And He Called It Research

"Kate, where are you right now?"

"Talking to Mac and Liz at his house."

"This afternoon I received some very disturbing information."

"I think I know what it is."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry Melvin, but I needed a few hours to sort things out. To tell the truth I wasn't sure how to handle it, but then I realized I did know, but I was shying away from it. I was going to call you in the morning. I just told Mac and Liz as much as I know."

"Okay, I can understand that. Kate I need you back here as soon as you can arrange it."

"I'll be there by tomorrow evening then."

"Let me talk to Mac...put it on speaker and I'll talk to all of you."

"Okay, just a second..." and she pushed the button and held it in front of Mac. "Okay, we're all here."

"Mac, I wish I could have some good news for you but I don't have. It wasn't wise of her to have Nat living there because of appearances if nothing else, but damn it, she was supposed to be overseeing the whole project. She was to keep an eye on Nat for god sake but she was sleeping with him. She took total leave of her common sense Mac. I'm sorry to be critical of Didi. I like her and I respect her talents, but as a businessman I just couldn't look the other way. Nat is no longer the general contractor of course, but also I've relieved Didi of her duties and moved her to the mainland. I'll put her to work here, but with much less responsibility and less pay I'm afraid. She's going to have to prove to me that she trustworthy again. I've set her up in an apartment here, and that's all I can do for her. What happens from now on will be up to her."

"Melvin, it breaks my heart that she let you down so totally."

"You focus on your issues Mac and I'll survive. Kate is flying back tomorrow and I want you and Liz on the plane too. I need to talk to both of you, and as you can understand, I won't be leaving this area anytime soon. You'll want to see Didi of course so don't plan on getting back there until sometime Monday. Liz, this is going to put quite a burden on you in the weeks to come, but I'll do as much as I can to keep you afloat up there."

"Thank you and I'll...we'll see you tomorrow as soon as we can be there."

"Mac, is there anything you want me to forward to Didi?"

"Thanks, but no."

"When you land call Cecelia and she'll tell you where Didi is."

"Thanks, and don't tell her I'm coming if you don't mind."

"All of that is up to you. But Mac, as hard hearted as it sounds, I want you back with Liz no later than Monday. Then we'll take things one day at a time until we can all sort this mess out."

"Melvin, you are being more understanding and fair than anybody could ever ask you to be and thank you."

"You just focus on the days ahead of you."

"If I may ask, will you bring Earl back to help?"

"No, he's still doing his penance in Costa Rica. That sounds like pretty posh punishment, but believe me, he has a job from hell and he'll stay there."

"Okay, we'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, and Liz, I'm looking forward to meeting you."

"Thank you Melvin, and I'm eager to meet you as well."

"Mac, take good care of your ladies and as bad as things are you'll get through this."

"I know I will. We all will and in the end things will be good."

"That's right. And with people like you three on my team, we'll do great things. Ladies keep an eye on my friend and we'll meet and talk this through tomorrow. Now try to get some sleep even if it takes too much drink." The line went dead and Kate put her phone away.

Chapter Seventy Three

Mac was looking down at his hands, and neither Kate nor Liz knew what to say to him. "Can I get you something to drink?" Liz asked him.

"I'm afraid if I drink anything right now I'll throw up. Liz honey, I'll be okay. Go home and get some sleep because we may have some long days ahead of us, and you too Kate. I'll likely need both of you more later, both as friends and for support, and I doubt that I'll be worth a damn work wise for a little while. I'm just going to sit here and try to sort things out a little in my mind."

"I feel like I'm abandoning you though," Liz said.

"I understand, but I'll be here when you come back in the morning. Pack for at least two days and...well I don't know what you should bring."

"Don't worry about me, I'll come prepared for anything and I'll be here by eight."

Mac walked her to the door where they shared a long embrace and she kissed him softly before she left.

He turned and found Kate standing not far from him so he said, "You to love. Go to bed and get some sleep. I need some time alone, but I'll join you soon."

"Mac, can't you just lie next to me and think? I'll be quiet, I promise."

"I can't lie next to you and not think about making love to you. I'll be okay, and by morning I hope to have an idea of what I'll do and say once I see Didi."

"Mac, I want to be with you so much, but be sure to give her time to explain her actions."

"I will and thank you for worrying about me. Night honey," and he returned to the living room and dropped heavily onto the couch, kicked his feet up onto the coffee table and leaned back. Kate watched him for a second and then went to bed. She was soon asleep, the house was dark and Mac stayed on the couch with eyes closed some of the time.

Then he'd stare around the dark living room without noticing any detail. He saw Didi in his mind and he replayed some of the things they had shared, but mostly he focused on their life together starting with the first time they interacted with the guests. Was that when he was with June? Or was there somebody before her? He couldn't remember and that bothered him. He could still see her in his mind, and of course there was Lois and...was it Ann next? No, there had to be others mixed in there. At the time, and in his own way, he loved each and every one of them. He remembered Didi with Mitch and how impressed she seemed with him. No wait, there was big dick Earl on those long flights to and from the states. Then there was Mitch and then Calvin...long and fat cocked Calvin. But wasn't she with somebody else too? He couldn't believe that he was losing track. Now there was Nat, but this time it wasn't a fling on the beach while he was with June or one of the others. No, this time she moved her man into his house and this man fucked Didi on a regular basis and slept with her in Mac's bed. Nat no doubt drank his booze and...was he jealous? He couldn't decide. He was so pissed that he felt like he was breathing fire, but was he jealous? He decided he wasn't. He was hurt and felt that Didi had betrayed him. They had their little agreement about things just like that, and she violated them totally. Then he had to ask himself, how would he have been had Didi been the one to leave for an extended period of time? It was impossible for him to be honest enough with himself to come up with an answer.

When Kate got up in the morning she found Mac still sitting on the couch, but he was asleep. She'd had her shower and was sipping her third cup of coffee before he joined her in the kitchen. "Morning."

"How are you feeling Mac?"

"Like crap, but a shower and some coffee will help. Did you sleep okay?"

"I did. Maybe you can get a little sleep on the plane."

"Probably."

"I'm going to borrow your car and go get us something to eat. Your cupboards are pretty bare."

"Yeah, I don't eat here all that much. I'll take a long wake up shower while you're gone."

"Good idea. Is that store just before Serene Gardens the closest place?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Okay, then I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Take your time."

"I booked the three of us, but we won't arrive there until five."

"That will work. We'll talk to Melvin and I'll see that Liz gets settled before I go find Didi."

"What can I do to help?"

"Nothing I'm afraid. I'll have Cletus take her to the island and she can stay there, and then I'll join her whenever I can get there."

"You could stay with me you know."

"No, I need to go home and start the healing process."

"With Didi or without her do you think?"

"I'll know the answer to that by tonight."

"Liz better arrive soon though because we'll have to be at the airport in a couple of hours."

"If she isn't here when I get out of the shower I'll call her."

"Okay," and Kate kissed him, and the grabbing her purse she went out the front door.

With a cup of coffee resting on the corner of the vanity, Mac stripped and climbed into the shower. He bathed quickly, but then he stood there and adjusted the spray to tepid and let the shower slowly wake him up. His mind was more or less on what he was doing and where he was when the shower curtain was pulled back. Liz stood there staring at him and he was doing no better. Then she said, "God you worried me."

"Why?"

"Well you've been in the shower so long that I thought something had happened to you."

"Have I been in here that long?"

"Well your coffee is cold, so that should tell you something. Are you okay?"

"I'm a hell of a lot better than I was when I woke up on the couch."

"Damn it, I just knew you'd do that, so you didn't get any sleep."

"Not a lot, but I'm okay. Kate left to get us something to eat."

"Good, because I didn't eat before I got here." She grabbed a towel and held it in her hand as she asked him, "Well are you done, or are you trying to soak yourself into unconsciousness?"

"I'm done." He shut the water off and pushed the curtain back farther before he took the towel from her.

She watched him for a minute and then said, "Step out and I'll dry your back for you." Once she was satisfied that he was dry she tossed the towel over the shower rod and turned him to face her. "Now look me in the face and tell me the truth. How are you this morning?"

"I'm okay Liz. I'm sure as hell short of good, but I'll make it."

She put her arms around him and asked, "What can I do to help you? You know that I'll take care of things here as best I can until you're ready to take the reins again. I mean assuming you'll be back."

"I'll come back with you after we've met with Melvin."

"You're sure of that?"

"Very sure. Okay, you can get me a pair of briefs while I shave. Top drawer right side."

She soon called from the bedroom, "Which ones do you prefer?"

"You decide," and he went back to shaving and combing his hair.

She came back with a pair hanging from one finger and said, "I chose this pair."

"Nice, but why?"

"I like the bright color and the sexy fabric. You have quite a selection of undies."

"I have strong feelings about my briefs."

"So no white cotton things from the local Penney's."

"Nope."

She bent down and said, "Okay, step in lover."

He looked down and she waited for him to lift his foot and then looked up at him. "What are you waiting for?"

"Damn you look nice and very sexy I must add."

"Thank you, now right foot in." He did as he was told and he smiled as she worked his underwear up. But then she stopped and kissed the head of his cock before she pulled his underwear up the rest of the way.

"Thank you, but do you always do that for your boss?"

"Of course I do," and she smiled at him. "Now do you need help getting dressed or packed?"

"Thanks, but I'll be okay."

"Then I'll get us coffee," and she walked out.

With a full cup of coffee in each hand, Liz was coming out of the kitchen when Kate returned with a bag and said, "Here's breakfast."

"Great, I'm starved. I'm taking coffee to Mac."

"I see that, and where is he?"

"In the bathroom shaving."

"Oh." Kate put the bag down and followed Liz down the hall, and stopped at the doorway to the bathroom as Liz put Mac's coffee down and then tasted her own.

"Okay love, Kate's back with breakfast." Then she looked back at Kate and said, "Gotta love those sexy briefs," and she kissed Mac before she slipped past Kate and went out.

"Well wasn't she about helpful," Kate said with a thin smile.

"I was in the shower so long that she thought I'd drown myself."

"So she came to check on you."

"Yeah." He took a long drink of his coffee and then said, "Go ahead without me and I'll be out soon. I just have to throw something on."

Kate left him there and went out to join Liz for breakfast, but she didn't mention Mac or his state of undress, nor did she ask any questions.

Chapter Seventy Four

Mac slept for a good part of their flight down and only woke when the sound of the engines changed and the whirring sound of the landing gear dropping woke him. Bobby, Melvin's driver was waiting for them and contrary to Mac's plan, half an hour later they were delivered to Melvin's office. Cecelia smiled when she saw them and said, "Welcome home, and go right in."

"Thanks," Kate told her and they entered Melvin's office with Sissy right behind them. Melvin waved Sissy off so she closed the door behind her as she left.

Melvin and Mac shook hands and they sat down before Melvin said, "Okay, let's get this unpleasantness out of the way. Mac damn it, I said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm so sorry I had to do what I did."

"Thanks, but we both know you did the right thing. She broke every rule that she and I had and of course every rule of common sense relating to her job."

"I'm glad you understand. Okay, I'll keep this brief and then you can get Liz settled and go see Didi. Then we'll meet again tomorrow afternoon. Liz, it's so nice to meet you and I'm going to be counting on you to help Mac as things start to really ramp up at Serene Gardens."

"I'll do everything in my power to help you and Mac."

"I know you will. Has Mac been a good boss?"

"He's been fantastic. We'd study our heads off and still he had a smile for me and nice words."

"Good. Kate my dear, to the extent possible I'm going to keep Cecelia here with you and I'm going to lean on you more because I'll be taking on Didi's duties from this office. Mac, I hope you can get up and running with your idea about tying the island and the development together."

"I'll see to it."

"Oh, and the name of the island resort will be 'Journey's End.' When you and Liz go to the island you'll see so many improvements. Take the time to explore and to show Liz around. Cecelia told Mark you're coming so he'll see that you two are well fed. Kate, I want you to go home and get some rest and study the file I had Cecelia put together for you regarding the contractors."

"I'll see her and work on that right away."

"Okay, let's meet here tomorrow at two and we'll go over things once more. Mac and Liz, the six seater will take you two back north and it will be back here and ready for you day after tomorrow at ten. By then you and Didi will have worked out how you want your lives to go from here."

"Thank you Melvin." They all rose and then filed out, and Sissy handed the file to Kate before they left.

Mac stopped long enough to hold Kate close to him and said, "Kate..."

"Don't say anything right now Mac. You have too much to deal with to think about anybody but yourself. I'm so sorry that things didn't turn out better for you and for me. But with luck there are tomorrows for us."

"You'll hear from me soon," and he kissed her cheek and then put his hand on Liz's back, and he followed her out to his waiting car.

Cletus was waiting for them and as soon as they were away from the dock, Mac told him, "Thanks for the special ride Cletus. This makes it a long day for you."

"Oh you're welcome Mac."

"I suppose you know."

"Yeah, I 'spect that all of us knows by now."

"I'm sure. Got any thoughts for me Cletus?"

"I don't think I do. I have trouble keeping my own life straight, so I gots no time or business trying to see to others business. Just know that all of us worries about you."

"That's good to know. But tell them that I'll survive and I'll be back home again one of these days, and I'll be stronger than ever."

"I got no doubt of that. When you talk to Didi, tell her that none of us thinks bad of her. We all do our best as we goes along, but sometimes we stumble and end up hurt."

"Cletus you're a prince among men, and you can bet I'll share your words with her."

"We'd appreciate that."

Mac sat down next to Liz and she so wanted to hold his hand and lean into him, but she sat there with her hands in her lap, and the ferry rumbled and the waves bumped against the bow as they made their way to the island.

As soon as they were in the electric car Liz said, "I can't believe I'm back here Mac."

"It's a whole lot different for you this time though."

"In every way possible. The last time I was frightened out of my mind and this time I'm hurting for you."

He slowed and looked over at her as he said, "Liz, don't be afraid to enjoy your time here. The beach and the ocean don't care about anything but being what it is. Enjoy it as much as you can and however you choose. As soon as you're settled Cletus will take me back to see Didi and then he'll bring me back whenever I'm ready. In the meantime, walk the beach or go sit and watch the ocean. Lie naked and think beautiful thoughts."

"Mac, there are workmen here."

"They're gone by now, and besides, they're here to work, not stroll along the shore."

Before Mac opened the door to his house she looked at him and asked, "Mac, I can stay in a cottage if you'd rather."

"Why would I let you do that?"

"Because this is Didi's..."

"No, this is my house. Melvin has banned her from the island remember, so all of this is mine and you'll sleep in my bed."

They were inside and the door closed when he said that, and she spun around as she said, "I'll what?"

"You heard me, and no I don't plan to ravage you. I just don't want to be alone tonight, okay?" She couldn't quite find her voice so she put her arms around him and just held him to her for a minute. "Liz feel free to look around, and you'll know which is my bedroom. I'll be a couple of hours or longer though, so don't worry about me. I'll be back and I'll mix us a nice drink. Then I'll have a need to take a slow walk along the beach with you."

"Maybe you should do that alone so you can think."

"I'll have done enough thinking by then, or at least all I want for one day."

Chapter Seventy Five

When they reached the mainland, Mac gave Cletus two twenties and said, "Go to that restaurant on the water and have a nice dinner while you wait. I likely won't be much more than an hour at most. Fifteen minutes to get to and from and half an hour to talk, because there just isn't going to be a whole lot that can be said."

"You better plan on a little more than that Mac, cause time has a way of running off when you're mind is workin' hard."

"Cletus you have more wisdom than most men I've ever know."

"Thank you sir."

Mac had little trouble finding the apartments, and then Didi's place was just the second one to the left on the ground level. He knocked and waited and then knocked again and waited. He heard movement and a second later the door opened. "Oh god, nobody told me you were here."

"I asked them not to say anything. We need to talk but I didn't want you to worry while you waited." She stepped back to let him in and then they fell into each other's arms. "I met with Melvin as soon as I got back."

"So you know about everything."

"I know some of the details and I know he's banished you from the island. Didi, I want to hear from you what happened. How could you manage to fall so far and so quickly? Start after you and Nat met."

"Oh god Mac, please don't make me walk through all of that."

"It obviously was easy for you to walk through all of that with him, but if you can't do that for me then I guess I'll just leave and go back to the island. Okay then answer some questions for me. You and Nat were an item not long after I left. Not long at all in fact, so I assume you knew him before that."