David and Michael 10/23/2013

Michael sits at the lad table at Wild wind starring absently down at the notes he’d taken earlier unable to concentrate. His mind kept drifting back to the scene at the hospital and what he’d heard while standing outside the door. Hearing them all talking about his daughter had only served to remind him of what he’d missed and everything Alexander had taken from him. He rises leaning against the table his anger festering as he remembers the years that had been stolen from him, his life wasted trapped inside that living hell fuels the anger boiling inside him. He was glad Alexander was dead he’d gotten what he deserved his only regret was he hadn’t been the one to send him the damnation he deserved. He’d spent year imagining the moment when he’d finally meet him and then watch as he slowly crushed the life from him.

“Dam!” He groans sweeping the papers from the desk on to the floor. He runs his hands through his hair as he storms towards the window his eyes catching Darius then AJ followed by Endre darting in and out to the shrubbery little Jenny chasing behind making him wonder what his daughter was like at that age then angered at the realization that he would never really know. Sure there were pictures and video of her but it would never be the same they would never be his memories. Awful as it may be her memories of another man and her uncle when it should be of him filled him with anger and jealousy. It was just another bitter reminder of what Alexander had truly stolen from him. It wasn’t just missing those years and even though he new the truth, it was as if Alexander had planned it. Right down to Zach being in his place. Once again ensuring his eldest son had everything and the youngest breadcrumbs or nothing! Although he knew in his head that what had happened was not Zach fault he couldn’t ignore the stinging realization in his heart that he would never be as close to his daughter as his brother was. Making him feel like the “uncle” and when she thought about her father it would always be shadowed by the memories of another man. That was the simple fact that had hit like a lightening bolt when he’d stood outside that door.

Michael: I hope you rot in Hell! (He grinds out turning back towards the lab and comes face to face with David)

David: What happened?

Michael: Nothing…I’m sorry! (He says bending to pick up the paper scatter on the floor)

David: Nothing’s wrong with the formula? (He looks from the papers on the floor back to Michael)

Michael: No, no I ahh…(He looks at the paper scattered on the floor then back to David feeling embarrassed and childish over his outburst and having been caught) just had them too close to the edge.

David: Okay, so if it’s not work then it has to be Zach. (He huffs with a roll of his eyes) Is he still harping?

Michael: No…yes… sort of no. (He sighs running his hand through his hair sounding exasperated as David looks) 

David: What does that mean?

Michael: I haven’t seen Zach in weeks. (He confesses as he sits on the stool his feeling weighted down by his emotions. David watches the emotions flow across Michael’s pulls the other stool closer and sits his voice softening)

David: I don’t understand.

Michael: It’s just…He starts then stops as he flounders for the words to express his feelings. David reaches out laying his hand on Michael’s shoulder his voice filled with compassion and concern)

David: Look you can talk to me and I promise anything you tell me stays with me. (Michael looks at him and smiles weakly)

Michael: You know you’re probably the only one I know who would understand. (he says with a bitter laugh and shake of his head making David more curious by the moment)

David: Understand what? (Michael sighs heavily)

Michael: I stopped by the hospital today to see my daughter and my new Grandson.

David: How are she and the baby doing? (His voice concerned thinking the problem was with his daughter or grandson)

Michael: They were fine when I left them last night. (He sighs again rising from the stool and walking to the window David trailing behind him)

David: I thought you just said you went to the hospital?     

Michael: I did go I went upstairs and got outside the door but I never went in.

David: Why not?

Michael: When I got there she was there Zach, her grandmother and cousins. They were laughing and talking about some camping trip they took when Francessca was a child….(His voice trails off his face contorted in anger and pain) I don’t know just hearing them talk about Mike Logan made me realize just how much I truly missed from my daughters life. (He chokes out his eyes welling with unshed tears) 

David: Yeah I get that. (He sigh emphasizing with Michael’s pain and remembering his own)

Michael: But it wasn’t just that when I was listening to them talk I realized just how close my daughter and her uncle really are and I’m… (his voice trails off as David nods understanding fully what was truly the crux of his problem)        

David: Jealous. (Michael nod looking embarrassed by his confession)

Michael: I don’t want to be but yeah I am. It feels as if she and I will never be as close as the two of them because their pasts bind them together.

David: And you feel like that because you two don’t you’ll never be close that’s crazy I’ve seen you two together, your daughter loves you it’s just going to take some time.

Michael: See in my head I know that but when I think about all that was taken from me sometimes I …well you see. (He says pointing to the papers on floor) I thought I was doing okay …but today I don’t know listening to them talk…it just came out of no where the anger the resentment…When I saw the nurse walking towards me I smiled some excuse and got out of there.

David: Come on Michael after everything you’ve been through you have a right to be a little resentful and a little jealous. Why wouldn’t you be? (he shrugs) He got to experience all the things you didn’t and she looks up to him like a father. Who wouldn’t be a little jealous? If it were me, I might even turn in to that “Mad Dr. Hayward” I’m sure everyone’s told you about! (He rolls his eyes making Michael laugh as well)  Come on cut your self some slack it’s hard, especially in times like this. New babies bring back old and new feelings good and bad and you have a right to your feelings.  As harsh as this may sound unfortunately you’re never going to get those moments back but at least you have a chance to make some new ones with her you have a second chance, forget about what you didn’t have and concentrate on what you do. I only wish I had that opportunity with Babe. Don’t forget you have a new Grandson. That’s something you never thought you’d ever see. You’ll get to watch him grow up and you’ll get to see your daughters face on his in when he reaches some of those milestones you missed, when he makes them. (His voice and face betraying his sadness)

Michael: Is that what you do? (Feeling the full weight of David’s sadness)

David: Sometimes when I look at AJ it’s as if Babe’s right there.

Michael: I’m sorry David. (He says feeling foolish and childish)

David: What are you sorry about?

Michael: You made me realize how small and petty I’m being. (Guilt edging his voice.)

David: Michael how you feel isn’t small or petty. (He smiles lifting some of the heaviness that had fallen around them) Why don’t you get out of here and go visit your daughter and that new Grandson of yours.

Michael: Yeah, I think I’ll go do that (He smiles back feeling better than he had moments before) as soon as I clean up this mess I made.

David: No, (He smiles waving his dismissively) go I got this.

Michael: You sure? (He says looking down at the scattered papers then back to David)

David: Yeah go. (He smiles broadly handing Michael his jacket from the back of the chair)

Michael: David thanks...(he reaches for his jacket and walks toward the door then turns back) You’re a good friend

David: Hey careful you don’t want that getting around. (He teases making them both laugh) I’ll see you tomorrow. (David watches Michael leave then bends down picking up the scatters papers smiling to his self. Zach had better walk a very thin line if what he’d witnessed tonight was any indication of things to come. It was all he could do to keep from laughing at the irony. Zach and his stupid misplaced arrogant mistrust was only serving to bring he and Michael closer together and the two of them further apart. The best part was all he had to do was be a good friend sit back and wait for them to implode)

 David: Zach you’re making this way too easy.

Devereaux and Cassandra 10/03/2013

Devereaux and Cassandra sit in the living room relaxing after their meal.

Devereaux: So did you enjoy dinner?

Cassandra: It was absolutely fabulous and that chocolate mousse was to die for!

Devereaux: I’m so glad you liked it I had it flown in from that little place in Paris you love so much.

Cassandra: I can’t believe you did that! That was so sweet of you! (She says kissing his cheek) You know you spoil me.

Devereaux: There’s nothing I enjoy more. (He says kissing pushing her back against the sofa. His hands roam her body freely as she stifles a shutter of revulsion. He cups her breast pinching her nipple until she winces in pain. She pushes against hiding her nausea behind her smile. There was no way she was crawling between the sheets with him she needed to get to Rego) 

Cassandra: What do you say we have a little nightcap before we turn in?

Devereaux: Sure pour one for yourself! (Cassandra rises from the sofa and walks to the bar she reaches for the bottle of brandy and sets it on top then reaches for the glasses as well as the pill she’d hidden there. Devereaux watches amused as the look of panic steal across her face as she pats her hand under the counter looking for the pill she’d hidden there all the while trying to look the picture of happy serenity. He stands and walks to the bar to stand in front of her.) 

Devereaux: Something wrong darling?

Cassandra: No, not at all I was looking for that bottle of after dinner wine you bought back from California. (She says placing the brandy back under the counter giving her an excuse to bend and look under the counter)

Devereux: It’s there on the rack behind you. (He point to the wine frig behind her)

Cassandra: There it is! (She says turning back toward the bar and searching underneath again for the pill she’d hidden) Now I just need the corkscrew. (She bends searching under the bar top looking confused much to Devereaux’s amusement)

Devereaux: It’s in the drawer on your right. (He says smoothly thoroughly enjoying her inner frustration with her fruitless hunt for the pills he’d found earlier. Sadly for her, had she been home on time he’d have never found it) you seem anxious all of a sudden is something wrong?

Cassandra: No nothing what would make you say that? (She smiles nervously)

Devereaux: The way you practically jumped off the sofa your rooting around on the bar for things that already in their place. What exactly is wrong with you? (He glares at her watching the turmoil play across her face)

Cassandra: Nothing I said, (She says pushing the bottle and corkscrew towards him) here you open this.

Devereaux: I only asked because you seem so flustered. (He pushes the bottle to the side and stares at her his glare penetrating and cold)

Cassandra: What in the world are you talking about? (She laugh sounding more shrill than flippant as she comes from behind the bar watching him from the corner of her eye as he comes towards catching her arm in his iron grip)

Devereaux: You were looking for these weren’t you? (His growl menacing as he holds out his palm showing the crushed powder in the pharmacy vial)

Cassandra: What the hell are you talking about? (She looks from the vial to him fear gripping her heart)

Devereaux: I’m talking about this vial of crushed sleeping pills that you have been putting in my dink every night! (He bellows the back of his hand striking her across the face knocking her to the floor he kneels beside her grabbing her by the hair pulling her up on her feet like an over seized rag doll as he stands ignoring her screams off terror as tears streams down her bruised cheek) Do you take me for a fool?  

Cassandra: Please Devereaux I swear I don’t know what you’re talking about. (She stammers her ears ringing from he force of his blow, her neck feeling as if it would snap from the weight of her body as he dangles her above the floor her toes barley touching it)

Devereaux: You know exactly what I’m talking about! (His voice a primal growls his face just inches from hers his eye bore into hers shimmering with embers of hell behind them leaving Cassandra cold with fear) You’ve been drugging me and slithering out at night to spread your legs for that pompous bastard!

Cassandra: No! I swear I haven’t been with Rego since the day I moved in with you.

Devereaux: You just can’t stop lying! (His voice cracking with rage he shoves her to the floor the toe of his shoe catching her in the rib as he kicks her, her scream sounding like a muffled bark as the pain explodes through her side) All those trips to the hospital to visit your sister in-law was just so you could be with him! (He says kicking her again)

Cassandra: Please Devereaux! (She whimpers) I’m sorry Pleassse God I’m so sorry!

Devereaux: You’re nothing but whore! A selfish, unappreciative spoiled slut! (He says ripping her dress from her the sound of the fabric shredding bringing a new fear when just as suddenly he stops shoving her head on to the floor and walking to the closet)

Cassandra: Please Devereaux! (She cries the pain in her head making her almost ill her ribs throbbing)

Devereaux: You see this! LOOK AT ME! (He shouts from above her his face red with rage his nostrils flared knuckles white as his holds a long black.. unsure what it is as she tries desperately to focus through her tear swollen eyes) 

Cassandra: No! (Her voice almost a whisper her eyes filled with horror as he stands above her holding a leather-shaving strap)

Devereaux: This (He says snapping the leather as he comes towards her) was my father’s, every Sunday he would stand in the bathroom in his boxer cigarette dangeling from his mouth and sharpen his razor before shaving. When he wasn’t shaving he’d hang it on a nail next to the basement door and whenever he though I was getting out of hand or acting like a brat which seemed to be quiet often he would take it down and do to me just what I’m going to do to you! (He says slashing down at her with all his strength enjoying the whistle the strap makes as it cut through the air and even more the shriek she made as the leather struck her bare bottom. Cassandra curls into a ball as he strikes her again and again across her back and legs until her screams subsided replaced by muffled sobs. He leans down next to her his voice even and clam) You are mine do you understand MINE! This will be the very last warning I will give you. Do you understand?

Cassandra: Yes Devereaux (She whispers through her tears)

Devereaux: I didn’t hear you! (He reaches down jerking her head up to look at him)

Cassandra: Yes Devereaux. (She says louder as his mouth comes down to claim hers forcing her lips apart his tongue probing her mouth almost choking her)

Devereaux: I love you Cassandra. You should thank God for that. That is the only reason I was so lenient with you (He says stroking the bruise on her cheek then kissing it) if you ever do anything like this again I will kill you! (He cold, calm and succinct as if what he was saying was just a part of everyday conversation. He smiles pulling her to him and kisses her again this time tenderly forcing her back against the floor kissing the whelps and bruises his beating had left on her body enjoying how easily Cassandra yielded to him as he makes love to her. Her arms entwine around him pulling him close shuttering her ears to his murmuring tributes of love as he reaches the point of ecstasy. Never noticing the tears streaming down her cheeks, the fear and revulsion in her eyes or her lips moving in silent prayer)       

Devereaux, Ryan and Rebeka 10/02/2013

Ryan walks down the hall towards his office passing by his assistances desk and reaching for the folders in his bin as he walks towards his office flipping through them. He closes the door behind him tossing the folders on his desk then walking to the closet and hanging up his jacket)

Devereaux: Ryan what are you doing here I thought you took the day off? (He says coming through the door and laying a folder on his desk)

Ryan: I did but I finished up early so I figured I’d catch up on some work. How did the meeting go with Globe-Tech? (He says leaning back against the desk) 

Devereaux: Very well, very well indeed. Cambius picked it up for fourteen million less than we’d planned.

Ryan: That’s really great!

Devereaux: Yes, it worked out well but I have a feeling it would have gone even better if you had been there. I’m sure we could have gotten down another two million. (Ryan smiles flattered by the compliment but knowing deep down his presences wasn’t needed Devereaux if nothing else was one of the shrewdest men he knew)

Ryan: You did great besides I don’t know if I would have been any good to you I was a little distracted.

Devereaux: Sorry to hear that I hope your feeling better?

Ryan: Surprisingly better than I was.

Devereaux: Good glad to hear it.

Ryan: How about you anymore dizzy spells.

Devereaux: None since the other day.

Ryan: What did the doctor say?

Devereaux: Exactly as I told you, he said I need to get more rest maybe let some one else rule the world for a little while. (They both laugh)

Ryan: Sounds like a plan.

Devereaux: In a way I’m glad you came in I had wanted to leave early but I still had a couple of meeting scheduled if you don’t mind I’d appreciate if you took them?

Ryan: No, not a problem I really had nothing planned.

Devereaux: Thanks I really appreciate it. (He says over his shoulder as he walks to the door) Oh and I left the file for Ms. Sherrigan, I bought it with me just in case you said yes. She was supposed to come by and pick it up this morning but re-scheduled.

Ryan: Not a problem I’ll see she gets it. Just go enjoy the evening it’s beautiful outside.

Devereaux: I’m going to try.

Ryan: Special plans with Cassandra?

Devereaux: Very special should be a night she won’t soon forget. (A somewhat devious grin playing on his lips his eyes glittering with excitement. Whatever he’d planned for the evening had him more excited that Ryan had ever seen him)

Ryan: Have fun. (He smirks conspiratorially knowing only one thing that would have a man that excited)

Devereaux: See you tomorrow. (Devereaux walks towards the private elevator sliding his card key in the slot then stepping in. He turns and waits for the doors to close before reaching for the phone in his pocket and dials)

Devereaux: Have you got it?… Why not?…What’s taking you so long?…What the hell have you been doing all this time?…You had better get it done…Stop making excuses…Let me make myself perfectly clear you have a week to get what I need or face the consequences understood…Good day! (He ends the call sliding the phone back in to his pocket smiling slyly to himself)

Scene Shift: Ryan sits at his desk holding the folder in his lap starring out the window. It had been a long day but at least he’d gotten some answers even if they weren’t the ones he’d wanted. Greenlee was gone and she wasn’t coming back not to Pine Valley and not to him and a piece of him was gone with her. But, she was happy it was all over her face the way she moved she was happier than he’d ever seen her and he was glad for that and at peace with it. He’d be lying to himself he said he wasn’t hurt or sad and feeling a little empty but at least he had some closure for whatever that was worth. He was still lonely nothing about today had changed that and sitting here thinking about it wasn’t changing anything either.

          He picks up the procurement folder and begins to flip through the receipts for the last month his mind still slightly distracted but for different reasons than a moment ago. Why was there a requisition for a box truck hadn’t they ordered three of them earlier in the year or was that the vans? He turns to the computer just as the smooth voice of his new assistant comes over the intercom.

Assistant: Mr. Lavery I have Ms. Sherrigan on her way up to see Mr. St. Jacque but he’s already left for the day.

Ryan: I have the paperwork right here send her right in. (He stands quickly checking his image in the closet mirror as he reaches for his jacket. Shrugging into and closing the door just as Rebeka comes through the door)

Rebeka: Mr. St. Jacque? (She calls looking around as she opens the door. She closes it behind then turns and spots Ryan) Oh! It’s you.

Ryan: Yeah it’s me. (He smiles coming towards her)

Rebeka: I’m sorry I was just expecting Mr. St. Jacque.

 Ryan: No, I’m sorry Mr. St. Jacque had to leave for the day but I have the contracts right here. (He reaches for the open folder on the desk closing it and throwing in to the pile on the corner then picks up the one beneath it opening it scanning it quickly then handing it to her) I went over it last night everything is there.

Rebeka: Thank you I’ll have Legal review it. (She smiles nervously giving the impression of a cornered animal)

Ryan: So how’s business going, how’s JR? (He asks trying to break the tension that was like a wall between them and as a reminder to him self she wasn’t Gillian)

Rebeka: Business is booming and JR is good I’ll tell him you asked about him. I really should get going. (A nervous smile edging her lips as she turns toward the door Ryan following behind)

Ryan: Sure have a good evening. (His voice sounding forlorn and distant as he reaches for the door handle)

Rebeka: Ryan, are you all right? (Unable to ignore the sadness in his eyes)

Ryan: Yeah, yeah I’m fine. (He smiles weakly rubbing his temple) It’s just been one of those days? I’ll go home get good nights sleep and be fine. Thank you for asking. (He smiles down at her his glowing with warm the silly reminiscent smile tickling the edges of his mouth unnerving her)

Rebeka: Well, I should go. (She turns reaching for the door handle her panic almost overwhelming her)

Ryan: Have a good night. (He says reaching for the handle as she does her hand snaps back as if it had touched something hot causing the files in her hand to spill across the floor)

Rebeka: Oh dam! (She spits annoyed by her clumsiness and inability to shake the sense of foreboding she’d had since meeting him)

Ryan: Here let me help you Princess. (He says kneeling down to help her with the papers strewn across the carpet.)

Rebeka: I don’t know what’s wrong with me. (She sighs reaching for the papers around her feeling perturbed and unbalanced by the way he’d looked at her and the expression of wistful longing on his face) 

Ryan: Don’t worry about it, it happens. (He smiles back at her their hands brushing as they reach for the same sheet of paper their eyes locking as if like magnets as an odd current begins to run between them igniting the air around them drawing them towards each other just as a voice comes over the intercom breaking the spell)

Assistant: Mr. Lavery your next appointment is here. (She grasps the papers to her going through them quickly as she stutters something incoherent as they stand)

Ryan: You have everything? (He looks at her unable to keep from smiling she reminded him so much of Her in this moment)

Rebeka: I think so. (She huffs feeling more flustered by the encounter as the seconds tick by)

Ryan: Here’s one more. (She reaches out to grasp the paper their hands brushing again she pulls it quickly back as if his touch burned her)

Rebeka: Thank you. (She stammers moving hurriedly towards the door)

Ryan: You’re welcome. So I guess I’ll see you at next weeks meeting?

Rebeka: Yeah, I um I better get going. (She reaches for the knob turning it quickly as she backs in to it)

Ryan: Sure, have a good night. (He smiles enjoying the expression on her face the same one Gillian would have when she was flustered)

Rebeka: You too! (She rushes from the room walking quickly to the elevator confused and afraid by what had just happened between them)