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"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