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The Missing Chapters. Part Three.
By
Mandy Sweet Heart.
previously
Chapter One.
Although Lady Jane Fullerton-Jones was incredibly pleased to see how her young nephew was already returning to his normal self after returning from the talons of the Sisterhood, especially as his revitalisation had only taken a few days, but she knew that his revival might have been largely due to being in the close, pleasurable company of his boyfriend, William, rather than any of her efforts and she could not recall a time that she had been happier when she watched Andy giggling like a schoolgirl due to something Will had said. However, by Wednesday evening her delight had turned to absolute elation when he practically begged her to allow his to return to the office the next day, yet Jane had a sneaky suspicion that this was because Will was about to experience what working in a hospital was like, and as he had to catch a train early Thursday morning, Jane only allowed Andy back into the office if he he took a bit more time off, but that was only so he could ‘wave’ his boyfriend off at the station.
When Andy finally arrived at the office, Jane had quickly warned him about the computer problems they had experienced, and how it had delayed some of the orders. She also stressed how important it was to keep all customers informed, especially those that had recently placed orders, and he was to notify them of the situation.
Knowing that he would be exceedingly busy, because Jane only wanted to know if he was going to lunch, rather than simply using the intercom she went to speak to him in person. As she listened, at first Jane was amazed to notice how delightful Andy could be at keeping the customers happy, yet as she listened Andy giggled into his headset and then breezily said. “...I know, I’ll take it for granted that it’s the same for you, Helga. It’s the same here, I just take a few days off and the place falls apart.” Jane gasped, but Andy suddenly became very business-like as he leant over his keyboard.
“Right, got those Helga, and I’ll call stores at once, just in case they have started packing your main order. Hopefully the extras will be able to be sent at the same time. Thanks Helga, bye”
Jane waited until Andy had spoken to the stores department, a conversation where he was just as pleasant, then somewhat sternly Jane said. “Do you speak to all the customers like that?”
As he recalled how she had told him how to be invariably professional, he wasn’t really confused by her question and simply stared at her and he knew that she must have been listening, therefore he lowered his eyes and tried to explain. “I’m very sorry Auntie, that was Helga from Zoo-Feast fashion house, they are okay with the delay as they wanted a few additional items.”
“I heard your side of the conversation.” Jane said bluntly, but then she swiftly crossed the space between them and gently placed two fingers under his chin to promote him to lift his head.
When Andy eventually found the courage to gaze at her, he noticed how the corners of her lips were twitching and he knew that his Aunt was either going to remind him how to talk to customers or praise him.
Andy felt the seconds tick by, then Lady Jane was unable to keep the beautiful smile from her lips, and using her most lustrous silky tone of voice, she said. “It’s not how I would talk to the customers, but you are your own person and you should use your own judgement. I know that your mother, and your father, would be so proud of you Andy.”
Despite having her soft fingers, along with their long silky red nails, under his chin, Andy glanced down at his pale red, latex blouse and grey latex skirt and he could just glimpse the red soled, six inch stilettos he was wearing. “I’m not sure that they would understand how I dress when I’m with you.”
Raising his head slightly higher, Jane bent and kissed the corner of his mouth. “Are you willing to spend a little time and keep your silly old Auntie company while she has lunch?”
“Of course, Auntie Jane.” Andy said, and swiftly collected his purse and groaned. “Gosh, it’s going to be a busy afternoon.”
“You will cope,” Jane giggled, “You’re a natural. And leave your parents to me, I’ll have a chat with them.”
***
Andy was correct about the afternoon being extremely busy, and Jane was also right when she said that he could manage the work.
They had shared a sandwich together while Jane convinced him that it was alright to be more friendly towards the customers and when they returned to the office, to Janes’ utter delight, Andy was swiftly charming each of the customers. When he finally disconnected the last phone call, a conversation that had started with the man shouting expletives down the phone, but by the end of the phone call Andy had transformed him into a person that was begging Andy for his forgiveness and then the customer was immediately trying to convince Andy that he was happy to place more orders with them. With the call finally terminated he leaned against the backrest of his chair and sighed before double checking his list. Andy was just about to see his aunt, and tell her that he had phoned everyone, when he thought that he was suffering from a dreadful case of deja-vu.
On seeing the person entering his office he wanted to crawl under his desk and cringe, but the many years of delicate training by Lady Jane had become ingrained, and although Andy appeared to be flawlessly elegant his back suddenly became utterly straight.
Fortunately, Andy found his vocal cords and was about to ask the person who had just entered his space how he could help her, when she resignedly said. “May I see Lady Jane, please? That is, if she has a minute to spare.”
Andy might get marginally confused at times, especially when it comes to his aunt, but he instantly noticed that something was amiss with the woman before him, he said. “I’ll see if she is available, Ms. Lash-Buckle.” However, his last remark sounded as if he was questioning the lady about her name.
The moment Jane caught sight of her nephew entering her stumptuous office she knew something was wrong and guessed they had lost a customer or two, therefore she wasn’t prepared for what was about to tell her. “Auntie, I think Ms. Lash-Buckle wishes to see you.” Being anxious, Andy began to babble. “It looks like her, but something is wrong.”
“What are you talking about?” Jane said incredulity “Never mind, just show whoever it is, in.”
Andy invited Ms. Lash-Buckle into Janes’ office, then quickly thought of something to make himself look busy.
“I believe I told you never to darken my door again.” Jane barked the second Andy had closed the door.
“Yes, you are correct, but the Sisterhood elected me to speak to you Lady Jane. If I may have a moment?” Jane did not reply, but she appreciated why Andy was so disoriented and she almost asked the lady before her if she was the same person, yet Ms. Lash-Buckle resumed. “The sisters were hoping that you and young Andy would model a few of your companies’ clothes? Or rather, would Andy be the model while you announce them?” Jane was still mystified by the womans’ actions, yet she didn’t reply as Ms. Lash-Buckle peered into her handbag before withdrawing something that looked similar to a thin, small notebook.
Ms. Lash-Buckle placed the item on Janes’ desk, and Lady Jane was sure that she noticed the womans’ hand mildly shaking, but Jane wasn’t concerned with Ms. Lash-Buckle or her hesitancy. Despite what the woman had said during their previous meeting, Jane knew that she was not one of the Sisterhood and if Ms. Lash-Buckle was part of the Sisterhood, she was way, way down the food chain.
However, someone, or something, had undoubtedly frightened her, but Jane decided to remain nonchalance and picked up the book, only then did Ms. Lash-Buckle informs her. “The Sisterhood assumes that you have your own passport, and as you can see, this one is a special passport for Andy.”
Jane flicked through it, and her attention was drawn to the picture. Admittedly, only his face and shoulders could be seen, but Jane knew that her nephew was wearing a gilded latex dress that she gave him on that Tuesday, it was a gift so Jane, Andy and William could go for a meal. Ms. Lash-Buckle noticed how Jane was glaring at the picture and she slowly said. “The Sisterhood has many friends in low places as well as
high places, and you might have spotted that Andy is spelt with an I, just to allow you to go through customs easier.”
Jane hadn’t detected the spelling of his name, but the thought of them going through customs had made her apprehensive, Jane glared at the woman before her and finally spoke. “What do mean, customs? Why are you here?”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Ms. Lash-Buckle grovelled. “As I said last time, the sisters have chosen to help your company grow within the United States. I don’t have any of the details and you, plus Andy, will need to go to their mansion. As I said, they also want Andy to model a few garments. I’ve also been informed that the sisters give their assurance that no harm will come to you or your nephew.”
Ms. Lash-Buckle started to study Lady Jane with expectation, nonetheless it was Jane who impassively said. “I’ll have to speak with Andy.”
“Naturally, the sisters are aware of your rather unusual relationship with your nephew. If you decide to meet them, be at Los Angeles International. They will know that you are coming, and will have someone there to meet you.”
“I prefer to drive.” Jane snapped.
“As you wish, therefore someone will meet you with a suitable vehicle for you to drive, along with directions to the sisters’ Los Padres National Forest estate.” As that seemed to be settled, Ms. Lash-Buckle turned and walked out of Janes’ office.
