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 2004.

Steele Alone for the Holidays - Part XI    

 

    "Two weeks of being waited on hand and foot.   A fellow could get used to this," Remington sighed.

    "Don't get too used to the red carpet treatment, it stays in London."

    Remington brought Laura's hand up to his lips and gently kissed it.  "Not all of it I hope?"

    Smiling Laura dipped her head and returned the affection.  Grazing his lips she shook her head.  "Not on your life."

    Since Remington had been released from the hospital, they had gotten along argument free.  Both enjoyed the unvoiced truce from bickering and reveled in the newfound closeness they shared.  Remington took great delight in trying to get Laura into bed.  She, on the other hand, was determined he wouldn't over exert himself.  It was a pleasant battle of wills.

    "You know, I got a clean bill of health from Dr. Cooper yesterday."

    Laura looked up from her notepad.   "Really?  Great, then you can help track down who tried killing you."

    Remington walked over and pulled Laura up from her chair and into his arms.  "Not exactly the activity I had in mind."

    His blue eyes smoldered with desire and Laura's body instinctively responded. 

    "What exactly did you have in mind Mr. Steele?"

    "Oh, not much, just a little something like..." Remington dipped his head and whispered into Laura's ear.  Her eyes fluttered closed as his voice wove a blanket of love and seduction.  It engulfed her.

    "You're driving me insane," Laura moaned.

    "Superb, I hate being in lust alone."

    Looking up at him, Laura was overwhelmed by her emotions.  "You're not alone.  In lust, or in love."

    "Is that so?"

   "It is, so we've got to find your killer so I can cash-in on  all those promises you've been making me."

   Daniel found Remington and Laura locked at the lips.   "All right you two, save that for another time.  We need to figure this mess out."

   Laura dislodged herself, reluctantly, from Remington's arms.  "I agree.  Our combined resources aren't coming up with much."

    "I think it's time to bandy me about, see who comes calling."

    Daniel was shaking his head before the words had come out.  "You can't be serious."

    "Think about it, someone out there is trying to make sure I don't live much longer.  Personally, I'd like to die another day."

    "I think Remington's right on this one Daniel.  We've got to flush them out, see who wants Mr. Steele deceased and why."

    "I won't risk you again!  I can't."

    Remington looked puzzled.  "Daniel, it's not like danger isn't my line of business.  You know I do this quite often."

    "I know, but this time it's different my boy."

    Laura felt the tension rising in the air.   She looked at Daniel and caught his faint nod.  "I think I'll go call Mildred and see if she's come up with any new leads."  Kissing Remington lightly she squeezed Daniel's shoulder on her way out.

    "Ok, Daniel.  Laura's gone.  You've got some explaining to do.  What's this about eh?  You've been so jittery lately.  Not that I don't mind the attention."

    "I know dear boy.  And for that I apologize but it can't be helped," Walking past Remington, Daniel stood in front of the window looking about onto the lush countryside.  Taking a deep breath he turned and faced his son.  "Harry, what I'm about to tell you will be as much of a surprise as it is a shock.  I'm afraid I am fully responsible for that."

    Remington felt his heart constricting in his chest.  "Daniel, you're not ill?"

    "No, no.  Nothing like that I assure you.  It's a long, bittersweet tale and it's high time you knew about it.  It began long ago.  Thirty years to be exact..."

    Two hours later, Remington sat, astonished and feeling like the chair had just been yanked from under him.  It was some time before he'd been able to find his voice.  "You're my father?"

    Daniel nodded sadly.  "I am."

    "And you're certain of this?"

    Daniel had already explained the blood tests but he realized his son was in shock so he simply nodded.  "It was with out a doubt accurate.  You are mine flesh and blood."

    "And I have a name?"  Remington's voice caught.  "I actually have a name, a birthday, parents, extended family.   It's all so extraordinary."

    "It is my boy.  You are Trevor Daniel Chalmers.  Heir not only to all my holdings but your mother and uncle as well."

    "I don't care about the money, I have a family," Remington smiled brilliantly. 

    Without warning he strode over and gathered Daniel in the biggest hug he could muster.  Daniel was shocked but held on to his son.   "Then. . .you forgive me?"

    "Forgive you?  What's there to forgive eh?  You're my father!  I was conceived and raised in love," his eyes clouded.  "At least before you were lost and my mother and step-father died.   It's a sad story isn't it?"

    "It is, but you are the best thing to come out of it.  I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.  You have to believe me, I was afraid if I told you years ago I'd have lost you.  I couldn't run that risk.  To have you dissapear and not be able to find you.  It would have killed me." Daniel said gruffly.

    "I know.  Still, why didn't you say something when I was grown up.  Surely you can't think I'd have been angry?  You were always the father I never had.  Do you know how many times I wished you were my real father?  And now, to find out that you are?  That I had you around me all the time?"

    "It was wrong of me.  Forgive me, my son."

    Remington held his father tightly.   "What's not to forgive, eh?"

    If Daniel died right then, no moment would have been more perfect than hearing Remington call him father."

    "Thank you son.  Now you can see why I can't risk losing you.  You are all I have.  All that's left of my beloved Alannah.  Or Tristan."

    "I realize that father.  But it's the only way to find out who's behind these attempts.  They won't just stop you know.   If we can't find the culprit they'll just continue to have at it until they suceed."

    Daniel felt his paternal instincts threatening to overwhelm him.  "We can't take that chance."

    Remington placed a hand on his father's shoulder.   "No, we can't."

                                                    ###

 

    "You're sure this is going to work?"

    Remington glanced over at Laura.  "Hell no I'm not sure this is going to work.  But it's the only thing we can collectively agree on."

    Daniel was seated across from them in the limo.   You sure those Chesters are clear on their role in this nightmare production."

    "Yes, they are getting paid to do what they normally do.  Drink and be loud and obnoxious.  They'll spread the word that Remington is alive and well in every pub they can.  Hopefully our money and their constitution will hold out long enough for the right person to hear it."

    Remington pulled Laura's hand in his.   "We hope."

    "Martin, it's time to get moving."   Daniel informed his bodyguard/chauffeur.

    Martin drove around trying his best to look conspicuous.  They'd switched Daniel's license plates with an imitation that said, "R Steele." 

    One hour later, they were still driving around London. 

    "So much for that idea."  Laura said dryly.

    The rest of her sentence was cut off by the sound of a bullet hitting their limo.

    "Oh, I don't know.  I think we it may have paid off," Remington yelled ducking his head down.

    "Martin, is that someone shooting at us?"

    "Yes sir."

    "Well what'd you think it was?" Laura yelled over the screeching tires. 

    Daniel slid into the window as the limo turned sharply around a bend.  "No need to get testy Linda."

    "Martin, take us away from town," Laura shouted.  If we keep this up they'll be cops all over us before we've had a chance to finish this experiment."

    "Too late," Daniel said hearing the sirens blaring behind them.

    Risking life and limb, Remington peeked behind him out the window.  I'm afraid the police aren't close enough to be of any real assistance.  Martin, slam on the brakes."

    "What!?"

    "Laura, stop screeching in my ear.   They'll hit us but we'll be able to catch them off guard.  We'll jump out and surprise them."

    "And did you take in to account that they have guns and we don't?" Laura yelled.

    "One thing at a time, Laura."

    "Martin, now!" Steele commanded.

    Martin hit the brakes and the limo came to a loud, abrupt halt.  Luckily, the occupants in the rear of the limo had put on seat belts and braced for impact.  The car tailing them slammed into the rear of the automobile.   Martin was the first to recover.  Drawing his gun, he bolted out of the car and descended on the smoking vehicle.  Wrenching the driver's door open, the body guard pulled the driver from the car dropping the unconscious man on the ground.   Leaving the dented limo, Remington  was opening the passenger side door when the man inside shoved the door outwards.  Remington went crashing to the ground.   Jumping on top of him, the stranger's hands instantly went to Remington's neck.

    "You're a hard one to scare off." 

    "Harder than you think," Remington said flipping the man over his head with a well placed knee.

    They were both up in an instant.  When Remington realized he wasn't armed, he called to Martin to stand down.  "This is between the two of us."

    "Is that wise?" Laura called behind him.

    "Linda, stop your harping.  Men don't like having everything questioned.  Not in the middle of a brawl.  Besides, Martin's got his gun trained on the other man.  If things take a turn, my man won't hesitate to shoot."

    Laura rolled her eyes.  "I wasn't harping." 

    Remington and the man that wanted him dead were sizing each other up.  The circled each other warily never averting their eyes.   "So, do I know you?  You don't seem familiar and I'm not one to forget a face."

    "Hardly," the stranger snickered.   "You don't know me but we're well acquainted.  By reputation only of course.  You've got something I want you see.  And I'll do whatever it takes to get it."

    "I've got something you want?  Stand in line mate.  Just what is it I'm supposed to have?"

    "A fortune, well over a million pounds!   It's mine by right and I intend to claim what is mine by birth."

    "Come again?  What fortune?  I don't know what you're talking about.  I'm not heir to any fortune.  Right Daniel?" Remington called over his shoulder.

    When Daniel was silent his son almost turned around to look at him.  "Daniel?"

    "Yes, tell him, Uncle Daniel.  It's my money by birth.  I'm Tristan Chalmer's only son, William.  Granted, illegitimate, but still his only flesh and blood offspring.  I'm heir to all his holdings, not you!"

    "Tristan had a. . .a son?  I didn't know," Daniel leaned on the car in shock.  "Trevor never told me."

    "You're lying!  My father told you everything.  He told me there were no secrets between the two of you.  He even told me about him," Daniel's nephew eyed Remington with undisguised anger.   "He'd fallen in love with your wife and wanted to raise the brat as his own.   I can't believe he was willing to cut me out of his will completely.  Oh sure, there were some land holdings and a few hundred thousand pounds, but I was entitled to all of it!  I was his only son by blood."

    Daniel grimaced with the pain his brother's secret inflicted.  "I never knew."

    "Well now you know.  I wasn't planning to kill him, I just wanted to rough him up a bit.  I hired a girl to drug you, send you packing.  How did I know she was an assassin by trade and that she took her job seriously?  I only wanted you on the first plane out of England so I could collect the inheritance I'm entitled to.  I didn't want you dead."

    Laura eyed Remington's cousin with contempt.   "You've got a funny way of showing it."

    "Can you prove any of this?"

    William looked at his uncle.  "Yes.   I wouldn't have been trying to scare him off if I couldn't back up my claim."

    Remington heard the police sirens in the distance.   In a moment the place would be surrounded by cars.  "I'm afraid there are serious repercussions for your actions William.  You can't go around doing bodily harm to people, no matter how justified you feel.  You should have sat down with us, talked this over.  We could have worked this out.  I'm not after anyone's fortune.  Hell, I only just found out Daniel's my father.  I've got enough to sort out as it is."

    William sat heavily on the ground and waited for the police.  "I've handled this badly.  I apologize.  As I said, it wasn't my intent to cause you bodily harm, at least not that much."

    Remington walked over to his cousin and offered him a hand.  Startled, William let Remington pull him up.  Once he'd gotten on his feet Remington punched him in the jaw and knocked him off of them.

    "You deserved it," Remington said by way of an explanation. 

    ###

    Laura snuggled closer to Remington in front of the fire.  Wrapping his free arm around her, Remington pulled her closer against him.   Leaning over he inhaled the scent of her hair.  It was distinctly Laura.

    The heat from the fireplace, the full meal Remington had cooked for them and the nearness of him were transpiring to make Laura very relaxed and lethargic.  "It's been a wonderful two weeks."

    "Was that before or after I discovered Daniel was my father, the background on my family, my long lost cousin attempting to have me kidnapped, roughed up, almost killed then scared out of the country so he could have the sole claim on father's fortune?"

    Leaning back Laura tilted her face up to receive his kiss.  "After, definitely after."

    "Ah, well I'd say spending the last two weeks constantly at your side, secluded in the English countryside in this decadent cottage with only you, me and lots of firewood have been a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and my good fortune."

    "At having found your family?"

    "That and having finally worked out all our outstanding issues."

    Remington turned Laura over so that she was on her back.  He used the position to his advantage.  Running his hands over the front of her body was sending them both closer to the passion just simmering under the surface.

    "Oh, I'd say we've worked them out quite well since we arrived." Laura smiled wickedly.

    "Do you now?"  Remington ran a finger over her heat kissed lips.  "Because there are a few things I was saving to use on you later.  Some very creative, love inspired things."

    "I'm all ears Mr. Steele, and whatever other parts of my anatomy you require are all at your disposal."

     "You're driving me insane Miss Holt - I like that." Remington kissed her soundly then stared off into the fire.

     Laura looked at him questioningly.   "What is it?"

     "Just thinking about William.   It's a shame greed got the better of him.  I suppose he's happy he just got probation and a few stiff fines."

     "He should be greatful you didn't press charges," Laura reminded him.

     "In then end I couldn't.  We've all suffered enough.  I thought it wouldn't do any good to have the family torn apart any more than it's been already.  Now, enough about the Chalmers men.  I'd rather discuss a certain American woman that's caught me in her spell."

      "Anyone I know?" Laura teased.

      "I never thanked you for coming all this way.  I'm glad you did.  I left things rather abruptly didn't I?   I wouldn't have blamed you if you'd been angry at how we parted."

      "Actually, I rather liked how we parted.  I'm just relieved that you survived this ordeal.  You've got the father you've always wanted.  Learned about the mother you never knew and we're closer than ever.  I'd say this trip turned out to be a blessing in disguise."

       "Not yet," Remington said quietly. 

Shoving his hand into his pocket, Remington pulled out a small, black velvet box.  Sitting up he pulled Laura with him before handing her the box.   "This is a belated Christmas gift."

Laura could barely contain the desire she felt.  "I thought you already gave me my Christmas gift."

        "That my love, is something we'll share every day, not just Christmas," Remington promised. "Now open it."

        With unsteady hands Laura pulled open the jewelry box.  Sitting serenly on a bed of dark gray fabric was a delicate, exquisitely cut diamond ring.  Laura gasped at the sheer beauty and opulence.

        "Remington!  Oh my gosh.  It's beyond words."

        "That's how I feel when I think of what we share.  We're already partners, in every way that matters.   Now, I think the time is right to make us partners for life.  Marry me, Laura.   I love you and want you to be my wife.  Mrs. Trevor Chalmers or Mrs. Remington Steele.  The choice is yours.  Just pick one of them." His voice cracked with emotion.

        Laura wrapped her arms around him and breathed in his scent.  Her stomach did the characteristic flip flop at their nearness.  How could she not want to feel this for the rest of her life?   She wasn't crazy!  Pulling back, Laura pulled the ring gently out of it's haven and handed it to the man she'd love past eternity.  "Would you like to do the honors, Mr. Steele?"

        Releasing the breath he'd been holding, Remington smiled a wide, elated smile while slipping the ring slowly on her left ring finger.  "I'd love to Mrs. Steele."  When his task was complete, he raised her bejeweled finger to his lips and kissed it.  "Till death to us part, Laura."

        Laura looked into his deep blue eyes and saw the love emanating from their depths.  She prayed her eyes related just how much she loved him.  She knew her heart did.  "If you try leaving any sooner than that, I'll kill you myself."  Laura vowed.

        "Of that I have no doubt." 

        Remington eased her back to lay in front of the fire.  Kissing her lips he moved slowly down her body with one, decisive purpose.  Seeing his mischievous intent Laura sighed with pleasure.  The newly placed diamond sparkled brilliantly in the firelight.  They were going to love each other till the sun rose.  Again.

THE END