- Steele Vows Part 1
Date: Monday, March 13, 2000
From: "sue hantak" <hantaks@mtco.com>
(This story takes place right after the Bonds of Steele. All
that Shannon/Mexico/Tony/Ireland silliness did not happen. In
fact Laura and Steele are in the limo alone and return to his
apartment alone after the ceremony. I did happen to borrow some
of the dialog though. Please excuse any transgressions)
She sat staring into space still numb by what just transpired
"Laura.........Laura ... LAURA....where were you?"
"Closer to hell than I've ever been."
He smiled weakly at her. "Ready to go?" He started
the limo and drove to his Rossmore apartment.
"Can't you just take me home?"
"Laura, you saw Keyes, he'll be on our tail looking for
anything to report me to immigration. We have to maintain our
cover as a married couple. Married couples happen to live together."
"Why did I ever agree to this?"
"Because you don't want to see me deported" She had
no reaction, "You don't want to see me deported..........
do you?"
"I'm thinking.... I'm thinking" she replied as if she
were pondering the possibility.
"Laura, if you remember, I didn't want to get you involved
in this charade, YOU VOLUNTEERED".
"I know, that was s always my problem, even as a child,
I always had my hand up for every thankless task, every dirty
little job....
They pulled into the parking garage of his building. When they
opened the door to his apartment they were surprised by a congratulations
banner and bountiful flowers.
The bedroom was adorned with candles and a bucket of chilling
champagne. Laura looked at the display with disdain, "Impressive,
Mr. Steele, I'm sure Clarissa would have been thrilled."
"Laura, I didn't do this".
"Just forget it.......it doesn't matter". Laura was
sickened by the thought of everything that happened in the past
few hours. He wasn't helping with the case. He was secretly getting
married to hooker!. He was actually going to go through with
it too. Even worse, she somehow ended up as the bride. She was
so pissed at him that she just couldn't face him. Laura walked
out onto the balcony, slamming the door behind her emphasizing
her desire to be alone at the moment. Remington knew Laura well
enough to let her stew for a while. He knew he screwed up. He
also knew he had to fix this mess somehow. Remington walked into
the bedroom and picked up the phone.
"Mildred? .....good, I caught you at home. I need your help.
Laura needs a few things from her loft. Would you mind going
over there and gathering a change of clothes for her to wear
tomorrow....yes...some sleepwear, .yes, ...that too. Oh, and
anything in her bathroom that you might think she might need.
Thank you Mildred." Remington quickly went to check on Laura.
She was huddled in the chaise lounge. She appeared as if she
were ready to cry at any moment. Remington went back through
the bedroom into the bath. A few moments later he ventured onto
the balcony to try to get Laura to come in. "Laura, its
getting chilly out here, why don't you come soak in the tub,
you'll feel better."
She remained unmoved staring into space.
"Laura" he tried again, "Please come inside I
have something to show you"
She finally spoke, "I hope it's divorce papers."
He tried to lead her by the hand towards the bathroom. When he
grabbed her hand she quickly pulled it away as if someone had
poured scalding water on her. He opened the bathroom door with
a grand gesture and motioned her to proceed him. The tub was
full of luxurious bubbles. He lit several scented candles. She
would be the last person to admit to him that it was an enticing
display. As much as she wanted to sink into the sumptuous water,
she still wanted the petty satisfaction of hurting him any way
she could. She walked over, blew out the candles and pulled the
plug on the drain.
"I think I'll just take a shower."
She stood in the steady stream of the water letting it cascade
down her body.
She was beat; mentally and physically. She finally got out of
the shower. Wrapping a towel around her body and another on her
hair, she wiped the steam off the mirror, looked at her reflection
and scolded herself, "What were you thinking?"
Remington gently rapped on the door, "Laura? ...Mildred
brought some things for you. I'll leave them on the bed. Are
you alright?
When she heard him leave the bedroom, she emerged from the bathroom.
Her navy business suit hung on the closet door, on the bed was
an overnight case. Mildred packed some undergarments, an assortment
of her toiletries and a very seductive nightgown. *Well, this
is staying in the bag* she thought to herself. Laura walked over
to Remington's dresser and hastily grabbed a tee shirt and sweatpants.
She walked out of the bedroom straight to the kitchen. He came
into the kitchen after her in an attempt to speak to her. Ignoring
him, she grabbed a bottle of water and breezed passed him back
into the other room. Laura reclined on the sofa with her feet
tucked under her body. Her left arm was supported by the rest
with her chin propped up on that side. She stared at the television
as she flipped channels in a hypnotic state. Again he approached
in an attempt to straighten things out. When he was ran into
the wall Laura had built, he finally decided he had enough and
went to take a shower himself.
It was late, Laura was still in the same position on the couch
with the shopping channel droning on in front of her. Remington
stood in the bedroom doorway, "Laura why don't you just
come to bed?"
"I am in bed," she couldn't have been more disinterested
and apathetic.
Remington closed the door behind him. Laura looked up over her
shoulder. Finally breaking the stone facade she reclined back
on the sofa and softly began to cry.
To Part Two
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