Chapter 5

Heather and Brenda--New York--1981

Two years flew by. Brenda didn't keep track of the days. She had her life and it was full. Her days were taken up with her job, her new novel she was working on, and her daughter Heather. Heather was such a beautiful child. Her hair now more a reddish gold than blonde, her eyes such a soft green, and always crinkled up in a smile, as long as her favorite teddy bear was near. For days upon end now Brenda's mind could be kept off Connor and how she missed him. In some ways though he was always present, in the hint of a smile on Heather's face, or certain ways her little laugh would echo. There could be no doubt in Brenda's mind, that if anyone saw Heather, and if they knew Connor, that they could tell whose child she was.

There was a dark shadow in her happy full days though. She wasn't sure exactly what it was, but things just didn't feel right. She couldn't quite put a finger on it, but things were off somehow. She felt followed, as if eyes were on her everywhere she went. She tried to put this unease down to over worked nerves, or stress over her new book. She always got a bit panicky when in a dead heat to finish a book according to schedule. But it was there... that presence, whatever it was, and it made her feel uneasy. It also made her more cautious, more mindful of the future, both for herself and for Heather. Her thoughts turned often to what would happen to her small daughter if something was to happen to her.

As she sat by her window, watching the New York street below, much as she had done for months in hopes that Connor would return, Brenda thought she saw someone watching her apartment. Blinking her eyes rapidly she looked again at that shadowy place again and saw nothing. An icy chill ran up and down her spine. She was sure someone had been standing there."Just nerves old girl. Nothing there." It was enough however to spur her into action. Brenda began to make plans for Heather's future. She wouldn't worry over much, but she would make sure that her daughter was always taken care of, just in case.

The next morning Brenda placed a call to her attorney, setting up an appointment. She explained in a few short sentences that she wanted to set up a new will with provisions for her daughter, and to set up god parents or guardians for Heather should something happen to her. Although the attorney was glad to do this for her he kept trying to assure Brenda that she had plenty of time to take care of such things. Brenda was adamant about it. The meeting had to be today no later. She wanted this taken care of. With a soft chuckle the attorney agreed and named a time after lunch for Brenda to meet him in his office.

Brenda then placed a call to Rachel. It had been years since she had spoken to Connor's adopted daughter. Mostly because she was sure that Rachel would never believe that Heather was Connor's daughter. Right now however she had no choice, and Rachel was just going to have to bloody well deal with it.

Rachel and Brenda--New York--1981

Brenda stood before the doors of the restaurant, mentally preparing herself for this next meeting. It was not going to be an easy one. She was pretty sure of that. She was so engrossed in her own thoughts, she didn't see the man dressed all in black watching her from across the street. Taking a deep breath she walked into the restaurant, her eyes restlessly moving over the room. Seeing Rachel, whom she'd come to meet, she walked over to her.

"Hello Rachel, long time no see."

"Hello Brenda. You look well. But how are you, really? I'm fine by the way. Still married to Jake quite happily.. Have a seat if you will. I've ordered tea already but waited for you to arrive before placing any other order."

"Tea is fine Rachel," said Brenda, "in fact, after I start talking you may not even want to wait to order."

Rachel looked at Brenda curiously. She wondered what on earth would suddenly have Brenda Wyatt contact her after all these years. She had assumed after the first few months, when all contact drizzled off that Brenda had moved on with her life, had gotten over Connor. In thinking that Rachel had decided to never tell Brenda that Connor had been contacting her, his daughter from time to time.

Brenda took a deep breath and looked Rachel square in the eyes. "I have a favor to ask of you. Trust me what I am about to tell you is going to blow your mind. Then you are going to doubt me and then Rachel, if we are lucky.. you are going to look at me and realize I am telling the truth. It is not easy what I am about to say. I have carried this secret for over 2 years now. But recently I have decided I need to take care of things and get my life in order.

Rachel looked at Brenda a bit surprised. She remembered Brenda as being a very forthright type of lady. But after she removed herself from Rachel's life, Rachel wasn't so sure what Brenda was all about. Taking a deep breath she muttered softly, "Why don't you just tell me then Brenda? I'm sure whatever it is is't so terribly awful."


Brenda looked at Rachel and smiled. Reaching over for the pot of tea that the waiter had just brought to the table she poured herself and Rachel a cup. "In for a penny, in for a pound," Brenda thought to herself as she began to speak.

The story Brenda told Rachel had Rachel reeling. In some ways she simply did not believe Brenda. The idea was totally impossible. But Brenda seemed so sure, so damned assured of what she was saying. Rachel listened intently, her eyes on her cup of tea that she kept stirring and stirring without ever taking a sip.

The next words that Brenda Spoke stopped Rachel completely, stunned her so badly that it took many long minutes to react.

"I want you to take care of Heather if something should ever happen to me Rachel. I've written a little journal for my daughter, well I've started one really, and I want you to be the guardian of both." Brenda watched Rachel closely as she slide the manila envelope towards Rachel.

For many long moments Rachel simply stared at Brenda, not knowing what to say. Finally she looked up and with her soft cultured voice replied, "Well Brenda she is family, and we always take care of our family. I'll be glad to take over the care of," Rachel hesitated for just a brief second, "Father's little girl, if something should ever happen to you."

Brenda let out a sigh of relief. Although she was quite sure that Rachel didn't quite believe her, she hadn't refused to do what was asked of her. For now Brenda knew this was all she could hope for. She stood up and held out her hand to Rachel. "Thanks Rachel. You have relieved a great burden for me."

Rachel smiled and stood up. "I am honored that you considered me worthy to be a guardian of Heather should something happen to you Brenda.

The two ladies made their way out of the restaurant. "Well Rachel, who else would I trust? You are her sister you know."

With those words Brenda headed to the curb to hail a cab. She was at peace within her self that she had gotten things arranged. Now if something ever happened in the future she wouldn't have to worry about her little girl.