Chapter 316

Erik arrived at Highgrove House early the next morning. He had asked Pearl to fly back the day before and meet him there. He wasn't a fan of Craigowan or Scotland, for that matter.

Pearl was asleep with Christian next to her in his bassinet. He closed the door and went downstairs, not wanting to wake them. Sebastian was awake and having tea in the large didn't room.

"Oh, good morning, cousin." Sebastian said, thumbing through a book.

"What is that?" Erik asked.

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." He said, holding up the cover to show him.

"You read now?" He asked.

"You told me to get a hobby." Sebastian said, shrugging his shoulders.

"How is she? Still depressed?" Erik asked.

"I think she is feeling better. We aren't much for personal conversation. Other than when she tells me you're terrible in bed." Sebastian joked without looking up from the book.

"Ha ha. Very funny." Erik said.

"I bet you're happy to be home." Sebastian said.

"Yes. And no. Auggie is still no where to be found. Father is beside himself."

"How can someone just disappear like that and more importantly, why would they want to?" Sebastian asked, playing ignorant. "He's a prince for fook's sake." He said.

"Right. I know. Anyway. How is your father?" He asked.

"He just started some new treatment that's still in trials. Not approved yet but he insisted. He is feeling a little better but he is still at the nursing center for now. We shall see. It's his last chance to beat this cancer." He said.

Erik nodded.

"You should go and be with him. I'll be here with Pearl now. You can take a few days to see him." Erik insisted.

That's exactly what he needed him to say. There was much to the next few days and he couldn't do it all if he had to stay there under Erik's eye. He knew Jim was there and he knew that Pearl was stronger than any of these men before had given her credit for.

"Thank you, cousin. I'll be back on Thursday." Sebastian said. Erik nodded and smiled.

"That sounds good." He said.

Pearl woke up with a start. She knew he was home and she knew she would have to be alone with him for a few days if the plan was going to work.

She walked down stairs after feeding Christian and saw Erik and Bash at the table chatting.

"Good morning, Nightingale." Erik said, standing up and kissing her cheek.

Goddess, you mean. Sebastian thought.

"Hey Pearl. How did you sleep?" Sebastian asked casually.

"Good thanks. Liking the book still?" She asked.

"Yes. Quite fascinating." He said, sipping his tea.

"Bash reading. That's a laugh. Pearl, you are an incredibly good influence." Erik said, opening his laptop.

She smiled and nodded. And so did Sebastian.

Erik went through his emails and saw one that piqued his interest.

"We have something you'd be highly interested in. Very skilled. We can send it to the Bailey Hotel at 9 pm on Thursday evening. Respond with an answer by noon today. xxx" It was from the escort service Erik worked with.

He smiled and began to respond.

"You will be back Thursday, you said?" He asked Sebastian.

"If that's what you need, cousin. Yes." He said.

Erik smiled and typed "Yes. Send the package." He looked at Sebastian and said," Yes. I have a meeting out of town on Friday morning early. I'll have to leave the night before."

Sebastian gave Pearl a quick glance. He had taken the bait.

*************

Pearl watched Sebastian drive off and sighed. She could do this, she thought to herself.

A soft knock at the door startled her and she turned to see Erik standing there.

"Bash says you're feeling better." Erik said.

"I am. I have to be strong for the little man and I am working on keeping that mindset." She said. This pleased Erik.

"Good." He said, walking to her and kissing her cheek. He hadn't kissed her on the mouth since they left the hospital with Christian. She didn't want him to so she didn't acknowledge it, but she noticed it.

"I'm going to go to the study and work for a bit. I'll see you for lunch?" He asked.

"Yes." Pearl said, trying to hide her obvious relief.

"Pearl, I've missed you." He said. She could only nod and smile. She didn't miss him. She couldn't muster up a lie that great, no matter how good she was at this.

**************

Sebastian was busy already, getting things together and making calls. The car pulled up outside of a warehouse in east London. He walked in to find Fi and a few others waiting for him.

The stage looked amazing. Several rooms had been built and they had even installed a two way mirror like in the movies. It was absolutely believable.

"Are the cameras installed?" He asked.

"Yes." Q said, walking in behind him.

"Hello, Q." Bash said, smiling.

Sebastian sat down with the woman that was going to play the most important role.

"Are you sure you're ok with this?" He asked.

"Of course. This is what I do." She said.

"And if it gets out of control?" He asked. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"Control is my entire world, handsome. I can promise you, he will believe he went too far, without going to far." She said.

"Thank you. You are doing something that will change the world for the better. I promise." He said.

"Well that's a first for me. So I am honored." She said. Fi smiled. Sebastian then went over the plan with the actors playing police officers. They seemed highly prepared and competent. Fi was bringing the noise and Sebastian loved it. She was incredible, just like her friend. He was thankful to know her.

"Sebastian." Fi said as he was walking to the door to leave.

"Yes." He asked.

"I need something from you." She said.

"Anything." He said.

"I need you to be the man for Pearl. In the way she needs. Please don't let me down. She deserves something amazing. Something magical." She said.

"I am not magical." He said. "But I can promise you that if I'm lucky enough for her to choose me, I will spend everyday of my life making sure she doesn't regret it." He said. "And nothing, nothing will ever harm her or my son as long as I live."

She smiled and nodded. "Thank you." She said.

He smiled back and left the building.