Logan's Salute

Chapter 12

Connor's POV

They take a drive up to the west coast, far away from eyes and ears, stopping at a spot called the Café Orca, on Melkbos Bay. Samantha and Connor hardly spoke as they drove, making the drive somewhat awkward. Connor did catch her glancing his way every now and then, but Samantha reserved her comment.

Only after being seated on the beach front patio of the restaurant, as per Connor's request and placing their orders with the waiter, does Connor speak.

"You must be riddled with questions," Connor says, allowing his practiced American accent to drawl through. Samantha looks at him, not making eye contact, but almost inspecting his facial features as he gazes back at her. 

"New cornea's," he says, pointing to them. "I was blind for the first few years after the blast. However, I was also unconscious for that time, as the doctor placed me under an induced coma, to help with the healing." Samantha stares at him silently. "I wanted to contact you earlier, but coming back here was jus," Connor drops his gaze in an attempt to hide his pain.

"You still have feelings for her," Samantha says softly.

"No!" Connor says abruptly. "I don't. Not anymore." Samantha eyes him curiously. "That part of my life is over." 

"Okay," Samantha says and the waiter brings their drinks.

"So, what is the plan?" Samantha asks taking a sip of her brandy on the rocks.

"Well," Connor says, sipping his gin and tonic. "I am to first see what you can find and then we can discuss a way forward. For some reason, I believe seeing Mr. Gabriels at the base was no coincidence. Does he come there often?" 

"Not really," she answers. "He has not been making frequent visits, if that is what you are asking." Samantha leans back in her chair.

"What is he doing there anyway?" Connor asks, looking to the ocean. "He is not military. He does not belong there at all" Three fishing boats catch his eye as Samantha speaks again.

"Maybe he has some other interests that involve him coming onto the base," Samantha says and the waiter returns with their food. Connor waits until the waiter is gone before speaking again.

"I just think it is weird," Connor says, leaning in closer to speak to her. "He was never that close with the military before, so why now?" Samantha shrugs as she begins eating her salmon. Connor's focus shifts back to the three boats on the horizon and simultaneously on his grilled hake. He strains his ears to see if he could hear what activity was happening on the boats, but the crashing of the waves made it impossible. 

"You were in pieces when I saw you last," Samantha and Connor walk along the shore. Another request from Connor, as to continue their conversation. "How did they put you back together again?" Connor smiles with no humour in his eyes. 

"With alot of care and work," Connor says. "Let's just say, I am half human."

"What is the other half?" Samantha asks, glancing up at him.

"Not human," Connor says awkwardly. Samantha chuckles and Connor does too. "Sorry, but it is a long story that I really do not want to remember." Samantha nods. Connor, then, takes her right hand and they make eye contact. "Don't be alarmed," Connor says, slowly pulling her into his embrace. "I think it best if is show you," Samantha leans into him as gently traces her fingertips under his shirt, making her touch his ribs. From a distance it looked as if they where in a intimate embrace. 

"That is not me," he says. closing his eyes. Her hand traces further up, to his chest, to where parts of him does start and he giggles. She looks up and he blushes. "That is me," he says still smiling and she smiles back. Swiftly, she slips her hand around to his back and pulls her hand back out of his shirt at the touch of his scar on his back, where they sewed him back together. 

"Don't be afraid," he says and she makes eye contact with him again.  Connor unbuttons his shirt and reaches for her once again. "I want you to feel," he says, pulling her closer to him once again. Samantha shoots him an anxious look as she allows him to embrace her once again. Connor places her hands around waist and up his spine again, allowing her access to his scar. It ran down where his spine is, from his left shoulder blade down to his ribs. He hears her gasp as she traced it, her pulse racing faster each second.

"I was paralysed for a very long time," he says, feeling her fingers on his back, tracing the scar. "They performed multiple operations on me, to get me back on my feet again. literally." 

"It must have been painful," Samantha says. Connor releases her, looking down into her eyes.

"Not really," he says, adding, "mostly frustrating. I am not a patient man. You know that." Samantha smiles and nods in agreement. "Whoever did this, really hated him." Connor says becoming very serious. Connor then steps away and faces the ocean. 

"Hates you," she says and Connor continues to silently look out to the water. Samantha reaches for his arm and he flinches, before making eye contact.

"I think we should go," Connor says, takes her hand in his and walks back to the restaurant. 

Connor and Samantha drive back to the base, chatting about what she should be looking out for as she investigates. Samantha was an excellent marksman but not so good with intelligence. After returning her back to the base, Connor get's a call on his cell phone and he answers.

"Connor here," he says, using his hands-free-kit. 

"Good morning," Steve says, sounding very cheerful. Connor checks the time and notices that it is almost five PM South African time, making it almost eight AM American time. "How is the sunny Cape Town treating you?" 

"The sun is good," Connor says with a smile. "How is DC? Still snowing?" 

"Yes, well, we can't all be in a sunny retreat to doin' business, now can we?" Steve says with a chuckle. "Have you met up with the contact already?"

"Yeah," Connor says. "I just left the base."

"Good," Steve says. "I don't want to know the details over the phone. The line is not secure, but Natasha will be joining you shortly with more information, so keep your schedule open." 

"Sure," Connor says.

"In the mean time," Steve says, sounding like he was smiling. "Have a little fun out there. Go surfing, take in a movie or a show." Connor chuckles and so does Steve.

"Okay," Connor says. "I will relax tonight, but tomorrow I will be back on the job." 

"Good," Steve says, adding. "There will be a conference call tonight. I will forward you with details later. First I need to go for a steam." Connor and Steve say their good-byes.

Connor pulls up at the B&B and sees a car standing in the front. The style of the vehicle screamed Matthew Gabriels. With a grunt, Connor exits his car and walks in the front door. Connor finds Matthew in his iPhone, scrolling social media, as per the reflection in the window behind him. Matthew looks up and his face cracks into a smile at the sight of Connor.

"Mr. Deveroux," Matthew says, standing up to greet him. Connor fakes a smile and greets back.

"Out for a drive I see," Matthew says as Connor tries to escape.

"Yes," Connor says, turning back to face him. "I wanted mobility, so I got myself a car. Tomorrow I will be seeing the sights and maybe the coast." Connor turns to walk away again.

"Well, you should take a local with you," Matthew says, stopping Connor from leaving. "Cape Town is beautiful, but can also be very dangerous when you don't know your way around." The smugness in Matthew's voice made Connor's stomach turn.

"I do know my way around, Mr. Gabriels," Connor says, facing Matthew once again.

"And still you got hurt," Kristin's voice intervenes, bringing both men's attention to her as she enters the room. She was wearing a long, off the shoulder, red velvet dress, with a slit on her left leg, reaching her thigh. She had her hair up with strands loosely hanging down, displaying her statuesque neck with the diamond necklace and dangling ear-rings. Her face glowed as she makes eye contact with Connor. His eyes feasted on her appearance, leaving him speechless. She then gives him a confused look as she steps towards him.

"Where is your plaster?" She asks, reaching up to his eye. Connor allows her to investigate his face as he stares down at her in awe. 

"I heal fast," he says with a smile. "You look beautiful." Kristin makes eye contact and she smiles back, as she takes a step away from him. 

"Thank you," she whispers. 

"We need to get going," Matthew says, walking to the door. "You know how impatient father can get, if we are late." Kristin glances at Matthew and Connor follows her gaze. 

"I will be out for the evening, but you can contact Gabriella should you need anything," Kristin says, reaching for his hand. She places a piece of paper in it and grabs a shawl from a drawer in the living room, as she leaves. She stops at the door and turns back to Connor.

"Good night, Mr. Deveroux," she says and walks out the door, closing it behind her.

"Connor," Connor says, but she already left. "Call me Connor." He whispers with a smile. 

"Hey, Mr. Deveroux!" Blake says as he hurriedly passes Connor. He was wearing his running gear, getting his iPod ready.

"Blake!" Connor calls and he turns back to face Connor. The look Blake gives Connor seems familiar, but he is unable to place where he has seen it before. "Where are you going?"

"For a run," Blake says gesturing to the front door.

"I know that," Connor says. "I was wondering if I could join you. I don't know if you heard what happened to me this morning, but I would like to avoid a similar incident, and still get my exercise." Blake eyes Connor from head to toe before answering. 

"Maybe you should got to a gym," Blake says. "I get pretty intense on my work-outs." Connor chuckles and Blake smiles.

"I think I can handle it," Connor says still smiling. "Besides I heal fast." Blake allows his gaze to flash over the older man once again and shrugs.

"It's your funeral," Blake says with a nod and begins to stretch his legs. Connor runs up to his room and gets into his running gear. 

Kristin's POV

"Please just make a turn and check up on him," Kristin says, speaking to Gabriella on her cell phone. Her irritation clear and she feels Matthew's eye on her. They have been waiting for his father to return from his late meeting with some military officials, and she felt a bit hungry. When she becomes hungry, she gets very testy. 

Matthew has refreshed her gin and tonic for the second time now, and Kristin was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol on her empty stomach as well as her senses.

"Fine!" Gabriella says, equally irritated. "I will babysit your American guest, but you will owe me." 

"Thank you," Kristin says with a sigh of relief. "Chat later." She drops the call and places her cell phone back on her pouch. 

"Everything okay now?" Matthew asks, passing her fourth drink to her. Kristin takes it, but does not drink it. 

"Yes," she says and stand up to look at the beautiful view of the sunset behind the mountain. She feels Matthew behind her and she wants to run away, but stops herself. 

"You look amazing tonight," Matthew says, placing a kiss on her bear shoulder. She cringes at his touch but tries not to show him. 

"How long is he going to be?" Kristin asks, moving away from him. Matthew grabs her wrist and pulls her back into his arms. His arousal was easily felt through her dress as he presses himself up against her. Matthew's eyes was fixated on her lips and his hands firm on her hips. 

"I know a way we can keep busy," he says and bends down to kiss her. 

"Master Gabriels," the butler stops Matthew before he places his lips on hers. Matthew snarls angrily and turns towards the servant. 

"What!?" Matthew shouts.

"Your father insists that you and your wife proceed without him to the restaurant," the butler says. "He is still busy and does not know what time he will finish." 

Matthew moves away from Kristin, saying, "Fine, then get the car ready for us." 

"Very well, sir," the butler says and leaves them alone.

"What a waste of my time!" Matthew says preparing another drink for him. "We could have eaten by now. That man is in sufferable."

"I thought we were going to be alone tonight," Kristin says, adding, "so, why are we waiting for him?" Matthew shoots her a look and downs his drink.

"He said that he had important news for me," Matthew says, placing his empty glass on the bar. "You know how he gets when I ignore his requests." Kristin nods, knowing that ever since Blake has been born, Matthew and his father were as thick as thieves. Which she found strange, as Matthew and his father never saw eye-to-eye before that and always seemed to be at each other's throats. 

"Let's go," Matthew says, extending his hand towards her. Kristin walks towards him, places her drink on the bar and then walks out the door, with Matthew following. 

Connor's POV

Exhausted but grateful for the push, Connor and Blake return back to the B&B, dripping in sweat and breathless. Blake goes straight to the fridge and grabs two water bottles. Blake places one in front of Connor. 

"Thanks," Connor says and opens his. Blake nods and does the same. They finish their water in silence.

"I thought you were going to die," Blake said with a smile, adding, "when I took you up the hill." Connor chuckles and shakes his head. 

"I almost did!" Connor says, still smiling. Blake laughs. "You were out to kill me! I see you!"

"Here you are!" Gabriella makes an appearance from inside the B&B. Connor and Blake both give her a shocked look. She stops in her tracks and mirrors the look they give her. 

"Aunty?" Blake says. 

"You look," she says and stops herself. Connor looks at Blake and then back at his sister. 

"Are you okay?" Connor asks and makes his way to her. "Maybe you should sit down." Connor guides her to the nearest chair. Blake assists him. Gabriella looks from Blake to Connor in silence.

"Why are you here, aunty?" Blake speaks again. 

"Your mother said I need to check on him," she says and points at Connor accusingly. "After what happened this morning, she was afraid he might get into trouble once again." She notices his eye is fully healed. "You're healed!" Gabriella exclaims. 

"It's a miracle!" Connor says with a smile. 

"Hallelujah!" Blake exclaims with his hands and arms in the air. Gabriella frowns at them both and stands up from the chair.

"You are not going to make me crazy!" Gabriella says, waving a finger at the both of them. "You look fine and so do you," Gabriella says looking from one to the other. "I am leaving. There is food in the oven for the both of you." Blake moves to the oven as his aunt takes her bag from the counter.

"Gabriella!" Connor calls after her.

"Mmm, tomato food!" Blake exclaims as he takes out his plate. Gabriella beams Blake lovingly.

"I was hoping we could go out to eat," Connor says softly, as he towers over her. She eyes Connor curiously for seconds and then shakes her head.

"I don't date customers," she says and places her bag's strap on her shoulder.

"It is not a date," Connor says and pulls a face, adding, "I just wanted to hang out, maybe dress-up and hit the bars in Long street?" 

"Aunty's got a date! Aunty's got a date!" Blake sings and both Connor and Gabriella shoot him a look. Connor smiles at him and turns back to his sister. 

"It is not a date, I promise," Connor says. "You remind me of my sister, and I kinda miss her, so I thought it would be fun. So, can I pick you up later?" Gabriella eyes him for seconds and then nods. Connor's smile broadens. "Okay. I will hit the shower and see you in an hour? We can grab something to eat first and then pub crawl afterwards." 

"Make it two hours," Gabriella says. "A lady needs time to beautify herself properly for a night out."

"Sure," Connor says and Gabriella leaves them with a nod and a smile.

"Smooth, Mr. Deveroux," Blake says, in-between bites of his food. "Very, smooth." 

"It's not a date," Connor says and leaves the kitchen to go to his room.

Two and a half hours later, Connor and Gabriella walk into a restaurant by the name of Aubergine Restaurant, on Barnet Street, near the gardens in Cape Town. The sun was still busy setting and the city was buzzing. They are escorted to their table and sat down. Gabriella looked stunning in her black, wrap-around dress and silver sandals. Her hair was up in a bun and her make-up was impeccable. Connor also loved his black, and was wearing a pair of black, breathable, slim-fit slacks, dark grey cotton shirt and his black biker, leather jacket over his arm. He smiles at his sister as the waiter brings their menus. 

"This place is nice," Gabriella says after the waiter brings their drinks. 

"Have you been here before?" Connor asks, reaching for his drink. Gabriella shakes her head. Connor smiles after taking a sip of his brandy and says, "Neither have I." They both chuckle.

"So, what is her name?" Gabriella asks. "Your sister."

"Grace," Connor says, averting his eyes. 

"Oh, is she also in America?" Gabriella asks. 

"No," Connor says, adding, "She is in Brazil, working the under-privileged kids. We both have hectic schedules, thus we don't see each other as we want." Gabriella eyes him curiously. "Did I say something wrong?" he asks.

"I was going to do that," she says, adding, "but things didn't work out that way." She casts her eyes down as sadness fills them. 

"Why?" Connor asks, hoping she would speak of their mother. "What happened?" Gabriella shakes her head, as if wanting to forget all the pain.

"I don't want to talk about it," she says, and Connor feels disappointed. "I lost my father and my brother in almost one swoop," Gabriella says, bringing Connor's attention back to her. "My dad, died of cancer almost twenty years ago. That was, for me, one of the most traumatic experiences of my life. My brother promised me that he would take care of us. But then, he joined the army and left us alone here, with no protection. It wasn't easy for my mother, but she held on and with the help of the Stevens clan, we held our heads above water. Johnny's cheques began rolling in and we were doing well again. The next year Johnny died." Gabriella begins to shed some tears. "It was horrible. We were all waiting for him to return and tell him everything about Blake and Kristin, but instead a messenger from the military came to see us. It killed my mother, losing Johnny. I believe a part of her died that day." Gabriella reaches for her tissues in her bag and wipes her eyes. "But no-one was prepared for Kristin's breakdown. When she heard about Johnny, she collapsed and almost never got back up again. Blake is the sole reason that she is still with us. She went somewhere, in her mind, and stayed there for a long while."

"And your mother?" Connor asks, concern in his voice. "What happened to her?"

"Ma, had to buck-up," Gabriella says. "We all had to. For Blake." Connor pulls a face at the mention of Blake's name. 

"I don't understand," Connor begins to ask and the waiter returns with their first course.

"I'm sorry," Gabriella says and stands up clutching her bag. "I will just go freshen up." Connor stands up as she walks away to the ladies room. 

'Why were they all fussing over Blake at the announcement of his death?' Connor thought as she sits back down. 'And what did he need to learn about Kristin and Blake?' Connor finishes his drink in frustration. He needs to find out more.

Connor looks around the room, looking for his sister, when an eye-catching red dress comes into his focus. There sat Kristin, looking miserable and sad, two tables away in a booth. Connor strains his neck and searches for Matthew, but sees him nowhere. Connor looks back at her and the expression on her face makes him feel bad. 

"Again, sorry about that," Gabriella says, as she returns to their table, looking better. "Emotions got the better of me." She frowns at the sight of his face. "What's wrong?" She asks him and follows his gaze. "Oh, no." 

"I don't Matthew anywhere," Connor says, looking around the restaurant again.

"He always does this," Gabriella says and gets up once again. Connor grabs her arm.

"Where are you going?" He asks her.

"I'm going over there," she says, making it sound as if he was the irrational one.

"Why?" he asks in a low whisper. Gabriella pulls a face and looks at Kristin, who began sipping on her soup. 

"She needs our help," she says and tugs away. 

"No she doesn't," Connor says, hearing Logan in his voice. Gabriella must have heard it as well, as the look she gave him was a mixture of confusion and shock. 

"Well, hello, Gabriella," Matthew says and Connor releases her wrist. "You clean up nicely. oh, and Mr. Deveroux, you're here as well. How lovely." 

"Matthew," both Gabriella and Connor says simultaneously. They make eye contact.

"Come, please join us," Matthew says, gesturing to the table Kristin is sitting at. Connor looks at the table and finds Kristin eyeing both him and Gabriella. 

"We would like to be alone, Matt," Connor says, again hearing Logan in his voice. "Gabriella and I are getting to know each other."

"Oh, so you are on a date?" Matthew asks, shooting Gabriella a look. 

"Take you mind out of the gutter, Matthew," Gabriella says, with venom. "He knows how to treat a lady." 

"You are no lady," Matthew says softly and Connor gets up.

"How dare you insult my lady friend, Mr. Gabriels!" Connor says and towers over Matthew. His body exuding manliness. "Maybe you should leave!" Connor takes a step towards Matthew. The smell of alcohol prominently coming from Matthew.

"Connor, no," Gabriella says, reaching for his arm. "He is not worth it." Connor backs-up at the touch of her hand on his upper arm. 

"Matthew," Kristin's voice breaks the awkward stares the men give each other. Matthew looks at Kristin and Connor notices Kristin's hand touching Matthew's upper arm. She holds his gaze as she speaks again. "Come back to the table. Can't you see they are on a date? Let's leave them alone." Kristin smiles and Matthew places a kiss on her cheek. The mere action sickens Connor.

"Okay," Matthew says and allows Kristin to lead him away. Connor watches as Kristin carefully helps Matthew back to his seat and coaxes him into eating something.

"That man is drunk," Connor comments as both he and Gabriella sit back down. 

"He gets drunk from time to time," Gabriella says. "He messes around as well." Connor shoots her a look. "Kristin knows. The world knows about his indiscretions, but she stays." Connor looks back at Kristin and she makes eye contact with him. Her eyes sad.

"That is not the woman I argued with this morning," Connor says.

"She is different around him," Gabriella says. "This morning when you fought, I saw the old Kristin. Hot and spicy." Gabriella gives a little chuckle. "You brought that side out of her. A side of her that I haven't seen in such a long while. I thought that part of her died with Logan years ago." Connor smiles at Gabriella and glances back at Matthew and Kristin, before focussing on his meal. 

Connor and Gabriella finish their meal and make a turn at Matthew and Kristin's table before leaving. 

"Do you want us to help you get him home?" Gabriella asks, eyeing Connor over her shoulder. 

"That will not be necessary, thank you," Kristin says softly. Matthew has lost consciousness, and was sleeping on the table. 

"Don't be ridiculous!" Connor says in frustration. "The man is out cold! Let us help you." Kristin shoots Connor a look and bites her bottom lip. He could see by her eyes that she wanted to give him a piece of her mind. Kristin then slowly gets up, holding Connor's gaze.

"I can handle my own problems, Mr. Deveroux," She whispers angrily. She looks at Gabriella and then the rest of the restaurant before focusing on Connor once again. "I don't need your help." Connor looks at her with contempt for seconds before reaching down to Matthew and lifting him up over his shoulder.

"Where is your car?" Connor asks and Kristin looks at him in horror. Gabriella begins to giggle as she walks to the front door. Kristin and Connor followed with Matthew. 

Connor places Matthew in the backseat of the car and gives Gabriella his car keys, instructing her to follow him. 

"I can drive!" Kristin says.

"How will you come home?" Connor asks.

"I will stay over," Kristin says.

"Huh-uh!" Gabriella says behind Connor and he smiles, with a shrug.

"My date has spoken!" Connor says and climbs into Matthew's car. Kristin gives a giggling Gabriella a stern look before joining Connor in Matthew's car.

"What are you doing?" Connor asks her.

"Do you know where he lives?" Kristin asks and Connor opens his mouth to speak, only to close it again, realizing that he was not supposed to know this. Kristin gives him a sarcastic smile and buckles her seat belt, saying, "Exactly. I will direct you." 

They drive in silence until half way up the N1 heading south. 

"I'm sorry to have messed up your date," Kristin says softly. Connor eyes her sideways, not losing focus off the road. She looked awkward. 

"It's not a date," Connor says. "I just needed to let loose a bit and after this morning, I felt like doing it with a local." He glances her way before speaking again. "I wanted to take you, but you had other plans." 

"That would have been inappropriate, anyway," Kristin says. "I am married."

"According to Gabriella, your husband needs to learn the same discipline," Connor says.

"Yes, well," Kristin says, "Matthew always lived by his own rules. He will never change." Kristin points to the next exit and says, "Turn left at the exit." 

"Why do you stay?" Connor asks, as they stand at a red light. "Do you like living like this?" He asks, looking at her, but Kristin says nothing, until they drive again. 

"Contrary to what people may think, Matthew and I are not married as the traditional couple should be," Kristin says. "We have an arrangement. Turn right at the stop and follow the road till you reach a cul-de-sac." 

Connor did not want to know the intimate details of their marriage and decided to refrain from asking more questions. Instead he helps the butler usher Matthew inside, while Kristin helped get him into bed. Her attention to detail and care stood out as she carefully places her drunk husband into bed. She catches Connor looking at her, but says nothing. There was no sign of his father as they entered and left, leaving Connor to wonder where the old man was. Gabriella waited for them outside and soon they left the Gabriels' mansion, heading home for the night. Kristin sat in the back and in Connor's view as he looked up each time. She avoided making eye contact.

Within an hour Connor dropped off Gabriella and was making his way to Kristin's Cottage. They enter the house in silence and Kristin removes her heels.

"Coffee?" Kristin asks as she walks to the kitchen. "I'm having tea." 

Connor watches as she prances around the kitchen bear feet and smiles. 

"No," Connor says, checking his watch. "it's getting late. I better hit the hay." 

Kristin stops and turns back to look at him. Her expression at peace. "Okay," she says. "Thank you, for helping me. I do appreciate it." 

Connor nods with a smile and leaves. He makes his way to his room, feeling odd. The nights events had him asking more questions than finding answers. The night was supposed to be filled with fun and pleasure, but instead took Connor down a painful memory lane. As much as he did not want to know the intimate details of Kristin and Matthew's marriage, he finds himself wanting to know everything that led up to the nights events and all that comes with it. Be it pain and sadness, he did not care. 

Connor then makes a promise, to himself, to find out everything that happened between Matthew and Kristin in his absence, from the moment he humiliated her at his father's funeral to date.