Jesse and Griff, Cassandra and Angie

   

         Jesse closes the door firmly behind him as he walks into Frankie and Randy's home. It had been a long day and he was glad it was over. Spending the day with the crazies running up and down the streets of Pine Valley and the idiots they vote into office constantly calling him him to bitch and moan about one thing or the other can ware a man down. When it wasn't his beloved citizenry then it was the district attorney or his annoying new assistant district attorney breathing down his neck. What he needed right now was his grandkids and some good news.
      "Hey anyone home?" He calls out as he walks into the living room and hears Griff call out to him.
       "Yo! Jesse back here!" He says calling him back into the family room.
       "There they are! This is what Pop-Pop was waiting for!" He growls making the babies giggle as he scoops up one in each arm cooing and snuggling both then putting them down.
       "Rough day?" Griff asks watching Jesse grimace as he eases himself down into the chair.
       "Yeah brother and then some." He sighs leaning his head back against the cushions.
       " You want a beer?" Griff asks rising from the sofa and walking towards the kitchen as he talks.
       "Nah, watching my grand babies is all I need. Besides I have to drive home from here and the way I'm feeling today one ain't going to cut it!" Jesse says with a laugh as he reaches down and pulls his granddaughter into his lap.
       "Yeah all Pop-Pop needs is his family and everything's good!" He's says snuggling her close then putting her down as Griff comes back in the room.
        "Yeah these two make it all better don't they?" He laughs stepping around the twins as they laugh and play.
        "I never thought I'd have this. Beautiful daughter, two beautiful grand kids wonderful son in-law. Sometimes it all feels so unreal. Nah, I never saw this day." He smiles the joy of the moment lighting his face as he watched the children play. Jesse smiles knowing the feeling well.
        "I feel you bro, I feel you. So how are Krystal and Carmen?" Griff laughs and shrugs.
        " I wish I knew. Ever since they started this TV show thing I only catch them on the fly." He says with a chuckle. "Been kind of nice though quiet." He says making them both laugh. "One other nice thing with both of them gone so much I've been promoted to manager with a nice fat raise!"
       "Well all right now! That's what I'm talking about! Congratulations man!" Jesse whoops as stands and shakes Griff's hand.
       'Yeah boy! I can finally get out of Ryan's." Griff sighs happily. Jesse looks at him brows knitted in concern.
       "Something wrong there?" Jesse asks. Griff shakes his head.
       " No, things have been great. I just need a place of my own. Some place where the Grandkids can play maybe have a social life other than work and home."  Jesse nods in agreement.
       "Can't blame you there. Where are you thinking about moving to?" Jesse asks as he reaches out and grabs the hair brush from Spencer's hand as he passes and places it on the shelf behind him.
        " Not sure yet some place close." He says turning his head at the sound of the door rattling then squeaking open.
       "We're home!" Randi calls as she and Frankie walk into the den to the squeals of their children running towards her. Both children grasping at her knees as she walks in.
        "Hey sweet-peas!" She says kneeling down and kissing them both as Frankie walks to his father and hugs him.
        "Hey! What's up Dad?"
        "Nothing really Pop-pop just needed his fix."
        "Aren't you two lucky both your Grandpa's are here. How are you Jesse?" She says turning toward Jesse.
         "I'm okay how are you what did the doctor say?" Griff asks unable to wait any longer.
         "The doctor said I'm fine the cancer is still in remission." She says proudly as the men in the room cheer.
          "Does your mother know?" Jesse asks knowing it had been weighing on her mind the last few days. Frankie smiles lifting the look of concern from his father's face as he speaks.
          "We made sure to tell her before we left the hospital. We figured with everything else going on she could really use some good news."
          "That she can son, that she can."
         Angie walks towards the doctors locker room to shower and change. She wanted to get home to Jesse and the kids to celebrate their good news. She'd already ordered dinner from the "Serving Spoon" and if she hurried she could get to Frankie's about the same time it arrived. She turns down the hall taking the shortcut through the Providers offices passing one as the door opens and Cassandra steps directly in her path.
         "Oh excuse me." She says before looking up and seeing her mother in front of her the smile on her face becoming an instant frown.
         "Cassandra! Hi baby." Angie says reaching out and hugging a stiff Cassandra her swollen belly brushing against Angie.  "Oh my looks at you! You're absolutely beautiful! I guess the baby will be coming soon? You and Rego must be so excited!"
         "Yes Mother we are but we have a few more months before the big day." Cassandra retorts wishing the entire ordeal was over as her mother stares back at her confused.
         "From the look of you sweetie I'd say another two or so." Angie smiles feeling Cassandra's tummy the later swiping at her hand.
         "Perhaps you need your eyes checked." Cassandra snipes back ignoring the hurt expression on her mother's face. The last thing she needed was her mother digging around she could be more harm than hurt feelings. Angie looks back at her daughter inspecting her expression and knew instantly she was hiding something.
         "Cassandra what is going on? What aren't you telling me?" Cassandra narrows her eyes instantly on the defensive.
          "Why do I have to always be up to something Mother? Rego and I are married, we just bought a beautiful new home and were expecting a baby in a few months! Why can't any of you just be happy for me? Why do you always think I have some scheme going?" Angie stares back at her mouth a gape unable to fathom what she had said or done to evoke such a venom filled response.
           "I am happy for you honey! Really I am."
           'I really have to go!" Cassandra states flatly turning and walking away leaving Angie to stare after her bewildered. What had she done to make Cassandra so angry? She thought absently rubbing the pain in her left arm.
       Cassandra walks to the elevator thoughts of her mother's words "I'd say two or so." She'd almost forgotten about the time frame. She'd need to solidify her plan as far as that was concerned.
      "What to do, what to do?" She murmured. Her thoughts now distracting her from all else as she steps toward the back of the car absorbed in them. It stops at the mezzanine as a few passengers disembark leaving her with just the two interns in front of her as it descend.
         "Excuse me please!" She says attempting to move in front of the interns to exit. Neither moving both blocking her exist as the door opens and quickly closes.
       "Sorry." One murmurs and shrugs smiling shyly as he continues to talk to his companion.
       "Idiots!" She yelps pushing past them to the front and pressing the lobby button again. Then gasping in horror as the doors open and she is pushed out only to be caught in Deveraux's arms.
      "You and I have a few things to discuss."

Lola and Adam, Devereaux and Joe
Cassandra and Rego


       

Jamie and Francessca

   

   
        Jamie walks through the living room to the kitchen then stops and leans against the door frame smiling at the scene unfolding before him. His wife happily feeding her son and chatting with him. Telling Logan what he and his Daddy would be doing when he got home. All of it making him feel guilty and ashamed about his earlier thoughts and actions. He turns away quietly to head up the stairs unseen and unheard by his wife and son. He'd hoped to shower and change perhaps wash away some of his guilt but was caught before he could complete his retreat.
        "Hey honey you're home! We were just talking about you." Francessca smiles up at him as she rises and pulls Logan from his highchair then walks over and kisses him.
          "Weren't we pumpkin? There's your Daddy" She says handing her son to Jamie then walking to the sink and begins to scrub and rinse it as she talks.
           " So how was your day?" Jamie laughs and pulls his head back as Logan attempts to feed him his dripping wet teething ring and laughs at Jamie's reaction.
           "It's was pretty good everyone lived." He laughs jiggling Logan in his arms as he sits down on the kitchen chair Logan in his lap.
           "Very funny!" She giggles despite the chastising tone in her voice.
           "So I assume you figured out that problem you were having with that patient."
           "What patient?"
           "The one you were worried about when I saw you earlier."Jamie thinks for a moment not sure what she was referring to.
           "What patient are you talking about?"
           "You know the one you were all worried about when I dropped off Logan this morning." Jamie thinks back to earlier that morning flipping quickly through their interaction and clicking on the lie he'd told.
           "Oh yeah, yeah I figured it out. "
           "Oh good what was wrong with them?"
           "Early signs of tetanus from a cut they got a couple of days back." He lied.
           "You rock on there Monsieur Curie!" She say with a laugh " Do you want to eat now or take a shower first?"
           "Hm I'll eat now thanks." He says rising from the chair as he carries Logan in one arm and reaches for the silverware in the drawer with the other putting a setting at each place as Francessca helps his plate then places it on the table talking as she walks.
           " How's Tad, did he and Logan have a good time?"
           " Babe that's like asking if kids likes Christmas?" Jamie teases making them both laugh.
           "What do you want to drink?"
           "I'll have some water please."
            "Here you go honey." She says placing the bottle of water down in front of him. "Need anything else?"
            "Nah babe I'm good." Francessa reaches down taking Logan off Jamie's lap and walks to the sink placing the stopper in the drain and begins to temper the water.
            You're not eating?" Jamie asks as Francessca pulls the baby caddie from under the sink and places it on the counter.
           " I wasn't sure how much longer you were going to be so I ate earlier. I thought I'd get our little man ready for bed then you and I can spend some time together. What do you think?" Jamie nods in agreement.
          "I think it's the best idea you've had all day." He smiles watching his son happily splashing in the water while his mother bathes him.
            "What are you doing my little duck? You splashing water all over the kitchen? Yes you are! Look puddles everywhere and water dripping from the cabinets!" She teases the baby making him laugh. Jamie smiles enjoying the close family moment as he eats.
           "Oh! How did your interview go with that new doctor." Francessca asks over her shoulder as she removes Logan from the sink and wraps him in a towel.
           "It went okay she seems nice, eager I think you'd like her." He says smiling at the memory. as Francessca towel dries her son.
            "That's good! Maybe you won't have to work such long hours and we can spend more time together. What do you think Logan? More time with Daddy?" She say kissing the end of Logan's nose making him brush at it and giggle as she rises.
            'I'm hoping so too." Jamie says as he rises and walks toward Francessca and kisses her forehead then his sons before walking to the sink with his plate then rinses it. He turns his head trying to hear above the running water and ringing phone as Francessca walks from the room talking as she goes.
             " I'm going to put him down." Jaime smiles as a droopy eyed Logan curls up against Francessca's neck as she walks.
              "Okay while you do that I'm going to take a quick shower" He calls after her wiping his hands quickly on the dish towel as he retrieves his ringing phone from his pocket.
             "Hopefully this isn't a patient." He mumbles before tapping his phone.
             "Dr. Martin." He says sounding both official and annoyed at the interruption.
            'Hi Jamie I hope I'm not interrupting your evening?" Jaime immediately relaxes at the sound of Ivy's voice.
            "Oh no you're fine. I was just finishing up dinner whats up?" He asks his curiosity peaked.
            " I know I am and I'm sorry. Sounding shy and a little nervous still as she rushes on. "Sometimes I can be a little impulsive."
            "No really Ivy it's fine. I wasn't doing anything just cleaning up after dinner." He soothes.
            "I just wanted to tell you I really enjoyed talking to you today and how much I'm looking toward to our working together." Jamie smiles to himself not knowing why it pleased him so much that she had enjoyed their afternoon as well.
           'That's really sweet. I'm looking forward to our working together too." He said and could almost hear her tense on the other end of the phone
           "You're not just saying that are you?" She said her words sounding playful but still belied her trepidation he thought.
            "I never say anything I don't mean" He said hopefully with enough authority to put any other argument to rest that she might have.
           " Please don't think I'm a total ditz." She says with a laugh " I was just really nervous today and I need to ask you a question?"
           "No I don't think you're a ditz at all the opposite in fact." He say with a laugh feeling oddly shy and sophomoric. Ivy laughs softly on the other end.
            "Oh you're so sweet thank you. What time did we set for tomorrow?"
            "It was nine fortyfive And you're welcome."
           "Thank you so much Jaime. I can already tell it's going to be a pleasure working with you already."
           "No problem anytime. I'll see you nine-fortyfive sharp.
           "I'll see you then. Good night Jaime." She says her voice sounding more low and seductive to her own ears than she'd intended or it could be the normal kitchen feedback sound he always had in this room Jaime thought of it.
           " Goodnight." He says smiling as he hangs up looking forward to going to work in the morning. The other lies back her latest novella propped on her lap the pages unseen her mind instead filling with daydreams of Jamie the clinic and their future with a hopeful smile and excitement.


Jaime and Cassandra
Jamie and Zach
Jamie and Ivy

*Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles 2019

Devereaux

         

       
         Devereaux smiles ruefully as he reads over the documents Sherrigan had his man send over. He muffles a laugh as he folds them neatly and places them inside his drawer. One thing, he did have to give Sherrigan credit for he was considerate. The process server had delivered them to his home at six am sharp and not to the office. He assumed he wanted to keep this all a private matter as much as he did. He was glad for that it made it a lot easier to do what he was going to do to her.
          It was going to take some planning on his part but he was more than sure he could accomplish the task and achieve the results he wanted. He had Cassandra exactly where he wanted her. Secure in the false knowledge that she had gotten away with her lie. The proof of that was contained in the copy of the paternity test Rego Sherrigan had enclosed with the restraining order he'd sent. He thought with a laugh. It was time to make his next move.
         He pulls the copy of the paternity tests he had run and as he'd thought all a long they matched. He was the definitive father of the child she carried and soon she'd know it too. That one little fact was going to make him not only richer but would make him and "Cambius" a true power to be reckoned with. That was once he got what he needed from Cassandra. What he had on her was enough to force her to get him everything he wanted including Cassandra herself and their son when it was all done. She'd have no choice because in the end Sherrigan won't want her and she'll have nowhere else to go. He thought laughing aloud.
      He looks across the top of his large chestnut desk to the blinking envelope in the corner of the monitor and opens it. Good! He thought. His friends at "Calisco" had completed the transaction and they were ready to proceed. Fantastic! He was ready to be done with the entire business. Lately he'd lost his desire for the dubious side of his businesses.
        For some time now he'd had a feeling of foreboding he couldn't shake. If anything as time went on it had only increased and only seemed to have gotten worse since meeting that Montgomery woman at the theater. That's why he'd seen his lawyer and gotten his affairs in order. Especially now with his son on the way. He needed to secure his legacy if anything did happen. Who was he kidding it was bound to happen at sometime. The business he'd been in for so long didn't have a retirement plan and most never made it that far. He was doing what any man in his position would do taking precautions. That's why this was his last illegal transaction. Once he finished with "Calisco" he was done with all his nefarious businesses.
       Unbeknownst to anyone over the past few months he'd quietly sold off all of his overseas businesses. Making quite a hefty profit in the processes. Three quarters he'd set up into a trust fund for his son the the rest he'd placed into high yield account. The interest would pay for the maintenance, executors fees and custodial salary which Cassandra would be more than satisfied with. She'd also be their sons legal proxy until he came of age. In the past she'd shown to have a good business head on her shoulders. The brothel she'd run for him had been the most profitable. She'd handle all his business matters as well. It was a job he was sure she would be more than capable at in fact, he was positive she'd excel.
        But, enough morbidity he had other things to concentrate on right now. He needed to contact Cassandra before the end of the day but there was no way he could do that personally and he couldn't send Maurice either anyone who knew him new Maurice. No, what he needed was someone that wouldn't raise suspicion. He thought for a moment sitting back in his desk chair his fingers tee-peed beneath his chin as he went through the list of his employee's finally landing on young Joe. He'd be perfect. He worked in the hospital he'd have access to her without raising suspicion from anyone. Besides he and Cassandra had a history so he'd be easy to explain to that doddering husband of hers should they be caught. He may also be able to see her doctor's appointment schedule in which case he could handle contacting her himself. He leans forward reaching for his phone and searching through his contacts till he comes to Joe's number and presses it strumming his fingers on the desktop as the tone drones in his ear. He waits another moment for the the greeting to end on the voice mail.
         "Joseph I would like you to contact me as soon as you get this message. Thank you." He finishes then clicks the the dial and place the phone back down on the table top then reaches for the photograph hidden inside his desk door.
         "It won't be long now my pet. You're going to wish you had accepted my kindness when it was offered." He says with a smile then a laugh as he pictured the expression on her face when he told her the truth about their child.
         Maurice smiles to himself as he slips back down the hall. It would seem the Monsieur was making his move. That meant he would have to start making his plans of his own. It was time for them both to pay. The moment was so close he could almost taste it. He was practically choking on anticipation it was becoming harder for him to be patient but be patient he must. The moment to finally close the curtain was almost upon him when Devereaux would take his final bow. There would be no encore for that player. When he finally got his revenge there would be no encore for either of them the stage would be black no light escaping the curtains drawn.

Cassandra, Rego and Joe
Devereaux and Joe
Cassandra and Rego

* Copyright Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles 2019

Harbinger Falls: "Dinner at Eight" Ep 1

Harbinger Falls: "Dinner at Eight": Jacob Stockton paces the space behind his large cherrywood desk growling into the phone. "So he's the one that owns...

Jamie and Ivy

       

        Jamie walks into the clinic and directly to the reception desk checking the clock on the wall as he walks.
          "Hey is my interview here yet?" The receptionist smiles then laugh's.
          "Not yet you lucked out. She just called to say she was running late.You have about five minutes." She calls after him with a laugh as he sprints into his office. He close the door behind him pulling off his jacket as he goes and tossing it on the back of his chair. He reaches for his office jacket and slips into it switching on his computer as he slides into his chair. He pulls the the mirror from his desk drawer and quickly checks his appearance and brushes the hair back from his face. Satisfied he places it back in the drawer before typing his password into the computer as he reaches for the small box of mints in the jar on the desk and pops it into his mouth with one hand as he types on the keyboard with the other. He waits for the file to load then clicks through it quickly to refresh his memory.
       "Lets see Ivy McClellan..." He mutters to himself as he clicks through the parts of her resume he'd highlighted finishing just as the office phone buzzes.
        "Hello Dr. Martin, Dr. McClellan is here would you like me to walk her back?" Elizabeth say over the intercom using her professional voice that always made him chuckle when she used it.
         "No I'll come up front and walk her back myself. Thank you." He says as he rises and comes around the desk and walks out to the reception desk.
       Ivy looks around the office admiring the brightly painted reception area with all the hand painted characters adorning the walls. It was pleasant giving the room a warm friendly feel. It was very different from the clinic in Chicago that she'd just left behind. There she'd had to practically purchase the supplies they need out of her own pocket sometimes she had. This was a far cry from that and she was glad. Here she could concentrate on healing not trying to hold it all together. That was one of the things that had attracted her. This clinic was well funded and be free to do the work she wanted to do. Hopefully in her time here she could learn some of Jamie's trick to pass on to her colleagues back home. She was sure it also didn't hurt to inherit a fortune and having a rich wife with even richer relatives. They definitely could have used this kind of funding back home she thought walking toward the the long glass panes separating the clinic from the rest of the "Miranda Center" and all the activity going on there.
          "Dr. McClellan thank you so much for coming. I'm Dr. James Martin." He' says taking her extended hand in his and shaking it.
           "Dr.Martin very nice to meet you. Beautiful facility you have here." She says smiling brightly. He was taller than she'd imagined his eyes were kinder in person and his smile even warmer.
           "Why don't I give you the tour and then we can talk in in my office, If that's okay with you?"
           "That's fine I would love to see more!" She says following along beside him as he takes her through the exam rooms and office spaces chatting amiably as they go. Finishing their tour back at Jamie's office.
           "Please have a seat. Would you like a cup of coffee." Ivy smiles shaking her head negatively as she sits in the chair across from him.
            "No, thanks if I have another cup I'll never get to sleep." She says making them both laugh. "Is this your family?" She says picking up the picture of Francessca and Logan from the desk. "What a cutie! He looks like a really happy baby." Jamie blushes proudly looking at the photo a moment and smiling.
            "Thank you. Yeah he is. I've never seen anyone wake up as happy as he does every morning. He does even cry. We can hear him over the monitor playing and kind of singing to himself." He says preening proudly.
             "Ahhh aren't you the proud Poppa." She teases making Jamie laugh.
             "None prouder." He says placing the photo back down on the desk.
             "and your wife is stunning and an absolutely brilliant photographer. I was looking at her photos in "Tempo" on the flight here."
              "Thank you. I'll tell her she has another fan next time I see her." Ivy laugh's thinking what life as Mrs. Jamie Martin must be like as she allowed hers imagination to slip into his wife place for a moment. From what she'd read their courtship was something you'd read in a romance novel. She'd enjoyed the momentary image she'd created a little too much she though. Her voice sound slightly whist full as she spoke to her ears hopefully it was missed by his.
              "I think all new parents sing that same song." Jamie laugh's nodding in agreement her tone completely missed to her relief.
               "Yeah, it's just been doubly hectic since my Dad's been in the hospital. I think the only thing either of us haven't been to tired to do lately is sleep." He says with a laugh then takes a quick look at his watch his mind telling him he needed to wrap this up or he was going to start falling behind.  Although she was interesting and easy to talk to. He could honestly say he was looking forward to working with her. 
             "So do you have any question?" Jamie asks hoping if she did have any they weren't to long or complicated. He needed to get back to the hospital and check on one of his patients before going home showering then stepping out again to pick up his sisters and take them over to JR's for their fittings. At least he'd have a few minutes to spend with his brother before picking up Logan's from his Mom's and heading home to spend five minutes with his wife before they both passed out.
             "The only one I can think of is what time do you want me to get here in the mornings?" She teases noting the look of relief on Jamie's face.
              "I usually get her around seven then do my rounds at the hospital around ten so lets say about nine forty five? If that's okay with you of course?"
              "That's perfect! I prefer to do my hospital rounds early. So I guess I'll see you at nine forty-five sharp tomorrow." She says with a smile shaking Jamie's hand firmly as she rises.
             "You'll have to excuse me but I really have to go. I have an appointment with my realtor in like ten minutes." She says looking down at her watch as Jamie begins to shrug out of his jacket.
               "Not at all I have to get going myself I have like a million things to do today. Come on I'll walk you out." He says picking up his sports jacket from the back of the chair as he walks toward the door.
              "I'm really glad you're going to join us." He says as he holds the door for her to pass before shutting it behind him. He turns down the hall leading them both out the back into the parking lot.
               " I'm really looking forward to working with you too. I'll see you in the morning." She says smiling up at him. The afternoon sun lending her eyes an inviting twinkle Jamie noted.
               "See you tomorrow." He smiles back. He watches her a minute as she walks away waving to her as she climbs into her car before turning and entering his own.


Jamie and Zach
Jaime and Cassandra

*Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2018

Natalia and Brot

       

        Natalia lies on the couch flicking through the stations on the television and watching nothing at all. Her mind was too cluttered with thoughts of Preston and the kiss they'd shared.  She presses button on the remote again hoping to find something to distract her mind. She was exhausted after her jog with Francessca when she'd gotten back and her body had screamed for rest. They'd both pushed themselves more than they usually did running the last mile at full force.
        Their jog had been much quieter than normal. They had both seemed to have some personal issues to sort so their jog had been relatively quiet and had been mostly general things they usually chatted about. She hadn't wanted to discuss with Cess what had happened between her and Preston before she'd gotten there. She still needed to sort that out for herself first and was hoping a nap would help settle her mind. Only each time she closed her eyes she was in Preston's arms and he was kissing her making her feel as if something in her had been sound asleep and suddenly awakened. The feeling made her heart pound and filled her with both longing and fear. Fear that the love she'd claim to have lost was still burning within her. Fear that her relationship with Brot wasn't as deep as she'd thought nor her love for him as intense as she believed. How could it be when she had all these feelings for Preston? But she loved Brot she knew she did. Up until a few days ago she had never once doubted their love now she felt nothing but confusion.
        She pushes the afghan from her lap stands then stretches before walking to the window. She leans her palms on the sill and stares out into the darkness watching the car tail lights flicker up the mountain and into the darkness like all her thoughts. She loved Brot she knew she did but could she still say "with all her heart"?
           "Oh God help me." She mumbles as the sound of keys rattles in the door lock.
           'Hey!," Brot calls tentatively from the doorway pushing a bouquet of roses in front of him. "Is it safe to come in." Natalia smiles pushing her thoughts of Preston to the side and concentrating on the here and now.
          "Yes, come in but I'm still mad at you!" She says taking the flowers from him and placing them on the table.
          "I know, I know and I'm sorry. I would have called if I could but I was on assignment and I couldn't risk breaking cover." He pleads following behind as Natalia turns towards him her brows drawn together the lips he longed to kiss contorted with anger.
          "What the hell are you working on that you can't even take five seconds to let me know that you're alright?"
           "All I can tell you is that I was undercover." She looks at him arms crossed over chest her eyes stretched in disbelief.
           "Undercover? Who are you infiltrating?" She scoffs.
           "It's a special assignment and I can't talk about it with anyone but the Chief." He says his voice sounding official and authoritative to her ears.
          "I haven't seen or heard anything about it." She retorts her tone rich with skepticism as Brot sighs in frustration.
          "I just said It's a special assignment and I can't talk about it with anyone but the Chief.
          "So are you going to tell me about what you're doing?"
          "What part of I can't talk about it didn't you understand?" The tedium of the question along with her persistence giving him pause.
          "Come on I'm not just your girlfriend I'm also a cop!" She pushes.
          "All the more reason I can't tell you! Why are we talking about work anyway? You've been blowing up my phone since yesterday we're finally together and you want to argue about work?What's going on with you?" He blurts out his weariness with the argument coloring his tone so that it scratched at her guilt making it itch harder.
           "Nothing! You've been gone for almost two days and I hadn't really heard from you I was worried is all." She shrugs as Brot smirks back at her.
           "What did you think? I'd taken you up on your text?"
           "What text?" She lies knowing exactly what text he was referring to.
           "You know which one the one where you told me not to come back! What's up with that?" He asks looking at her squarely. Natalia meets his stare her voice sharper than she'd meant as she allows her annoyance to take hold.
           "I was disappointed and mad when once again you were a no show! You didn't show up for dinner the night before. I didn't see you most of the next day. Then you don't show up again last night. No call, no text explanation. Nothing." Brot sighs conceding her point for the moment but still confused by her attitude she was an officer she should understand the nature of  their job.
           "I'm sorry okay? It all just came up suddenly I didn't have time to prepare."
           "I mean it's not the first time it's happened." She says pushing the point rather than deal with what was really gnawing at her as Brot annoyance and confusion intensifies.
           "What the hell Natalia! You're a cop you know how it all works! Why are we having this stupid argument in the first place?" He groans as he reaches out for her. Natalia steps away from his grasp walking towards the window needing to put space between them. She didn't want him to touch not yet. Especially when her body still burned from Preston's touch.
            "Because you can't just waltz in here with a bouquet of roses and think everything is just fine and dandy!" She says as Brot comes towards trapping her between the window casing and his arms leaving her no place to run.
            " Okay Natalia this is silly! Tell me why we're really having this fight right now?" She couldn't explain why. Not to him because then she'd have to explain it to herself.
            "I don't know maybe I was just hurt and maybe a little scared. I'm sorry." She half lies knowing deep down she was arguing with him just for argument sake. She was avoiding the real reason nagging at the back of her mind.
          "Good," he says pulling her into his arms. "I can think of better things we could be doing in the next five hour before I have to go back to my assignment." His lust deepening his voice before kissing her. His desire increasing as Natalia relaxes in his arms and returns his kisses. She forces her thoughts quiet and throws herself fully into the moment with Brot. In flaming them both by surpassing his passion as Preston finally slips from her thoughts.
          "Wow!" Brot says as he releases her. "What was that for?" He asks surprised by the intensity of her kiss.
           "I told you I missed you." She smiles up at him.
            "Well why don't we go in the bedroom and I can show you just how much I missed you." He grins as he grasps her hand leading her toward the bedroom. Natalia follows behind him smiling as he closes the door behind them and pulls her into his arms. He kisses her feeling her body arch against his as he trails kisses down her neck. Natalia relaxes in his arms allowing herself to enjoy the moment blocking her nagging thoughts.
        Brot pulls the strap of her camisole from her shoulder following its path as it slips from her shoulder toward her breast. Natalia pulls him closer and closes her eyes images of Preston flow across her mind. She opens them again as his name almost escapes her lips as Preston's face is suddenly replaced by Brot's.
             "I'm going to be sick!" She yelps as she pushes away from Brot and runs to toward the bathroom slamming the door behind her as she leans against it. Tears stream down her cheeks as she dry heaves over the sink. 


Natalia and Preston
Natalia and Brot

*Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles 2018

 
       
          

Erica and Gavin

   

       Gavin sits alone in the quickly darkening living room of the small mansion he'd rented sipping a tumbler of scotch. Intermittently rubbing his temple as he reviewed the schedule they had for next week. There wasn't a single moment that he could get off.
     "Damit!" He grumbles as he walks to the window pushing back the curtain to watch the storm clouds roll over the mountains their foreboding blackness and ominous rumbling matching his mood.
       All the pieces were falling together and he wanted to get over to "Harbinger Falls" to see Marjorie and check on the progress of his personal project. According to Marjorie, his family in Scotland secured the property right from under Him without him ever being aware of the transaction. He'd never had any doubts they would since he had already prepared everything they needed and he'd given them all the money necessary to do so. The property had been purchased with the backing of the town counsel ground had been broken. He'd even managed to carve out a twenty acres or so and made sure it reverted back to the Van Dorn kid three acres more than his rival. He'd need a nice foot hold in that town besides controlling interest he and his friends maintained in the business once the word got out he'd thought. Much to one particular parties chagrin she'd said. Her exact words were "Literally hopping mad" when he'd left the planning board meeting. Good! He hoped he was fuming mad. He hoped he grew madder by the day as they proceeded. He hoped not knowing who was behind it all ate at him like a cancer. He thought smiling to himself.
         "I hope when it's all over you rot in hell you bastard!" He mumbles as he takes a sip of his drink then places the tumbler down on the table beside him. He reaches for the the light's switch and turns it illuminating the darkened room pulling him out of his machination. He had immediate work to do if he was going to get the time he needed he chided himself.  First thing first the newest script for "Raising Fire" and Erica's notes on the subject and of course Corbin's.
       If nothing else it was good to be away from both of them and have a moment of peace. Between Erica's rantings and Corbins it was a wonder they were as far along as they were and his head hadn't exploded. Oh and least he forget the cast of "New Beginnings" and the constant bickering and squabbling. At least from what the director was telling him all the cat fighting was great energy on camera and Corbin said it was "Talk Show Gold" Hopefully it would be the same with a real audience as it had been with the test one. Personally he'd been too distracted with other matters so he would have to take their word for it.
      He walks to the desk and retrieves his folders and script placing them on the coffee table then walks to the fireplace and lights the kindling blowing it till the flames grew and began to ignite the wood above. He walks back to the table by the window to get his drink before settling down on the sofa just as the first patters of rain began to hit the window panes. He reaches for the latest script Corbin had left with the corrections and additions in the margins and everywhere else he noticed as he flipped through the pages then tossed it back down on the table choosing to go through the proofs "Tempo" had sent over just as the doorbell rings. He shakes his head as he rises and grumbling as he opens the door to find Erica. She stood soaked from head to toe a puddle already forming around her feet looking more like a drenched cat then the goddess of fashion she normally was.
"Erica! My God come in!" He says ushering her toward the living room who's fireplace was now roaring. He stands her in front of it then pulls the afghan from the back of the sofa and wraps it around her wet shoulders.
     "Thhhhhank you." She says between chatter teeth while Gavin pulls the cord next to the fireplace for a servant who comes to the door almost immediately.
      "Broden, please bring some towels and a robe for Ms.Kane. Also please have Anabel put on some water for tea thank you."
      "Certainly sir! I'll be back in a jiffy!" He says cheerily in his thick Scottish brogue before disappearing down the hall as Gavin walks back to Erica.
       "He'll be right back are you feeling any better?" Erica looks up at him and sniffs pushing a wet tendril of hair from her face as she speaks.
        "Yes thank you! I don't know what happened as soon as I stepped from the car the sky just seemed to open up!" She manages between shivers.
        "What are you doing here?" He asks looking at her confused. Erica shrugs then smiles.
        "I called several times but my calls kept going to voicemail.
        "That's because I didn't want to be disturbed." He says in that infuriating cool tone he'd adapted as of late.
        "So I decided I would just come over instead." She continues ignoring the tone in his voice.
        " I needed to speak to about some of the revisions Corbin has made to the script he sent out today." Gavin rolls his eyes as he crosses his arms across his chest.
         "And that was so important that you had to rush over here tonight?"
         "Of course when I couldn't reach you on the phone! Obviously I had to come over!"
         "Obviously!" He says his voice dripping with sarcasm.
         "Well I couldn't just let him get away with it!" Gavin walks to the table and retrieves his drink downing the contents as he walks to the bar.
          "Of course not! We couldn't let that happen!" He replies reaching for the bottle and filling the tumbler as she speaks.
          "He can't just keep rewriting history! He just can't!" She states firmly shaking the wet tendrils back from her face. Gavin shakes his head as he walks returning to the seat on the sofa he's abandon earlier.
         "Erica, we've gone over this before. "Raising Fire" isn't an exact telling of your life there are always going to be some deviation for storyline sake." Erica shakes her head coming to stand in front of him.
          "I completely understand that but if we keep making deviation what's going to be left to actually keep my fans interested?" She argues back. Gavin stares back at her in disbelief.
          "Erica, your fans will be interested because they know you. They'll be able to tell exactly what's fantasy from what's fact. And, I have to be honest I don't see how any of that was so earth shattering that you had to disturb my evening." He looks up at her one eyebrow raised expectantly.
Erica stares back at him coyley.
         "Well, there's also the situation with my co-hosts." She stares back at him.
          "And there it is!" He mocks at the same moment Broden returns carrying a thick white robe over his arm and towels piled on his palm.
         "Excuse me sir, if madame would follow me I'll show you where you can change." He says in the same cheery voice from earlier cutting off anything else she might have said. Gavin leans back against the the cushions closes his eyes and rubs his temples. Erica at this moment was the last thing he needed. Any thoughts of a quiet evening were dashed now Erica's arrival had seen to that. He thought then sighed aloud.
         "I placed Ms. Kane in the guest room at the top of the stairs and sent her clothes to be cleaned and pressed. I also took the liberty of ordering a light re-passe a long with the tea. Will ye be needing anything else?" 
          "No, thank you Broden. You and Anabell can retire I'll take care of any needs Ms. Kane should require.
           "I'm sure you will. Goodnight then." Broden says with a smirk and receives a scowl from Gavin for his efforts as he leaves.
           "Goodnight Broden." He grumbles leaning his head back against the cushions. He stares out the window watching the drops explode against the window panes as the wind whipped them. In between the flashes of lightening he watched the branches of the large oak shake back and forth then the crash of thunder that shook the house interrupted by Erica's scream.
           Gavin bolts from the couch and runs to the foyer taking the stairs two at a time instinctively reaching for the door handle and throwing it open in one swift move to come to a stand still at the sight before him.
           Erica was cowering in the corner tears streaming down her cheeks trembling and close to hysterics. He runs to her calling her name as he walks and gathers her in his arms and holds her as she cries.
          "I'mmm sorry! I'm sooo sorry!" She stutters clinging to him as she continues to cry.
          "Shhhh, it's okay, it's okay." He murmurs gently stroking her hair as he tightens his arms around her as she trembles at the boom of thunder.
           "I hhhhhate storms like this!" She stammers.
            " Shhhhh you don't have to talk about it. we'll just sit here together until it passes." He soothes waving away both Broden and Anabel who had rushed up the stairs behind him. Erica shrieks and jumps as the the lightning streaked across the sky lighting the room followed by a boom of thunder that shook the rafters.
          "Erica! Erica!" He calls to her pulling her attention back to him. "The storm is moving away it will be over soon and I promise I'll stay right here with you." He soothes stroking her hair as he talks. "You know if you count in between the claps of thunder you can tell how much longer the storm will last." He says rocking back and forth trying to quiet her whimpering as the next bolt of lightning lit the sky. Her whimper turning into a yelp as she buried her face in is shirt grasping the fabric as she did and hiding her face in the folds as the thunder boomed in the distance.
        "Erica count with me okay one two three four...." He continues as Erica begins to calm his mind drifting back to his own horrible memories of stormy nights understanding the terror she felt having survived his own.
        They sat on the floor of the guest bedroom until the last sounds of the storm had passed leaving just the light patter of rain on the window. Erica was the first to let go pushing away from him and turning her face from his her face in full blush.
       "I'm sorry I most look a fright." She says rising and walking to the mirror absently checking her makeup. Gavin watches her as he rise knowing instinctively she needed a few moments to herself.
         "If you'll excuse me a moment I'm going to go down and root around the kitchen for something for us to eat. I'll be back shortly"
         "You don't have to do that I don't want to be any more of a bother than I already have been." She says shyly looking more vulnerable then he'd ever seen her, her expression was almost childlike. Something about it touched him he wasn't sure why. Gavin smiles back at her as he reaches for the door knob.
         "You're not a bother at all. I'll return shortly." He says closing the door gently behind him. He walks down the steps still confused as to what he'd just witnessed. He turns at the bottom and walks toward the kitchen passing the script for "Raising Fire" he'd tossed on the table as he'd run up the steps. Then stopping dead in his tracks as he realizes what he'd just witnessed.

* Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles"

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