Catherine, Matt, and Aunt Lea Ann had left to get dinner. Cameron had just had dinner. For hospital food it wasn’t bad. He heard someone enter the room. Don and Ezekiel came around the corner. Well, shit. “Hey, cuz,” Ezekiel greeted. “We heard about what happened. We’ve been in touch with Aunt Lea Ann. She’s been keeping us abreast with your progress.” “Yeah. It was really touch and go there from what we understand,” Don said. “That’ s what I’ve been told,” Cameron said as he stared at them. He didn’t know what to think about them being here. Ezekiel he could forgive. He had been between a rock and a hard. But Don? “I’m sure you’re still pissed. I would be if I were you,” Don said. “But at the same time, I didn’t want you to think I – or rather we didn’t care about what happened to you.” “I appreciate it,” Cameron said. “I really do.” Ezekiel nodded. “Now that we k
Christmas Eve It had been eight weeks since the shooting. Cameron’s physical therapy was going well. He had been out of the wheelchair for a week and was now walking with a cane. This year, the Van Dykes were hosting a Christmas Party at their estate. The crème de la crème of New York’s elite were in attendance.Almost everyone patted Cameron on the back saying how glad they were to see him out and about. Catherine had asked her mother to invite Angela King and Terrance. And they did come. They had a hard time mingling at first, but Mr. Townsend intervened, walking them around, making introductions. After that, they relaxed and began chit chatting with a few people. Ava had also been invited. She was chatting with various people in the room. She hadn’t come with a date even though Catherine had said she could bring one. Catherine was speaking to a potential client when Cameron whisked her away. There was a time
It was the night before Catherine Van Dyke’s wedding. She was enjoying the welcome party at her parents’ estate. The party was to welcome out of town guests who came to New York City for the wedding. She noticed her fiancé, Bruce Hudson, making eyes across the room at his brothers, Christopher and Trevor. After a few minutes, Trevor approached Bruce and they began speaking as their eyes diverted here and there. So, Catherine decided to see what was going on. Catherine approached them holding a full glass of champagne. “You two look like you’re planning a conspiracy,” she joked lightly. Trevor chuckled. “Not at all.” “Catherine, would you come with me to the garden?” Bruce asked. He wore a black suit with a burgundy and black stripped tie. He looked so distinguished. “And leave our own party?” Catherine asked like the social faux pas it was. She had spent almost a week picking out the perfect dress for the party. She usually was
Two months later . . . The Ladybird’s Summer Charity Gala at the New York Country Club was the first social event Catherine has attended since Bruce canceled their wedding. She had stayed in her room at her parents’ mansion for a week, not leaving her room at all because she was so distraught. She couldn’t go back to her condo even if she wanted to. The news of her canceled wedding had hit the society pages the day after the wedding was supposed to take place. Photographers had taken over the entrance to her condo building. Gossip reporters had been harassing the doormen at the building along with the condo building manager and HOA board. Even Catherine’s maid hadn’t been safe. They had found out who she was and who one of her employers were. They were all over her every time she had tried to enter the building through the service entrance. And if that wasn’t bad enough, three days later Bruce’s and Beverly’s marriage was announced in the newspapers
New York’s Favorite Daughter Returns! By: Judy BuddCatherine Van Dyke, along with her family, graced The New York Country Club with her presence during The Ladybirds’ Summer Charity Gala. For a woman who got dropped for a journalistic nobody, Catherine looked well. Party goers thought they were going to get a scene to gossip about for months to come when the entire Hudson clan arrived. They haven’t attended a Ladybirds’ event in six months. The dining room was a flutter with whispers and discrete staring. It’s rumored that Catherine and Beverly Balsom-Hudson had a quick, yet civilized exchange in the ladies’ room. What was said? Unfortunately, this reporter couldn’t find out. But it appeared that both ladies left the restroom unscathed and in calm moods.In a few days, the Townsend homicide trial will begin. From what this reporter saw last night, Catherine is ready, willing,
It was a madhouse. Photographers and TV and newspaper reporters occupied the steps of the courthouse. Lights flashed and questions were being shouted as Catherine, Phillip Whiting, Cameron, and his parents as they walked up the steps. One of the sleazy reporters shouted, “Catherine, how do you think you do with opening arguments under the mental distress of being dumped at the altar?” It was everything Catherine could do not to whirl around to correct the low moral sleaze. She wasn’t dumped at the altar. She was dumped the night before the wedding. Not necessarily the day of the wedding at the church. Then she wanted to say screw you for asking. Nevertheless, she had to keep her composure. Catherine was on her client’s time – not her own. The reporters and photographers continued to follow them up the stairs until they got to the doors. Cameron’s mother exhaled with relief once they were inside. Mrs. Townsend had red hair wit
Catherine arrived at Harry and Martha Townsend’s home in the upper east side. Catherine told Cameron and his family about the ADA’s deal. The family was having before dinner cocktails in the den. “Did you tell him to take his deal and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine?” Harry Townsend asked and sipped is bourbon. “No. I am obligated to bring Cameron the deal and let him make his own decision. However . . . I do advise he not take it,” Catherine stated. “But in the end, it’s Cameron’s decision.” “Tell Quinn to take his deal and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine,” Cameron said with his eyebrow cocked up. Everyone chuckled. “Very well,” Catherine said nonchalantly. “I’ll leave you to finish your drinks and enjoy your dinner.” “Catherine, please stay,” Mrs. Townsend implored. “We have an excellent chef. Just hired her a few months ago.” “The best chef we’ve had in ten years,” Mr. Townsend
A week later . . . Catherine was about to open a bottle of wine when the doorbell rang. She wasn’t expecting anyone. More than likely it was one of her sisters. They were the only ones who showed up unannounced. Catherine opened the door to – Ava Bartholomew. “Hi, Catherine. May I come in?” Ava chirped happily. She wore a tight shirt and blue jeans. She held a bag. “Ava,” Catherine said as she shook off the shock. “What are you doing here?” “I went by the mansion, thinking you were still staying there with your parents. One of your sisters told me you had returned to your condo and gave me the address.” “You didn’t answer my question.” “Is that popcorn I smell?” she asked as she gently yet quickly pushed past Catherine. Seriously? “Ah. I did smell popcorn. And I see you have a bottle of wine already opened. No matter. We can drink both bottles,” Ava said as she pull