Page 62 of Donovan Blake: Passion

David Weiss stayed at Hawthorne Hall for the next several days. Seated at a table in the library, he spent endless hours pouring through the memorabilia from the days when the estate had cared for the wounded servicemen. At twilight he would visit The Lake House, sit on the verandah and stare across the water to the willows. When he left to return home, he told Peter and Mary he was convinced he’d lived there in a past life, and his name had been Richard. As bizarre as his claim was, it couldn’t be refuted. The evidence was simply overwhelming.

With the security guards Donovan had organized no longer needed, they packed up their gear and headed out. But Trevor handed in his resignation. To Jane’s great joy, and Peter’s relief, he moved into a small house in the village and began researching the best way forward to make his dream of becoming a vet a reality.

* * *

Peter and Mary had made their peace, but Mary couldn’t be idle. Needing a cause, she decided it was time to renovate some of the rooms currently empty and unused for the better good.

“What exactly do you have in mind?” Peter asked as they walked through a large, empty space that had once been a ballroom.

“There are still wounded soldiers. I know veterans are taken care of by the NHS, but perhaps there’s a specialized area that needs support.”

“Perhaps, but that sounds complicated. Why don’t we open up The Lake House for military widows and their children. We can give them picnics and they can swim in the lake. During Christmas we can have a huge party for them here in this ballroom.”

“Peter, that’s a brilliant idea. And Jane would love that. You know how she adores children. Peter…I do love you.”

“I love you too, Mary, and we’ll undertake this project together, as a team. It’s taken me a while, but I’m putting my foot down. No more going our separate ways! Understood?”

“Yes, Peter,” she replied with a wide smile. “I may be the Mistress of this house, but you’re the Master.”

“Yes I am, and you’d be wise to remember that.”

* * *

When Alexi’s private jet landed at Los Angeles International Airport, he climbed into a stretch limousine and headed to Santa Barbara.

The elite beachside community was home to royalty, influential businessmen, world-famous singers, musicians and actors. He wasn’t sure what he would do there, but with so much money, and so many priceless pieces housed in the luxury estates, he looked forward to finding the weak spot and exploiting it.

Where they were billions, there was plenty of money waiting to be added to his.

* * *

As the town car rolled to a stop in central London, Phoebe lowered the window and stared out at the trendy boutique. A large red neon sign read SEVEN, but it was late, the front door was closed, and there was no sign of life.

“Donovan, why have you brought me here? It’s not open, and why all the mystery?”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“I am surprised, but now what?” she asked as the driver opened the door.

“Step out. You’ll find out soon enough.”

“Okay,” she said with a grin. “I’m curious, and excited too.”

Joining her on the sidewalk, he took her hand and led her past the storefront windows to a side alley.

“Are you sure this is safe? It’s so dark.”

“I hope you don’t doubt my ability to protect you.”

“I do if the mugger is holding a gun.”

“Guns are overrated,” he quipped, stopping at a door and pressing a white knob three times.

It opened automatically, and she immediately heard upbeat music and the buzz of a crowd. As they stepped inside, the door closed behind them, and moments later she found herself in what appeared to be a nightclub. There was a dance floor surrounded by booths with people eating and drinking, and a bar running along a side wall.

“Wow. This really is a surprise.”

“But this is just the first floor, and not why we’re here,” he declared, taking her down a short hall to a flight of stairs. “Remember when we discussed the cane?”

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