Marriage is Murder

"Eating?" Kate laughed. "Of course, Jess. I lost most of my paintings that I still had in the fire. I just havent' done much painting since. But I love watercolors. Especially of the sea. And the light is so unusual on the water today that I couldn't resist. I just hope I can capture it."

"You have never had an issue with that," Robert said, dipping a quill into a travel inkwell to sign some parchments. "You were always very good with understanding light and darkness. I think it has something to do with your seer's powers, quite honestly."

"My mother used to believe that," Kate shrugged. "My father painted but my mother didn't ever like his use of light as she did mine. So, I don't know."

"He'l burn it off at the fall bootcamp I'm going to send you all to in Colorado. I'm not sure that I can afford you to all go at once. I might have to send you two at a time," Robert said. "I've been too soft on you lot about your training and fitness. Its time we whipped that back into shape."

"They have been busy this year, Robert," Kate said, mixing a coral color with a bit of white to lighten it up before she applied it to her canvas.

"Ah, and thats how disaster happens," Robert said, "When we're least prepared. We must improve."

"So they need to enjoy it while it lasts," Kate said.

"Well, more or less. I've always enjoyed bootcamp," Robert said.

"Outside of you and Brian, I don't know of anyone else who would."

Robert was doing paperwork when Abbey came up and climbed up on the bench beside him. She had a piece of paper in her hands.

"What have you got?" he laid his quill aside, smiling at her. She showed him the picture she'd colored. It was a page from a coloring book. A beautiful princess. But Abbey had scribbled her red crayon darkly all over it. He didn't see any other colors. He wasn't sure if she had been angry or why she'd colored so much and so hard. "Tell me about your picture, Sweetheart," he told her.

"It Mama," she nodded.

"Mama? What about Mama? Does she have a red dress?" Robert asked. Abbey shook her head no. She saw a steward on deck who had a bandaid on the back of his hand, and the bandaid was bloodstained. She pointed to it.

"Like that?" Robert asked. Abbey nodded. "Where, Abbey? Where do you see the red on Mama?" She pointed to the red in her picture. It was not much help. He was presuming that Khaat was fine because she was with Brian. Angus had overheard and he immediately turned and went to their stateroom. He came back only a moment later emptyhanded, shaking his head. Robert was relieved. Khaat was apparently fine. He had to do a bit of thinking to figure out how to get what he needed from a two year old.

Kate got up and went over to them and looked at the picture. Then she saw a black mark on the right upper corner. Just a short line. Nothing more.

"Hey," Kate said, hugging her from behind, "That is a beautiful picture." Abbey nodded, loving her grandma. Kate pointed to the black line. "What's this? Tell Gam."

"Bird," Abbey nodded.

"A bird?" Kate asked. "Its that color?" Abbey nodded. "Tell me about the bird. Whats it doing?"

"Fly," abbey said.

"Where is it going?"

"Away," Abbey said.

"Did this..."she pointed to the blood, "scare the bird away?"

"No," Abbey said. "He like it."

"Why does he like it?"

"He eat it," Abbey said simply. Kate looked at Robert who didn't want to show one ounce of emotion.

Robert knew they were right. He looked at Abbey. "Can you tell Papa anything more about your picture?" She just shrugged. She knew nothing more. "Can I have your beautiful picture?" he asked. "I'd really like it." She nodded. Robert looked at Jess. "Would you please take my very special little artist here,..." he gave Abbey a kiss and she hugged his neck. "And take her back to make me some more pictures?" He looked at Abbey, "You'll make me some more, right?" She nodded, eager to please her beloved Papa.

"Papa?" she asked.

"Yes, Sweetie," he smiled.

"Story today?"

"How about I tuck you into bed tonight and I'll read the story?" he asked. She nodded.