This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2001.
Laura stood at her window and looked with unseeing eyes over the horizon. It had been a week since her father had decided to reappear and turn her life upside down. As if the death of her mother wasn't detrimental enough, she now had to deal with him taking up space in Los Angeles. Laura was still angry, had been all week and sighed when she thought of how her countenance was starting to take its toll on those around her.
"A dollar for your thoughts?" a voice asked from behind her.
Laura turned around and looked at Remington standing between her doorway and his. Laura noted that they'd been at work all day and he looked immaculate, as if he'd just arrived. She wondered if he and his clothes had an agreement worked out before he put them on.
"A dollar? I thought it was a penny Mr. Steele?"
"You know me, I always round up. Besides, you should aim high Laura." Remington said seriously.
"Naturally," Laura said rolling her eyes.
"I missed you this afternoon," Remington said coming into her office and leaning against her file cabinet.
"You missed me? Why would you...oh no! Mr. Butler..." Laura gasped.
"Two o' clock at his office, remember?"
"Now I do. I'm sorry Remington. I didn't mean to stand either of you up. I...forgot," Laura admitted.
"Par for the course it seems," Remington concluded.
"I've had a lot on my mind," Laura said defensively.
Remington walked over and put his hands on Laura's shoulders.
"That "lot" on your mind has been here for a week now Laura. Don't you think it's time to face him?" Remington said gently.
"NO! I told you I don't want to see him, I'm not interested in hearing a damn thing he has to say!" Laura fumed.
"Well on some level that's not true Laura. You've been preoccupied and forgetful since he arrived. You've missed appointments, been late every day this week and you've almost forgotten how to eat. Admit it, your father is the reason you've been so distracted."
"Ok! You're right, I know your being honest but still...I don't think I'm ready yet." Laura whispered.
"Laura look, you know I'm not pressuring you. I don't mind meeting with clients and handling agency business, that isn't why I'm bringing this up. I am worried about you, only you. I think it's time you faced your demons."
"Even if they happen to resemble my father?" Laura laughed bitterly.
"Especially then," Remington replied.
He kissed her briefly before heading back to his office.
"I suppose I could call information and get the number to his hotel," Laura began.
"His card is in your purse, in the section with the zipper."
Laura went to her purse and pulled out her father's card. She looked at Remington in surprise and laughed when he flashed her a smile and winked.
"When did you get so wise Mr. Steele?"
"Years of training Miss Holt, and a hell of a good teacher."
###
Richard Holt was eating dinner he ordered from room service when he heard a knock on his door. He placed his napkin on the table and went to answer it. When he opened the door he had to stifle the surprise at seeing his youngest daughter in the hallway.
"Laura! I...I'm glad to see you," her father said in surprise.
"Hello Richard, may I come in or is this a bad time?"
Was she kidding? "No, of course not, come in. I was just having dinner, would you care for something?" he said quickly stepping aside to allow her to enter.
"No thank you, I'm fine." Laura replied.
Even after Richard shut it, she stood stiffly by the door.
"Please, sit down. I was finished anyway." Richard said sweeping his hand toward the couch.
Laura went and sat down on the couch, sitting almost on the edge. Richard sat on a chair across from her. He eyed her intently, waiting. She hated feeling nervous, out of control. It was as alien to her as the man sitting across from her.
"I suppose you're wondering why I'm here, after the outcome of our last meeting," Laura began.
"No. I'm just glad you're here," Richard admitted. "I didn't expect you to come,"
"I almost didn't." Laura admitted.
Richard nodded but refrained from comment.
"Is Francis coming?" he couldn't help but ask.
"Yes. She'll be here shortly, I just...I wanted to see you alone first."
"It's awkward isn't it," Richard concluded.
"Yes."
"I'm sure you have many questions for me."
"Actually I only have one," Laura said looking directly into eyes that were indentical to hers. Her heart constricted. "Why?"
The single question spoke volumes. It was the one thing that had reverberated in her head nonstop for sixteen years. Richard was about to speak when the door sounded again.
"That would be Francis." Laura said eyeing the door.
Richard got up and went to answer it.
"Hello...Dad." Francis said, stepping into the room. "Hello, Laura."
"Hi, Francis," her sister replied.
Francis took off her coat. Richard immediately retrieved it. He hung it in the closet and returned to his chair. Francis had already seated herself by Laura's side and both were looking intently at the man that was both their father, and a complete stranger.
Richard took a deep breath then exhaled.
"First of all, I'd like to thank both of you for coming here. I know neither of you wanted to, and yet you did. For that I'm very grateful."
"I can assure you it had more to do with preserving my sanity then you. So let's skip the pleasantries and get to the part where you walked out years ago, shall we?"
"Laura," Francis began.
"What? Come on Francis, we aren't here to socialize, at least I'm not. I'm here because I have questions that need an answer and unfortunately, he's the only one that can give them to me," she said, bluntly.
"You're right, Laura. I do have answers. You may not believe them, and you may not like them, but they're the truth.
To be continued...