Ana is reading a manuscript in her home office when there is a knock on the open door. Her eyes open in concern when she looks up and sees Taylor standing in the open doorway, looking even more somber than usual. "What's wrong, Jason?" she asks. "Has something happened to one of the children? Christian?" She stands up out of her chair as quickly as she can, given the fact that she is eight months pregnant.
"I've heard from Sawyer." Taylor says gravely. "I need to update Mr. Grey. I believe it would be best if you were with him."
Ana's hand covers her mouth as she gasps. "What's happened?"
"If it's okay with you, I will go into specific details with Mr. Grey." Taylor responds. "Sawyer accompanied the police when they escorted MacNabb to the apartment to search for what MacNabb seemed so desperate to retrieve. A videotape was found and the Detroit police will be reviewing it to determine if there is anything valuable to the trial."
Ana's eyes narrow as she holds Taylor's gaze. "What else was found to disturb you so much?"
"Before the videotape was found under the floorboards in a closet, the police had pulled out a book. When it was tossed aside, Sawyer picked it up." Taylor informs her. "The police didn't seem to be interested in it, so Sawyer kept it and looked at it once he was back at the hotel."
"And?" Ana prompts.
"It seems to be a diary." Taylor states in a quiet voice.
"Ella's?" Ana asks excitedly.
"Yes." Taylor responds. "Sawyer scanned the last few entries and sent them to me, wanting advice on how to proceed." Taylor draws in a breath before proceeding. "Given the contents on those entries, we felt that it should be couriered to Mr. Grey unless the police ask for it specifically." Taylor's phone vibrates and he pulls it from his jacket pocket to look at the screen. "Sawyer just sent a text to let me know that the diary is on its way."
"What were the entries about?" Ana asks. "Were they from the last few days of her life? Or Bobby's life?"
"Her life." Taylor says. "I think it best if you were with Mr. Grey when I show him the entries that Sawyer had sent me."
"Of course." Ana quickly answers. "Has anyone else seen the diary?"
"No." Taylor assures her. "Reynolds was with Sawyer at the apartment, but once back at the hotel, Sawyer made a point of being alone to evaluate the book. As soon as he realized what it was and the contents, he contacted me for advice on how to proceed."
"The police weren't interested in the book?" Ana questions.
"Apparently not." Taylor answers. "Sawyer said that they were focused on locating the videotape that MacNabb insisted was there and had tossed the book aside. After they located the videotape, the detective realized that the book was no longer on the floor where it had been tossed aside but didn't request that Sawyer hand it over."
"So it's not relevant to the current trial?" Ana asks.
"I have to admit that at this point in time, I don't know whether there would be relevance." Taylor states. "And with it not being in police hands, the chain of evidence would now be broken."
"It's about Christian, isn't it?" Ana says.
"Yes." Taylor answers somberly. "And I think it's best if you were with him when he reads the pages that Sawyer sent me."
"Of course." Ana says as she heads out of her office, knowing that Taylor will follow behind.
When Ana and Taylor arrive at Christian's home office, the door is closed and they can hear him talking on the phone. Ana lightly knocks on the door before she slowly turns the doorknob to slowly open the door to reveal herself to her husband. She is rewarded with a mega-watt smile from her husband. "Ros, I need to go. Ana is here." Christian says into the phone. He bursts out laughing at her response. "I don't think I need to respond to that." After another pause, he continues "The company is in good hands with you at the realm. Just continue with what you're doing. We've almost always on the same wave length." Without waiting for Ros's response, Christian disconnects the call and strides across the room to wrap his arms around Ana before lowering his head to brush his lips against hers.
"Christian." Ana says softly as his lips move from her mouth to nibble on her earlobe.
Christian pulls back slightly and realizes that Taylor is standing in the doorway with his hands behind his back with his eyes adverted. Christian's gaze darts back and forth between Taylor and Ana. "What's wrong?" he asks in a frantic voice. "Has something happened to one of the children?" he questions as he steps backs and starts to run a hand through his hair.
Ana quickly puts a hand on his arm in an attempt to keep him calm. "No! They are all fine." she says. "Taylor needs to talk to us."
"Oh?" Christian says before another look of concern appears on his face. "Has something happened to Mom or Dad?" Taylor shakes his head in denial but before he can say anything, Christian continues "Is it Grandmother? Has the trial been too much strain on her?" Christian starts to pace as he runs his hand through his hair. "I knew I should have stayed in Detroit."
"CHRISTIAN! STOP!" Ana shouts firmly. "Everyone is fine." She smiles as she walks to him and takes his hand, leading him to the sofa in the office. "Come and sit down here so that Taylor can tell us whatever it is that he needs to tell us." Christian helps her sit down and plumps a pillow behind Ana to ensure she is comfortable.
"You don't know?" Christian asks as he reaches out to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear after he sits down beside her and wraps an arm around her, pulling her close.
"Just some preliminary facts." Ana answers softly. She motions to Taylor to take a seat in the chair across from the sofa.
Taylor positions himself in the chair and takes note that Ana has positioned herself to be able to comfort Christian if he becomes unsettled. He gives Christian the information he had already given to Ana as to how Sawyer came into possession of Ella's diary after it had been found in her former apartment and that the actual diary is enroute to Seattle. "These are the entries that Sawyer sent me." Taylor says as he pulls out his phone and scrolls through some screens before he hands the phone to Christian. "I'll give you a few minutes to read them."
Christian takes the offered phone and positions it so that both he and Ana can see the screen. Ana gasps as she sees the date and realizes that the entries are from Ella's last few days of life. As she continues reading, her eyes start to glisten and tears start to fall down her face. She does not want to let go of Christian to wipe them away. She snuggles closer to Christian and in an attempt to comfort him as he continues to read the entries.
After several minutes, Christian hands the phone to Ana before leaning against the back of the sofa and runs a hand over his face. Ana quietly leans forward to set the phone on the table in front of the sofa for Taylor to pick up. She snuggles up against Christian, turning slightly to look at him. "Are you okay?" she asks in a strangled voice.
"I don't know!" Christian exclaims. "I need time to evaluate this." He says tells Ana, unaware that Taylor has quietly stood up to retrieve his phone and exited the room, closing the door behind him. Christian jumps up and starts pacing the room. "Am I right that those would be the last entries of Ella's life?" he turns to look at Ana who nods her head in confirmation. "And her overdose was a result of a quantity of drugs supplied by her brother Freddie?"
"That's how I read it." Ana answers quietly.
"That FUCKING bastard!" Christian shouts. "He might as well have shot the needle into her himself." Christian stops his pacing to place the palms of his hands on his massive desk, leaning over and taking several deep breaths. "That bastard needs to pay!" he exclaims.
"But it's circumstantial evidence." Ana points out. "And the police didn't take it into evidence."
Christian lowers his head further as he continues to take deep breaths. "And it's not connected to the hit and run murder of Bobby White." He says quietly. He stands upright and turns to look at Ana. "Freddie Reynolds is responsible for the death of both of my biological parents." He runs a hand through his hair. "My fucking biological uncle!" He gives a bitter laugh. "With family like that, who needs enemies?"
"Stop!" Ana exclaims as she struggles as she gets up from the sofa to go to Christian's side. "The Reynolds may be your biological family, but the Greys are your chosen family and have always loved you and always will." She raises a hand to caress his face. "Just as I and the children will always love you." She smiles and sighs silently as Christian raises a hand to hold her hand against his face. He takes her other hand, kissing it before placing it against his chest. The same chest that at one time could not endure to be touched by anyone.
"I know." He whispers before pulling her into his arms to hold her firmly against him. "I am one lucky bastard." He smiles as he breathes in the scent of Ana's hair as she snuggles as close as her pregnant stomach allows. "Let's sit down again." He says as he pulls back and takes Ana's hand to lead her back to the sofa.
He ensures Ana is comfortable again before leaning back himself and wrapping an arm around Ana. He takes a deep breath and leans his head on the back of the sofa, staring up at the ceiling. "I guess she really did love me."
"Yes." Ana says softly. "She just didn't have the ability to protect you. Especially with people like MacNabb and Freddie around."
"Both Grandmother and Edna have told me that Ella was always childlike." Christian says quietly.
"And she was still a teenager when she got pregnant with you." Ana reminds him. "It sounds like she chose you over returning to her father's home."
Christian gives a snort. "Like that was a loving home."
Ana looks up at Christian. "No, it wasn't. But Ella tried her best to give you a loving home. She wasn't successful in protecting you from the physical abuse of MacNabb, but it does seem that she would do everything possible to protect you from whatever Freddie had planned for you. Even if it meant giving you up for adoption."
"Yes." Christian agrees before giving a heavy sigh. "I guess I need to change my view of Ella."
Ana smiles lovingly at her husband. "Yes, you do."
Christian chuckles before lightly kissing the top of Ana's head. "You're always right, aren't you Mrs. Grey?"
"Yes, I am Mr. Grey." Ana quickly responds before giggling.
Before Christian is able to respond to Ana's giggles, they are interrupted by a series of knocks on the office door. "Come in Taylor." Christian calls out.
The door opens and Taylor enters the room. "Sir, I have just been on the phone with Sawyer. Apparently MacNabb's video is gold."
"Gold?" Ana asks.
"The police found an old vcr and they were able to play the tape. Freddie Reynolds is quite visible on the video bragging about running down Bobby after spotting him crossing the street." Taylor hesitates before continuing.
"And?" Christian is able to read Taylor's body language and knows that the man is holding back some information.
Taylor coughs. "Freddie Reynolds is also recorded giving very specific details on what he had planned to do with Ella's son. He intended to get Ella so high that she wouldn't be aware of her son being passed around to several acquaintances of Freddie's. The whole process would be filmed as well as other photos taken for sale to others." Christian's arm tightens around Ana as she gasps at Taylor's statements.
"Is Henderson able to use any of the video?" Christian asks in a strangled voice.
"According to Sawyer, Henderson has seen the video and will be proceeding with using it as evidence against Freddie Reynolds." Taylor states.
"Has Carrick been updated?" Ana asks quietly.
"Yes." Taylor confirms. "Henderson has talked to Mr. Grey. Sawyer has also been in communication with Mr. Grey as well."
Christian narrows his eyes as he looks at Taylor. "There is still something else, isn't there?"
Taylor nods in agreement. "Given the specific details Freddie about his plans for the child pictures and other actions, Henderson has requested that the police investigate Freddie for kiddie porn. The theory being, that if he had such plans over thirty years ago, he more than likely has continued pursuing such activities since then."
"His home and computers will be searched for evidence of kiddie porn?" Christian asks and Taylor nods in agreement. "And new charges will be filed against him if any such evidence is found?" Taylor nods again in agreement. "Good." Christian says with a smirk.
"That's all you have to say?" Ana asks. "Recorded evidence has been found that your uncle planned to turn you, at the age of four by the way, into a sex toy for a series of perverts and 'good' is all you have to say?" Ana pulls herself out of Christian's arms to look sternly at him. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but Freddie Reynolds is worse than Mrs. Robinson ever was. At least a fifteen year old boy might be able to resist but a four year old would be completely at a pervert's mercy."
Christian caresses Ana's cheek with a finger. "Glad to hear you finally acknowledged that I did have choice when I was fifteen." He smiles as Ana groans as she realizes that she had just admitted that Christian had willing entered into his BDSM relationship with Elena Lincoln. "But think about the ramifications of someone found guilty of providing or participating in sex or pornography with very young children." Ana's eyes widen as comprehension sets in. "Exactly."
"So you have no apprehension of him being sent to prison to face whatever consequences may be waiting for him there?" Ana questions quietly.
"No." Christian answers firmly. "He obviously had no concern on my well-being, so why should I have any concerns on the consequences of his actions?" He looks at Ana with a slight smile on his face. "Do I need to remind you of your comments over the years of the consequences you wished on Elena?"
"But she was a predator Bitch Troll!" Ana exclaims. Christian continues to hold her gaze until she gives a big sigh. "Okay. I see your point." Ana smiles as she snuggles back into her husband's arms.
As he holds Ana close to his chest, Christian turns his attention back to Taylor. "Has my mother and grandmother been updated on this new evidence?"
"I believe your father was planning on updating them as soon as he returned to the hotel. He will also inform Mrs. Kate as well as Edna Reynolds and her family." Taylor says.
"Good." Christian states. "I wouldn't want them to hear about it for the first time in the courtroom."
"Thank you Jason." Ana says softly.
"Just doing my job, Ma'am." Taylor answers with a smile. With a nod, he leaves the room.
A short time later, Christian and Ana have a conference call with the family members in Detroit. Ana responds to Grace's text, assuring her that Christian has been handling the new information as well as could be expected. Ana smiles when she reads Grace's reply.
You are the best thing that ever happened to Christian
Ana quickly sends a reply back thanking her for the sentiment.
Throughout the rest of the day and evening, Ana keeps a close eye on Christian as she admits to herself that she has concerns that he accepted the new revelations too easily. She worries that he will have a delayed reaction and suddenly crash when least expected. She tells herself to stay close to Christian when the physical diary is delivered the next day.
After spending time with the children before, during and after dinner, Christian and Ana see the children off to bed before retiring to their own bedroom. Christian remains quiet as they spend time soaking in a bubble bath. He loving washes her, taking his time lathering the soap in his hands before running them over her body. His mouth muffles her scream as her orgasm overtakes her after he repeatedly fingers her vagina. She smiles proudly when he loses his control when she strokes his cock when it is her turn to wash his body. Christian steps out of the tub and turns to lift Ana out of the tub, wrapping a large bath towel around her body before picking her up and carrying her to their bed. He gently lays her on the bed, unwrapping her from the towel before joining her on the bed and making love to her. They eventually fall asleep in each other's arms.
A few hours later, Ana wakes up and realizes the reason she felt cold was that Christian was not in bed with her. "Christian?" she called out, but there was no response. She gets out of bed, heading to the door. When she opens the door, she listens but could not hear any piano playing. "But in a house this size, I probably wouldn't hear it up here anyways." She tells herself. She returns back into her bedroom to put on a bathrobe before going in search of Christian.
As she steps out into the hallway to head to the stairs, she realizes that the door to Teddy's bedroom is slightly open. She heads towards that room to close the door but as she approaches the room, she hears Christian's voice. She stops in the hallway, out of range of the door but close enough to hear her husband.
"Teddy, I will regret for the rest of my life that I stormed out on your Mother the night she told me that she was pregnant with you. At the time, I really did not believe that I was qualified to be a father and I was scared shitless. I had succeeded in the business world because I was able to control the environment around me. But a child? All I knew about children was that they only do what they wanted, regardless of what the parents say. How could a baby love me when I couldn't love myself? I was still having difficulty accepting that your Mother could love me as I never felt worthy of anyone's love.
Earlier today I learned that my biological mother did actually love me. She did everything possible, within her limited resources, to protect me. She just wasn't able to stand up to all of the evil surrounding us. But I guess Fate intervened when she accidently overdosed and I was taken to the ER where Dr. Grace Trevelyan was on duty.
Your Mother has always told me that Ella was looking down from Heaven and watching over me and my growing family. I guess she's right – as always. Just don't tell her that I said that.
Just as I pledged to you when you still in your Mother's tummy as she laid in a coma, I will always love you and will do my best to show you that so that you will never have any doubt of my love. I made the same pledge to each of your siblings, including the one still to be born. As the oldest, I fully expect you to challenge me – especially when you're a teenager, and protect your siblings.
I love you Theodore Raymond Grey. I always have and always will. I will do my best to ensure that I am worthy of your love. I will protect you from the evils of the world, but at the same time instill in you the ability to stand on your own."
After a few seconds of silence, Ana peeks around through the doorway and sees Christian bends over Teddy, caressing his cheek and lightly kissing his forehead. Christian stands up and turns toward the door. He stops when he sees Ana standing in the doorway with tears running down her. His face reddens as he looks at Ana with a sheepish look on his face. "How much did you hear?" he whispers as he walks towards her.
Ana wraps her arms around Christian as the tears continue to fall. "Most of it I believe." She whispers. "It was beautiful." She says as they step away from the doorway. Christian quietly closes the door to Teddy's bedroom. "I love you Christian."
"I know you do." Christian replies. "And I love you too." He takes her hand, but before returning to their bedroom, they stop at each child's bedroom to check on them. In each room, Christian kisses each child and whispers his love to them. By the time they return to their own bedroom, Ana's face is wet from her tears.