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Life's Illusions - 10 years on - Chapter 22
By Friday afternoon news media outlets around the globe were running reports of the devastating crash of Air France Flight AF211.
Of its 482 passengers and 13 flight crew there were 117 survivors, it was amazing they said, that anyone had survived the carnage.
Pete was not listed amongst the survivors, it was reported that all of the passengers in first class had perished.
Jaque had been informed that what remained of the body, burned beyond recognition, had been retrieved from the ashes and melted metal of the first class cabin where the fireball had ripped through.
Jaque flew to England the following day to identify Pete, the whole family traveled with him.
The authorities didn't pull any punches, they strongly advised against seeing Pete's body, there was almost nothing left to suggest it had ever been a human being, they could only identity him by his possessions, a wallet containing partly melted credit cards, bearing enough of his name to be sure they were his, a watch, a Breitling watch, special edition, bearing the very personal inscription:
'Peter Montclair, my wonderful Poppa Pete, I love you, I always will, JJ'.
Jaque had been strong, no emotion had leaked out, he rationalised it by saying he had to support the boys, but his downfall was the watch, the moment he saw it, he lost it, his Pete was dead, gone forever, he came out of the room where the personal possessions had been arranged, sobbing, inconsolable.
Marcel had been devastated, but JJ was the surprise factor, he refused to accept that Pete was dead, he was angry, really angry with anyone and everyone, although he'd travelled with the party to England he'd refused to go to the site of the crash, refused to be a part of anything which even hinted that his Poppa Pete might be dead.
He'd spent every possible minute of every day, poring over every bit of video footage he could get his hands on, and then he found it, not just one shot but several, he was there, his Poppa, as clear as day, in the doorway of the plane, helping people out after the plane came to a stop, after the fireball had ripped through first class, it was proof in JJ's eyes, proof that his precious Poppa wasn't in the first class cabin when the fireball struck.
They'd been in the drawing room of the house in London, discussing the funeral arrangements when JJ burst in.
"He's alive, I knew it, he's alive somewhere, we have to start searching, I have the proof".
Of all the family, It was Beth and Pauly who supported JJ most, when Jaque, becoming exasperated with JJ's steely belief, asked why they were encouraging him, Beth replied.
"Pauly and I should be certain, we should know that he's gone, we should feel a terrible sense of loss, we don't, all we feel is a sense of confusion, frustration, even with the evidence presented we can't believe he's gone, it just doesn't feel right".
When JJ burst in on them Jaque was on the verge of scolding him, until JJ opened his laptop, there on screen was a photo shot of Pete, it was grainy, there was smoke billowing around him, but Jaque gasped, there was no doubt in his mind, that was Pete.
JJ was talking rapidly.
"We need Uncle Leo, he'll find out what happened to Poppa, there's another shot here just as the plane exploded, it shows him carrying a girl as he appears in the exit, then another shot, she's on the slide, but he's falling, but he's not on the slide, he must have been outside the plane, someone had to have found him, helped him".
JJ was sobbing now.
"Poppa's out there somewhere, we have to find him".
Jaque hugged him.
"I'm sorry son, I should have listened to you sooner, calm down now, we'll find him, be certain of that".
Woody had been leaning over to view the images, he was already on the phone talking to Leo, briefing him on JJ's findings, Leo asked to speak to JJ.
"Uncle Leo, please find him, he must be hurt, he wouldn't leave us, I know he's alive, yes I can send them now, will you tell me if you find anything?, okay I'm doing it now".
JJ cut the call and concentrated on sending everything he had to Leo.
In a hospital in the South of England patient 'John Doe' lay in a coma, they hadn't been able to identify him, it was now three days since he'd been admitted and no one had come forward to claim him, they assumed he was an economy class passenger, but there was nothing which gave any hint to his identity, his clothes were expensive and French, better than the normal economy passenger, but that alone was of no help, he could so easily be a business man, returning home, only able to get an economy seat that fateful day.
There was a ring, a wedding ring, dark gold, with a white gold thinner band overlaid around the centre, inside were two inscriptions, confusing to say the least, PJ/Josh For All Time, Soulmates, PT/Comte JM, A Forever Love.
It only took Leo's team twenty four hours to find four critically injured passengers who hadn't been identified, of the details available on all four, Leo knew immediately they'd found Pete, only four living people knew what was inscribed inside Pete's wedding ring, Leo was not one of them, but that didn't stop Leo understanding the inscription.
When Pete had proposed to Jaque at Montclair, PJ had the idea to offer them the rings he had commissioned for his and Josh's proposed Union all those years earlier, Lenny agreed it was symbolic that the bands should finally get to be used as part of a loving relationship, they'd expected Pete and Jaque would have them melted and remodelled, but instead they chose to add their own inscription next to the one already there.
Leo's call to the London house asking for JJ was a moment they would never forget.
"JJ, I've found him, he's in a coma, but he's alive, I wanted to tell you first, well done JJ, he'll be so proud of you, now put your Poppa on I need to tell him the details, I'll be meeting you at the hospital".
Within minutes they were in cars, the whole family, heading for Oxford, where Pete was languishing in a coma.
At the hospital they headed directly to the Critical Care Unit, they were stopped at the entrance by security guards, here Jaque had to convince the staff he knew who Pete was.
Jaque removed his wedding ring, an identical copy of Petes, including the inscription, he handed it to the administrator who had been summoned.
"If this doesn't match exactly the one on his wedding ring finger then we'll leave, if it matches you have in your care my husband, Peter Montclair, I am The Comte, The Count of Montclair, our sons here with me are, Vicomte JJ Montclair and Vicomte Marcel Montclair, The Viscounts of Montclair".
He paused.
"You should be swift with your examination because my sons are prone to extreme acts of aggression when they feel their Poppa is threatened".
Thirty minutes later there had been no confirmation from the administrator, JJ was having no more of this, he bypassed the security guards, marching through the Critical Care Unit with Marcel only a pace behind, until he saw him in a side room, he stopped dead in his tracks, so abruptly that Marcel bumped into him, but Marcel saw him too.
"Go JJ, I'll hold them off".
JJ went into his Poppas side room, Pete lay lifeless, tubes and wires bristled from his body, it didn't faze JJ, his precious Poppa was alive, now to work on bringing him back.
Marcel turned and faced the two advancing security guards.
"Stop now, I will hurt you if I have to, my brother needs time to be with our Poppa, you won't get past me, I urge you, don't push it".
As the guards advanced Leo spoke to them, he had the Administrator with him.
"I wouldn't recommend advancing gentlemen, apart from the fact you will spark an international incident by attacking the child of a Hero, the boy is quite capable of rendering you both senseless, and if he doesn't, I will".
They halted, not sure what to do.
The administrator spoke to them, reassuring them all was well and they retreated, leaving Marcel confused until Leo spoke.
"Marcel, stand down, he's safe now, we can move him as soon as it's safe to do so, your Poppa Jaque is arranging everything now".
Marcel, dropped to the floor sobbing, the stress had been too much for him.
Leo scooped him up.
"Hey, chin up boy, you did good".
Marcel's reply shook him.
"I didn't believe, I thought he was dead, I should have trusted JJ, I didn't, I'm stupid".
Leo hugged him tight.
"Now stop that, you stayed strong, you supported JJ when he needed it, you did good, now you have to work with everyone to help bring him back, can you do that?".
Marcel looked up at Leo.
"Oh yes, you bet I can".
Leo ruffled his hair.
"Good, now go join JJ, make sure he's not getting ready to kidnap your Poppa".
Whilst JJ and Marcel kept guard, chatting continually to their unconscious Poppa, Jaque was in conference with his doctors.
They now had a clear picture of events, working alone, Pete had carried, then pushed, 14 incapacitated passengers out of the exit door onto the slide, 5 were children, when the final explosion came he chose to save the child he was carrying, at his own expense, pushing the young girl towards the slide as they fell meant he was propelled away from it, causing him to fall to the Tarmac, which is when he sustained most of his injuries.
He had a broken leg, arm and several ribs on the right side, there were serious head injuries, deep cuts, grazes, burns and a broken nose, but amazingly, his scans had shown no brain swelling, they suspected the coma was just his body's way of coping with the trauma, they didn't expect it to last beyond a few days.
By the next morning worldwide news agencies were celebrating the Hero of Flight 211, a myriad of photo shots had come to light depicting Pete continually carrying, dragging, supporting, passenger after passenger to the exit, then pushing them onto the evacuation slide, before returning inside the burning plane to save more, survivors told of being trapped, disabled by their injuries, then being scooped from their seats by a kind, softly spoken man, having their lives saved.
Jaque received messages of praise for Pete's actions from all over the world.
JJ had refused to leave his Poppa's side, he'd been at the hospital for five days, Lenny commented to Jaque.
"It's a family thing, there's no use in arguing, I failed with Woody, Pauly failed with Josef, accept it, it's not an argument you can win".
Jaque and Marcel alternated keeping JJ company as hour after hour, day after day, he spoke softy into his Poppa's ear.
Jaque remarked to the family on the fifth day, if it were true that a coma patient could hear everything that was said to them, then Pete's first words would surely be 'Shut up JJ'.
He had kept up a running diatribe, describing how at first it was thought he, Pete, had died, how he, JJ, refused to believe it, the constant search for photos of the crash, how he'd found the first picture of the hero of flight 211, how he'd convinced everyone to look for Pete.
He'd hardly stopped talking in five days except when exhaustion took over and he laid his head down by his Poppa and slept.
Nine days after the crash JJ was wittering away as normal, describing the weather, the content of the morning news bulletin, anything and everything, he'd laid his head down on the bed next to his Poppas, holding Pete's good hand loosely, as he'd been doing from the start.
In his head, forgetting he was thinking aloud, JJ had been running through a mental list of Christmas presents he hoped Santa would bring, adding in, a motorcycle would be really cool, perhaps if he hinted enough he might get one.
That's when he received a shock.
"Certainly not, you're far too young for a motorcycle, but a hug would be good".
JJ's head shot up like a rocket, his Poppa was smiling and staring at him.
JJ was speechless, he couldn't move, the tears coursing down his cheeks, until Pete spoke again.
"I really need that hug son".
JJ grabbed the bed alarm, pressing it madly as he threw his other arm around his Poppa, hugging and kissing his face.
It was only moments before a whole crew of doctors and nurses converged on Pete's room, practically having to peel JJ away from his Poppa, a situation he was not at all happy about, until one of the nurses he'd become friendly with suggested he take the time to call everyone, share the good news, whilst the doctors checked his Poppa over.
His first call was to his Poppa Jaque.
"He's awake Poppa, he spoke to me, he asked me for a hug, the doctors are with him now".
Jaque and Marcel had been sitting in the rear of the Rolls, on their way to the hospital when JJ called.
"We're almost there, do your stuff JJ, call the rest of the family, you deserve the honour of giving them the good news, we'll be with you in a few minutes".
For Jaque it was like a heavy weight had been lifted, he could finally allow himself to believe Pete would recover, they must have looked a strange sight to anyone observing, a grown man, crying, yet laughing at the same time, being comforted by a boy who was also laughing, but with tears streaming down his face.
JJ's second call had been to His Grandparents at the London house where Lenny answered the call.
"Gramma, he's awake".
Lenny had screamed, then cried, then launched into a barrage of questions, finally JJ had asked to speak to his Grandfather.
"Gramps, I need a favour".
JJ explained what he wanted, PJ listened, amazed yet again that JJ would think of this after everything he'd been through, but he agreed, he would deal with JJ's request".
As the days rolled on Pete made steady progress until three weeks to the day after the crash he was officially discharged.
Whilst he waited in his Poppas room for their transport to arrive, JJ took a gift wrapped box from his backpack, handing it to Pete.
Pete took the package, strangely wrapped with Christmas gift wrap.
"What's this, and why Christmas gift wrap?".
JJ chuckled.
"Well see, the way it works, you open it and that should answer your questions".
Pete did just that, discovering an exact copy of the Breitling watch JJ had given him previously, the one so badly damaged in the crash.
JJ helped him get it onto his wrist, commenting.
"Try to look after this one, you're wrecking my allowance".
Pete was stunned.
"How did you get it, they were limited editions?".
JJ giggled.
"I got Gramps on the case, he persuaded them to make another to replace the original, we had to give back your original for destruction so the edition count wasn't compromised".
A private ambulance transported him from Oxford to London where Mrs Albright cried openly as he was carried into the house, she was in her early seventies now, Mr Albright had passed away two years earlier.
"You always were a difficult child, don't do that again, you'll be the death of me with your antics".
While she was saying this she was peppering his face with kisses.
To Lenny it was a poignant moment, only the day before Mrs Albright had tendered her notice.
Lenny had been overwhelmed, she'd just cried, they'd ended up with Marion Albright, holding Lenny, rocking back and forth softly.
She had no plans, it was just that she knew, in her advancing years, the house was to much for her to manage, she'd told Lenny she felt like a cheat, she wasn't earning her salary.
They all tried to dissuade her but to no avail, she was adamant, for Lenny there was the worry of where she would choose to live out her twilight years, she had no plans, she didn't seem to care since Mr Albright had died.
It was Woody, Jacqueline, Roslyn and Paul who solved the problem.
Woody had primed them the previous evening.
At breakfast, the day after Pete came home, he pointed at Mrs Albright, something he knew would irritate her.
"Sit with me old woman, it seems we have a problem, it needs solving".
She acted incensed but she couldn't pull it off, her Woody could get away with murder.
"You young man are not too old for a smack, so mind your manners".
He grinned.
"My apologies Mrs Albright, would you care to sit with me a moment?, Jacqueline, would you please get a cup of tea for this beautiful, wonderful, lady".
Now she was smiling as well.
"If you've done something wrong Woody Thorn you'd best come clean before I box your ears, I've known you all your life, you're only charming to me when you want something".
Woody smiled, there was his opening.
"You're right, as you always are, I do want something, I want you, we want you, at Montclair, you've been the Grandmother I never had, the Great Grandmother our children never had, for as long as we all can remember, do you honestly think we could be okay without you?, we couldn't, we don't intend to be, we want you to come and live at Montclair, please say you will, make me happy, make Jacqueline and the children happy".
On cue Woody, followed by Jacqueline, Roslyn and Paul got down on one knee, unscripted, Jaque followed, so did JJ and Marcel.
She didn't say anything, she couldn't, this family had been hers for so many years, she put her arms around Woody and cried.
Woody could be heard whispering softly.
"We'll take Alberts ashes, I think he'll be happy at Montclair, I know we will if you're there keeping an eye on us, let us look after you for a change".
Pete was gaining strength, the cuts had healed, his hair, either burned in the crash and aftermath, or shaved away before operations, had re grown.
He was finally pain free, his ribs had mended, the plaster cast had been removed from his arm, though he still had it supported in a sling.
His leg was healing, they'd told him he would most likely have a permanent limp, the damage had been extensive, he figured he could live with that.
Pete had been eating breakfast with most of the adults when Mrs Albright appeared, she was carrying a silver salver with a single white envelope on it.
Woody couldn't resist a joke.
"Too late to try and impress old woman, your times up, it's the knackers yard in France for you now".
Her expression didn't alter as she replied.
"Shut up you obnoxious brat, I have important mail for a hero, mail from 'The Palace', deserves to be delivered properly.
They all watched, mesmerised, as she walked towards Pete, she offered the salver to him.
Pete reached out, taking the envelope.
"It's from The Lord Chamberlains Office'.
He was staring at it, turning it in his hands, delicately feeling the wax seal, as though he might damage it if he weren't careful.
It was Jaque who finally broke the silence.
"Open it Pete".
He slid his finger under the seal, trying desperately not to damage it, inside was a letter informing him he was to be presented with 'The George Cross', in recognition of his outstanding act of bravery, by singlehandedly saving the lives of fourteen fellow passengers on flight AF211.
The date was one week away, he was requested to attend 'Buckingham Palace', where he would receive his award from 'Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II'.
Pete had met several members of the Royal Family, as had the rest of the family but Jaque had not, nor had JJ or Marcel, this would be an adventure of a lifetime for them.
Lenny decided she would throw a party on the day of the investiture, as it turned out, it would be a party that no one would forget.
Lenny had been deliberating about a replacement for Mrs Albright to take charge of the London house, it was PJ, without knowing it, who finally solved her problem.
On the day of the investiture Pete was a bag of nerves, but if he was nervous, he looked totally calm and in control if compared to Jaque, JJ and Marcel.
All were wearing morning suits with tails, Jaque was resplendent with his Crimson sash, bearing the coat of arms of The House of Montclair, identical sashes adorned JJ and Marcel's outfits.
The Rolls Royce had been polished to a near diamond sparkling finish, as they left on their short journey to the Palace the whole family were outside in the mews to see them off.
At the Palace, they were met in the courtyard as their car drew up, a footman in full royal livery bowed to them as they exited the car, welcoming first Jaque, then JJ and Marcel before Pete.
They were led up the main staircase, though several rooms where people were gathered to a private drawing room.
Pete was flummoxed.
"I don't understand, why aren't we with all of the other recipients, why have we been left here alone".
Jaque smiled.
"Look around Pete, boys, don't you see all of the personal photographs, this is Her Majesty's private drawing room, I think we are about to meet Queen Elizabeth of England in person, if I'm right it's an unprecedented honour".
As Jaque finished explaining they were joined by an equerry who introduced himself and confirmed Her Majesty had expressed a desire to meet them personally, informally.
All four were given a crash course in protocol, it seemed so much to take in.
They were still in a daze as the doors at the end of the room opened, two footmen stood aside revealing a lady, regal, with perfectly coiffed silver hair, dressed in a lemon dress, someone announced in a loud voice.
"Your Majesty, may I present, The Count of Montclair, The Viscount JJ and The Viscount Marcel, Montclair, and Mr Peter Montclair, she was smiling as she walked towards them.
As if choreographed, they bowed together.
When Pete looked up she was directly in front of him, her hand extended, he reached out, taking it gently in his.
"Your Majesty".
He wanted to babble, tell her how excited he was, how his heart was bursting with pride but he'd been warned.
He expected a simple nod before she moved on, he relaxed his grip as he'd been instructed, allowing her to disengage, but she didn't.
"I realise this is somewhat unusual, I wanted some time alone, with someone quite remarkable, you displayed such tremendous courage, such bravery, I feel very humble in your presence, when I pin the medal on your lapel later today it will be such a privilege".
He could hardly speak.
"Thank you Mam", he answered as instructed.
She let go of Petes hand and moved on to Jaque, extending her hand, Jaque took it.
"Majesty".
She let go of Jaques hand and took first JJ's, then Marcel's hands, both repeated Jaques greeting, before she spoke.
"My Lords, it is such a pleasure to entertain cousins, however distant, into my home, I hope it will be a first, but not the last time we meet".
Turning back to Pete, she said.
"I was told you were a very kind, very humble man, I see it, you are so like your parents, remember me to them please".
In the blink of an eye she was gone, they were left, not believing it had happened, they'd met the Queen of England.
The equerry reappeared with two footmen who directed them to their places for the investiture ceremony.
The boys found the ceremony boring until the name of their Poppa was announced, JJ made to clap, thankfully Jaque grabbed his hands just in the nick of time.
When it was over they were shepherded into a large salon where refreshments were served.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth entered the room to much bowing and curtsying, she mingled with all of the groups, chatting, asking questions, listening intently.
Her movements around the room eventually brought her to them, again they bowed as if in unison, she spoke directly to Jaque.
"My Lord, you must surely be very proud of your husband".
Although his mouth were dry and his knees knocking he replied.
"Mam, I am extremely proud of him, I don't know if I would have even a fraction of the courage he summoned that day".
Turning to the boys she smiled.
"I heard that one of you refused to accept he might have perished, was responsible for finding him, now who would that be?".
JJ looked terrified but he answered.
"That was me Mam".
She reached out, touching his shoulder.
"A parent could never want for more than such an act of love and loyalty from their child, I applaud you Sir".
Turning to Marcel she smiled again.
"So you sir, must be the young warrior prepared to do battle with the hospital security guards, I'm told you are quite a force to be reckoned with, yet I only see gentleness".
Marcel was visibly terrified but he answered.
"I bore them no malice Mam, I warned them not to advance, I needed to buy time, for my brother to access our Poppa, I would have stopped them, I wouldn't have willingly hurt them, but yes, I would have stopped them".
This time she reached out to touch Marcel's arm.
"There it is again, love and loyalty, I see why your parents are so proud of you".
She turned to Pete.
"I was right earlier, the sense of pride I felt in pinning that medal on your lapel was enormous, but I have to ask, how you found the courage to do what you chose to do that day?".
Pete didn't answer straight away, it was as if he were asking himself the same question.
"With respect Mam, it wasn't a choice, I'm not sure if this will make sense".
He looked as though he were trying to find the right words.
"It wasn't something I could choose not to do, my conscience guided me I think, maybe a little stupidity, a lot of stubbornness and folly, definitely folly. Would I do it again?, I think I would have to rely on instinct, but I'm guessing, yes, I most probably would, I'm not sure I would be able to hold my head up if I didn't".
She nodded thoughtfully.
"I see now, that's where the behaviour of your son's comes from, leading by example, it has been an honour to meet you".
She reached out to take Pete's hand, then she was gone.
The rest of the afternoon was a whirl of photographs, meeting other dignitaries, at one point JJ and Marcel were chatting with the Royal Princes whilst Pete and Jaque were talking to an equerry and looking deep in thought.
JJ made to join them, anxious for them to meet the princes, but they held him back with a simple arm each on his shoulders, one of them said.
"Give them a minute JJ, they're just getting some information which may give them something to think about".
They watched as the equerry passed over an envelope before bowing and leaving them.
As Jaque and Pete joined them, JJ asked Pete.
"What did that man want Poppa?".
Pete looked at Jaque before replying.
"He wanted to pass on some information son, but are you not being a little rude, are you not going to introduce your Poppa and I to your companions?".
JJ visibly blanched, Marcel giggled, looking at the princes JJ said.
"I am so sorry, I forgot, Your Royal Highnesses, may I present my Poppas, Jaque, Count of Montclair and Peter Montclair".
Turning to his Poppas he continued.
"Poppas, please meet Their Royal Highnesses, Princes William and Harry".
All were laughing as the adults shook hands, when the time came for the princes to move on, a parting comment surprised both Pete and Jaque.
"See you later Guys, don't forget, Bill and Cathy".
Pete couldn't help but ask, "What was that about, and who are Bill and Cathy?".
JJ was casual in his reply, Marcel nearly choked on his drink as he finished it.
"Oh just a couple we invited to Gramma's party this evening, Harry said they're an okay couple".
Back at their London house they found Lenny in full flow preparing for the evening, a small orchestra were tuning up in the first floor ballroom, staff were running in all directions guided by Lenny.
At 6pm people started to arrive, by 7.30 the house was buzzing, there were at least 100 people enjoying the music, the atmosphere was wonderful.
Unknown to Lenny, PJ had invited Raul and Reya, as soon as she saw them her mind went into overdrive, she knew she needed to talk to them.
But it was at just that point where Lenny was thrown a very unexpected curve ball, only because Marcel threatened to break silence if JJ didn't.
JJ interrupted a conversation of the adult family members, pulling his Gramma aside he whispered in her ear.
The others watched in fascination as Lenny turned ashen, let out a little shriek then glared at JJ.
"Now, seriously, you leave it until now to tell me, I could happily beat you child if I didn't love you so much, make sure you get it right, don't you dare embarrass us".
JJ just giggled, he had no fear of his Gramma, she was ace in his eyes.
As Lenny finished ranting, before she had a chance to explain to the rest of the family, JJ's phone beeped, signalling an incoming text, he looked at it, saw the message and thought, wow, that was close.
He nodded to Lenny.
She looked shocked.
"Now, you mean they're here?".
JJ nodded and headed for the staircase down to the Mews level.
As Lenny mustered the family members into an honour guard of sorts, downstairs JJ opened the Mews entrance and bowed to the couple entering.
"Your Royal Highnesses, welcome to our home".
William punched his arm.
"Knock it off JJ, we're alone it's okay to use first names, Catherine this is JJ or more formally The Vicomte Montclair, JJ this is my beautiful wife, Catherine, or formally HRH The Duchess of Cambridge".
JJ replied without thinking.
"You're even more beautiful than I thought you'd be".
He immediately blushed prompting Catherine to chuckle.
"Well thank you JJ, that was very nice to hear, now I'm guessing there are some nervous people upstairs, shall we get the introductions over then we can all relax?".
Before they moved William indicated the two men behind them.
"Jackson and Daniel, Special Branch, sorry they need to be here".
JJ was no stranger to security, in this family it came with the territory, just as it did for the Royal Couple.
Addressing the security detail he asked.
"Are you guys familiar with my Uncle Leo?".
Both men nodded in the affirmative.
JJ carried on.
"I'm assuming you'll be one in front, one behind, both loaded, who's up front?".
Again they nodded, clearly surprised a boy would be able to understand they were carrying weapons, even more surprised he would understand their practices, Jackson indicated he was in front and confirmed they were both carrying.
JJ pulled out his phone, pressing speed dial, he waited only a few seconds.
"Uncle Leo, the guy coming up in front is Jackson, black hair, can you make sure he has whatever he needs, behind us will be Daniel, white hair, they are both loaded, we're with you in thirty seconds".
Snapping his phone shut he indicated Jackson should start up the stairs.
"Okay guys lets go party".
JJ led the way up the curved staircase from the mews level to the main foyer, arriving in the foyer they were greeted by a line of family members on each side led by PJ and Lenny.
William immediately grasped PJs hand before moving swiftly to Lenny.
"It's been a while since I saw you guy's, I think I was in college when we last met, I'm really pleased JJ and Marcel invited us tonight, it gives me a chance to introduce my beautiful wife to you, Catherine, I want you to meet two of the biggest hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, PJ, Lenny, my wife Catherine",
After introductions were made and drinks served to them, the Royal couple circulated amongst the guests, they were experts, dropping in and out of conversations with ease, moving from group to group, leaving a room full of people all feeling they had spent personal time with one or both.
Pretty soon the couple were back, surrounded by the family, an unwritten sign that they had done their duty and now wanted to relax.
JJ, Marcel and Woody were laughing with the couple when both William and JJ's phones beeped at the same time, William and Catherine laughed and said.
"I'm guessing that's Red about to crash the party, apologies Lenny but I do believe my errant brother in law is right now pulling up at your mews door".
JJ once again skipped down the stairs to the mews entrance, opening the door he greeted a smiling Prince Harry.
"Welcome Your Royal Highness".
Almost a double of William's greeting Harry play punched JJ's arm, "It's Harry when we're alone JJ, or should I call you My Lord Vicomte?".
JJ giggled.
"Nah, I prefer JJ, come on Harry, you bringing any of the boys in with you?".
Harry told him no, his security detail would stay in the car, he'd rely on William and Catherine's guys to look out for him".
JJ pulled out his phone.
"Uncle Leo, I'm coming up with Prince Harry, can you make sure black and white know they're his security now, thanks Uncle Leo, be with you in thirty seconds".
Pocketing his phone JJ smiled.
"Okay let's go get you a drink".
The format was almost identical, meet and greet the family, circulate the room, back to the family, all three Royals were obviously comfortable in each other's company, they visibly relaxed together.
Marcel caught JJ's eye and moved away slightly, the brothers met up in an alcove, out of sight of the rest of the party.
"JJ I don't know what this means but I heard the Poppa's and William talking, they're talking about a little girl, I heard William say, you already saved her once Pete, now she's all alone, there are no family, it's up to you guys but my grandmother was heartbroken when she learned of the child's circumstances"
JJ smiled.
"Did you hear what the Poppas said?".
Marcel nodded.
"Poppa Jaque said it was too early to make a decision, they had to talk to us, they had to know we were onboard first".
Marcel looked confused.
"JJ, I don't understand".
JJ smiled.
"Don't worry Marcel, I think we're about to get a little sister if we agree, would you be okay with that, I know I would, if she's all alone I want her with us".
Marcel smiled, "A little sister, I'd like that".
JJ was laughing.
"Guess we'd better go save our Poppas a scary conversation then, come on".
Pete and Jaque were in conversation with all three royal guests when JJ and Marcel interrupted, addressing the royal party.
"Apologies, but there's something we need urgently to ask our Poppas".
Turning to Pete and Jaque.
"How long before we can say she's our sister, can you make it quick?, you really need to, we're agreed, she needs to be here with us, so we can look after her, let her know she's not alone".
Jaque spoke.
"Sometimes you can be quite wonderful, a pair of brats for sure, but quite wonderful all the same, how did you know?".
JJ giggled.
"You confused Marcel, he was eavesdropping, when he told me what he'd heard I knew straight away, I thought it might ease the burden of trying to bring the subject up if we just cut to the chase, we are with you on this, so go do your thing then leave it to us, we'll look after her".
Catherine, grabbed JJ's face and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"If I weren't taken you would so be in trouble mister, some day someone is going to be so lucky to have you as a partner".
JJ was blushing crimson, Marcel was laughing until Catherine did exactly the same to him, then he was blushing furiously too.
All the excitement of Royal visitors had caused Lenny to veer a little off track, she'd had her sight firmly set on Raul and Reya when JJ had thrown his Royal curve ball.
When Ramon had agreed to take on the Chairmans role of Woodruff Holiday Parks, he had appointed Raul as Vice Chairman.
Since the UK Parks had been an unprecedented success they had added another six making twelve Parks in all throughout the UK, add to this the twelve around France, six in Italy and ten in Spain, they now had forty Parks around Europe.
Ramon had opted to remain in Torremolinas, he and Pip still regarded their apartment in Thorn Plaza as home.
Raul and Reya had bounced from one property to another around London, never seeming to find comfort, that was about to change.
At around 10.30pm the Royal visitors took their leave, after saying their goodbyes to the family, JJ and Marcel escorted them down to the Mews entrance where their cars were waiting.
Once back on track Lenny set about finding Raul and Reya, pulling them into PJs office she asked how their search for a house was going.
Reya sighed.
"Oh Aunt Lenny it's hopeless, and it doesn't help visiting you because this house just raises the bar that much more, we haven't found anything that comes even close to what we want".
Lenny surprised them completely with her reply.
"Oh good, that makes things so much simpler".
It was Raul who voiced their confusion.
"Hang on, you're pleased we can't find anything suitable?".
Lenny smiled.
"I'm bloody ecstatic, you see I need you, this house needs you, Mrs Albright is retiring, we need someone to manage the house, so you get your London home, in a house I know you love, plus Reya, you get a salary as well, the only downside is putting up with us, the family, whenever we descend on you, would you take it on, please?".
Reya screamed.
"Would we, are you serious?, yes, yes yes, we'd love to live here".
The rest of the evening was enjoyable and as the last guests were leaving at around 11.30pm, the family were in the main foyer bidding them goodnight.
One of the last to leave was the French Ambassador, after saying his goodbyes to everyone he turned to Pete.
"A French Hero, saving so many passengers from a stricken French aircraft, with a medal from an English Queen, congratulations are most definitely in order, but of course we can't leave it like that can we, it wouldn't be right would it".
He pulled a white envelope from his pocket.
"The President and the French peoples request your presence at a ceremony in the Elysees Palace, we request the honour of celebrating as our President bestows The Medal of Honour on a truly remarkable man, I will bid you goodnight, until we meet again".
He was gone, leaving everyone, Pete included, with stunned expressions, mouths agape, in exactly four weeks they were due to be at a ceremony in Paris to mark Pete being honoured as a Hero and presented with The Medal of Honour.
Their return to Montclair was yet another adventure, they would travel on WFC's Cruise ship, Leonora, the first of four that would come into service over the next six months, increasing WFC's fleet to fourteen.
They would be departing from Southampton England, stopping at six ports around the Mediterranean before disembarking at Marseille for the drive to Montclair.
There would be two of their party, for whom embarking on this journey was a significant milestone, marking a new chapter in their lives.
TBC
ARB Allan
Comments are welcome to cfgw2000@aol.com.
Thank you for giving me your time, enjoy.