CHAPTER 24

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Bentley come into my office.’

‘Yes sir?’

‘Have you sorted the permits and inoculation papers for Lyndon’s puppy?’

‘Yes sir,’ Bentley smiled.  ‘Charlie is ready for his international trip.’

‘Okay good,’ Brad grinned.  ‘Don’t say a word to my wife.  She is not to know Charlie is going with.’

‘But Mr. Blakely, she’s bound to see Charlie when we get to the estate we’ve hired in Sydney.’

‘Give me time to work on my wife Bentley.  Give me time,’ Brad winked.

‘Yes sir,’ Bentley pursed his lips.  He knew his boss was in for a battle if he was asking for time. Chances were Mrs. Blakely was not going to permit them to take the dog on the trip. 

‘You know there’s no way Lyndon is going to leave Charlie behind for fourteen days,’ Brad shook his head resignedly.

‘Charlie aside, we’re ready for our trip tomorrow sir.’

‘Good.  Thank you Bentley,’ Brad dismissed him.

‘Sir?’

‘Yes?’ Brad looked up again.

‘Can we---do you think we could have an extra day in Sydney?’

Brad stared at his P.A.  He’d never known Bentley to stutter and stammer about.

‘Whatever for Bentley?  We are on a very tight schedule.’

‘I’d like us to have a
day off there sir.’

‘You better have a good reason Bentley.  It means rescheduling our itinerary for the entire two weeks.’

‘All taken care of sir,’ Bentley smiled.

‘You knew I’d agree?’

‘I was hopeful.’

‘Best you get out of my office and inform everybody concerned of your change to our schedule.’

‘Thank you sir,’ Bentley exited.


‘Momma can I take all my story books please?’

‘Not all of them sweetheart,’ Tessa looked at the ton of books in Lyndon’s arms.

‘But I like all of them momma.’

‘Lyndon,’ Tessa stopped packing Lyndon’s luggage.  ‘I want you to choose five books okay,’ Tessa raised up her one hand demonstratively.

‘Okay,’ Lyndon sulked.

‘We will buy more if you finish reading all of them.’

Lyndon’s eye s lit up, ‘thank you momma.’





‘You need help with your packing?’

‘What?’ Keri pivoted her chair around.

‘I asked if I must help you pack.  Fourteen days requires a lot of packing.’

‘No thank you Bentley.  I packed last night,’ she dragged her eyes away from his teasing eyes.

Pity.  I would have loved to pack your lingerie. 
A smile lingered on his face.

‘What’s that wolfish grin on your face for?  He swivelled back on his chair.  His expensive Italian suit covered the expanse of his broad shoulders.

‘Have dinner with me tonight Keri,’ Bentley stood up.

‘No---.  We’re leaving tomorrow. I ---have things to do.’

Bentley quirked dark brows?  ‘You said you’ve packed already,’ he reminded her.

‘I—I---well there’s other things a girls has to do,’ she swallowed nervously as he approached her desk. 

She racked her brain to think of something.  She had already had a manicure and a pedicure two days ago.  Tomorrow morning she was going to have her hair styled, as Tessa had given her the day off.  They were flying at three P.M.

‘I’m not taking no for an answer,’ he lifted her to her feet.  ‘Let’s go.’

‘But I’m busy,’ she tried not to look at his delectable lips.

‘Sending an email?  That should take you ten seconds to wrap up,’ Bentley turned and poured himself a scotch.

‘What---look I don’t want to go out,’ she continued typing her email.

‘Would you like a drink?’ 

Bentley spoke softly close to her ear, as he leaned over the backrest of her chair.   Keri jumped in her seat. 

‘Don’t do that,’ she clutched her chest.

‘Did I scare you?’ he chuckled.

‘Why don’t you go home?  Have you finished packing?’

‘We have the day off tomorrow remember?  I’ll be packed in fifteen minutes,’ he sipped from his scotch.

‘What if Mr. Blakely wants to leave earlier?’

‘There is no reason to.  It’s a twenty hour flight and we will be arriving there at ten P.M. local time.’

‘Twenty hours!  What on earth are we going to do for that long on the plane?’

Bentley’s dark eyes warmed appreciatively.  He had an idea or two how they could pass the time.  Keri stood up and slipped her jacket on.

‘I’m done.  I’m heading home,’ she shifted away.  He was too close to her chair.

‘We’re going to dinner,’ Bentley gripped her wrist tightly.

‘No,’ she murmured.  His warm breath brushed her cheek.  It was sweet with a tinge of scotch.

‘Then you’re going to make me dinner at your apartment,’ he held onto her wrist.

It was not safe for him to be in her apartment.  She might not be able to get rid of him.  Perhaps it was safer in a restaurant, a public place.  Bentley could see her mind racing at one hundred miles an hour.  What was she thinking?  Was she trying to find another excuse to reject him?  This was getting tiresome.  She was never going to agree.  Perhaps he should just quit and head home.  He could enjoy a meal with his mom, before he left her for two weeks.

‘Fine, we will go out,’ she relented.

Bentley tendered that wolfish smile again, as if he knew she would agree to his plan to go out.  He was really expecting her to say she was not going out  with him and he was not invited into her apartment.

‘It better be a quick meal,’ she warned.  ‘I have plans tomorrow.’ 
The smile disappeared off his face.



‘Hi darling,’ Brad breezed into Lyndon’s bedroom.  He kissed Tessa and hauled Lyndon into his arms.

‘Hey tiger, you ready for our trip?’

‘Yes my daddy.  I have my five books, and my teddy and my cars,’ Lyndon counted on his fingers.

‘Darling, is Aunt Bertha downstairs?’   Tessa packed the last of Lyndon’s gear into his luggage carrier.

‘Why are you packing for Lyndon?  We have staff to do just that.’

‘I don’t mind doing it.’

More like you don’t like relinquishing control, my dear wife.

‘Oh, I forgot something my daddy,’ Lyndon wriggled out of Brad’s arms and darted out of his room.

‘Now where is he going?’ Tessa sighed.  ‘This is his room.’

‘I hope you don’t plan on packing for me too?’ Brad pulled Tessa into his arms.  ‘Hastings is going to be offended.’

‘No,’ she smiled, snaking one arm around Brad’s neck.  ‘And  a very fine job he does too.’

Brad was always immaculately dressed.  His colours were very well coordinated and Brad’s butler never forgot a single item when he packed for Brad.

‘I have a confession,’ Brad murmured.

‘Oh,’ Tessa responded casually.   She slipped out of Brad’s arms and stuffed Lyndon’s books and toys in a backpack, only half paying attention to her husband.

‘I want you to go with me to fetch Aunt Bertha.’

‘But is was closer from the office,’ Tessa looked up at Brad.

‘I know.  I did not want to go alone.’

Tessa looked at her watch.  She wanted to get Lyndon into the bath and into bed. She had not done her own packing yet.

‘Pack this too momma,’ Lyndon returned hugging two cartons in his arms. 

Brad observed Tessa staring at Charlie’s food and biscuit treats in her son’s arms.  Her eyes flew to Brad.  For once his wife was speechless where their son was concerned.

Here comes the fireworks.

‘What are you doing Lyndon?’ Tessa laughed.

‘Charlie won’t have food,’ he opened the zip and shoved the cartons into it.

As if sensing his food, the lazy mutt awoke from his sleeper cushion and sniffed the boxes.  Tessa rescued the cartons and placed it on Lyndon’s dresser.  She looked again at Brad.  He was offering no help.  He just leaned against the wall with his arms folded.

‘Sweetheart,’ Tessa sat on the bed and lifted Lyndon into her arms.

Good luck my wife.

 ‘We’re going to be flying to many cities.  It won’t be good for Charlie.  Hastings will take good care of Charlie for you.’

‘No.’ Lyndon shook his head vigorously.  ‘Charlie needs me.’ 
As if he knew he was the topic of discussion, Charlie sat in front of Lyndon and cocked his head to the side endearingly.

‘Lyndon,’ Tessa patted his head soothingly.  ‘Charlie is still small.  He may get air sick.  I don’t think he should travel with us.’

She did not want to take that hound dog on their trip.  For heaven’s sake, she barely tolerated it because of her son.

‘Then I have to stay with Hastings,’ Lyndon slid off her lap and went to pamper Charlie.  The mutt wagged his tail happily and licked Lyndon’s chin.

Oh gross!

‘What!’  Tessa stood up.  ‘No, you can’t.’

‘Charlie comes, or I stay!’ Lyndon challenged his mom. 

Young Master Blakely was already starting to assert himself.   Brad suppressed a grin.  He felt ten feet taller seeing his son taking a stand.  Not that he wanted his wife placed in a predicament, but his son looked so adorable right at this moment.

‘Brad!’  Tessa looked to her husband for moral support.

‘Er---. 
What the hell am I  supposed to say now?

‘I’m not leaving my puppy, my daddy.’

Lyndon sobbed and went running to his daddy.  He wrapped his arms tightly around Brad’s legs. 
‘I’m not leaving him.’
Lyndon lifted his head to his daddy pleadingly.  Tears were gushing down his face like a burst water pipe.

‘Hey tiger,’ Brad lifted Lyndon into his arms.  ‘Don’t cry now,’ Brad cradled him against his chest.  He pressed a kiss to Lyndon’s head.

Tessa went quickly to console Lyndon.
‘I’m sorry my angel,’ Tessa wiped his tears away.  She kissed his forehead.

‘Can my puppy come momma?’

‘Darling?’ Tessa looked up at Brad.  ‘It’s going to need permits.  Will we get it on time?’  Her eyes were wide with concern for her son.  She would do anything for him, even if she had to tolerate that smelly canine.

‘Bentley will take care of it.’

‘But what about the property we’re renting in Sydney?  Is it pet friendly?’

‘Let me call Bentley?’  Brad turned around.  He did not want his wife to see him smirking. 
And I did not even have to use any powers of persuasion.

‘I’m sure there are pet friendly hotels there right?’

‘Why don’t you give Lyndon his bath?  I’ll have answers for you momentarily.’

‘Make sure to clear it for the other countries as well,’ Tessa asked.

‘Don’t worry,’ Brad kissed her cheek.  He turned her towards Lyndon’s bathroom.  ‘Remember we still need to pick Aunt Bertha up.’

‘We’ll be done in fifteen minutes,’ Tessa informed Brad.

‘I’m sorry darling,’ Tessa hugged Lyndon.  ‘I did not mean to make you cry my baby,’ Tessa undressed him.

‘That’s okay momma.  You were worried about Charlie getting sick.’

Um---only a little bit actually.

‘You do know that when we are in the plane, Charlie will have to be in his kennel.  It is very dangerous for him to run around and it won’t be allowed.’

‘I’ll speak to him momma.  He will understand.  Can his kennel be in my cabin?’

‘We will have to find out if it’s allowed.’

Tessa was not sure if aviation laws allowed the carriage of an animal in the cabin.  She suspected it would need to be in the cargo hold of the jet.

‘Why don’t we give Charlie the same medicine the doctor is going to give Aunt Bertha?’

Tessa raised an eyebrow as she sponged his body with soap.  She was not aware that Lyndon had overheard the conversation with Aunt Bertha. 

‘That’s a good idea,’ Tessa smiled.

‘All set,’ Brad dipped his head into the bathroom.

‘For every country?’  Tessa asked.  She took Lyndon out of the bath and dressed him in evening clothes.

‘Yes, Bentley tells me, he verified and that the accommodation he hired in every city  happens to be pet friendly.’ 

Brad did check that with Bentley.  He knew Bentley had organized the permits to transport the dog, but he had forgotten about establishing whether the rental homes would be pet friendly.  Brad was amazed at how easily Tessa had yielded to Lyndon’s demands.  He had thought she would be adamant and he would privately need to coax her to change her mind.

Brad had known Lyndon would not be prepared to leave his puppy behind.  The boy had become too attached to his pet.  At night when he needed to be in bed, he went looking for Charlie, if the dog was not in his bedroom.

‘Can I feed Lyndon before we leave?’ Tessa asked.

‘Yes, there’s still time,’ Brad nodded.



‘Are you comfortable, Aunt Bertha?’ Tessa draped a blanket over her legs.

‘Yes, thank you dear,’ Bertha smiled appreciatively.  ‘I feel so calm, so at peace.  This medication is amazing.’

‘I’m so glad,’ Tessa smiled.  ‘I want you to enjoy the flight.  Call me if you need anything.’

‘I expected the flight to be ---rough.’

Tessa laughed softly.  ‘The weather is pretty good.  There’s not turbulence now.  The flight is going to be pretty smooth all the way.’

‘I think I’ll just take a nap.  That dinner was sumptuous by the way.’

‘I’ll let the cabin attendants know you enjoyed it.  Good night,’ Tessa hugged Bertha warmly.

‘Momma are you sure Charlie is fine?’  Lyndon tugged on Tessa’s arm.

‘You’re still awake sweetheart?’

‘I was thinking about Charlie.’

‘Daddy showed you the monitor in your cabin angel.  You saw Charlie was asleep. 

Drug induced sleep, but Lyndon did not need to know. 

Charlie was also given a harmless tranquilizer to keep him calm during the flight.  ‘Let’s go back to your cabin and have a look at Charlie on the monitor.’

‘Where’s my daddy?’

‘He’s having a chat with the pilot.  We won’t disturb daddy now okay?’

‘Okay momma.  Will you read to me?’

‘Yes my baby.  Come here,’ Tessa smiled extending her arms to Lyndon.

‘I will walk momma,’ Lyndon shook his head.  ‘Remember what my daddy said about you carrying me?’ he clasped his hand into Tessa’s.

‘I forgot,’ Tessa sighed.  ‘When you climb into your bed, I want a great big hug?’

‘I will.  How many books are you going to read?’

‘Let’s start with one and see how it goes hmm?’  Tessa opened the door to Lyndon’s cabin which had an interleading door to hers and Brad’s.

‘Look momma, Charlie is still asleep,’ he whispered.

‘You’re not disturbing him,’ Tessa laughed softly.  ‘He can’t hear us in the cargo hold.’

‘I like the new blanket my daddy bought for Charlie.’

‘Good, now in you go,’ Tessa turned up Lyndon’s duvet.’

‘I love you momma,’ he opened his tiny arms to hug Tessa.

‘Oh I love you too my baby, so much,’ Tessa hugged him back.  ‘So which story should I read?’

‘This one---no this one.  Oh—oh, maybe this new one.’

‘Master Blakely make your mind up,’ Tessa grinned.

‘I think this one please momma,’ he pointed to his newest book.


‘Sorry you don’t have a cabin,’ Bentley spoke softly to Keri.

‘Are you kidding?  This aircraft is like a five star hotel,’ Keri whispered back.  ‘Who needs a bed when these plush recliner seats are like a bed?  ‘Don’t you agree Stacy?’

‘Absolutely,’ Stacy smiled shyly.  ‘They are so comfortable, you wake up thinking you’ve been in the most comfortable bed.’

‘Well ladies, I hope you are still bright and cheerful, when we land.’

‘Stop moping,’ Keri laughed.  ‘Let’s play a game,’ she whispered, not wanting to disturb Aunt Bertha, who absolutely refused to have Lyndon’s cabin.  It was believed she did not want to be alone.  She preferred the company of the young adults, than a lonely cabin.

‘What shall we play?’ Stacy asked enthusiastically.

‘Monopoly,’ Keri proposed.

‘Boring,’ Bentley sighed.  ‘Good night.’

‘You are playing Bentley,’ Keri insisted as she opened the board game.

‘Let’s play the shortened version, where I choose my properties,’ Bentley negotiated.

‘We’re in no hurry.  This is a very long flight,’ Stacy reminded him.

‘I guess I’m cornered,’ Bentley pretended to sulk.  ‘Okay who’s the banker?’ he picked up the dice.

‘Hey guys,’ Brad smiled and slipped into the seat next to Bentley. 

‘Need me Mr. Blakely?’ Bentley hoped to escape the game.  Keri glared at him frostily.

‘No, I wanted to chat to you ladies,’ Brad handed them a folder each.  ‘I do not want to burden Bentley with the role as chaperone to the two of you,’ Brad smiled.  ‘Your safety is my responsibility,’ Brad spoke sincerely.  ‘I have hired a chauffeured vehicle that will be at your disposal.’

‘Thank you Mr. Blakely,’ both girls chorused.

‘It’s a pleasure.  The folder had all the attractions Sydney has to offer.  It’s all paid for and your chauffeur is female by the way.’

Keri noticed the big grin plastered across Bentley’s face.  He liked the idea that the chauffeur was female.  Silly guy.  As if they were going to sample Sydney’s local talent.

‘I’ve come to say good night,’ Tessa spoke softly.  She leaned over Brad’s seat and placed her palm on his shoulder.

‘Lyndon asleep?’  Brad asked.

‘Yeah,’ Tessa cast a cursory glance at the monopoly board.  ‘He wanted to check on Charlie.  So he came looking for me.  After he was satisfied that Charlie was fine, I managed to read him a few pages of his story book, before he passed out.’

‘You like to join us in a game, Mrs. Blakely?’ Bentley offered.  He admired her sharp analytical brain.  She could make this tedious game interesting.

Oh no.  Board games are the absolute pits. 

‘Um--- I suck at these kind of games,’ Tessa laughed.  ‘You guys go ahead.  Good night everybody.’    She placed a peck on Brad’s cheek, but not before she whispered in his ear.  ‘Come to bed.’

           -end chapter twenty four-


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