Devereaux , Ryan and Cassandra

                                                         

           Ryan yawns and stretches then looks over at the clock on the shelf behind Devereaux.  It was getting late and he was starting to wind down. They had been working all evening and although he was glad they had moved to the comfort of Devereaux's penthouse it was still exhausting. He was ready to to wrap it up and finish tomorrow morning. Besides he couldn't concentrate. Not with Rebeka and JR's wedding just days away and nothing he could do to stop it. Not that she wanted him to stop it. She wanted nothing to do with him. 

            He just couldn't get her out of his mind. She, on the other hand didn't care if he lived or died. It was his obsession and he knew it. He just couldn't seem to control it. Every time he looked at her he saw Gillian. Each time he saw her something inside him just made him want to be near her. His arms itched to hold her, his fingers to stroke her hair his lips burned to kiss hers. His mind instantly went back to the short life he and Gillian had together. Every fiber of him wanted that life back and his heart was convinced he could have it with Rebeka. Her heart was convinced it loved JR and therein belied his problem. They would be married in just a few days and he still hadn't come up with a plan to prevent it. 

           "Ryan!" Devereaux's voice boomed through his thoughts bring him back to the present.
            "Yeah, uh huh?" He stuttered as Dereveraux frowned back at him.
            " I asked you if you had finished with the accounting report?" Dev asks pulling his glass down on his nose as his eyes piercing Ryan's. His penetrating glare sending an odd chill slithering down Ryan's spine before pulling his eyes away and flipping through the papers on his lap.
            "Yeah, yeah right here." He says handing them to him. 
            " What's going on with you ?" Devereaux asks pulling his glasses from his face and tosses them carelessly down on the desk. You seem distracted Ryan."
            "No, not at all. More like exhausted since we've been at this for hours now." He grumbles as Devereaux completely ignores that he'd even spoken as he stares back at him his expression blank he places his glasses back on his nose and continues seamlessly.
            "Next We have..." Devereaux starts the folder in his out stretched hand still dangling as he glances at his phone a moment before picking it up with the other.
            "Devereaux St. Jacques" He grumbles into it annoyed at being disturbed his demeanor changing at the recognition of the voice Ryan notes. He listens intently as a voice on the other end speaks quickly but quietly making it impossible for Ryan to hear their portion of the conversation.
             Devereaux grins to himself. That was much faster than he'd expected. Sherrigan must be planning to make his bid for more than he'd thought if he's willing to make it so quickly. Perhaps Cassandra had gotten him the inside track on whatever it was.
             "Good news?" Ryan asked looking up from the folder he was flipping through at a beaming Devereaux.
              "You could say that an old friend is going to come by for a little chat. So what do you say you and I wrap this up for tonight? " He stands and walks to where Ryan was seated.
              "Sounds like a plan." Ryan says as he stands and stretches again. "I'm just glad I don't have that far a walk."
            "It does simplify things doesn't it?" Deverauax jests as he guides Ryan from his office and towards the door.
            "So who's this "Old friend" That's coming by?" Ryan asks a facetious grin twisting his lips.
            "Just a former business Associate coming by to finalize the dissolution of our former partnership." Devereaux supplies smoothly as he reaches for the door and pulls it open.
            "Uh huh. I guess I won't see you in the office till later in the morning?" Ryan smirks.
            "Good night Ryan." Devereaux says curtly. Ryan smiles knowingly as he passes him a smirk playing on his lips.
             "Night Dev see in the morning." His smile deepening as he hears Devereaux lock the door behind him. He stood there a moment before walking toward the elevator his curiosity peeking by the moment.
             He'd worked with Devereaux for a while but he knew as much about him now as he did when Devereaux hired him. In all the month's they'd worked together they'd never had one personal conversation. In fact, he knew nothing about his personal life. Other than Cassandra, he'd never met any of the women he'd dated or if he was dating. Or, what sports he liked or if he liked sports at all! Before today he'd never mentioned friends or relatives for that matter. Other than the social responsibilities of running "Cambius" there was little to nothing in the papers about him at all. For a man who ran a multi-billion dollar company there was very little scandal in the scandal sheets about him. If for any reason anyone asked him to give a eulogy of the man, he'd be at a complete loss for anything to say. That's why his having an "Old friend" stop by was incredibly curious.
           He stood in front of the elevator combating his demon for a moment. He knew he should just go but the more he thought the more curious he became and a plan began to formulate. If he stood in the small alcove by the fire stairs he could see he front door but be virtually unseen. If anyone did notice him they'd think he was a servant using the kitchen entrance. He vacillates a moment between invading Devereaux's privacy or not when he hears the buzz of the elevator leaving him no choice but to dart in to the alcove hoping Devereaux's butler didn't decided to come out of the kitchen door.
         He steadies his breathing  from his quick jaunt and wait's quietly as the elevator dings. Then listens another moment for the doors to open and the quick tip tap of heels on the parquet flooring. Here it was the moment he'd waited for. Was she going to be a blond, red head or brunette? He thought almost chuckling aloud.
             "I'm here you Bastard!"
             " Well good evening to you too Mrs. Sherrigan please, come in." Devereaux sneers stepping aside and opening the door wider so Cassandra could enter.
             " I don't even! This is the last...!" Her voice trailing off as she steps inside completely and the door closes.
              Holy shit! What the hell was Cassandra doing at Devereaux's and more to the point what the hell were the two of them up too? 


Cassandra and Rego 08/15/2017
Devereaux
Cassandra and Devereaux
Cassandra and Rego

*Copyright "Takeitish Pine Valley Chronicles © " 2020
      

Jamie, Francessca and Ivy

         

           Francessca walks into the clinic carrying the lunch she'd ordered from the Tai place Jaime and herself since they'd both been so busy over the past few weeks they hadn't had much time to spend together. When they were together all they did was bicker. Coming by with his favorite would be kind of a peace offering she thought smiling to herself .
           "Afternoon Ladies." She said as she placed the boxes of cookies she'd bought down on the counter. "I bought you ladies something to go with your coffee later."
           "Thank you so much!"
           "Jaime hasn't taken lunch yet has he?"
           "No, he's in with the last patient before he goes to lunch. You can wait in his office if you want and I'll let him know you're here. And theses," Peggy says dangling the boxes strings on her finger tips. "I'm going to put in the break room. Thanks Doll!"
           "Anytime!" Francessca smiles back then hums to herself as she walks back toward Jamie's office. She didn't expect resolution for all the issues they'd been facing lately. But, they needed to start spending more time together. Maybe what they needed was a moment to catch their breaths and catch up. Their lives had been so hectic lately they barley had enough  time to say hello. Her bringing them in lunch would give them a few minutes together even if nothing got resolved. She thought as she opened his office door.  She places the bags down on top of the desk then walks behind it to retrieve some napkins from the drawer before pulling the contents from the bag and placing the containers on the desk next to them.
          "Oh wow! You bought us lunch." Ivy calls from behind her smiling to herself as Francessca jumps her hands and body go into defense stance at the sound of her voice.
           " What the hell! Ivy!" Francessca snaps noting the brief satisfied smile on Ivy's face. Ivy places the file she'd been reading on the sofa as she stands and walks towards the desk meeting Francessca's annoyed stare her words sounding unapologetic to Francessca's ears.
           "Sorry I didn't mean to scare you." Ivy smirks unable to hide her amusement. Francesca smiles back her hands and shoulders relaxing as she sighs. This woman she thought silently, was not going to steal her glory! Not today!
           "It's okay I just didn't see you there. How are you?" She asks over her shoulder as she continues setting up the desk for lunch.
           " I'm okay." Ivy responds her annoyance mounting as she notices Francessca had not set a place for her.
           "What are you doing in here?" Francessca asks trying to make light conversation as she waited for her husband. She hoped he'd be a long soon so she wouldn't have to speak with this woman any further. Something about her set off Francessca's alarm bells and whistles. 
           " My office isn't ready yet so Jaime and I are sharing his until mine's finished." She smiled back politely.
           "Oh." Francessca said as she folded the empty bag placing it under her purse before shrugging out of her coat and hanging it on the coat tree.
           " So are you still working on that thing with your ex?" Ivy asked knowing from her conversations with Jaime it was sore topic between them. If nothing else the topic would certainly slap that happy grin off her face.
           " You mean Rego and the 'Founder's Day' celebration?" Francessca smiles back her voice even showing none of the venom she felt at the moment. Ivy was intentionally trying to bait her she instantly saw through the game she was trying to play.
            " Yeah that. Jaime was telling me you two are almost done. Boy, will he be happy when that's over! I mean I really admire you for that.
            "You admire me for what?" Francessca stares back at her looking confused which she was sure was the reaction Ivy expected.
            "You know, being able to work shoulder to shoulder with him after what he did." Ivy states hoping it would take some of the shine off Francessca's apple.
            " Well as I said before Rego is family and this is for charity." She smiles back
            "Yeah so you said. But, it's got to be just a little uncomfortable for you. I mean I remember Jaime the last time Rego was here. He was going on and on about how annoying his being around all the time was."
           "Well you know family's fight and then they kiss and make up. It's nice you and Jaime are getting to know each other so well." Francessca says keeping her voice carefree and absent of her true feelings. Ivy stares back her surprised she could remain so nonchalant.
           " Well you know when you work together and share an office you end up chatting and sharing a lot."
           "True, I'm sure Peggy and the rest of the ladies in the front office are glad their ears are getting a break." Francessca says with a laugh truly enjoying the frustrated turn of Ivy's lips. This woman was itching for some kind of confrontation and Francessca wasn't sure why. All she knew was she wasn't going to give it to her. She watches as Ivy sniffs at the air as her mind searching for another topic to pounce on and finding it.   
           "Smells good!" Ahh there's what Francessca had been waiting for. She was fishing for an invitation she wasn't going to get.
           "Thanks it's one of Jaime's favorites." Francessca smiles as she pushes the chair closer to the desk enjoying Ivy's notable frustration then change of tacit.
           "So what brings you here? I thought Jaime said you were on assignment today?"
           " I had a break from work I thought maybe Jaime and I could have some lunch spend sometime together. What about you? Where are you off to?" She asked giving her the first hint she wasn't invited to stay and eat with them
            " I was going to run over to "McKays" and bring Jaime and I back something, but now I see don't have too." She giggles looking down at the desk and surmising they could squeeze out more than one extra plate if she really wanted too. The wanting too being the problem and Francessca wanting too was not an option she could tell before she'd even spoken.
            "Yeah about that. I'm really sorry Ivy I honestly forgot all about you. I only bought enough for two." Francessca said smiling politely yet letting her know without a doubt that she was not invited to stay even though they both knew there was more than enough. Leaving a very pregnant pause between them only broken by Jamie's surprised entrance.
            " Hey honey! What's going on in here?" Jaime says as he comes into the office stopping to kiss his wife before inspecting the containers on desk top.
            " I stopped by one of your favorite places and bought us a little lunch."
            " Oh wow! Thanks honey!" He smiles broadly before kissing her again this time the kiss becoming more passionate as Ivy looked on feeling annoyed by her back and forth with Jaime's so called wife. As she was getting to know him  she still couldn't understand how someone like Jaime would be married to such a polite arrogant bitch.
            " Yeah, I was just telling your wife I was going to go to McKays and pick up lunch for the two of us." Ivy says looking at Jaime expectantly the maneuver not lost on Francessca.
            "  Oh I'm sure we could..." Jaime starts before being cut off by his wife before he can finish the sentence.
            " Yeah, I had to apologize to Ivy before you came in. I only picked up enough for the two of us." Francessca says starring back at Ivy daring her to challenge her further her smile broadening as Ivy body language angrily concede the battle.
            "As I said before don't worry about it. Really. I'll see you both later." Ivy says as she moves toward the door watching over her shoulder as Jaime and Francessca kiss again then chuckle as they sit and begin opening the containers. She closes the door behind her and walks out to the empty lobby to grab her coat from the rack before heading out the door and towards the parking lot. All hopes of having lunch with Jamie again today were torched as soon as she arrived. Ivy thought as her feet slapped mercilessly on the pavement. Each step further feeding her annoyance. She just dismissed her from her own office! Exactly just who did that bitch think she was anyway? She might be riding high right now but Princess was in for a big fall. It was just a matter of time. Not that she'd notice anyway! She was spoiled used to getting and having whatever she wanted when she wanted. Greedy bitch wanted two men! One in her bed and one waiting in the wings for Jaime's curtain call. A woman like her could never appreciate a person like Jaime who was good and kind christian man. Someone thoughtful and considerate, funny and compassionate. No, she didn't appreciate him and she certainly didn't deserve a man like Jaime. Was her final thought  as she revved her car out of the parking lot.   
           "Baby thank you so much for picking up lunch this is great." He say leaning across the desk and kissing her check.
            " You're welcome. I'm really glad you're enjoying it." She smiles back.
            " It was just what I needed. Although I feel kind of bad you know about Ivy."
            " Yeah me too. I honestly forgot all about her. But really, it's not our responsibility to feed her." She shrugs knowing she hadn't forgotten her she had no intention of including her after the encounter they'd had before Jaime had arrived, she didn't care if she starved! Besides, Ivy had already been there two weeks. Long enough for her to feel comfortable enough to be independent of Jaime and start branching out on her own. Ivy was weird and today proved it. That innocent helpless act was just that! She may have Jaime fooled but she wasn't.
            " She new in town it sucks to eat lunch alone."
            "Yeah it does. But she's a big girl she'll be fine. Besides how else is she going to meet people? How often do you guys have lunch together anyway?" She asked her curiosity getting the best of her. Jaime shrugs dropping his used napkin into the empty container then shrugs.
            "I don't know couple two three times a week I guess. I haven't mind. It's actually been kind of fun." He says then begins to chuckle as he speaks. " Yesterday when we were at McKay's I was telling her about your camping trip with your cousins coming up. I was telling her how you were staying at the cabin and we got in to this debate how it wasn't really camping unless you were actually sleeping outdoors." He chuckles as his wife weakly smiles back at him.
            "Actually we're going fishing!" She teases back. "You guys share a lot huh?"
            "Well, it's hard not too when you share an office." He replies as he gather up the rest of the waste and tosses it in to the trash bin.
            "That's what she said." Francessca retorts making them both laugh. " So what's her story?"
            " Not much more than what I've already told you."
            "Yeah, like what." She coaches hoping to get more insight in to what made Ivy tick. As Jaime thinks back to their lunch yesterday and smiles devilishly.
            "Oh, I bet I never told you she was engaged before she came here?"
            "Ooooo do tell." She says rubbing her hands together like a conspirator and laughs
            "Yeah, she was engaged to some doctor Kyle I think she said his name was, at the hospital she was working at. They broke up a few months before she took the job here." He shrugs and his wife ponders.
             "Did she say why they broke up?" Her curiosity genuinely peaked.
             "No, but I kind of got the feeling he left her." Jaime speculates sure he hadn't been listening fully when Ivy had mentioned it. That was only in passing.
             "Why? What did she say." Francessca asks. Jaime shrugs.
             " I didn't want to pry but it wasn't really what she said but how she said it." He chuckles before reclaiming his chair.
             " Oh, interesting. So what have you told her about us?" Francessca smoothly guides the conversation. She'd be lying to herself if she said the things Ivy said hadn't chaffed at her just a little even though she would never give her the satisfaction of knowing that. What was bothering her more was just how deep Ivy and Jaime's conversation got about she and Jaime.
              "I don't know just stuff I guess. You know wherever the conversation takes us. Why?" He replies starting to feel a little uneasy at the direction the conversation had taken. Exactly what was she accusing him of now. Wasn't he able to have idle conversation or even confide in a college without checking with her first now?
              " Just curious. Some of her comments are a little personal for someone I just met. Do you talk about us with her too?" Jaime thinks a moment to the conversations they'd had over the past few weeks then shakes his head.
               "No, I don't think so, I mean may have mentioned a couple of things about Rego after you guys left the other day." He says as a pang of guilt hits him. He said more than a few things as far as Rego was concerned in fact there were a couple of times he'd vented like "old faithful". He'd known he shouldn't but he needed it and she was there willing and easy to talk to. For a change unlike everyone else she made him feel justified and unashamed of his feeling towards Rego. At least she understood without knowing all the details why the man was annoying and he had to admit it was really nice to have someone that understood his side.
               " Well that explains it."
               " Explains what?" So Jaime had found himself a confidant in Ivy. It explained why Ivy felt comfortable making her comments and her hostility earlier.
               "Some of comments she made about Rego and me."
              "Really like what?" Jamie asks unable to keep the slight ring of sarcasm from his voice. A tone that didn't go unmissed by his wife.
              " Rego." She says flatly her gaze searing his guilty conscious.
              " Yeah, I was pretty annoyed after you left the other day. I guess I gave her kind of the wrong impression when we were talking. Sorry." He mumbles as his wife rolls her eyes her hands slapping her legs loudly.
               "Come on Jaime! I don't tell all our business to some rando co worker every time you piss me off!"
               "She's not some rando. We've gotten to kind of know each other over the past few weeks and become friends. Besides, we're the only doctors here we can't help but talk. I'm sure she was just feeling a little protective."
               "Wow, so you've become so close that she feels she can protect you from your wife and you feel you need protection which justifies her actions. What the heck have you been saying to her Jaime? 
               " Nothing  really I don't think. I was just venting."
               "How much 'venting' did you do?'
               " Just a little." He says sheepishly making her sigh heavily as she reaches over and takes his hand in hers.   
               "Promise me in the future you"ll be a little more selective about what you discuss with her?" Jaime pulls his hand from hers waving it dismissively his next words tinged with annoyance.
               " I was just blowing off a little steam. What do you want me to do? Not talk to people?" Francessca sighs calming her voice before she speaks knowing instinctively that she couldn't let her anger cloud her words or it would just make matters worse.
               "No. I'm not saying don't talk to people. Talk to your Dad, Jr, Jake your grand father your cousin Phillip, Brot your stepfather. There are like a million other people you can have that conversation with besides a person you barley known."
               "So what topics can I talk to her about with her? Hold on let me get a pen!" He says sounding peeved and amused at the same time.
              "Anything else Jaime!" She pleads. "The two of you are free to talk about anything else in the world you like! I'm just asking you not to share our personal problems with her. That's all okay?
              " Okay, okay I won't."
              "Thank you."
              " Wow, whatever she said really got to you huh?"
              " Lets just say, it's not the first time but it had better be the last. I don't need attitude from her when I come in here. And, I really don't want it to get mean or nasty okay?"
              "Okay." He say pulling her to him and holding her but something in his tone not giving her the comfort she'd hoped.

           
Jaime and Ivy
Jaime and Francessca 
Jamie, Francessca Rego and Ivy
Jamie and JR         
   
© Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2020


               
               

Erica and Corbin

             

            Corbin shifts the bag in his hand then knocks on Erica's dressing room door twice not waiting for Erica's response before entering. He close the door behind him calling he name as he enters. Following the trail of discarded clothing to her bath. He listens at the bathroom door to the sound of her still coughing and the water running and knocks on it.
           "Hey Erica? I got you something that will help." He says as he tentatively knock again then listens to the coughing and sputtering coming from the other side of the over the sound of running water.
            "Help? How could you possible help! My throat and stomach are on fire!" She groans out her voice sounding raspy and dry as she moans again in agony. Corbin hears more coughing and the toilet flush then more moaning accompanied by the sounds of gargling.
             "Please tell me you didn't try brushing your teeth?" He asks smothering a laugh as Erica chokes and sputters on the other side of the door.
             " God in heaven!" She rasps before the sounds of gargling erupt again.
             "Come on Erica I promise I have something that will make the burning go away." He cajoles.
             " Those witches tried to poison me!  I want them fired Corbin! Do you understand me? I want them gone!" She croaks then coughs.
              " Erica please I promise it will help." He pleads then smiles at the sound of the water being turned off then the door unlatching.
              "Hand me my robe!" She barks opening the door a crack and trusting her arm out her fingers pawing at the air. Corbin opens her closet door and hands her the robe she had hanging on the back of the door.
               "You've got five seconds!" She hisses as the bathroom door flies open and she stalks towards him her face flushed and her hair plastered to her head and dripping with perspiration.
               "Here chew this." He says handing her a slice of bread,
               "I don't know how..." She starts before Corbin's commanding voice cuts her short.
               "Just chew it! Then drink this he says pouring milk in to a glass and handing it to her. "Drink half of it slowly then chew another piece of bread." Erica drinks half of the contents of the glass fighting herself to keep from swallowing it all. Then chews another piece of bread before finishing the contents of the glass and sighing in relief.  Corbin smiles taking the glass from her and refills it then hands it back to her.
               " Feel better now?" He asks as Erica reaches for as tissue and dabs at her face.
               "I mean it Corbin I want them fired!"
               "Now hold on a second Erica. From the early feed back it was ratings gold."
                "Ratings gold? Is that all you care about? They tried to poison me and nearly killed me in the process and all you can say is "Ratings Gold"!!"
                "Admit it Erica they gave as good as you gave" He chuckles further infuriating her.
                "What are you talking about? Everything I did today was to improve the quality of the show! They were out of control and completely out of their element!"She says with a wave her hands and a shake of her head as Gavin smiles back at her.
                " You were trying your darnedest to make them look foolish and they retaliated. Seriously what did you really expect them to do?"
                " I expect them to act like the professionals they were hired to be!"
                " You mean the same professionalism that you showed today?"
                "That's not fair!"
                "Sure it is! Erica no matter who you have on the show whether you have co-host or not people still tune in every day to see Erica Kane."
                "I know that!" She snaps then takes a deep breath before continuing. "My God, you make me sound like some jealous prepubescent." She half laughs her usual coyness missing from her words her anger still weighing on her tongue. She walks to her mirror and dabs at her now ruined makeup staining her eyelids and cheeks. She begins to swipe at the dark circles left by her running eyeliner angrily tossing the used clothes in to the corner of the table. Corbin follows behind her talking to her reflection in the mirror as she whips a comb quickly through her hair twisting it in to a neat little bun on the crown of her head.
                " I don't see you that way at all. You're just a woman who's had a lot of change in a very short amount of time. I don't even know why you're so worried about this show when you have something so much bigger and greater to sink your teeth in." Corbin watches the wheels turn quietly as Erica contemplates what he said.
                 " New Beginnings" Is my baby I started that show from the ground up!" She says firmly. " I'm not going to let you and Gavin just waltz in here and destroy something I've poured every ounce of my energy in to and made into the success it is today." She chided as Corbin nodded in agreement while his thoughts screamed if she was so great neither he or Gavin would be here. That would definitely be counter productive. he needed to smooth the edges not 
                 " I get it "New Beginnings" is your baby but "Raising Fire", is your legacy Erica! When are you going to realize that? Your life, your story will take a lifetime to tell and even past that! It's a soap opera! It could last for ten, twenty maybe fifty years! Think of all your fans. You've had not one but two best selling books about your life you, "The Erica Kane". People have been waiting years to see that all unfold right before their eyes. "Raising Fire" could be legendary like the great "Bless My Lineage" by Agatha Dixon or her other one "One Lives A Life" or those other two "Fraternity Row" or "The Progeny and The Uneasy". All of them have been on for decades with millions of fans all over the world. There hasn't been a new Soap Opera in decades! Everything we do will be fresh and new! Our pool of writers have never written for another soap there young with fresh ideas that will fit in to this decade. And the most brilliant part of it all is it's all based on you and your history! That's what you should be focused on. "New Beginnings" is going to be fine "Raising Fire" is the newborn that needs all of your attention right now. People will say Erica Kane had a good talk show for awhile or they can say Erica Kane created one of the best soap operas of all time. Together we can blow those other soaps right off the air! That gorgeous is all up to you." He finishes his eyes boring in to her reflection. Erica thinks a moment about the wisdom in his word. For a change there was an earnestness in his voice.
               "You make some excellent points," She says the coyness in her tone and attitude he'd always found enchanting and exasperating was back her fury hopefully exhausted."and, I'm not saying I agree with everything you've said because I will always be concerned with "New Beginnings'" but you're also right when you say I need to focus on "Raising Fire". Besides I've already seen what happens when I leave you by your self too long." She teases making them both smile and Corbin's mood lighten. His expression was ripe with satisfaction giving him a child like awkwardness as he walked toward the door then back she thought smothering a laugh. 
               " Well okay then! Why don't I go and check in with Gavin. If you're up to it maybe you and I could get some dinner, maybe go over some ideas I had for episode where "Jerica" first meets her crush "Prescott Brennan" and his girlfriend "Sara Larkin" the schools "it" couple." Erica smiles back her memories of Phil Brent and Tara Martin dampening her mood as she turns back toward the mirror and reaches for her jar and twists the lid off as she talks.
                "Why don't you give me about an hour to freshen up?" She says almost bursting with laughter as Corbin's eyes widen in surprise.
                "That's terrific! I'll see you in an hour." He's says sounding almost giddy as he walks toward the door. Erica watches his reflection in the mirror waiting until his hand was almost on the handle before calling to him.
                "Oh and Corbin?" She says sounding like her old self.
                "Yeah?" He smiles back still elated with the progress the two of them had just made. His heart sinking as her eyes narrow as she rises from her seat.
                " You tell Gavin, if anything like today ever happens again, I will own this station and everyone in it. See you in a bit." She says her tone lightening again before walking into the bathroom and closing the door behind her. Corbin chuckles to his self as he leaves her dressing room closing it behind him.
                "I'll assume that went well" Gavin asks as he pushes off the wall and walks beside Corbin down the hall.
                "Better than I expected." He sighs and shakes his head.




Erica and Corbin
Erica and Gavin
Erica, Corbin and Gavin
The All New "New Beginnings"
             
* Copyright Takeitish "Pine Valley Chronicles" 2020

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