Full Disclosure

Posted on Fri Jul 3rd, 2026 @ 11:21am by Cassandra Lennox & Lola ‘Myth’ McDowell & Maureen Lennox & René Rouen & Father James Aldridge & Nathan Crawford

3,057 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: The Light House
Location: Cassandra's Cottage
Timeline: 19 December 2012

Nathan was bundled up for cold as he walked snow covered streets to Cassandra's cottage. He was grateful to be finally be in port. He was doubly grateful for the Captain taking his bridge watch so he could spend his first night ashore with Cassandra. He had missed her greatly during the last patrol to the Mediterranean. He shivered slightly as a gust of wind kicked up. One thing he didn't miss was the cold.

Nathan arrived at Cassandra's college to a peculiar sight. He saw Lola pacing back and forth in front of the cottage. It looked like she been pacing for several minutes. "Lola? Is everything all right?"

The young woman turned as she heard the familiar voice and stopped pacing. She stood there frozen for a few moments before she ran at the older man and collapsed into tears sobbing against his jacket. “It’s so good to see you Nathan.” She whispered between sobs.

Nathan was instantly concerned. Lola was shivering, whether from the cold or from what was bothering her wasn't clear. "I don't know what has you upset, but why don't we go inside. We can talk to Cassie and figure out what's going on and how best we can help you. Okay?"

Lola sobbed but nodded and let go of the older man as the door opened and Cassandra stepped out crossbow in hand. She raised an eyebrow at the pair before softening at the sobbing young woman. “Lol?” She demanded quietly as the girl turned and sobbed more. “I am very happy to see you Nath but I think we need to deal with this first.” She whispered chucking the crossbow at the man as she bundled the woman up and led her into the house lit by candles and a roaring fire.

Nathan deftly caught the crossbow and followed the women inside. He placed the crossbow on the end table just inside the door before helping Lola off with her jacket. He removed his own heavy coat and hung both on the coat rack in the tiny foyer area. He then followed the woman to the living room to find Father Aldridge and Maureen also present.

“I am sorry.” Lola sobbed as she saw everyone there and turned to leave but Cassandra blocked her way as Maureen rose to take Lola in a hug.

“You are going no where dear. Hello Commander.” Maureen said quietly taking Lola’s hand and sitting her down on the sofa.

“I am going to find something strong.” Cassandra declared disappearing into the kitchen.

Father James quietly studied Lola's demeanor. His face grim. His first thought was that René had made some unwanted advance upon Lola. He knew it had been a mistake when Juliet had placed the young Frenchman with the young woman after the Dunsbrough run. He decided to hold his own counsel until Lola revealed what was bothering her.

Nathan followed Cassandra into the kitchen. He procured the glasses as Cassandra sought out a bottle she thought suitable. He glanced at Cassandra. "There something going on? Was there an attack on Thistledrift?"

Cassandra turned as the man followed her and shook his head. “No. They are just here together.” Cassandra smiled a little and stepped up to the man and kissed him softly. “Hello.” She greeted softly.

Nathan kissed Cassandra back lightly. He smiled. "Hello to you as well." He reached up and brushed her cheek before glancing back to the living room. He turned back to Cassandra. "As much as I would love to continue saying hello, um, I think we should return to the living room and sort out what's troubling Lola."

“Very much.” Cassandra grabbed down the bottle and went back into the living room and sat on the floor by the fire as there would not by enough seats for them all. She poured several glasses and put one into the trembling girls hands. “Take a sip and then speak.” Cassandra instructed firmly.

“Has someone hurt you dear?” Maureen demanded.

“No… no.” Lola quickly assured. “I have made a mess of things. I came here thinking I could hide and I messed up.” She breathed taking a sip as instructed.

Father James was confused. He had known Lola for years. She had shown up the summer prior to the Fall. She had always been a steadfast person. Hardworking and reliable.

Nathan took a deep breath before releasing it slowly. His expression was one of grave concern. "Lola, if I may? What exactly is it you're hiding from?" He had to wonder. Was she some sort of fugitive from justice.

“York. I’m hiding from York.” She breathed softly making Cassandra down her drink and pour another. York was something she did not want to bring down on them at all. Maureen opened her mouth several times before she shook her head.

“Aren’t we all?” Maureen finally said softly.

“No my … my father is… him.” Lola explained. They all knew who who he was - the brigadier.

Father James gasped audibly, shock evident on his face. "You're the daughter of...of Brigadier Felton?"

Lola nodded once to confirm as Cassandra indicated for her to take a drink which she did as instructed. “I am.” She whispered once the burning of the drink stopped.

Nathan's expression remained neutral. He knew of Paul Felton, though he'd never met the man. He'd seen pictures of the man. Captain Sky and Brigadier Felton were old friends who had served together several times if the photographs in Captain Skye's quarters aboard Europa were any indication. He looked at Lola. "You've been in Thistledrift since before the Fall under the assumed name McDowell." It wasn't a question. He looked at Cassandra and Father James. Cassandra had made a stopover in York during her trek across England after the Fall. She was, to the best of his knowledge the only person who had been to York in the last few years. His gaze wandered back to Lola. "Why did you conceal your identity all this time?"

“I was on intern at the radio station. McDowell is my mother’s name. When my mother left him she took me and I used her name and when I turned 18 I changed it properly by deed poll.” She admitted quietly looking at the ground as she nursed the drink.

“So what had brought on tonight's revelation.” Cassandra wondered.

“The radio.” The woman explained collapsing into tears again.

"The shortwave wireless?" Nathan had switched his demeanor. This was something of a serious development. He was now in information gathering mode. "You've been in contact with with York, with your father? How long ago? Did he say what he wanted?"

“I was talking to René’s family. And I heard several clicks like someone was there and then his spoke up. I told him I had no idea who Lola Felton was or who he was but he threatened to come in spring.” Lola gasped out before she collapsed into tears. “I messed up. I am so sorry.”

Cassandra scooted over and wrapped the girl up in her arms. “You did not know it would end like this Lola.” She said gently.

Nathan gave Lola a reassuring nod. "Springs a few months off. Your father won't risk sending a large number of men over a hundred kilometers distance. We have time to sort something out." He looked at Cassandra. "I have to report this to Captain Skye. We have standing orders to make contact with other military commands. Reestablish lines of communication and coordinate the rebuilding efforts."

Cassandra nodded as she brushed the younger woman’s tears away. “You did nothing wrong sweetheart. You did what I ordered. If anyone’s at fault it’s me.” Cassandra said picking up Lola’s glass and pressed it against her lips for the shock.

Father James glanced around the room, keeping silent for the moment.

“You are trying to make contact with York?” Cassandra said looking disgusted by the thought as she looked at the man.

Nathan took notice of Cassandra's expression. He sighed. "Cassandra, these are orders from Captain Skye. I have to report this. It will be his decision to contact York. The Europa has limited resources make scouting inland practical. He's old friends with the Brigadier." He was hoping that if they could make contact that an amicable agreement could be arranged.

“I am coming to have that discussion.” Cassandra said standing. She did not overly like Skye and more so knowing he was old friends with the man who had taken over a city and made it a living nightmare for woman.

Nathan stood up as well. At least he was still in his coat, he thought. "Very well. Might as well get this addressed." He turned to Lola. "Is there anything you need before we leave?"

"She will be fine with me, Commander," Maureen said shortly. Cassandra raised an eyebrow but did not comment as she downed her drink and headed to get her coat and hats to go out into the snow.

"No. I am just sorry." Lola whispered, looking guilty.

"Stop, you heard my girl. It is not your fault. I can understand trying to hide from bad family members." Maureen said, thinking of her deceased husband and how he had come to the village to hide many years ago.

Father James moved from his seat to sit on the other side of Lola. "Not to worry, child. You have the support of everyone here."

Nathan decided to go to the door and wait for Cassandra. There wasn't anything more he could do here.

Cassandra pulled on the long, dark coat that she had left here once upon a time as a student. She was relieved that she had left it behind in moving to Bristol, and more so that her parents had not gotten rid of her. "Come along, Crawford." She said, trying to sound less harsh than she had moments before. She pulled open the door and nearly walked into someone.

René stood in the doorway, his arm raised with a loosely closed fist as if he was about to knock on the door. His eyes widened in half surprise.

"Oh, hello?" Cassandra said suprised to see the man there. "Can I help you, René?" Cassandra said not having the time to deal with some other crisis.

"I got home after my tower watch and found a note saying Lola was over here." He glanced at Nathan and returned his gaze to Cassandra. "I didn't want for her to walk home in the dark on snow covered streets." Nathan looked at the young Frenchman a little curiously, but didn't say anything.

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Stay here," She instructed and went back inside and quickly instructed the group not to say anything to René. "Do you want him in here?"

"Yes," Lola instructed. "If that is okay with Maureen." The woman inclined her head, and Cassandra went back out to where she suspected René was stood with Nathan being awkward.

Both men were standing on the porch regarding one another in silence when Cassandra returned. Nathan turned to Cassandra as the screen door opened. "Everything in order Cassie?"

René gave Cassandra a single nod. "Merci Mademoiselle Lennox." He stepped aside to allow Cassandra and Nathan pass before stepping into the house. He stepped into the living room to see Lola on the couch between Maureen and Father James. It was evident she had been crying. He couldn't help himself, he rushed over, dropping to one knee and grabbed her trembling hands. "Est-ce que ça va, mon amie?" His words came out in a rush. He took a deep breath and spoke again in English. "Are you okay my friend?"

Lola scrubbed at her eyes to not look as bad but that instantly failed when he saw her. “She is fine. She’s just had a shock.” Maureen smiled a little. Landed in agreement, pulling a hand away to wipe her eyes again.

Rene looked at Maureen as she spoke, then glanced at Father James. His gaze settled on Lola. Nobody seemed forthcoming as to the issue. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it. "If there's anything I can do, just ask."

Father James nodded at René. "Very generous of you to offer young man."

"I do not want to talk about it," Lola whispered, looking at the man as her hands were freed properly and wrapped her arms around herself.

René's expression was one of deep concern. He had never seen her so out of sorts like this. He backed away, giving her space. She was clearly upset and he could tell she had been drinking. He took a seat in the chair a few feet away and watched as Maureen comforted the young woman. He wanted to help, but didn't know how.

Father James noticed one glass still full and realized it had been Commander Crawford's. He gestured to the glass. "Care to have a drink René?"

René briefly looked at the glass and shook his head. "Merci, but no."

"She'll be okay," Maureen assured quietly as she hugged Lola to her side. The woman was exhausted, and soon in the silence and warmth, she fell asleep against the woman's shoulder. "Why don't you go and grab a blanket from the bedroom you stayed in the first night?" She suggested slowly moving to lie the woman down.

René stood up and went upright to retrieve the pillow and blankets. He returned and handed them to Maureen before stepping back. He looked worried, confused and upset. He wondered if the Smith person from her nightmare over a week ago had returned to hurt her. He finally resumed his seat. "Um. Madame Lennox. May I stay. I could sit and keep watch,"

“Of course you can dear.” Maureen said smiling as she settled the pillow and blanket over the girl. “But when she wakes let it be hmm?” She suggested. She did not want Lola pressured into telling anymore people. She glanced to the other man still there and offered a smile. “A nightcap before you go?” She offered.

Father James nodded quietly with a gesture to the kitchen. He paused at the doorway and studied the young René for just a moment. Once he and Maureen were alone he gave a small sigh. "Well, this is a right royal mess. What do we do if Lola's father sends troops to take her?"

“Get her out of here before then,” Maureen said simply. It was a pretty easy decision in her head, she was a logical woman who did not suffer fools. “He won’t be able till travel till spring. That is a few months away if everything like last year is to go by.”

Father James looked to the corridor leading to the living room. "We put her on the Europa and send her away. To where? Her friend in France? What about Thistledrift? What do you think will happen to us if 100 soldiers armed to the teeth show up on our doorstep asking for the girl?"

“They won’t want anything here once they learn that the Europa is here.” Maureen reminded. “We do not decide for her. Lola will go where she wants to if it comes to that. She did not cause any of this. She just has an unfortunate relation to a mad man.” Maureen added pouring a large glass and held it out to the man.

James took the drink and down a large gulp. The evening had greatly deviated from its intended course of planning for Christmas Festivities Week. The drink helped calm his nerves. "I suppose we could continue planning for the Christmas Season. He looked down and chuckled. "I suppose I will have to play Santa again this year for the children."

Maureen laughed a little and nodded. “Unless you are going to make Samuel do it again?” Maureen was sure no one would want that experience again after Samuel had been forced to step in last year.

James laughed as well. "On two conditions. One, I don't catch a stomach flu again."

Maureen raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly could the second condition be?” She wondered quietly having an idea.

James gazed into Maureen's eyes for a moment. "Well, Santa would need a Mrs. Clause to hand out biscuits to the children. Would you be willing to be Mrs. Clause for the Christmas Festival?"

Maureen smiled a little. “I guess I could do that.” She laughed a little. “But I am not making the biscuits or anything for the children.” It was not like there were many children in the village but she do not want the responsibility to make all the biscuits.

James took a hold of Maureen's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "What if we make the biscuits together? Would that be acceptable?"

“If we can find ingredients but I am sure chef can assist better than I can.” The woman said quietly pulling her hand back grabbing up her own glass. Christmas time was hard for her since her husbands death as he went all out at Christmas but Cassandra was there and alive so she needed to try better this year.

James dropped his hand back to his side. He gave Maureen a nod and a smile, inside he cursed himself though. John had been his best friend and strongest supporter for the church. Maureen had taken over providing support and the two of them had developed an even stronger friendship.

James first started realizing he was falling in love with Maureen just a few months ago. He had tried to rationalize away his growing feelings to no avail. He pushed those thoughts out of his mind as he raised his glass. "You, as always, provide the best counsel when there's a problem to be solved. I'll speak with chef in the morning."

Maureen smiled tightly and tapped her glass against his. “I try my best. I was not a school teacher for all these years without learning a trick or two.” The woman pointed out with a smile. It was why she enjoyed helping with the children as it gave her purpose and that was all anyone needed right now.

 

RSS Feed