Chapter 41: The Final Chapter

Life was quiet for the Grey family. For once, there were no family emergencies, no one trying to hurt Ana or Mia. Grace and Carrick decided to take a trip to Europe and would return in a month or so. Elliot was working non-stop with the Greater Seattle Family Arts Center. He was more than excited to be a part of this grand endeavor of Christian and Ana's. He was giving back and being a productive member of society. Besides, that, he was making a fortune off this job. His crews would be well compensated for their fine work.

Another perk, was the Project Manager for GSFAC (Greater Seattle Family Arts Center) that Elliot worked with every day. Her name was Jessica Dant and she was incredibly beautiful, built like a Greek Goddess with the longest legs he had ever seen. Elliot was a big man, over six feet tall, and Jessica came to his shoulder in her stocking feet and was an inch or two shorter when wearing heels. Jessica was 29 years old with shoulder-length red hair, vivid green eyes, and a take no prisoners' attitude. She was a workaholic and expected those who worked with her to be the same way. Elliot was smitten with her the first time they met at GEH, introduced to each other by Ana. Jessica, well, let's just say that Elliot had to win her over. She had heard about his bad boy reputation and his swarm of ex-lovers and she didn't want to be a part of that. Elliot had to prove himself to this woman and it took him over a month just to get her to go for coffee with him. Even during that "mini-date" as he considered it, they talked about the Center. She was part of the design team that was responsible for the effectiveness of the building for its cause. Her job was to make sure all the elements that the proposed plan offered would come to the desired conclusion. After the Center was built, she would be in charge of future building plans and programs.

After two months of casual coffee breaks and an occasional drink after work, Elliot finally asked her to accompany him to a family dinner at his parent's home. That night Elliot and Jessica became lovers and inseparable. Three weeks later, they were married in a quiet ceremony at Christian and Ana's home. Elliot finally found Miss Right and he wasn't going to let her go!

The twins were at the six month mark and Phoenix finally overtook his sister in weight and length. Both were trying to crawl, but mostly scooted about on their tummies and Phoebe had one little tooth breaking thru. Teddy loved his siblings unless they were taking too much of Christian's time. As he was going on three years of age, he was more of a Daddy's boy and he didn't want to share him with other children. Jealously was rearing its ugly head in the Grey Household.

Mia's business was still in full gear and more popular than ever. She did expand to the building next to hers, brought in more merchandise for the Professional Businesswoman to teachers to nurses and all different careers for women. If Mia didn't have what a customer needed, she would find it! She carried uniforms for waitresses, suits for the ladies, and she also added club wear and elegant formal gowns. She was kept so busy that she didn't have time to go out with Lily and their old friends. She had gained a few new friends that were in different fields of employment that were motivated and mature. Ana and Jessica were also a good influence on Mia and encouraged her to keep reaching for the stars. Her love life was also promising. She met a nice man who was a Pediatric "Attending" at the hospital. Dr. Reese Andler met Mia through Grace and they were coming up on their five month anniversary.

Grace sat in her home office looking at photographs of her grandchildren. She adored Teddy, Phoenix, and Phoebe! She smiled wondering when Elliot and Jessica would be announcing a new arrival. She was happy that her family was settled. Christian was the happiest she had ever seen him. Elliot had grown up and calmed down. He was still the family clown, but not so annoying. Grace looked to the photograph of her beloved daughter. Mia's face smiled at her. The girl was on a good track and Grace was almost certain that a diamond ring was in her daughter's future. Reese had already spoken to Carrick and asked for Mia's hand in marriage.

Ray was the only one who seemed not settled. He was still investigating and taking care of loose ends. His bullseye was still on Lily Johnson. He couldn't find any connection between her and BDSM so he had no idea how she got an invitation to attend that private club. He had her apartment staked out, his cohorts had gone through her trash, and every now and then, Ray would let himself into her apartment to nose around. He was getting frustrating! His lucky break came when he was inside her apartment and found a scrap of paper stuck inside the phone book. There was a number and in Lily's handwriting the note said, "Lock D". Lily knew Lockhart Davidson.

"That little bitch." He breathed. He found his phone and called his contact. "I need you to look into any relationship between Lily Johnson and Lockhart Davidson."

"You have something?" A soft voice asked.

"Yeah, I found something." He said. "Listen, Andrea, be very discreet about this. I don't want this coming back on Christian or Ana."

"I said I wanted to help. I care a great deal about both of them." Her voice went even softer so no one could hear her. "And, I care a great deal about you, Ray."

"I know, babe." Ray let himself smile. "You letting me crash at your place tonight?"

"Where else?" She laughed. "I'm ordering pizza tonight."

"See ya, babe." Ray smirked. Andrea Parker, the Executive Assistant to The Christian Grey, a woman of class, well-educated, intelligent, and fine as fuck was his woman. When they first met, Andrea was playing footsie with Luke Sawyer but it was lust at first sight when Ray and Andrea looked at each other. Ray didn't pursue her due to the fact that she was in a relationship with Sawyer. However, when Andrea decided that this sexual affair wasn't going to go anywhere, she and Luke walked away as friends. Andrea called Ray the next weekend and asked him out. They went out for dinner, dancing, and drinks and Ray escorted her to her home and he left with only a soft kiss. They dated for a couple of months before they were intimate. Ray shook his head to get the image of his blonde bombshell stretched across the bed wearing nothing but a smile out of his mind. He had work to do and had no time to daydream about Andrea. Besides, he would rather act out the daydream later on in the evening. Since he was out of time, Ray decided he would return in a few days and do another thorough search of Lily's apartment. He was about to walk out the door when the phone rang and her answering machine picked it up. He stopped when he heard the voice of Lockhart Davidson.

"Lily, you need to call me! I'm about to go under because of you and that Grey bitch. You owe me money, bitch and I want it now! You fucking better call me or else that little smack I gave you outside the club will look like a tiny scratch when I am done with you!

Ray listened to the message again, and decided that he was going to have to have a very long discussion with Lockhart Davidson.

Lockhart Davidson was the stereotypical rich boy that never had to take responsibility for his actions. Mommy and Daddy's money bought him out of trouble. However, this last little episode which was supposed to be one of Lily Johnson's ideas got him thrown into jail with charges pending. His parents would not lift a finger to help and Lily was portrayed as the poor little victim with her parents tending to her every need. Lock was angry that he went along with this juvenile scheme, but he considered it the one way to get to Mia Grey and her money. Lock wanted the Grey Heiress in his bed and under his control. She would make the perfect wife with her social standing and of course, he would have access to Christian Grey. He knew that Lily was very jealous of Mia, especially when he told the girl that he would never marry her. She was a good fuck, but that was about it for him. Lily didn't take it well that the man she that she was in love with didn't want her but her friend.

Lock was not allowed back to his job in his father's building. That didn't really bother him. He had more time to play golf or tennis and then go to the strip clubs. He wouldn't go without sex while he waited for another chance to get to Mia.

It was in the ultra-posh strip club called "Pynk" that Ray Steele found Lock Davidson with his head "motor-boating" one of the waitresses. Ray grabbed the young man's shoulder with such force that Lock yelled out. "We do not touch the performers, the waitresses, or any woman without permission." His voice was low, deep and commanding. Ray nodded to the pretty petite blonde to finish her shift. With a quiet thank you, the young lady scampered off to serve more customers.

"Hey, man…I was just having some fun. She could have worked a big tip from me." Lock was already feeling his liquor. He looked up at Ray. "I don't know you. You work here?"

"Actually, no." Ray sat down at the table. "I am here to deliver a message." Ray smiled but his eyes were hard and he looked dangerous. "You have a habit of putting your hands where they do not belong."

"You a reporter?" Lock drained his glass of bourbon and then jiggled the ice in the glass to signal the bartender that he needed another drink. He was ignored!

"Nope." Ray sat back and considered this despicable piece of humanity. Ray knew the young man's secrets of near arrests, the buying off of witnesses and victims. Lockhart Davidson believed that women were only put on earth for his pleasures. Ray even found his sealed juvenile records that documented his penchant for sexual assault on young girls, as young as ten. Lily Johnson had been one of his victims and it had been kept quiet with no charges if the Davidson family would send Lock to a treatment facility. Personally, Ray thought the little piece of shit needed to be flushed!

"Who are you?"

Ray's smile grew even more frightening. "Lockhart Davidson, I am you worse fucking nightmare" Ray leaned forward so only Lock could hear him. "I'm the one who is going to teach you a lesson on how to treat woman correctly."

"Old man, you need to quit drinking that Geritol. It's causing you to have illusions of grandeur." Lock puffed himself up thinking he had backup. "I have protection."

"You have shit, son." Ray laughed lowly. "Your driver is indisposed at the moment." Ray threw a couple of hundred dollar bills on the table to pay for Lock's drinks and a nice tip for the waitress. "Now, you need to get up and walk out of here."

"And, if I don't?"

"Oh, please, give me a reason to beat the crap out of you. Believe me, boy, no one in here will come to your aid. I've never been here, they don't know me, and I am nonexistent. So, it makes no difference to me if you walk out on your own accord or I throw you out through the fucking door!" Ray stood and waited for Lock. The man thought better of resisting and took Ray's advice. Instead of leaving through the front entrance, Ray guided Lock towards the back of the building. They bypassed the dressing rooms and bathrooms and stepped out into the alley where a dark utility van with tinted windows waited for them. The sliding door open and Ray easily lobbed Lock into the back. Ray stepped up into the back of the van and slammed the door shut. Lock rolled over onto his back breathing hard with fear. "Now, Mr. Davidson, we are going to have a little chat about Lily Johnson, Mia Grey and what your plans concerning Ms. Grey are. Now, remember, I do not like smart-asses, liars, or little boys that think they are entitled to whatever the fuck they want! Answer with the truth, Davidson or I will start cutting off all the extending parts of your body and feed them to the sharks."

Lily arrived at her apartment to find her door open. Cautiously she pushed the door open farther. She sighed in relief when she saw her mother sitting on the sofa having a cup of tea with a man. Lily frowned as she entered her apartment and shut the door. The man seemed familiar. She had seen him before but could not place his face.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Lily asked as she placed her unread mail on the table.

"Did you set Mia Grey up to be drugged, raped, and abducted by Lockhart Davidson? Was it that dreadful man that beat you so bad that you had to be hospitalized?"

Lily stepped back feeling faint. The room was spinning as she tried to think of anything to say. She needed to lie! She had to come up with a falsehood that her mother would believe. "I … I … I …" She stammered. Her brain had nothing!

Dana Johnson stood. "I thought Mia was your friend."

"Lock wants her instead of me! I can't let him have her…he belongs to me. He has always belonged to me! I would rather see him in prison than with Mia!" Lily's hands were fisted at her sides as she yelled at her mother. "I belong to him also, I've always belonged to him."

Ray remained silent. This was a cluster-fuck of a mess! Lily needed help. "Miss Johnson, you will probably get your wish. Lock Davidson has admitted that he was at that club that night for nefarious reasons concerning Miss Grey. He admitted to the D.A. that he was going to abduct Mia and force her into a marriage." Ray took another breath. "He claims that all this was your idea and that you are his accomplice."

"I am not. Yes, I gave him the idea but I knew he could never take Mia. The girl is a Black Belt in Martial Arts. It was just a joke!" She began to laugh nervously. "No one was to get hurt."

"No offense, Mrs. Johnson, but your daughter's idea of a joke is sick! You better get her some help and I suggest a residency at a mental health institute or she will be spending time in a jail cell as his accomplice." Ray stood, button his jacket and made his way around Lily to block the door. Her eyes were darting around as if looking for an avenue of escape. "Lily, let us get you some help. I've already spoken to Mia and the Grey Family and they don't want you in jail. They want you to get the help that you need."

Lily began to pull her hair and she started to growl. Dana was shocked and could only stand back trying to stifle her own screams of despair. "I'm not sick. I don't need any help!" She pulled clumps of her hair out and screaming. "I know that Lock loves me. He's always loved me. You never understood! You, it was you that had him arrested!" When Dana tried to reach out to her daughter to soothe the girl's pain, Lily slapped her. Ray hated to do it, but he tazered her with a very low voltage and she crumbled to the ground. He bent down and checked her pulse then looked back up to Dana. "Are you alright, Mrs. Johnson?"

"I don't know." She cried. "I just don't know."

Three Months Later:

The engagement of Amelia Grace Grey and Dr. Reese Andler was announced with fanfare that only the Grey Family could do! A lovely photograph of the newly engaged couple was in The Seattle Times Society Page which had been sold to a media corporation from California. Grace planned a cocktail party for the families to meet that went into a fancy catered meal. After dinner, fireworks and a band was offered for people's entertainment.

Grace was all smiles as she watched Christian dance by Ana in his arms. They made such a beautiful couple and they danced so gracefully together. Christian gave his Mom a wink then danced off with his wife. Elliot and Jessica were sitting out the dancing this evening since Jessica was five months pregnant and still suffering from morning sickness that lasted all day long. Elliot stuck like glue to his wife, fretting over her and making sure she was comfortable. Who knew that Seattle's Ultimate Playboy with the worst reputation would make a caring, loving, and devoted husband?

"So, how is my beautiful wife?" Carrick asked as he wrapped his arms about Grace's waist and pulled her into his warm body. "My darling, you have once again amazed me with your party planning skills."

"All I need is a cell phone and a credit card." She laughed. She turned slightly to kiss her love. "Mia is so happy, Carrick. It is a joy to see."

"As is Christian and Elliot. Our prayers have been answered. We wanted our children to be happy and have wonderful spouses." He had to smile as the music changed from couples slow dancing to a more rock feel. As expected, Mia was out in the middle of the floor with her arms up and singing along to "Old Time Rock-n-Roll" with her fiancé watching and clapping. Ana joined her sister-in-law in the dance as did Hannah, Andrea, Roz, and Cammie. It was a lovely group of women dancing together. "Do you think she will want the over-the-top wedding?"

"It's Mia, Carrick, of course it's going to be grand!"

"I really do like that young Doctor."

"He's a fine young man." Grace agreed. She heard her husband sigh softly. She knew he was having trouble letting go of their little girl. In his eyes, Mia was still that giggling, ornery little minx that was into everything, always loud, and very charming. She even charmed Christian into talking! "Carrick, my love, don't think of this as losing a daughter, think of this as gaining another son."

"She will always by my little girl." A tear glistened in Papa Grey's eye. It was difficult to let go.

"Of course, she will always be your little girl, but she is now a woman about to embark on the next chapter of her life. Hopefully, she will give us more grandchildren and our home will be full of babies, toddlers, and the best part …" She paused as started to giggle. "They go home at the end of the day!"

Carrick could only shake his head at her logic and laugh. His wife was a genius!

Ana was in heaven as she wrapped herself around her husband. She breathed in his essence and relaxed. In his arms, she was content, safe, and happy. "I love you, Christian." She declared softly.

"I love you." He replied. This had been an eventful day with Mia's engagement party and still caring for three children. They both were tired and decided to stay at his parent's home for the night. The children were in the refurbished nursery with Grace in charge for the night giving the young parents some much needed time alone. They fell asleep in each other's arms and slept the rest of the night!

Ray was also staying at the Grey's for the night. He couldn't sleep so he left Andrea in bed dreaming away. He dressed in a pair of jeans and his trademark workshirt. Within a few minutes, Ray was sitting on the patio with a highball glass of bourbon. Carrick joined him and they sat in silence listening to the night. Both men were thinking about their daughters. No matter what age the ladies were, these two men were going to be concerned for their safety and happiness.

Ray poured them another drink. "It's been a good day."

"It was a perfect day." Carrick replied.

Ray nodded agreement. "No crazy bitches trying to hurt our kids." His eyes scanned the gardens. Years of training was ingrained in him to always be on guard and know his surroundings. "I hope that the kids will have some peace in their lives."

Carrick nodded agreement. Once again silence as they sipped the fine bourbon. Carrick took a deep breath. "I never did thank you for all that you did protecting my son and the rest of my family. I don't know how you did it and I don't want to know. Your resources, your friends, or whatever you call it … that is your business. Grace and I are grateful to you for protecting Christian and giving him a measure of security that we never could give him."

"That is more Ana than me." Ray said lowly. He appreciated that Carrick took the time to thank him, but he didn't do all this for Christian. He was keeping his daughter safe. Never again would he let Ana be hurt. "She loves him."

"I know." Carrick poured them both another glass of bourbon. "And, he adores her. I'm glad that they met."

"I'm glad he's not into that shit that Elena taught him. I'm not a prude and I know people in the lifestyle that practice "safe and sane" and I know a few couples who are deeply in love and enjoy the lifestyle. What Elena practiced was nothing but abuse." He turned to Carrick. "I'm going to be very blunt here, and I don't mean to offend your or anything, but if Christian ever tried that shit on my daughter, I mean that crap he learned from that bitch, he would be six foot under and would never be found." Ray felt his emotions coming to the surface. "I know that you understand, Carrick. You have a daughter. You would feel the same way if you found out that the man in her life was a dominant who was badly trained."

"I understand, Ray." Carrick was about to comment on Mia, but a revelation settled upon him. "You knew about Christian's predilection toward BDSM even before He had an interest in Ana."

"I admit, I did. It wasn't anything that he did, it was because of Kate Kavanagh. I was investigating her to make sure that Ana would be safe. Christian came across my radar then and to tell you the truth I didn't pay much attention to him. I know he had some dealings with Kate and it didn't go well. But, when my daughter started working at 3P I went into surveillance mode. I made sure that I knew everything I could find on your son. He's hard one to pin down. He likes his privacy but there is always someone somewhere that has something to say." Ray sighed. "However, even though I knew things … I still saw something in him that I knew would be good for Ana. She was just as standoffish as Christian. I saw two people who might just be what the other needed."

"Raymond Steele, you sir, are living a double life. On the surface a retired military officer that likes woodworking and enjoys the simple life of Montesano but lurking underneath a dangerous man with connections and resources that is not afraid to step into the shadows to protect his family." Carrick saluted his friend. "I am impressed. Very impressed."

"Just doing my job, Carrick." Ray smiled as they clinked glasses. Ray took a drink and knew that he would always be doing this job until his dying day. The mission had broadened to include The Grey Family and of course, Andrea. He felt good enough to relax for the moment and enjoy the peace that the night brought. He finished off his drink. "I think I will head on in."

"Sleep well, friend." Carrick stood and offered his hand. "I'm damn glad and honored to call you friend."

"Same here." Ray started for the house then stopped. "Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you and Grace. Earlier this evening I asked Andrea to marry me and she said yes. Of course, she had to have Ana's blessings, but it looks like I'm going to try the marriage bit one more time."

"Congratulations, Ray. We will have to celebrate. How about a day out on the boat?"

The idea of fishing made Ray smile. "Yeah, I would like that."

The alarm was set and the last light was turned off as Carrick made his way up the stairs to his beloved wife. He stopped on the second floor landing and looked up the second set of steps that led to the third floor to where Christian's boyhood bedroom was. He asked to move his room up there when he realized that his night terrors were scaring his baby sister. Carrick could see his little girl holding her Teddy-Bear by its floppy arm and carefully climbing up those steps to find her favorite brother. He felt melancholy. Time had passed so quickly. His children were grown and he was a grandfather. His beautiful wife was a grandmother! Their lives were changing. Grace was already in semi-retirement due to her health issues and he was ready to cut back at work and let the young guns do the work. He wanted to live his life not for his profession, but for his family. He looked back at the steps and the image of little Mia faded away into his memories. He quietly walked down the hall to the master suite and entered to find Grace sleeping peacefully with a quaint smile on her face. She looked content. He knew that she was happy and was enjoying her life. He bent down and kissed her softly so not to disturb her. "I love you Grace."

Christian and Ana were wrapped in each other's arms in his childhood bedroom. They slumbered in peace knowing that they and their children were safe. There would be no more blackmailing, running away, feeling insecure or questioning their love. They were solid with a support system of family and friends. Together they would keep building their family and growing their love with no fear of it being taken away. After all, Raymond Steele, the puppet master was in the house!

The End