Episode 1×15 “Let It Go”
Written by: Chris Coleman/Kelly Zollo
Warning: Episode contains language, strong sexual situations and content

Walter looked over the crowd for a moment as he got his talking points ready it was going to be quite the debate and in few days people would be going to the polls. He had this in the bag the preliminary numbers already showed that. He looked over at Lauren who was staring at the crowd and over at Brenda things between them were still tense. He knew however they had to put on a show they always did, had been for years. They had to stay married for the children and he wondered over the last few weeks if that was where it went all wrong for them. He shook Charles’s hand as he made his way to his wife, who had focused her attention on glaring at Lex.

“It’s rude to glare my dear and we should be grateful for their help at the moment with the election. Lex is well aware that Dani won’t be here since she made that perfectly clear when I called to ask her to come.” Walter said looking at her and then he caught sight of Brenda walking towards them the debate would start soon. She looked stunning and gorgeous and he caught himself staring and turned back to Lauren. “For tonight can we please just put this behind us. We can see a counselor after the election if you think we need to again.”

Lauren eyes narrowed as she looked at her husband and was exhausted with this election. How could she continue to be the fake Mrs. Fraiser when she was hating him? After the election he might not have a family or a wife in his life. If he wanted Brenda that was fine she wasn’t going to be bitter. She promised herself that she was going to do better if she left him. Never had she ever been embarrassed by him until now. Yes he made mistakes but his vitriol hatred for Dani disgusted her. He had every right to hate Jackson but he had no right to disown his very own flesh. As she bit down on her lip she looked at him.

“Put behind our daughter and what’s right?” She seethed as she at looked at her husband. “It’s not about counseling it’s about your character as a man. I’m so sick of your smug indignation about her choices either you get it together and you promise me to try. Or I won’t go out there. I won’t I won’t pretend for the cameras.” Lauren looked at her lavender dress with her twilight gray jacket as she sat down. “This is it either you change and I walk. I’ll go to the press and bury you. Think I won’t try me? I’ll let that bitch win everything you’ve built.”

“Put behind this tension that you seem to have about Brenda. Should Dani not want to listen to reason about Jackson I’ve decided that’s her problem. When he fucks up and we both know he will she’ll see I was right and go right back to Lex. I asked her to come and she declined what more would you like me do?” Walter asked he meant it at Brenda the press had went into a frenzy at the Devonshire party and Lauren slugging her in the face. He had reached out to Dani he was still furious Jackson and she were living together. “I am not happy she moved in with him the fact you even support that is baffling. Bury me Lauren? You won’t you see deep down you don’t want Brenda to win either I know you and I know that much. Shall we take the stage they are about to begin?”

Taking his arm she looked at her husband as the pictures began. She leaned in whispering in his ear. “You are baffling to me as a man. If she kept that baby would I have even had a chance? I want a divorce.” She smiled and waved at the crowd as she sat down. Where was the showboat? When he sat by her she leaned in still looking perfect smiling. “If you don’t change I swear I’m leaving. Promise me now.” Lauren said waving into the crowd. “Walter I got half of all your votes from the women who want someone who they can trust. How much do you think they can trust you if you are a cheating asshole like their husbands?”

Brenda walked onto the stage with Gideon, Hunter, Anderson, Cara, Anderson and Wyatt. It was thunderous applause for her as she looked at Walter. This would hurt if he allowed it to get ugly. She would chop him to a million little pieces and his political career would be done. With one fellow swoop of five words she’d destroy his life and Lauren’s. Ever since that bitch hit her she’d been thinking about unleashing the bomb. Walking to the podium she saw Tristan’s mouth watering. He was ready to ask the hard questions and she was ready to tear apart her lover.

Walking to Walter and Lauren she saw Anderson’s guard go up. The only one of her children to be able to truly know the history. Partially because Steven told him everything he didn’t need to know. “Let’s keep this clean Walter we don’t want my trip to the doctor to come out now do we? Lauren that no doubt would kill you? I mean you are supposed to be the spirited woman and all. The wild card I love how your media did spin on that sucker punch. Just know when I’m ready I’ll get my revenge.”

“Bring it blondie but remember don’t play wounded dove when I crush you.” Lauren snapped back learning how to look fake while saying the most evil things.

“Like I crushed your husband? It must truly hurt that I’m what his fantasies are about? The things I’ve done to your man it’s why he can’t stop thinking about me.”

“Get her away from me Walter shake this woman hand!” She said disgusted at Brenda. Trying her hardest not to tackle the bitch and kill her.

Walter rose from his seat as he looked at Lauren divorce and then he realized she was serious about it, that could not happen. He ran on family values, a clean image and he looked over as Braden finally arrived to the debate. He wished his daughter was there in truth hoping that she and Lex could have talked. Instead he focused in on Brenda and the debate that was going to happen, he had prepared for this. He did glare when she mentioned the appointment as he shook her hand.

“How about we just stick to the talking points Brenda no one here needs to know about all the shit in the past. Including you and your sins. You think it would ruin me? No I think that would much more ruin you.” Walter said his voice low as he kept the fakest smile on he could. He saw the crowd being seated and walked to his side of the stage and the podium as he looked over at Brenda taking hers.

“Good evening Mr. Fraiser.” Tristan said looking at Walter and then turned his attention to Brenda. “Madame First Lady?” He said smiling at Brenda. “We flipped coin and you’re up first. Tonight we need to know your position on Scottswood area. You got very angry responses the first time you spoke about tearing down an entire community. A community my wife is from care to speak on that?” He asked with a nastiness in his voice.

Brenda leaned against the podium as she looked down at her wedding ring. This show jewelry as her eyes looked at Walter. “I absolutely would Tristan, listen I wasn’t saying that the entire community was going down. Just the debilitated project homes that have been overrun with drugs and gang activity now anyone would want to better that community. Black, white, pink or blue we are looking to take on the gangs and criminals that stole my husband.”

“Mr. Fraiser any comment on that?” Tristan asked wondering how he was going to counter that response. She effectively tackled her all her protesters were saying about her.

“I would actually. Ms. Kincaid likes to think that a few word invoke change when in fact it is actions that do. Ronan Madden’s arrest is a start to getting the drugs and the gangs off the street. It requires departments like the district attorney’s office and city hall working on a new housing system put in place by her son to make those changes. Her own husband couldn’t bring down Ronan.” Walter paused as he looked down at the paper and his talking points a paper he knew had been submitted by Braden but they came from Dani. “The people in those homes need a place to go and I have yet to see Ms. Kincaid even make an attempt to explain where those families will go meanwhile me and my campaign along with City Councilmen Hunter Kincaid have already put funding into place for a rejuvenation of the neighborhood and to make the streets safer.”

“My husband was murdered by Ronan.” She said with a sharpness in her voice. “Why are you here anyway. I don’t mean the debate but this election is it because you seem to run on values but where is your daughter? What values do you have when you told your daughter she is unwanted. Listen I’m not here to get into it with you. I have a plan in motion for the people of Scottswood and relocating them to the surrounding suburbs in homes that I’ve bought with my own money. You see one way or another no matter what the cost I want to help that community.” She said looking at them. As she was about to speak again Tristan raised his hand.

“Time, I’m sorry Ms. Kincaid, Mr. Fraiser I do have to ask your wife attacked mayoral candidate. Do you believe that that was the proper way to handle whatever disagreement that was going on?”

Walter knew that was coming the question about why Lauren had struck Brenda and he looked up and over at the side of the stage, Dani appearing to sit next to Lauren. He could honestly say he was shocked and he looked down at the paper before addressing the crowd. “Yes I do think it was the best way to handle it when my opponent was attacking my wife over the death of our infant daughter over twenty five years ago. I find it deplorable and wrong to talk ill of a mother’s deceased child something that gravely affected my family.”

Walter paused seeing the horror on some of the voters faces and watched Brenda’s face she thought he wouldn’t go there, she was wrong. “My other daughter who is here behind the stage with her mother was late after working something that if it doesn’t involve Ronan Madden and being naked or wearing clothes Ms. Kincaid’s daughter knows nothing about.”

Brenda had never seen this side of Walter so excited to destroy someone. If he hadn’t been going after her she’d been turned on. As she held her head up she looked at Lauren who was glowing, and Walter who had a smile. “I’m so sick of your lies. I was referring to our baby that I lost not Lauren’s.” The crowd went crazy as she looked at him. He wanted to drag Brooke in this she was going to dismantle that sterling reputation. “You do recall I lost our child?” Never saying that Walter gave her the money for the abortion.“You do recall our affair you see the people of Atlas Falls have been bamboozled by your gee golly good old boy reputation you’ve unfurled as if you’re a good person. You look your nose down at me for being an radicalist but you are lying to everyone.”

Looking at the crowd she knew she had to address Brooke not being here. Since Dani popped up all of the sudden. “My daughter was taken in by a mobster who posed as someone who loved her. I think that isn’t something to joke at the sick son of bitch murdered a girl’s father and then tried to take her to bed.” Seeing Hunter’s horror and Anderson’s glee showed her that she had just made a winning move. Rachel walked onto the stage with a note. She opened it and saw what she needed.

I think I’ve located her….

“I want the people of Atlas Falls to see this man for what he is, a liar. I carried on a five year affair.” She said looking at Lauren disgust and shock. “I was going to leave my husband for Mr. Fraiser but my husband blocked it along with Lauren. They worked together so you see this isn’t about Brooke this is personal attacks because we aren’t on the same side.” The crowd roared and the room was silent waiting on Walter now.

“Mr. Fraiser? Anything to refute this claim? You and Ms. Kincaid carried on a affair?”

Walter looked at Lauren and then his children when Brenda revealed an ugly truth a truth he and Lauren kept for the sake of their family. Dani’s eyes glared at him and Braden honestly looked shocked and he took a breath knowing the way to dismantle Brenda then and there. “Like most relationships my wife and I have had our share of troubles I made a mistake with Ms. Kincaid years ago. One that she chose to rectify by having an abortion. Men make mistakes I made one, I admitted it to the only one that mattered at the time my wife. Now we can sit here and discuss what Ms. Kincaid feels the need to rehash on stage or we can move on to the bigger picture before voters vote in a couple of hours.”

He paused for a moment seeing the crowd swayed back to him. She wanted to say poor me about Brooke with Ronan he was about to bust her bubble. “The last man in office was in so deep with the mob he called upon whores at a strip club, had a mobstress as his mistress and his only daughter is now in bed with the same man. Brenda can say whatever she wants about my morals but never have I done what her husband did in bringing drugs and violence to this town. Never have I been bought out or bribed, never did I turn a blind eye when Lowell Devonshire tried railroad this town.”

When he said those ugly word she felt a arrow shoot at her heart. It took everything for Brenda to say she didn’t have the abortion. That she gave her baby away to a nun in Florida. That she had a daughter out there with Walter and that she found her. It took everything to not snatch the win back. As she gritted her teeth she looked at him and knew that she had to do something or say something. Brenda stood however as the room judged her. The eyes that were on her were all judging her.

“Ahem.” She said into the microphone and the ugliness had reached a boiling point. “I had an abortion because I couldn’t carry that baby to term. You know that I would had the baby.” Her eyes glazed over as she thought about the fourteen hour labor that she went through. When she got back from Florida, she found out Lauren had Dani. That Lauren was having the daughter she always wanted. The child she always cared for and loved so deeply. Her eyes looked at the horror registering against Dani and Braden face. Taking a sip of water she looked at him. “There has never been a link to my husband and corruption. You sit and blare out my abortion that you paid for!” Brenda couldn’t handle it she picked up the glass and threw it at him. “You love me and everyone knows it. I’m sick of her always getting in my way. Matter fact you want this election take it because you cheap. You are weak and if Atlas Falls follows a man who would throw the woman he really loves under bus for revenge you are sick. I assure you that I won’t be throwing any more shots at you.” That was it. She knew she lost the mayor seat people judged women far more harsh than men. She’d never look this down until she told everyone about her baby. Until she used this to destroy Walter.

“He lied to you all she hit me because I can take her and her man wants to be taken. You see this is a game Atlas Falls, but not with me. I’m interrupting the infamous cock match between you and Lowell Devonshire. You aren’t fit to be mayor because you are a fool. You are weak enough to lose to that man. To lose everything that you built to that man. Steven might have been morally corrupt but he wasn’t a weak man. It’s two kinds of men in the world the ones that take and the ones that are taken from.” Brenda walked off stage and felt her family rushing behind her.

**********

Tess was supposed to meet Bliss today at The Rawlings for lunch and to discuss Dimitri. A chill ran up her spine as she flashed back to her time on Ilsa De Cruces. When she first saw Bliss black eye all she could ask was what did she do? Dimitri was so charming then she found out through Ramses Hassan and Bliss dear friend Natasha. As she slowly walked through she saw Jackie and the other Ladies of Esteem. It had been years since her mother had asked her to the most prestigious women charity group in the country. To be honest she could care less but she knew she had to get under Jacqueline’s skin. She hadn’t spoken to Rory but she sure it was to come. As she slowly moved in she heard Nicole Christie saying they needed a theme for the next major fund raiser.

“High art?” Tess said unfastening her mink shawl as her mother eyes lit up. Cecille Blisston and Albert Blisston were the worst parents. More so Cecille than her father because what type of woman turns away her child? Or let’s a man? Then it crashed onto her that she had for Hugo Kavanaugh. Almost two years ago Bliss showed up at her door heartbroken and beaten. She was broke and she truly sold her daughter. Tess hand shook as she thought about Hugo over ten million. She needed it and Bliss needed to fix this she was a Princess. Something that none of Jackie’s children could claim over her. “As many of you know I graduated from Cambridge with a degree in Art History. What if I could set up a silent auction with the most unique pieces and live art? It could bring a European flare to the benefit.” She sat down by her mother. “I hope you don’t mind Jackie, my mother early onset Alzheimer’s and dementia is well hidden secret.” She whispered as she looked at her rival.

Jackie had been at the table along with the other ladies looking over the upcoming charities for the year that they were wanting to throw this was going to be quite the year. Her mind was a bit worried about Lowell however and they were just waiting on the tests from David to come back, hopefully it was nothing to be concerned about. She looked up when Tess approached the table to take a spot next to her mother Cecille’s and she saw the horror on Christine and the other ladies faces. She refused to be shaken and remained calm as Tess attempted to be relevant to what they were discussing. She didn’t know if Cecille had Alzheimer or dementia she looked just as horrified as the rest of the group at Tess’s arrival. Closing the folder in front of her Jackie straightened her back at Tess sitting at the table. The rest of the ladies knew all too well what was going to happen and they politely began to leave.

“We actually were just finishing up so unfortunately your idea is noted. I had hoped you would be on a flight back to Europe you know after Lowell threw you out of the house the other day.” Jackie said, Christine leaned over and kissed her cheeks and she waved at the rest of the ladies. Cecille was still at the table, she and Albert had been such pillars at the company she hated that their daughter was such a little tramp. Tess had been fresh into college when Albert had invested in DGI and Lowell offered him a seat, Tess had eyes for him even then. “I don’t really see what you could bring to the benefit if I’m honest Tess other than laying on your back. Oh don’t look at me like that you thought the ladies I’ve known since high school would sit here and eat with you? The whore who nearly destroyed my marriage?”

Tess raised her hand to her mouth and laughed lightly as she watched all the ladies move out the way. She still had more power than she even knew what to do with. It disgusted her that they all just bowed to Jackie basically just kissing her ring. “Mother, Emmaline is here.” She watched Emma her mother’s nurse help her off. As she leaned into Jackie with a narrowed eye. “I have spent over twenty odd years away from my home because of you and your husband. You know what really disturbs me though? That you still blame the other woman. You know most women at your age and your mindset would’ve given the other woman her peace by now. You however you hate me so much that you can’t even let go. You can’t even see my little girl for Lowell’s child either it’s all about me.” She slapped her chest. “It’s about time we have it out woman to woman. Lowell and I was a fire nobody could extinguish. I apologize for ruining your happy thoughts about your husband. He went after me also Jackie. This wasn’t one time it was over and over and over again.” Tess said leaning closer.

“And it didn’t stop after Bliss was born. We had our moments of happiness as a family believe me I know all about Lowell. You don’t though. You know nothing about the man you’ve been married to for thirty or forty years.” Grabbing Jackie’s hand she made her look at her. “I haven’t stopped fucking your husband since 1999. It was a long affair and I finally got the strength to walk away. To run away from him because he constantly put you and those little brats first. Did I lie to you Jackie? Did hurt you deeply as he did. Look in the mirror girlfriend it’s not me you hate it’s yourself for staying. You are disgusted right now but what makes it worse is you knew it deep down. You know back then when Bliss was a dot in my belly that I could.” She snapped her fingers. “Have your husband just like that. If you didn’t threaten to take his first born then he would have stayed he would have been my husband. Now you swallow that that I haven’t stopped fucking our man. Our man Jackie because he belongs to me just like you. He made all the other get rid the babies but me and you. We were special enough to carry his seeds. Don’t believe me? Ask Forbes Montgomery why Audrey slit her wrist.” Picking up her mother’s teacup she took a sip. “Cat got your tongue Jackie?”

Jackie watched as Cecille got up from the table with her nurse perhaps it was true and her mother was ill, though it was still quite the show. She did blame Tess but she blamed Lowell as well, it was the seventies and they all had been young but she thought Lowell loved her more. She had been proven wrong about it when she caught them and swore never again. Many women had claimed to have fucked Lowell over the years and even now when Tess was going on and on about her bastard she didn’t quite believe it. Bliss was the only one that she knew could replace her children with Lowell in his heart it was why she sent them away and told Lowell to get rid of her because frankly she loved him and she loved DGI just as much. She could have crippled Lowell in a divorce and maintained her seat and power but instead she choose to look past Tess. She took her teacup her fingers shaking and reminded herself it was just claims there was no proof to any of what Tess was accusing Lowell of. Bringing the cup to her lips she took a sip before sitting it back down.

“No Lowell chose me Tess he always does and that has to burn you. Bliss is an invader in a family that was never hers then again from what I hear you aren’t that much of a mother to her are you? A lot of women over the years have claimed to have an affair with Lowell Tess then again where is your proof of his ongoing love and devotion to you?” Jackie said inside her heart was heavy Lowell had assured her that there was no one else. She had believed him so many times over the years there were always rumors and they were just that rumors. He had been particularly shaken about Audrey’s death and it was the same time he threw Forbes out of DGI old business. She refused to let Tess shake her though and put on a front. “He never loved you Tess it is just a fantasy in your head and I can assure you he hasn’t been to your bed in a while if ever. It really must be such a disappointment that you have to resort to vicious lies and rumors because your father has passed so you want to cling to my husband. Lowell was never going to leave me Tess did you really think he would?”

“Absolutely and that’s why you hate me so much. I absolutely knew he was going to leave you Jackie, you act like you didn’t catch us in the throws of passion. I mean any bitch can lay on her back but it takes a powerful one to tame a Titan. I didn’t know how much power I had back then but you damn well better know I see it now.” Tess sipped her tea as she looked at the woman who’d kept her away from home so long. She couldn’t see her because that wound would never be closed. Bliss was that wound that never closed and she enjoyed it more than anything else. Wait until she got a taste of her scheme and what she was going to do to Rory. She was going to demolish Jackie’s momentary happiness. She didn’t care at all about Rory but the fact that it would kill Lowell and Jackie that was the sweetest revenge.

“Fantasy or not dear here you go.” Tess did pull out a picture from 1993 when they were on the coast of Belize. “Oh you remember that trip don’t you? You and the kids in the cabin where you all played and enjoyed yourselves. Bliss and I were in the castle across the water. He had me right in your face and you didn’t know it.” Shaking her head she looked at Jackie. “I may have settled for a life of being second but I know where I stand with Lowell. I know the secrets he kept from me, he was honest with me and I knew that he’d never be honest with you. You are the fool not me darling and the sooner that you see it the better we will be. Jacqueline so you know my mother is less than capable of fulfilling her time the with Ladies Of Esteem and she has signed away all her assets over to me meaning the board seat is mine now.” She looked at the other woman. “Bliss is the least of your worry you see she’s putting on a brave face. She isn’t as tough as me. I’m going to break you with every dirty detail of my twenty year affair with Lowell in my memoir. Pick your face up Jackie I’m going embarrass and let every dirty Devonshire secret come out.”

“He was never going to leave me Tess get that out of your skull then again you’d have to be more than just a bitch to comprehend that. Power Tess? You have no power you’re an old prune now I heard your last husband left you for the younger model how funny that works now doesn’t it?” Jackie said having enough and showing her colors right back she could only play docile wife for so long. She saw some of the security staff move forward she was not going to be intimidated by the bitch in front of her and she saw that the security had moved out the crowd and she motioned for them to shut the door and they did. “You think you can come into my country club and intimidate me? You’re a washed up whore that even her own parents didn’t want around.”

Jackie rose from her chair and looked at the photo Lowell fucking Tess against some wall, that summer had been good for them as a family it was one of the many trips Lowell had invited them on overseas with him for that summer. Her stomach sank at the reality of it how he had embarassed her and carried on with Tess under her. Her hand shook as she picked up the picture staring at it for a moment was everything Tess had said was true? Had Lowell really fucked her all those years? He had just swore to her otherwise, rage came over her and raising her hand as hard as it could against her cheek she slammed her palm into Tess’s cheek. Lowering her hand she refused to let Tess see her as weak and grabbed her face.

“Get out of my country club. Enjoy the seat you think you have in society Lowell or my children including your own daughter will never let you sit at DGI. You try with a scandalous book no doubt filled with lies I’ll have my lawyers on you before you click send on mouse!” Jackie screamed at her, releasing Tess’s face she looked at security she could leave on her own or be thrown out it was all up to her.

“It’s not I who you should be slapping it’s your husband for embarrassing you.” Standing up she watched the security of the country club. She smirked as she grabbed her purse. “I will assure you next time dear you won’t be protected by security and maybe I can do what I’ve wanted to for years. Eat you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and when I finally get to unleash over twenty years of shame pent up inside of me.” Tess said looking at her. “I guess we are the two Ms. Devonshires. Remember we are special we had his seeds.” She laughed as she swiftly turned around. Storming away she looked at Emma and her mother. “Momma come on we need to go and I assure you that we will not be back to this tacky country club.”

Jackie stood there as she watched Tess walk away, tears brimming her eyes at the photo in front of her and what it implied. The year added up and there was no mistaking that the man in the photo was Lowell, she hung her head as security shut the door behind Tess. She sat down on the seat feeling the tears start slipping out how long had Lowell been making a fool of her? When Steven died he assured her it had been over with Tess this however proved otherwise she wanted to laugh bitterly. He always wondered where their children got it from she knew the answer now he could look himself in the mirror. She didn’t know what to do as she sat there in shock and tears debating if this was the straw for her this time. A straw she thought was just bent not broke all those years ago.

**********

Jon stood outside Lowell Devonshire office. He hated this building since he was a teen. When they forced them to go on fieldtrips here. His stomach knotted up at what he was about to do. Gideon didn’t know and Devin for sure didn’t know. On the ledger of the front gate of Kincaid mansion was Lowell Devonshire name. Now it didn’t go over his head they were planning on interviewing all potential suspects. That night Lowell and Steven got into a nasty dispute something that didn’t initially get blocked out. Matter fact right along with Ronan were Brenda and Lowell. Lowell visited the mansion and Brenda had about forty minutes unaccounted for. In other words the Kincaid mansion was only ten minutes away from The Rawling Country Club which housed the Kincaid rally. She could have shot them and got back to the party before anyone noticed.

“Mr. Devonshire will see you now Mr. Harrison.” Lilli said as she opened the door. Showing him to a seat.

“Where is Lowell?” He said looking around at the girl.

“He’s in his personal suite upstairs, he just got a call from Ms. Devonshire. I’ll get you both a coffee pardon me.” Lilli said as she left the room.

Lowell opened up his private suite and saw Jon sitting down. What did the most noble cop in Atlas Falls want with him? He hadn’t snapped anyone neck yet. When he finally found Tess he would bury that bitch. She was exposing secrets that would cost him his soulmate. As he slowly pressed down on the steps looking at the boy. When he didn’t see Devin he truly was perplexed. One thing he knew was Jon Harrison wasn’t dirty. He wasn’t in Ronan pocket thus he couldn’t figure out how to dig. This little boy was much like his father always wanting the truth or answers. He was the cat that curiosity would eventually kill.

“Can I help you detective Harrison?” Lowell said sitting at his desk picking up his coffee taking a sip as he watched Lilli hand a cup to Jon. “Oh Lilli he won’t be long no need for pleasantries I assume this is concerning Ronan and my involvement with the casino being built.” Lowell said feigning interest on Jon.

“No actually this about why you were at the Kincaid mansion one hour before Carla and Steven were murdered?” Jon said sharply. As Lilli placed the coffee down

“So hard to find good help. Are you accusing me of something Detective Harrison?” Lowell said leaning in. “I would hate to have to rip your career apart.”

Jon bit his lip the man had the power to do it but he wasn’t afraid of the big bad Lowell Devonshire. “Well you wouldn’t have threatened me unless you are hiding something about that night? Mr. Devonshire please I just don’t.”

“Feel like your department has the right man? Perceptive like Richard it’s amazing what we pass onto our children. Take me for instance I have five beautiful children and each of them take something out of me. They steal a little piece of your soul Jon, may I call you Jon?” Lowell had the same smirk that Chauncey wore when he was winning.

“No Detective Harrison is fine.” Jon said shaking his head barely masking his distaste.

“Rory and Jackson somehow got Jacqueline’s soft heart, while Chauncey and Max got the worse of me. Bliss I’m not certain yet she shows deceptive qualities like her mother but she has balls like me. You see I was going to Steven not for money but because he has something that I wanted. That I needed and I assume that if I didn’t negotiate with him he would have taken my daughter to the cleaners.” Lowell lowered his head as he looked at Jon.

“Max’s affair it’s all over the tabloids what did you do?” Jon asked shocked he was telling him that.

“I spoke with Mr. Kincaid.” Lowell said looking at the boy.

“Making you the last person to see him alive.” Jon said writing this down.

“Now I won’t be falsely arrested like my friend Ronan would I?” Lowell folded his arms. “You’re trying to find out who is setting up Ronan. Oh this is perfection do your superiors know you are here?” The silence said it all. “Listen little boy I’ve made deals while taking a piss. This was no different and I’m not about to be accused of anything because you are the only one smart enough to smell a trap.”

“Tell me you stole a company and have the nerve to be smug with me?” Jon said standing. “You mean to tell me you were plotting about your daughter divorce?”

“Do you think Steven was going to let Hunter be embarrassed by my daughter because she’s selfish? No Steven had a reputation we met to figure out how to separate the kids before it became a tabloid fodder. You children never know how to clean messes up. I spent thirty years hiding and being what would you call it Mr. Harrison a thief. Let me make something clear you don’t come in my office without Gideon’s approval understood? Secondly don’t judge me when you have no idea what happened back then. You think you are better than me? No even better my son Jackson? He keeps taking from you no? First Skye, then Danielle. You think because you live by a code you’re better than the next. You think because you went there to fight for the poor’s freedom you are exempt from darkness.” Lowell laughed looking at him. “I was the last one to see Mr. Kincaid alive but I didn’t kill him. You see you have a very pompous attitude without even seeing it. Your judging everything I’ve built because even if Walter, Pierre, and Forbes were here would their egos allow this company to thrive? Did I force Walter into making that scummy little pub a gastrobrewery. I have been monumental to each of those men lives that I’ve betrayed or so they say. I pushed Forbes into making a company, made Walter a mayor, and gave Pierre everything he needed to make it. So you see you little before you try to take on a giant have a bigger sword. Simon, Mason, oh hell any lawyer I have will make you look like the biggest imbecile.”

‘It’s good to see your ego is tact. So you’re telling me that you were brokering your daughter divorce. God that’s twisted but for you believable. I’m not jealous of Jackson Mr. Devonshire I pity him much like I pity you.” Jon said standing up. “Thank-you for your time.”

“Jon take the collar and be the hero become sergeant detective and be a force. Be the man that we want you to be because you’re a Harrison. Take the collar and run.” Lowell said looking at hi.

“If I let that man rot then we didn’t get him the right way. If we got him the wrong way it will eventually come out why hide it? I watch things get buried in people every day. Mr. Devonshire no disrespect but your son was a prime candidate for this. He was a lost soul who was hiding from your expectations. Lowell you can’t think that turning a blind eye to what you and I are feeling.”

“No I’m not Mr. Harrison but knowing if you’re anything like your father then you’ll be absolutely freeing my associate in a few moments.”

“And finding out who really killed Steven Kincaid.” Jon walked out even more determined. He was a pompous ass but now one who killed Steven. His gut was telling him that it was more to this story and it surrounded someone on his notepad. Brenda, Lowell, Walter, or Ronan. One of those four people were the key to unraveling this entire mess. Steven hated Walter, he was unfaithful to his wife, Lowell was his friend and enemy, and Ronan was his partner. One of them was the link yet who was it?

*********

Ronan looked around his cell in solitary confinement he was still amazed he was in jail not that he was worried Raven was very good but now his brain was going over who set him up. He had a list of enemies ranging from the cartel, people who owed him money, people on the police force or on the streets. Word had gotten back to him about Kendrick and Thor, he was content to let that play out Kendrick knew how to keep the business afloat while he was in. Ivan was going to keep an eye on things and tell him if Kendrick stepped too far out of line, he still had authority outside of his jail cell he was also wondering about Brooke. She had yet to be by to see him and he had been shocked at his hearing when Raven had tried to pass them off as an engaged couple. The evidence that the police had was pretty damning on him. In truth he could have killed Steven but he didn’t.

He needed Steven alive Steven and he had an understanding when it came to what he needed on the street. In return he made sure mad chaos had never erupted on the streets with different crews and gangs that was until Steven was killed with Carla. He wanted Thor to believe him that he had no part in Carla’s death and now he only had to hope his own brother could see over this obvious set up. When the door opened though and he looked up he was quite shocked at the sight before him. Simon Rutherford DGI fixer stood in front of him in a perfect suit and tie and he looked down the hall as the guard discreetly walked away.

“Mr. Rutherford what brings you here?” Ronan asked curiosity getting the better of him in this situation what possible reason could Simon have here.

Simon had thought over his options after getting the envelope and the note about him and Mason not to mention the texts, he made a few calls from there. A private testing firm was going to rerun the evidence that the police said they had it would take a few weeks. It was the most he could do with any luck Ronan would be released honestly he never bought the whole Ronan killing Steven mess the media was trying to sell he ran PR enough to know when a plant had happened. The DA had some damning evidence though and that was something that bothered him someone was being very bad at the police department and normally he didn’t care but when it came to Mason well it was en entirely different story. They may be on a break or not speaking but he did love Mason.

He waited till the guard was out of earshot as he approached Ronan’s cell and took out a q-tip sample tube holding it through the bars. He looked at Ronan and raised his eyebrows. “Do just open up so I can get a sample courtesy of a mutual friend of ours or enemy however you want to look at things. I don’t bite Mr. Madden unless you want me too of course.”

Ronan was amused and curious enough to play that he opened his mouth watching as Simon rubbed the sides of his cheeks and then stepping back when he was done. “I assume that Lowell didn’t send you then? He would be more than happy to have me out of the casino project and behind bars.”

“Lowell no does not know I am here though I think you would be wrong about the casino he doesn’t object to your partnership just the unsavory ties to the drug trade that would possibly affect DGI. But not I am not here on Mr. Devonshire’s behest you see a little birdy has been snooping in my personal life and I don’t tolerate that shit.” Simon said taking the vial back through the bars lowering it and placing the cap on. He then placed the tube in a plastic bag and looked at Ronan. “Between that and Raven calling me about a favor I get to kill two birds with one stone. Since Ms. Paloma is busy trying to track down certain things to make sure you are released she as asked me to help with the task of clearing your name as well.”

“And I am supposed to trust you? Lowell Devonshire’s bitch?” Ronan said shaking his head as he looked at Simon.

“I don’t think Mr. Madden you are in any position to refuse the help you are being given now are you?” Simon asked him.

“I suppose not.” Ronan said looking up at the television in his cell.

“I have questions that I need to ask you. When you left Brenda’s party that night where did you go?” Simon asked.

“I would assume you are asking for purposes of establishing my motive and since Brooke was with Raven at court she doesn’t want Brooke to know my answer. Which is fine.” Ronan said pausing for a moment before he looked at Simon. “I retired back to my home for the evening and called a girl from the club to join me. She was there the entire night.”

“Can anyone vouch for that or do you have security footage?” Simon asked wondering how he got roped into asking Raven’s clients about their sex lives.

“I have certain associates that would frown upon being recorded inside my home so no, inside the house no. My men could attest to that but it is unlikely they would to you Mr. Rutherford. I would assume that you can not tell Brooke about it.” Ronan said looking at him, he took a breath. “At the time no we were not together and I am not a saint but it would hurt her deeply.”

“Very well Steven owed you a lot of money would you kindly tell me what it was for then?” Simon asked honestly Ronan wanting to plow some whore on a pole was his business.

“Mr. Kincaid borrowed some funds for me for a personal matter with his wife. I have no idea what those funds were for as again they would harm Brooke and it is not my place. I didn’t have him killed if that is what you are asking.” Ronan said moving back to the bars as he looked at Simon weighing his words. “I would and should inform you that Lowell’s son has not been in the club in months if that helps ease his mind in doing business with me. Truthfully Jackson used to be one of my best customers. His other son and getting involved with my best stripper is another matter though.”

“I’m so glad your conscience is clear about encouraging my good friend to buy blow to shoot up his nose has left you remorseful.” Simon said disgusted though he was glad to hear it from Ronan that Jackson hadn’t been scoring in months. When he mentioned Rory and Yasmine he stiffened that was ashit storm with Lowell at the moment. He had seen Lowell mad and angry a lot over the years with his boys but this did take the cake. “Seeing how Rory has chosen upon your employee ending the relationship to not pursue it. I can say it is in everyone’s best interest we all part ways with it then.”

“Yes I suppose it is next question Mr. Rutherford as you can see it is near dinner time and I would so much like my meal on time.” Ronan said looking at Simon to move it along.

“Where did you buy the gun that the police are trying to link to the killings?” Simon asked.

“Ah yes the gun was purchased legally a few years ago when I opened up my investment business in the Scottswood neighborhood I feared for my safety. I was advised to purchase a handgun and seeing how that is not illegal and I have no record I did so. The only people that would have access to the weapon would be my employees. and trust me Mr. Rutherford they know their place. I haven’t had a use for it in years and if it went missing obviously someone stole it” Ronan finished looking at him

Simon wasn’t sure what to believe with Ronan’s answers but he did know that he would look into them if only to get the blackmail about him and Mason off. If the gun was bought legally that was fine it, if it went missing that was another matter altogether anyone could have taken it someone wanting revenge or power. The gun being found suddenly years later in connection to a federal murder was something he was doubting the mob wasn’t that sloppy. He heard the door open as the guard walked back into the jail cells and he took a few steps back. Watching as the man served the food to Ronan through the bars. Turning on his heel to leave he stopped when Ronan spoke again.

“Do tell Lowell I am looking forward to working with him on the casino when I get out.” Ronan said taking a bite of the less than stellar prison food.

Simon felt his entire body stiffened at the veiled threat knowing what was at stake with everything at DGI Ronan could extract his revenge if cut out. It wouldn’t be Lowell he went after it would be Rory and Jackson the two boys that got in bed with his business. Simon nodded his head as he left pulling out his phone to text his PI about the information that Ronan had just given him. He made his way out of the prison deep down wishing someone like Ronan would stay there locked up but he also knew better in the long run. Ronan in his gut was innocent and as soon as he helped prove that he would be out. Mason’s secret would be safe and they could all move on.

*********

Max put her car into park there was no need for sneaking around anymore the papers already knew she and Hunter were on the outs. Honestly she was glad about that the gossip rags were all about their split her leaving the house to live at the mansion, the house for sale and the speculation about what happened. Her meeting with her father had went well with her luxury line that she wanted to introduce, the Egypt deal was huge as mass market media was still talking about it. So she had time to focus in on something else that was bothering her Philip was ignoring her and had been since the wedding. Honestly she missed him and she was ready to move forward with him as long as Hunter left her stock in DGI out of the divorce. A divorce that she knew was coming she was not a fool there it was only a matter of time.

Getting out of her Porsche she locked the doors and then walked into the club looking at the bouncer at the door who let her in. It was a busy night as she saw the girls on the poles, people on the carious dance floors. She brushed past Cassie who looked annoyed as shit to see her and then her eyes scanned the crowd for Philip finding him in one of the booths with the bitch Mercedes one of his strippers in his lap. She wasn’t even sure what they were doing but his hands were all over her ass and walking to the table she threw her purse down. Clearing her throat as the bitch looked back at her and her eyes met Philip’s she spoke.

“What in the fuck are you doing?” Max said glaring at him granted he had warned her about this but it wasn’t like she had crawled back to Hunter’s dick or bed when they were in the middle of whatever this was.

Philip was enjoying the night even though Cassie was storming through the club like a hurricane. She was upset that Skye was here dancing her life away. Skye was always a good draw with the paparazzi following her now. Rumors were swirling no doubt from Skye herself that she was after Jackson again, and everyone knew he was dating Danielle. The Devonshire’s were a constant and exhausting soap opera that just wouldn’t end. Something that he felt more and more free of. Max was calling nonstop and he truly wanted to answer but he was sick of her games. He was sick of the joke that he was becoming. Mr. Max Devonshire that wasn’t who he was. Never was and it wasn’t ever going to be. Mercedes must have heard about Max and his breakup because she’d blown him twice already. Twice as more than usual the girl was a sexaholic.

When he heard the loud clunk he saw Max standing before him. Isis was on his lap and he slapped her ass to tell her to go. Then snapped his finger at Mercedes who looked so pissed. As he placed his feet on the table he looked at Max. “I’m enjoying my freedom from my mind being fucked over repeatedly. You see when a beautiful girl plays too many games a man usually get’s tired and finds something else to do. Max go away and find someone other submissive little boy to play with. Matter fact call your husband maybe he’ll help you out with whatever itch you need scratched. Unfortunately he’s a little too gentle but it’s a room full of men. Go find one.” He gulped down his drink.

Max watched as the strippers started to leave the booth her foot tapping they were not moving fast enough for her liking and when the one named Mercedes stopped, she reached over grabbed her arm and tossed her out. She saw security move towards her and Cassie intervene good maybe she and Philip could get this shit cleared up without some bitch on a pole wrapped around him. Jealousy had never worked well for her and she was certain she was green with it at the moment when he picked up his drink to tell her to go away. She didn’t think so, he was going to talk to her about everything. She could have been going after Bliss for being with Hunter but the last few weeks had made her really think about everything going on in her own life. She and Hunter were over had been since she fucked someone other than Philip in Vertigo a year ago that was really the start.

“I wasn’t aware that you were free? I knew we had a fight at the wedding but I did what you asked I quit focusing in on hurting Bliss and Hunter. I put the house up for sale and yet you sit here and ignore my calls as if I am something you just get to toss aside for what? A cheap ass whore who shakes her ass on a pole?” Max spat her voice rising a few octaves he wanted a scene he was going to get one. She would not be ignored and when he placed the glass down she took the glass out of his hand filling the glass with the booze on the table and then taking a drink. “So now that the whores are done would you like to do this here where all your clients can see?”

“No I will not do this here Max.” He said standing up as he looked at her full of rage. “You think that’s what I really wanted? I could care less if you ate Hunter and Bliss for breakfast. Max I wanted you to fucking focus on us. To see that there was a us. You were so angry that you let me slip through your fingers Max? What I am? Nothing to you?” He screamed back at her. “Am I supposed to be just a fuck? I’m stupid for staying here and dealing with this. With you!” Philip chest heaved as he grabbed her arm. “I’m stupid for falling in love with you. Two selfish people like us don’t work. I use a fucking mobster to get rich and you use people to feel good about yourself. So what am I to do but be the animal you treat me as. I’m dog you fuck then you go home to your show pony. Not today bitch.” Waving her off he walked away as Mercedes walked up with another drink.

“Go away.” He growled at her as he stormed up the stairs. As he slammed his door he threw the glass across the room. Why did she torture him? Did she not know how badly he wanted to taste the sweet nectar that dripped from her body? How badly he wanted to fuck her and hold her? How he missed her hair and it smelling like vanilla? Flipping over his desk he let out a scream as he turned around. He saw her standing in the door. “Go away.” He said with his chest heaving up and down.

Max stood there and let him yell at her it was better he got it out now and she knew what he was saying was true there was no denying that at all. She was selfish and she hadn’t fought as hard for him as she should have for them, but fear had held her back till now. She thought she could salvage things with Hunter for their parents only now she knew better she wanted to be happy that was something Jackson had told her. She had to smirk when he sent Mercedes packing and stomped up the stairs to his office and she boldly followed. She opened the door to see the destruction in the office and waited for him to get his anger out before she closed it behind her. Honestly her brother was right it was time that she took back her place starting with Philip, despite what her parents wanted she was going to flaunt her affair with him and then should he chose to leave he could.

“No you see I am not one of your whores that you get to dismiss we don’t play like that now do we? You see you gave me an option and after considering it I know this is what I want now should you not be man enough to still want that then we will have a problem I will fight off every whore in the club.” Max said tossing her purse down on his couch so he knew she was serious and then she took a seat as well. She crossed her legs making sure he saw that she was bare underneath as her lip curved up at him. “I have thought about that we’re both selfish then again that has never stopped us before and perhaps we should be selfish together. I left Hunter and I have no intention of going back and should he want to fight dirty when I get the papers he is serving me then that is the only thing left there. I fell in love with you too Philip and perhaps I should have admitted that awhile ago. I am sorry for that as you can tell we have a hard time in our family expressing that.”

Philip hadn’t turned to her his chest still heaving up and down as he let out exhale. Rubbing his nose he turned around as he looked at her his lip quivered. He stood for moment letting himself hear the words she was saying. He still felt like he couldn’t breathe. Immediately he turned and punched wall. He felt his knuckles burning as he walked to Max. Not knowing what to say to her. Not knowing if this was real. After Veronica he swore he’d never fall in love again. Then she came storming into his life. It was sex at first then it became something so much more. Grabbing her by her shirt he ripped it open. Then fell to his knees looking up at her.

“What are you doing to me.” Even with Veronica he never felt this hooked. It was like they were poison for each other but he kept eating it because it felt good. “I hate I need you so much. I hate that I can’t get you out of my fucking system. Max listen to me if you fuck me over again. I swear to God I’m going to crazy because I love you too.” He stood up and ripped her open her bra and looked her in the eyes. “No come here.” Philip grabbed her and slammed her into the wall immediately. Rolling up her skirt he ripped her panties off. Before he knew it he shoved himself inside of her and started to fuck her so fast like a jackrabbit. “I love you too.” Philip whispered in her ear.

Max waited patiently on the couch while he went over the terms of her offer with him seeing him finally relax they’d been apart a bit too long for her liking. She watched him standing there for a moment breathing on her own before he made his way to her and then the silence came between them. She and Hunter had silence between them too but it was a different silence filled with tension and a lack of energy this was a different silence filled with tension and a sizzling energy she felt between them. She let him rip open her shirt and felt her nipples harden through her bra she needed this with him, weeks being miserable she learned that. No man would ever get her the way Philip would and she gasped when he slammed her into the wall.

The sheer force of her body on the wall caused her to cry out as his hands ripped her bra down, hiking her skirt at the same time. Her legs shook as he pulled and ripped at her panties, her hands were frenzied reaching for the buttons on his shirt before ripping it open, she had hoped for some foreplay but was caught off guard when he shoved his dick into her. She screamed not even sure what it sounded like but it was primal as he began to assault her body, he loved her too. He could keep up with her and soon she was throwing her hips into him as her nails clawed his back. “Philip.” She moaned out arching her back against the wall letting him fill her with his thrusts.

Philip let out a wild growl as he held her arms down and slid inside and slammed right back in her tightness. He could feel her squeezing like a boa constrictor on his shaft. All he could do was cry out and try to control himself and not explode. It had been weeks since he had sex. As he licked her face as he nibbled on her ear. “God Max!” He cried out as he pinned her arms against the wall. Slowing down his pace he rolled his hips inside of her pushing as deep as he possible could go. Picking up her legs he held her tightly and he slid back inside of her.

This was so much more than one moment. This was her finally saying that this wasn’t just a one night stand. As he kissed her neck he saw her eyes rolling back in her head. She needed it just as badly as he did. Just then he lowered his head and scooped a titty into his mouth. Slurping on her nipples that were rock hard. Using one hand he squeezed the other. “Fuck you are so tight and wet. Squeeze tighter Max!” He called out slamming his hand into the wall.

Max let him thrust into her as he tightened her legs around him she missed this and it wasn’t like she was out getting anywhere else the last few weeks. No for the first time in her life she had to sit and stew on it wait and see how she felt about it. This was what she wanted and needed him, she threw her head back at the pleasure and the pressure he was giving her. She felt herself shiver as he pinned her arms against the wall and let out a moan at the action. He was so different than the others.

She closed her eyes as his lips moved to her neck and she arched back hearing him call out her name, as her hands dug into his shoulders. She felt him digging deeper and couldn’t help but cry out again, his lips lowered to her nipple and she shook. He felt so good and the added pleasure of his hands and lips on her was almost too much for her to control, opening her eyes she threw her hips into him squeezing as hard as she could as she felt him swelling. She knew they were both close and she cried out. “Philip!”

Max!” He screamed out as the air felt like it was being sucked out of his body

As the river of creamy juices started to pour down his legs, he just kept going never slowing his pace ravaging her body like a savage. He finally felt it his entire body shivering and he releases a powerful explosion inside of her Max. As he cried out he felt himself pop again that hadn’t happened in a long time. As he carried her over to the couch he flopped down. Not leaving her yet. He wanted to go soft inside of her. Philip kissed her neck and slowly let his tongue drag to her lips. Tongue kissing her he knew he’d be hard again in the matter of a few moments. “I want you all night. I want to fuck you all night is that alright with you?”

Pulling himself out he laid Max on the couch. “This isn’t over.” He said going to his private bathroom, turning on water and coming out with a scorching hot towel. He wiped Max down quickly as he spread her legs burying his head inside of her wetness. Tasting her juices dripping freely. “I’m going to make you come until you fall asleep you’re not leaving this office.” He buried his head between her legs again.

Max was helpless and powerless as her orgasm ripped through her body and she clenched around his shaft, she couldn’t even speak. Instead her mouth opened for a cry to come out followed by her hips crashing onto his while he came as well. She closed her eyes relishing the feeling of it after weeks apart, he did drive her insane that way and she felt her body relax as he led her to the couch. Her head was still spinning when he finally pulled out and she moaned at the loss of contact watching him go to the bathroom. Staring up at the ceiling watching the fan turn she felt the hot towel on her and let out a moan before his mouth replaced it.

“Philip.” She moaned out looking at his head buried between her legs as her tender pussy throbbed in his mouth. Arching her hips off the couch her hands went to his hair fisting and pulling at it. She closed her eyes letting her legs hook over his shoulders, she was content to stay there all night at this rate.

“Say you’re not leaving me ever again.” He slurped as his tongue touched her clit. Flipping it over her clit over and over again. He knew she was already sensitive due to her already exploding and that her pussy would be vulnerable for multiple orgasms. “Say you will never leave me.” Philip could feel himself throbbing and his penis jumping again seeing her shake and quiver at the power of his tongue.

Philip pulled his head up and kissed her belly. She was always going to be his wife one day. Something he’d already figured he wanted to tell her now. Tell her everything he was planning on doing now. How he wanted Lowell to be proud of him. As he bit down on his lip he looked at Max. “You are a Queen who deserves to be worshiped every day.”

Max knew that she should tell him but she could barely even think when he was doing that thing with his tongue between her legs. She wanted to clench around him she almost nearly came and fought the urge to do so. “I won’t.” Max moaned out she wasn’t even sure if it was something true but it was something he would tell him in the here and now. When she stopped and told her she was a Queen that needed to be worshiped she smiled at him. “Well then continue to worship by all means.”

Philip buried his head between his head. “As you please.” He growled laughing and slurping on her nectar. Her sweet nectar was addicting. Changing his ways was complicated but for Max and that second chance. Sometimes you were only blessed with one great love and that was Veronica Nichols for him. He was leaving for a new life with that woman and she was taken from him. She thought he didn’t know he knew what she had done. Now he had Max and she got it. She got how serious making someone love him like this was. As he pulled his head up.

“Let’s get out of this and I have an idea let’s go out of town just for the night. Philly and get a room and go wild.” He winked at her and picked her up. “Let’s go out the back entrance, I missed you baby.” Philip walked to the door and kicked it open kissing Max. “Now let’s go.”

*********

The steel doors opened and the smell was the first thing that took her back. Brenda touched her silk scarf as she looked down at her wedding ring. She had taken it off months ago but it was a great optics for the grieving but spirited wife who wouldn’t give up. Twisting her ring back in forth she saw Ronan laying on the steel slab called a bed. She ran her nails against the bars to make noise to wake him up. How he slept on that hard thing was unthinkable. She was so used to the best she never thought about the other side. A side she hadn’t lived since a child. Being poor was a disgusting fact of her past that she didn’t like anyone rubbing in her face. How would she make Walter pay for revealing her past? She knew exactly what she had to do. She knew that she had to use her ace but first he had to be elected. Tonight sealed her fate she knew that but she wasn’t foolish enough to not know when to use a bomb. “Get up.” She said with her signature superior tone.

“With this ring I wed my husband. I was always hoping to pass it down to Brooke. She’s always been my special baby. No matter how deep a mother’s love for her son’s a girl is special bond. I used go her room and smell her hair when she slept.” Brenda turned the ring back and forth. “I hated how close she was to her father, I wanted so badly to have my baby love me more. A little girl is all she is. Engaged in a game way too big for Brooke. You and I are a lot alike I’ve hurt people so much for my own good. I have qualms about harming or even leaving someone in ruin but what you did. You have somehow warped my baby’s mind into thinking she owes you loyalty. Does Money mother? How about Kendrick’s girlfriend? What about Erica? Your she was who you were engaged to you once right? And her car was shot up and she died right in the middle of your daddy’s war.” Brenda touched the bars as she looked at him.

“You are a person who knows the life and you know the pain that it causes.You killed your own brother’s mother. What more can I say? If you love my daughter as much as you claim you will move out the way. You will kick her out of your life. I hope you love your living arrangements because this is your home. This is your home forever and ever but I won’t let my vital and beautiful little girl get lost in your madness now let her go.” Brenda said looking directly in his eyes.

Ronan had been in his cell enjoying the silence it was interesting that so many people were out to clear his name Simon coming to him was quite the surprise. Perhaps he and Lowell could be partners after all in the casino, Lowell was always about protecting his investment and then Simon had mentioned Raven. It was turning out to be quite the day, his brain had drifted off to try and get a few hours of sleep when he heard the annoying tap of nails on the bars. He opened one eye to see Brenda staring at him and then she went off on some little speech about murder and mayhem with her daughter. He hadn’t killed Steven and honestly he had no intention of letting Brooke go. Brooke had come back to him even after  everything that he had to do with Yasmine. Rising from his bed he looked at her a small smirk on his face.

“Don’t you have something better to do than be here Brenda like preparing your losing speech it’s been quite interesting reading the polls. You seem to think I’m intimidated by you and that little stunt you pulled allowing the officers to arrest me, I’m not Brenda.” Ronan said looking up at the TV they were predicting a tight race only for Walter to come out ahead and be named the mayor. A problem in the long run but he’d rather that than anything having to do with the woman in front of him. “Don’t pretend to be such a good mother to Brooke when we both know that isn’t true didn’t you after all tell her to stay with Atticus? Didn’t think she told me about that did you. As for my relationship with her it must boil you doesn’t it Brenda? Brooke can make her own decisions and there is nothing you can offer me to change that.”

“Except your freedom.” Brenda slowly walked back and forth. “I will arrange your release and get you out of this country. Just let my baby go. I’m not noble at all in fact I’m sure she’d hate me for this. Ronan you never had a child and the feeling that it gives you. It’s another chance to be alive as long as you have a child you are immortal. You see she’s told a lot but let me tell you my story. It might sound a little familiar but bare with me.” Slowly walk to the steel door seeing the guard was gone. “I loved Steven for a long time. Anderson was my pride and joy because I thought I couldn’t have children. I never expected to be a mother.  Then he showed up at my door one night and everything changed. Steven had been carrying on his affairs way sooner than I thought. I didn’t marry that man not knowing what he was. I knew and I didn’t care because I wanted to be with a powerful man.” Tracing her lip she looked at him. “A man came in my life Ronan and he was fire to everything I needed. He made me feel alive and then he broke my heart. Ronan let me do the math for you because a brute like you isn’t that smart.”

Brenda said trying to hold back the angry tears threatening to come out. “Brooke has something inside of her just like me. The more I’m telling her to go away the more she’s drawn to you. My daughter isn’t hateful as I but she hates me right now. Ronan don’t you see how much hurt this will end. Atticus is her age and she’ll mess up a million times on you. She’s a baby and you have lived why do you want her. This history repeating itself and I know you will suck the life out of my baby. You’re going to hurt her.”

“Quite the history lesson you have Brenda then again we both know I know a lot more than you think I do about you. Did you ever wonder why Steven was so indebted to me why he owed me so much money? Now think about it he owed me over twenty thousand dollars and I can assure you it was not all for escorts and hookers. No it was for something much more related to you.” Ronan said he wanted to see how much she really knew about the murders perhaps a lead that he could give Raven she obviously had friends in high places if she could get him out of jail. The reason he hadn’t been caught before was thanks to the likes of her husband who made sure things went smoothly they scratched each others backs when needed. “It doesn’t make a lot of sense now does it me murdering him when he owed me all that money? You like to paint me as a monster at home Brenda but we both know that is more you and your husband and the secrets between you.”

“I care quite a bit about your daughter in fact I warned her that being with me was dangerous very dangerous she surprised me when she stayed. She even came back when she could have turned away, she knows the risks. Love like that fire between two people is rarely put out Ms. Kincaid you should know that, my parents had it you and your opponent have it.” Ronan said looking at her face as her words registered, yes he knew all about her little affair with Walter it was what Steven wanted looked into. He had a better deal for her and he wanted to see what she would sacrifice. “What if I were to tell you that Steven had amassed quite the file on you? A file that could alter Brooke’s perception about you that my lawyer has? In exchange for my freedom that you clearly think you can grant me and keeping out of my relationship with your daughter I will give it to you.”

Brenda knew Raven reputation as a shark and was sure that if Brooke found out about Walter and her affair she’d never forgive her. As she gripped her pearl choker she shook her head. As she closed her eyes the sight of Steven and Carla flashed into her mind. “Let me assure you if my daughter ever finds out about my past I will scour the earth of you. I have connections and unbelievable or not I have amassed a lifetime worth of favors. From ex-presidents, to local celebrities. One thing I know is that whatever reason you kept Steven alive it’s nothing to do with me. I didn’t hurt him. I didn’t want him dead because it didn’t benefit me.” She said lowly. “So I guess we are similar we both kept him alive for the same reason. He owed us something and he broke me into a millions of pieces and no matter your judgement on me. I picked myself up a million different ways.” As she wrapped her arms around herself. “I hate you but you will leave her one way or another because history is repeating itself. You’re going to hurt her and I’m going always be her mother. Her mother that holds her at night when you break her heart. Isn’t that the pattern.” Brenda asked as she stepped closer to the bars. Finally pulling herself to the bars.

“You keep your file because I have my own. Erica, Antoinette, and my very own niece Mercedes. Or Maggie whatever you call her and I know how much of a virus you are. You have blood on your hands and I do too. Too bad I don’t think it’s my husband’s but I’ll have enough time to turn my daughter against you. Have send a file and I promise I’ll have Anderson get Brooke country so fast your head will spin. You can’t leave Atlas Falls, if you do get out. I assure you don’t want war with me. History lesson that’s funny and comedic let me give you a history lesson. I won’t be threaten by a two bit thug and I will bury you before you bury me. I should be leaving I have get my daughter out of Atlas Falls. You have a wonderful day stuck behind bars.” Brenda walked to the steel door and banged on it.

“Your husband had quite the file on you Brenda you see he was planning to divorce you he was quite in love with Carla. He took a loan from me to hire his investigator on the matter to look into your affair with Walter, I know he mentioned a few times about some tests he was going to run. Though I wonder if he ever got around to them?” Ronan said bringing his hand up to pick at his nails taking a breath. She was going to get in his way with Brooke but if she wanted to play this game they could. He let out a laugh at her hurt Brooke? No she would do that all on her own. “Me hurt Brooke the only one hurting Brooke is you and this witch hunt with me. You see the tears she is crying right now are over me not over you.”

“Brooke is well aware she is not the first woman in my bed Brenda and I can assure you as I’m fucking her raw once I am free and she is moaning my name you will have no power over her. You see that failed seduction as you liked to call it was just the beginning I plan on fucking her every chance I get my dirty seed as you like to call it filling into her, do pick up your jaw. You see my lawyer had that right one day I’ll put a ring on her finger, you’ll be replaced.” Ronan said going to the bars and leaning on them. He smirked at her as she knocked on the door knowing his words were grating on her it was all over her posture. “Let’s see who gets buried first with Brooke shall we Brenda me or you? That is your biggest fear though her kicking you out of her life and I can’t wait till the day it happens. You have a nice day writing that speech.”

“I’ll kill you before you dare defile my child.” Then Brenda stopped and turned around. Rachel had been quite busy little bee. She’d found out about Erica three days ago but that didn’t shake him. No that didn’t make him quiver this would though. “You were in your twenties the summer in Rome. It was supposed to be fun but then you. Do you remember that summer Ronan? A woman was murdered brutally at your hands. I think her name is Gianna correct you see she’s been missing and the Rome police know you were the last person with her. Did you know Steven and I were invited to a Governor’s ball. Could you imagine a small town mayor invited to a President’s Governors Ball. I didn’t care how Steven rangled it but he did it. Amazingly I met a man named Salvatore Brasi and Mr. Brasi is the currently a diplomat. Gianna death hasn’t been solved and if you ask me, and Salvatore my husband Steven is why he became a diplomat. Now that brutal slaying of that girl and now Steven and Carla. I will have you behind bars and two big men name Bruno will show how much I’m a bitch. When they make you my bitch. You see my reach is just as long. You threaten me and all those people that Steven let slip through the crack for a moment like this. You think Steven was the power in our marriage. He was a suit. He was a suit.” She yelled finally unleashing what she had wanted to say for months.

“Everything he did went through me. You think I don’t why owes you money? You think I didn’t keep my bitch you leash?” She said walking to the bars. “I have been mayor all along and you idiots just let me. I will use every connection I’ve acquired over the last thirty years to crumble your businesses. You see most mobster don’t get caught in some Godfather esque shootouts it’s always the funds. Seeing how simple you truly are to think that Steven was the boss. He didn’t move without me telling him too. Know and understand that. I do have to go because Atticus will be here in.” Picking up her wrist. “He’s here. I’d rather her be with a cheater than you. You are going to corrupt her in ways that she isn’t ready for.”

Ronan’s eyes got dark as she mentioned that summer in Rome he was still young at the time in college and he fell in love, foolishly but at the time he didn’t know better. Brenda thought that she could threaten him to get him to leave Brooke no she was doing a fine job at that, outing her affair with Walter earlier and then Walter boldly declaring the abortion. Brenda would be lucky if Brooke even looked at her after today, exactly what he wanted. He cast his eyes at the guard outside the hallway measures in place to make sure he was safe, she was not the only one that had friends in high places and his were much more lethal. Letting out a laugh at her he walked to the cell looking right at her refusing to back down.

“I think you want to play with me Brenda but inside you are quaking you see my friends are more dangerous than yours. Mayor? Look at the news and wake up the polls are almost closed and look who is in the lead, not you. As for Atticus, tell him I look forward to putting a bullet in him if he comes near Brooke are we clear?” Ronan said keeping his voice deadly and cold as he spoke. He watched Brenda turn almost white. ”Like I said you enjoy your day. I can already see it now them turning against you. The media has such a way of covering things your son looks horrified at the instant replay of your confession I can only imagine Brooke’s reaction. Guard we’re done here.”

“Yes we are.” Brenda said as the door opened. “I’m free enjoying the air no matter what that dirty little twat Raven does you’re stuck my dear.” She walked out and exhaled as she walked down the hall. Even though he was right she was scared to go toe to toe with a mobster. She however would push Gideon to finish this. Hell she just needed to speak with the right person. Digging through her purse she found Philip Montgomery card. She flipped it over and called Club XES. “I need to speak with Kendrick Watkins asap and please don’t ask my name. Matter fact tell him if he wants to retain his power he’ll meet me at the Roadhouse Brewery in a hour.”

Brenda had to get rid of Ronan and she had to make sure today was the last time Brooke looked down on her. Soon everyone would see what was the truth. She’d rather tank Walter political  later this had precedent if she could rid the earth of this scum she would. Walking to her driver she opened the door. “Rachel I need the polls and try to re-imagine this as women rights being violated. Something but make me oh hell we both know I’m going to lose. You found my daughter with Walter good. Very good I’ll need that to dismantle his life if he beats me tomorrow. I assure you I’m going to destroy him.”

*********

Hunter waved at the security at the Devonshire mansion as he walked into the massive house, no doubt word had gotten to Jackie and Lowell about the pending divorce and he was trying to avoid them. He did wonder if the extra security was for them though after Jamal’s arrest, not to mention Ronan Madden’s name was attached to the casino deal. He should be at his mother’s political rally in a few hours but he couldn’t bring himself to go after what she revealed, she had an affair with Walter Fraiser. It put things into perspective for him about a lot of his childhood now how his parents had grown apart how that had destroyed them, not to mention how she almost had another man’s baby which would mean he would be related to the Fraisers. What a fucking mess, walking up the stairs he wondered where Lowell and Jackie were. Instead he noticed that no one was home and he saw Bliss sitting on the window seat in her room looking out the window.

“Hey. I tried calling but when you didn’t answer I wanted to check on you.” Hunter said she looked like she was staring off into space at something and he wondered if she was still upset about her trip back to Egypt. She hadn’t wanted to talk about it much since she got back and he hadn’t pressured her to do so. It was plaguing her mind and he took a seat next to her on the bench kissing her forehead. “I do have good news I got an offer on the house today and as soon as Max approves we can all move on. You can tell me about what is bothering you, you know?”

Bliss had to say that Hunter was very aware of how disconnected she was at this moment. She wasn’t in Atlas Falls because the aching was starting to kill her. Ilsa De Cruces was where her mind was and with Fox. She finally opened her mouth to say something when she fakely laughed. Running her hand through her messy hair and she knew she had to tell him. How that he hadn’t seen the full Bliss how none of them had. Yes she was selfish but her mother still didn’t know that she had a baby. Hell none of them did but Dimitri has her son and if she didn’t do something she wouldn’t remember how he smell. How he laughed and Dimitri kept her up to date on getting pictures the man was sick. Truly she didn’t know she was with a sociopath and he wasn’t going to be coming.

Walking to Hunter she wrapped her arms around him and exhaled as she smiled thinking about Max out of their lives. She had fallen for Hunter and the sooner that mess was over with Max the sooner she could get her happy ending. Bliss knew it was manipulative not to tell him everything but she wasn’t ready. Hunter found her in the perfect moment and she couldn’t deny that he made her feel alive. He was completely in love with her and she loved that. “I saw Natasha and that dark cloud of Dimitri came around me and I am just a little shaken. You aren’t the problem but I just get a little into myself sometimes. As for the house.” She kissed him again. “It’s almost over thank God we are free of the wicked witch of the west.”

Hunter watched her get up and pull away from him into her own little world not knowing what he was supposed to do for her other than be patient. He knew Egypt had brought up painful memories of Dimitri and he only hoped Atticus and his brother stayed as far away from Atlas Falls, The thought of Brooke going into that family now sat at him and made him almost physically ill at times. He watched her run her fingers through her hair and decided to let her cope and tell him when she was ready, in truth they had been disconnected since her return but he got that reliving what Dimitri no doubt did to her was not pleasant he guessed he wasn’t a shrink but he knew enough that she needed her space. When she wrapped her arms around him to kiss him, he returned the gesture eagerly the feel of her back in his arms again let him feel a little more at ease.

“No doubt it was difficult for you to go there I wanted to give you space to process I meant what I said you can tell me when you are ready. I would have been here earlier but as you can see if you turn on the news my mother has made quite the storm at the polls no doubt that is where Jackie and your father are.” Hunter said honestly he didn’t know who to talk to about the revelation that his mother was with Walter Fraiser, it was twisted yet it made sense too. He could have had an entirely different life hell if Walter would have left Lauren for his mother Brooke would have never been born. “Do you want to know a secret? I’m glad I know now about my mother and Walter. I’d rather know what not to do with Max you know?”

“I heard about your mom and Walter who hasn’t.” She said softly taking his hand and pulling him into bed. “I have good news for you also. My grandfather passed and his memorial is in the next few days but his will reading was a couple of hours ago. My mother and I attended and I got something major.” Bliss wasn’t sure how to tell him she had just became the heir to the Blisston fortune. Not only that she got a nice house in the Edgewood community. Her mother had gotten the seat and no apology. That was a tough pill for her to swallow.

“Edgewood you know those exclusive gated community that’s down the road from your parents home? Well The Blisston’s have a summer house by the lake and with the will reading. I got the house and over ninety million dollars. So I will be moving into the lake house and we will be free of worrying about anyone getting in our way.” She paused as she took his hand. “Brenda looked really hurt by Walter. That was brutal to watch and I feel like he was a asshole for even digging that far into her. Brenda is a handful but she’s a person. Are you okay knowing that Walter and your mom were doing the hanky-panky and you almost had a half-sibling that was a Fraiser?”

“I know the last few weeks have been rough with your grandfather passing and then the trip, that is huge Bliss. I am so happy for you and for me that is what your mother deserved to get I still can’t believe that she left you alone with that monster.” Hunter said taking in her words the house she was talking about was huge. Her grandfather was rich almost as rich as Lowell not that close but close enough, leaning down on the bed he kissed her wanting to reassure her that she was all he needed. “I am sure your mother didn’t take it well not getting anything other than the seat. I am sure your father is not going to be happy about that either.”

“Edgewood is a nice neighborhood and if you want to live that close to my mother I should warn you now that she is going to have a problem with us. She has already made that abundantly clear, even though I don’t care as soon as this shit with Max is over we don’t have to sneak around anymore.” Hunter said pulling back and looking at her running his hand up her legs, he hadn’t been with her since Egypt. Which had been torture for him when she asked how he felt about the entire Walter thing he wasn’t sure she would like his answer about it. “Honestly I would have rathered my parents divorced years ago they were both miserable. It’s a little weird thinking I could have been related to the Fraiser’s I feel sorry she felt pushed to that. I can’t really judge my mother, father or Walter given what I am doing with Max now can I?”

“No we can’t, what we can do is do better and be happy.” Bliss straddled Hunter as she leaned down letting her tongue slip into his mouth as she helped him take off his shirt. As she slowly kissed his neck and sexily pulled off her shirt. Throwing it on the floor as she looked deeply in the eyes. As she kissed him one more time before she grabbed the buckle on his pants. “I want to make love to my boyfriend because he is always has been the best man to me.” She kissed him again. Bliss unbuckled the belt pulling it off as he smiled at her.

“I love you.” She whispered as she looked at him. “I’m a trainwreck and no matter what you find me beautiful. I find you to be the only man I want to look at or be with.” Bliss said passionately. “With all my flaws you show me anything can happen and I deserve to be in love again. What Walter and Brenda show me is to never give up on this. Never let this fail or waver because we are soulmates. I don’t want this feeling to go away ever.” She said kissing his neck as she unfastened her bra.

Hunter watched her as she told him they could be happy, he wished that were true that Max wouldn’t fight him when she was served he wanted that for both of them. For he and Bliss and for Max and whomever was warming her bed. He let his hands rest on her thighs as he watched her take off her shirt to then grab the buckle on his pants. He would never understand how Dimitri could ever hit her or do what he did to her. She was smart, funny, sexy, gorgeous and deserved to be treated like that. He hardly thought she was a trainwreck and his hands went up her sides as she unfastened her bra releasing those gorgeous breasts.

“I love you too Bliss. You aren’t a trainwreck.” Hunter said quietly looking her before leaning in and kissing her. Honestly he was tired of talking he wanted her to know that she was not a trainwreck. He took his time, breaking from her lips and working his way down her neck to her breasts while he gently laid her down. “You’re perfect Bliss don’t ever let someone tell you otherwise.” He looked up at her before pulling off her shorts, his mouth going back to her breasts, licking and biting, sucking just enough. His fingers played with her skin tracing her stomach and her thighs refusing to give into the space between her legs just yet. She would be begging him.

Bliss shivered as he kissed her breast touching her body she felt a release of stress. She didn’t care about anything but pleasure. Forcing the thoughts out of her mind. She knew that she wanted to tell him everything. Tonight wasn’t that night. She wanted to explore every inch of him. She knew he was willing to do anything to please her body. When there eyes met up she licked his finger softly as she took it and let him inside of her. She gasped as he slipped another finger in tricking her body. Taking his face into her hand she kissed him then aggressively licked his face. She could never handle if he ever stopped loving her. She would do anything to feel this close to him forever. Refusing to cry out in pleasure she rode his fingers. She wasn’t a trainwreck as long as they were together. They could move mountains and she knew it.

Bliss kissed his lips passionately as she tried to calm her breathing as she started to shiver. “Please Hunter make love to me.” Bliss whipped her hair back as she looked at him knowing that he was just as hungry for her body. She reached down and started to stroke him. Only she felt he was already rock hard. The sticky precum covered her fingers as it coated her hand. Only thing she could do is moan feeling the heat steaming from his penis. No one else had made her body crave sex but Dimitri. That was the toxic effect they were so sexual at one point. “What are you waiting for?” Bliss asked putting on her best sex kitten voice.

Hunter had been willing to draw things out a bit longer until he felt her shivering and she moved her hand on him, his body stiffened refusing to come just yet. He’s had sex with a lot of women over the years Max being one but it was different with Bliss, he felt like Bliss was his equal in that respect she cared about what he needed and he cared about what she needed. He pulled his fingers out of her bending down as his lips meet hers, he removed her panties. Bracing his hands on the sides he shoved his cock into her. His hips tilting upwards as he filled her letting out a moan. He let her adjust to his size before he pulled out slowly and then shoved back in.

“Bliss.” Hunter said groaning out her name again, it felt right to be inside of her to make love to her despite the fact he was divorcing her sister. He almost wondered for a moment if that made him like his father in that regard only to push the thoughts back again. He felt her legs pulling him deeper and kept his tempo steady intent on pleasing her first he could wait that much out. “I love you Bliss. How do you want this?” Hunter breathed into her ear while he moved, something about her tonight was off and he wasn’t going to press it but he was going to chase those demons away the only current way he knew to make love to her like she asked.

There breathing was almost as one. It was almost Tantric sex due to this being the first time she wasn’t alone now. Her heart was beating so fast as he entered her body the synergy was so powerful. No longer was she alone and for once she was with someone who made her heart beat the same way. As she rose her hips up and down on the girth of his powerful stick. She could felt the cool breeze from the balcony blowing against her dripping wet skin. Bliss exhaled as she clawed his back and leaned in nibbling on his ear.

Rolling her hips methodically she knew her body slither as he needed. Slowly squeezing like a boa on it’s prey she felt a sense of pleasure rushing over her. She was getting wetter and her body was starting to lose against Hunter. “I love you Hunter!” Bliss said burying her head into his shoulder. Her hips and ass bouncing triumphantly it was as if they were about to crash into a wave together. “I love you! I’m about to cum Hunter!”

Hunter pressed his hands into her hips to hold her into place while eh violently thrusted his hips into her, she felt so good and so amazing, The fact he was doing that to her alone even made him even more anxious to please her. He hooked her legs up more on his hips pushing into her as deep as he could go as he rose off the bed her displayed underneath him. Her breasts and her ass bouncing against him, his fingers rubbed over her clit when it became exposed and he felt her shudder.

“Fuck Bliss!” He closed his eyes letting her clench on him pulse around his cock as he plowed into her drilling himself as deep as he could go. A few seconds later he came as well feeling his body jerk into her as he shot off inside of her, losing count as he leaned forward and let her pussy clench on him. He kept going till both their bodies ran still and he leaned in kissing her deeply while they both exhaled and then he pulled back to look at her. She was still shaking when he pulled her to him and stroked her hair. “Better now I take it?”

Bliss felt great as she touched his chest slowly running her fingers up and down. “I’m fine just never thought I’d feel like this. Hunter can you just hold me. I’m choosing to be happy from every moment onward with you. I feel so much with you. I feel like whatever is coming we are going to face it together soon. The energy between us is perfect.” She kissed him as she pushed his hair from his face. “You’re too good to me, I promise I will never let you go.” She touched her chest. “I’ll never let you go here.”

*********

Greer walked in the five star restaurant Alinea with black leather trench coat. Her little call to her beloved father and warranted a visit. Chicago was always their city when they were in America. It was majestic and always brought her good feelings. She could remember when Kendra, Paige, she,and her daddy came here. As the maitre d’hotel removed her coat and a skin tight ivory Herve Leger dress. Her heels clicked against the marble as she walked in surprised nobody was here. He bought out Alinea for them. Touching her chest she saw him in the middle of the room and couldn’t help it.

“Daddy!” She screamed running to him. No longer was the Posh fake British accent she was sounding like the French socialite now. She rushed to him and when he stood she felt his embrace. If Zerick knew she was here he’d blow a gasket partially because he loved to be in control. Instead she lied and told him she was going to New York for a shopping trip. As her eyes watered she looked at him. Always so handsome and he always looked like a million bucks. Her father was an revelation. “I’m sorry I called you all uptight. It’s just I don’t trust him father and I know the plan was to cut him out all along. I just know he’s up to something and he doesn’t like sharing.”

Pierre LeClerq sat at the table his iPad open as he watched the coverage of the debate between Brenda and Walter in Atlas Falls not the outcome he had expected and one day Walter would pay for his betrayal. He then looked at the stock options SandStar had soared since the deal in Egypt and he was proud of Greer, Lowell would not know what had hit him. Her call had been a bit concerning about Zerick he had thought Zerick was the perfect chess partner for Greer until now. He had trained her well and while a meeting was risky in the state it was crowded enough and Lowell was too busy celebrating the SandStar accomplishment that he would never know he was in the states. He got up and wrapped his arms around Greer she wanted to talk and it seemed important, she looked so much like his first wife and at that an anger and a sadness came. He had to leave America so fast and the doctor warned them flying was dangerous given how far along she was, but he had no choice.

“ You did an amazing job in Egypt you have Chauncey right where you want him. I did some more research on what you asked there should be something on here to help with the dilemma you are having with a certain new executive and Lowell’s youngest addict son. Seems Ms. Fraiser is quite fan shall we say of special medical attention on more than one recent occasion.” Pierre said sliding her some files on a thumb drive about the lovely Dani Fraiser. He was surprised at this tactic but if it meant Chauncey was on their side for the take over he would help. “What happened with Zerick in Egypt? You two have been playing this so perfectly the last few years and sometimes I wonder if you are falling for Chauncey. Which you know would disappoint me greatly my dear.”

“Chauncey isn’t a problem father.” She taking the thumb drive. “The joke seems to be on me because I don’t know him. Doesn’t it bother you that Zerick showed up at the exact right time? Partners or not I know him well enough to know that he wouldn’t just turn DGI over to us. Even though we’ve funded this project he has a personal vendetta with Lowell and I assure you this is only the tip of the iceberg.” Greer said with conviction. She knew that she had to shake these feelings for Chauncey but her gut was always right. She trust it and her gut was telling her Zerick was going to be trouble eventually. “I don’t know dad his eyes when he stares at Lowell is the same look in your face. Right now when you see Lowell getting every single thing that you and Mr. Montgomery deserve. Hell even Walter.” She shrugged as she poured a glass of champagne at the table.

Hearing about Kendra and Paige made her face turn up in happiness. Her family was something that she missed and it felt good to be around people who loved her. Not to speak with that God awful accent and not be Greer Westwood but be Greer LeClerq. She missed simple things such as her last name. “It’s the fact other than the money what does Zerick truly get out of this? Have you asked yourself what is going to happen when we take over?” As she smiled at her father. “What is on this thumb drive? I hope it’s something that is going to destroy her completely, I’ve grown to dislike that bitch.”

“I am glad to hear Chauncey is not a problem Zerick did call me and while I was worried I knew you would stay on point. Zerick was useful when we needed him but like you I’ve had my suspicions for a while I just need you to stay on point till I can uncover his own secrets. Everyone has a personal vendetta against Lowell he has made a lot of enemies.” Pierre said handing the taking the menu from the waiter as he looked at Greer doing the same. He reached over and poured himself more champagne from a great year and collection, the year of Agnes. He shook his head no need to rehash that just yet. “You can always judge a man about how he really looks at his enemies and the woman he is with. Mr. Montgomery and I will have our day again with Lowell as soon as Chauncey is turned all the way. Zerick claims he just wants money the problem is his money trail starts and ends with us I have people looking into where he got all the money before coming to us. You just need to play wife and adulteress a bit longer my dear and then when he least expects it we will pull everything out from under him.”

“It relieves me to hear you and Chauncey are just that a job and your eyes are still on the prize. As for Ms. Fraiser, last year she miscarried the Governor’s grandchild, quite ugly as they had to cut it from her after her cousin found her bleeding out. The perfect political son showing up hours later after fucking a whore all afternoon, it was quite the scandal, then again no one needs to know it was natural do they especially Jackson now does he?” Taking the glass from the table he took a sip glad to hear about Greer not falling for Chauncey he would hate to turn on his own flesh and blood, he certainly wasn’t like Walter. Walter’s downfall and embarrassment was coming he thought he was so smart he and the Governor hiding that scandal that was now in his daughter’s hands. “She had quite the mental breakdown, partying and drinking till she came home for counseling. She just visited her cousin for a blood test as soon as you got back from Egypt and low and behold the junkie will soon be a father that is if he is strong enough and ready. Leverage my dear that push you needed.”

Greer face showed an excitement ever since that little harpy got cute with her in that bathroom. No that it mattered she was going to have to dismantle their happy relationship. Her father however gave her all that she needed. The Fraiser family Princess had a secret and this was enough to destroy her. That was enough to make her smile, her father was always on her side. Zerick had called her father, what did he think she was a fool? She knew how to defuse this situation and it made it clear he was a snake. Constantly slithering where he had no business to slithering. Twirling her long locks in her hand and if he wanted to play then game on. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about how to destroy his little fling with Talia. Opening her leather clutch she place the thumb drive inside it. As she bit down her bottom lip. “I’ll use this don’t worry I assure you I need a win and this is exactly the opening I can use with Chauncey.”

As she heard her Audrey Cappelletti Montgomery voice echoing a haunting opera tune. As she watched him holding back his resentment she knew that he hated Lowell. Folding her arms she felt her stomach growling. She wanted the escargot and angel hair pasta. “Daddy he’s charming I won’t lie but he isn’t worth me losing focus. You’ve deserved DGI and worked for years only for Lowell to throw you to the wolves. I love you more than any other man and I promise I won’t let you or momma down.” She said sipping her champagne. “Father tell me something about her. I need to hear about her and how proud she would have been of me for doing this.”

“No doubt you will be able to discreetly get those files to Jackson while telling Chauncey you had them he will trust you more and then you can sit back and watch the fireworks. Walter thought years ago I would never go after him and while at the moment he has so much going on with Brenda at his heels, this will serve him a reminder. Fathers should love their daughters.” Pierre said agreeing about her using the files as she saw fit. As a man he knew the weight of pride, how it made you see things less clear than they were not to mention all the lies no doubt past lovers had told Lowell’s middle troubled son. He also didn’t like the gusto that the boy was showing against Greer and their plans. “Chauncey should reward you with his devotion after this.”

“Chauncey is a snake in the grass just like his father I want you to remember that be what I groomed you to be the black widow that eats her victims after they had served their purpose it is what your mother would have wanted. I would assume you are hungry as well Zerick no doubt keeping you at bay from your true favorites.” Pierre said folding the menu as he placed it to the waiter and then watched as Greer did the same. “Escargot with the angel hair pasta, with the baguette of course.” Once the man departed he looked at her yes DGI something he and others should have been a part of. “Your mother was beautiful Greer and smart like you are a little cunning as well. She didn’t want to leave but when Lowell forced her hand, I hated losing her when the plane landed and you were born.”

“I’m going to break Lowell Devonshire brick by brick.” She said confidently as she took another sip of champagne. “I think about her every day. How she would hate what I was doing. You told me she was sensitive but I think she’d appreciate me taking on Lowell and the rest of the Devonshire. Her life was risked because he forced you out of town. I assure you my mother will be avenged.” Greer eyes grew cold wondering if she’d have to use the gun training or all the other steps her father sent her through. She could fight most men if need be. It was like her father knew from birth she was going to be a soldier in this war. He trained her meticulously and she thanked him for it.

For a moment her mind was cloudy from typically lost from the fact Chauncey was charming. That he was powerful but then it clicked in her head. She’d own DGI why would she ever need his power. He was a worthless man who she’d destroy when the time is right. “Whatever Chauncey choice I know I’m fine with it. If he wants war I assure you I can give him war. It’s a shame because he phenomenal in the bed.” One thing she always loved about her father was their relationship. She told him not Kendra when she had sex for the first time. It was a deep bond that she knew he appreciated. To her her father treated her like he would a boy which made her stronger than most women. “Shall we toast to me dismantling Jackson and Dani to ensure Chauncey is under my spell once and for all. To the LeClerq’s we are a legacy built on so power and destruction.”

“Exactly my dear brick by brick, child by child if we have too. Your mother would relish in you taking down the man that caused our family so much pain, she would want that for you. It is after all your birthright. One that was coldly and callously taken from you.” Pierre said watching the gears turn in her head as the waiter brought out the fresh baguette and the butter to go with it. He had grown to love France and the culture surrounding it, the luxury it gave him but he did miss the states. A legacy that he should have been a part of at DGI, even if he was lying now she never had to know the truth he needed this from his little girl.

“Yes my dear to you dismantling Lowell’s drug addicted son and Walter’s not so perfect daughter. Chauncey will be under your spell and then the real fun begins when you have his trust completely.” Pierre said raising his own glass up in the air and taking a sip watching her eat the bread and butter. Lowell really had no idea what was coming and he would keep an eye on Zerick just to ensure that plans went accordingly there was no sense in them not being prepared. “We should eat you have a plane to catch back to Atlas Falls tonight.” His phone vibrated as he looked at the polls. “Yes my dear you need to head back now is the perfect time to strike, Walter is riding a high at the moment and no one will see this coming.”

Standing up the waiter placed her jacket on as she tied it around her waist. As she watched them all starting box all the food up. That was power her father acquired after years of struggles. She watched him squeeze blood out of turnip and she refused to have him struggle any longer. Soon she’d be on a plane in the south of France vacationing after destroy Lowell and the Devonshire’s. As she placed on her gloves she watched her father standing and placing on her jacket. Watching the men take the food and place it in it’s own car she smiled. Her daddy was always extravagant. She would hate to leave him tonight.

“Daddy, one last thing I won’t my own company. I don’t want DGI it’s yours and of course I’ll benefit from it but I don’t want it. I want something I can run on my own without a conglomerate behind me. After this I want silence and vineyard in Spain or home. I want a real bread not this American stuff. I want to feel rich as I was raised father so what I’m saying is. After I award us with this company don’t expect me to continue to be a this snake. I want to be at peace.” As they got in the limo the snow was falling over Chicago. “I want a simple life after this.” She said stepping into the limo.

Pierre stood up from the table waving to the staff to get the food to go, his daughter’s eyes were always on the prize and he admired that about her. Years of training had prepared her for this to do anything necessary to make sure Lowell paid even if that meant being married and unhappy. He had been unhappy for years before he and Kendra married and that was due to Lowell, a small sacrifice that Greer had to make in the long run. He walked her out of the busy restaurant and to the waiting limos while they slipped inside. He heard her talk about her dreams and her wants but like her mother before her she would learn that when it came to revenge she couldn’t escape that.

“We will talk about the after as soon as you have DGI back under our control Greer. If you want the vineyard down the line that is fine but I need you with Lowell’s oldest brat seducing him, stroking his ego that may take a while.” Pierre said leaning back in the seat pleasing her for now with her request at the vineyard in truth things with Chauncey could take a while and was not one to shy away from going all the way. Even if his daughter had to fuck her way to the title of Mrs. Devonshire he would make sure he had a piece of DGI back. “I have every ounce of faith that you won’t let me down and neither Lowell or Zerick will know that hit them as soon as you have all the power over them. Driver please take us to the airport my daughter has a plane to catch.” He leaned back on the leather a smile forming on his lips no Lowell would have no clue what was about to hit him.

*********

Skye shook her ass on the dance floor some guy behind her, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she did so this is what she needed. Honestly it was nice to be out from Lowell’s thumb or at least out of his thumb with Jackson, she still kept appearance of course on that matter. Kicking the hornet’s nest when needed, even though she was well aware the paparazzi was all over he and Dani. In truth she came to the club tonight because Merci said she was having company over and listening to her best friend and the closest thing she had to her sister getting her brains fucked out was going to annoy her. She could have fucked Jackson if she got him high but the one she really wanted was Jon.

Jon had been ignoring her since New Years a few weeks ago and she was annoyed by that as she saw Cassie charging towards her in the club it was a free space was it not. She turned to the guy she was dancing with tonguing him down before she made her way over to the bar and ordering her martini. That annoyed her for a variety of reasons was he actually fucking Cassie not to mention what she agreed to do with Lowell. She may of been out of the game with Jackson but she was still very much so in Lowell’s clutches with Jon. It was just information it wasn’t like she was going to use Jon for something else, she felt slightly guilty at that thought of course Jon deserved better. Seeing Cassie finally approach her though with daggers nearly made her want to laugh wasn’t Cassie known to use men too yet she looked her nose down at her.

“Jon isn’t here so I suggests you take your dancing and antics out of my club.” Cassie said as she approached Skye looking at the other woman.

Granted Jon had been working non stop the last few weeks and he assured her that he wanted to try something with her she could tell. She could tell when a man wasn’t over a woman how often had she seen that with her own mother and father. Jon could protest all he wanted but Cassie knew Skye still had some place in his heart whether that be on the forefront or lingering emotions she was still there. Skye was exquisite and gorgeous and part of her couldn’t help the jealousy. She saw her brother and Max making a scene and almost rolled her eyes until they went upstairs to Philip’s office. Well at least one of them was going to make it work.

Looking at her bartender making Skye’s drink and the men on the dance floor looking over at them she couldn’t help it Skye was bad for business. The eyes and the men where off the girls in the club and on her, which hurt profits, she didn’t want to know about the drugs. Honestly since Kendrick came into the club she had told Philip she didn’t like it, Kendrick unlike Ronan or Thor scared her, he was rough and had a volatile temper that she had witnessed last week with him and another stripper. When she had went to intervene Kendrick nearly struck her for Philip to shove him back. No matter the deal with Ronan she wanted the shit of the drugs out of her club.

“Oh he’s not is he? I had just assumed you dating him and all or is he just not that into you?” Skye said looking at Cassie narrowing her eyes at her while she took a sip of her drink. She looked around the club it was nice to be in the club but she knew the dangers too the drugs came out or she saw them she was going to have to leave. “Am I interrupting the romance?”

“No Jon has a real job. It must bore you doesn’t it that the men you want just aren’t that interested in banging trash anymore. Listen I’m not going to put up with this take your ass and get out of my club, don’t come back. Jon here or not.” Cassie said looking at her and then she spotted Thor walk in.

She hadn’t seen him in weeks other than in passing at the club was he here to see Philip? She had let him know she wasn’t interested hell they hadn’t even spoken since he proposed and he turned him down at the wedding. She missed their friendship something she thought would outlast their sexual relationship. She was going to say something more when she saw a customer getting rough with one of the Russians. Shooting her eyes at Skye she walked away to break that up before all hell broke loose.

Skye raised the glass to her lips taking a long drink of the martini, the bitch she thought if she only knew she was going to have Jon back in her bed moaning her name soon. Very soon if only to rub it into the bitch’s face, she saw the crowd get antsy at some man and a stripper and grinned duty and business. She followed Cassie’s eyes across the room as Thor Luciano walked in, he was handsome still had that dangerous look about him he had in high school. She turned around on the stool and waited till he sat down beside her.

“If you are looking for the red haired witch of Atlas Falls she was breaking up a whore and a customer in a booth or chasing after Jon Harrison.” Skye said turning slightly in her chair the leather blue dress she had clinging to her curves as she saw Thor looking. She pushed some hair over her shoulder. “Then again it had to sting a man like you your woman going to the cops?”

Thor looked at Skye wondering what did all these vital women truly see in Jon. The man was weak and he finally saw him clearly. He used his soft heart to pull all these women in. Then he’d throw them away when they weren’t his perfect Dani. Seeing Cassie storming around the club no doubt following Jon made him disgusted. That woman was losing all her magic to him as she folded his arm. “Why would it sting when I know that Cassie always comes back.” He leaned back in his chair letting his eyes trace her body. “I remember you, you were always in trouble and they say I’m the mobster. You’ve always been in trouble.” Clicking his tongue in his mouth.

“You however it must make you hurt because all the tabloids are saying you came here for Jackson then he turned you down, now you’re after your second choice Jon and he doesn’t want you either. Shame though he’s missing a hell of view. Trust I’d sting you all night long.” Thor said with a toothy smile.

“A girl is allowed to be dangerous is she not or is that something that is only reserved for the big boys club? You know when a woman plays by those rules we are called a whore or worse yet when a man does it they are hailed as some bad ass.” Skye said twirling her drink in front of her as she watched Cassie in the club and then turned back to Thor. Flipping her hair off her shoulder she looked over at him her eyes meeting his. “Who says I’m hurt? The tabloids talk but do they know the real story do you? When he’s bored with little Ms. Fraiser he’ll come back.”

“Cassie fucking a cop probably bugs you more than it does me honestly. You see Jon likes the fast lane too helping damsels in distress and when those damsels fail to meet his expectations do you know where he runs back too? Me.” Skye said taking a sip of her martini as she bit into the olive. She watched him watch her fingers on the glass and her lips while she took another sip. He was handsome and maybe if she was hurt he would be a good partner but she remembered Lowell’s words. “I’d have to let you sting me first now then wouldn’t I? So tell me do you think he did it?” She paused looking at the news on the TV. “Your brother do you think he would really kill your mother?”

Charming isn’t she? Thor thought to himself she did have him pinned to a wall. The woman who he spent a lifetime loving was gone. Not only was she gone she was with a cop. Folding his arm he tried to pretend like she hadn’t just hit a raw nerve on his wisdom teeth. When he saw Tristan first ripping to shreds Brenda after the abortion-gate. Then he saw the news talking about his brother and for the first time it hit him. People who were street smart knew Ronan would never get caught like this. Chugging his drink he didn’t want to admit it but more and more he was feeling like a douche bag.

“I’ll have you know if I could have Cassie back I would but to be honest she is boring. I live fast and I’ll die young but Cassie wants the happy ending. I want one too just a Thai massage parlor.” Looking at Ronan on the screen his father would be disappointed in his. Waving his glass he saw Cassie looking at Skye and him. He leaned into Skye as whispered. “Honestly no but I’m having too much fun being the Madden heir without my brother. However I do think he needs to come back from what I hear Kendrick is pretty cray cray.” He saw Cassie still watching. “She kills me. Just like you know Jon, I know her. Right now it’s driving her crazy even seeing her speak. Did she just clench her jaw? I always thought that was a cute trait.”

“Boring? Please you’re looking at her and she’s of course looking back at you. We could make this interesting she’s already an insecure harpy with me. Just play along handsome.” Skye said watching Cassie out of the corner of her eye seeing the anger on the other woman’s face the near sense of betrayal as she glared at them. Her fingers ran over his hand for a moment watching the look on his face knowing Cassie was watching as she leaned in brushing her lips against his. He tasted like his drink and that cologne he was wearing definitely was divine, she wasn’t even sure how long it lasted before she pulled back. Turning her head slightly to see Cassie fuming she looked down at Thor’s pants. “You can thank me later.”

She had worked him up and looking at Cassie pointing to her with her security she knew it was time to leave. Stepping off the stool she looked at Thor and that massive bulge in his pants he would be fun for a night but she had other priorities at the moment. Jon was that for her given their past and what Lowell needed her to do, she smiled at the bartender and then at Thor who looked both annoyed that she didn’t fuck him and amused at the same time. “Like I said Thor I know how to get what I want and right now the only thing I want is Jon back in my arms. She’s pissed at you no doubt wanting to mark you now thank me later.” She gave him her best smile as she sauntered past him brushing into Cassie on purpose on her way out of the club, yes indeed red bitch let the games begin.

Touching his lip Thor looked at Skye and smirked seeing Cassie almost looking as if she was about to burst blood vessel. She’d never seen Max drive Skye up a wall like this. His mind started to twirl with bad ideas. Call him a twisted genius and yes Thor felt horrible he killed Money out of pride. He didn’t want bloodshed now he was in the middle of a war. Somehow he’d have to show Ronan he believed him. They’d never been close and the bitterness he felt was mostly from the rage of his mother’s murder. He remembered his father last words to him and knew that the had to get Ronan out.

As he passed Cassie in the club he turned around. “Red you are all flushed man if I didn’t know better you’re jealous.” Sucking in air he shook his head. Then he grabbed his thick dick looking at her. “You worrying about the next bitch when that bitch is going to take your place in every way. You should be worried because as I see it Jon still wants her and I see why.” Licking his lips he winked at her. “Don’t be left behind as a memory, I’d hate to see Jon or me fighting for the vivacious Skye hand and forgetting all about you. Clocks ticking Red.” Thor walked out Club XES.

Cassie seethed at them both seeing Skye flaunt all over Thor and then Jon she wondered if she was ever like that, she supposed she was. Then again what bothered her more was that Jon and Thor were both taken with her. Thor had proposed to her and now it was like he barely remembered that. Did he just not remember it or was it never real, it was a means to try and prove that things were different for them even though they weren’t. Folding her arms she was seething at the kiss, what in the hell did Skye have over all these men? She glared at Thor as she watched him leave before shoving past security to head to her office. A nice stiff drink was exactly what she needed at the moment.

*********

Miranda exited the club out of the back doors and walked slowly down the street thank god her shift was over the only thing she wanted to do was go home take a hot shower and hug Quinn. It was almost over the months she had put in undercover all she needed was catching Kendrick in the act of trading the drugs. Yasmine had been by her side in all of it so far and she was not going to let her down though she was nervous about if Jon got to talk to Braden about a deal for Yasmine. Truthfully the girl didn’t deserve jail time she needed a clean and fresh start maybe some prohibition but not jail time. Kendrick had not made her sell ever since Ronan was arrested and he kept everything under lock and key at the club and she could tell tensions were high with him and Philip. Rounding the corner and stepping onto the train she let out a sigh of relief.

She closed her eyes leaning back in the seat as she looked around the car no one from the club followed her, she pulled out her phone and checked her voicemails on the ride. Once they reached her stop she walked the distance to her car getting inside and taking off her wig, her hands steady on the wheel as she pulled it out of the lot and made the twenty minute drive back to her house. Traffic was good and when she pulled up she made sure her side arm was in her purse along with her badge before getting out of the car and checking the mail. She looked at her brother’s truck parked on the sidewalk and smiled Jon hadn’t told her he was coming by. Walking in she was greeted with the shrieks of laughter from her daughter who was with Jon on the floor in some weird game of what she assumed was Twister.

“Momma!” Quinn cried barrelling into her for a hug as she watched Jon struggle to get up. “Uncle Jon says it’s pizza night.”

“Uncle Jon would be right. How was your day?” Miranda asked looking at her brother and mouthing a thank you.

“Good nana and I went to the kids museum after school and then Uncle Jon came to see me so nana could go back to the bakery.” Quinn said excitement rushing over. “I have to show you what me and nana got momma! Don’t follow me!”

Miranda watched as Quinn bounded up the stairs to her room and she heard the quiet slam of her daughter’s door before she turned back to Jon. She was going to have her work cut out for her with her daughter she was suddenly dreading the entire concept of her as a teenager. When she heard drawers opening and shutting she let out a laugh before she joined Jon in the living room on the couch.

“Thanks for helping out. Philip made us all stay late on our shift checking our bags. Something is going down and I need to know that you have talking to Braden about Yasmine’s deal.” Miranda said looking at her brother.

“That kid has had it rough so I did some research.” Jon said as he looked at his sister. “Hey what is a brother for when his sister is stripping at the local masked titty bar slash nightclub. We gotta get new jobs.” He teased happy to help with Quinn that kid was smart and she also picked up on all the beef on New Years Eve. What made Quinn truly a hoot was the fact she knew who to ask. She passed over mom, Devin, and Miranda to ask him. Chuckling to himself he wrapped his arm around his baby sister. “You know I can pull you out, Gideon has Devin and I as his golden boys but back to Yasmine. When she was six her mother almost sold her for drugs, at the age of eight she ran away because one of her mom’s johns tried to rape her, she was fourteen caught shoplifting deodorant, and at sixteen witnessed her sister’s murder. If this isn’t a case of the system failing this kid I don’t what is. The girl tough and I had to put myself in her shoes wouldn’t you do it for mom?”

Jon knew Miranda had grown to care about Yasmine. It was all in her body language right now. He felt horrible for Yasmine and the more he dug into her past the more he wanted to help. “Look if you can get Yasmine to turn on Kendrick then we would have broken the Madden hold on Atlas Falls. Once one person starts the river opens wide. Braden wants to help the girl but she has to give us something to pin either Ronan or Kendrick. Unfortunately for Yasmine, Jamal has Mason and the Devonshire on his side. He can blow smoke all day up Braden and the FBI ass but she has to give us something or she’s going down too.”

Miranda knew that Yasmine had it rough she wasn’t going to deny that at all to Jon, she had to of in order to get sucked up into drug dealing. Hearing Yasmine’s story though only solidified her decision to see it through and not leave the club something that she knew Jon and Devin would be against. Zach still was her backup outside the club he had been doing a lot better since he came back to duty after Dante and he always had her back. It was her decision at the end of the day not her brothers or her boyfriend whom she seemed to be fighting more and more with when they should be happy. She walked into the kitchen to look at the pizza menu as Jon gave her a hug and she took in the information about Jamal and the run around he was giving the Feds. It was a setback Yasmine thought of Kendrick like a brother and she wasn’t sure she could flip her to turn on him.

“Listen I don’t need you or Devin going to Gideon to tell me to get out I just can’t do that to Yasmine, she is scared and she feels all alone right now. I know you guys are both worried about me but I have to see this through at first I though arresting Ronan was enough.” Miranda said looking at her brother and still making sure Quinn was out of earshot when she spoke. Quinn just knew that her daddy died not who it was she would not bring that on her little girl. “But it’s not Jon. Kendrick is even more dangerous if at all possible you did not see him the other day in the club. This dark look in his eyes hell he almost had his men beat her down. Make Jamal’s ass talk.”

“Jamal has cushion and unfortunately for us the system is set up for the rich to get off. I can’t stop that I can push his buttons with Zach. What I mean by that is Jamal cares about Yasmine and his family. I’m going to have Diego and Zach see if putting their feet on his throat with Yasmine in the line of fire he changes his tune.” Jon said looking at her. Pulling out paperwork he looked at her. “Want to help you big brother?” He smirk as he laid the paperwork on the table. “I think I might of found a discrepancy with our police reports. So Ronan is left handed per the intake information. However if we are looking at the shooter they were right handed per the first autopsy from the coroner. This is going to sound crazy Miranda I want to come to you about this. Do you think that we have the wrong man?” Jon looked at Miranda face and knew the suspicion had rose inside of her just by looking at the reports.

“Per his statement that gun could have been stolen in Scottswood and could have been stolen. What if this is a setup and the killer is still out there? Look I want Ronan too but if this isn’t legit this shit always comes out. Miranda I’m worried about you in that club and but I don’t think there is another female who could do this no I don’t. You are tough and if you need us to come in and break up the club we will. Nothing tied back to you but we will because Kendrick won’t be hurting you. I’d kill him first or any of those girls. That power hungry egomaniac maybe worse than Ronan. I didn’t think it was possible.”

“Jamal has done some done shit and frankly I don’t care who his bank account is with I just want him to talk and implicate Kendrick so this nightmare can be over for Yasmine. If she were to turn there would be problems down the line for her at the club, on the street. He would kill her.” Miranda said, she didn’t like that though them using Yasmine as bait for Jamal. Yasmine deserved better than be some assholes measurement on his dick between Rory and Jamal. Some days she wished that Yasmine just listened to Rory and got the fuck out and stayed out. “I just promised her Jon if you and the feds are going to make a move on Jamal do it fast and quit putting it off.”

Miranda looked at the file was he serious? Was he really going to go soft on the bastard that put her husband in the ground over a fucking technicality? Looking at the reports her hand shook starring her brother down Ronan killed KC. She didn’t care how he went to prison as long as he did and as long as he paid for the suffering that she and Quinn went through. “You want me to feel sorry for him? You and I both know you can train your hands both ways to use a gun maybe Ronan has. Ronan kills people Jon that is who he is, KC that informant Benny Ruzzio it is not out of the realm that he would kill Steven and Carla. He took Quinn’s father from her.”

“Right but are we being blind because he did take KC from us. KC was our friend to Miranda and yes he was Quinn father but she isn’t hurt like you. She doesn’t have the memories like you do. I can’t help but to wonder if this is why you are so eager to let him take the fall. What about Anderson, Brooke, and Hunter? Or even though he’s a mobster Thor comes down there every other day to find out a new lead. I want him to go down in flames just as much as the next man Miranda but I swear this is just all convenient.” Jon lowered his head as he grabbed his sister’s hand.

“When I came back from Iraq and Afghanistan I was a mess. Do you remember what KC did? He took me to a ball game and I was normal for one second. For one moment I didn’t see the kids I had to kill, for one moment I didn’t see the friends I loss, and for one moment I wasn’t a killer with blood on my hands. I was Jon who along with dad gave him permission to marry sister. I’m the same guy who went toe to toe with dad saying that you could and would be the best officer and you haven’t proved me wrong yet. Miranda you aren’t the only one who misses him or wishes for Ronan to burn in hell. So what happens if somehow it’s discovered he didn’t do this? The city is liable for the time taken away time from a innocent man. Now he’s far from innocent but is he worth my career, Devin’s, hell Gideon’s because that’s what this boils down too. Our careers not revenge.”

Miranda looked at her brother almost insulted at him KC hurt, he hurt everyday for her and Quinn but was Jon being right? Was she being selfish when it came to Ronan, right or wrong she wanted him behind bars even if it was for something he didn’t do. She thought Brenda was a vile bitch but she got that she lost her husband and she got that Steven and even Carla’s family wanted answers. Looking down at the pizza menu her hand shook for a few moments hearing Quinn’s door opening, she didn’t care what Jon did with Ronan he wanted to play noble cop he could. For her risking her career for him behind bars was more than worth it as long as the bastard never saw the light of day again. She smiled as Quinn bounded into the kitchen and on the stool shooting her brother a look about no more work talk.

“So sweetheart what do you want? We can have it delivered or we can go out?” Miranda said running her hand through Quinn’s hair.

Quinn looked at her mother and her uncle before reaching for the menu. “I don’t care momma what does Uncle Jon want?”

“I have an idea let’s head to Pizza Palace. I heard someone loves their breadsticks and chicken wings.” He said looking at Miranda. “I want to spend time with the best little sister and my favorite niece it also just so happens that you’re my only niece.” Jon leaned over and kissed Quinn cheek. Then his sister and hugged her tightly. “We’re going to get him Randa I swear and when we do it won’t be on bull shit we are going to nail his ass to the wall.” Picking up Quinn and throwing her on his shoulders. “Come on Quinn it’s time to eat kiddo!”

*********

The club scene. Zach was annoyed sweaty people who all loved themselves more than anyone else. As he drank his vodka on ice as he looked around. Tawny the sketch artist from the precinct wanted to dance. He shook his head and finished his vodka tapping his glass. Vertigo was for college students and yeah he was still in his twenties but he was about to be married. Then again he was cheating also. Zach felt like a man caught between two different worlds sometimes. Zach before he came out to Zach after he did. For some reason they say coming out frees you but it set a entire different set of limitations on him. His need for a woman was suppressed and he went directly into hot flings with guys. Then when he did get a woman he was always concerned if she knew. If she knew he was with men also. Did she think less of him because he had been with a man. He was masculine as any guy on the force. That wasn’t the problem it was would people look at him differently. Hell why did it matter considering his family did. His uncle Walter hardly ever spoke until recently. Being bisexual had gotten him into a mess because now he was about to be a father. A father to a kid he didn’t want or need.

As he looked over his shoulder swearing it was Tawny again. “Hey Tawny I promise I have two left feet.” When he looked up and saw Simon he was taken back. He and Mason had been kicking it frequently. Mason was a good guy but Simon man the guy was unbelievable. Pressuring that man to come out so he could show him off to Talia and Dani. That’s all it was for and since they didn’t have to all play like they weren’t in Scarlett sick web now. “You know I would dance with you but I don’t dance with the devil. Simon how could you let this happen to Mason? Hell you are supposed to be a fixer, fix this and help your boyfriend.”

Simon had left the prison headed home to make a few calls to his trusted investigator at DGI who of course had to ask if everything involving Ronan was DGI related or not. He was not prone to letting his secrets be known and informed them that no this was a personal matter, though he supposed it was partially DGI as well. Next came the God awful mess that was Rory and the stripper, the boy simply was not letting it go like he should have Yasmine was bad news for DGI for the family and not in a cute sell it as reformation way. Having enough of work finally he stepped out and drove down to Vertigo. Vertigo was his club of choice while others in his circle liked Club XES for the naked ladies and the fun behind the scenes in Philip’s cute rooms Vertigo was friendly to his type. The boys that liked his dick and he felt more comfortable here, as he approached the bar he looked at Zach they had a fling in high school.

“You’re not my type Fraiser, you like pussy too much then again we both know for a while that was a front too. Let this happen to Mason? You mean him calling it quits on our relationship because he was too scared of his daddy finding out?” Simon said leaning on the bar and deciding on his drink of choice. He could tell Zach was even more annoyed with him and he had heard all about Mason hanging around with him as friends, not to mention Scarlett was involved crazy bitch. “Scotch on the rocks.” Turning to Zach he looked at him. “He’s not Dante you know Mason will still hide behind his fake persona even for you.”

“You selfish prick.” He said looking at Simon as he almost decked him. “You know Simon from what I understand you didn’t come from the richest family. You were a cleaner for the Devonshire’s and you see how the big boy club treats gay men who can’t fix their messes. Well do you think you’d come out? Or even better if your dad who has said homophobic things in the past and would write you out of the will in minutes would you risk it?” Truth be told when he said he wasn’t Diego that was a low blow. Truth be told Vertigo was were the gays and the trendy people in town frequented. He knew this was a gay hookup spot hell everyone did.

“I take that as a insult Rutherford. My fiancee is still with me and I’m not even ready for or to think about.” He paused looking at Simon. “Oh you’re jealous of our friendship.” He laughed looking at him. “Considering me and Mason are being blackmailed by that bitch.” Zach huffed wondering if Simon was right. Had he been spending too much time with Mason? Was he starting to feel something? It was too soon and he still hadn’t gotten over how abrupt Dante was snatched from him. “Look you keep loving Mason and he’s going to open up to his family about who he is. If you push him then that’s when you lose okay? I just need you to be there for him with this Scarlett thing. He really loves you.”

“I’m the selfish prick? Let me think about that for a moment I don’t think so you see that is the funny part everyone defending poor helpless Mason. I’m selfish yet I was the one that waited on him for years while he played his games with Scarlett?” Simon said looking at him while he took a sip of his drink everyone thought he was the asshole here, what a load of crap. He looked around the club for a moment and then back at Zach, who was probably even worse than Mason everyone knew Zach actually had a thing for women. “I’ve been out awhile Zach I’ve never tucked my tail between my legs and ran like Mason has.”

“You can take it however you want Fraiser. Your fiancee liked to frequent this club quite a bit picking up random men long before you. Friendship? I would venture to guess you’re Mason’s rebound you see he has to have some dick to cling too while he hides in a closet.” Simon said a sneer on his face for a moment and then watching Zach’s face. He was being cruel he knew that but he was also a realist. He had to hold back a laugh and then his face did get serious. “In all honestly I am and was sorry to hear about Dante his designs were a huge part of his upcoming collection and when he first presented to DGI and Jackie I told her that she would be dumb to not invest in his line. Mason wanted out so I let him out, it is very simple.”

“Look Dante isn’t here so why are you bringing him up? To get a rise out of me? I’m not interested in Mason like that. We’ve only started to bond as fellow victims of Scarlett. Look I’m not after your ex-boyfriend but to be fair Rutherford I never looked at how you must feel. It has to be hurtful to not be claimed.” For the first time he finally saw how no doubt how Scarlett felt. “Dante death was and is still gut wrenching to me. I keep thinking that what could I do better or different to save him. To make him comeback. He was so vibrant and he made me feel full of life. I never thought that um. I never thought for one second that he was going leave me so soon.” He gulped down his drink as he looked at Simon with tears in his eyes.

“Don’t worry I won’t cry it just feels like a gunshot wound that will never heal. Sorry you’re looking for ass and I’m wax poetry over a dead love. Simon you have a chance to make everything right. I cheated and lied to Dante now I can’t make it up. I call his voicemail every night to hear his voice. It’s stupid and um I pay his bill still just to hear that voicemail. You have the man you love and he’s hurting and so are you. All you corporate types pretend to be cold but seeing Jackson around Dani. I know now you all hearts and it’s buried but you do. You two need to fix this shit before you wake up and one of you are gone.”  Zach waved at the bartender for another drink.

“I am simply making a point that Dante was a respected member of our community that knew what he wanted and he apparently wanted that with you. You may not be interested in him like that but I can assure you that he is in that way with you. Rebounds Zach trust me that is his reflex and I for one think Mason should learn the value in what he has.” Simon said it wasn’t his business how Zach got Scarlett pregnant but part of him was glad it meant that Mason had to face reality on his own. Which was something he knew was good he had never wanted to push Mason but he wanted Mason to be a man and own what they were on his own. “I thought I had that with Mason but we all know how that ended. In reality I don’t hate you quite the opposite you and Scarlett made me wake up and realize Mason was never going to grow up.”

“I have no desire to me Mason’s yo-yo anymore. I know who I am Zach it is about time Mason figured that out and decides who he wants to be too. I like to read people Zach it’s why I’m good at my job it’s also the reason I knew when Jackson came home he needed your cousin. I’m not cold and I think it is sad that you see it that way. I’m openly gay and proud of it, Mason should be too if he wants to be with me.” Simon said looked over at him and then out on the dance floor. He was lonely and he knew Zach swung both ways and hearing him lament over Dante did pull at his heartstrings just a little bit. “Are you sure I can’t change your mind just one dance or two?”

“Actually maybe that’s what I need Simon.” He took his hand. “I need to feel young again it’s been so heavy these last few weeks. And seeing what my uncle did to Brenda well that was the worse. I just think right now I’m soft and maybe you’re right Mason needs to man up. But the Rutherford accept you and I wonder if he’ll get that being a black man. Look it’s historically accurate that African-American’s don’t accept homosexuality especially the men. Can’t you understand his fear?” As Rihanna Work came on he walked behind Simon and started to grind on him. The beat made him feel like he was on Island. Slowly winding behind Simon he saw he had a little bit of moves.

“You sure you aren’t a bottom? Or you one of those verse boys?” He teased him as he saw a couple of the officers on the force looking at him like he was a plague. “I hate those SOB’s hey you mind helping me with something? You want to gross someone out?” He said with a evil smile. Turning Simon around he ran his hands through his blond hair. Then leaned in and kissed him as if it was the last kiss on earth. “Thanks.” He whispered as O’Malley and Clarence looked disgusted.

Simon looked at Zach as they made their way to the dance floor and he was glad that finally someone saw it his way. Mason needed to be a man there was nothing more to it regardless of being black or not he was tired of being Mason’s second choice. He let himself get lost on the dance floor as the beat played, let Zach grind with him this was what he needed after a long shitty day. The ability to come to the club and unwind as he saw fit. He looked at the cops and Zach before he gave into the kiss. Enough to sell and though Zach gave his all when he pulled back the cops were staring at them.

“No problem. Just watch yourself with Mason. I won’t be his bitch just as much as I won’t be yours. You have yourself a good night Zach.” Simon said placing his drink to his lips drowning it. Honestly a good one night stand was something he could have done but he didn’t want too it felt cheap. Looking at the door and seeing his phone ring with Lowell’s number he made his way to the exit.

Zach was wondering what the hell he was doing? He stood in the middle of the floor shocked SImon just walked away. Was he flirting with a ex-couple? Touching his lips he walked toward the guys on the force. “Hello boys.” Zach said in a stereotypical high pitch voice. Showing them he did that for show. As he walked into the cold night he texted Mason

Hey can we talk… I just ran into Simon… It’s time to come out Mason you’re going to lose that guy. And i can tell he loves you so don’t lose your love.

Pressing send he knew that he’d have to play cupid. He won’t give up on fixing Mason and Simon. In many ways he was fixing what he couldn’t with Dante.

*********

Standing on her balcony in the room seeing her bed empty made her stomach drop. Trivial things is what she did to keep her mind off Fox. Walking to her closet she knew the best thing to do was shop. Walking into her closet she went to her back drawer and pulled it out. Moving the scarfs around she saw clothes for Fox when he finally was in her arms. After making love to Hunter she wanted to tell him about Fox. When he was talking about having a child with her, their first borns. What was going to do? Would he accept Fox? It was all so confusing right now. Bliss smiled pulling the onesie to her nose and smelled it deeply. It still smelled like her little boy. She hadn’t gotten Fox anything and she wanted him to know when he came home he wasn’t forgotten. He was loved so deeply and totally. Closing the drawer she stood up and immediately knew what she has to do. Grabbing a pair of 7 jeans, a turtleneck, and shades. She liked to do this alone in peace. She hadn’t turned on her old Iphone today to see what picture Dimitri sent. Taking the phone she knew she had to see what Fox was wearing now to get a idea how big he’d gotten.

Walking out the house she chose to drive her imported Aston Martin she jumped inside. Driving eighty miles per hour to the Rawling. When she lived on the Ilsa De Cruces she would fly up and down the streets after Dimitri beat her. She even tried to escape with Fox by ferry but Dimitri always found her. As she pulled up to The Rawling and saw her reflection she jumped. As she took off her sunglasses Bliss swore she saw her eye bruised from the first time. He would beat her body most of the time leaving bruise after bruise. Shaking her head saw no black eye in the mirror. Stepping out of the car she clicked the alarm and walked inside. Live, laugh, and love. She repeated it over and over again her therapist had said it was a calculated move to isolate her and destroy everything that meant the most to her. The sick cycle of abuse only briefly ended when she was pregnant he beat her until her stomach poked out. Walking into The Rawling boutique she passed the couture and went right to the baby section.

First it was an adorable Balmain jumper, then Atlas Falls jersey, she found Gucci boots for the winter on sell. Before she knew it a hour had passed. The clerk always looked so confused when she saw her doing this. Who was she buying all this from if she wasn’t rich she was sure this would be all over town. Turning on her phone she got a flood of messages. This time it wasn’t a joke he was threatening to kill her and Hunter when he came to Atlas Falls. He was coming she knew it but there was no picture of Fox. “Where is it.” She said scrolling through her mind instantly began to race. What if he did something to Fox? What if she never saw her baby. It was overwhelming. “Live, laugh, and love.” She said the domestic abuse mantra over again. She stepped back and bumped into Jackie. “Oh great just what I need.” As the clerk arrived with all the baby toys, and clothes she looked at the woman with a death glare. “What?” She said trying to cover the baby things up.

Jackie had left the country club to take a few more meetings one at the hospital and then a dinner at the Rawlings. She had stopped to call Lowell and inform him of her run in with Tess and like always he had explained the situation away, as if that made it right. As if it made it hurt any less to know that he and Tess had continued on for years. Returning home to the mansion was not something she was looking forward too. Instead she finished up her dinner and saw a lovely new gown inside the boutique the news playing about Brenda still. Served her right in her mind, thinking she was above her thinking that she knew any of her secrets when in fact she needed to guard her own a little closer. Walking into the boutique she was surprised to see Bliss at the counter with a slew of clothing children’s clothing and she couldn’t help the smirk on her lips.

“The ink is barely dry yet here you are planning what a future with Hunter? Maybe then again like mother like daughter they say trying to trap him. Since I don’t see anyone else that I know of that is having a child let alone a young boy. But really Bliss toddler clothing?” Jackie said picking up one of the pieces to look at it and then over at Bliss. The girl looked rattled and shaken but frankly she didn’t care she’d been a thorn in her side since she arrived. Not to mention learning that Tess had carried on for years with Lowell, just made this even sweeter. “I figured with your education you would know it does take nine months at least and then you have a whole nother year before you even reach two.”

When she touched Fox’s jumper she snatched it out of her hand. Removing her sunglasses she had enough of this bitch. Bliss drew back and slapped Jackie’s face as hard as she could. Her breathing slow and with purpose as she slowly walked face to face with her. “Stay back.” She screamed at the guards as they froze. Her hands were shaking as she looked at the older woman cradling her face. Stepping forward Bliss finally had enough of Jackie’s shit. Whatever her problem was it hit a nerve. The scars of her past started to billow out as she grabbed a display flipping it over. Her eyes had a unhinged quality to them as she ran her hands through her hair. So much was bursting to be released as she looked at the woman still in shock. She didn’t expect her to lash out like that. “I have something to stay to her.”

Bliss eyes were dark as she saw Jackie trying to regain whatever composure of them. “I’m not planning for Hunter and me.” She softly as she slid down the display clearly breaking down. “You have no idea.” She sniffled through speaking each word sound like she was hyperventilating. “I have spent my life alone and in darkness you know when I was a kid I wished I was your daughter. All the time because you loved your children. You have no idea.” She said shaking her head as she looked at up. “Have you heard of Hugo Kavanaugh? Ilsa De Cruces? God you aren’t that cultured it’s on the coast of Hungary a small Island. Natasha took me on my birthday one year and I met Dimitri Kavanaugh. It was magical actually for a time I lived on a Island and was wooed by a prince. I even married him and then a month into our marriage I burnt dinner. Then I got a fist to my face. Then another and another for a year I was a domestic abuse victim. Until I got pregnant and my baby. My beautiful baby was born and he became vicious. He used my son as a weapon to take back his place in the monarchy. He pummelled me brutally and if I didn’t run. I was dead. Don’t believe me call Natasha? Or here.” She said digging through her bag pulling out her cellphone that she had when she as Princess Bliss Kavanaugh.

“You see him?” She showed Jackie the picture of Fox in her phone. Then she scrolled through so Jackie could get an idea how sick Dimitri truly was. “This is Lowell’s second born grandchild a boy named Foxworth Kavanaugh. The second to the crown of Ilsa De Cruces and taken from me. My son is gone and it’s killing me so do you have any more jokes? You see Dimitri was hunting me when I came to Atlas Falls and you didn’t make it easy to open up and say anything. You still don’t so stay away from me and stay away from my son things. Your dirty mind doesn’t get corrupt him. You don’t get to make my memories dirty no. Get away from me! Go!” She screamed at Jackie.

Jackie’s hand reached for her face as Bliss slapped her, she took a few seconds to compose herself before she looked at Bliss letting things sink in. She held up her hand to the security at the moment, Bliss had been abused? She wondered for a moment if she was lying or not or if it was all some act in order to gain sympathy from her, Tess was always a brilliant actress. The problem was however Bliss’s eyes were glossed over in fear, it was true and her stomach dropped how could Lowell have not of known this? How could he have let it happen? More so how could as a mother Tess even allowed it to continue. She glanced at the phone and the picture of the little boy who looked like his mother it was not a lie. She took a few steps back for a moment before glaring at security to leave them be as well as the shop owner. She had been cold and cruel to Bliss since she arrived and now she felt guilty.

She wondered if Hunter knew but judging by the strong reaction Bliss had to her she would venture to guess not. She had behaved horribly taken her anger for Tess out on Bliss and now her own regret filled her she had been out of line with Bliss and now the girl clearly needed help. Looking at the clothes she knew another woman may of actually used this against her but she was and had never been that cruel as a mother she understood that you did what you had to protect your children. She also knew sometimes mother tried to do the right thing even when it seemed impossible she had had she not. When Lowell was carrying on with Tess and before she found out she was pregnant with the twins she had thought about leaving of running from Lowell. Who was powerful and at the time she wondered if he would take Chauncey from her. She took a few steps to Bliss not sure if the girl wanted her comfort or not and she kept her voice steady.

“Your father never knew did he? You can be angry at me all you want but had I of ever known about this atrocity you can rest assured that I would have done things differently with you.” Jackie said her tone soft when she spoke the last thing the poor girl needed was to be yelled at or confronted. It was not Bliss’s fault and she admired her that she got away, leaving her child however had to have been gut wrenching. “I would assume Hunter doesn’t know either. I would say the only advice I can give you is that he should know if you plan on continuing a relationship with him. Despite what you have done to my daughter’s marriage to Hunter I don’t see you as a monster.”

“Would you just be real with me.” She said leaning her head on the display. “You know Hunter and Max were done way before me. So please stop with bull.” Sitting up she looked at Jackie. “I never intended to come here like this I hope you believe me. I wanted a splashy entrance because he wouldn’t touch me around my father. And to answer your question no he doesn’t. It’s been a crazy three years and I didn’t visit. He’d come to Europe to see me and Dimitri wouldn’t let me go. When I pregnant it was scary, I feared for my baby safety into this world.” Turning her head she looked at Jackie. “I know you would have. I know you have been tender and sweet but Jackie I didn’t want that. I wanted to see how everyone would care or love me. Just being Bliss.” She said pulling her legs to herself. “I know what you’re thinking where’s Tess. You know she knew, she came to the Island and um saw my eye once.” Bliss eyes were glazed now thinking back.

“I knew for once she wouldn’t think about herself. I knew it because I just had a feeling in my body. I was just a couple weeks pregnant. I didn’t know at the time though. My instincts were kicking as a mom. She asked me what did I do to piss him off. She said I was a princess and that I was to make this work because one day I’d be Queen. That night I couldn’t sleep I had sex with him. Lying there wishing and praying I was somewhere else. I got up for some water and um I heard her. She was laughing with King Hugo then she kindly stabbed him in back with threats to reveal just how much Dimitri cared about me. I had been sending her pictures of all the bruises and stuff. She blackmailed him and took a lot money and left me.” Bliss looked at Jackie. “What kind of mother does that? I left him just like she left me. I’m no better Jackie.” Bliss stood up and she reached out to Jackie. “I want my son.” She said looking at her. “Please don’t tell Hunter yet. He knows about Dimitri but not about Fox. Please let me do it. Please help me. I need help to tell dad and everyone I don’t want to be a victim in their eyes. I just wanted to be there sister.”

“I knew Max and Hunter were having problems before you came but I also had hoped they could work through it. I see now however it was never going to work Max is very much so a mini version of your father. You coming here uprooted her place at the company in my other children’s lives. As a mother I wanted to protect them from that, from knowing what your father did with Tess.” Jackie said calmly as she took some of the items and put them into a bag honestly her mind was now on protecting Bliss the best she could from Dimitri, the press and the rest of it if Tess was going to be a bitch of a mother to her own flesh and blood she was going to help Bliss she needed someone in her corner. “Your mother has always been a cold hearted bitch I know you don’t like to hear that but hearing what she just did to you. I refuse to let that woman terrorize you anymore.” She passed the bag gently to Bliss knowing Max may dig into this and she wanted Simon on top of it when it happened.

“A mother’s instincts are a powerful thing though I doubt your mother ever had them. If your father or your brothers ever knew this they would end him do you understand that? Your father and I had our troubles with him and your mother and I thought about taking Chauncey and leaving but never in a million years would he raise his hands to me a real man never does that, a man that loves you would never do that.” Jackie said her anger at Tess seething what kind of a mother did that to her own daughter took money and ran leaving Bliss with a deplorable monster? She held Bliss’s hand in her own squeezing it gently wanting her to know they would figure something out. “You were scared and the Kavanaugh crown no doubt reached across Europe your circumstances were entirely different than you mother abandoning you to nannies and the next cock she could kneel too. It is your secret to tell Bliss not mine. As for Fox even royalty has their secrets. I expect you in a meeting with myself and Simon soon to put a play into place when you are ready.”

“Now.” She said immediately knowing that she had someone in her corner. “I want to resolve this and get my son back. I know Simon is good Jackie and I know I’ve.” She paused looking at the other woman. “I know I’ve been horrible and said some horrible things to you but I just wanted a place. My entire life I’ve just wanted a place to call my own. Thank-you for understanding me and not treating me like trash. Dimitri is scary but God I’d hate to see him up against any of us together.” She grabbed Jackie’s hand. “I never thought you’d be the one I opened up too. Thank you for making me feel like a person.” She touched Jackie hand. “I’m sorry my mother is horrible. You aren’t horrible as I thought. I have had an emotional week going back to Egypt it’s where I escaped from. I just thank-you for not being horrible to me or going to my father. Or going to my mother. I know you hate her but sometimes I see humanity in my mom. She’s funny and can really show me her heart. But then she’s greedy and power-hungry I just know I can’t trust my mother with this. I know you and um Simon care. Can um you take me to the mansion. I drove here but I can get Gordon to come back and get my car. I’m too rattled.” Bliss said rubbing her nose.

“He looks like dad doesn’t he? He’s getting bigger every day Jackie and I just want to hold him. I’m so scared he’s going to forget my face. I don’t want him with nannies and people he doesn’t know. I want him with the Devonshire’s I want him with my family.” She said touching Jackie hand she knew she’d get her son back. For some reason she knew it. “I don’t need my dad or anyone in jail. So let’s try to solve this without them getting involved first okay? You think I don’t know my dad has deep connections to Ronan? He’d make Dimitri disappear but not before I get Fox back.”

Jackie held her hand wondering if he could do this lie to Lowell about Bliss and protect Bliss from Dimitri if she could in some ways steal Bliss from Tess. She knew she could and deep down no one deserved what Bliss had gone through. She nodded her head at Bliss, in some ways it hurt that Bliss got to give Lowell another grandchild though on the other hand no one had really been trying or wanting them with her kids for awhile. The boy did look like Lowell a younger childlike version of her husband, the man who had betrayed her for years with Tess and Bliss. That was not gone from her mind it never would be but she could put that aside right now. She saw the security coming back in and handed them the bags.

“Please have Gordon drive Bliss’s car back to estate. Bliss will be taking a ride home with me instead in the limo.” Jackie said as they nodded at her and began to make the arrangements. She walked with Bliss to her waiting car as they got inside and she nodded her head at Bliss once the door shut behind them. “He does look like your father. Yes he has connections to Ronan but I don’t think your father wants to play those connections at the moment and that is not the smart move. The smart move my dear is we act like things are the same between us for your sake and Fox’s. Meanwhile Simon will do what he does best his digging.”

“You’re right we act civil to each other and everyone will wonder what’s going on. I thank you for letting me unleash on you. As far as I can tell that’s where Max get’s the ability to take a punch. I never meant to take her place with dad. You know I followed all of you. I was a little disturbed when Jackson was a homeless and that was in the media. I used think about me and Max being friends. Taking on DGI and they wouldn’t what hit them. I thought would be welcomed her no matter who my mother was. Then I came and I saw no love. I saw it was another empty moment. I’m sorry you’re helping me. I know my mom would hate this but you want to know a kicker? Fox will more than likely call you grandmother because my mom thinks she’s still in twenties. Jackie she can’t compete with you. She can’t and no matter how much she tells herself you’re it for him. We both know that. You two have true love and I’m a product of lust. Look you are the Queen of the Devonshire’s I’m just trying to find my place.” She said smiling looking at Fox picture.

“He does look like dad doesn’t he. He does this thing where he scrunches his face it’s the cutest thing ever. I can’t for all of you to meet him. He’s so cute and he’s loving. I don’t want Dimitri to teach my son a fist is the only way you can love a woman. That’s not what can learn.” Bliss laid her head on the glass. “Fox is going to come home. I hope this start the change in me and your relationship. I hope this start a change in all of our relationships. I really find myself loving Jackson and Rory. Now the other two they’re harder to love but Max has every right to hate for a long time. Chauncey he’s a ass but I guess when you sit under dad you pick all his dirty tricks. But all of them have you and it’s something I never had was a parent who truly loved them.” Bliss said as she kissed her phone. “Momma’s coming.”

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