Stepping Stones, Chapter  3 (Chad/Kay)
by WillowsAngel
 
 

Stepping Stones-3
 

Julian just looked at Chad. Right now he could see the Crane in him so well. His son was standing tall and defiant, the bloody knuckles and split lip did not stop his from looking his father straight in the eye. His heart swelled with pride, his son. Conceived with a women he had loved, Chad was every bit as good of a man as Ethan was, better even. Julian only wished that Chad would let him make up for lost time.

"You called son." Julian watched as Chad's internal struggle played in his eyes. The pride fighting with the need…need for what? That is when Julian saw her, disheveled hair, red rimmed eyes and a bruise on her cheek.

"I need a place for my friend to stay, where no one can find her. " Chad hated asking Julian for anything, but Kay needed help and didn't know who else would take her in.

"You mean a place where the bastard who hit her can't reach her." Julian's voice held a controlled rage. He could not stand men who abused women, men like his father. He might be selfish, unkind, even cruel to the women in his life, he had never touched them. Even Ivy, whatever mutual hatred existed between them was always displayed verbally on a level playing field. He had watched Alistair treat his mother and sister like dirt too often.

Chad read Julian like a book. It seemed that his capacity for violence was another family trait.

"Exactly, I don't think he'll be doing anything very soon, but she needs to be safe."

Julian nodded. "Get your things, we're going now."

Chad turned back to Kay and picked up her bags. Kay followed nervously. She had heard too many Crane horror stories growing up to be comfortable with Julian.
 

As soon as everyone was seated and the driver had been given directions, Julian turned his attention to the girl. She had long brunette hair that almost hid big brown eyes encased in a thin frame. He hid a smile as she yawned. She had seated herself as far away from both of them, but the more often her eyes fluttered shut, the closer she seemed to be to his son. He frowned at the thought that he had as she fell asleep. Chad laid her down across the seat.

"Is she legal?"

"What the…" Chad's head shot up, ready for a fight until Julian interrupted him.

"It doesn't matter how innocent this is, we could both be in murky waters if she's under 18." Chad relaxed against the seat unconsciously running his fingers through Kay's hair.

"Everything is fine."

"So who is she?" Julian couldn't help it. She seemed so familiar and if he was right, his son has more than a friendly interest in her.

Chad hesitated, he knew Julian hated Sam Bennett and would see Kay as a pawn. On the other hand Julian might sympathize with her plight.

"Her name is Kay Bennett." Julian's eyes widened, and his choked on his scotch. This was the infamous Kay Bennett. This little scrap of nothing was the girl who had sold her soul to the devil for a crush?

"Kay Bennett? Son what are you doing with Kay Bennett."

Chad rubbed his face with his hands.

"It's a long story."

"This things always are." Julian nodded and sat back. He knew that Chad was surprised when he didn't press the issue. Julian mused in silence over Miss Bennett.
What would make a Bennett sell her soul, even her worthless uncle Hank never went that far? As a Crane he could appreciate risking everything for a goal, but even he had drawn a line. He sighed; the worst part of all this thinking was his conclusion that his son had seemed to deem himself Knight protector.

All that could wait. The car stopped and Julian stepped out. Chad appeared carrying Kay in his arms.
They were standing in front of a ragged looking cabin; it seemed too much like a lovers trysting place for Julian's comfort. He led the way inside.

The interior of the cabin gave off a warm and cozy glow. Julian lead Chad to a small bedroom decorated in delicate blues and lacy curtains. Chad carefully laid Kay on the four-post bed in the middle of the room.

"What is this place?" Chad was leery, this was so un-Crane like. In the living room he came across a photo of a women with a startling resemblance to Sheridan.

"That's my mother Catherine, your grandmother. This was her hideaway. She designed this place." Julian had to stop as he was assaulted with the promises that he had broken to his mother. "My father knows about the cabin's existence, but not about what is inside."

"She's beautiful." If he looked close enough, he could see small glimpses of her in Julian. He didn't want to look that close. It was easier just thinking of Julian as a monster.

"She was. She was an amazing women." Julian felt tears prick his eyes. This was no time to become emotional. Another time.

"We're about 15 minutes outside of Harmony, we're in the middle of a Crane property, so no one should be able to find her. The kitchen is fully stocked, as is the bathroom. The phone works, but is untraceable. Here is my number in case you need anything. How long will she be staying?"

Chad blinked, and then blinked again. He hadn't expected all his. He wasn't sure what Julian was up too, so he'd have to stay on guard.

"As long as she needs too, if it's ok." At Julian's nod he continued. "I'm staying here for the weekend, but I'll have to leave her alone all week. Can you make sure someone checks on her."

"Of course, she'll be well cared for." Julian's head was buzzing, Chad had just given him an opportunity to find out what Kay Bennett was up too. "Well, if there is anything else you need, let me know, I'm off."

Chad just stood there as Julian left, he didn't even hear the car leave. He was shocked at what had just taken place. It wasn't until he hear a door open did he turn around. Then he wished he hadn't.
He had been left alone with a scared, emotionally fragile, incredibly attractive young woman.

It was gonna be a long weekend.