Thank you Readers!

Dear Loyal Readers,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your love,praise, loyalty, and all of your encouragement. I write this because for one I love to write and two my love of "All My Children". One of the saddest things for myself and millions of others was watching our program being slowly murdered day after day and when that didn't work to chase fans away seeing our beloved program canceled out of greed and replaced with schlock-reality!
      The a fore mentioned murder was the reason I started writing the Fan-Fiction when excellent writers and the creator who had a love and a vision for the program were pushed out and replaced with hacks Megan McCrackpipe and then the Charles Pratt "Craptacular". I was so angry that characters were being taken out of character and literally being destroyed to suit weak and convoluted story lines I started writing and you my friends and readers are why I continue writing now.

       So again thank you all for the love support and as long as you all keep reading I'll be writing!

Takeitish!  

Jesse 2013

 

 

Jesse looks around the crash site watching the coroner finish his notes and close the back of the van then climb in to the drivers seat Brot in to the passenger side. He’d watched Brot as the technicians had pulled Taylor’s body up from the bottom and he’d handled like the soldier he was all his men had giving her a soldiers respect stopping what they were doing standing silently with their hats over their hearts as they carried her body to the waiting coroners van. Jesse said a silent prayer then walked towards the detective who’d taken Devereaux’s statement earlier. It was a long night and it was guaranteed to be an even longer day. He wanted to get over to the hospital and check on Tad but he needed to finish up here first.

 

Jesse: Detective what do you have for me?

Detective: I finished getting a statement from Mr. St. Jacque and his driver.

Jesse: Anything interesting pop up.

Detective: Nothing so far but I’ll go over it more closely once I right it up.

Jesse: Make sure you get a copy of that on my desk no later than nine AM.

Detective: Will do something up Chief?

Jesse: No I just want to go over it.

Detective: Will do Chief. Ahh chief.

Jesse: Yeah, there was one thing Mr. St. Jacque said he was coming back from New York? Make sure you check that out I want to know the time they left and I want you to scan the footage from the toll plaza.

Detective: Got it, anything else?

Jesse: Yeah, make sure you do a complete background check on the both of them.

Detective: Yes sir. Oh and Chief I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for your loss.

Jesse: Thank you very much. I’m going to make sure we get the Collision investigation team report with in forty-eight hours.

Detective: Yes sir. (Jesse walks over to where the investigation team are working.) Gentleman.

Investigator: How’s it going Chief?

Jesse: I’ve had way better night’s whatchu got for me?

Investigator: We’ve identified the point of impact and it happened just as you suspected the other vehicle went off the road here and impacted the limo here. We figure you’re looking for a mid size box truck it’s going to have some front end damage broken headlight and signal light I found the pieces here there’s the skid marks we’ve got photo’s for now that’s about all I can give you, I’ll have more once we get some day light and when they pull the vehicle up. Hopefully I‘ll be able to pull more evidence from there.

Jesse: You and me both, where you able to get any tire print anything like that?

Investigator: No sorry chief the shoulder is paved and any footprints in the dirt were pretty degraded by the time we got here if there were any that would have been useful they were trampled.

Jesse: Yeah I was afraid of that.

Investigator: I’ll let you know if we come up with anything.

Jesse: Please, do that. Night.

Investigator: I will. Night Chief.

Jesse walks back towards his car there wasn’t much more he could do here tonight he’d have to wait for reports and daylight before he’d know more. But even with as little as he knew now there were warning signs popping up all over the place and most them popped up around Devereaux St. Jacque. He really wanted to know more about his stepdaughter’s lover a lot more. Something about his behavior his and his drivers stories, just didn’t sit right with him. Especially after talking to Aidan and Adrian. Their reactions at the mention of his name, the looks they’d given each other were more than enough to peak his interest. Devereaux was in this up to his neck and so were those two and he was going to find out how and why. He opens the door of the car then stares down at the lights and news vans parked along the side of the road and the reporters standing in front of the barrier craning their necks to see past the police holding them back and blocking their view. He slides in to the seat shutting the door and starts the engine then wields the car around in a circle driving slowly through the parting crowd ignoring the reporters tapping on the car windows and screaming questions. Last thing he wanted to do was speak to those vultures they had been circling since before he’d arrived. This was definitely not the way he’d plan to spend his evening. He’d hoped to just have a quiet moment in his office catch up on some work and leave he hadn’t expected the DNA results to be there. After reading them he’d hoped to have a moment to allow it all to seep in, think about the best way to proceed before talking to Frankie. Then the call had come in about Tad and Taylor and he’d put it out his mind but how long could he just ignore it? He had to tell him about Griff and Randi but he supposed that could wait a bit longer Frankie didn’t know he’d gotten the results back and Randi had been without her father for her entire life another few days wasn’t going to make much difference. Besides, she had no idea the man was even alive let alone here in Pine Valley. The only one that had any inkling was he and Frankie and Frankie didn’t know he had the result back anyway. He also wanted to talk to Griff first before he spoke to Frankie. Kind of feel him out he’d been in kind of a similar situation and it didn’t seem fair to just blind side the man plus he wanted to hear his side, in his words without out them being discolored by raw emotions and knee jerk reactions. From what he knew of the man he seemed like he was a decent person who’d made a mistake but with everything his family had gone through and was going through he needed to take a good long hard look at this man first see if anything ticked on the meter. Right now though he needed to concentrate on Taylor the accident that killed her and the man his stepdaughter had entangled herself with. Frankie would just have to understand family matters would have to take a back seat to murder.

Tad Wedding Aftermath 01/25/2013

 

 

Jamie and Francessca rush into the emergency room and are greeted by his Grandmother Opal and Palmer.

 

Opal: Oh Jaime thank goodness how are you honey? (She reaches over hugging him tightly holding back her tears then Francessca)

Jamie: I’m okay Grandma?

Opal: I’m worried. We haven’t heard anything since Adrian and them bought him in. (She dabs at her eyes then drops in to the chair Jamie and Francessca sitting one on each side of her)

Jaime: Where’s Adrian now?

Palmer: He went down to the cafeteria to get us coffee. (He says taking the chair opposite them)

Francessca: You were here when they bought him in?

Palmer: We were here before they bought him in. (He says nodding his head towards Opal)

Jamie: Are you okay you’re not sick are you?

Opal: I’m fine now. (She smiles patting her hand)

Palmer: She hadn’t been feeling well all evening I made her come in to be checked out when we got here they were bringing Tad in.

Francessca: Are you sure you’re okay Opal?

Jamie: Maybe we should have you looked at?

Opal: I’m fine I told Palmer I was fine before he dragged me here.

Palmer: You weren’t fine you were cold and shivering and you said something was very wrong.

Opal: I meant that something was wrong in the cosmos not with me!

Palmer: Hmm! (He snorts)

Opal: Don’t “Hmm” me Palmer turns out I was right wasn’t I, (She says with a huff then remembers what she was right about and sigh shaking her head) but what away to prove my point.

Jamie: So what happened to you?

Opal: We came home from the wedding Palmer had some calls to make and I was so cold. I decided to build a fire and take a look at my cards.

Francessca: What did they say?

Opal: I couldn’t tell my mind was just so muddle. (She shrugs) Eventually I fell asleep and had this awful dream.

Palmer: That’s when I found her wrapped in a blanket and shivering so I sent her up to bed.

Opal: So I went up and fell asleep and had another awful dream.

Palmer: That’s when I found her lying next to me shivering again and I made her come here.

Opal: And I was sitting right here talking to Palmer and I look up and they’re wheeling your father in (Then her tears begin to well in her eyes and her voice gets tight) that’s when they told us about Taylor. 

Jamie: Anyone contacted Mr. and Mrs. Thompson? I’d hate for them to find out from the TV.

Palmer: I called them as soon as we saw Tad come in and I’d spoken to the officer, then I called everyone I could think of.

Opal: How are the girls do they know?

Jamie: They were asleep when we left.

Opal: That’s a blessing.

Francessca: My Mom and Dad are staying with them.

Jamie: Yeah I asked them to keep them home from school and not let them watch TV till we can talk to them. (Ruth and Joe rush through the ER door walking to the small group and hugging each one.

Ruth: Any news on Tad’s condition?

Palmer: Nothing yet.

Jamie: I’m going to see if I can find anything out I’ll be right back.

Ruth: Thanks honey. Did anyone call Krystal?

Francessca: My Mom was going to call her when we were leaving.

Opal: What about Brooke?

Francessca: She should be here soon.

Joe: I don’t understand what happened. (He looks from one o the other confused)

Palmer: According to Adrian they were hit while the driver was fixing a flat. He said the impact pushed the limousine over the edge.

Adrian: Here you go (He holds out a tray of cups Opal and Palmer each take one) Hey Ruth, Joe. Hi Francessca is Jamie here?

Francessca: He went to see what he could find out.

Adrian: Did anyone call Jake?

Francessca: We spoke to Amanda on the way over here Jake is on duty tonight and she’s going to drop Trevor off with my Mom and be right over.

Ruth: Adrian how was he when you bought him in?

Adrian: I’m not going to lie to you Ruth he was pretty bad the paramedics still can’t figure out why or how he was still conscious and flailing around when they found him. He was even yelling at them but they think that was shock but we all know Tad that wasn’t shock. (They all laugh)

 

 

Tad lies on a chaise lounge holding Taylor’s hand. She lies on a matching one next to his sunshine bathing her face in a warm glow. He glances over at her and she smiles back at him looking pleased and happy. He turns is head toward the water gently lapping against the shore he glances up shading his eyes from the blinding light and the sound of screeching of tires and he laying among the dirt and jagged rocks and Phillip is standing above him)

Phil: How are you doing Tad?

Tad: You’re still here?

Phil: I told you I would see you at the hospital.

Tad: And I told you not to bother!

Phil: What can I say; you’re stuck with me for the duration.

Tad: The duration of what?

Phil: Till you don’t need me anymore.

Tad: I don’t need you now.

Phil: Yeah you do you just don’t know it yet.

Tad: I know what I need you can’t give me so go away.

Phil: I’m not going anywhere.

Tad: Well if you’re going to be hanging around could you at least shut up so I can get some sleep?

Phil: At the moment you are asleep.

Tad: Good so this is all a dream and Taylor is still alive.

Phil: At the moment because they gave you a sedative but, what happened isn’t a dream. Taylor is gone.

Tad: Then why are you still here? You’ve already taken everything from me what else do you want from?

Phil: Everything wasn’t taken Tad you still have your family and your friends. They need you.

Tad: What about what I need or don’t I count?

Phil: Of course you count more than you know it and in the next few months your family and friends are really going to need you. That’s why I’m here to make sure you know it.

Tad: Why me huh? Why do I have to sacrifice for everyone else?

Phil: No one was sacrificed Tad I told you Taylor dying had nothing to do with you. It was just her time.

Tad: It had everything to do with me! Do me a favor go away Phil!

Phil: I will but only because Jamie is coming. I’ll talk to you later.

Tad: Don’t bother Phil!

Jamie: Dad? (He says touching his shoulder) Hey it’s me Jamie.

Tad: Hey son Phil said you were coming.

Jaime: Who’s Phil one of your doctors? (He looks around the room at the doctors and nurses present not recognizing the name)

Tad: What? (He looks up at him confused expecting to see Phillip)

Jaime: You said “Phil said you were coming.”

Tad: Yeah sorry I think I was dreaming.

Jamie: Yeah they have you on some pretty heavy-duty painkillers I’m surprised you’re even awake. (He jokes surprised by his fathers tenacity)

Tad: I don’t want to sleep. (His voice heavy with anger and sadness)

Jamie: You have to sleep Dad you need your rest. You have to be tired. 

Tad: I am but I don’t want to sleep.

Jamie: Why not you have to be exhausted?

Tad: because every time I close my eyes I see Taylor and when I open them I have to remind myself she’s gone all over again. (He begins to weep quietly at first Jamie sits on the edge of the bed holding his father his heart aching for him tears stringing his eyes and his throat tightens at the sound of his fathers gut wrenching sobs)

Ryan and Griff 01/23/2013

 

 

Griff walks into the penthouse surprised to see Ryan still awake papers spread out across the coffee table.

 

Griff: Hey, you’re up late. What’s got you burning the midnight oil?

Ryan: Whatsup, just finishing up some stuff I need to get done for tomorrow. What about you? (He tosses his pen down a top the folder watching Griff as he tosses his jacket on the chair by the door)

Griff: I opened and closed for Carmen and Krystal. They had a wedding to go to.

Ryan: Oh yeah, (Remembering Tad’s wedding was today and noting Griff’s weary expression) long day.

Griff: I don’t mind (He smiles as he stretches) Carmen and Krystal are good people.

Ryan: You really like working there huh? (He smiles at him happy Griff seemed to have found his niche)

Griff: Yeah, I do.

Ryan: Good for you I’m glad. (He picks up the pen looking down at the contract in front of him as Griff walks to the kitchen)

Griff: You want a beer?

Ryan: Sure I’m finished with this. (He calls after him tossing the pen back down on the table and closing the folder as Griff hands him a bottle)

Griff: Here you go.

Ryan: Thanks! (He reaches for the bottle salutes him with it then drinks)

Griff: So what’s new in Ryan’s world? (He sits in the chair opposite him)

Ryan: Nothing, (He sits back against the cushions) nothing really working, spending time with my daughter, the therapy sessions.

Griff: How are the sessions going?

Ryan: Good, very well actually. (Grinning from ear to ear as he leans forward) I was surprised. Emma actually wants to spend time with me so that’s a great thing.

Griff: That’s real good. (Happy for Ryan was making some real progress with his daughter perhaps someday he could do the same then changes the painful topic)  What about your new partner that Devereaux guy?

Ryan: That’s okay I guess. (He shrugs his expression betraying his words)

Griff: What do you mean you guess?

Ryan: I don’t know he’s just, (He sighs heavily shaking his head) I don’t know I just can’t put my finger on it. It’s just a feeling.

Griff: Trust your feelings Ryan just like in prison if it don’t feel right it ain’t right. (He nods using his beer bottle as a pointer then sips it)

Ryan: Yeah, (He raises his brow nodding his head in agreement) problem is I don’t know what it is.

Griff: Well what’s been going on lately? (He sits back in the chair cradling his beer bottle in his lap)

Ryan: Remember I was telling you a few weeks ago what a control freak he is?

Griff: Yeah. (His brow creasing his attention focused)

Ryan: Well recently he’s been he’s been giving me bits and pieces of the Sherrigan- Chandler deal that was something he said at the beginning that he wanted to handle exclusively now all of a sudden he wants me to do it?

Griff: Maybe he’s busy with something else.

Ryan: Like what? There’s no new business at the moment that I know of.

Griff: Maybe he’s out generating new business.

Ryan: If he is why haven’t I heard anything about it?

Griff: Is his work slacking?

Ryan: No it’s spot on but he seems distracted.

Griff: He lives with that Cassandra girl right? (He smirks sitting back in his chair)

Ryan: Yeah what’s she got to do with it?

Griff: From what I hear from Carmen and Krystal she a real piece of work maybe she’s got him all worked up. (He chuckles looking at Ryan’s doubtful face)

Ryan: Maybe.

Griff: Speaking of Sherrigan how you doing with that? (He eyes Ryan suspiciously remembering the day he’d met Rebeka Sherrigan)

Ryan: What do you mean?

Griff: I mean the last time we talked you were all “gaga” over Rebeka Sherrigan. (He teases amused by Ryan’s shy blush and defensiveness)

Ryan: I wasn’t all ‘gaga” I told you what happened I was just a little thrown.

Griff: I little thrown? (He says laughing heartily) Boy, it was more like knocked out by the pitch. You couldn’t concentrate for days, which is why you’re here now. (He points at the pile of papers on the table)

Ryan: I’m here now because I have a meeting with JR and Rebeka tomorrow that Devereaux just threw on me this morning. (He says stacking the folders on top of each other in a huff making Griff laugh harder)

Griff: So I was right! You’re seeing Ms. Sherrigan tomorrow and you want to shine. (Flailing his fingers out in a starburst shape around his face)

Ryan: I want to shine because that’s my job. (He grins then stands picking up the folders and putting them in his briefcase)

Griff: Yeah, that’s your job but don’t tell me you’re not looking forward to the opportunity to do it in front of her. (He sips his beer giving Ryan a sidelong glance and smirks)

Ryan: Why do you keep pushing this?

Griff: Because, I know there’s more to it than you just wanting to “Shine”.

Ryan: Okay, okay I admit it (Sitting back down on the sofa and reaching for his beer then holds it in his lap grinning from ear to ear) I’m kind of looking forward to seeing her again.

Griff: Isn’t she living with JR Chandler?

Ryan: Yeah I know, (He huffs) I just can’t help it she reminds me so much of Gillian.

Griff: You mean she looks like her. (He drains the remains of the bottle then sets it on the table)

Ryan: She looks like her she sounds like her.

Griff: My suggestion buddy keep reminding yourself she not her.

Ryan: I know she’s not I just…

Griff: You just nothing man (He cuts in shutting down any excuse Ryan was about to purpose) she’s not your wife and she’s in love with someone else. If I were you I’d put as much space as possible between the two of you before trouble starts.

Ryan: Don’t you think I know that? (He sets the bottle on the table looking as frustrated as he sounded)

Griff: Do you? 

Ryan:  Of course! (He finishes the beer in the bottle places the empty container on the table before continuing) That’s why I was relieved when Devereaux said he was handling it then he dropped it in my lap.

Griff: So what are you going to do? (He reaches over picks up the empty bottle along with his own and stands talking as he walks to the kitchen and walks back in)

Ryan: I’m going to complete my meeting with them and then I’m leaving it all with Devereaux’s secretary and I’m off to New York for the expo for the next three days. (He sits back against the cushions hands tucked behind his head and sighs loudly) So you’re going to have the place all to yourself.

Griff: Oh yeah thanks for reminding me. (Happy to have some time to himself for a couple of days) Well listen I have to get to bed. (He walks slowly up the steps and yawning)

Ryan: Yeah me too. I’ll see you when I get back.

Griff: Good luck man, night. (He yawns again rubbing the back of his neck as he walks down the hall)

Ryan: Thanks night. (He glances down at the Rebeka and Jr’s file his mind going back to the day he’d returned her phone the way she’d turned her head to the side when she was talking to him it was like having Gillian right there it was so hard not to just reach out and pull her in to his arms bury his face in the curve of her neck, run his hands along the length of her feel the warmth of her skin beneath his hands taste her kiss on his lips. Griff was right he had to stop. She wasn’t Gillian and he couldn’t pretend she was) 

Jamie and Francessca 01/22/2013

 

 

Francessca sits on the sofa a bowl of popcorn on the table as Jamie comes down the steps looking tired.

 

Francessca: The girls asleep?

Jamie: Finally four stories and two glasses of water later.

Francessca: Aww you’re a good big brother. (She holds her arms out) Come here. (He sits on the edge of the sofa and hugs him then kisses him)

Jamie: That’s more like it. (He grins then leans in and kisses her again then squeezes onto the couch next to her wrapping his arms around her and pulls her close then yawns)

Francessca: Tired?

Jamie: A little how about you?

Francessca: I’m okay. They were probably a little wound up too, because it’s a new place. (He laughs at the image of his sisters jumping from bed to bed trying not to touch the floor and smothering a laugh when he chastised them)

Jamie: That and they are packed with sugar up from the wedding.

Francessca: They had a really good time. (Remembering all the kids running and laughing from attraction to attraction all day) I thought with all the running around they would have fallen asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow.

Jamie: I wish. (He rolls his eyes and sighs)

Francessca: Are you hungry there are a lot of leftovers.

Jamie: No, I’m fine honey thanks. Did the Baby finally calm down? (He places his hand on her belly waiting for the baby to beat against his palm)

Francessca: Yeah he finally stopped playing me like a bongo if that’s what you mean.

Jamie: Maybe it was all the sugar you feed him. (He nuzzles her neck enjoying her head curl in toward his touch)

Francessca: The doctor said he’s turning besides I only had one piece of wedding cake. (She pulls away from him her voice defensive he chuckles pulling her back towards him and punctuating each word with a kiss)

Jamie: And three cannolis, baklava, a napoleon, and what was that other thing you had?

Francessca: A biscotti. (She half moans turning her head as Jamie trails kisses across her other cheek and down her neck)

Jamie: Biscotti! (Stopping his love making he sits up and looks up at the ceiling listening for foot steps then sits back when he hears none)

Francessca: They were so good! I haven’t had one that good since I came back from my Grandmother’s!

Jamie: They were good. How is your Grandmother?

Francessca: She’s wonderful can’t wait to be a great Grandmother so she can spoil him rotten. Her words. (They both laugh)

Jamie: She sounds like my grandmothers. (They laugh again Jamie swings his feet to the floor then helps Francessca sit up)

Francessca: Ahhg! (She groans resting her feet on the floor then pilling pillows behind her back) Yeah they’re all really excited and your Mom is just crazy! (She laughs)

Jamie: What did she do now?

Francessca: She bought the baby the biggest stuffed lion I have ever seen! (Her arms and eyes stretched out wide)

Jamie: Come on it’s not that big. (He smirks)

Francessca: The thing is life size Jamie. There’s no room in there for the baby. (She laughs and shakes her head)

Jamie: Then maybe we should start thinking about getting a bigger place.

Francessca: Maybe we should just get the grandparents to stop buying everything they see.

Jamie: Yeah, well good luck with that.

Francessca: No joke I mentioned to your mom I really liked this one electronic breast pump the other day and I went in the nursery to put the bedding set she bought for the baby and it was sitting on the changer.

Jamie: What can I say it’s her first grandchild she’s excited.

Francessca: I just feel…you know kind of… (She shrugs her voice trailing off her expression guilty he looks down at his hands then back up at her)

Jamie: You still feel bad lying to her.

Francessca: Oh course, your Mom is more than just my boss or my mother in-law she my friend and I don’t lie to my friends.

Jamie: Honey I know how badly this makes you feel but too many people already know and…(He finishes his sentence as if on queue then sighs resting her forehead on her palm)

Francessca: It puts your Mom in an awkward position I know, I know but it doesn’t make me feel any better. (Looking up at her the guilty in her voice and her expression still the same)

Jamie: Baby you have to trust me on this one please (he slips his arm around her pulling her close) if or when this ever comes out she has to find out at the same time as Oliver. She’s kept enough secrets from him about me, about us. You get it right? (He places his knuckle under her chin tilting her head up to look at him)

Francessca: Yeah I do but it doesn’t give me the warm fuzzies.

Jamie: Well you could just think of it this way either way she’s going to be the babies grandmother so if she wants to spoil the baby rotten let her she’d be doing it anyway whether she knew or not. So stop worrying okay.

Francessca: Okay.

Jamie: Promise?

Francessca: Promise.

Jamie: What do you say you and I go to bed? (He stands hands on his hips his eyebrows wiggling up and down)

Francessca: Just one second I was waiting for this news flash I saw earlier.

Jamie: Yeah? What happened?

Francessca: I’m not sure I was trying to listen when you called my upstairs before and I missed it. (She reaches behind her adjusting the pillows as Jamie walks towards the kitchen)

Jamie: Okay, I’m going to get something to drink you want something?

Francessca: No I’m good thanks. (She reaches for the remote and turns the volume on the TV up as the report comes just as the phone rings)

Jamie: I got it! Hey Mom what’s up? (Francessca raises the volume on the set to hear over Jamie talking on the phone) It’s coming on now he says turning towards the TV set as Brooke talks)

 

“Reporter: Dan I’m on Owego Ridge where earlier this evening it was the site of a deadly accident when a limousine went off the highway and down a fifty-foot embankment. Police are reporting that two people were killed another has been air lifted to Pine Valley Hospital.

Anchor Man: Do we have the names of the victims?

Reporter: No names on the victims of this tragic accident pending notification of the victim’s families.” 

Anchor: Do the police know what caused the accident?

Reporter: Reports are still coming in but so far we have been told that the limousine was struck by another vehicle that fled the scene.

Anchor: Do the police know anything about the other vehicle?

Reporter: Nothing so far but we do have the names of the victims. The driver of the Limo was sixty-four year old George Lloyd who police was killed on impact and tragically Newly weds Tad Martin and his bride Taylor Thompson Martin. The two were just married this afternoon and were on their way to their honeymoon when tragedy struck. Mrs. Martin has been reported also have been killed and Mr. Martin has been air lifted to Pine Valley Hospital.

Francessca: Oh My God! (She looks up at Jamie who’s face is ashen his eyes filled with fear she turns off the set then reaches for her ringing phone as she goes quickly to him) Hello? Hey Mom we just heard….Oh that would be really great thank you.

Jamie: We’ll be right there! (He says putting the phone back in the cradle) My father and Taylor were in an accident. (He holds her to him closing his eyes breathing in her strength fighting back his tears)

Francessca: I know honey. (She whispers knowing all too well the pain he was feeling)

Jamie: My God this is so surreal. I just don’t believe it!

Francessca: That was my mother she on her way over to watch the girls.

Jamie: The girls! (He pulls away from starts up the steps then stops coming back to her)  What am I going to tell them? How am I…

 Francessca: We don’t have to tell them anything yet they’re asleep. We can talk to them in the morning. (He nods in agreement smiles weakly. Francessca strokes his cheek then kisses him gently)

Rhea: Cess I’m here. (Her mother voice calls softly as she enters the room hugging first her daughter then Jamie)

Rhea: I’m so sorry honey.

Jamie: Thanks Rhea.

Rhea: No problem you guys get going and call me when you hear something. (She says shooing them towards the door. Francessca picks up her purse from the table and follows Jamie towards the door he reaches for their coats on the pegs)

Jamie: We will. (He holds out Francessca’s jacket holding it while she shoulders in to it)  Do me a favor, don’t let the girls go to school or watch TV till we can talk to them please?

Rhea: Sure thing and I’ll give Krystal a call.

Francessca: Thanks Mom (She kisses her cheek and hugs he quickly then follows Jamie out the door) we’ll call as soon as we hear anything.

Rhea: I’ll say a prayer.

Cassandra and Rego 01/21/2013

 

 

Rego rolls over stares at the reflection of the light on the floor from the bathroom then turns his back to it as the shower shuts off. He’d met Cassandra at the hospital as they planned then he had convinced and paid her bodyguard who now worked for him. It wasn’t hard at all the man didn’t like Devereaux anymore than they did and making double you salary didn’t hurt either. He also knew a man like that couldn’t be trusted so when this was over so was his employment hope he was a good saver. They’d left in his car out another exist and had end up in this dumpster known as the Pine Cone just as a precaution. This was a far cry from the plush suites they’d stayed in just a few months ago now they were resorting to seedy little hotels darkened booth in beer soaked run down dives. What the hell was he doing? Why was he here? Nothing good was going to come of it. Nothing good had ever come from his relationship with Cassandra. Once he helped her out of the trouble she was in he was done. He punched the pillow propping it behind his head just as she came from the bathroom a waft of steam following behind looking sexy as hell called the demon in the back of his head as he struggled against his arousal. Face it buddy no matter what she says no matter what she does this is why you’re here this is why you keep coming back no matter the consequences she was like a fever in his blood he couldn’t fight wanting her.  

Cassandra walks from the bathroom strolls to the bed and flops down next to him grinning like a Cheshire cat the hot shower feeling wonderful! It was the most relaxed she’d been in weeks. She’d finally gotten that monkey Devereaux had placed on her back off. Thanks to Rego he now worked for them. She’d gotten Rego exactly where she wanted him right here in this bed. Now all she had to do was wait a few weeks then make the announcement to the proud Poppa.

Cassandra: It’s getting late we had better get out of here. (She moves to stand as Rego reaches for her and pulling her in to his arms trailing kisses down her neck across her breast) 

Rego: I think we have some time. (He whispers seductively at the same moment Cassandra pushes away and stands. She picks up her clothes from the chair and begins to dress)

Cassandra: I just took a shower.

Rego: We could take another one. (He grins propping his head on his palm watching her dress)

Cassandra: It’s getting really late. (She looks over at the clock worry lines creasing her forehead as she hurries her dressing)

Rego: So, what are you going to turn in to a pumpkin? (He chuckles swing his legs to the edge of the bed and reaching for her again. Cassandra pulls from his grasp bends to the floor and grabs her shoes slipping them on as she walks back to the bathroom)

Cassandra: Devereaux should be getting home soon.

Rego: Yeah, Devereaux! (He huffs reaching for his pants and slipping them on) What the hell are we going to do about him?

Cassandra: Please Rego I don’t want to talk about him. Can’t we just enjoy right now. (She comes back to leans in and kisses him)

Rego: We can’t ignore him he’s not going to go away.

Cassandra: What do you want me to do? (She huffs as she reaches in to her purse pulls out her make up bag then walks to the mirror)

Rego: Leave him! (He growls shoving his arms in to his shirt buttoning it as he walks to stand behind her talking to her reflection) Just move out you don’t have to stay there.

Cassandra:  I’ve told you I can’t just leave (Tossing the lipstick back into the bag she moves away from the mirror and shoves it back in her purse then turns to him her voice filled with all the anger and hopelessness she kept buried she falls to the bed fighting back her tears) that and where am I going? I don’t have any money I don’t have a job.

Rego: Go back to working for Colby and Lenka. (Rego sits beside her wrapping her arms around her)

Cassandra: They already filled my position. Besides I was so bored! I really don’t have the interest or the skills for that job I was a fashion designer. My last job was as a buyer for that store chains in France remember? Not much call for that in Pine Valley. (She smiles weakly then stands and shrugs in to her jacket)

Rego:  Well you can’t keep staying with him!

Cassandra: What do you suggest? (She bites back bitterly then turns her back to him hoping she had pushed him far enough she couldn’t leave Devereaux until she had security) 

Rego: I could get you an apartment. (Was he kidding? Was that the best he could do? She needed more than an apartment! She needed the Sherrigan name)

Cassandra: Then what? (She shrugs)

Rego: Then you would be away from him.

Cassandra: And then he sends me to prison or worse. You still don’t get it Devereaux is obsessed he came all the way to Pine Valley to get me he’s not going to just let me walk away if he can’t have me no one can.  It would be different if you…. (Her voice trails off)

Rego: If I what?

Cassandra: Nothing forget it!

Rego: No say it if I what?

Cassandra: If you were going to be living with me then I wouldn’t be afraid.

Rego: If I started living with you my father would cut me off with out a cent then where would we be? (Maybe she should just drop her bombshell now it could work the thought of having to go back to Devereaux made her skin crawl but she couldn’t rush this if it was going to work out the way she wanted she had to bait the hook very carefully she couldn’t have Daddy de-railing the money train)

Cassandra: So then I have to play along with him.

Rego: I guess you’re right for the moment there’s nothing we can do till I figure out how to deal with him.

Cassandra: Until we can figure out what to do. (She kisses him deeply feeling herself being aroused she pulls from him. She couldn’t allow carnal desire to get in her way) Now I better get going I don’t want to make him angry. (She slides in tingeing her voice with a hint of fear just for good measure)

Rego: What happens when he’s angry? (He comes to her turning her to face him she closes her eyes turning her face away unable to look at him) Answer Cassandra what happens when he get’s angry?

Cassandra: Nothing.

Rego: Does he hurt you? Look at me does he hurt you?

Cassandra: No of course not. (She moves away from him moderating her voice to sound both fearful and dismissive)

Rego: Are you sure? You would tell me if he did wouldn’t you.

Cassandra: Of course I’m sure I would know wouldn’t I?

Rego: Would you tell me?

Cassandra: I have to go. (She moves quickly for the door reaching for the handle. Rego walks quickly behind her placing his hand on the door-jam preventing her from opening it)

Rego: No, you’re not going anywhere would you tell me?

Cassandra: Yes I would tell you. (She grinds out between clenched teeth nodding her head toward the door. Rego removes his hand reluctantly knowing she was lying to him and feeling helpless to do anything to prevent it) I have to go. I’ll call you okay? (She brushes her lips against his smiles then scurries from the room shutting the door behind her. He was exactly where she wanted him just a few more carefully planned steps and she would be exactly where she wanted to be. Now to beat Devereaux back home, home she laughs to herself not for very much longer.

Jesse, Aidan and Adrian Wedding Part 16

Jesse pulls his car slowly through the barricade his eyes instantly roaming the scene for Detective Monroe and he pulls to the side and shuts off the engine. He spots him standing near the crash site and another one of his Detectives with what look like Devereaux St. Jacque. He steps out the slams the door closed zips his jacket against the cool night air and walks towards them. What the hell was St. Jacque have to do with this and where was Cassandra? He angles him self so that he could come up behind him and hear the last part of the interview the officer was doing without either Devereaux or his man servant from seeing him.

Detective: So you didn’t see the driver of the other car? (He glances up at him from his pad waiting for his response)

Devereaux: As I told you officer, we were coming around the bend and my driver spotted something on the side of the road.

Maurice: As we passed I realized it was a body. I called back to Mr. St. Jacque and he told me to pull over.

Detective: Then what did you do.

Devereaux: We both got out of the car to check. We realized he was dead when I reached for my phone I couldn’t get a signal so I walked further down the road that when I saw all the glass and the debris, the mangled guardrail I looked over and saw the wreckage.  (He says with shutter as the police officer continues to write then looks back at Devereaux starring at him intently)

Detective: Where were you and your driver going?

Devereaux: We were coming back from a meeting in New York. (He says smoothly as the detective writes then stops looking up a him again)

Detective: How did you end up on this road?

Devereaux: I beg your pardon? (Sounding startled by the question almost annoyed to Jesse’s ears)

Detective: You said you were coming back from New York this road is nowhere near the highway.

Devereaux: We’re new to the area officer we got a little turned around coming off the highway. (Something in his words hit a sour note with Jesse he looks over where Devereaux car is parked making a mental note of the make and model before making his presence known) 

Jesse: Detective Royce: What do we have?

Detective: Chief, this is Mr. Devereaux St. Jacque he and his driver they’re ones to call it in.

Jesse: Mr. St. Jacque nice to see you again (he stretch his hand out and shakes it) I wish it were under better circumstances.

Devereaux: Chief Hubbard.

Jesse: This is a pretty lonely stretch of road.

Devereaux: As I was saying your officer we were coming back from a meeting in Manhattan and got lost coming off the highway.

Jesse: I thought that model came with GPS standard? (He looks over at Devereaux’s car then back to him his eyes questioning)

Maurice: Excuse me sir, you are quite correct it does but it’s been broken for the last week or so. (He shrugs Jesse nods then turns back to Devereaux) 

Jesse: I would think a man like your self would have had that fixed?

Maurice: You’re right sir (He chimes in again) Mr. St Jacque wanted it repaired before we made the trip unfortunate the man at the repair shop said the part was delayed.

Devereaux: Unfortunately for us we were relying on my reading the map. (His smile not quite reaching his eyes and his defensive body language not escaping Jesse) Now if we’re done here it’s been a very long and traumatic day my driver and I would really like to get home. (His voice sounding fatigued and Jesse’s instinct telling him he wasn’t going to get anything more from him)

Jesse: Officer, are you finished with your questions?

Detective: I just have a couple more sir.

Jesse: Mr. St Jacque. Mr.?

Maurice: Dumas sir, Maurice Dumas.

Jesse: Thank you Mr. Dumas please, make sure the officer has both of your information incase we have any more questions.

Devereaux: Thank you Chief Hubbard.

Jesse: Have a good evening gentleman. (Something was off with that he couldn’t put his finger on it but something was very off he thought as he walked his eyes searching the crowd then locking on Brot)

Jesse: Detective Monroe what do you have for me

Brot: The rescue team reached the bottom Tad survived the crash but he was pinned by the vehicles they’ve freed him and should be able to bring him up soon.

Jesse: What about Taylor? (Brot stops a moment swallows hard then continues)

Brot: She’s dead sir.

Jesse: Jesus, (His hand flies to his mouth as he spins around a moment and walks a few paces attempting to keep his emotions at bay before turning back around his voice filled with pain) God I’m sorry Brot I know how close the two of you are. I completely understand if you would like to take the night off. You know what I want you to take the night off.

Brot: No, Jesse I want to be here. I need to find out what happened to them and who’s responsible. It’s the least I can do for the both of them.

Jesse: I don’t know, I think you’re way too close on this one.

Brot: I need to do this. Look, I was a soldier I had friends dying all around me everyday I know how to cope and I know how to stay objective.

Jesse: Ahhh I ahhh?

Brot: Come on Jesse! (Exasperation filling his voice his anger barley contained) What about you huh? You and Tad your like brothers. Are you going to walk away? Let someone else step? I don’t think so. So trust me when I tell you I can handle this just like your handling it. Please Jesse I have to do this.

Jesse: You’re right. (He sighs) We both need to do this. So what have you got on the vehi…(Hs voice cut off his head snapping toward Adrian as he yells his name he and Aidan run towards him)

Adrian: Jesse! What happened? Where’s Tad? (He says looking past at the lights and rescue crew behind him)

Jesse: What the hell are you two doing here? (Hands on hips looking from one to the other the wheels in his brain churning)

Aidan: We heard it come over the radio.

Jesse: How did you get past the barriers?

Adrian: Are you kidding? (His anger getting the best of him as the action behind Jesse increases and yells and commands get louder) My brother is lying and the bottom of a cliff possibly dead and you want to play blowhard cop with me?

Jesse: Tad’s going to be okay they’re going to be bringing him up in a few minutes.

Aidan: And Taylor?

Jesse: She gone.

Adrian: Oh God, I have to call my mother.

Brot: Jesse, I’m going to make sure we got everything we need from Mr. St. Jacque.

Jesse: Good I’ll be there in a minute.

Adrian: Devereaux St. Jacque, what does he have to do with this? (He looks over at Aidan who’s brow raises slightly their reaction not un-noticed by Jesse as both listen to Jesse intently)

Jesse: You know Mr. St Jacque? (He says looking from one to the other)

Adrian: I read about him in the paper the other morning something about Cambius enterprises.

Jesse: Ah huh, he’s the one that called it in. (Jesse watches the look that passes between the two again) Why are you two out here in the middle of the night and what aren’t you telling me about Devereaux St. Jacque?

Adrian: I’ve told you everything I know.

Jesse: Yeah, let me make sure you two understand something and make sure your superiors understand too, (He steps closer his voice deadly serious) don’t let me find out that the Fed’s are running an operation in my town with out my knowing it?

Adrian: Understood. (He dismisses looking back at Devereaux and back to Jesse) Now happened to Tad and Taylor?

Jesse: Looks like the driver had a flat he got out to change it and they were hit by another vehicle.

Aidan: That would have to be a pretty big vehicle. (He looks at Arian who nods in agreement)

Jesse: Umm hmm. (Watching another look pass between them)

Paramedic: Chief they’re going to start bringing Mr. Martin up now.

Adrian: Do you think I can go with him to the hospital?

Jesse: Sure. This is Mr. Martin’s brother he’s going to ride with him to the hospital.

Paramedics: Okay, come with me sir the. (Adrian looks at Aidan who nods his head and tosses him the keys)

Aidan: I’ll meet you at the hospital!

Jesse: Ahh before you take off out of here don’t forget what I said tell your boss I expect at the very least a courtesy call.

Aidan: I’ll see you at the hospital?

Jesse: Yeah. (Aidan walks back towards the car his mind racing Devereaux being there was no coincidence that was the reason the truck hadn’t shown up he’d had to divert it! Dam! Now they had no idea where it was! Dammit! He reaches the car wrestles with the key a moment fiddling with the stupid alarm then drops them. Great he mumbles then bends to pick them up. How the flip did they end up under the car! He kneels on the ground reaching under the vehicle grabbing them and something else he looks down at his palm and the small baggy. Some how the emblem on the bag looked familiar and a recent deposit judging by the lack of dirt on it but, it was too dark and too many people he opens the car door and slides into the seat then open the glove compartment and pulls out an envelope and slips it inside then seals it folds it then places it in his wallet. He’d show it to Adrian later right now he needed to see Tad.