INSTALLMENT 46  
 




Previously on APAT:


   Elizabeth and Lenore have an arguement over the photos Nico sent 
to Lenore.  Before they get too far, they are interrupted by an angry
Gerald Mitchell.  Gerald instantly charms Lenore, who invites him back to
her house for dinner.  As this occurs, Elizabeth prepares to tell her father
George about the photos.

  Katie and Henry had come face to face for the first time since breaking up. As
they make small talk, she is taunted by a classmate over her images on
the internet.  This causes Henry to get into a brawl resulting in him being
hauled off to the campus police station to cool off.  She races to tell Lenore
about what happened and ends up encountering her father Gerald.

  Alicia accidently overheard Lenore and Lillian talking about Stephen's true
paternity.  Before she can do anything with the information, she is taken by
surprise when Stephen breaks up with her.




Falmont Enterprises:




   Elizabeth stops by  Louise's  desk hoping a little of Louise's confidence and courage 
will rub off on her and help her face her father.  She is not looking forward to 
confessing her mistakes.  Nico definitely has her by the throat with those damn photos.
Louise looks up from her laptop and smiles warmly.  She gets up and crosses to the coffee
bar and pours coffee into a mug.
   
   "I'm glad your father was still here when you called Elizabeth.  He was on his way out
of the door because he has a working dinner with one of his new employees." Louise hands 
Elizabeth the cup of coffee and returns to her desk.

   "Oh yes, I am so lucky today." Elizabeth drawls sarcastically.  She takes the coffee cup 
and drinks a few sips.  "You wouldn't have any whiskey to add to this would you Louise?"

   Louise shakes her head, "You look like you're walking the perverbial plank and yet
that man in there thinks you walk on water.  Whatever you're worried about, don't forget
how much he loves you."

   "I'll try to remember that when he's yelling at me.  Unfortunately, Dad will be 
justified in his anger because I was really stupid. You might want to leave early and 
avoid the scene.  " Elizabeth takes another sip of coffee and then sits it down on Louise's
desk. "Thanks for the coffee and the pep talk.  By the way, is Dad's dinner companion,
young and beautiful?"
 
   "Elizabeth, you know I can't answer that."  Louise frowns and looks out the window.

   "You just did.   I see where I get my relationship abilities from...dear old dad."

   Elizabeth opens the door to her father's office and slips inside.  George Falmont 
is sitting at his desk working intently on his Blackberry.  He looks up at 
Elizabeth.

   "What's up Liz?  It's kind of late in the afternoon for a meeting isn't it?"  He glances back 
towards his Blackberry and then back up at his daughter.

   "It's only four and this won't take too long.  Since when do you keep banker's
hours"
    
   "I don't but I have a dinner engagement and I don't want to be late.  Sit down then and let's 
get on with it.  Are you having problems with one of the marketing campaigns scheduled for this month?"

   "No, everything is on schedule.  I've interviewed a few photographers and they are all working
on individual Falmont projects.  We can hire the best of the lot or just stay with free 
lancers." Elizabeth sits down in the chair beside her father's desk and hands him the envelope
with Nico's photos. "However, Nico Rawlins is causing a slight problem for me since I fired him."

   Elizabeth watches as her father slides the photos from the envelope and looks carefully at each one.
She can tell the minute he recognizes her as the woman having sex on satin with Nico.  "What in the
hell is this Elizabeth?  If this is one of your new marketing campaigns, I see major problems 
with the more conservative consumers." 

   "Dad don't be flip, you know they aren't for a marketing campaign."

   "I certainly hope my daughter wasn't naive and jumped into the sack with a low life
like Rawlins. That isn't what this is, please tell me you didn't knowingly let him take pictures of 
you doing sex acts?  That's porn Liz, pure smutty porn."

   Elizabeth shudders and closes her eyes at the harsh words.  "No Dad. I had a brief and I mean brief
relationship with Nico while I was in New York.  I had no idea Nico was into pornography nor that
he would violate my trust. He also took photos of Katie Mitchell and splashed them on the internet"
 
   "That's too bad he's targeting innocent women. Does he want money to prevent him putting your
 photos on the internet?"

   "No, I believe he just wants revenge for firing him.  He sent the photos to Mom and she dumped them on 
my desk this afternoon.  She isn't any happier about this than you are."

   "Great revenge on his part because your mother will never let you forget this. George tosses the
photos down and looks at Elizabeth. I'm not sure I will either. Elizabeth, casual sex can lead to 
all sorts of problems.  Never get involved with someone unless you're sure of who they are and if 
they can be trusted."

   Elizabeth laughs and shakes her head,  "According to Mom no man can be trusted.  I told Mom I would 
handle this because I think he just wants to cause trouble for me.  He knows we have a difficult 
relationship and he knew it would hurt me."

   "Don't be naive Elizabeth." Elizbeth opens her mouth to protest then closes it because of 
look on her father's face. "He won't stop at just causing problems with your mother because
there isn't any money in it for him.  He is a slug who sees an opportunity to make some cash since you 
took away his cushy job at Falmont.  No, I'll turn this over to the lawyers and let them track him down
and handle it."

   "If you think that's best, Dad." Elizabeth frowns at her father's tone and then shakes her head, "On 
second thought, why can't I handle it myself?  I know he just wants to humiliate me, not hurt the company." 

   "What I think is that I may have misplaced my confidence in your abilities to lead this company after I
retire.  You have shown poor judgment in both your decisions and your conduct." George picks up his Blackberry
and waves a dismissive hand towards Elizabeth.  "That's all I intend to say on the matter for now but 
in the future, I will be assessing your role at Falmont. I'm sure you have something you need to do before 
the end of the day.  Go do it."  

   Elizabeth stands up and lifts her chin defiantly, "Enjoy your dinner with the newest acquisition in your
life. I hope this one isn't too close to my age.  You're getting too old to dip into the younger set for 
entertainement because you're starting to look a little like Donald Trump." Her father
swears under his breath and swivels his chair towards the window.  The meeting is over.

   Elizabeth turns and walks briskly from the office glancing quickly at Louise who smiles encouragingly.
The look on Elizabeth's face speaks volumes.  Things did not go smoothly with her father.




Richardson Residence:




   Gillian is staring at herself in the mirror, trying to determine if her dress is business appropriate.  She
stares into the mirror, admiring how perfect her body looks in her new floral sundress.  Just then her cell phone
starts to vibrate breaking her out of her daze.

   Rushing toward her dresser, she is apprehensive when she recognizes the number on her phone as belonging
to her boss, George Falmont.  Picking up the phone, she realizes that he's left her a text and braces herself for the inevitable 
message.  She breathes a sigh of relief that he hasn't cancelled their dinner, only 
pushing it back to five thirty.

   Putting the phone down, she resumes her place in front of the mirror.

   "Hot date tonight, Gil?"  Nina  asks from the doorway, breaking Gillian's concentration.  

   Gillian just laughs, "No, just a business dinner with Mr. Falmont.  Nothing more then that."  She then turns
back toward the mirror.

   Nina rolls her eyes before making herself at home on Gillian's bed,  "I've been your sister for twenty years
and I know the difference between a date and a business dinner." Nina puts an extra accent on the words,business
dinner.

   "Nina, I don't know what you're implying.  Mr. Falmont invited me to have dinner with him tonight and I think
that speaks volumes."  Gillian replies before taking another outfit out of her closet.  "Besides, there are rumours
of layoffs going around the office, it wouldn't hurt to get to know the owner of the company better.  Plus, he's 
pretty attractive."

   Nina shakes her head, "Gil, he's old enough to be your father!  I understand your motivation but that last line kind
of worries me."

   "I find it fasinating that you would judge me for going to a business dinner with my married boss when not 
too long ago, I caught you lip smacking with your best friend's boyfriend."  Gillian points out, as she starts to
change her outfit.  She turns around and notices Nina's face turning bright red.  Feeling remorse, she struggles 
with what to say next.  "Nina, I'm so sorry for saying that.  I don't know what came over me."

   "Gil, you don't have to apoligize.  For as long as I live, I'll never forgive myself for doing that to Katie."  Nina
then gets up to leave.

   "Nina, don't beat yourself up over this.  Sit back down and help me decide what to wear."  Gillian requests 
then her cell phone starts to vibrate, "I hope it isn't Mr. Falmont calling to cancel."

   She races to her dresser and notices  Alicia's  number on the caller ID.  Picking up the phone, she is surprised
at the muffled sobs on the other line.

    



Falmont Mansion:





   Lenore  can't help peeking through the window to see how  Katie and her father are doing.  It was nice having
something go right for a change.  

   "Hello Mrs. Falmont, it's a beautiful day today isn't it?"  The Falmont's housekeeper and chef extrodinaire 
sets down a tray on the coffee table.  "I brought you coffee and a few bisconti to tide you over until dinner.
Do you know how many will be here for dinner?"

   Lenore sighs and shrugs, " I haven't a clue about Henry's plans for dinner but George won't be home until later.
Elizabeth will be here and I've invited a guest.  However, he may be dining elsewhere if all goes well. Plan 
for four just to be on the safe side.  What are you serving?"

   "Beef Stroganoff but I can change it to whatever you prefer.  You look like you've had a rough day, if
 you don't mind my saying so."

   "No, that's fine.  Elizabeth loves it and she's had a rough day, too. Keep the dessert light so I can indulge without
guilt."

   "You got it Mrs. Falmont...light as a feather."  The housekeeper chuckles and heads back towards the kitchen.

   Lenore lets the curtain fall and walks to the foyer.  She pulls open the door and leans forward.  "Katie, do you and your 
Dad want to step inside.  I have coffee and some terrific Italian bisconti ready and waiting. You two might as 
well catch up in the comfort of our livingroom instead of our drive."

   Katie and Gerald grin at each other and walk arm and arm into the house.  Lenore closes the door behind them and 
then points them towards the sunken living room.  "Just let me know how you prefer you coffee and I'll serve you 
in style.  I used to be a waitress just like Katie during my college days."

   "I didn't know that, Mrs. Falmont. I take mine with cream and double sugar." 

   "I was not born into this lifestyle and I may have married up to achieve my current life but I was a terrific waitress in my
day." Lenore pours coffee into one of the beautiful cups on the tray, adds the sugar and cream, and then hands it
to Katie."  She turns with a sly smile to Gerald, "Gerald, how do you like yours?" 

   He grins and winks, "Any way you serve it pretty lady. Any way!"  Lenore laughs at his double entendre, fills another
cup and hands it to him. 

   "I'll leave you two alone. Katie would you like to stay for dinner?  I've invited your father and you're welcome
to join Elizbeth and I."

   Katie frowns and takes a sip from her coffee. "I'd love to Mrs. Falmont but I promised my sister I would be home for
dinner."  Katie pauses and looks at her father expectantly, "Dad, you'll come with me won't you?    Melinda  will 
be so surprised and I hope, happy to see you.  She always said you would never return.  I can't wait to see her 
face when she sees you for the first time.  Maybe we can have dinner here another day?"

   Gerald clears his throat and looks at Lenore for a long moment and then slowly shakes his  head. "Katie, I've already
seen your sister this afternoon. I'm afraid dinner is out of the question."

   "You're kidding, right Dad?"

   "No, unfortunately, I'm not.  Katie, your sister has mixed emotions about seeing me.  She felt abandoned and she
has a right to feel anger towards me.  I let all of you down and I can't change that.  I think your sister needs
some time to adjust."

   "Well she can just start adjusting at dinner, Dad.  I think we need to go home and we need to locate Wally.  He'll be
as happy as I am to have you home."  Katie's voices rises with each word.

   "I promised your sister I wouldn't have contact with you and  Wally .  I intend to honor her wishes
for awhile."

   "What about considering how Wally and I will feel about your being home?  I don't want to let you out of my sight."
Katie takes a large gulp from her cup and wipes a tear from her cheek.  "How dare Melinda make decisions for Wally and
I withough consulting us.  Neither of you have that right."

   Lenore sits down besides Katie and puts her arm around her shoulders.  "Katie, I think your Dad is trying to give your
sister a few days to absorb that he's in town.  She was totally unprepared.  Why don't you both have dinner here?"

   "No, I appreciate the offer and I would love to have dinner with you but not tonight.  No, tonight I need to hassle a
few things out with my sister and our family needs to sit down as a family and start all over again.  Tonight, please
Dad.  It has to be tonight."

   Gerald sits his coffee cup down on the table. "Ok, Katie, I understand and you're right.  We
need to be together as a family."   He turns to Lenore and smiles, "Can I have a raincheck, pretty lady?"

   "Of course, anytime.  I have so enjoyed meeting you and finding out your Katie's father was a wonderful surprise. 
I only wish Katie and Henry were still dating.  We mothers suffer when it comes to the women in our son's lives."  

   Katie smiles and gives Lenore a hug, "Sometimes, I wish we were still dating, too.  Just so I could see you."

   "Which reminds me, why did you stop by today Katie?  You didn't know your dad was here so..."

   Katie stands up, "I wanted to be the one to tell you how wonderful Henry was today.  He defended my honor in the student
union and probably has two black eyes to prove it.  He was so wonderful.  He stepped in and put a dirtbag in his
place.  I can't tell you how grateful I am that he was there but I'm sorry he ended up in a fight."

   Lenore groans, "Just tell me he isn't kicked out of another school is he?"

   Katie laughed, "No, he's just a little roughed up.  I'm not sure if he will tell you what happened because he wouldn't want
to embarrass me.  Jonathan picked him up and took him to stay at his place in Chicago. I wanted to make sure you knew the truth." 
Katie pauses and takes a deep breath then continues,"I've been having some trouble with a photographer I had met.  He
offered to shoot a portfolio but instead took shots after he druged my beverage.  Then he posted them on an adult website for 
the world to see.  If I so much as lay eyes on Nico Rawlins again, I'll make sure he sings like Michael Jackson!"

   Lenore gasped, "I know exactly what type of lowlife that man is!  I am so sick of men taking advantage of young women.
They are scum and I would love to find out who owns that site and tear him a new one."

   Katie shakes her head, "I can't understand why men do that either.  Maybe I'll join you in attacking the owner. Want to
help us Dad?"

   Gerald frowns, stands up and shifts the subject. "Be sure and thank your son for me, Lenore.  I'm hoping to find that 
guy myself." He walks towards the door and motions Katie to follow him.  Katie puts her cup down and follows her father.

   "I will Gerald.  And Katie, thank you for telling me about Henry.  I know it wasn't easy for you."  Lenore closes the door
behind them and calls out to the housekeeper.  "Make that just two for dinner! Elizabeth and I will have to do justice to
your stroganoff all by ourselves." She climbs the stairs heading for a long soak in some soothing bath salts before 
dinner.   





Richardson Residence:





   "Alicia, what is it?"  Gillian asks, staring at Nina and watching her facial expression turn to annoyance at the mention
of Alicia's name. 

   "Oh, Gillian I'm so glad I was able to reach you.  I hope that I'm not calling at a bad time." Alicia whimpers then continues
before Gillian can answer.  "There is something that has been bothering me for the last few days and I'm not sure if I should tell
you about it. I have to talk to someone and you're my closest friend in Hope Falls."

   "It's OK, Alicia.  I know all about my brother and his stupidity for breaking up with you.  We're all disappointed
in him."  Gillian states, realizing how untrue that is when she notices Nina's expression change to disbelief at
her statement.

   "No, I'm fine with that.  It does involve Stephen ." Alicia replies, taking a deep breath,  "I am hesistant to be 
the one to tell you due to the fact that he broke up with me.  You have to promise not to say I told you."

   Gillian covers the cell phone with her hand, wondering what could be causing her friend's deep conflict.  She turns
to Nina, who is motioning for her to hang up on Alicia.  Shaking her head, she puts the cell phone back up to her
ear.

   "I promise not to tell anyone I heard anything from you.  You can tell me."  Gillian advises, looking at 
her watch.  "However, I do have a dinner date soon.  Perhaps, we can meet for coffee tomorrow afternoon when I'll have more time?"

   Alicia sighs, "Oh! So your friend's troubles are less important then a stupid dinner date?  Is that what you're
saying?"  Before Gillian can respond, Alicia continues spitefully, "I guess that my overhearing your mother
talking about Stephen not being your full brother isn't that important."

   Gillian almost drops her cell phone at hearing this, "What are you talking about!?!?"

   "I knew that would get your attention.  I happened to overhear your mother talking to another woman at the 
country club about how Stephen's real father is George Falmont.  It dawned on me today that you work for 
Falmont Enterprises and that you might want to know that your boss is Stephen's father.  However, if a little 
dinner date is more important then knowing the truth about your mother then so be it!"

   "I don't know what to say to that piece of news other then you must have misunderstood."  Gillian blurts out,
trying to absorb what she just heard.

   "If you don't believe me then ask your mother.  Unless she has an evil twin roaming around Hope Falls, I'm
pretty sure it was her.  Perhaps, that's why you and your father were given jobs at Falmont."  Alicia suggests slyly.

   Gillian tries to reign in her emotions, but realizes she's fighting a losing battle says,  "Listen, I have to
go but thanks for calling me." Gillian says before disconnecting the call.  She is unaware that Alicia is sitting in
her apartment with a huge smile on her face.

   "What was that all about?"  Nina asks, trying to gauge what Alicia said to cause Gillian such distress.  With 
her sister, any piece of news could set her off.

   Gillian takes a deep breath, "Alicia just told me that our brother's father is Mr. Falmont, not dad."

   Nina ponders this for a second,  "Gil, let's consider the source.  I know you're friends with her, for reasons 
I don't understand, but something isn't right about that girl.  I've been telling you this for awhile and
hearing this lie confirms it.  Who would make up a story like this other then a psychotic bitch?  Especially, one
who was just dumped by our brother."  

   "I guess you're right.  Anyway, I just need to be alone right now, do you mind?"  Gillian asks, turning around
to get another outfit out of her closet.

   Nina gets up from the bed and gives Gillian a hug, "Listen, just let me know if you need anything and put 
what Alicia said out of your mind.  Have a good time tonight."  Nina then exits her room doubting Gillian can 
do that given her own inablity to do just that.

   Gillian stares at her reflection in the mirror trying to push what she heard out of her mind.  She then decides 
to surrender to her doubts and vows to find out the truth for herself.  She changes into a lowcut black dress 
accentuating all the positives her body has to offer and applies her favorite perfume in all the right spots.  Her
sister uses her intelligence to get the answers, she herself has all the physical attributes needed to get the 
same information.  Checking herself out in the mirror one last time, she turns around and heads downstairs
to put her attributes to good use.