feet too long'. She gets a blanket and covers him up.
Alexander grabs her hand and has her sit on the edge of the bed. "Suzie, we are going to stay /pausing/ at the house. If you don't want to, tell me, I can get Peter to change the plans"
"No, that is fine. Please Pappa, get some rest". She gets up and moves to the door, turning off the lights. Suzanne waits just beside the door, watching her father.
Alexander is so exhausted that he drifts off almost right away. Suzanne waits a few minutes, listening to him breath, then moves and sits in the couch across from the bed. She sits there watching him sleep, listening to him breath. She reaches for his jacket and hugs it to herself. After a little while, she curls up and falls asleep too.
----------- back in the chair and looks over at her father. "The house! Is that why Bennett went ahead?"
"Yes"
She gets up now, and moves over to him. "Thank you, Peter. For telling me and for being here for Pappa and I."
Leaning over she gives him a quick kiss, then heads back up front. Peter watches her. 'If she is like her mother, I wish I had known Chantal'. Peter continues with his arrangements and watches the front.
Suzanne sits back beside her father. He has not moved since they left the airport, still looking out the window. "Father?" Silence. Suzanne glances at Helene, then turns back. "Pappa?"
Alexander turns to her.
'He is so tired.' "Will you do something for me?"
Alexander looks at her, "Sure, Peanut."
Suzanne looks at Helene then back to her father. "I want you to promise me you will do what I ask."
Alexander glances at Helene. "Are you two up to something again?"
Helene stays quiet, not sure what Suzie is up to. "No, I am asking."
Looking at her, "I will if I can."
Suzanne sighs "Good. It is a long flight. We have plenty of time. Please Pappa, will you go lay down and get some sleep?"
Alexander shifts in his chair, getting ready to refuse. "You promised you would do what I asked if you could. I know you can sleep."
Alexander shakes his head, then begins to laugh "Guess you got me this time. Your right, we do have a long flight. But you must promise to wake me an hour or so before we get to Toronto."
Suzanne stands up and reaches for his hand. "I will."
Alexander places the book on the coffee table, takes Suzanne's hand and gets up. They head to the bedroom.
Peter watches as they leave then gets up and moves to the couch with Helene. She is sitting there chuckling a little. "What's so funny?"
"Peter, I think Suzie has learned a few bargaining techniques. She just talked her father into resting."
Peter chuckles too "I guess we know that Addington International has a secure future". Shaking his head. "I was wondering how to get him to rest. I have never seen Alex look so old". Peter looks down at the book, "Even during the kidnapping he was so strong. I am worried about him, Helene. /pausing/ Why does he wants to go back to the house?"
silence
Helene places a hand on Peter's arm. "Peter, be patient. He is still in shock, maybe even denial. He has to go back to the house. Face the past. I didn't want to go back to my home after.../pause/ but, you have to. It is part of the healing."
Peter looks to Helene and realizes that she is the best one to help Alexander. She has been through it.
"Peter, Suzie promised him that she would wake him about an hour before we reach Toronto."
Peter reaches to the book and looks at the title. "Then I will make sure we help her keep that promise".
Suzanne follows Alexander to the bedroom. Alex takes off his jacket and tie. Suzie is right there to take it. "You are going to make sure I lay down, aren't you?"
"Yes, you promised".
Shaking his head and chuckling "You are stubborn" as he sits on the edge of the bed.
Suzanne turns from laying his jacket and tie on the couch, "Yes, got that from you".
He reaches to take off his shoes and then lays back on the bed.
Suzanne can see that he is in pain with his knee. 'He's been on his feet too long'. She gets a blanket and covers him up.
Alexander grabs her hand and has her sit on the edge of the bed. "Suzie, we are going to stay /pausing/ at the house. If you don't want to, tell me, I can get Peter to change the plans"
"No, that is fine. Please Pappa, get some rest". She gets up and moves to the door, turning off the lights. Suzanne waits just beside the door, watching her father.
Alexander is so exhausted that he drifts off almost right away. Suzanne waits a few minutes, listening to him breath, then moves and sits in the couch across from the bed. She sits there watching him sleep, listening to him breath. She reaches for his jacket and hugs it to herself. After a little while, she curls up and falls asleep too.
--------------
J.J. enters the room. Peter looks up. "Oh, thought you might be Suzie".
"Nope, just me. I came to ask if I can do anything for you?"
Peter stands up and stretches. "I need to make a few phone calls." Looking over at Helene "I wonder what happened to Suzie?"
Helene gets up now, and heads down the hall to the bedroom. She quietly knocks then opens the door slowly. There is no sound in the room. Peaking in, she sees Suzanne curled up on the couch, hugging her father's jacket. Peter has followed her. Whispering to him "Are there any blankets around?"
Peter heads to the other bedroom and brings back a blanket. Helene takes it and moves quietly into the room. Peter waits at the door, watching. Helene sneaks past the bed and moves to Suzanne. She gently covers her up, but Suzie stirs a bit, mumbles and looks up at Helene. She starts to rise, "Helene? Pappa?"
Helene gently pushes her back "Shhhh Suzie, he's fine." Glancing over at him "Sound asleep actually".
Suzie leans back then relaxes, "Mmmmmmmmmm good".
Helene fixes the blanket and Suzie starts to drift off again . Helene turns and moves back towards the door.
Stopping by the bed, she stands watching Alexander sleep, thinking 'He looks so peaceful'. She reaches and gently caresses his cheek then fixes the blanket around him.
Peter watches thinking again how much Helene cares for Alexander.
Helene slowly leaves the room. Peter quietly shuts the door and turns to Helene. "I think we should follow their example and get some rest. It is going to be a long few days ahead of us". Helene agrees. Peter shows Helene to the other bedroom. "Take this room, I will take the couch in the back".
"Thank you, Peter. For everything". She enters the room and closes the door. Peter heads back, J.J. is still there. "So, how are they Pete?"
Moving to sit down on the couch, Peter replies "Alex and Suzie are asleep. Helene is going to try and I think I am too. Unless you need me."
"No Pete", J.J. moves to a cabinet and tosses Peter a blanket. "Rest Pete, see you later".
Peter calls to him "J.J., please wake me a couple hours out of Toronto. I need to make a few calls and help someone keep a promise".
J.J. heads back to the cockpit. "Sure Pete, no problem"
Peter lies down and drifts off.
ABOUT SIX HOURS LATER:
Peter awakens to someone shaking him. "Pete, hey Pete". Peter looks up and sees J.J. standing over him. "Pete, you told me to wake you. We are about two hours out of Toronto. Stone called, they are at the house and setting up".
Peter sits up. "Good. Thanks J.J." Running a hand through his hair. "J.J., the others still asleep?"
"Mr. A and Suzie are, but Helene has been up for awhile. She made some coffee."
Peter gets up and stretches. Helene moves from the kitchenette area carrying a couple of coffee cups. She hands one to Peter. "Thank you, Helene".
She moves and sits on a chair. "Peter, I talked to Gabby. The house is ready and Stone has almost finished the security needs."
Peter takes a sip of his coffee. "Good. I still worry about Alexander staying there."
Just then Suzanne enters the room. "Good morning or afternoon"
Peter looks at his watch. "Well, lets see. We left at eight in the morning Paris time, which is 2 a.m. in Toronto. /pausing/ J.J., flying time is about seven hours right?"
"Yes Pete, but with the fuel stop - closer to eight hours"
Peter continues "So we will be arriving in Toronto at ten in the morning - so I guess it is Good morning Suzie"
She laughs, "I still get confused with this time changing".
Helene speaks up "At least we are all rested. Well, is anyone hungry? Maybe we can make some breakfast?"
Peter stands up. "Sure, I have a couple calls to make then I can join you."
Suzie turns to Helene, "We can set the table here and when we are almost ready, I will wake Pappa. I think I can get him to eat something."
Helene laughs, "I bet you can".
They head off to start breakfast. Peter gets up and s---
J.J. enters the room. Peter looks up. "Oh, thought you might be Suzie".
"Nope, just me. I came to ask if I can do anything for you?"
Peter stands up and stretches. "I need to make a few phone calls." Looking over at Helene "I wonder what happened to Suzie?"
Helene gets up now, and heads down the hall to the bedroom. She quietly knocks then opens the door slowly. There is no sound in the room. Peaking in, she sees Suzanne curled up on the couch, hugging her father's jacket. Peter has followed her. Whispering to him "Are there any blankets around?"
Peter heads to the other bedroom and brings back a blanket. Helene takes it and moves quietly into the room. Peter waits at the door, watching. Helene sneaks past the bed and moves to Suzanne. She gently covers her up, but Suzie stirs a bit, mumbles and looks up at Helene. She starts to rise, "Helene? Pappa?"
Helene gently pushes her back "Shhhh Suzie, he's fine." Glancing over at him "Sound asleep actually".
Suzie leans back then relaxes, "Mmmmmmmmmm good".
Helene fixes the blanket and Suzie starts to drift off again . Helene turns and moves back towards the door.
Stopping by the bed, she stands watching Alexander sleep, thinking 'He looks so peaceful'. She reaches and gently caresses his cheek then fixes the blanket around him.
Peter watches thinking again how much Helene cares for Alexander.
Helene slowly leaves the room. Peter quietly shuts the door and turns to Helene. "I think we should follow their example and get some rest. It is going to be a long few days ahead of us". Helene agrees. Peter shows Helene to the other bedroom. "Take this room, I will take the couch in the back".
"Thank you, Peter. For everything". She enters the room and closes the door. Peter heads back, J.J. is still there. "So, how are they Pete?"
Moving to sit down on the couch, Peter replies "Alex and Suzie are asleep. Helene is going to try and I think I am too. Unless you need me."
"No Pete", J.J. moves to a cabinet and tosses Peter a blanket. "Rest Pete, see you later".
Peter calls to him "J.J., please wake me a couple hours out of Toronto. I need to make a few calls and help someone keep a promise".
J.J. heads back to the cockpit. "Sure Pete, no problem"
Peter lies down and drifts off.
ABOUT SIX HOURS LATER:
Peter awakens to someone shaking him. "Pete, hey Pete". Peter looks up and sees J.J. standing over him. "Pete, you told me to wake you. We are about two hours out of Toronto. Stone called, they are at the house and setting up".
Peter sits up. "Good. Thanks J.J." Running a hand through his hair. "J.J., the others still asleep?"
"Mr. A and Suzie are, but Helene has been up for awhile. She made some coffee."
Peter gets up and stretches. Helene moves from the kitchenette area carrying a couple of coffee cups. She hands one to Peter. "Thank you, Helene".
She moves and sits on a chair. "Peter, I talked to Gabby. The house is ready and Stone has almost finished the security needs."
Peter takes a sip of his coffee. "Good. I still worry about Alexander staying there."
Just then Suzanne enters the room. "Good morning or afternoon"
Peter looks at his watch. "Well, lets see. We left at eight in the morning Paris time, which is 2 a.m. in Toronto. /pausing/ J.J., flying time is about seven hours right?"
"Yes Pete, but with the fuel stop - closer to eight hours"
Peter continues "So we will be arriving in Toronto at ten in the morning - so I guess it is Good morning Suzie"
She laughs, "I still get confused with this time changing".
Helene speaks up "At least we are all rested. Well, is anyone hungry? Maybe we can make some breakfast?"
Peter stands up. "Sure, I have a couple calls to make then I can join you."
Suzie turns to Helene, "We can set the table here and when we are almost ready, I will wake Pappa. I think I can get him to eat something."
Helene laughs, "I bet you can".
They head off to start breakfast. Peter gets up and shakes his head "J.J., I actually think I feel sorry for Alexander. Those two together, trying to convince him to do something?"
J.J. laughs too. "I think he can handle himself. Well, I better get back up front. Just about time to call in my position."
Peter heads to the desk and calls Stone and Gabby. As Peter makes his calls, he can see Suzie and Helene getting breakfast set-up.
Suzanne waves over to him "Breakfast is almost ready. I am going to go wake Pappa"
Peter acknowledges her with a wave and finishes his call.
Suzanne heads down the hall to the bedroom. She slowly opens the door and moves to the side of the bed. Alexander is asleep on his side facing the wall. Helene appears in the doorway. Suzie turns, "I hate to wake him".
Helene moves to her "Well, he has slept about six hours. I think that will help. I agree, he needs the sleep, but....."
They both watch him for a minute. "Suzie, you did promise."
Suzie agrees.
"Well, I better go check on the food."
Helene leaves.
Suzanne sits on the side of the bed, then softly shakes her father's shoulder. "Pappa?"
Alexander stirs a bit.
Suzanne tries again. "Pappa?"
This time Alexander rolls over and opens his eyes, looking up at her.
"Pappa, time to wake up".
Alexander reaches to her face, caressing her check. "Hi there"
Suzie takes his hand. "Pappa, we're a couple hours out of Toronto. Helene and I thought you should eat something, so we fixed a little breakfast".
Alexander rubs his face and yawns. "Breakfast?" Looking at his watch, "Well, I guess breakfast would be right, it is eight in the morning in Toronto."
Suzanne gets up and heads to the door, "I will tell everyone you will be right out". With that, Suzanne leaves.
Alexander watches her go and shakes his head, 'I didn't even get to answer'. As he slowly begins to awaken more, he realizes he really is hungry. 'Guess I better go join them or they will be in here after me". With that he rises.
Peter has finished his calls and is sitting at the table drinking his coffee, watching Helene prepare breakfast. She has found bacon and eggs in the fridge and is cooking the eggs now. Helene turns to Peter "Leave it to Bennett to make sure the plane was stocked before he left".
Peter agrees.
Just then the door opens and Suzanne enters the rear cabin. She moves to the coffee and begins to pour a cup. Peter watches wondering if Alex is coming but before he can ask the door opens again.
Alexander enters. "Good morning everyone".
Peter takes a good look at him. His clothes are a bit wrinkled but he looks much more rested. "Good morning sir. How are you feeling".
Alexander moves to the table, limping a bit still, and sits with Peter. "Much better Peter. Honest".
Suzanne appears beside him and places the coffee down in front of him. "Thank you Suzie". Turning to Helene "Mrs. Previn, something smells wonderful".
Helene speaks up now from the kitchenette. "Suzie and I just put together a little something for breakfast. Is everyone ready for something to eat?"
They all agree. As Peter and Alexander watch, they bring over orange juice, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, jam and more coffee.
Alexander speaks up "You call this a little something?"
They all laugh and sit and enjoy breakfast and each other's company.
*******
Helene leaves the room and walks down the hall toward the study, deep in thought. Bennett appears in the hallway and she almost collides with him. "Mrs. Previn, is something wrong?"
Helene pauses. "Yes, Bennett. Suzanne overheard a conversation by her father. She heard about her brother."
Bennett looks down the hall to the dining room, shaking his head. "She should never have found out that way."
Helene looks closely at him "You were with Addington's then?"
Bennett shakes his head. "Yes. I have been with Mr. Addington a long time. I actually knew him before he met Mrs. Addington." Helene stays quiet as Bennett continues. "Little Alex was such a beautiful child. He should never hakes his head "J.J., I actually think I feel sorry for Alexander. Those two together, trying to convince him to do something?"
J.J. laughs too. "I think he can handle himself. Well, I better get back up front. Just about time to call in my position."
Peter heads to the desk and calls Stone and Gabby. As Peter makes his calls, he can see Suzie and Helene getting breakfast set-up.
Suzanne waves over to him "Breakfast is almost ready. I am going to go wake Pappa"
Peter acknowledges her with a wave and finishes his call.
Suzanne heads down the hall to the bedroom. She slowly opens the door and moves to the side of the bed. Alexander is asleep on his side facing the wall. Helene appears in the doorway. Suzie turns, "I hate to wake him".
Helene moves to her "Well, he has slept about six hours. I think that will help. I agree, he needs the sleep, but....."
They both watch him for a minute. "Suzie, you did promise."
Suzie agrees.
"Well, I better go check on the food."
Helene leaves.
Suzanne sits on the side of the bed, then softly shakes her father's shoulder. "Pappa?"
Alexander stirs a bit.
Suzanne tries again. "Pappa?"
This time Alexander rolls over and opens his eyes, looking up at her.
"Pappa, time to wake up".
Alexander reaches to her face, caressing her check. "Hi there"
Suzie takes his hand. "Pappa, we're a couple hours out of Toronto. Helene and I thought you should eat something, so we fixed a little breakfast".
Alexander rubs his face and yawns. "Breakfast?" Looking at his watch, "Well, I guess breakfast would be right, it is eight in the morning in Toronto."
Suzanne gets up and heads to the door, "I will tell everyone you will be right out". With that, Suzanne leaves.
Alexander watches her go and shakes his head, 'I didn't even get to answer'. As he slowly begins to awaken more, he realizes he really is hungry. 'Guess I better go join them or they will be in here after me". With that he rises.
Peter has finished his calls and is sitting at the table drinking his coffee, watching Helene prepare breakfast. She has found bacon and eggs in the fridge and is cooking the eggs now. Helene turns to Peter "Leave it to Bennett to make sure the plane was stocked before he left".
Peter agrees.
Just then the door opens and Suzanne enters the rear cabin. She moves to the coffee and begins to pour a cup. Peter watches wondering if Alex is coming but before he can ask the door opens again.
Alexander enters. "Good morning everyone".
Peter takes a good look at him. His clothes are a bit wrinkled but he looks much more rested. "Good morning sir. How are you feeling".
Alexander moves to the table, limping a bit still, and sits with Peter. "Much better Peter. Honest".
Suzanne appears beside him and places the coffee down in front of him. "Thank you Suzie". Turning to Helene "Mrs. Previn, something smells wonderful".
Helene speaks up now from the kitchenette. "Suzie and I just put together a little something for breakfast. Is everyone ready for something to eat?"
They all agree. As Peter and Alexander watch, they bring over orange juice, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, jam and more coffee.
Alexander speaks up "You call this a little something?"
They all laugh and sit and enjoy breakfast and each other's company.
*******
Helene leaves the room and walks down the hall toward the study, deep in thought. Bennett appears in the hallway and she almost collides with him. "Mrs. Previn, is something wrong?"
Helene pauses. "Yes, Bennett. Suzanne overheard a conversation by her father. She heard about her brother."
Bennett looks down the hall to the dining room, shaking his head. "She should never have found out that way."
Helene looks closely at him "You were with Addington's then?"
Bennett shakes his head. "Yes. I have been with Mr. Addington a long time. I actually knew him before he met Mrs. Addington." Helene stays quiet as Bennett continues. "Little Alex was such a beautiful child. He should never have had to suffer so much. So young /pausing/. Does Mr. Addington know that Suzanne found out?"
"Yes, he came to the dining room and explained a bit about him. That he died at sixteen months and how they didn't leave her side for three years. Suzanne refused to talk to him or even look at him. He was so hurt by it. He told her that they were wrong to keep it from her and then he left the room. I was just going to find him and see if he is alright".
Bennett starts to move towards the study. Helene follows. They knock on the door but there is no answer. Bennett opens the door and they enter. The room is empty.
Helene stays at the door but Bennett moves to a bookcase on the far wall. "Where could he have gone Bennett?"
Bennett doesn't answer yet. He reaches the bookcase and seems to be looking for a book.
Helene realizes he has not found the book he expected to "It is gone".
"Bennett? What is gone?".
Bennett turns to her, "The book on the end of the shelf that had the pictures of young Alexander Jr. in it. There are pictures of Suzanne too"
Helene looks around the room, "Bennett, look!"
Helene is pointing to the large French doors that lead to the backyard. "Look, one door is open a bit".
They move to the door and look outside. They see Alexander across the yard, sitting on a bench under a tree. "I thought he would go there"
"Why?"
Bennett paces a bit. "Whenever Mr. Addington thinks about little Alex he ends up out there. That tree was planted after little Alex died. Mr. Addington planted it as a seedling. Cared for it as it grew. It was a memorial to little Alex. A new life for a life."
Helene looks out at the large oak. "It is a beautiful oak tree, Bennett. Any special reason for an oak?"
Bennett glances at her, "Yes. Mr. Addington felt it was a symbol of what Alex could have become. Tall, strong, and long living."
Helene looks back out at Alexander.
Bennett continues, "As the tree grew, Suzanne grew and played in the tree. Mr Addington placed the bench there so he could sit and watch her. I remember them spending many hours out there under that tree." Bennett turns away from the window. "And now you tell me she will not talk to him. So"
Helene continues "He took a book of pictures of her and little Alex and sits there living the past. Maybe regretting his choices".
Bennett sits heavily in a chair by the window and watches him. Helene moves to the doors. "I am going to go talk to him." With that she heads outside and walks across the lawn.
As Helene approaches the bench she watches Alexander flip a page in the book. She also recalls what happened to Johnathan when he confronted him years ago, so she approaches cautiously.
As she nears him, Alexander turns and looks at her. He slowly closes the book as he speaks, "Ms. Previn, what are you doing out here?"
Helene moves closer. "I... well....", finally she speaks up. "Alex... Alexander, are you alright?".
He leans back on the bench, stares up into the tree and softly speaks. "Yes, I guess so. I just needed a bit of fresh air".
Helene moves closer to him and places a hand on his shoulder, "Alexander, I am sorry that Suzanne acted that way but she will come around. She was just shocked and angry."
Alexander shifts "But she has never pulled away from me. We can always talk but." /looking down at the book/ speaking very softly "Maybe I have lost her too"
Helene is shocked about this comment "Alexander! NO!"
Alexander leans forward and stares at the grass. Pulling away from Helene's hand on his shoulder.
Helene watches him, 'Poor Alexander, so much pain here. What do I do now' Helene looks up at the tree.
Alexander glances at her, then looks back at the ground.
Helene moves around the bench and decides to sit beside him on it.
Alexander sits back and hugs the book to his chest, but remains silent.
Helene sits there, waiting to see if he will speak. She glances back at the house, seeing Peter standing about five feet away.
Peter motions to Helene to stay quiet.
Alhave had to suffer so much. So young /pausing/. Does Mr. Addington know that Suzanne found out?"
"Yes, he came to the dining room and explained a bit about him. That he died at sixteen months and how they didn't leave her side for three years. Suzanne refused to talk to him or even look at him. He was so hurt by it. He told her that they were wrong to keep it from her and then he left the room. I was just going to find him and see if he is alright".
Bennett starts to move towards the study. Helene follows. They knock on the door but there is no answer. Bennett opens the door and they enter. The room is empty.
Helene stays at the door but Bennett moves to a bookcase on the far wall. "Where could he have gone Bennett?"
Bennett doesn't answer yet. He reaches the bookcase and seems to be looking for a book.
Helene realizes he has not found the book he expected to "It is gone".
"Bennett? What is gone?".
Bennett turns to her, "The book on the end of the shelf that had the pictures of young Alexander Jr. in it. There are pictures of Suzanne too"
Helene looks around the room, "Bennett, look!"
Helene is pointing to the large French doors that lead to the backyard. "Look, one door is open a bit".
They move to the door and look outside. They see Alexander across the yard, sitting on a bench under a tree. "I thought he would go there"
"Why?"
Bennett paces a bit. "Whenever Mr. Addington thinks about little Alex he ends up out there. That tree was planted after little Alex died. Mr. Addington planted it as a seedling. Cared for it as it grew. It was a memorial to little Alex. A new life for a life."
Helene looks out at the large oak. "It is a beautiful oak tree, Bennett. Any special reason for an oak?"
Bennett glances at her, "Yes. Mr. Addington felt it was a symbol of what Alex could have become. Tall, strong, and long living."
Helene looks back out at Alexander.
Bennett continues, "As the tree grew, Suzanne grew and played in the tree. Mr Addington placed the bench there so he could sit and watch her. I remember them spending many hours out there under that tree." Bennett turns away from the window. "And now you tell me she will not talk to him. So"
Helene continues "He took a book of pictures of her and little Alex and sits there living the past. Maybe regretting his choices".
Bennett sits heavily in a chair by the window and watches him. Helene moves to the doors. "I am going to go talk to him." With that she heads outside and walks across the lawn.
As Helene approaches the bench she watches Alexander flip a page in the book. She also recalls what happened to Johnathan when he confronted him years ago, so she approaches cautiously.
As she nears him, Alexander turns and looks at her. He slowly closes the book as he speaks, "Ms. Previn, what are you doing out here?"
Helene moves closer. "I... well....", finally she speaks up. "Alex... Alexander, are you alright?".
He leans back on the bench, stares up into the tree and softly speaks. "Yes, I guess so. I just needed a bit of fresh air".
Helene moves closer to him and places a hand on his shoulder, "Alexander, I am sorry that Suzanne acted that way but she will come around. She was just shocked and angry."
Alexander shifts "But she has never pulled away from me. We can always talk but." /looking down at the book/ speaking very softly "Maybe I have lost her too"
Helene is shocked about this comment "Alexander! NO!"
Alexander leans forward and stares at the grass. Pulling away from Helene's hand on his shoulder.
Helene watches him, 'Poor Alexander, so much pain here. What do I do now' Helene looks up at the tree.
Alexander glances at her, then looks back at the ground.
Helene moves around the bench and decides to sit beside him on it.
Alexander sits back and hugs the book to his chest, but remains silent.
Helene sits there, waiting to see if he will speak. She glances back at the house, seeing Peter standing about five feet away.
Peter motions to Helene to stay quiet.
Alexander looks up into the tree, back at the ground and finally speaks up "I planted this tree when we lost Alex /pausing/ he would be just about Peter's age now. I watch him take care of Suzanne and I realize Alex Jr. probably would have too. He just never got the chance. Sometimes I look at Peter and wonder if Alex Jr. would have grown to be as fine."
Helene glances at Peter. Peter is shocked at this comment.
Helene gets up from the bench and stands beside it. "Alexander, please come inside. Come talk to Suzanne" Alexander doesn't move. She glances at Peter and tries again. "Please, come inside".
This time Alexander moves, he shifts forward again and speaks softly. "Why? She doesn't want anything to do with me. And maybe she is right."
Peter reaches and grabs Helene's elbow. Motions for her to leave him alone. Alexander slowly moves the book back to his lap and opens it. Helene and Peter turn and return to the house.
Peter waits just on the outer edge of the patio, scanning the grounds and watching Alexander.
BACK IN THE HOUSE
Helene enters the house and finds Elizabeth in the study watching out the window. Bennett is no longer in the room. They are alone.
Elizabeth approaches her. "Is he alright?"
Helene looks back out the window, seeing Alexander on the bench looking at the book. Elizabeth sees Suzanne at the door but she motions for her to be quiet. Helene is still looking out the window and doesn't realize Suzanne is there.
"Honestly, I don't think so. He needs Suzanne. They need to talk. He is out there regretting his life and his mistakes. He believes Suzanne will be lost to him too now".
Elizabeth glances at Suzanne, seeing her shock. 'She never thought that would happen'. Elizabeth approaches Helene. "Suzie told us about your talk at the office. Your advice that she needed to open up to her father. I think you are right. She needs to talk about Alex Jr with him. I told her she should instead of avoiding him". Helene just nods and watches out the window. Elizabeth reaches to Helene's arm. Helene still looks out the window.
"Ms. Previn, I want to thank you". Helene interrupts "It's okay and please, call me Helene".
Elizabeth shakes her head "Helene, please, let me finish. I want to thank you for being there for Suzanne but /pausing/" Helene glances at her then returns her gaze outside. "I want to thank you for being here for Alex. Over the last couple years, talking to him on the phone, watching him in public again, listening to Suzanne as she tells me about the banquets and dinners he has attended. You have brought my brother happiness again. Thank you".
Helene blushes a bit and seems at a loss for words. "I /pause/ well being with Alexander has brought some life back for me too. I lost my husband and I think we have helped each other".
Elizabeth paces, "Helene, can I ask you a question?"
Helene is a bit nervous now. "Yes".
Elizabeth moves beside her, Suzanne still standing where Helene cannot see her. Helene turns a bit to look at Elizabeth "Well, I was wondering /pause/" Helene waits. "Do you /pause/ are you in love with him?"
Helene looks at Elizabeth, sees the concern, 'I knew this would happen'. Helene looks back out the window. "Yes, I am".
Elizabeth reaches and places a hand on her shoulder "Good, he deserves to have someone in his life again". Suddenly they hear a voice. "And he loves you, Helene".
Helene turns and looks at Suzanne, she continues "I know he does, I can hear it in his voice, I see it when he looks at you." Helene blushes again but Suzanne continues. "If you had not come into his life when I was leaving. /pausing/ I just don't know if he would have been able to face things today. You were right. I need to talk to him."
Suzanne moves forward and hugs Helene. "How could Pappa ever think I would hate him. He is my father! I love him too".
They break their embrace.
"Suzie, your father is so confused right now, he just needs."
Suzanne looks out the window, "I know, he needs to hear I still love him." With texander looks up into the tree, back at the ground and finally speaks up "I planted this tree when we lost Alex /pausing/ he would be just about Peter's age now. I watch him take care of Suzanne and I realize Alex Jr. probably would have too. He just never got the chance. Sometimes I look at Peter and wonder if Alex Jr. would have grown to be as fine."
Helene glances at Peter. Peter is shocked at this comment.
Helene gets up from the bench and stands beside it. "Alexander, please come inside. Come talk to Suzanne" Alexander doesn't move. She glances at Peter and tries again. "Please, come inside".
This time Alexander moves, he shifts forward again and speaks softly. "Why? She doesn't want anything to do with me. And maybe she is right."
Peter reaches and grabs Helene's elbow. Motions for her to leave him alone. Alexander slowly moves the book back to his lap and opens it. Helene and Peter turn and return to the house.
Peter waits just on the outer edge of the patio, scanning the grounds and watching Alexander.
BACK IN THE HOUSE
Helene enters the house and finds Elizabeth in the study watching out the window. Bennett is no longer in the room. They are alone.
Elizabeth approaches her. "Is he alright?"
Helene looks back out the window, seeing Alexander on the bench looking at the book. Elizabeth sees Suzanne at the door but she motions for her to be quiet. Helene is still looking out the window and doesn't realize Suzanne is there.
"Honestly, I don't think so. He needs Suzanne. They need to talk. He is out there regretting his life and his mistakes. He believes Suzanne will be lost to him too now".
Elizabeth glances at Suzanne, seeing her shock. 'She never thought that would happen'. Elizabeth approaches Helene. "Suzie told us about your talk at the office. Your advice that she needed to open up to her father. I think you are right. She needs to talk about Alex Jr with him. I told her she should instead of avoiding him". Helene just nods and watches out the window. Elizabeth reaches to Helene's arm. Helene still looks out the window.
"Ms. Previn, I want to thank you". Helene interrupts "It's okay and please, call me Helene".
Elizabeth shakes her head "Helene, please, let me finish. I want to thank you for being there for Suzanne but /pausing/" Helene glances at her then returns her gaze outside. "I want to thank you for being here for Alex. Over the last couple years, talking to him on the phone, watching him in public again, listening to Suzanne as she tells me about the banquets and dinners he has attended. You have brought my brother happiness again. Thank you".
Helene blushes a bit and seems at a loss for words. "I /pause/ well being with Alexander has brought some life back for me too. I lost my husband and I think we have helped each other".
Elizabeth paces, "Helene, can I ask you a question?"
Helene is a bit nervous now. "Yes".
Elizabeth moves beside her, Suzanne still standing where Helene cannot see her. Helene turns a bit to look at Elizabeth "Well, I was wondering /pause/" Helene waits. "Do you /pause/ are you in love with him?"
Helene looks at Elizabeth, sees the concern, 'I knew this would happen'. Helene looks back out the window. "Yes, I am".
Elizabeth reaches and places a hand on her shoulder "Good, he deserves to have someone in his life again". Suddenly they hear a voice. "And he loves you, Helene".
Helene turns and looks at Suzanne, she continues "I know he does, I can hear it in his voice, I see it when he looks at you." Helene blushes again but Suzanne continues. "If you had not come into his life when I was leaving. /pausing/ I just don't know if he would have been able to face things today. You were right. I need to talk to him."
Suzanne moves forward and hugs Helene. "How could Pappa ever think I would hate him. He is my father! I love him too".
They break their embrace.
"Suzie, your father is so confused right now, he just needs."
Suzanne looks out the window, "I know, he needs to hear I still love him." With that she turns and walks out the door.
OUT IN THE BACK YARD
Suzanne walks across the patio and stands beside Peter. She looks out at her father, reluctant to go out there.
"Suzie, are you alright?"
Suzanne turns to Peter. "No, but I think I am better then he is. I never should have....". Suzanne stops, looking back at her father.
Peter places a hand on her shoulder "Suzie, he really needs you. We are all here for him but he needs you."
"I know, but I am just so angry and hurt. How could he keep that from me! A brother! How do I talk to him now?"
Peter turns Suzanne to face him, angry now. "Damn it Suzie. I overheard him talking to Helene. All he really needs is to know you love him. /pointing at Alexander/ He is sitting out there, regretting his life, everything he's done because you refused to even acknowledge him when he talked about Alex Jr. He poured his heart out and you just pouted like a little child. He is a prefect target out there and he doesn't care. Nothing else matters now. He only knows that you hate him."
Suzanne begins to cry, "But I don't... I just...".
Peter turns her to face the backyard, "Then grow up. Go out there and just hug him. That's all he really needs. I can guarantee the words will follow".
Suzanne slowly walks out to her father.
Stone appears beside Peter. "Think you were a bit rough on her there Pete?"
"Not as hard as I wanted to be. She needs to grow up, get out there and talk to him. Get him inside."
Stone shakes his head, "Pete, think your getting a bit emotional here. Come on man, calm down."
Peter turns on Stone, grabbing his jacket. "DON"T YOU UNDERSTAND! He's a target out there, even in his own backyard!"
Stone ignores the threatening tone. "Pete, come on. I know that. We all care for him, Pete, but they need some time to work this out."
Peter realizes Stone is right and releases his jacket, calming down a bit. "I guess. I just want to keep him safe. I really care for the man".
Stone puts a hand on Peter's shoulder, "I know. We all do Pete."
They both turn and watch Alexander and Suzanne.
Alexander is still sitting on the bench, hugging the book, staring off into space. Suzanne moves to the bench but he doesn't even seem to notice her approach. 'Oh Pappa, what have I done to you'. She looks back and sees Peter and now Stone watching her. Peter motions for her to sit with him. Suzanne moves around the bench and sits down. Alexander still doesn't move. She reaches for his hand. "Pappa?"
Alexander turns and looks at her.
Suzanne can see the pain. So much pain in his eyes. She moves and hugs him tight. "Oh Pappa, I am so sorry. I never.... I love you Pappa". Suzanne continues to hug him as this statement causes Alexander to suddenly sob. Suzanne holds him as he does. 'Peter was right again'.
They stay this way for a bit. Peter watches from the patio. Stone slowly moves off, walking the outer grounds and watching the bench. 'Come on Suzie. Pete's right. Get him inside. Please!!'.
Slowly Alexander collects himself and sits back. He moves the book to his lap, staring down at it. Speaking softly now, "We.....I should have told you about him a long time ago. I tried a couple times but it was so hard and painful."
Suzanne watches him but remains quiet.
"I have always worried that you would find out somehow and then ....." /silence/
"Pappa, will you tell me about him now?"
Alexander is silent, still staring at the book.
Suzanne stands up and reaches for his hand. "Pappa, please come inside. We need to talk but not out here".
Alexander looks up at her then slowly stands. He is very shaky so Suzanne wraps an arm around him. They slowly head back to the house.
PART 15 SOON