The All New "New Beginnings"

           

         
            Erica glares from her chair on the stage over to her co-hosts who all chatter among themselves as Erica reviews her notes.
            "Okay ladies get ready on the set we start recording in  three.....two......one!" He finishes as he points to Erica.
            "Good Morning everyone and welcome to the Brand new "New Beginnings". I'd like to introduce you to my new co-hosts. You all remember Carmen Morales! After a stint in prison Carmen turned her life around!
            "Don't forget you were there with me honey!" Carmen claps and laughs as everyone joins in. Erica continues unperturbed by the intrusion.
            "She's the proud co-owner of the popular "Krystal and Carmen's". " She says pausing briefly for applause as Carmen grimaces behind her tight smile. "And I'd also like to introduce her partner and our new co-host Krystal Hayward." She continues briefly waiting for more applause "Krystal is also the wife of esteemed Pine Valley cardiac surgeon and Pine Valley Hospitals Chief of Staff Dr. David Hayward." Erica says as she looks confusedly down at her note cards then back to the audience and smiles weakly. "Oh I didn't realize that would be such a short introduction!" She finishes to applause and laughter of the audience while shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "And I'm sure you all recognize the always flamboyant  oddly controversial Pine Valley's own Opal Cortlandt entrepreneur and Owner of Cluck-Clucks Chickens and Pine Valley's Ultimate in beauty! The Glamorama!" Erica twangs mockingly as the audience chuckles at Opal's expense. "She's also the wife of my very close and personal friend Palmer Cortlandt." She says smiling brightly and pausing several moments for applause. "Today we're broadcasting from the beautiful...." She  continues as Gavin and Corbin watch from the production booth.
          "What do you think Corbin will they make through the entire tapping?" Corbin shrugs his shoulders a grim smile on his lips.
          "So far so good let's just keep our fingers crossed. Erica is still peeved we gave the big interview to Opal." Gavin nods as he crosses his arms his eyes never leaving the stage.
           "That's not till the second half and we've given Erica more than enough in the first section to satisfy any stage hungry prodigy.
            "You really don't know Erica do you?" Corbin chuckles before turning to talk with Molly.
            "Lets just see if we can get through the first break without holy hell breaking loose." Gavin grumbles as he checks the clipboard Molly hands him. He signs off on the bottom smiling as he hands it back to her.
             "You've done a really wonderful job during your internship here Ms. Montgomery. I'd really like to keep you on staff even though it's over. You can have the same hours only now you'll get paid for them. Speak to my assistant and set up an appointment with her for Tuesday afternoon and we'll discuss your salary if that's okay with you?" He finishes enjoying the look of pure joy inch across Molly's face with each word.
          "Oh my God! This is unbelievable! Thank you so much Mr. Blackwood!" She squeals as she jumps up and down before hugging him tight then Corbin quickly releasing him embarrassment written all over her face.
            "I'm so sorry!" She blushes prettily making both Gavin and Corbin chuckle.
            "It's okay and your welcome."
             "You're a very good at your job Molly and it's a pleasure working with you. Now if you could take those files behind you and leave them on my desk. Then bring me the drafts I had you look over back to me I'd appreciate it."
             "Sure gladly!" She squeals before gathering up the rest of the files and heading out the door.
             "Good kid wish I had a couple more like her." Gavin mutters as looks back at the screen at a obviously exasperated Opal.
              "What did I miss?" Gavin asks returning his attention back to what was happening on the screens above.
               "Just a little ratings gold but nothing really serious but I think after the next commercial break we should go right to the Cortlandt interview and that should smooth things out a bit." Corbin says smiling like a Cheshire cat. Gavin grimaces at the screen.
                "Do me a favor go down to the stage just in case. I don't want a repeat of the "Cucumber Mask" incident."
               "Not a problem. I'm on it but, you have to admit it was great ratings." Corbin says over his shoulder as he heads toward the door and Gavin turns his attention back to the monitors.
               "And we're back in five, four, three, two Opal go!"
               "Welcome back everyone! Now, we have a true Pine Valley Legacy. He is Pine Valley resident born and bred. The son of one of "Pine Valley's" most prominent and influential members. He's one of the youngest and brightest entrepreneurs in the country. He's also new CEO of Cortlandt Electronics and it's subsidiaries..... And my Baby Boy!" Opal shouts out excitedly leaving the audience giggling and receives a quelling look from Erica as she continues. 
                "I'd like you all to please welcome Mr. Peter Cortlandt" Opal finishes with a flourish as the rest of the cast all stand and applaud as Peter walks on stage and takes the seat next to Opal.
                 "So Petey, I'm sorry Peter how does it feel to be one of the youngest CEO's in North America?"
                 "I have to be honest it feels pretty darn good." He says with a chuckle causing the entire audience to laugh with him.   
                 "You know, it just dawned on me when I made the announcement that you've gone back to the original "Cortlandt Electronics so what happened to the "Slater" portion of your name?"
                  " One of the things that happened when Zach Slater stepped down I became CEO was the consolidation of the company into one and we chose to go back to our most recognizable entity."
                  "I sure hope you all didn't let a brilliant mind like Rhea Slater get scooped up by another company? Is she still with Cortlandt Electronics?"
                  " Rhea Slater is still very much a part of the company. The other thing that happened when I took the position was me moving out of the research and taking over her executive duties. So all we did was some reorganization. She still in charge of our research and doing what she loves developing cutting edge technology. Like our new......"
                 Corbin leans back in his chair and smiles over at Gavin.
                "Beautiful! This is going beautifully! For the exception of the that blip with the name in the introductions Opal is a natural at this! I think I have some promo ideas in mind for her in the next few weeks!"
                " Yeah I agree and maybe it's going a little too well. Look at Erica's face something is coming. Keep your eye on her and get ready to move if necessary!"
               "Come one Gavin Erica can be vindictive but I don't think she would tank the premier episode." Corbin says knowing it was a lie as soon as he said it.
               "Now which one of us is being naive?" Gavin snorts back a laugh.
               Erica watches the interview smiling and nodding along with the rest of the cast and audience but internally she was fuming. This was her show! She'd created it from nothing and she'd nursed it into being one of the hottest talks shows on the circuit! All she'd need was a little support! Not Gavin and his entourage of jackals coming in and ripping everything she'd built to shreds!
               "Both your parents must be so proud of you right now." Krystal comments.
               "I know I am!" Opal chimes in making the audience laugh once again.
               Good Lord! Erica thought these people love her and are eating this all up like candy! They absolutely adored her! No! It was bad enough she had to contend with Theses, these usurpers but this! This was too much! Erica looks over at Carmen and Krystal who both look thoroughly enthralled and amused. Then out to the audience that was lapping it all up like hungry dogs waiting for the next morsel. This had to stop right now and Peter just gave her a lead in.
              "I think so far that has to be one of the most embarrassing situation I have put myself through in my adult life. Not including today. " Peter chuckles along with the audience.
              "That's your adulthood when you embarrassed you." Erica says with a chuckle. " How about those moments where your mother has embarrassed you? Like the time the two of you dressed as martians for a Marsian party!" Erica says with a smirk causing the audience to laugh uproariously and Opal to become speechless and pale with embarrassment.
            "Good lord get ready to move!We're just one snarky remark away from a apocalyptic cat fight!" Gavin shouts to Corbin through the headset.
            "I'm on it" Corbin shouts back as he moves closer to the set as Opal moves to the edge of her chair her eyes spitting fury.
            " You know what Miss... She starts as Peter looks from Erica to his mother the reaches over and gives Opal's hand a reassuring squeeze as he pulls her gently back down on her chair. He smiles and gives her a quick wink calming her instantly as she sits back in her chair.
            "First let me say, I've always been really proud of my Mom. She's always been one of my heroes." He says reaching over and giving Opal a hug and a kiss to the pure delight of the audience and disappointment of Erica. "And I was probably one of the weirdest most obnoxious brattiest little kids ever! So I'm more than positive I embarrassed my Mom back then on a daily basis!' He says with a laugh. "But to answer your question that is honestly one of my favorite memories. My Mom taught me a lot that night and I've carried it with me my entire life. I mean I'm sure my mother felt like the pauper among princesses that night. She could have just taken me home but we stayed for the entire party. She talked and laughed with people and even though I know deep down she was mortified. She didn't back down she faced the ridicule with her chin up and her head held high. She never let anyone there know how much their laughter hurt her." He says his eyes boring into Erica's as he speaks. "By the middle of the evening most people had just moved on to the next object of gossip. That moment taught me to always be myself, how to learn from and cope with the repercussions of mistakes. And how to still maintain your poise and dignity in uncomfortable situation." He finish to the delight of the cast and the audience and chagrin of Erica.
          "This kid is good! Remind me to thank him later." Corbin sighs through the head set.
          "Lets just hope we can get through the rest of this. Gavin sighs in agreement.
          "Carmen, Krystal we're going to move to the kitchen segment. Erica prepare to segue" The director cues them all through the headset. As he calls other directions to the cameraman Erica begins her monologue to transition to the new segment her annoyance barely contained nor that of her other co-hosts.
                " Don't worry Opal we got this!" Carmen smiles as she whispers to Opal as Erica introduces her. Opal looks over at Krystal who smiles and nods back.
                " Today I'd like to welcome back and for the very first time Carmen Morales and Krystal Hayward who are going to show us a new twist on some "Super Bowl" favorites!" Erica smiles brightly as Carmen and Krystal roll from behind the curtain on their mobile kitchen stage and begin their demonstration leaving Opal seated in the chair next to her watching the segment with Peter and Erica aggravated .
                That interview should have been hers! As of today Peter Cortlandt would be the hottest commodity on the talk show circuit and her show had been granted his first media interview. Why then would both Corbin and Gavin leave it to an amateur like Opal to interview him? Granted she got the cutesy angle of mother and son but really? What exactly did Opal know about interviewing anyone? The only thing she was really good at was gossip and even that she got wrong most of the time! She thought as Corbin's voice came through her headset.
         " We're heading into the wrap up. Opal Erica I need you both to walk to the kitchen segment and sample the product please." Corbin says into the headset as Erica and Opal step up on the platform. Krystal hands Opal a small pastry in a  napkin and Carmen hands one to Erica.
           "Careful its hot Erica!" She says with a smile as Krystal continues to talk to the audience.
           "Oh no!" Corbin groans his hands flying to his mouth realizing too late exactly what Carmen had done as both Erica and Opal bite into the pastry and smile. Erica smile begins to slip as she chews. Her mouth and her lips begin to burn then her throat her face turning a bright red as she begins to cough and spit her hand fanning at her mouth.
            " Oh good Lord!" She chokes out grasping for the glass of water and gulping.
            " I told you it was hot!" Carmen shrugs and wink to the audience who laugh uproariously. Erica scrambles to the tap and fills the glass with water her face becoming redder as she cough and gulps. The water splashing out the side of the glass and down her throat and blouse as the Opal begins the closing monologue through her own laughter and the howls of the audience ans Erica open the top few buttons of her blouse as she fans herself while filling the glass again then gulping the contents while the closing music plays and Gavin screams "We're out between his howls of laughter.
                Carmen moves closer to Erica speaking between Erica's pants for breath.
                "Let me tell you something "Miss thing" you try a stunt like that again and..." She stops as moment as Erica collapses on to the stool at the small set counter still out of breath as she drains another glass of water. "Ooo!" Carmen groans as she clenches her hands. Her instincts itching to slap her hard and the impulse was barley restrained. "If you try something like you did to Opal today on any of us again, you will regret it for the rest of your natural days!
         "That's a promise!" Krystal chimes in all nodding in agreement.
         "Remember there's three of us!" She says as Opal and Carmen nod in agreement.
         "You can't possibly be serious!" Erica scoffs. Opal leans in closer and whispers in her ear.
         "Oh we're serious as cancer! Don't forget Erica we've been best girlfriends for years. I know all your dirty little secrets and I mean All of them and I'm not afraid to use them! Who knows I may just decide that the "Public" has a right to know about this little operation you had a couple of years ago right before you released that "Anti Aging Cream" you were shilling or how about the exclusive Athletic ware you claimed to have designed? Hmm?" She finishes a satisfied smile on her lips as Erica stares back at her in disbelief.
           "Opal you wouldn't!" Erica gasps! Opal leans back and crosses her arms across her chest satisfied she had Erica trapped.
            " You just keep acting all high and mighty and treating us like crap and see what happens! You have a good night Erica." Opal says her tone dripping with sickening sweetness before they all walk away. Leaving Erica feeling even more determined than before to be rid of the three of them if it was the last thing she did in this world! She thought before groaning out a scream as she stomps and rages at staff member between coughs. Just missing Corbin as he duck and dodge his way out of her path then hides behind one of the set pillars and smothers his laughter.



Copyright *Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles ©2019
  

Jesse and Tea, Brot and Lenka

     

         Tea startles awake at the sound of the water hitting the shower floor. She blinks her eyes twice as she tries to focus on the clock on the nightstand. It was early but knowing Jesse he was already working. With Jack in the shower this was a good time to call him. She sits up and reaches for her phone and dials Jesse's number. She reaches down on the floor for Jacks shirt and slips it on while the phone drones on the other end.
         "Pine Valley Police, Chief Jesse Hubbard speaking."
         "Good Morning Chief Jesse Hubbard."
         "Good morning to you Assistant District Attorney DelGado."
         "Got anything for me Jesse."
         "Not much. I still have my guys staked out at the "Pine Valley Inn" so far Barbara hasn't come back to her room."
         "Huh. Any leads on who bailed her out?"
         " Oh I was able to pull an image up of the woman who paid her bail. She's a pretty successful criminal lawyer out of "Center City". "
         "Any idea who hired her?"
         "None, she spend her days hanging around the Court House fighting for the "champagne" end of the criminal element.
         "What about the Limo that picked her up?"
         "Belongs to the lawyer."
         "Have you sent anyone to talk to her?"
         "Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?" Jesse's asks the tone of his voice letting her know she was sounding and acting like an attorney a habit she had a hard time breaking when she wasn't in court. She takes a deep breath and calms her voice before continuing.
         "No, of course not. I'm just trying to figure out what she's up to."
         " Me too so I sent one of my detective to interview her yesterday and he came back as empty handed as when he walked in there."
         "Crap!" She mumbles into the phone
         "I do have some good news for you." Jesse continues as Tea's heart and ears perk up.
         " Oh yeah?"
         " My guy was able to find out she owed money to one of the high rollers at the casino and her maker was bought up by Lenka Gregorian. My Detective went over to his place this morning to see what he could dig up."
         "Thanks Jesse." She sighs. "Let me know as soon as you find her or anything else."
         "Will do." Jesse says distractedly as one of his officers knocks on the door and he waves them in.
          " Thanks again. Have a good morning."
          " You too." He says before the line goes dead. She listens as the water in the bathroom shuts off and the door of the shower slides open then closed. It would be a couple more moments before Jack came out she thought as she stretched. She wished she had some news she could give him about Barbara but no news was good news she guessed. That was a lie a little voice told her especially with what she already knew about Barbara from Jack and Molly. She just hoped where ever it is she was it was far away from the both of them. Jack seemed a lot happier he was more at ease and  Molly was flourishing without her presence. She just prayed she didn't bring a raging hurricane when she finally showed back up. What they both needed was some time away but that wasn't going to happen until she could get a bead on Barbara. Too bad they only had the morning off she could think of at least a hundred things they could spend the day doing she chuckled to herself as door to the bathroom opens and Jack walks back into the room.
         "Good morning Mr. Montgomery." She calls to him he moves across the room rubbing the towel through his damp hair as the rivulets of water scroll enticingly down the etched muscles of his chest.
          "Good morning Ms. DelGado!" He smiles as he sits on the edge of the bed beside her. She was even more beautiful this morning then she had been in the candlelight of last nights dinner. Her hair tussled and free the slight blush in her cheeks the swollen pout of her mouth aching to be kissed. He thought as his lips caressed hers.
          "Good morning Mr. Montgomery." She says wrapping her arms around his neck as she nuzzles it.
          " Did you sleep well?" He asks.     
          "You have an interesting definition of sleep." She says making them both laugh at the memories. "What are you doing up so early? We don't have court till this afternoon."
          " I was going to run out to the serving spoon and pick up some muffins for breakfast."
          "And I have have everything we need in the refrigerator and a way better idea." She says kissing him as she pulls him back down in to the covers with her. 
          "I'm coming!" Lenka bellows as he throws his shirt back on and shuffles tiredly toward the door. It had been a long evening and he really needed to get some sleep if he was going to be awake for his watch tonight. Hopefully this would be the last evening he would waste baby sitting that Montgomery woman. This plan of Anna's better work. He was almost as sick of spending his evenings at the casino as he was of the woman. Besides it wouldn't be long until Colby started to miss him. He was just glad that with all of her brothers wedding preparations she'd been too distracted to notice his absences. He thought as the individual banged on the door again. The sound matching the pounding in his head. Who ever was on the other side of door had better have a good reason to be there.
         "What do you want?" Lenka grumbles as he yanks the door open.
         "Lenka Gregorian?"
         "Who's asking?" Lenka asks pulling himself up to his full height
         "Detective Brot Monroe. Pine Valley Police." Brot responds with a flash of his badge as Lenka yawns then leans against the door frame arms folded across his chest.
         " What do you want?" Brot sighs inwardly. Of course he was going to be an ass. Most of the borderline criminals were. He thought putting more authority in his next words.
         "Do you mind if I come in and ask you a few question." Lenka smiles. So this was going to be the usual game of "Good Cop and Criminal" not unexpected he was well prepared for the role.
         "Yes, I do. I've had a very late night and I'm trying to get some sleep."
         " This won't take long." Brot says pushing past him and entering the living room.
         "By all means please come in officer." Lenka says slamming the door behind him as Brot walks down the stairs in to the living room. Lenka smirks as he watches him. He knew exactly why the detective was here. That Montgomery woman better be worth all the trouble.
         "I promise this won't take long." Brot says as he looks behind him for Lenka who had stopped at the small bar to prepare himself a drink.
         "Would you care for a drink Detective?"
         " No thank you it's a little early for me."
         "You'll have to excuse me but I work at night." He says with a slight bow before reaching into the ice bucket and adding a few to his glass before filling it from the decanter.
         "Could you tell me about your relationship with Barbara Montgomery?"
         "I don't have a relationship with a Barbara Montgomery." Lenka replies smoothly then sips from his drink before sitting on the couch in front of Brot.
          " According to one of the players at your little Poker party the other night. You bought Mrs. Montgomery's IOU from one of the other players." Lenka chuckles then sips his drink before answering Brot in the same smooth tone.
            "Who ever you were talking to is mistaken I didn't buy Mrs. Montgomery's IOU. Why would I buy someone else's debt? I am a professional." He frowns sounding mildly insulted. "Mrs. Montgomery on the other hand, is a very sloppy drunk. She would do better sticking to afternoon poker party's with the rest of the wine guzzling housewives."
          " So you're saying she lost to you?"
          "Yes, she did. She was the biggest loser. as you American say."
          "Yeah a, no one says that." Lenka shrugs.
          "Well, if anyone says it or not it's true. She was the biggest loser that night. "
          " When was the last time you saw her?"
          " At the poker game two nights ago." Lenka yawns as Brot continues his barrage of questions.
          " What time did you leave?"
          "The game broke up about two a.m I left around an hour later."
          "Did anything unusual happen at the game did Mrs. Montgomery talk to anyone in particular that you remember?" Lenka frowns his voice becoming gruff with the memory.
          "I remember Mrs. Montgomery going into a drunken rage throwing things, attacking my guest and breaking furniture when she was asked to settle her loses. Then I remember calling hotel security and having her removed from the room and I haven't seen her since. Last I heard she was in your jail." He smiles smugly.
         "And you haven't spoken to her?"Brot continues ignoring his snide remark.
         "No I haven't . What is this all about anyway?" Lenka snaps beginning to sound annoyed.
         "Those are all the questions I have right now. Thank you for your time." Brot snaps his note book closed storing in his breast pocket as he walks to the door.
         "Let me walk you out." Lenka says rising from the sofa and walking few steps ahead of Brot to the door.
          " Have a good day officer. " Lenka says reaching for the door and opening it mentally sighing relief as Brot walks through but instinctively knowing Brot still had questions he was going to ask to try and catch him off guard.
          "Thank you sir.  Oh one last question." Here they come Lenka thought.
           " Do you know where Mrs Montgomery may be now?"
           " No detective as I said before I haven't seen her since the game. But if you do let her know that jail doesn't erase her debt. Good day detective. "
            "Oh Mr. Gregorian did you know that Mrs. Montgomery is broke.?"
            "I would have never have guessed. But then again she played with a Lot of cash last night until she didn't. That's when she became shall we say distressed." Lenka chuckles "Wait, I do remember her saying something."
            "What's that?" Brot asked mildly intrigued by his sudden flash of memory.
            " After she told me she didn't have the money she bragged that she was going to be doing some work for someone and would have my money in a couple of days."
            "Did she who she was going to be working for or how much money?"
             "No, and I don't care as long she pays me the fifty "K" she owes me. Have a good day Detective." Lenka says shutting the door behind him.
              Brot pushes the button for the elevator and adds to his notes while he waits. So Barbara bragged about making lots of money on a job after losing in the poker game. She made a stink and got herself arrested. Then went to jail. Was bailed out by the some expensive Center City Lawyer. But still no clue who paid for the lawyer. Perhaps the new boss on the job with the big paycheck? What would she be doing that could garner such loyalty from an employer or a fifty "k" paycheck? Nothing legal he was sure. But exactly who was pulling the strings?
             Lenka pulls his phone from his pants pocket and dials. He picks up his glass and tosses the remains of his drink down the sink and rinses the glass as the phone rings on the other end.
             "Hey it's me......Yeah he just left.........I did exactly as we discussed.......Of course! .....I left a trail to our friend even Hansel and Gretel could follow.   


Barbara, Lenka and Sergei
Molly, Dani and Barbara
Molly and Justin

*Copyright "Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles © " 2019
     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

         
       

Cassandra and Rego

           

              Cassandra lurks outside Rego's home office trying to hear the phone call he was on and hears nothing! Whoever he was speaking to she couldn't hear a word of it since he'd closed the door. Good! That meant he couldn't hear her either.  She steps back in to the alcove of the hall where she could keep an eye on the door while she made her call and not be seen by him. She pulls the burner phone she'd purchased and calls Devereaux back.
             "It's me." She could hear him smirking on the other end knowing he had her over a barrel just by the tone in his voice.
             "Do you have what I asked for?"
             "No! of course I don't! I need more time!"
             "I'm sorry you don't have anymore time.
             "I can't do this Devereaux!"
              "You can and you will. Don't call me again until you have it!" Cassandra hears the click as the line goes dead she stares down at the phone a moment then places it back in her pocket. This was impossible! How was she ever going to get what Devereaux wanted when Rego never just left his work lying around long enough to make copies to give to him. She'd even tried to take photos with the phone she'd bought but they were crap just like the phone. She needed to get in his office and make actual copies of it so she could get Devereaux off her back. How was the problem? How was she going to get her hand on them? Hopefully what she did earlier would work she thought leaning back against the wall as the door to Rego's office opened and he walked out still talking on his phone.
             "Look, Rebeka I have no idea what you're going on about! Hold on I think I left it on my desk upstairs..... Well hold on let me go check..... Well give me a moment to get up the stairs if you don't mind!" He yelps as he heads down the hall toward the steps.
            Now was her chance hopefully she could get it done before he came back down. The pages he was looking for were upstairs she'd made sure of it earlier when she'd seen him working. She hadn't had a chance to get the file she needed but she had pulled some of the pages out another one and stuck them under the bloder. Knowing Rego once he'd found it he'd stop to discuss whatever it was Rebeka was up his butt about. Only with a few pages tucked half way under the blotter that would hold him up a few moments longer. She waited until she heard his footsteps on the stairs before stealing into his office. She moves quickly to his desk and thumbs through the folders until she comes to the one Devereaux wanted. She pulls out the contents putting them into the feeding tray and presses the start button before running to the office door to watch for Rego's return as they print.  She watches as the papers slowly feed through wishing the hunk of junk worked faster as she heard Rego's voice as he came down the upstairs hall. She runs back to the copier just as it finishes and grabs the original and placing them back in the folder before placing it back in the pile. She grabs the copies from the copier and runs back to her hiding spot in the alcove just as Rego turns the corner and heads to his office still speaking on the phone slamming the door behind him. Cassandra waits another moment before leaving her hiding spot and heading for her bedroom. She had what she needed and tonight she'd get it to him and finally get rid of Deveraux.
          Rego terminates his call then reaches for the file he'd been working on and place the papers in his hand inside. He gathers the rest of the files then flips through them one by one to ensure all the pages were still intact. Then places them one by one back inside his briefcase. He stops a moment checking the last one who contents were upside down and backwards. He frowns and stares down at them a moment questioning himself. The recalled looking at them just moments before and the contents had been enclosed properly he was sure of it. He flips through them again this time examining more closely. Then reaches his hand over and places it atop the small copier that still felt warm. Which was odd since he hadn't used it at all. No it couldn't be. He and Cassandra were the only people in the house and she'd been in the den when he'd passed watching television wasn't she? He'd heard the set on when he'd passed hadn't he? Still that didn't mean she was watching it? No, he was just being paranoid. What use would Cassandra have for it? No he was just tired and aggravated. But, still he'd just been in it was it the way he'd left it? It's possible he'd been so agitated while on the phone with Rebeka he'd probably just shoved it all inside when he'd run upstairs he though as the phone rang.
             "Rego Sherrigan." He says distractedly into the phone as he flipped through the papers again.
             "Rego it's me" Rebeka says.
             "I thought we were finished for the evening?"
             " Listen, I just got off the phone with Van Zandt and they approved all of the changes in the proposal I just sent them to you. Just shred the ones you have."
              "Thank you Rebeka! I'll take care of that right away."
              " I have another call I'll speak to you before the meeting in the morning?"
              "Of course good night, oh and I'm shutting my phone off!"
              "Very funny. See you in the morning I love you."
              " I love you too and I'm serious you should do the same. Maybe spend some time with that soon to be husband of yours! Good night!" He says with a laugh as he pulls the papers from the file and toss them into the shredder watching until the last of it krinkels to the bottom of the pale as the other print out on the copier.  He reaches over pulling the papers from the machine and places them inside the folder as he smiles to himself.  Even if what he'd foolishly thought a moment ago it didn't matter now that he'd spoken with Rebeka the entire proposal had changed anyway. If anyone had riffled through his papers the most important aspects of what they'd taken would be changed rendering what they had it useless. Besides he was just tired and exasperated and what he really need was some downtime and then bed.
             Cassandra locks the bedroom door behind her before running to her closet papers in hand. She dumps the contents of her purse out on the bed then folds the papers inside placing the contents of her purse back inside then hangs it over her shoulder. She reaches for her phone and quickly dials Deveraux's number.
                " I have what you wanted I'll meet you at the penthouse in an hour." She finishes ending the call before he could respond then she heads out the bedroom and down the stairs. 



Cassandra and Rego
Devereaux
Cassandra and Devereaux
Cassandra and Rego


*2019 Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles"
   
           












           
               

Angie, David and Rhea

   

        "Carol could you hand me Mrs.Johnson's chart please?" David asks as he finishes up the notes on the one in his hand. Carol thumbs through the stack and quickly hands him the one he asked for.
        "When was she discharged and why?" He states his voice filled with venom as he slaps the papers down on the counter Carol types into the terminal.
"She was discharged this morning per her own request." She says pointing to the screen then standing.
      "Great! So now patients are treating themselves!" He rants before picking up another chart and storms down the hall as Carol smirks and whispers to the nurse next to her.
        "I hate to be the one that let her leave without the great and powerful Dr. Hayworth's permission." Making them both giggle.
        "If I were Dr. Hubbard I'd avoid this floor as if it were quarantined!" The later says with a shake of her head.
        "Amen sister!" Carol nods in agreement before rising and walking toward the lighted call button.
    Angie massages her forearm hoping to rub the throbbing away. She pushes the pain from her mind as she walks to the to one of the workstations pulls up her patients information and attempts to do what seemed impossible lately concentrate on her work. She read through the information quickly jotting down the notes she was looking for on her pad.
        "Hey Angie?" She hears from somewhere far away. She shuts down the episode she'd just had with Cassandra that kept playing over and over in her head and lifts her head .
   "Yes?" turns in the chair to face her.
   "Just an FYI Dr. Hayworth was on the warpath earlier and looking for you earlier." She whispers in her ear as she passes around her to the other computer.
    "Thanks Carol." She smiles weakly.
    "No problem." She says finishing her work and heading down the hall.
    "Great!" She thought. That's all she needed David breathing down her neck. He was probably annoyed about Mrs. Johnson whom he wanted to have surgery. Unfortunately Mrs. Johnson against medical opinion decided she could wait till after the "Founders Day" festivities and checked herself out of the hospital. Other than tying her to the bed she couldn't force her to stay in the hospital or have surgery. The best she could do was advise her of the dangers of her decision. She mentally shrugged. The best she could do for herself was to finish updating the file she was in and get back to her office before David finished his rounds.
       She finished the notes she was working on and closed the file looking around quickly to sees if there was any sign of David before rising and walking to the elevator.
       "Angie! Angie! I need to speak with you." David bellows walking quickly behind her.
       "I really don't have time right now David." She calls behind her as she continues to walk away from him hoping beyond hope the elevator would be there when she arrived.
      "Dam it!" She mutters as she presses the button frantically.
     "Angie!" David continues to call.
     "Look Angie I need to speak with you about Mrs. Johnson! why the hell did you release her."
     "I didn't release her David. I treated her for what she came here for and she decided not to have the surgery that you recommended. She was well enough to go home so I discharged her."
      "How could you just let her go home? You've reviewed everything? I have and you know she needs that surgery." He glares down at her his anger fueling his words.
       "When you weigh it with all her other problems David it's not going to add to her quality of life. If anything it contributes to disrupting the quality of life she has now."
       'Angie you and I both know she'll die without it!"
       'She's already dying David and she just wants to enjoy the time she has. I'm not going to convince her to have a surgery that's only going to prolong her life for what? Another few months a year at best. Part of our oath is to do no harm or did you forget that?" David scowls back undeterred.
      'But if we fix her heart it could also increase the quality of whatever life she has left."
      "Can you guarantee that David? Can you promise her that she can enjoy her life the way she is now?" David's lips become a thin white line as he struggles to control his frustration.
      "Of course not no one can." He strangles out as Angie folds her arms across her chest and nods in agreement.
      "That's right You can't. It would also mean she'd have weeks if not months of recovery. She doesn't want to spend her time that way and I can't say as I blame her."
       "So what did you do send her home with a wave a a fond Adieu?"
       "Something like that. Now if you'll excuse me I have someplace to be." She says stepping around him as he steps to block her path stopping her in her tracks.
        "So that's it then."
        "It is for me!" She says stepping to the side with David following suit.
       "Just wait a minute Angie we're not done here!"
       "Oh yes we are! Now get out of my way David." She snaps as she attempts again to move away and again David blocks her path.
        "I know I heard her say to get out of her way! Now, get out of her way." Rhea moves to stand by Angie's side her arms folded across her chest as she grimaces back at David.  David glares back at the two of them not sure what to do. Judging by the murderous look on both their faces plus the fact that the last thing he needed right now was Rhea running back to Michael. Especially not now that they've just formed their fragile truce.
       "You know what forget it. If she doesn't care about her life why should I be the only one fighting for it? You two ladies have a good day. " He sneers at them before stomping down the hall without waiting for a response.
        "Thank you Rhea."
        "Don't mention it I was glad to help. For a change I'm glad I had that "Founders Day" nonsense."
        "Driving you crazy huh? Jesse's been stomping around muttering to himself for weeks and we're just in the planning stages."
         "Well tell him if he wants company stomping around talking to himself so he doesn't look crazy give me a call!" Rhea says making them both laugh.
        " You know you and I haven't really talked since...." Angie starts her voice trailing off as Rhea interjects
        "Since the wedding."
        "I'm really sorry for all of that. I don't know what's happened to Cassandra." Her exasperation edging her voice.
        "Please Angie you didn't owe me an apology then and you don't owe me one now." Rhea shrugs. "Francessca's and Jamie are happy and I hear Cassandra got what she wanted. She and Rego are happily married and expecting soon. Things work out the way they're supposed to in the end anyway"
        " Sure." Angie says half heartedly her mind flashing on her encounter with Cassandra.
        "Hey I have an idea why don't we do what our mothers used to do?" Rhea chuckles.
        "What's that?"
        "Not to get involved in kid shit!" Rhea chuckles again then stops at the pain and anguish in Angie's voice
        "I'm all for that! Especially when your kid keeps shoveling it out to you."
         "You and Cassandra fighting again?"
         "Again?" Angie lets out a bitter laugh." Please we never stopped just a different round. I just wish she'd talk to me tell me what I did to make her treat me this way?"
          " If you're not doing anything maybe you and I can get some coffee and talk?"
          "I would love that really but I was on my way over to Frankie's but if you're not doing anything tomorrow I would love to meet for lunch. How about the "McKay's around one?"
           "That's perfect I'm looking forward to it! We have a lot to catch up on. Right now I had better get going were making a big announcement at work today." Rhea says giving Angie a quick hug and kiss before stepping into the open elevator.
          "I'll see you then." Angie waves as the doors close. She smiles to herself thinking it was fortuitous of Rhea to have come by when she did. David was working her last nerve and there was no telling how that would have ended. She checks her watch then hurries to the ladies locker room to change her family had finally gotten some good news and she wasn't going to be late for the celebration.

     Jesse and Griff,
     Cassandra and Angie

*Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles

Jamie and JR

      

      Jamie rushes into the men's shop apologizing as he walks. 
       "Man I'm so sorry I'm late! I got held up at the clinic and then the hospital then Kathy and Jenny were late!" He says with a roll of his eye as he pushes out of his jacket and tosses it on the chair behind him. JR smiles opening his arms and embracing him in a bear hug. 
       "Don't worry about it!` I'm just glad you're here! The boys are in the dressing room getting changed." 
    "Enjoy Monsieur!" the Tailors assistant say handing him a glass of champagne then offering him an hors d'oeuvres from the platter. Jamie places his glass on the table then takes a few on a napkin eating them quickly while JR talks. 
    "Besides I'm still waiting for my in laws and brother in-law Lenka." JR mumbles over the canape he'd stuffed in his cheek. Jamie rolls his eyes as he picks up his drink.
     "Yeah I forgot all about that. I suppose Rego is going to be here too?" 
      "Of course he's Rebeka cousin. But if it will ease your mind he was here and left. Cassandra called and he had to go."
      "Good!"Jamie says the vehemence in his voice peaking Jr's curiosity.  
      "I don't understand all the animosity you got the girl." JR jokes as he stuffs another canape in his mouth. 
       "This way sir." Couturier says to Jamie then points to the dressing rooms beckoning him to follow him JR continuing to talk as they walk. 
      "Seriously James I think you're being kind of ridiculous. I've seen you and Francessca together she's crazy about you. I don't see where you have anything to worry about." He says leaning against the wall watching as Jamie steps into his pants and his sons come running out of the dressing room towards him. 
       "Dad! Endre and I still don't understand why we can't just wear one of our Sunday suits these things feel like cardboard!" Jr and Jamie both laugh nodding their heads in agreement. 
     "Look guys we agree with you but your mother wants us in tuxedos so we're wearing tuxedos okay?" Both kids groan rolling their eyes skyward. Making JR laugh harder.
     "I'll make a deal with you, I promise as soon as we get introduced at the reception and we do the dance you guys can change into your black suit pants. You'll have to keep on your tuxedo shirts but you can also put on your tennis shoes." Both AJ and Endre nodding in agreement. 
      "Now I want you guys go stand on the podium so the man can check your suits okay and no wriggling around." He says looking from one to the other as both nod in agreement then run and stand on the podium as JR turns back to Jamie. 
       "So what gives?Why are you so suddenly insecure? Looks like to me Rego's moved on. He and Cassandra are having a baby. You and I both know he's given up a lot to be with her. I'd say he's pretty devoted."
      "Yeah but for how long?" He grimaces as the couturier pulls at the legs of his pants then helps him into the jacket before standing back to inspect his work. JR looks at his brother and shrugs.
       "I don't know James he seemed pretty happy when I was talking to him. Maybe it's not Rego you're worried about. Hold on a second!" He says over his shoulder as he walks quickly to where the boys were being fitted to give the couturier his finally okay.  
       Jamie watches him walk away a moment then stares back at his reflection in the mirror losing himself in thoughts. His mind going back to that moment he'd caught between his wife and Rego. He couldn't get the image of him kissing her out of his head. It gnawed at him and he couldn't explain why. Francessca hadn't changed not in any way she was exactly the same as she always was with him. She was loving and attentive. Cheerful and funny all the things he'd always loved about her. The only thing that had changed in their lives was the inclusion of Rego and her feelings towards him. That's what had changed. The other thing was Rego had changed and that's what also gnawed at him. It wasn't jealousy despite what Cess thought. It was that Rego had become the man Cess thought he was when they were engaged. He was afraid she would tell him about Logan and he'd be in their lives as Logan's father and not just his annoying uncle. He couldn't tell that to JR. He couldn't truly explain his feelings to anyone with exposing the truth about his son. 
       "So are you going to talk to me about what's going on with you and Cess or what?" JR asked hoping his brother would finally open up about what was bothering him. 
       "You know what JR can we talk about something else please?"
       "Well bro I'm just saying I'm here when and if you want to talk. Anyway how's work?" Jr says as he watches his brother turn in the mirror inspecting his tuxedo. 
       "Pretty good. I was able to hire a permanent physician for the clinic with a salary." Jamie says smiling with pride. 
       "Wow! That's great I'm really proud of you. All your hard work is really starting to pay off. Congratulations." 
        "Yeah it's great to finally stop operating in the red for a change. And the new doctor I hired? She's great! She's funny, smart, experienced." Jamie gushes as he steps from the podium and removes his pants handing them back to the couturier making JR smile slyly.
         "Is she pretty?" He asks making Jamie smile as he remembers watching her walk to her car as they existed that afternoon. 
          "Very. I enjoyed talking to her during our interview and I really enjoyed working with her today. I think the two of us are going to get along great." He says the smile curling his brothers lips and reminiscent tone giving him a momentary pause to wonder exactly what position his new doctor had actually been hired for. 
       "So who is this marvel of modern medicine?" He ask trying to sound more casual then he felt as he watched the expression on his brothers face change as he  reminisced about his encounter. 
     "Ivy is pretty terrific she from Chicago. She worked in a clinic there so she's familiar with the general in and out of the operation. She's pretty, funny, friendly, smart and I think she'll be a real asset."
      "Emphasis on the pretty?" JR slides in smoothly watching carefully for Jamie's reaction the later stares back at him his mouth twisted in distaste.
      "No, and don't even joke like that. I love my wife and son as well as I'm happily married man. Second I'm human and I'm not dead." He says stepping down from the podium and removing his jacket and trousers. "Besides Cess's got this major crush on that Vin Diesel guy." He says with a laugh.
      "Yeah but she's not working side by side with him every day." JR warns as Jamie stares back at him one brow raised. 
        "Where the hell is this coming from JR? All I said was she was pretty." 
        "I don't know Bro you tell me. If I didn't know any better I would say you're a little smitten with her." Jamie chuckles.
         "Are you really serious with this man? I just met the woman and she impressed me nothing more. Is that okay with you?" Jamie asks shoving one leg into his pant leg then the other as JR shrugs. 
         "It's fine with me. Just take a little advice from someone who's been there just be careful." 
         "Be careful of what?"
         "You got a lot going on right now Jamie and it can get really easy to lose sight of what's important really quickly. Just promise me you'll keep your focus on what really matters and don't let yourself get distracted."
          "I really don't know where the hell this is coming from." JR smiles then laughs as he throws up his hand silencing him
          'Look just do a nervous soon to be married man a favor and promise me okay?"
          'Okay, okay I promise." Jamie concedes with a laugh and a roll of his eyes. JR nods satisfied then adds his tone becoming serious again
         'Oh and another thing no matter what happens remember you can always come to me."
         "I don't know what's wrong with you but okay I promise I'll come to you."
         "And there's nothing wrong with me! You're my little brother and I love you Jamie! I just want to you to continue to be as happy as I am." He laughs as he reaches over and grabs Jamie by the neck and gives him a playful noogie on the top of his head.
          "What the hell JR?" Jamie yells and tries to pull away as his nephews run roaring from the dressing rooms and grab on to his ankles making them all laugh as they tumble to the fitting room floor in a mass of giggling bodies.


Jamie and Zach
Jamie and Ivy
Jamie and Francessca
Jamie, Francessca Rego and Ivy


*Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles 2019

     
      

Cassandra and Rego

           

         
            Cassandra nervously paces the living room in a vein effort to get her fear under control. She was so frightened after seeing Devereaux that she'd called Rego almost in tears demanding he come home. Now she wasn't sure what she was going to tell him when he got there. She couldn't tell him about Devereaux and with all the progress she'd made she couldn't act like a shrew. Besides, she didn't want to. She was enjoying the closeness that was forming between them.
           He also seemed to be a little more trusting of her. Even with the progress she'd made with Rego so far. She wasn't sure how she was going to get what Devereaux wanted without making Rego suspicious of her or even how to get it. Rego was very careful with his work rarely leaving it out of his sight when working at home and when he wasn't working on it, it was locked in his briefcase. How in the world was she supposed to do that? How? More to her immediate problem what was she going to tell Rego when he came through that door?
             Rego channeled his annoyance with his wife impatiently tapping the steering wheel with his thumbs as he waits for the light to change. She'd called him in the midst of his fitting with JR demanding that he return home immediately. Why, she couldn't say other than she needed him home. He'd started to stay where he was just to let her know she wasn't at her beck and call. On the other hand she was pregnant with his child and it may be important. Knowing Cassandra it was probably as trivial as her quest for morning attire but, he couldn't be sure. Besides lately she's been more reasonable one could almost say loving, almost. Rego was no ones fool. He knew that leopards don't change their spots. Especially someone like Cassandra but he had to admit she'd been better of late. Then there was also also something in her voice that sent a prickle up his spine. That's why he had to give her the benefit of the doubt and why he felt the odd sense of urgency.  He thought his impatiens and annoyance festering as he began tapping rhythmically on the steering wheel again.
          Cassandra checks her reflection in the mirror after deciding on her story. She'd felt terribly ill after her appointment and it had really frightened her. Until she remembered she'd forgotten to eat. If nothing else she was a true depiction of her lie. She looked awful. Her skin was pale and drawn. Her eyes were puffy and swollen. Her stomach felt as if it was roiled and at any moment would churn over again. All of it thanks to Devereaux! Well least their encounter was good for something was her last thought before she heard the sound of Rego's car in the drive.
         "Cassandra!" Rego calls as he races into the living room. While moments before the object of his urgency laid down on the sofa finally deciding at the last second on an alignment.
         "Cassandra!" He calls again coming quickly and kneeling by he side the later feigning sleep.
         "Rego?" She says sitting up on the sofa and looking about the room as if confused before her eyes settled on Rego.
         "Are you all right? Shall I call for the doctor?" He asks panic beginning to edge his voice as Cassandra rubs at her eyes groggily.
         "I'm fine now." She smiles her hand reaching out to caress his cheek before sliding back down to her lap as Rego pulls instinctively away then immediately regrets it as a the hurt flashed across her eyes and takes her retreating hand in his. 
         "What happened? When you called you sounded urgent?" His voice sounding more concerned and less urgent than it had moments before giving Cassandra the reassurance she needed.
         "I'm okay and I'm sorry I frightened you." Her voice demure almost cheerful as if his previous words had not touched her. If he didn't know better he would say she was contrite but he knew better than that something still didn't feel right to him.
         "What happened to get you so worked you?" He asked. His eyes probing her expression for the slightest change or telling signs of her lies as she spoke.
         "It's really silly now and completely my fault. I was so busy running errands this morning I completely forgot to eat. By the time I actually did it all made me so sick."
          " I told you this would happen if you weren't careful!" He chides a small smile of relief and satisfaction of being right twinging his lips. Making her smile her own secret satisfaction.
          "You're right I should have listened. And I'm sorry I completely spazzed and totally panicked." She says with a little laugh. Rego chuckles as he pats his chest and sighs.
          "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Cassandra schools her expression to display proper amount of guilt and sorrow to match her contrite tone.
          " I'm so sorry I scared you like that. I promise I won't scare you like that again."
          "It's alright as long as you and the baby are okay." He says patting her hand and smiling back at her. Cassandra laughs as she rubs her swollen belly with her free hand.
          "We're fine really you can stop worrying."
          "I'll stop worrying when you stop being so foolish." He teases making them both laugh.
          "I promise I'll be more responsible."
          "Thank you. Now that I know you're okay is there anything I can get you?"
          " No, really I'm fine but if you don,t mind maybe you could just sit here with me and maybe we could just talk for a little while, I mean if you're not too busy." She asks patting the place next to her. Rego smiles as he slides onto the cushion next to her.
           "I'd love to."
           "Devereaux reads over the last paragraph of the documents he'd had his lawyer draw up before signing his name on the bottom with a flourish and satisfied grin. That was the last of them he thought as he closed them in the manila envelope and locked them in his desk drawer. Tomorrow morning he'd have them sent by messenger in to his lawyers office. Everything was in place he'd secured his child's financial future and he was ready to secure his own. All he had to do now was wait for Cassandra to bring him what he wanted and if she was smart she'd get it to him sooner rather than later. Perhaps he'd make it crystal clear to her that time was definitely of the essences.



Jaime and Cassandra
Cassandra and Rego
Devereaux
Cassandra and Devereaux

*Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2019

          

Erica, Corbin and Gavin

     

       Gavin looks down at the legal pad in front of him and checks off an item from his list before moving on to what he was sure would be today's dynamite. He looks up at Corbin who was whispering to Molly who was furiously writing on her pad. Then to Erica who seemed to be distracted some goings on on her phone. Well he may as well wade into the deep water he thought as he cleared his throat.
          "All right everyone should have the final changes for the premier episode of "New Beginnings" there's nothing added to the script just updated sponsor sheet. Now moving on." Gavin says as he reaches behind him and pulls the scripts from the table then places them in front of Corbin.
          "I've gone over the first scripts for "Raising Fire" and I would like to commend each and every one of you on the tremendous work you've done. I've been both moved and captivated by what you've written so far. However I will reiterate any reference to the rape by Robert Grassland will always be just that. The character of Jerica will never be portrayed as a seductress in any way shape or suggestion. At this point we are talking about a child and brutality done against her and the repercussions there after. With that said I want the scripts I've given to Corbin reviewed and any suggestion to the contrary within them corrected to reflect what I've said." Corbin looks at Erica who sits with a satisfied grin on her face staring up at Gavin before turning her smug grin towards him. If her co-hosts had run in the room with a rail he'd be the first in line to hoist her up on it.
        "Gavin, do you realise how much work that's going to intaile and how much man hours that's going to take? This was just going to put us further behind." His frustration punctuating each word. All to accommodate one woman's ego he thought knowing better than to speak it aloud.
         "Yes I do. My suggestion is that you and your staff clear your schedules and get started." Gavin stated firmly hoping his tone would be the end of the argument but knowing full well it wouldn't be.
         "Come on Gavin this is ridiculous. Jerica isn't Erica she's a character! I thought we were all in agreement that everything doesn't have to be exact!" Corbin argues back his eye catching Erica's and locking. Hers never wavering challenging him to say more.
         Erica smiled to herself she'd known since breakfast how this meeting would go. Not that she would ever use her rape or what had happened between her and Gavin last night as a tool to get what she wanted. It was more of a silent understanding they'd reached during their conversation over breakfast. She'd luckily avoided any conversation after the storm had passed. She'd been exhausted after and had lain down on the bed while she waited for Gavin to return. She must have fallen asleep while he'd gone down to the kitchen. She had awakened once hours later to find him sitting in the chair across from her reading quietly. He'd smiled and told her to go back to sleep and she had.
        She'd been awakened by his maid and told where to find him her clothes cleaned and pressed. She'd dressed quickly and hurriedly gone down to the dinning room to join him her emotion pinballing between curiosity and trepidation.
         "Good Morning Erica."
         "Good Morning. I hope you slept well."
         "Yes I did thank you."
         "How long have you suffered from your storm terror?" He asked. Erica glanced up at him over the rim of her cup. His question was simple enough and there was no sign of mocking in his voice or expression. If anything his eyes showed empathy. He wasn't asking why or when just how long giving her a suspicion that he already knew the answer. Besides after what had happened between them she owed him something of an explanation she just hoped she wouldn't have to explain further.
        "Since I was thirteen." Her expression reminiscent of the one she'd had last night after the storm had passed he noted. He nodded in understanding changing the topic to some triviality concerning "New Beginnings" effectively closing the previous subject. That's when she knew she'd won him over.
        Corbin watched Erica practically preening as she gazed at Gavin adoringly. What the hell had happened between the two of them? He thought only half listening to Gavin's response as he let his mind wander through the possible scenarios wondering what trick Erica had used fromm her arsenal to bring Gavin over to the darkside.
         "We are but in this case I want to be clear in the portrayal of the character. She had nothing to do with perpetuating what happened nor was she a willing participant. I want to make sure that is perfectly clear to the audience." Gavin explained knowing Corbin barley heard a word he'd said. He and Erica were too busy having a silent battle of wills he thought. He watched the emotion play over Corbin's face then braced himself for the question he knew was causing the twitch in his lip.
           "Excuse me Gavin?"
           "Yes Corbin"
          "If you don't mind what bought all this on so suddenly? I mean I thought we were all in agreement about the characters role in this?" Gavin takes a moment his thoughts flashing back to last night and Erica curled up on the floor in hysterics.He knew this question would come and he was prepared for it without giving Erica away or showing any alliance with her.
          "It's really quite simply. After going through the scripts and having more time to think on the subject. I decided that we are a new show and I don't want us to tarnish our brand right out of the gate by being accused of contributing to rape culture. I want the audience to see Jericho Lane and Robert Grassland for the monsters they really are. Perhaps you could seed the scene with more of that aspect. That should satisfy the audiences titillation needs." Corbin nods in agreement.
        "Yeah that should work." Gavin looks around the table at the nodding heads as Corbin whispers to Molly and the later scribbling hastily desperately trying to keep up with whatever he was saying.
        "All right next item...." Gavin starts but Erica didn't hear a word of it she was too overwhelmed by her delight in Gavin's decision to side with her. She was sure she wore it like a beacon judging from the expression on Corbin's face.
         "Ha!" She thought she hoped he choked on his anger. He was so smug when he'd come to her dressing room. He thought he knew her so well because of all his research. She'd admit he'd come closer than most. She'd also have to admit some of what he'd said earlier was spot on and somewhat helpful. But now Corbin thought he knew her  inside and out. With that knew found knowledge he also thought he knew how to "handle" her.  Fool! No man really knew who she was deep down inside. A few had come close But in the end  none really knew her. Least of all Corbin! He could do what he pleased with any other aspect of her book and her life but there were some things she would never allow him to play with and this was definitely one of them.
         Right now she could tell Corbin was furious and confused. Right now he was trying to figure out how he lost Gavin's support on this. The later would be too chivalrous to ever tell him the real reason he'd changed his mind. Right now Erica Kane had both the men in her life exactly where she wanted them and she couldn't be happier.


Erica,Corbin Jack and Tea
Erica and Corbin
Erica and Gavin
             

Kendall, Zach and Erica

         

         Kendall stares up at the stage checking the set against her design and putting on the final touches. Tomorrow would be the first taping of "New Beginnings" premiere episode and she needed to complete it today so she could start the construction of the permanent stage at the studio. She was looking forward to the quiet of the studio after spending the past week trapped at the casino with her mother and her castmates. It had been the week from hell and she was looking forward to handing her referee whistle back to Corbin and Gavin. Five more hours she thought as Erica shrieked her name from the back of the theater.
           "Kendall!" Erica yelled as she came down the aisle towards her daughter. She needed to speak to someone about her evening with a Gavin and talking to Opal was completely out of the question. If she didn't feel so disturbed by the encounter she'd keep it to herself but she needed to confide in someone.
            "Good Morning Mother." She says over her shoulder as she continues to review her work.
            "Kendall I must speak with you."
            "Can't it wait Mother? I really need to finish this."
            "No it can't wait I need to speak with you now, please?" Erica says her voice becoming shrill with the effort grabbing Kendall's full attention.
             "Mom are you okay?" she asks true concern edging her voice.
             "No, I'm not alright! I'm not sure if I'll ever be all right again!"
             "My God Mother! What happened?"
             "Just everything is all!" Erica hisses shaking her chestnut tresses back from her face.
             "Come here a second and sit down." Kendall says calmly as she leads her mother over to a row of empty seats.
            "Now, what's going on and what do you mean by "Everything"?"
            "Exactly what I said Kendall! Am I not speaking english?"
            "No need to snap at me Mother! I'm just trying to help you."
            "I'm sorry honey really. I didn't mean to snap at you. I just haven't been myself since the other night when I was out to dinner with with Corbin."
             "Did something happen with Corbin?"
             "Oh Kendall please keep up it hasn't anything to do with Corbin at all and everything to do with one Jackson Montgomery and his sudden interest in that viper Tea DelGado! You should have seen it. They were all over each other like cats in heat! He doesn't even know I'm alive anymore!"
              "Face it Mom he hasn't known you were alive for sometime now."
              "Well  thank you Kendall for your support!"
              "Mom, I'm not trying to be cruel at all but I really think it's time for you to just move on."
              "Just move on? You think I should just move on? Tell me Kendall how do you move on from your soulmate? If it were Zach would you just "move on"? In fact if I remember correctly you fought like a wild cat to hold on to Zach!"
              "Yes I did Mother but unlike you I didn't have a string of "true loves" while proclaiming Zach was my soulmate!"
               "Kendall I never realized a child of mine could be so...so heartless and cruel."
               "Well if your expecting me to apologize I'm not! You had everything you said you ever wanted with Jack and you decided the lifestyle wasn't for you. Jack didn't leave you! You left him remember? What did you expect him to do? Sit around waiting for you decided you want him this month because there wasn't anyone else? Jack wanted someone with hm that wanted the same things he wanted. A home a wife a family. The same domestic doldrum you ran from. Face it you don't really want Jack you don't want anyone else to have him. You really should be tired of this game you play with yourself. It can't possibly be healthY. That's why I think you should move on."
             "Well thank you Dr. Kendall for your unsolicited advice. I'll be sure not to make an appointment in the future!"
              "Mom!..... Mom!.... Don't ru.....I didn't mean....." She calls after her Mother's retreating back.
              "Ugh!" She groans wishing she wasn't so tired and her patients weren't so short. She also wished she'd kept her thoughts to herself. She knew better than to be logical when her mother was in one of theses moods. She just couldn't help herself Jack had always been good to her and it hurt her to see him alone and defeated for so long he deserved to be happy. If this Tea DelGado made him happy then she was glad even if it meant for the moment her mother would be unhappy she supposed. Judging by what she was witnessing between her Gavin and Corbin, she thought as she smiled to herself knowing her mother it wouldn't be for long.
         "Hey! What's going on? I just saw Erica come flying out of here like the place was on fire." Zach chuckles as he comes towards his wife and embraces her.
          "Ugh! She's annoyed with me I'll tell you about it later. What's up?" She asks as Zach shrugs.
          "Nothing really. I just had a rough afternoon I never got to eat lunch and thought if you weren't busy you'd like to join me?"
          "Lunch? What time is it?"
          "One o'clock"
          "I Would love to!" She says before turning and yelling at the stage. " Frank let's break. Have everyone back by two and ready to tape!"
           "You got it Mrs.S! That's break everyone two o'clock be ready to shine!" He calls walking towards the back of the stage as the other men follow.
           "I'll take that as yes?" He says pulling her to him and nuzzling her neck making her giggle.
           "You betcha! Let's get out of here I could really use some fresh air."
           "Come on I know just the spot!" He smiles pulling gently on her arm and leading her up the aisle.
            "Hey! Kendall I'm glad I Caught you! Hey Uncle Zach!" Francessca says tipping up and quickly kissing his cheek.
            "Hey! Why don't you join us?"
            "I Can't I have to get over to the hospital to see Tad. I just wanted to tell you the photos for the cast are complete for 'Tempo" I'll send Gavin an email in the morning with the proofs. I gotta go. I'll see you both later." She say trotting back up the aisle.
            "Oh and don't forget I'm picking up my boys friday after school."She calls behind her.
            "As if they'd let us forget!" Kendall yells back making Zach laugh.
            " That's all they've talked about all week!"
            "Well it will be nice you and me an entire weekend alone in an empty house." He says wriggling his brow.
             "Yeah an entire weekend alone. with nothing but you and me and time on our hands."
             "What do you think we should do with all our free time." He says pulling her into his arms and nuzzling her neck.
              "I think you and I should get a bottle of wine," she murmurs as she nibbles gently on his ear.
"Mm Hmm." He groans as she continues her assault on his senses.
              "Order dinner from the chateau..." She says kissing him.
              "Mmm hmm." He moans in between kisses.
             " And when were all done we finally clean out that hall closet." She laughs running half heartedly up the aisle as Zach pursues her catching up to her quickly and pulling her into his arms.
          "I have a better idea come on." He grins seductively as they walk arm and arm out the theater.
          All of their playful banter playing out in front of their unseen visitor. Much to his amusement. Although he'd learned one thing. The big man was going to be away for the weekend. That meant this weekend would be the best time for him to make as much money as he could. He'd need it if he was going to put the rest of his plan in motion. He thought rising from his secluded spot and heading toward his room. He needed to rest up before he went to work this evening.



* Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2019*

Erica and Corbin - Jack and Tea
Erica and Corbin
Erica and Gavin