[h3][b]Katherine[/b][/h3][hr]

The not quite grief-stricken youngest Blackstone child arrived at the manor much later than anticipated, though not by choice. Her hand, wrapped within Samuel's, was given a slight squeeze of reassurance as the gate opened. Her face was nearly expressionless, the effect of the news having mostly worn off by that point. The driver, someone their mother had sent despite Katherine's insistence she did otherwise, briefly looked back at them through the rear view mirror. 

[i]"Forgive me for intruding, Ms. Blackstone, but if I may be blunt, Mrs. Blackstone wasn't expecting additional visitors."[/i]

Her body instantly tensed, and her eyes met the man's. That was polite, Blackstone speak for Samuel not being welcomed in this particular family affair. Samuel sensed what was about to be unleashed and he intervened before a less-than-ladylike string of words could pour out of Katherine's mouth. 

[I]"That's all right, darling-"[/i] 

"No, Samuel, you can't afford the time off as it is!" She turned to him with a hushed, but contempt-filled tone. They both knew her frustration was directed at her mother, and so he wrapped his arms around her and brought her close to him as he kissed the side of her head. It worked, Katherine breathed a sigh of relief. He was beyond understanding, and that's what she loved about him. She relished the moment for a little while longer, his warm embrace engulfing her in the love that she's only come to know from him, not her parents. And certainly not her father. "Alright," she whispered, "I'll handle business here and then I'll get back to you. I love you."

The vehicle pulled up just as they kissed goodbye. Not being in any mood whatsoever to be entertained, she opened the door before the driver was able to do so. Katherine left him to fetch her bag from the trunk as she turned, her body leaning against the frame of the opened door. "Don't miss me too much," she added with a smile, a real smile at that.

[I]"I'll try not to."[/i] Samuel smiled back. 

Katherine decided to break his gaze and get the circus over with. She walked away from the vehicle, the cold breeze practically chilling her bones. She could never keep warm, no matter the layers she threw on. And now, she was even more annoyed she had to make her way to the Pool House as the text from before had instructed. She stared at the yellow tape as she walked by, the entire scene giving off the vibe she was in a movie, a movie Katherine had no interest in, but was left with no choice. 

Eventually, the Pool House came into view, and then the four people inside. Katherine subconsciously slowed her pace before the inevitable, but a moment later she made her way inside.

"Apologies for being late," was her one and only form of greeting for her mother and her siblings, not that she meant it in the least bit.