Chapter Thirteen

“Yes?” questioned the woman, practically naked before her eyes.

She was definitely a city-bred brunette, conveying glitz and glamour.

“I’m here...I’m here to see Nathan,” Catherine stammered, feeling as though her body was sedated. Her words strangled her throat as disbelief mounted.

“I’m sorry. Nathan is sound asleep. I don’t think I should wake him after all that the poor darling has experienced. It wouldn’t be fair. You know of his ordeal, don’t you?” Her voice was high-pitched and well spoken. “I suggest you come back and clean another time. I’m sorry, but he’s quite traumatized.”

Catherine turned without a word and walked away, hearing the distant sound of the door clicking into a lock behind her. Previous happiness emptied from her world. Her nerves jumped in reflection of her heart. All spirit was erased, leaving the crush of his deceitful ambush. She made her way toward her car and her zombie-like mood overshadowed any logic.

She slipped into the driver’s seat. It was some time before the key found the ignition. Onlookers would conclude she had deep troubles. She willed herself to stop shaking and tried to take controlled breaths, except they weren’t controlled. She gasped in desperation, trying to stop the detestable assault to her nervous system.

She steered the car out of the parking lot, the tires screeching over the tarred surface.

Periodic waves of nauseousness coiled through her stomach. Her car skidded as it hit the gravel on the side of the road along Oxley beach. She slammed to a sudden stop.

A black void crawled inside, filling her with heartache, digging deeper and deeper, making it impossible for any rational thoughts or movements whatsoever. The shock of seeing a woman—that woman—wearing nothing but a tiny, black, lacy number was an unexpected onslaught to her senses. How could she compete with that? Catherine didn’t think she could match a city girl’s standards—all polished to perfection.

She couldn’t believe Nathan had actually been sleeping with another woman while he was…that thought dragged a sickening feeling from her stomach to her throat, and she swallowed, trying to ward off the sour taste. It was then she realized she really didn’t know Nathan that well at all.

She closed her eyes in an effort to put everything into perspective, but it didn’t improve her hopeless situation. His words were nothing but beautiful lies, sweeteners—making everything seem appealing, making her feel wonderful in his arms. It was a treacherous ploy to exploit her and Airways.

She called Airways on her mobile phone.

“Pete, I’m...not coming in...today. If anything crops up, I’ll be at home,” she sputtered.

“What’s the matter, Cat? Are you okay?”

“You know me, Pete. Always okay.” She thanked him and hung up.

Her stomach knotted with nauseousness. It burned, as though burning away a gaping hole in there that was growing larger and larger. She scrambled over and opened the passenger door just in time.

She vomited.

It was some time before she moved, some time before she pulled her car back onto the road and headed toward home.

Rain struck her windshield with full force as she drove around Pacific Drive. Day turned into darkness, and heavy clouds blotted out the sun. Her heart swam in her very own silent world of bleakness.

Vapor obscured her sight to a dangerous level as she squinted through the windshield. Her right hand slid back and forth on the glass, making visibility a little clearer. Her fingers clung tighter to the steering wheel. Before long, her vision blurred, jolting her to realize the problem. She turned on the wipers and the demister, then set the fan on high as the downpour intensified. Her gaze rested over the streetlights, her body quivering in pain.

Barely having enough energy to turn the steering wheel into her driveway or climb out of the car made matters worse. The torrential rain pelted down. She made a dash, or so she thought, and arrived beside her front door completely saturated.

Her fingers slipped with the key numerous times before lodging it to turn in the lock. The door sprung open with a shove, and she unintentionally slammed it behind her.

In the first instance, rushing to the bathroom flashed through her mind. Her body rejected that idea, and she slid down, her back resting on the door, before she folded into a crouching position. She dropped her head between her knees.

“Nathan, you deceived me! Why, oh why?” she screamed, as if wanting the entire world to hear her pain.

“Don’t you know I love you so very much?” She sobbed and continued letting her pain escape, letting the crucifying torment take its path.

She didn’t know how long she had been on the floor. As she lifted her head, she glanced toward the window and noticed nightfall had settled in. The rain persisted. Drawing herself up to stand, she endeavored to call out.

“Alexis? Alexis, mummy is home.”

* * * *

She felt washed out by the after effects of a sleeping tablet she had taken the night before, but it was the numbing feeling that was unrelenting. She sipped on a strong, black coffee. Having a motive for taking the tablet dwelled in her mind. With continual assurance, one wouldn’t do any damage, and it made her feel a little better. After all, the doctor had prescribed them twelve months previously, and he asked her if she needed any more.

Her eyes, lifeless and dull, kept a continual gaze through the glass doors as the first hint of golden daylight rose over the ocean. She was willing to share Airways with Nathan, willing to do anything he wanted. Maybe marriage, children. How stupid. What a fool she was to trust the man. Letting her guard down was the worst possible thing she could have done.

The distant sound of the weather report on the radio stated it would be a hot, dry day—with temperatures soaring into the high thirties—had her ears pricking to attention. She needed to feel the salt spray on her face and the wind rushing around her body.

* * * *

Pulling up at the Marina, she stepped from her car and walked toward the catamaran. She untied the ropes and tossed them aboard before jumping on deck.

The catamaran roared up the river, toward the channel, and opening out into the sea.

The sky resembled her heart—gray, clouded, and miserable. That cloud would lift, according to the weather forecast. Her feelings, according to the emotional forecast, would lift as well. It was only a matter of time. The ultimate question was how would she survive during that time?

As she left the enclosure of the channel, the catamaran cut through two-meter waves with ease, before engaging at a faster speed and venturing further out to sea.

When she cut the engine and dropped anchor, she couldn’t get the woman out of her mind. It was apparent that she was much older than Catherine—older and wiser. She sat on a bench and leaned over the edge of the catamaran, her hands propping up her chin.

Where did she go from here? She shouldn’t have let that brick wall down, providing easy access for Nathan to chisel it away, and allowing him to make a direct hit on her heart. She didn’t see it coming, didn’t see the signs. She should have left the damn man in the mountains or dumped him overboard that day on the Cruise Cat. Damn him!

Tears filled her eyes, sprinkling down her face. The dream of making a home, having babies, and a blissful marriage had ended. Never will she let the charms of one male entice her, again. She will fight Mister Alexander to the death. His share of Airways will be hers. She had no intentions of giving up until she gave him the best fight ever recorded in the history of mankind.

You have a battle on your hands, Mister Alexander.

* * * *

Earlier that day.

Nathan dialed Catherine’s phone number, and the answering machine clicked on.

“You have reached Catherine Berg. Just leave your name and a short message, and I will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.”

The sound of her voice wooed his heart, which frustrated him further. He hung up without leaving a message, and then dialed her mobile.

He cursed under his breath.

“Still can’t get through?”

“No, Rebecca. I don’t know where she is. It’s not like her. Something must have happened.”

“If she really loves you, she won’t be too far. Take it from a woman.” Rebecca walked toward the lounge chair and sat down.

“Why don’t you ring Airways? As you said, she might be busy.”

Nathan took a hurried glance at his sister. Then, acting on her advice, he punched in the number.

“Good Morning. Airways.”

“Hey, Pete. Morning to you. Have you seen Catherine this morning?”

“No, Matey. She rang earlier and said she wasn’t coming in. She didn’t sound too sparkie. She might be coming down with a cold or something. Hey, how’s the crutches?”

“Getting some practice before my old age.” He let out a low chuckle. I can’t stand not being able to get around properly. Anyhow, thanks Pete. Catch up with you soon, I hope.” He took a deep breath and let it go before ending the call.

“No luck?”

“No. Becky, she’s disappeared. I really wanted you to meet her. You would love her.”

“I know how much she means to you. Give it time. She probably had to attend to something urgent and left her mobile at home.”

* * * *

Catherine pulled the Cruise Cat into the Marina with ease, bringing it toward the dock, and then sprang from her seat and ran down the steps to secure it to the wharf. She headed toward her car, jumped in, started the ignition, and veered the car up and around Pacific Drive.

The blue of the ocean was even bluer, with perfect waves. She glanced at the clock on the dashboard and didn’t realize morning had shifted into afternoon so quickly. She was out on the Cruiser longer than she anticipated.

When she arrived home, she checked the answering machine…nothing. Proof that he was never interested in her. What a con—a damn plot.

Drifting into the kitchen, she found Alexis curled up and sound asleep.

All afternoon she tried to keep busy but failed. She missed Nathan—missed his face, his touch. A part of her had died. She knew it would take time to heal, but how could she heal when half of her was missing? Which meant only half would heal…what about the other half?

Crawling into bed earlier than she normally would seemed the better option, but it only left her tossing and turning through maddening dreams the entire night.

* * * *

The annoying buzz from the telephone triggered the first signs of a tension headache. Catherine was at her wit’s end dealing with delays, inquiries, and hiring aircrafts. If Nathan was sincere, he would be helping her. She stopped in her thoughts. Nathan wanted the entire company, and now he’s not around to even attempt to do his share.

Something wasn’t right. She let out a sigh. She knew that. Something big wasn’t right, and that was his deceitful mind and deceitful ways. She shook her head. It meant she had to undertake what she had started out doing…alone.

By twelve o’clock, the incoming calls had slowed. She stood to make some coffee before sifting through paperwork and the morning mail. Then, she noticed an account was paid in full. Her lips parted. She didn’t pay this one. Especially for five thousand dollars! It’s got to be a mistake. She dialed her local branch at the bank.

“Yes, it’s Catherine Berg. I would like you to check the Macquarie Airways account. I would like to know the current balance and the last few transactions. Thank you. Yes, I know I can do it through phone or internet banking. I prefer to deal with someone directly.”

After she gave the woman her account number and details, they placed her on hold. Music played in the background. Listening to the words triggered a swell of emotions that rose to the surface. That’s how I much I love you. I will give you my heart, my soul. She jerked the telephone away from her ear until she heard a small squeak emerging from the woman on the other end.

“Miss Berg.”

“Yes. Sorry.”

“You paid that account four days ago, and you also paid the balance of the loan on the Cruise Cat and…you have no debts. Everything is cleared.”

“Are you sure?”

“It has been paid. I can check who made the payment.”

“Yes, thank you.” It would be a dream of a lifetime to have the funds to pay off such a vast sum of debt.

“Miss Berg, I have it here. Mister Alexander, a lawyer from Sydney, took care of it. Miss Berg, that’s over $300,000.00.”

“Thank you very much.” As she replaced the receiver, numbness seeped through her body. Nathan…when, why? What for? I now own the Cat and…I can’t. I just can’t accept it. I don’t need his money. How dare he?

The sound of a woman’s voice coming from outside prompted her to stand and walk toward the window. She stood on her tiptoes to peek.

Sucking in a slow breath, she saw Nathan struggling with his crutches. The woman who she saw at his apartment was sitting in the car apparently not in the slightest bit disturbed by Nathan’s inability to walk or use the crutches properly.

She frantically glanced around for a quick escape. There was none, so she quietly slipped into her chair.

The sound of his crutches clicking on the cement just outside the door marked his proximity. Alarm bells screeched in her mind as she sought to gain composure. She may have camouflaged her exterior, but her heart was no longer existent. It was mutilated by emotional stress.

“Catherine, where have you been?” It wasn’t a question. It was a low, infuriated scowl.

She glanced up. Nathan rested on the architrave of the doorway.

“I tried to ring you yesterday.”

“I was obviously busy. I did check my answering machine last night, and there were no messages.”

“What has gotten into you?”

“I’ve had a change of plans. Nothing to get so hostile over. Especially in your present condition.”

“What do you mean? What…you know I love you.”

“How can you possibly say that?” This man has lost it well and truly. He has a girlfriend. What did her take her for? Did he expect them to share?

“You rescued me, because you love me. I know that much.”

“I rescued you…I rescued you, because…I didn’t want you leaving your share of Airways to a stranger. Heaven knows who you have in that will of yours. Having another complete stranger prance in here and demand their share is not what I want.”

His face paled, and a sickening feeling rose to her throat. Why did she say that? “Oh, one more thing. I’ll be paying you back for the accounts and whatever else you took on your behalf to pay.”

“Consider it a wedding gift, without the wedding.” The snap in his voice and his barbed tone informed her that he was more than just annoyed.

“You’ve got to be kidding.” She shook her head.

“Something is not right. We spoke of marriage…we—”

“You spoke of marriage. Just because I slept with you doesn’t necessarily mean we would ever get married.” She pressed her lips together to stop them from quivering.

“Don’t think I will sell Airways. As I said, I owe it to your father, and I will do whatever it takes to keep it. Did you hear me? Whatever it takes.” A grim line of determination set over his lips. He turned and hobbled out.

Dropping back into her chair, she closed her eyes. Her body fought against an internal tremor, which finally burst through her concealment, reducing her to tears.

Oh, come off it, girl. Not again. She seemed to be a teary-eyed, bungling mess lately. Whatever happened to that strong, confident woman? He’s a mere fish in this big, wide world. She couldn’t let one spoil what she had. She couldn’t let him spoil the good in her.

The purr of his car drifted away into the distance. She picked up a set of keys, pushed herself to her feet, and walked out. She headed to the last hangar, to her father’s office.

After unlocking the door and stepping in, she breathed in the musty odor that inhabited the small room. She hesitated and scanned the office. Photographs of the flying competitions she’d entered and won remained on the wall, along with numerous photos of her father, and she remembered every single one of them.

She traced her fingers lightly over his desk, leaving a trail of fingerprints in the dust. As she slipped into his chair, she could have sworn she felt his presence beside her. She toyed with the pens and flipped through a magazine.

A strange urgency to clean and air out the office rose up within her. She opened the window, picked up a cloth, and began dusting. She hesitated before turning on the radio, humming along with a tune and cleaning everything in sight.

When she’d finished, she slid one of the bottom drawers out and pulled out an envelope. Her name was scrawled across the front, written in her father’s handwriting. She tore open the envelope and started to read.

Dearest Catherine.

I want you to know how much I love you and always have. No one knows what the future holds, my darling daughter. You could have possibly sorted things out by now. But just in case you are wondering why, this is the reason for my letter.

I know you loved Nathan Alexander from the very start. It’s because of that love you never formed any relationship with any other man. I could see how much you suffered when he left to go to Sydney. You withdrew to a certain extent. Leaving half of the company to Nathan was the only way I could bring him back to you. He’s a good man, and I know he’d look after you well.

Now, it’s up to you to fulfill all your dreams.

Love always,

Your loving father

Catherine brushed teardrops from the letter and sniffled. You scheming old thing. Thank you for your kind words. Nathan and I are friends now, even though I don’t see him. It was kind of you to bring him to me.

Shivers worked in slow motion up her spine. It was true. Everything Nathan had suspected was true. Perhaps she’d been a little careless in saying she’d take him to court. It confirmed Nathan hadn’t been lying to her. He’d been sweet, kind, and caring, and she tossed it all back at him. What a downright bitch!

She continued cleaning in silence, thinking of her father’s letter. If only circumstances were different. She still loved Nathan after all that had happened; however, she would never be the one to step in on another woman. She could have stood her ground, found out why he’d done this to her, but what was the use? Why go off in an emotional outburst when it wouldn’t help the situation? She wasn’t about to give Nathan the satisfaction of knowing how much he had hurt her.

Two hours later, she had the office sparkling. She stood back and recognized that this is how it always was and now how it will always be. She wanted her father alive, and she intended to have it that way as much as possible.

She left with the letter tucked under her arm, leaving his office unlocked.

* * * *

Nathan organized a builder to undertake the restoration of Windy Rock Pub, and Rebecca returned home to Sydney. After six weeks, the plaster cast was off his ankle, and he found getting around much better. He had healed very well, although Catherine was relentlessly right in the center of his heart and mind, which hadn’t even begun to heal.

Numerous times, he forced himself away from the telephone, finding it a battle not to dial her number. To hear her voice once more would be a blessing. Nevertheless, she had made it clear. He was never in those little plans of hers, and he had to respect her feelings.

He would never find another Catherine. Even upon completion of the Windy Rock deal, he was positive she would have been beside him. He had images of her sitting on the balcony beside him, sipping wine and the sound of the gushing river in front of them.

His hunger for her was driving him insane.

* * * *

Catherine held the letter nervously in her fingertips. It slipped away, fluttering face down onto the floor.

Pete paused by the edge of the doorway. “Runaway letter,” he called as she bent to retrieve it. “That face certainly speaks a picture.”

“Ummm.” He walked over and pulled out a chair. Before he sat down, he reached over and took the paper from her hand.

“That Cheyenne was in excellent condition. Wasn’t it, Pete?”

He scanned the document in his hand. “What the? There is no way anything was wrong with that aircraft.”

“Did you do an overhaul when they returned it?”

“Not exactly. I was going to deal with it this week.” He shook his head. “I left it in the hangar. It was late in the day when they brought it back. I inspected the interior, as well as the engine, but I didn’t do a thorough inspection.”

“Well, according to that letter, we have a trial hearing next week. They are going to take out legal proceedings against Macquarie Airways. That’s just great. We don’t have much time. I want you to give the aircraft a complete overhaul. Meanwhile, I’ll go see Adam and organize something. This is ridiculous.”

“What about Nathan? Don’t you think he should know?”

“No siree. It’s been seven weeks, and I don’t want him snooping around here. If he had any concern for Airways, don’t you think he would have at least shown some interest in the place? I don’t know what his game is. At first, he wanted a hands-on partner. Then, he didn’t want to sell out of respect for Dad.” She let out a nervous chuckle. “Then, one never sees the man. I think he’s better off left alone.”

“Cat, what about you? I thought you had feelings for him.”

She sniggered at his remark. “That word was thought…one terrible, mistaken thought. How wrong I was? I’m not interested in the man. I don’t want him to know about this letter. I’m a big girl, now. I can take care of my own concerns without having him jumping in and taking over.”

“All righty.” Pete nodded his head. “I’ll get right on to it. See what I can find out.”

“Thanks, Pete.”

* * * *

Catherine barged her way into Adam’s office before coming to a flustered halt.

“Adam. Is he in?”

The receptionist glanced up. “Miss Berg.”

“Can you tell Adam it’s urgent?” She was almost through the doorway before Adam had time to open it.

“Good Heavens, Cat. What’s the problem?”

“Look at this.” She clutched the letter in her hand, her arm swaying all over the place in protest. Adam reached for the paper.

“Heavens, girl. If you would hold it still for a moment.” Finally, he took hold of it by the corner. ”If you’d let it go, it would be nice to read it.”

“Oh…Ummm, sorry.” She let go of her grasp and sunk back into a chair behind her.

“It’s only an informal demand, Cat. We can respond. Let’s see.” He ran his finger down the page.

“Next week. That’s a bit soon, don’t you think?”

“Catherine, if the principals—that’s you and Mister Cabrero—cannot work things out, then it’s taken to the next stage—a formal litigation settlement discussion. That is, if you and the other party cannot work things out.”

“Adam, things won’t sort out. I’m not agreeing to anything Mister Cabrero has stated. I’m not settling anything, because there is nothing to settle. Airways is not at fault. Just look at what the man is insinuating. He said the aircraft wasn’t properly maintained, and he states he’s going to sue Macquarie Airways for at least $1,000,000.00. He’s got to be kidding.”

“Slow down, Catherine. It states they could have been injured. The engine of the aircraft was choking, spluttering, etc.”

“That aircraft is and has been in perfect condition.” She closed her eyes for an instant.

“Are you a hundred percent sure?”

“Yes, Adam. The aircraft had a hundred hourly not long ago, and Pete checked it over once more before it left. He’s going over it at this very moment. I don’t want...what is it…a pre-litigation settlement discussion. If they want to sue Airways, I’ll meet them in the courtroom.”

He peered at her above the rim of his spectacles.

“All right, then. I’ll get straight to it and see what they fire back at us. I’ll contact them by telephone.”

“I would appreciate that. Get this finalized. Who does he think he is? Just because he’s a very wealthy man doesn’t mean he can go around accusing people of things that they aren’t responsible for and giving Airways a bad name.”

“Okay, I’ll ring them this afternoon. As soon as I have feedback, I’ll get in touch. Does Nathan know about this?”

“No, and he’s not to. Okay?”

“Catherine?”

Glancing at Adam’s face, she knew he was against her decision. “I don’t see why he should know. I have not seen the man in seven weeks, seven long weeks. It’s quite obvious he hasn’t any interest in the company at all.”

“I’ll abide by your wishes.”

“Thanks, Adam. You’re a darling.” She stood. As she left the office, she knew another battle was about to erupt. At least this time her memory was intact.

It wasn’t long before she lifted the receiver in the office at Airways.

“Airways. Catherine Berg speaking.”

“Hi, Catherine. How are you doing?”

“Oh. Hello, Adam.”

“The courts are pretty full up here in Port. It is set for a hearing in Newcastle.”

“That’s fine with me. When?”

“It’s next Monday.”

“Well, I haven’t been to Newcastle for a long time. I might do some shopping while I’m down there.” She chuckled.

“Catherine, this is serious. It’s not a laughing matter.”

“I know, but as I said, I have nothing to hide.”

* * * *

Catherine and Adam stood outside on the pavement of a busy city street. It was much cooler than she had anticipated, and a thicker jacket would have been more comfortable.

They made their way into an older style brick building toward the elevator. An onset of tension worked its way through her body the moment she stepped from the lift and entered a small room.

To her left, Mister Cabrero was sitting with his wife, the pilot, and his two children. She hastily flicked her gaze toward Adam as she followed him and sat opposite.

A mumble of voices and shuffling sounds of paper broke the strained silence, until two men entered and sat at the head of the table.

One hour later, Catherine felt drained and defeated, but she was never one to give up.

“Miss Berg, when was the last time the aircraft had been taken out for a flight?”

“It was about eight or maybe nine months ago.”

“Well, I would say that is a long time for an aircraft of that age to remain sitting.”

“That is not unusual. As I said, it always had its services. It wasn’t as though it was neglected.” She swallowed a nervous lump in her throat. After two solid hours, there were no stepping stones, either forward or backward. She did not agree to their preposterous claims. Finally, after some reflection, they agreed to take the matter before a judge.