3×20 “Where Did You Go?”
Written By: Chris Coleman, Kristi Clark and Kelly Zollo
Guest Starring: Rachel Weis (Kelly O’Connor), Michael Vartan (Kevin Nixon)
Warning: Episode may contain language, sex and violence.
Theme Song: Nickelback- Lullaby

Miranda was at one of the tables watching an older man with graying hair shuffle the cards he smelled like Old Spice and cigarettes. Not sure which one was more unappealing if she was honest. The wig she wore it was like she had never even left this gig as Mia Proctor former stripper at Club XES and store clerk for the local grocery store that had taken a break after Kendrick was murdered. She had applied to the casino as soon as they were hiring everything still in place from her last undercover mission, if Ronan knew who she really was he hadn’t said anything. She had left Quinn at home that morning with KC while she reported to work where she had been for the last few weeks to train for being a card dealer. The opening was now days away and it was the final test to make sure you knew how to deal and keep the house in the black, the gaming commission would be there opening day and like the man had told them all Ronan and DGI wanted a clean opening. Meaning no skimming three dealers had already left the program over the last week for skimming in the practice sessions.

She watched the cards hit the felt of the table, watched him put the cards in the shuffler and then watched as one by one the others went up one by one to pass off their final. It felt like she was in college again and she was almost nervous for her last exam with the police force and remained cool looking around the room. Counting the exits she easily saw between five and six that was easily up to code. The entire room was full of Devonshire influence from the gold and the cream, with the black and white marble tiles. The slot machines in their little clusters the green felt on most of the tables though the high roller tables were more crimson maroon. In the weeks she had been there she had yet to see anything fishy going on behind the scenes with Ronan and Gia but that didn’t mean it wasn’t happening. Gia’s right hand was always lurking around her or the other dealers and turning her back on him or raising her status was a bad idea. Between him and taking fucking orders from Max sometimes it was insufferable. She hadn’t liked the Devonshire princess since school and never would but right now she did work for her.

She stepped up to the table repeating what she had been doing for the last few weeks watching the woman who she assumed was from the gaming commission taking notes. She dealt the head of blackjack to the stand in guard that Ronan or Max had placed and finished the hand out. Afterwards she was handed her certification and mentally let out a sigh of relief she’d be here opening night, they were in. Meaning the last few weeks of undercover work had paid off and she and the rest were closer to bringing Ronan down. DGI and by extension the Devonshire sisters were just collateral when it came to their investigation though if this opening or casino failed who knew maybe they’d step down and join the little people. She didn’t care for them or the Montgomerys and it was hard seeing your best friend become ingrained in them if you could call Dani that to her anymore she wasn’t sure. Walking back towards the employee entrance she was ready for a break and to check in with Devin and Jon when she bumped directly into Ronan.

“Mr. Madden I’m so sorry.” Miranda bit out her tone completely even though she despised this man for what he had done to her and KC. How he had taken years from them, how he put bullets into him and let her husband float up a river. Was she thrilled he was alive at the end of it all yes but she still wanted Ronan to pay. Pay for dealing drugs, encouraging his men to start gang wars, for bringing that mess into the city she loved. “I didn’t see you there.” She finished seeing he was blocking the door.

Ronan had been in the office preparing his trip to Florida to put a loose end together though he had suspected that Gia was betraying him for a while he wanted proof, his mutual friend assured him she could provide it. Once he finished that up he sent a polite text to Max to assure her that he could handle the final staff set up for dealers. Ronan had to lay nice with Lowell’s eldest daughter. Not even Lowell was dumb enough to give him complete control of the casino so it was a partnership until he had enough legal money to do so or until he laundered enough to buy out Max and take full control. He had to take care of Gia first however and make sure that his son stayed with him for the remainder of his life, never to see that bitch again. He had been on his way out the door when he bumped into the woman in front of him, one of the dealers at the casino and a former employee at the club. He was actually sad when the lovely Mia had disappeared from the club. She had a nice ass and men paid a lot of money to see it. Looking around to wave off security as he gently led her back to the casino floor and a table.

“I was sad when you didn’t come back to the club after that unfortunate incident with Kendrick. You were one of my top if not my second money makers behind Yasmine of course. With both of you gone, the clientele simply isn’t quite the same now. I suppose this is a step up from a pole and the supermarket?” Ronan asked as they sat down at one of the blackjack tables and he looked her up and down, she had a banging body. He motioned for one of the cocktail waitresses to bring them a drink seeing Mia almost roll her eyes at him like he was inconveniencing her by having a drink with him. He took their drinks, passing one to her while he took a sip before leaning in, rubbing his fingers along her black shirt. “I think we could find a better use of our time than you dealing cards wouldn’t we both agree? Come back to the club.” Ronan said, looking at her honestly, seeing her partially mortified face at his suggestion. “I was not that awful of an employer.”

Miranda tried her best to be civil and cool, composed as she looked over at Ronan to the point that she had to lower her heart rate when he grabbed her by her elbow and led her to the blackjack table. Was he trying to hit on her? She looked around wanting to make sure his murderous fiance was nowhere to be seen. The last thing she needed was Gia to focus on her. Rumor was that Ronan was getting it from Dru couldn’t he go out and call her over or something instead of hitting on her? It wasn’t like she even ever flirted with him at the club the few times that they had seen each other she was too focused on making Yasmine her friend. That or entertaining Devin when he would come in for an update about what she was seeing, and he had to not gag when his fingers trailed up her arm and she didn’t even realize she was close to having a panic attack. Pulling her arm back completely shocked her as she broke character and Miranda, not Mia, came out.

“I’m sorry Mr. Madden. I mean Ronan, I’m really not interested in going back.” She managed to get out standing up from the seat and reaching for the certificate that had fluttered to the floor and he was pretty sure his eyes narrowed in on her tattoo on her arm, normally it was covered up under the shirt and at the club she had always remembered to put waterproof makeup over it, she had been careless with it today. Pulling the shirt sleeve down hoping he didn’t see it. “I really need to get going and enjoy the rest of your day.” She managed to get out making a beeline outside the casino room floor so she could clock out and leave.

Ronan had no idea what came over the stripper when she pulled back and made a scene and he was taken aback at the gesture he’d nerve forced a woman but he had an appetite for the pretty ones. He’d been with all the strippers in the club minus Yasmine and the woman in front of him and he clearly misread the situation at hand when she bent down to pick up the paper that had landed on the floor. He had reached down to help her pick up the paper and noticed the tattoo come out under her sleeve when she bent over. The infinity loop with the initials KC inside of it and he looked up at her and this time spent time looking at her eyes, he’d seen them before. It dawned on him where at KC’s funeral and then again at the hospital when he was arrested it was KC Rhodes wife, Miranda Harrison. Police officer Miranda Harrison to be exact and he watched her scatter off and debated about following her and ending there, but that seemed too mundane and boring.

It was better this way for KC to be wondering when he would strike next, for her to fear him while she walked into this casino to work for him. For now she was useful and playing cat and mouse with his arc enemies wife under his nose was too good to pass up, KC had set him back years and he still wasn’t over it. If Miranda was inside working the casino that meant that the police had nothing on him, no witness to what he was doing or had done she was simply there to be their eyes and ears. One of his men leaned in and he simply whispered in his ear for now the laundering needed to be moved again meaning for not he would just play with the mouse in his house.

**********

Cassie took the take out from the delivery driver from DoorDash. Cappoleti’s always set her in the right mood for food and she knew it was Thor’s favorite. His mother had always taken him there as a child and she ordered his favorite mushroom, egg and arugula pizza. Flipping her hair she brought the food into the kitchen ignoring the wave of nausea with the smell she swore she was coming down with a stomach bug or something. Hearing her phone buzzing on the counter she looked at the text from the maid at her childhood home. Whatever had her brother and her aunt Blythe been talking about that led her aunt running out of the house? She advised the maid that her aunt wasn’t worth texting her father over just yet anyway whatever could Philip be up to? Maybe he was trying to get their aunt on his side of the takeover when, if anything, she was league’s ahead since her aunt worked at DGI and Thor already had her under his eyes. Her brother, like always, was coming late to play at the table that didn’t matter. At the end of the day their father did tell her to go for the jugular and that was exactly what she was going to do.

Placing the bag on the counter in the kitchen she saw the television on letting it play in the background, not quite sure how she was still so tired lately. She heard the bedroom door open and saw Thor come out dressed of course in an amazing tailored suit and smiled at him while she got out a few plates. “I do hope you don’t mind. I figured after last night and a late sleep in I’d order brunch. I got that amazing breakfast pizza you love. Hopefully they didn’t forget the balsamic.” Cassie said looking at him while she opened up the torte she had ordered from them and then got some orange juice out of the fridge. Pouring them each a glass as she turned her nose up a bit at the pizza, setting out forks. “Do you ever regret it? You know walking away from everything with Ronan. I know that Gia is unstable and unpredictable but that was part of your inheritance running your mom’s side. Ronan just let you walk. I think that was pretty noble, very big brother of him. With the casino so close to opening you could have been doing that you know instead of working at DGI.”

Thor rubbed his hands together excited for Cappoleti’s it was his favorite. It felt safe with Cassie after all they knew each and this spy game felt much safer than mob hits. Taking a piece of pizza he instantly bit it and saw Cassie laughing. After chewing for a moment he looked at her. “Look, my path was never the mob. I did that to avenge my mom and it wasn’t Ronan’s fault she died. I guess what I’m trying to say is I’m much better in the business world. I almost died multiple times and I love my neck and this fits me much better. Getting to dismantle DGI and helping you snatch the throne for yourself. For us you know.” Clearing the crust out of his teeth he looked at her. “I wanted a clean break and no offense Ronan is far from clean. Plus he needs someone like me on his side. Powerful from outside of the mob able to move outside of those circles. He’s my brother and I think he saw my future was much bigger than the life he leads.”

Pulling Cassie to him he sat her on his lip and kissed her collarbone. “What’s on your mind? Oh please I get my favorite breakfast, you’re in my favorite robe and I see the lingerie underneath, and you have that pouty look on your face. What my dear?” He laughed looking into her eyes. “Cass I want to ask you something? Will you…Go to the casino opening with me?” Thor laughed as he felt her playfully hit him. “I have to leave soon DGI is all hands on deck. Working in that place is like seeing a well oiled machine crashing and burning. I mean I’m learning a lot about operations in the company. Go ahead ask it Cass I get a feeling I know what you want.” Thor looked at her. “What’s wrong you seemed a little preoccupied and curious. Let me guess your father or Philip?”

Cassie never saw Thor as the equivalent of his brother, this ruthless mobster that was going to line up bodies on the street or even his mother, Carla, who always wanted him out of the business. Or at least wanted him safe from the bullets that seemed to reign down on the streets during her feud with her lover Ronan’s father and Thor’s father. It was probably why he was so accepted in her social circles growing up because he was always destined to do bigger and better things. “I am just glad that you and Ronan were able to put thing aside and work out your differences. When you were put in the hospital bed during that whole mess with Skye and Gia. I felt like I nearly lost my person and I know we weren’t exactly together or anything and that maybe you did come to love and care for Skye. But I did worry you would wind up in a body bag and then when that shootout happened with Ronan, it was a lot.” Cassie said looking at him she didn’t think that she’d ever really told him that. Jon was fun for her and maybe a nice escape from her real feelings to the man in front of her but she knew once he knew she kept Miles from him it was over.

She sighed when he pulled her to his lap sitting down on him while she reached down to take another slice of the pizza, taking a bite herself before feeding the rest to him. Honestly lately it was about everything at DGI being a little heightened. She wanted her revenge on the Devonshires and to prove to her father that she was the one he should leave MontCorp too, Philip was too busy chasing women like Dru Price and strippers at the old club. Honestly he wanted to prove himself to their father he would have either shot Hunter or did something to his precious Max. “Just thinking about if we pull this off my father will hand the keys to the kingdom to be making DGI hurt and crumple it is what he has always been after. If Philip was smart he would have kept up on that Max train for at least something.” She said looking at him while she stroked his cheek for a bit before lowering her hand and undoing the robe exposing the custom LaPerla little set she had on, black lace see through bra and the barely covering thong. “You mean this little thing? I had no idea it was your favorite. So what exactly have you learned?” She asked, looking at him while her hand played with the buttons on his shirt with a grin on her face.

Thor listened to Cassie finally hearing how his injuries and end of life affected her. It was hard to think about dying but when it happens you clearly understand how precious life is. Ronan was built to be the king of the mob; he could be his own king somewhere far away. Cassie saying she almost lost her person hit him hard because for a long time she was his person. Then playing with Jon all of the sudden he wasn’t. Cassie and he had been on and off since highschool. He almost fought Hunter when they were kids over Cassie. She was always his rock and the one girl he knew no matter what she had his back. Not for money but she loved him for him and his mischievous mind. That appealed to him in ways Cassie would never understand. Coming from the Montgomery family was powerful and legendary stock she would legitimize him and that was a fact. He was wealthy but Cassie was blueblood old money. People forget the Devonshire’s weren’t wealthy but the Montgomery’s already were. He respected Forbes with nothing, he built his own empire and has still been a thorn in Lowell and DGI side.

“Oh you aren’t clever, you want to know how working with Chauncey is going. It’s complex. They all are acting as if it’s business as usual but Tess has the main office not Jackson. He’s still maneuvering as CEO and she is as well. It’s interesting and I can say the lack of order is apparent. In other words one will be voted acting CEO soon and I doubt it will be Tess because honestly the crackhead is killing it.” He looked at Cassie and rubbed her face pulling her ear close to his mouth. “However. I see cracks and ways to get in. Chauncey has been arguing with his daughter and Natasha seems mighty unhappy with SandStar’s placement in this deal with Grant. I think so many things are fragile with Max’s casino considering Ronan’s involvement I doubt everything is on the up and up. I’m going to find the skeletons and I’m going to exploit every secret because Tess legally is CEO and no matter what she’ll slip. She’ll fall and when she does.” He whispered seductively. “You’ll end up CEO and with Max underneath your shoe. After all, it’s what they all deserve. Hunter wants to be like his dad and Bliss is a good girl. I see a political future for them and she can’t do that being at DGI can she? I’m helping out a friend.” Thor laughed knowing Hunter wouldn’t see it as that but he was going to get him to see he’s been on the losing side. Dragging his lips to hers he kissed Cassie slipping tongue into her mouth. Letting it swirl around locking in with her. “Cass? You are ready to takeover everything. We are what people aren’t seeing coming.”

Cassie let out a small giggle at his statement no one would see them coming at DGI that was the beauty of it. Frankly she didn’t really want DGI; she just wanted to see it burn down to the ground. She hated everything it reminded her of and stood for she would dismantle it and sell it off bit by bit it would be nothing in this city. She let her lips glide over his own letting go her tongue collide with him pulling back just slightly to tug on his hair and bite his lip. “As cute as your friendship is with Hunter you have to remember he picked a side and it is team Devonshire. He even went as far as to knock her up. I doubt our plan will hold over well in his eyes. You’re giving up a lot for me and my family, a life long friendship. As for that casino I suppose we can make an appearance if only to support your brother. I’m sure it will go off without a bang if Max is involved. She hates to have anything out of place in her perfect little world. I can’t wait to see her feel destroyed. Did you hear how awful she has been to Sebastian Navarro?” She finished pulling back to take another bite of her torte and a drink of her orange juice, her stomach finally settling. Maybe she just needed to eat more. She was serious about Max she’d hated her since high school and lucky for the man underneath her he’d never fucked her.

“I don’t think that anyone will see what we have been planning coming and that is the beauty in it. Wouldn’t you agree?” She asked while she shrugged her shoulders a bit intentionally moving the robe to slip off her shoulders. She felt the chair scoot back and she got up before turning around and straddling his lap pressing herself right up against the bulge that was forming in his pants. She wrapped her hands around his neck before she leaned in kissing him again while she felt him tugging the robe off her shoulders and let out a moan into his mouth. Honestly thoughts of DGI, what her brother was doing with Blythe and the rest of it filtered away to the back of her mind while she grinded against him. She smiled at him devilishly while her hands went to his boxers, freeing his half stiff cock moving her thong to the side and teasing her slit. Holding him in her hand seeing the lust on his eyes while he stiffened for her and her mouth watered. “I don’t think we need to talk about DGI anymore do you? I’d much rather you fuck me.” She asked seductively when he was rock hard she eased him into her pussy letting out a moan at the action while her hips took him in inch by inch.

Thor grunted feeling her sliding down him as he rolled his eyes instantly feeling her warmth surrounding his hard cock. Gripping the sides of her hips he began to make Cassie ride him faster. Gazing into her eyes he felt so complete with this woman. He was completely in sync with his soulmate. They would hurt each other because they were wounded as children. They didn’t believe in love until they loved each other. Unleashing a low growl in her ear as he nibbled on her neck. Rocking his hips digging deeply inside of her. As he opened his eyes he saw her throwing back that mane of red luscious hair. Dear God wasn’t she beautiful? What did he do to deserve a woman who knew him so well? Right now he began to pick Cassie up and in midair and made her bounce on his cock as his eyes began to roll in the back of his head. She was so wet, and tight. It felt so good to be this deep pushing into her and knowing that they were together now, Skye wasn’t his but Cassie was. Feeling her contracting against his thickness. “Fuck Cass.”

Wrapping his arm around her waist he slowly raised her up by her hips and moved her down. As she slithered around his body as he looked into her eyes. “I love you, do you hear me?” Holding his arms around her back as he grinded into her. Knowing his body was tensing as he gasped into her mouth. Knowing he wasn’t going to last much longer and she wouldn’t either. Thor could feel her trembling as her legs wrapped around his waist. “Fuck Cassie I’m going to cum squeeze on my cock. Just like that squeeze that cock and I’ll keep fucking you.” Thor heard her moaning as he kissed her collarbone. “Fuck me Cassie.”

Cassie was content to let her body snake down on Thor’s while they sat on the kitchen chair and she let out a moan at him throwing her hips down on his own. She had been in the mood to take the lazy and slow route first but instead threw her head back at the sensations letting him set the pace. She closed her eyes at the action letting out a moan when his lips traveled on her collarbone, her hands resting on his neck. She and Thor were in the perfect place for each other this time and maybe that was why the sex between them was so good in her mind lately. Not that her other lovers weren’t up to par she always was satisfied but with Thor there was a deeper connection. A connection that had been there since they were teenagers at the time she thought it was just that a little crush and something that would fade away her father had told her so. In truth, while no man she knew would ever be good enough for her in Forbes Montgomery’s eyes, Thor was perhaps the worst choice seeing how his father was a career criminal and raised by a single career criminal mother as well. “Right there.” It was the only thing that she could moan out in that position the way he was hitting her clit in the chair.

She almost started trembling before he lifted her off the chair and she was pretty sure she heard it hit the floor when he stood up and knocked it over. Her lips had met his in a searing kiss while she leaned back a bit letting her hand grip the edge of the table for a little leverage lucky for them it was made of solid wood. She wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her ankles in the process while she tightened down on him. “I love you too.” She moaned looking into his eyes, her mouth open in pleasure while he felt him tensing with his hips flexing into her. She squeezed down again on him content to let the sensations build even further her own cries filling the dining room as she did. She finally felt her legs start to tremble as he finally sent her over the edge and she gripped his hair between her fingers pulling roughly. “Thor.” She managed to moan out into his mouth, her hand then moving to his neck to grip him tighter while she continued to shake, waiting and eager for him to finish too.

Thor screamed out grunting in pleasure as he held Cassie’s body in his arms as he filled her up. He huffed in and out as he exhaled holding her body in midair. He felt himself getting soft as she slipped down out of his arms. He grabbed Cassie’s face and looked into her eyes. Lowering his head and kissing her again. “I gotta go get cleaned up, you know work and all. Babe, we are going to take down DGI and rule MontCorp together.” Picking up his shirt and clothes which would now have to be dry cleaned. Walking into the bathroom he turned on the shower. “Are you going to join me? I mean I’m already late, might as well make it worth it.” He yelled out.

Cassie was on cloud nine while he came inside of her content to just be lovers for a bit on the dining room table and she looked at him when he sat her back down, deciding not even to close her robe. Her lips kissed his own back when he bent down and she fluffed her hair watching him gather his clothes before making his way back to their bedroom. He was already late for something at DGI and it wasn’t like Hunter would allow him to be fired and she picked up her orange juice thinking about the words late. Taking a sip she smiled slightly to herself. She was very late, the test had come back positive. Not that she had ever really planned on the result but she loved Thor. They could make it work with their child and she would tell him after the casino opening. “Coming.” She softly called out down the hall finishing the juice waiting for her stomach to settle before she walked down the hallway content to indulge in another round before he headed off to his meeting.

**********

Jackson’s mouth was dry as his eyes blinked open. The smell of booze and cheap perfume attacked his nostrils and his head was pounding. The room was spinning as he sat up and he wondered what was Dani wearing? Where was he? A mid line room at the Crestwood? They must have been so horny. As he sat up on the side of the bed his eyes tried to focus in on the side table. Jumping out his very own skin as he saw the lines of coke. It was pure, it looked like powder. He could tell the good shit just by eyeballing it and his mouth almost watered for a hit. To be taken away from whatever this was. As his stomach clenched feeling unease of what he was seeing. Looking around he saw Dani in the bed and he began to pull the covers back from over her head. It was when he saw the wild red hair he realized who was in his bed. Jumping back he shook his head and cleared his throat. Trying to figure out why he was naked? Why was he in bed with her? What happened last night? Why couldn’t he remember anything? His eyes started to blur with tears. What had gone down? Pulling up his boxers he cleared his throat again. “Get the hell up right now!” He commanded as he stared at Dru’s body starting to awake.

“Dru get up!” He screamed as he watched her roll out of the bed. His lips quivered as he stared at her, throwing her hair back. “Dru what happened? Why are drugs around me? I’m not using and this is a violation! I don’t do drugs anymore. Why am I naked? I told you I didn’t want you what happened? I don’t remember a damn thing Dru! I am not an addict anymore. I don’t do that anymore. I don’t!” He said trying to convince himself because honestly he didn’t know what he did. He blacked out and his heart was breaking. What had he done? Being naked told a story. The coke by his side of the table and Dru naked in his bed. Had he given into a carnal urge? Why of all people would he make this mistake with her? Rage started to boil inside of him as he flipped the side table on the floor. Letting the coke fall like snow on the ground. His heart began to pound as he looked at Dru. “What happened last night? What have you done?” He screamed at her. “What have you done Dru? Why would you take advantage of me like this?”

Dru laid in bed listening to Jackson finally stir awake. They had taken the video and she had her price for it. Pierre would pay if he was going to take down an empire she would get paid from it. This tape was worth its price in gold and she was going to chime in on it. When she heard him clear his throat she felt a slight sadness for him. No he didn’t do coke. Nor did Jackson even sleep with her. She put on a convincing show though and she felt good doing it. Dani’s perfect life would go up in smoke and she would be left with nothing. She would own the Fraiser house, have the O’Connor’s money, and her blackmail price for the video. It was going to be the perfect ending to her reign of terror. They would always remember Dru Price but never know Kendall Richardson was alive and well. She had taken all from them and she had gotten exactly what she deserved. Nobody would forget how she ruined Jackson and Dani. As she heard him screaming at her. She rolled out of the bed wrapping a sheet around herself.

“Take advantage of you? Are you fucking kidding me? I found you stumbling drunk and you begged me to call Ronan or anyone for some coke. You’re crazy!” She said furiously knowing she would have to act the hell out of this. “Look I know you want to be this good guy Jackson I know you want to be this angel. But you begged for that coke and I got it for you. You did it and we made love all night. It was what you wanted and I am sorry but I fed your beast and I enjoyed every moment of it. I don’t regret what happened and you shouldn’t either. You are just like Lowell, a man of many needs. Let me take care of you again.” She said trying to seduce him now that he was vulnerable. She hated that he never took her advances. Was she ugly to him? Why didn’t he want her? Did he not see the beauty in her? Why didn’t Jackson want her? That burned Dru up and she wasn’t going to lose to her big sister. Not anymore she was going to win this war and take what was her’s. Dani married rich but she wouldn’t be happy. Stepping closer to him she rubbed his cock through his boxers as she looked him in the eyes.

Jackson looked at Dru horrified at what was happening. He grabbed her by her hands and tossed her on the bed. As his face contorted in a sense of horror. He had used and his heart was pounding. Why had he sacrificed more than a year of sobriety like it was nothing. He just tossed away his wedding vows and the betrayal of Dani was palpable. How was he going to fix this? What had he done? Why was he doing this? His teens flew by because of drugs and being a young adult was a blur but he had twins of his own. He had a life that he loved and a wife he fucking worshiped. Why had he given all that up for her? Looking at Dru’s shocked face at how he threw her. Stepping back he scooped up his tossed clothes all around the room and shook his head. “You knew I didn’t want you and whatever happened I wasn’t in my right mind. I don’t want you! I hate you! I hate you!” He screamed at her looking disgusted as he continued to shake his head almost to remove the words from his mind. How could he be so weak? What happened last night? What had he done? She was right about one thing, he must have fed the beast. That he gave into something that hadn’t been there for a long time. Jackson unintentionally fell back onto the couch backing away from Dru. “Please understand this. That you’re fired. You aren’t to come near me or my family. You hear me? You’re fired and stay away from me. This will not end up good if you try me. I am one of the most powerful men in America, I’ll end you.”

Jackson couldn’t believe what came out of his mouth. Yet he had no choice but Dru had pushed him into a corner. “You think your pussy is more powerful than the millions Ronan will pull in from The Nightingale? That casino or you? He will choose money and power and I will have you vanish. You understand? Get out of Atlas Falls or else I will make you disappear. Are we clear you are to leave as soon as possible. Or I will find a way to get rid of you and nobody you love or care about will ever see you again. I am the CEO of the most powerful company in America! I will end you, do you hear me?” He screamed as he slipped on his pants. Walking closer he sat on the bed with Dru. “You got what you wanted but the price is your life. If you value it Dru you will leave. You aren’t important, special, or anything to me. Do you hear me? You were the biggest mistake I’ve ever made. I’ve had enough of this game and if you don’t leave I swear to God. I’ll kill you myself and bury the body. I won’t lose my family for this mistake.” Jackson declared as he looked at her.

For the first time she felt a chill run down her spine dealing with Jackson. She saw his determination to not lose Dani and his words actually did scare her. He was deadly calm and how menacing he was felt unexpected. He was willing to kill to keep his family. When he told her she wasn’t anything to him. She felt cheap and that disgusted her. All her seduction had failed and it pissed her off that he didn’t want her even at this state. He made her feel so disgusting and at this very moment she sniffled. For the first time she saw what she was doing to this man. He wasn’t this bully and now here he was threatening her life. Same as Sean O’Connor after she told him she was leaving Cape Kenitrich. She wanted Sean but he didn’t want her once she was eighteen. He was a pervert and he was the weak link. Dru could still remember going to Norma Jean’s house and getting her drunk. Until she found Dru’s social security card and eventually took over Dru’s life. Nobody knew what she did but a week later she was on a bus to Philly and the rest was history. When she found out who her parents were, it was her duty to make them feel like she did. She lived in trailer parks while Anderson, Hunter, and Brooke had the safety of mansions. Dani and Braden had the comfort of a family who truly loved them. She was stuck with a racist and battered woman. Nothing would prepare them for what she experienced growing up and she wasn’t going to apologize for making them all suffer.

Each one she took something from them. Anderson and Hunter’s political future was still in flux because of her move against them by revealing Steven to be KKK. Brenda’s position in the city had been forever tarnished. Brooke had the man she truly loved in her eyes Ronan under her spell. Braden’s abuse of power was revealed because of her and he lost his job. Dani’s family was in her hands and she would explode soon enough. “I’ll leave but if you think that you can erase what happened Jackson. I’m in your blood now. I’m a part of you and those drugs in your vein. It might not be me but someone will sense that you are howling at the moon Jackson. You are a wild wolf and you shouldn’t be domesticated. It hurts but let it hurt now. Soon you will understand how it feels to be CEO. The power to have anything and anyone you want. I know you are angry but I want more and I want you.” Dru said with a pleading look in her eyes.

“Are you deaf? Or dumb!” Jackson screamed jumping up. “Get the fuck out of Atlas Falls or bitch you’re dead.” Her words echoing in his head. He was just like Lowell, a man of little regard for his family. A man who betrayed his wife countless times and born out of that was his children of affairs. He thought he had a brother and that was a sick lie. Something he would never understand was his father’s alliance to Linus. How he let his name be dragged through the mud for months and a year straight. Now he was in the very same predicament. “When I come out of the bathroom you shouldn’t be here. I’ll arrange money to be transferred to your account. Get out of Atlas Falls, Dru do you hear me or I swear to God.” Jackson got up and walked into the bathroom slamming the door.

Dru jumped as she covered her mouth and closed her eyes smiling knowing it was all about to be in her favor. She was about to dismantle his life and if she had to leave then after she burned down so many in the wake of her revenge. He thought she was going to leave quietly? Right now she would slip away but soon Pierre would have that tape for an expensive payout. Her family would never know that Kendall survived and how she made them all pay. It was a revenge that tasted twice as sweet knowing she was going to escape without anyone knowing. Whatever would happen next Jackson would be after her and she wasn’t going to make it easy for him to get her. Picking up her dress she wiggled into it and picked up her phone texting Pierre to meet with her. As she heard a small whimper coming from the bathroom. God the man was crying? She couldn’t handle this. Her niece and nephew would never now have a happy life because she would ruin that. She didn’t want to hear him crying. Grabbing her jacket she knew she was about to destroy Jackson and Dani’s happy ending. Dru stormed out the room as she texted Lex as well to meet her.

Jackson slid down the wall as he hit his head on the wall repeatedly. Punching his head trying to remember the events of the night. How he could hurt Dani and his twins. Donovan and Jolene didn’t deserve a father who was so flawed and fucked up. How could he betray his kids like this? How could he just hurt them so deeply? Tears began to fall down his face as he gasped crawling to the sink. He turned it on to drown out his cries. As he heard the door slamming closed he let out an audible gasp. Unable to breathe he wasn’t able to help it. He was having a panic attack because he knew once Dani found out it was over. She had made it clear drugs were the one thing she couldn’t handle from him. His heart ached as he finally figured it out. He finally saw what he had done. He had become his father as Jackson began to cry out for God or help he wasn’t sure either could do a damn thing. He had crossed a line again and he wasn’t sure he’d ever get to go back. He cheated, the trust was broken and he wasn’t the man that he thought he was. He judged his father and now look at him. In the same place and predicament. Shuddering wondering if he could fix this. If he could figure out what his next move would be Jackson just knew he had to get back to where he was before this night. Before he did reprehensible damage to the happiness he built. Before he cheated himself out of everything good that ever happened to him.

**********

Mason was happy and yet sad even unnerved a bit at the same time when the plane finally landed in Atlas Falls from sunny and romantic Florida. Happy because they had an amazing honeymoon while they were there, the best food, the best sex of his life and they even looked into maybe moving there down the line the gay culture there was thriving for their community. The sad and unnerving part sitting inside the O’Connor mansion, dealing with a racist like Harry. Moreso he knew time was ticking for them to expose Kendall Richardson and her ruse as Dru before she caused any more havoc or damage to the people that they both cared about. She clearly wanted revenge on her family. The one thing he couldn’t figure out was why not just come out and tell Brenda and Walter who she was? Had she seen how he treated Brenda like she walked on water, hell he felt awful for Zach’s aunt about the entire situation. Walter always wanted Brenda; he hadn’t exactly made that a secret since their divorce. He had a ton of work emails to catch up on when he got back to the office and client phone calls but they had to get through the casino opening first.

Technically he was still on his honeymoon since the opening coincided with Zach’s assignment and his two weeks walking off the plane as they made their way to the baggage carousel he looked over at Zach. He had been quiet on the flight back home and he wondered if that was because he wanted to nail Dru or if he was just anxious about the upcoming sting at the casino. “So I think with what we learned first things first we get one up on her and maybe let Dani and Jackson in on the loop, she’s around the twins a lot we could have Diego or KC run a DNA sample. We can’t just go out and accuse her of doing all this shit without proof. Legally speaking there is no crime in her being your cousin. However stealing an identity and running with it, employment fraud, stalking and invasion of privacy are things that are a crime. Maybe we will confront her in front of them after we get the test back and get a confession out of her.” Mason said seeing their luggage come around and lifting it out while he noticed KC walking towards them. “First class service from the feds for a ride to the casino sting why KC you shouldn’t have for Zach.” Mason finished, looking at KC.

KC was still uneasy with Miranda going undercover and he felt it was playing with fire he however wasn’t going to harp. She was going to go undercover and was going to make sure that they nail Ronan. He wondered how he got so lucky with Miranda but looking at Mason and Zach they had the newlywed glow. Both of them were sunkissed and he couldn’t help but feel the happiness radiating off of them both. For him it was a no brainer to be here for Zach. He texted him to meet him at the airport. Whatever this was, it was important and with Jon acting out lately he doubted he felt like he could call him. So here he was helping Jon build that bridge. “You know Jon apologized to me and Miranda. He said something about speaking with you. I mean I could call him to help with whatever this is. I’m hoping it has something to do with Kieran because I get a feeling that kid is going to knock our socks off. I can’t wait to meet you two’s son so what is this? Come on you two you know I’m like a kid at Christmas and I get a cryptic text to meet you both at the airport upon arrival. Come on, I have to know.”

As for this sting he felt like it could be compromised if Miranda was recognized and he could feel dread actually. If they didn’t get Ronan and she was spotted and or marked. What would happen to his wife? What would Quinn’s life be at that point? He wouldn’t put his kid through that again. He wouldn’t leave again and whatever happened Quinn would know daddy fought to get back to her. KC looked at them and saw how serious they were and instantly thought maybe he didn’t want to know. “Okay you two are scaring me what’s happening Zach? Mason?” KC asked as he looked at them, feeling his stomach in knots.

Zach got in the van as he watched the rookies picking up his luggage. He laughed in his mind at how KC’s presence had changed the station. Along with the rest of changes and hearing Jon was trying to reach out was good. He knew that guy would get it together. He wasn’t sure if Dani would forgive him but that was between them. He held a flame for his cousin and he wasn’t going to pretend to understand that situation. Dani somehow got him through combat and that was an unspoken love and bond between them. She might not love him like that but she always loved Jon, and he did as well. He knew what KC was doing always the glue to mend them together and a olive branch. Zach wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t take it. “I think if you can’t handle this I would have no problem for Jon joining in. In fact Jon or Devin.” Getting in the van with Mason looking at his husband. “We are dropping him off first.” Zach said as he cleared his throat.

“Remember my uncle Walter and Brenda were supposed to be together? That they were going to divorce their spouses and be together but it didn’t happen. Well I don’t know if you know it but Walter and Brenda had a kid who was supposedly dead. Kendall Richardson well I have reason to believe that Kendall isn’t dead. In fact she’s alive and well in Atlas Falls. She’s masquerading as a dead woman by the name of Dru Price. Dru, who is my cousin’s nanny, is actually their biological aunt. I’m disturbed and seeing where she’s from. Look she’s in deep with bad people and she might be after my cousin. I can’t watch Miranda back and look into this. Mason will help you and feel you in. But I need you to break some rules and get her DNA and.” Plucking his hair he handed it to KC. “Mason will acquire the DNA of Dani or Braden if needed. Look I’m not about to play like this isn’t serious but Miranda needs me and I have to let her know I have her back. This is all happening so fast but I need to make sure Dru is stopped from whatever she’s doing and I have to be at this opening. If tomorrow we nail Ronan then we do it together and she can’t be alone. Alright?”

KC head leaned back in wide eyed shock hearing what Zach was saying. “Wait so the kid everyone thought was dead is alive? Not only that she’s using someone else’s identity oh man this isn’t good at all Zach. Do you two know what she’s after and why do I feel like there is more to this story. You both still have that grim I’m holding more shit back. Enough with him Mason you’re a lawyer he’s going to pussyfoot around it. I’ve known him my whole life and honestly you’re more blunt out of the two. Mason, what else is it?” He saw Zach lowering his head. “Fuck its bad as hell isn’t it.” KC turned the corner heading to Zach’s home. Looking at his hair. “We’ll get Dani’s DNA.”

Mason had sat silent in the car furious as he read his emails looking at the font on a few contracts apparently clients didn’t think it was cute, fucking Lex. He typed a reply off to Julian that he would handle and smooth things over once the opening was over and listen to Zach explain part of the Kendall Richardson saga to him, maybe not all of it but some of it. Honestly that was what he was going to call it from now on because calling the woman Dru seemed reprehensible and it wasn’t her name. “There is the matter that someone has been messing around with Dani’s phone which really kick started this entire investigation that Zach and I went on. Plus I have a feeling along with Zach that she may be behind other things that have happened, like Braden having to resign. All the years in office and someone leaks it to the press about everything about Tamara? Her odd coincidences when it came to just so happening upon a cushy job at the Pub and then getting hired as the nanny. Her dress at the Summit I don’t slut shame but she did it for attention for the spotlight why, you know?” Mason said leaning back in his seat for a bit seeing KC’s brain already playing catch up.

“I believe in luck sometimes but no one is that damn lucky so many times in under a fucking year I can make sure you get Braden’s sample or one of Dani’s we just need it ran as soon as possible. But Zach is right she has ties to Ronan and other huge players. Something went down with Kendall and the O’Connor’s.” Mason said seeing KC almost slam on the breaks and then looked over at Zach seeing the rookies tailing them he thought it was cute that his husband wanted to protect him. He loved this man in this car with everything in him but tomorrow was the casino opening and he knew that Zach needed to be there for Miranda. “Yes I mean those O’Connor’s I didn’t exactly stick around long enough to let them torture the information out of me about why we were really in that house but she got mixed up in them enough that she spared Kendall. She never does that like ever from what I know who knew a noble mobster. My point is she wants to know where Kendall is, meaning it had to have been bad. Meaning not only did she steal Dru Price’s life she has a target on her back from them all it would take would be for someone to figure out the woman Ronan is bedding is also Kendall from Kelly and we could have a war here in Atlas Falls. I think everyone in this car is in agreement. We don’t want that for anyone we love Miranda, myself for Zach, Zach for his entire family.”

KC gulped knowing that a bomb was literally set in Atlas Falls. When Mason declared he didn’t want to be tortured he’d read the files on the O’Connor’s. They weren’t to be trifled with and honestly he feared if Kelly were to uncover Dru or Kendall. It could lead to all types of repercussions through town and if she was the reason so many strange things were happening. Then it dawned on him.  “What about the Kincaid’s? Remember that video leaked of Steven being an utter racist at Jackson and Dani’s wedding? Nobody figured out how it got out there but if you were doing maximum damage to your family wouldn’t dismantling Brenda and Steven’s pristine image go along with that. Jesus, she has to be getting help from someone. How would she even find that? You’re right and we’ve all been so divided lately we haven’t been seeing what’s going on. I hate to say this if Jon was around he would have sniffed this girl out.” KC’s heart was pounding,. whatever was going on could lead to a lot of damage. “I’ll run the DNA test with Mason and you protect my girl.” Pulling up to the red light he dapped Zach and looked at Mason who was fully protective husband and Fraiser mode. It was a sight of a Delacroix all up on a Fraiser side and riding for them so hard.

As KC pulled up a few blocks away from the Nightingale Casino in the dummy van for Zach he looked at the lovebirds and smiled. “You two are already on adventures. I’m scared for anyone who crosses you two. I’m going to take a walk to the van and clear a few things out work on the sound with Miranda. Talk to her for a second. You two have a few moments alone. Listen if this is all true Dru or whatever her name is, is about to face a slew of charges. Whatever she has done can be undone.” KC said getting out of the SUV and walking to the van.

Zach wondered if they were doing the correct thing. “Tell him the coroner in Cape Kentrich was paid off a lot of money and two years ago in Puerto Rico turned up dead. I’m thinking it goes back to him and wondered what Dru offered him. Either way I think we both know Kelly O’Connor did this and if she finds Kendall it could lead to a big conflict and I nor do any of us want that. You know so let’s figure this out and try to protect this city and my family from whatever agenda this girl has.” He said, reaching over as he touched his face. “Tonight intel says that things can get dangerous, tomorrow so I just want you to know I want those wagyu steaks and that Cajun shrimp twice baked potato.” Zach laughed knowing he was about to go into a dangerous situation but he wanted Mason to be comfortable with that. He understood it was temporary and not forever but right now he was after Ronan Madden and taking down an international drug and mob cartel. This was his motivation they took KC away and would keep taking if they didn’t stop them and this was their chance.

“I’ll see you soon okay and Mason.” Then it dawned on him. “Here I got you something in Florida.” Pulling out a box it was a gold plated flash drive with all his information on Scarlett and the FBI files on where she was spotted. Including where she could be going and who could be funding her escape. “It’s just something I want you to help me go over. With the Devonshire’s connections and Delacroix influence I think we can smoke her out and if that’s the case well, we could finally get our son back.” Leaning in kissing Mason’s lips. “I love you.”

Mason watched as Zach and KC did their thing whatever it was that cops or FBI did to unravel a case and theories it was almost like the law. In this case maybe it would lead to something big on both ends ridding Dru from Atlas Falls. What she was doing was illegal and if they could prove it was her with the phone that was it, she was getting help from someone he just wasn’t sure who. For the FBi maybe if Dru was connected to the O’Connors’ that meant that they could have something on Ronan too. He looked at Zach while the rookies held back knowing that Zach for tonight was spending the night in the van on a stake out with KC. Meaning dinner tomorrow after the opening where they raided and arrested Ronan they would celebrate with the full spread. He’d look at everything on the thumb drive and see where Scarlet was and pass the information along to the appropriate people thanks to Jackson’s connections.

“I’ll miss you but I know that tonight you want to be here to make sure everything is ready for tomorrow night and besides sleeping in this isn’t exactly my style. As for dinner we’ll make a date of it by arresting that son of a bitch and booking him. I’ll have dinner ready and waiting along with champagne on ice.” Mason said leaning into the middle of them and leaning in to kiss Zach on the lips while he pulled back. He saw Zach grinning back at him and he raised his eyebrow up at him for a moment with a grin. “We can then make love and continue on this honeymoon. I really do need to check in at work tonight and I’m just a phone call away in case you need someone to talk to. In case, coming back from the dead over here is too boring. Just kidding.” Mason said seeing KC glare at him while the van door opened and then he stepped out of the car while he followed two officers down the sidewalk casting a glance back at the van knowing they were one step closer to everything they wanted.

**********

Jon looked around his house and felt butterflies at this very moment. He had been waiting to spend time with Miles and honestly texting Whitney was beginning to become normal. From the day of their talk it was life that was going better. He had to speak with Dani but he knew she wasn’t in the mood to see him. To him it seemed that Ryan was an absentee father these last few weeks.He didn’t know much about the lumber industry but he did know that Whitney and him were talking. He found out Miles and Morgan’s current favorite snack was organic cheese puffs from some farmers market. He happened to buy the biggest bag they sold. He also had toys all around the house. Just for Miles his fire truck, all his race cars, puzzles and all sorts of trinkets everywhere. When Miles left he’d clean them up but he thought he should be the fun uncle. That’s what Whitney and he chose to tell Miles. Well talking to her she seemed lonely. He knew that Ryan was coming home tonight and maybe communication would subside but for a brief moment he felt included. Like his opinion mattered when he told Whitney to sign Miles up for little league since he loved baseball. All the Harrison men played baseball. He was a Walker and he knew that but it didn’t mean some traditions had to end. Walking to the kitchen he had fruit snacks, real fruit, juice pouches and some candy for today. He wanted to be prepared for Miles and Morgan.

Walking to the living room he saw the SUV pulling up and his heart swelled. He didn’t know if he should help her and look creepy or should he sit back? What the hell? Jon opened the door and walked outside and saw her letting out Miles from his car seat. Waving at Miles and winking at Whitney. As he began to unfasten Morgan’s seat belt staring at her cherub rose colored cheeks. He smiled at Morgan immediately tickling her belly watching Morgan laughing made him laugh. Her little giggles were infectious and he pulled her the entire car seat out and walked to the house. “This is my place.” He said proudly feeling like a kid wondering what Whitney thought. “I’m sorry if it’s overkill. I just got some things at the store and pulled some toys out of my parents place. If it’s too much I didn’t know what they like it’s just the first time I’m spending time with Miles and Morgan. She’s beautiful Whitney, truly your family is beautiful.” Jon knew after this he was going to the Nightingale Casino opening the next day. “How are you? Ryan’s back today right?”

Whitney had chosen to drive herself a simple lie to the nanny and her other driver on a normal day at the local children’s museum for her and the kids there was no need for security. She had made sure that she wasn’t followed  before she turned down the street to Jon’s house. Jon and she had been talking ever since their first meeting, little and normal things, she’d even venture to say that she was talking more to him than her own husband, who wasn’t home. He of course was flying in later tonight to be able to be at the opening tomorrow and they’d have a discussion one she knew would displease her father but it was time. Neither she or Ryan were truly happy and they hadn’t been in years, they could quietly separate after the election Lex could handle the divorce, Ryan would always be a good father to the kids but as a couple? They’d tried and it never worked. He was traveling for his family company and knew his nights consisted of being with Nova. Pulling up to Jon’s house she looked over it was modest if anything though she knew that Skye lived there in the suburbs it was almost like hell to her or worse foreign.

She smiled at him when he had come out to help her when she got Miles out who seemed to bolt right up the front steps and into the front door. She let Jon carry Morgan in her car seat and she smiled over at him when he talked about the house. She saw the toys inside and laughed when she saw Miles starting to play on the floor with the fire truck, she got Morgan out and put her on the rug seeing Mercury in her kennel. “You can let her out, they need to get used to being around animals, besides puppy breath really is something I think a child should see every once in a while. I’m okay just gearing up like the rest of this city for the casino opening, Ryan will be home later tonight he’s taking the red eye in.” She said not quite sure how to make this entire thing less awkward with her and Jon while she looked over at him. She wasn’t going to plague Jon with a shit ton of her problems with Ryan and she was pretty sure Ryan would know she had come before she left. “I did sign Miles up for that baseball thing; he’ll be in t-ball but it’s a start he was really excited about it. He is part of you and I think that is a part of you that we can agree on.” She placed her hand on his for a moment before speaking. “Miles come here for a minute.”

She waited a moment while her son put the toy down making sure it was out of reach of his sister for now before she decided to take off after it. She was almost two but for now was content with the wood puzzles. When he reached her she placed him in her lap and then spoke. “So you remember how mommy and daddy said that we were coming over here today? We wanted you to meet someone really special. Now you already met him as the really nice policeman and silly mommy forgot to really introduce you.” She said pausing and kissing the top of his head. “This is your Uncle Jon.”

Miles titled his head up at his mother before he looked at the really cool police officer that he had met at the ice cream shop with his Aunt Dani. If this man was his Uncle that meant that he had to have been important to his mom and dad. “Hi, is it kinda like Aunt Skye? Is she here too?” He asked, wondering about the other woman that came in and out sometimes.

Whitney’s heart was beating so fast she wasn’t sure if Miles could hear it or Jon it was the most innocent question and she looked at Jon when she answered. “No baby, remember she went on a trip. She got really sick and needed some help. But Uncle Jon is exactly like your Aunt Skye. Did you know that Uncle Jon likes baseball too? Isn’t that right?”

Jon was amazed at how smart Miles was and how immediately caring he was about Skye. His heart was beating so fast as he thought it was going to burst out of his chest. For a moment he didn’t catch his cue he just stared at the miniature him. He had his same curly mop hair and those puppy dog eyes that he perfected as an adult and kid. He nodded at Mason. “My favorite sport, kid. Look I know you have your dad but I’d love to help you learn if you need any help with baseball. I can teach you and we can figure it out like an extra coach who happens to be your uncle. Is that cool with you? Plus whenever you and Morgan come over here all these toys are yours. Both of yours because uncle Jon will always be there for you two.” He saw Morgan playing with the dolls and teddy bears he’d bought. Extending his hand for a high five Miles slapped it and he felt such an instant connection.

“Now if you want I got my mom to pull out all my baseball cards. You can see who was a big player when I was a kid. Sammy Sosa and a lot of other players were my inspiration.” He saw Miles skipping on to the baseball station he set up. Jon exhaled as he looked at Whitney wondering what Miles was thinking. “Did he like me? Did I do good? Am I overdoing it? I can pull back. I just want him to always want to come over to see me. Have our little time because I’m the cool uncle you know?” Grabbing Whitney’s hand he looked into her eyes. “Hey thank-you. You don’t know how much this means to me.” He said kissing her hand without thinking. “I’m so sorry.” He didn’t know what came over him but recently he’d started to look at Whitney like that again. He knew it was wrong but he couldn’t help it. They had been talking and things were easy between them. “It won’t happen again.”

Whitney watched as Miles eagerly gave Jon a high five and seemed to bounce with excitement at another uncle joining the ranks. Watching her son interact with Jon felt natural much like it did when Skye was there too, she supposed that was the nature versus nurture side. The problem with Skye was there had been no hard boundaries set between everyone involved her husband was fucking her, then her brother it got to the point the contact ceased. She hadn’t been prepared for that with Skye for her to invade her life like she did. She had let Skye get too close; she could be more careful this time. When Jon started to ask if it was too much or if Miles wasn’t interested she shook her head no at him. He was just five and spending time looking at cool baseball cards and playing with his little sister was much more his speed than adult things. “Miles likes you just fine, he’s just much more interested in toys and cards than us. He has a lot of people that love him, my brothers, Ryan’s brother and aunts too including honorary ones. I don’t see why you can’t be included in that.” She said looking over at home when Morgan toddled over to her big brother.

When he reached out and touched her hand she had squeezed it back in reassurance and then was thrown when he lifted it and kissed it. Jon was incredibly attractive hell it was the entire point of why she fucked him a few years ago and carried on their little tryst during her visit with Dani for the few weeks after her own wedding. She was also very much still married and she felt her cheeks flush at the action and pulled her hand back. “It’s fine, you know, it’s completely natural. Honestly talking with you the last few weeks has been enlightening if you could call it that. I want to be honest with you, yes Ryan is still involved with the kids but he and I Jon, we haven’t been good in quite a while. It’s why he takes so many trips to see his ex back home and I’m not innocent by any means you and a few others over the years. Sometimes I look back on everything with me and Ryan and wished I had chosen to explore more, my parents were sure he was the perfect match you know. After the election we will probably be separating.” She finished not wanting his pity, she was an adult and after the election she planned on making a few changes and having Jon around Miles could be stabilizing in that way.

Jon leaned in and moved a stray hair from Whitney’s face. “I think Ryan has to be the biggest fool in Atlas Falls or the United States. For the last few weeks talking to you. It’s almost like I’ve found a new friend. A friend I needed to be honest. Skye leaving left me in a horrible state. She didn’t let me fix it and to be fair I can’t blame her. I ruined everything between us and I was so stubborn that I hurt her. I hurt her so badly she left the only family she knows. Tell me again if I’m a good guy? In fact I’m trash for what I did. Sleeping with Maggie to spite her, trying to get custody, and finally just being a dick until it was too late. Next thing I know it was over and she was a cloud of smoke blowing away in my hands. I guess it’s my mistake but I know one thing. I won’t let a good thing slip through my fingers again. I don’t think Ryan should either.” Finally touching her face. “Is it wrong that I want to kiss you so badly right now? Is it wrong that I consider you something special to me? I didn’t ever expect to have this feeling especially so fast but Whitney am I crazy? Am I projecting because if you keep looking at me like that. That look in your eyes well I’m going to want to taste your lips.”

Jon scooted closer knowing what he was feeling was wrong, and knowing moving in on another man’s wife was wrong. He couldn’t help it; she was clearly alone and raising two kids. It was infuriating that Ryan thought he could raise Miles and Morgan from afar. That he could fuck any old woman and throw away his life with his family. Jon jealously wondered if he could have an iota of what Ryan did he’d never let it go. “What’s next after the election and honestly if I can have a chance. A moment for us to be together to get to know you better when your heart is healed.” He leaned in inching closer to Whitney’s face. “Maybe we can heal each other and you can finally fix my heart. My mind has been weary. A piece of me feels betrayal everytime I think of Skye and I think it’s best to let go of the past. Maybe it’s time for you to come to that conclusion as well. Maybe I can finally do the things I’ve wanted to do since we reconnected.” Jon wanted to tell her that he wanted to lick her head to toe. He wanted to eat her pussy until she begged to stop. He wanted to fuck her all night and let Morgan and Miles awake them with their little voices. He wanted Whitney. Leaning closer he could feel her breath on his lips. “Whitney.” He mumbled. “We have to stop.” He stuttered.

Whitney for a moment was caught up in Jon Harrison allowing him to move the hair and wax poetics to her about her marriage to Ryan, Ryan wasn’t a horrible person he was just the person she wanted to be with anymore. Deep down she knew that now she was grateful for everything they did while they were married. They had Miles and Morgan, but she was tired of their fake life together. It wasn’t a real life. She deserved that, didn’t she? To have a real chance at happiness? She tried not to judge Jon too harshly for everything that happened once he learned the truth it was a lot to take in but she wasn’t going to pretend that Skye leaving was a bad thing either. “Ryan is a good person and a good father Jon, he’s just not the man I’m in love with anymore.” it would be so easy for her to fall back into old and bad habits with Jon but what kind of an example would that set to Miles and Morgan? Her last affair with Bode had taken so much time from her with them, she had been selfish for sure. When he told her he wanted to kiss her, her stomach fluttered at the thought it was so tempting to go there again to seek comfort. To just do what Ryan was again to her and honestly she could see that with a guy like Jon.

An ease had come with reconnecting with Jon the last few weeks whether it be by simple text or the brief phone calls they had. It felt like talking with a long lost friend since she had so few in Atlas Falls the only friend she did have had pulled away. She didn’t blame Dani, Lex had broken her heart and her friend was a hundred percent committed to Jackson and her own kids but she felt so alone in Atlas Falls, she never had close friends growing up. Her parents frankly were protective over that aspect of all their lives given her parents political career, girls hated her because they wanted to be her so she didn’t have close girlfriends. “You’re right we probably should.” Whitney said, taking a breath while she looked into Jon’s eyes how soft they were, how genuine. Did she think that she or Jon were really thinking clearly at the moment probably not but Ryan wasn’t here he was back home likely with Nova, Skye was gone out of their lives. She didn’t even know what came over her when she leaned in and pressed her lips against his softly deciding that life was too short.

It was soft and brief. It wasn’t what he expected. It felt natural and honestly it felt right. He was jealous that somehow Jackson, and Ryan all douchebags had gotten these wonderful women. Taking his hand he kissed her deeper letting his tongue explore her mouth. It was just nice and calm. Something he didn’t have with any of his past relationships. When he heard Morgan crying it somehow snapped both of them out of this brief but all too pleasurable moment. He saw Miles running to them both. He walked over and saw Morgan holding her little finger which he instantly figured out she either slammed it or somehow injured it. Jon stooped down by Morgan and picked up her finger kissing it and pulling her into a hug. Somehow he was a natural at this. It was easy how many times he babysits Dylan? She calmed instantly as he looked at Miles at Whitney smiling at him. “She scared me.” He said looking at Whitney.

He knew she wouldn’t have much time left. That she couldn’t stay long and that bothered him because honestly he could stay in this house with Whitney, Miles, and Morgan all day. He could enjoy the sounds of children running around. Much like when he was kid how his parents just were so happy. The Nightingale Casino was happening and Jon knew that the force needed him and that he was going to have to see Whitney and Ryan there. “I’m sorry. I crossed the line and I don’t want to lose whatever this is we are building.” He didn’t want to mess up the relationship and whatever future they could have had. As badly as he wanted to kiss Whitney again he knew better. “Morgan your daddy will be home to kiss that better and Miles… Your father is missing you both so much.” As badly as that hurt to say it was the truth. “I’m sorry Whitney.”

Whitney had been lost in the moment when Jon leaned into the kiss and she opened her mouth welcoming his tongue and warmth. She knew it was wrong but it wasn’t like she or Ryan had really been great at their marriage vows, hell he was probably in bed with Nova that morning. She was allowed to feel something even if it was pleasure with a man and it wasn’t like Jon was the worst choice she could make in that department. She had leaned her head to the side to deepen their moment only to pull back when Morgan’s cry came out and she snapped back to the entire reason she had come to Jon’s house. She was here for Miles for him to get to know Jon as a person to allow him into their lives and their dynamic. She moved quickly off the couch putting distance between her and Jon while she leaned down and looked at Morgan’s finger likely pinched on one of the toys but there was no blood or a blister and she smiled over at Jon for soothing her.

“Part of being a parent is that they do that to you, scare you sometimes but she’s fine.” Whitney said, letting out a smile at him as she saw Miles take his sister’s hand while he led her over to the stuffed animals. She smoothed her skirt while she folded her arms at him, letting out a laugh when the kids began to play with the animals like they were putting on a play. She didn’t want to mess up Jon getting to know Miles either and she knew the mature thing to do was going to be talking to Ryan and coming to an agreement. “It was just as much me as you. I was the one that leaned into you Jon, I took advantage of you. I was the one that kissed you.” Whitney said softly, her eyes looking at him while she took a breath feeling her stomach almost flip flop. She was not some teenager, she was the damned soon to be lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania. “I’ll talk to Ryan and we can go from there but this Jon you and Miles, I don’t want to ruin that for any of us.” She heard her phone ringing and reached into her purse seeing it was Ryan and held up her finger. “We can talk after the opening, okay?” She said softly before walking into the foyer of the house to speak to her husband.

Jon folded his arms as he walked to watch Miles delicately kiss Morgan finger and help her return to playing. A piece of him envied the hell out of Ryan and men like Jackson. The men who had families and somehow got a happy ending. She wanted to divorce Ryan? Where would that leave Miles and Morgan? He instantly wanted to protect the kids but also Whitney. She was smart and stunning. That was something he could confess to himself. Not only that but he saw her as an exceptional mother. Tip toeing into the living room he growled like a lion and began to chase the kids around the room. Immediately feeling like this is what he was meant to do. He was meant to be a father and somehow it was ripped away. He looked back at Whitney and if Ryan couldn’t do it. He’d be waiting for the opportunity and the chance to make her happy as well as these perfect two kids.

**********

Simon pulled his car up to the curb of Vertigo and let the valet take his keys ever since discovering Rosa inside his brownstone dead and his beloved cat he had put some distance between him and Ivan. Maybe it was for the best but he did follow his social media and knew he was doing a show at the club tonight and knew he could get in and watch and then leave without being noticed. If he needed to he’d see what mood he came into. Once he entered the club the bouncer said his name was a list to head to the back rooms where Jamal kept all his artists. He walked down the hallway the stench of weed hitting his nose at least it wasn’t anything else and he waved the smoke out of his face. Once he made it to Ivan’s room he saw the women that were draped all over him and a part of him wanted to be jealous and he was. He knew it was  ruse and deep down Ivan needed this for a cover but he was so tired of the merry go round with it all as well. At least Ivan wasn’t exactly engaging with the girls and he cleared his voice for a bit startling the girls and even Ivan.

“Mr. Castillo, I hope you don’t mind. The bouncer said I could come up and I didn’t see Jamal up here. I didn’t realize that you had company, Jamal thought that perhaps I should clarify a few things with you about the upcoming tour again?” Simon said, trying to gauge and read Ivan who seemed to be not wanting to engage with him and then the girls eyeballing him up and down like they wanted him too. If he was into women maybe he would have agreed but he didn’t feel that way he’d always liked men or back in the day boys. His journey really began in high school when most of his friends started dating girls except him he had to suppress his feelings. “I’m sorry I’m being terribly rude Simon Rutherford, a friend of Ivan’s and an advisor here at the label for most of the artists. There was also another incident with a mutual person of interest that I was hoping we could talk about. Would it be possible if we were to have the room alone for a bit? I am sure that you have some more preparations you need to do Ivan.” He finished and that was the truth he wanted to talk about that night of Rosa’s murder and where Ivan went.

Ivan was doing a photoshoot with the girls and the bouncers. His EP was due soon and he knew that he wasn’t going to change it. He just couldn’t tell Simon. In fact right now he had to push him away after all Hector was doing. Biting his lip his eyes narrowed looking at the crew. He clapped his hands to dismiss everyone. “Out man I need to speak with Mr. Rutherford.” He said as people started to clear out the room. His heart ached as he leaned back in the chair acting as if he didn’t want to run to Simon and kiss him. Looking at the last person as they closed the door he looked up at his boyfriend. “What’s up?” He said, looking at him. “Look don’t start the whole come out thing it was a damn photoshoot. I wasn’t even with them. Don’t be nagging me.” Cracking his knuckles he felt his heart about to explode. Hector had threatened him. Biting down on his lip he felt like, if Simon could see what the picture would look like when done. It was all to him and he wasn’t changing his image or idea.

“Right now it’s not smart to come out Simon knowing that my deranged uncle is lurking knowing that he wants to catch us. He’s sick and honestly if you don’t get that I don’t know what to tell you for real.” He could tell his tough guy bravado was fading. He felt like a little boy being beaten and molested by this monster. His hand began to shake as he walked to the casamigos and poured another shot of tequila. Letting the hot liquid run down his body feeling exhausted with his thoughts. He knew what he had to do. He had to kill Hector. He just didn’t know how to do that when every time he was around him he turned into a child. “I just need some time to think.”

Simon honestly wasn’t here to talk about the nonsense of him coming out or not out, he hadn’t slept well in weeks since finding Oreo and Rosa dead in his brownstone he in fact had moved back into his parents house. He wasn’t sure if Ivan’s uncle was behind the gruesome murder of his housekeeper or boiling his cat on a stove and he was pretty sure he didn’t want to know, but that could have been him or any of the people he cared about. He was starting to see what Ivan was saying about their relationship hell even the police didn’t think that it had anything to do with Lowell or his missing will, no in their words it was personal. Someone he had pissed off maybe at DGI which could be a long list or someone that he was close to had pissed someone else off. Ivan wanted to hide out behind women and an image he could he just wasn’t sure if he was going to be down for the ride anymore or not. He may not have remembered where Lowell had stashed that extra will at the moment, it was all still fuzzy or who pushed him but he remembered Lowell’s last advice to him. To spread his wings and fly, explore the world as himself out of the closet with a man that could be that with him and he looked at Ivan.

“Do whatever you feel comfortable with Ivan if that is hiding behind a photoshoot and a cover story of you banging girls and getting pussy then do it. I came to talk to you about what happened at the brownstone with Rosa and Oreo. I know I’ve pushed you away since then but I can’t sleep there after everything went down so I moved back in with my parents for a bit. They’d love to meet you but they travel in certain circles so your secret wouldn’t be safe with them.” Simon said seeing Ivan look at him and he wasn’t sure if it was hurt he was showing or indifference his parents had always been proud of him, proud he was gay, that he had a successful career. He had love and stability growing up, things that he doubted that Ivan had. “I had Oreo since I was in college. Talia told me I needed a pet when Lowell hired me so I wouldn’t be lonely. A cat seemed reasonable. I hired Rosa when my parents decided I needed a maid. Losing them has been hard on me and made me think. Do you really think it was your uncle that did it? If you do, I need you to go to the police with me and tell them everything, before he takes something else from me.”

Ivan sat silent as he listened to Simon speaking about his closeness to Rosa and Oreo. His heart was breaking because he brought this into shorty life. It wasn’t his life and this is what he kept saying to Simon. He wanted him to be straight with him and he had always told him his life was complex. His uncle was a fucking child molester and creeper. He was sadistic and honestly he knew that it was either Hector or him. One day it would come to that. “I know it was him, you always say someone fucking hiding. You are always judging me! Man go look at the fucking concept board. The pictures are telling a story. I’m saying I shouldn’t come out yet because my uncle is after me and by proxy your ass in the line of fire. He doesn’t want me out and he and my pops feel like I’ll bring shame to the family. He can mess with me and do what he wants and the family is cool with that but me being in love with a man. So I’m going to end his bitch ass to send a message. Don’t ever go near you again. You think I’m about to let this shit ride? He came into your house Simon. Get your shit and never go back there. I didn’t know how to tell you. In fact, call Jackie shit stay at the mansion. You family to them they’ll let you do. Call your moms and dad get them out of the city.” Lowering his head he raised his shirt with a gun at his waist, turning around a holster with two other guns. “Ronan owes me a big one. I kept shit down for him after Kendrick. So killing Hector won’t be me fronting. I need your skills shorty but I got you. I promise that Simon you it for me. You mine and I’m yours and if you want me to meet your parents I’m down.” Ivan said gruffly as he looked in his eyes. “I’m committed to this shit but I gotta do this.”

Ivan had tears in his eyes as his lips quivered. “I’ll kill him before I let him hurt you. Do you hear me? Simon, that’s a promise we ain’t growing apart we growing together. Boy I breathe you right now you are the only air I breathe. You think I want to go back to this shit but he aint going to stop. That was his warning and I want you safe. You don’t want Hector to take something cover the fuck up. If you see me act like we are done for now. You my heart and I am suffocating right now because I know I brought Hector in your life. I’m sorry and I apologize. I’m sorry but I need you to do something. I need you to punch me and storm out of here like we just broke up. I’m not trying to make you look stupid, or playing this isn’t a game. I wasted so much time lying but this is what I was talking about. He’s the boogie man and he will kill your family to get to you. He will kill Jamal, Rory, Belle, you, all because he’s in his machismo bullshit and denial. He loves violence and killing. My uncle wishes he could be gay but he’s too in love with dancing with death. So now you know why I’ve been silent. But after all this I would absolutely love to meet you parents. Now punch me.” Ivan said with his chest.

Maybe Simon had been judging Ivan but in truth it felt like if he had come out and went with him to the police a lot of this could be avoided he would never understand it. He didn’t have Ivan’s past but when he said that he knew that Hector was the one that had killed Rosa and Oreo a chill went down his spine and a slight pit formed in his stomach at how he had brought that on them. He had always been more a gray employee for Lowell but he also knew in this case it was the best thing for them all for Hector to be brought into the police and locked away for his crimes, besides prisoners didn’t do well with men that abused children in their past. “I’m certainly not going to go back to that house where their blood is all over the carpet. It will be hard enough to find a realtor that will take me on as a client and help me list and sell it. I have security on my parents and if I wanted I could go stay with Jackie, frankly I don’t want to involve her in this situation she has been through alot.” He said looking at Ivan for a moment while he looked at him talking about the fact that he had fronted with Ronan, no absolutely not. Ivan was not going to go out and kill Hector for street credit and have Jamal’s label or the casino both connected to DGI drug through the mud, eyes would turn if Hector ended up dead.

“Absolutely not, you left that life behind you Ivan do you know how many heads would turn if you were to get caught how much shit the casino would be in? How much shit Jamal would be into, how the police would look into your past with Ronan? I’m powerful. I can make things disappear but a murder charge? Let me make a few calls. You could confess to Jon Harrison and Devin Thompson about what he did, they could bring him in to protect you and me.” Simon said hoping to plead with Ivan before he went down a path he wasn’t sure that he could follow him on. He’d done a lot over the years in the name of DGI but he’d never actually gone out and openly plotted to murder someone. Sure a few shady deals here or there and he had lied when Cat died and overdosed at that party but he never openly killed anyone. “You’re talking about murder Ivan.” Simon said softly as he looked over at him and then he almost scoffed at the fact he wanted him to punch him, he’d never punched anyone in his entire life. He’s always been more of a lover than a fighter and he looked down at his fingers, he’d recently had a manicure and his nail artist would be aghast if he were to mess that up. “Is that really necessary a punch?” He asked, his eyebrow slightly raised.

Ivan looked at Simon and shook his head. Sometimes his privilege blocked him on what was right in front of him. Running his hand down his face he became irritated. “Are you fucking serious right now? He killed your maid and cat? I don’t give a fuck about murder when you are in danger. Don’t you get it?” Snapping his fingers in his face. “This man has bodies underneath his name. He has killed and killed and he’s threatening you. He’s not going to stop what not fucking clicking. You know what pisses me off with you Simon. I keep telling you this shit not some corporate affair. This is real life, this is the world I live in and I respect the world you live in but you keep giving me these white ass alternatives. In your white ass world yes going to the police might be smart but in my world that’s a death wish. He’ll filet you and me so I’m going to pop him before he takes you from me. We don’t get DGI, silver spoons, and these fairytale ass endings. I keep telling you that I’ll do whatever to protect you but Simon this is real. He’ll find your parents, he’ll find you and do unspeakable things to you. Just because I love you. What am I going to say? I suspect my psycho uncle who is under protection of Ronan Madden and Gia Falcone killed a maid and cat? The insiders at the AFPD will expose me and Ronan will have me dead for snitching. Man get out of here and stop being gullible. This is what you signed up for Simon. When you chose me this is a part of me and I kept it real with you since day one. So now don’t tell me how to handle this. I know what to do and it’s ending him.”

Ivan adjusted his shoulders looking at him. “I want him to hear we are done, it’ll get him off your ass for a period. Now if you don’t want to do it and continue to make yourself a target go ahead walk out and ignore my warning. But I’m not going to always be there and he’s going to come after you if you insist on continuing this. This is what my life is and once I kill Hector it’s over. It’s done. I’m done and I can get back to my life. I love you enough to go back in time and do some shit I don’t really want to. I just have to protect you and if that means regressing into the thug I was then sobeit.” Ivan said, looking Simon in his eyes. “Now fucking punch me man. Can you even throw a punch?” He knew Simon hated to be challenged and this was the way to make it happen. “I knew it.” Acting incredulously like Simon was too weak to do what he needed to. He had to piss him off. “Man, how about this, it’s over Simon!”

Simon got what Ivan was trying to do; he just wasn’t comfortable with going out and killing someone and for the first time since they had started their relationship he saw how big the gap between them really was. He had gone to Carnegie Mellon, was cultured and raised with so much class and morals and yet Ivan had none of that all he knew was violence and a street life that he had no clue about. For him logic was always part of how he saw the world, Ivan only saw the world through violence and bloodshed; it was a path they both had to choose. “I can have private security on my parents in an instant. Maybe they can go visit my brother in California for a week or so until Hector is handled. Ronan owes me he’s indebted to Lowell you can not mention Ronan to the police there has to be cops there that aren’t on his payroll. I can reach out to him. Lowell was the one that sprung him from jail when he was arrested for Carla’s murder he is a partner in the casino at DGI.” He said out loud more for himself than Ivan, he could tell by the look on his face he didn’t want to hear it. He knew it was at least worth a shot, a shot that fell on deaf ears apparently.

When Ivan looked at him asking him to hit him again or if he even knew how to throw a punch he shrugged that wasn’t his forte. Sure he’d drug a friend off someone every now and then like Mason, Hunter and Jackson but he’d never actually gone out and punched someone. He looked at his hands looking at the perfect manicure on them. He wasn’t going to ruin that the night before the opening. “I am not going to punch you and ruin this very expensive manicure that I just had done yesterday in order to fulfill your macho bullshit. Besides I think it would give you some sense of justification and I’m not giving that to you. You’re right this is over.” Simon said, stepping back and looking at his lover or soon to be ex lover, people could talk now however they wanted his parents could be on a plane out within the hour a simple call to his brother to explain things. He would and could stay with Jackie at the mansion besides he needed to wracked his brian more about Lowell’s will. “I’ll see you around.” Simon said quietly, opening the door and casting a final look back at Ivan on his way out the door, pulling out his phone on the way. Ronan had his contacts that was fine; he had his own.

**********

Gia sat, half reclined, on the exam table, at the doctor’s office in New York, the paper liner crinkling beneath her with each movement. She tried to focus on her breathing, in and out, as the doctor wiped off the last of the ultrasound gel. Hector was at her side for all the good that did and she turned to look at him. He was expressionless, watching the doctor who was still talking, rambling and she was struggling to focus on his words, he sounded far away, like she was underwater. Maybe she was drowning. “… there’s nothing anyone could have done, least of all you. Trisomy 18 is genetic and you skipped those tests that were recommended in your second trimester. Your son won’t survive past the birth if he makes it that far. You’ve likely already noticed reduced movements.” Gia turned away from Hector, focusing her attention back on the ceiling with one hand perched atop her stomach. When was the last time she’d felt him kick? This morning, wasn’t it? She was sure she had but that had been hours ago. This asshole had to be wrong. She could get a second opinion. A third if needed. Maybe he’d made a mistake. It was just, everything with Ronan was stressful. He was poking around in her past and now scheming to take her baby and the baby was feeling that too. All those stupid books she’d had Hector buy warned of that very thing. That everything you eat or drink or feel would affect your baby. If Ronan would just back off. Just drop this custody suit she’d overheard him discussing, everything could be ok again.  “… Ms Falcone? I know this is difficult and you don’t have to make a decision right now but if you don’t want to wait until your labor begins naturally we can induce any time. It won’t change the outcome. Your son’s heart is underdeveloped and a few more days, weeks maybe won’t change that.”

At the edge of her vision, she saw he was staring at her and Hector was staring at her and she was staring at the ceiling. She was breathing faster now, like she couldn’t catch her breath. Her body was tingling and the heaviness that settled in her stomach was bubbling up from deep inside until a sob forced its way out. “Get out,” she said, pushing herself up fully, staring at the doctor now who didn’t seem to register what she had said. He sat frozen by the wild look in her eyes. “Get out!” She screeched, snatching the bottle of ultrasound gel off the cart and throwing it at him. Then shoving the whole cart towards him as he scurried out of the room like a fucking rat. She pushed herself off the table and paced the floor. She had no plan B for this. Ronan was going to find out and without this baby, her baby she’d be a sitting duck. And what about her? She’s a mother, a mother without a child now. How was that fair? In what fucking universe was this fair? She stopped pacing and stared Hector down. “This is exactly what you wanted, you bastard! Me, not to have a baby with Ronan! Not to have a life with Ronan! Not to have a child who would be more important than you, a child that would bring me and Ronan together!” And in one deft movement she rushed at him and slapped him across the face, barely catching herself on the arms of the chair. The slap ripped something open inside of her and she wailed, like a wounded animal. She slowly sank to the floor in front of him. With half her body draped in his lap she clung to him, her face pressed into his stomach and shuddering with each sob. For maybe the first time in her life she couldn’t buy or coerce or even threaten her way out of this. She couldn’t change the outcome. She couldn’t save her baby or herself. “Why is this happening to me?”

Hector felt a sick sense of glee as he listened to the doctor tell her that the baby was gone. He deserved to be the only one who had a child with Gia not Ronan. So this baby being gone was a good thing in his eyes. Somehow he felt a sense of sadness. That baby was the world to her and losing it he could tell she’d never be the same. Her edge was gone pleading on the floor but he also understood what that child represented. Two mob legacies forever intertwined with the other and he knew Gia wanted power. He also knew she wanted someone to love her. Why didn’t she love him? Stroking her cheek as he tilted her head up. “You will not cower now. Not now we have done far too much to fall on the sword. If you aren’t pregnant then he will kill you. He’s meeting with Kelly and people talk. Secrets slip out so I’m sure we aren’t as safe as we were a couple of months ago. Gia I need you to listen to me. Listen carefully. You deserve to be a mother and so you shall be. We have taken the mob over, we have taken your brother’s place, and we have climbed to the top. Losing this baby is one more obstacle we together will jump over. Do you understand me? I will not take us losing because we never have. I love you and what you want is more important than anything. If you want a baby then I’ll do anything to get it for you.”

Helping Gia up he stroked her face. “You have never been more beautiful but I will promise you one thing. I promise you that we will forever carry this secret to our grave and that you will get your happy ending. Even if it’s not with me.” Hector said as he looked at her. “We just have to figure out how to get a baby. That shouldn’t be hard at all. People take children all the time.” He said as he touched Gia’s hand. “As long as I have breath my loyalty is with you and if you have to get another baby then Gia that’s what we will do. Are we clear?” He said looking at her. “You are a queen and I will protect you as such. I will go to war with you. Do you understand me?” Hector said looking at Gia so vulnerable this was his shot. His shot to prove how much he loved and needed her. “Gia let me help you.”

Gia’s sobs subsided as she listened to Hector consoling her. She turned her face up towards him but didn’t make a move to get up from the floor, not sure her legs would hold her at the moment. Cool air breezed across her damp cheeks. Black smudges of mascara stained Hector’s shirt and she knew her eyes looked worse but she didn’t care. She deserved to look like the hideous monster she was right now because her baby was gone and she couldn’t save him. In her mind she cursed Ronan and then she felt a new sense of terror when he mentioned Kelly O’Connor. Ronan knew about Sean and the shipments and the warehouse. Why else would she call him down there? It wasn’t to throw him a fucking baby shower. She grabbed Hector’s jacket, looking into his eyes he was calm and in control. He was thinking clearly for both of them right now and she needed to listen. “If he’s with that bitch he knows about my deal with Sean. She has always been jealous of me and everything I’ve accomplished. I can’t believe I invited her to three of my weddings. She gives crappy gifts, too. I can think of some creative uses for that blender. Ronan’s just keeping me around like a human incubator and he will kill me if there’s no baby. He will. He- he did this. The doctor said it was genetic. This is his fault. I should’ve listened to you about him. He’s not even Italian. What kind of name is Madden? What is he, Irish? We should’ve handled that paddy motherfucker months ago. We are not going to let him win. He was a small fish until I came along and now he wants to play these games with me? He treats me like those bimbos he fucks in his office after hours.”

Gia hauled herself up now, using Hector for support. “I need a baby. I deserve to have a baby.” She echoed Hector’s words like a mantra. “I have all this love inside of me,” she said, tears streaking down her cheeks again. She couldn’t even say the words. That her love would die with her son. Her hands went to her stomach where her perfect, sweet baby’s heart was no longer beating. She had to go on, for both of them. Her child’s life wouldn’t be in vain. At least she still had loyal, devoted Hector by her side. He was so desperate for her to love him and she supposed she did in a way. Not the way he wanted. He just wasn’t her soul mate. He didn’t believe in that, though. He thought he could be everything she needed. She’d hoped Ronan could be the one but all this time she’d ignored the signs to the contrary. Her eyes were open now and Ronan would suffer for his actions. First order of business was to get a new baby and almost as quickly she knew where. She picked up a copy of AF Monthly and quickly flipped to the pictures from that boring Summit. Ripping out a page and throwing the magazine off to the side she shoved the page at Hector. She pointed at the picture of Max and Sebastian. “If I can’t have my baby. I want that baby. Sebastian’s baby.” She saw the look on Hector’s face. He hated Sebastian but she wasn’t asking for Sebastian this time. He would have to get over that because this was a sign. Hers and Sebastian’s fates were always linked. She thought back to the Summit, when she’d been so close to Sebastian’s baby. Her baby. She’d touched Max’s stomach and that must be when it happened, that night her and the baby’s souls spoke to each other. “Max doesn’t care about him. The way she talked about him? Like he was a burden. A chore. He needs me. He deserves a mother that loves him with all of her soul. I will love that baby more than anything in the whole world. For once in her miserable existence, Max will actually be useful. Her life will have meaning. That’s my gift to her. This is our destiny. Hector, bring me my baby and I will be yours forever.” She reached out to stroke his cheek. He was staring at her like a lovesick puppy and she came close, like she was going to kiss him but stopped him with a finger on his lips. “Not until I get what I want.”

Hector’s eyes grew dark as he wondered why she kept dancing with that devil? Why would Gia take Sebastian Navarro’s baby? He almost seethed in rage but honestly Sebastian didn’t deserve to have a happy ending. He hated him almost more than he hated Ronan. Wiping Gia’s eyes trying to clean the smeared makeup. He’d been by her side from her taking over from her brother. During all three of her marriages and rise to power. It was true the old guard never would truly respect Gia. She was ruthless and represented the new school of the mob. If that’s what she wanted then he would do what he had to. He however had a plan for Ronan and everyone. “Everyone is going to the casino opening aren’t they? Gia my beloved I fall on my knees.” Literally dropping to his knees. He kissed her dead baby belly and a shiver went down his spine. “I’m about to turn the cartel against each other. I’m going to have Kelly O’Connor and Vladmir Stavridis at Ronan’s neck. You see, sometimes I just want to see everyone burn, I have an idea. Last year I did some work under the table with one of the families. Well let’s just say I know their signature.” Hector said calmly as he looked at her.

Looking at Max and Sebastian’s photograph he smiled. “I’m going to enjoy taking something from him. But do tell me what if she finds out?” Hector said, walking to her. “You know things are never what they seem with couples. She’s miserable with good boy Sebastian. She doesn’t want that baby and you’re right. But if this ever get’s out you know that Momma Navarro won’t be pleased. She never liked you but this could mean war and you know that.” He said looking at her. “If we get caught but I have a plan to make sure nobody will ever know that your baby is dead and that you will have Max and Sebastian’s child.” As the doctor returned with the sonogram machine, Hector pulled out his gun as he began to twist on the silencer. He smiled at the doctor and shot him in the head. Passing Gia his handkerchief. “Nobody needs to know that the baby is dead already, including this doctor, my beloved. I know you liked him but he had to go.”

Gia watched him fall to his knees in front of her and it made her feel powerful. Hector was truly one of the most feared men in the country, if not known around the world. He was vicious and unforgiving and he was prostrating himself in front of her, offering himself to her because together they possessed something the cartels had never seen. Ronan thought he was beating her at her own game but really he only woke the demon. She smiled when he mentioned the casino. Loving the idea of Ronan’s little hotbed of iniquity becoming the very start of his empire collapsing. It was fitting that they named it The Nightingale, like the bird symbolizing the start of spring, this would be a new season in their lives. The old deadweights like Ronan and Kelly O’Connor would be pushed aside to make way for her and Hector. Vlad had been good in bed once. Maybe he could stay, depending where his loyalties fell once the dust settled and assuming he managed to escape Hector. She looked at Hector and sighed. “You know I normally love it when you talk to me about waging a war but I’m sad right now.” She placed a hand on her stomach, feeling an emptiness settle inside of her. “I trust you, Hector. I know you’ll make me proud and bring me peace through retribution. Ronan’s all yours as of today. Your little plaything. We should save his head to send back to Thor, though. I don’t want him getting any crazy ideas about avenging his brother.”

She waved her hand at him, dismissing his mention of Sebastian’s mother. “I’m not worried about that old busybody. Max will keep her distracted. If she hates me, I can only imagine what she thinks of her. Sebastian needed to suffer with Max in order to appreciate me. I hope he’s just as miserable as she is but I’ll set them both free when I have that baby in my arms. Regina has other kids, she’ll have other grandkids. Why does she need so many?” He was right though, about not leaving any witnesses. Max was far too dumb to piece it together but Regina could if word got back to her that Gia’s real baby didn’t make it. She’d been watching the doctor push the sonogram machine in and wondered what he could possibly need to look at now. She startled slightly at the soft sound of the silenced bullet and saw the doctor drop to the floor, a little red stream running down his forehead. She made a disgusted face as she took the handkerchief and wiped some blood spatter off her cheek. “Why’d you do that so close to me? I’ve told you before, five feet away. Does that look like five feet?” She looked at him lying on the ground. “What a waste. He was so nice to me after I was poisoned at my wedding to Frank but we can’t afford to leave any loose ends here.” She bent down and took the pen out of the doctor’s pocket and looked it over. “My father had this exact pen. Nice, isn’t it?” She showed Hector. This was definitely a good omen and she put the pen in her purse. “Hector, what do you think about leaving a dead nightingale on the hood of Ronan’s car before the casino opening? It’s poetic, don’t you think?”

**********

Yasmine twirled the champagne flute in fingers as her personal shopper went off to find her some cute things for the opening of the casino. She had a Galliano Dior dress she wanted to see if the vintage department had. She also had a LeQuan Smith gown she wanted just to have. Things were going too good with her new boo Jayden. They went running every morning and he stayed at the studio watching the kids and her dancing. He even did some TikTok dances with them because honestly her students didn’t like RePlay. Well she banned them from using it, calling it the Montgomery in her. That’s when she saw the mermaid Versace dress that Aspen was wearing. She looked flawless and she made her feel jealous. She noticed how three girls were surrounding her with all these gowns. She clearly looked flustered so wedding planning wasn’t going good. Either way she could care less as she walked through the Versace section and smirked listening to the women scurry off talking shit about Aspen.

It wasn’t as if she disliked her. No, that was a blatant lie she couldn’t stand Aspen. She reminded her of all the white mediocre girls in dance class who got ahead of her because of money and privilege. Rory didn’t love her, he didn’t want to be like his daddy so he chose Aspen. When that baby died then he was stuck. Engaged to a bitch he never was interested in. She could tell that Rory would always love her. She brought seasoned chicken in his life, while she was the bland chicken salad that he never would want to eat again after her. He could deny it all he wanted, girls like Aspen didn’t impress Rory anymore. “The one with the crystals is pretty Aspen.” Sucking her teeth she picked up a small micro-mini skirt from Versace. “You’re going to be a beautiful bride.” Yasmine said as a way to concede to Aspen.

Aspen saw her from the moment she walked into Renards. Her eyes narrowed as her lips quivered thinking about the other woman. She glistened and floated through the room. She seemed so easy and breezy and that irritated her. She wasn’t unhappy that it hurt to see. Yasmine was so unbothered by her trying on wedding gowns. It made her furious and that wasn’t going to happen. Recently Rory seemed out of touch and out of place. It hurt and no longer would she wait. She was pushing for a wedding that wasn’t gaudy but sophisticated and she was going to have it. Blowing her bangs out of her face as she rolled her eyes. “Why thank Yasmine, but I wasn’t asking your opinion of anything I’m doing. I doubt that any would be marrying you anytime soon. Khalil and you are done right?” Rubbing the rumors in her face. “I mean it’s all over the blogs. You two aren’t together, and I think Khalil my new friend has finally wised up and saw you for what you are. A dirty ex-stripper who is using an influential daddy to keep her name in people’s mouths.” She said viciously as she turned around in the dress.

“Me I’m going to be a Devonshire and Rory is marrying me while you continue to languish in everyone’s memory as nothing but a forgotten memory.” Aspen stepped off the platform. Walking up to Yasmine. “You are so pretty but so basic because why would Rory marry a stripper whose everyone has seen and everyone has had. I mean whores were all over Club XES what made you different Diamond?” Clawing even more at Yasmine. “You are a waste of talent. Sadly a stripper turned youth activist isn’t exactly going to set the world on fire. Nobody checking for your ghetto ballet so won’t you do us all a favor and go back underneath the rock you lived in.” Aspen licked her lips but reading this bitch would be some fun. “I mean we both know you’ve never seen anything like this.” Picking up her champagne glass she sipped it.

Yasmine tilted her head slightly as she turned to her and shook her head stepping back. “First off if you call me Diamond again I’ll show you how street that bitch truly was. I’ll have Diamond come whoop your ass all up and through Versace. Secondly my ghetto ballet is actually performing with Alvin Alley and the Atlas Falls Orchestra. You know nothing about my talent and it’s actually something you can’t take from me Aspen. You see because all you’ll ever be is Rory Devonshire, boring ass wife. You have nothing going for yourself as a woman and human other than being cattle to a man with no character or personality of your own and worst of all it’s apparent that you’re jealous. My personal life isn’t the tabloids but if you’re such friends with Khalil then he should have informed you of what it is but he didn’t because you’re making an ass of yourself.” Standing looking in the mirror. She waved a shop girl over to her and pointed to the bold gold dress on the mannequin.

Taking a champagne flute from the other shop girl. Taking a sip she wasn’t going to let up this time she was sick of her veiled passive aggressive racist ass undertones. “Bitch are you mad a black girl could snatch your man anytime she wants? You pressed that I’m from the hood and Rory still hasn’t got me out of his system? I gave him things that he never thought he needed and if he wasn’t so scared of disappointing his family then you wouldn’t be sporting that basic ass ring. Just know a few months ago my pussy was all on his mustache and that beard look I told Rory to do that. I said he’d be sexy with that. You will never satisfy him because he had me and that’s why you’re mad.” Yasmine was tapped on the shoulder and led into the private dressing area. Walking away with her head held high she knew she won that battle.

Aspen couldn’t believe that bitch was insinuating her skin was the reason she hated her. No it wasn’t because she was black it was because she thought her struggle made her better. She was more relatable and palatable because she didn’t know the difference between a dessert spoon and soup one. When she was bred to be perfect and the wife of someone like Rory. Did they have some sort of fire no they didn’t but she had him underneath her spell. That was enough and that was what she wanted. However this wasn’t the first person to question who she was outside of Rory? Meaning what did she want to do with her life? She wanted to graduate. She wanted to finish college her credits from Harvard could transfer over. Snapping her fingers. “I want to see the corset dress now the white wedding dress.” Walking to the dressing room that Yasmine was in.

Yasmine turned around as she felt the girl zipping her up looking in the mirror. The gold dress would be perfect perhaps for the casino opening. She wanted to knock people dead with Jayden the new hot doctor in Atlas Falls and one of the most brilliant black men in the country. Looking at Aspen she heard the shop girl mumbling fearfully underneath her breath. “It’s fine we can share the room it’s clear Aspen has something she wants to say. Bitch you followed me in a dressing room clearly you have something to say by all means have your moment.”

“Watch the bitch word.” Aspen said, throwing the train of the dress walking to Yasmine. She turned noticing the shop girl walking in with the huge dress. She let her begin to undress her. “I think it’s reprehensible that you are even trying to say that I’m intimidated by you because you’re black. Yasmine you killed my baby and I’m never going to forgive you. I can love Rory better than you can because you could never understand the world he travels in. You are a rat and new money where my parents are old money. You can’t ever and I mean ever touch me. Who do you think you are? You aren’t a good person and you aren’t an innocent one. You slept with my fiance knowing he was with me. You are a whore and a slut and I’m sick of you getting to be portrayed as the heartbroken girl who got away. No you are a girl who is a Montgomery, it doesn’t work either way. You are the sworn enemy of his family! You are done Yasmine.” Aspen spat back as she went behind the divider.

Yasmine had enough of her as she rushed behind the divider and got in Aspen’s face. “I am a Montgomery and that is why you shouldn’t trust that everything is on the up and up that you are going to get your happy little ending. I keep telling you that I don’t want your man. But you going to keep playing with me and I’m going to fuck him again. This time the baby that you keep saying I killed isn’t in the way. If that was even Rory baby. You were doing exactly what you are doing right now pushing and prodding and then you want to scream I’m ghetto after I snap back. Nah I’m not ghetto I’m the bitch that will whoop your ass up and down this store now bitch keep playing with me. I’ll show you exactly who I am. Aspen you won but it’s a hollow victory right because you know that Rory or Khalil or any dude I ever mess with will always come back to me. What makes matters worse for you is both the men you feel should be yours are mine! I already took up all the space in their hearts you can’t belong.” She said, flipping her hair, turning to the shop girl. “Now ring me up and I’m sorry we disturbed you girls day.” With that Yasmine walked away to change out of the dress and get out of here before she stomped another mud hole in Aspen.

Aspen stood in her corsetted wedding gown and she felt her stomach drop. Yasmine had won again because she was right. She felt empty and she felt like her heart was breaking. He barely touched her and he was less than interested in the wedding plans. She saw it and she felt it. Tears began to boil to the surface of her face. “Get out of here!” She screamed at the young girl as she fell to the floor, tears beginning to pour down her face. Seeing her pathetic reflection in the mirror she ran and began to punch it. Unable to look at herself and the feelings that came with her self image. Aspen began to rip apart at the dress hyperventilating, unable to control the rage emitting from her body. She kicked off her shoes until she was raw and standing in her bra and panties. Claw marks and scratches covered her body as she flopped down in the middle of the room staring at herself in the reflection. Crawling to the side table she picked up her phone and texted Max.

I want Yasmine Montgomery gone! I hate that bitch and she has to pay! What can we do? I need your help

Xoxo Aspen

Pressing send she fell back on the ripped fabric and the plush carpet. Aspen wrapped her arms around herself as she looked up at the chandelier. She wanted Khalil but Rory was the prize right? Why else had she been through all of this? Aspen sat as she wondered if she was going to ever be happy and what was wrong with her? Did it run in the family? Who was her family? She had questions and she wouldn’t get answers unless she asked the questions. So Blythe or Randall?

**********

Randall looked over the last of the proof of his novel before he sent it off to the publisher and final edits, everything he had researched had pointed to that what happened to Victoria Fraiser was a senseless accident. Lauren had gotten behind the wheel to get her son at baseball practice because he guessed that Walter was too busy with Brenda. The car stalled on the road and the semi collided with it pushing into the raging flash flooding at the lake. Forbes had shown up to help save Danielle and gone back for Victoria. However he paused this was where it got murky. Forbes himself had a very different memory of what Victoria was wearing versus that of her parents. There were two conclusions that he had come to one that Lauren misremembered what Victoria had on and was consumed in her grief. The other was that Forbes had done something so dark that he didn’t even want to consider it and he debated which one to include in the book. He heard a knock on the door and wondered who it could be.

Honestly he had been so shocked when Lauren had called off their weekend away together but he also understood that maybe she wasn’t that ready plus with the casino opening coming up maybe she wanted to stay close. Regardless he had resigned himself to a weekend going over the final script for the book and making his decision so far his copy editor said he was sure that whichever ending he went with it would be a bestseller. He didn’t want to hurt Lauren or her family and though the book wanted him to interview her other children he had pushed that off telling them the interviews and research he had now were enough. “I’m coming.” He said to the door closing the document on his computer while he walked down the hallway to the front door seeing Lauren standing on the other side. “Lauren I’m so glad you came by, I was concerned when you texted to cancel our weekend and then I didn’t hear a reason why. You also didn’t return my texts. Is everything alright? Come on in, did something happen with Braden or Dani or any of your grandkids?” He finished holding open the door for her to come in, shutting it when she did.

Lauren stood with a lump in her throat as she looked at the man who she thought healed her heart. Stepping in she felt a sense of relief that people wouldn’t hear her fury. This man didn’t protect her nor did he give her the chance to heal her still raw wounds. She was in the dark again, covered in water drowning with her daughter and how dare he. How dare he make these terrible times reemerge in her life. She wasn’t going to allow it and Braden would be seeing him and his publishing house. Slowly clapping she shook her head almost falling for his fake concern but it was no way past this deception.”Do you have any idea how hard it is to believe anything that comes out of your mouth? You know the one human thing Forbes Montgomery did was inform me how out of line you are. Did you think I wouldn’t find out about your little tell-all Randall?” With all her might she pushed him back. “You thought bringing up my greatest tragedy is your next best seller? Huh? Is this some joke to you? I should kick your ass in here but I’m furious right now. I have to get this out.”

With all her rage she let out a guttural rage scream as she looked at Randall. “Let me take you back. I was nearly drowned in a flash flood and my eldest daughter was nearly swept away and guess what my baby girl drowned! That’s the story and that’s what happened and Forbes once again did the human thing and saved myself and Dani! So why! Why ruin what we have for a book! You thought that I was worth a book. I’m so much more! I’m so much more than my daughter being swept away. You are the worst, you have done something unforgivable and I will never forget what you have done. You slept with me, you said you were in love with me and you knew how hard it was for me! I will never forget this. The men I choose always destroy me but no more. My son is ready to sue your ass so fast. I will destroy you Randall do you hear me? I will fucking leave you penniless and Aspen will have nothing. You hear me. I’ll drag you and everyone you ever loved and touched down. Don’t fuck with my life any more and stay away from me and my family that’s it!” Lauren said her eyes enraged and bugged out. Her entire body was shaking as she looked at him. “Go to hell Randall!”

Randall listened to her, realizing that someone had told her about the book Blythe had warned him that Lauren would learn the truth but he also was stuck with his publisher. He was a bit cautious and thrown off however that Forbes had told her when he told him that his interview with him would remain discrete and private till the novel’s publication. He watched as Lauren unleashed on him and he knew that he deserved it in every way possible he had dug up her most darkest moments of her life. He had interviewed countless people about the accident, Forbes, Walter in a way, the paramedics that arrived on scene and the police officers as well that had opened and then closed the investigation. He had combed over countless news articles at the time desperate for any lead that could help him narrow down what happened that night for the answers to the truth. He was in truth no closer to that then he had been when he started but he knew the publishers would see it as a win that readers could spin the truth how they wanted. They could pick their ending that they wanted and make up their minds about which way the truth ran.

“Lauren you have to believe me I never did any of this to hurt you, I’m under contract with my publishing house. They asked me to write a true crime story this time. They picked the story and the case, it happened to be the biggest one here in Atlas Falls, your daughter. My publishers wanted me to interview you, your children. I said no because of how much I love you.” Randall said looking at her he had no excuses for what he had done but he honestly had never wanted to see the look on her face that he did now the broken look the hollow look directed at him. He did love Lauren in the only way that he knew how, he thought they were on the right path to becoming something more than a late age rebound from both their parts. “I love you, not like I did with Blythe of course or you did with Walter or Harvey. But an older love where you could understand that not everything is as black and white. I still have more questions than I do answers about that night. If that satisfies you, hell Forbes is haunted by it your accounts differ. Perhaps in the trauma of that night you are both mistaken. You would really send your son after my estate and leave my daughter penniless in a frivolous lawsuit?”

“I don’t give a damn what I would leave Aspen with.” She said in the most ferocious scream she could. “You think I give a damn about Aspen when you cared nothing about Victoria. My little girl who drowned. I don’t care what conclusion you came up with, this is a betrayal point blank! You have lured me into a comfort, all those nights I hypothesized on what happened to her did you just scribble it down in a notepad? Did you just write down my fears and comforted me? You are more sick than Forbes ever could be. It’s cruel and no matter what you say I find it harmful to me and my family. So print that book I dare you and you’ll be in legal litigation for the rest of your natural life. I believed in you and I loved you and you left me in the darkness. Did you ever think about how many nights I’ve been haunted over and over again by this. You cared so little about what it would do to me. They picked the story, they told me to write it, they told me to fuck the woman you are writing about. Go to hell Randall! You are a weak son of a bitch. It’s everyone else’s fault but the man who was supposed to love me. You don’t love me and don’t say it again. Stay away from me Randall. I mean it.”

Lauren looked at him and stepped closer. “Did you research that my great-aunt Patty locked her husband in a cupboard after stabbing him six times? Or my mother beating my father with a rolling pin. My aunt Dorian locked away for killing her much older husband. Oh you have no idea what I can do to you. How dark I can be. So I suggest you call your people and let them know if you publish this book I will make it my life journey to hurt you, Blythe, and most of all your daughter. Your child that I’ve shown love to. More compassion than you did with my daughter. Now go to hell Mr. Sinclair and know if you take a step at exposing my family to scrutiny I’ll have your head. That’s a promise from the mayor of Atlas Falls and me.” Adjusting her Coach purse strap on her shoulder she looked at him. “You could have been something special to me now you’re nothing more than a mistake. Another man to disappoint me, good to know you’re a piece of shit now than how I found out with Walter. Stop the book or I’ll follow the women in my family who maybe a little unhinged. Did you research that?”

Randall almost jumped back at her harsh words; he had never been unkind to her children, never said a bad word about them, he actually thought despite their upbringing Braden and Dani turned out fairly stable and normal. He never thought about how Lauren might see their time together as him using her; that was the furthest thing from the truth when it came to the book. “Do you really think that little of me Lauren we were dating at Dani’s wedding, sleeping together long before that. I wasn’t even approached about the book till the middle of the summer. I never thought of it like that yes you have shared things with me but I didn’t go out and pick up a notebook after fucking you. It literally fell into my lap and I should have told you months ago. Yes, I asked about Victoria’s death and that night but I never twisted your words or feelings into my book.” Randall spat back wondering if he was in fact the bad guy in this scenario after all. Blythe had told him as much when she found out about the book and assured him it would be over for himself and Lauren. He wanted deep down to not believe that and in some ways he thought that perhaps Lauren and her family would see it as him trying to heal them in some way.

He had researched Lauren’s family; everyone in Atlas Falls had heard the stories over the years; it was also referenced in articles about Victoria’s death that perhaps Lauren had done it on purpose. He had never actually believed any of that about Lauren; he had always assumed that it was a terrible accident, nothing more or nothing less. “I have never once believed any of the garbage that they wrote back then about you or that night, the insinuations that were made that you wanted a way out of your marriage to Walter. That it was a cry for attention that you intended for the accident to happen. I’m surprised Walter can pry himself away from Brenda Kincaid to care about my book very much let alone wanting to sue me over it. He was quite happy to tell me all about some things in your marriage before Victoria at the Summit. I didn’t include them in the book like your affair with Harvey LeClerq. How at the time he had to run a DNA test on Dani with you. Seems like he wasn’t the only one to make mistakes. I could have said and did a lot about you in the book. I opted not to out of respect for Victoria and how much I care about you.” Randall said seeing her face fall a bit he was being honest he wasn’t going to expose everything he found out including her own affair compiled with Walters. But she wanted to be vindictive with his career so a few last minute changes could be written in.

She smirked at Randall as she walked up to him and touched his face. “I would have touched the fire for what we were building. I thought that I deserved a happy ending with a man who needed one as well. It turns out I have a type. A type of man who happens to be a narcissist. Look at you I placed you up against the wall and you did exactly what I thought you would. You used my sins against me. I have no problem telling Dani who her dad should have been. He would have loved her more than Walter lord knows it. One thing I appreciate about my ex-husband is he doesn’t pretend. He wears his asshole flag proudly. You however are very much like him.” She saw his face contort in shock that was comparing them. “Oh did I strike a nerve Randall? Whatever narrative you have to tell yourself to sleep at night you do that. But what you won’t do is expose me. You see, my secrets are mine to tell, not some tawdry tell all. You’ve concocted that you’re a good man, that I’m wrong for having these emotions against you. Wake up, you betrayed me no matter when they came to you. You could have walked away and had integrity.” Then she leaned in closer, lowering her voice from the guttural growl from earlier to a calm and collected bitch. “But just like Walter you stayed and made me out to be a fool.” She leaned up and kissed Randall. A kiss of death or goodbye that was his choice.

“You’ll never touch me again. You’ll never kiss me and when I’m done no woman in the tristate area will look your way. You are damaged, and you don’t even see it, that’s the worst part.” Stepping back she shook her head as her voice broke. “I wish nothing but the best for you but it won’t be with me. I made my conditions known. If you choose to fight it, I’ll see you in court. Not only that but the court of public appeal. I’ll go to Greer’s tired publications, talk shows, podcasts, hell I’ll even start a RePlay and put my story out there. I bet when people find out how you did me they won’t support this book. In fact maybe going to the public is how to squash all of this. Play with Blythe, or Aspen but not me and my family. You adopted that girl. I gave birth to three children from my body. One was snatched away and that is a pain you will never know. Losing something that’s your blood and you created with someone else.” She knew it was a low blow talking about Aspen biology but he had to understand how deep this ran. Picking up her purse. “Goodbye Randall.”

Honestly he felt that he and Lauren had been building something together but in some weird twisted way he thought him writing the book was better than some stranger. The publisher could have went to another writer, someone not from Atlas Falls, a complete stranger, to dig into her life, invading her life. He thought if he did it she would understand that he was trying to do it delicately to respect her privacy and that of her family and that time of her life. He clearly had read the situation wrong when she compared him to Walter of all people. Walter who had a years long affair with Brenda Kincaid and broke her heart all the time and yes Walter had told him about Lauren and her affair with Harvey but he wasn’t or he hadn’t been planning on putting it in the book. He knew the look on his face gave away his emotions. Yes, she had pinched a nerve he never had considered himself to be like the likes of Walter or even Forbes. He had always tried to live above that by some moral code that he felt was right. How had he failed this badly and honestly he was wounded when she leaned up to kiss him. In a haunting way it felt like, a slight chill traveled down his spine at the action moments ago she had been screaming at him like something that he had gutted. Now she was just calm and collected in front of him and mentioning putting her side of things out on social media.

“I know you don’t believe me but I honestly thought I was helping you in some strange way. If they didn’t send me or hire me to write it they would have sent someone else at the publishing house, another author. A complete stranger to dig around in your life and they wouldn’t have shown the restraint I have.” Randall ssid looking at her while she picked up her purse and he knew what she was saying, this was the end for them. He wasn’t going to flush his entire career or the book down the drain for her. When she spoke about Aspen for him that was a low blow and he was pretty sure anger passed over his face. He and Blythe had suffered so many miscarriages before adopting it was painful each time for both of them. “I don’t think you will though Lauren because then people will start to look and ask questions badgering you about it. Badgering Braden and Dani about it hell I could see them starting to badger Dylan about it and you care about them too much to do that to them. No, unfortunately Blythe and I never had the honor of actually holding one in our arms and we were instead blessed with Aspen. I think it is time you should go before I say things we’ll both end up regretting. Do you need me to show you the way out?” Randall asked, looking at her while he put down the pen he had been holding in his hand on the desk.

“You don’t know what I will do. I don’t need you to show me out, however I can’t assure you that you will find your way if you cross me. Your threats are idle and my family aren’t up for debate. I’ve said what the hell I’ve said and I mean every word. I’ll use my influence and power to squash you. Then I’ll leave you in the dirt where you belong. Go to hell Randall.” She shifted as she walked down the hallway. Turning around as she looked at him biting her lip.”I trusted you and I can’t and won’t forget what you’ve done to me. You made me feel cheap and used Randall, you won’t get away with that. It’s a special place in hell for men like you. You made me feel like I was something special to you but you didn’t even give me the courtesy to go through this together. Together we could have chronicled this and maybe I could have buried this but instead you re-traumatized me and my family. You said that isn’t what you want but you broke my heart again. Goodbye Randall and stay away from me and my family.” Lauren said, her voice breaking as she wept. Storming out of his office and walking down the hallway with tears streaming down her face and a feeling of revenge burning in her heart.

**********

After staying at her mom’s the night before in the guest room she expected a call anything even better for Jackson to have come over after meeting with Grant. Instead Dani woke up the next morning and got the twins from Jackie after making sure her mother was out of the trance from the night before. She had checked her phone a thousand times wondering where Jackson was, maybe he stayed at the hotel. It was entirely possible if he and Grant had been drinking. His phone could have easily died too and she tried to push bad thoughts out of her head about all the horrible things that could have happened. Maybe he went to Club XES to indulge and she stopped in her tracks; he simply wouldn’t do that to her or the kids. She covered her mouth while she put the take out into the fridge and picked up her phone on the first ring only to discover it was her brother. He was at the airport catching a flight back and she gave him the brief details of what her mom had told her about Randall. Braden told her they could try and sue but until there was an actual copy of the book out or they had the manuscript Ranadall his publishing out didn’t break any laws. How was that fucking fair? That he just got to use her mom for a damned story about her dead sister? Without a care or repercussions in the world. Hanging up with Braden she was angry and if she learned anything about being married to a Devobshire it had its perks with power. Her brother couldn’t then maybe she’d hire or ask Mason too.

It was mid afternoon the sun was setting on the view of the lake that she had and for the first time all day she took a seat on the couch absently turning on the fireplace. The twins had been so active today running around and after lunch she had put them down for a nap, surely Jackson would call by now. She closed her eyes for a moment worried about where in the hell he was, what he was doing and then her thoughts drifted off to Randall Sinclair and that night her sister died. The water that night, how cold it was it took her years to even feel safe enough to swim. Her father had insisted and her mother was so anxious when she would be in the pool. She barely remembered Victoria how sad was that and did that along with time make her the awful big sister that lived while her little sister had died? And then her poor mother at the end of the pier just staring out at it confessing she was going to jump in and let go. She was transported back to her time with Lex. How awful that was after everything, how trapped she felt, how alone. She was such an unwanted mess back then from him and then her feelings with her dad on top of it.

That was not her life now and she had to remember that she had two beautiful kids. Jackson loved and adored her; she didn’t have to doubt that with him like she did with other men in the past. She wasn’t a nut job. Someone had literally been messing with her phone. Things were better with her dad lately too and she didn’t have to feel guilty about living while Vicki died. What if that all went away though and a sense of dread filled her about Jackson she’d know wouldn’t she if he was simply gone? Her hand shook debating if she was going to have to start calling hospitals to see if he was there. She barely heard the front door open. She was too lost in all the thoughts running around in her head and when she felt someone touch her shoulder she almost screamed. Only to look up and see Jackson there and she didn’t know what overcame her. She reached up pulling him close to her in a hug she desperately needed. “Oh my God I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve been worried sick about where you were.” Dani said letting out the exhale that she didn’t even know she had been holding.

Jackson’s heart actually broke as she wrapped around his body. His chest felt as if it was going to explode. His eyes began to tear up as he let her go. “I closed the deal. We got Grant on board with DGI. I just drank too much and in the morning I was craving. It doesn’t matter, I talked to my sponsor and it worked. So much pressure has been building and I just felt a nudge to cut that tension up. It was stupid and I’m glad I didn’t relapse. But I didn’t want to come home feeling like that. I didn’t, um want the kids or you to see me like that.” His voice cracked as he looked at his wife and lowered his head in shame. How would he continue to lie to her? It was killing him already? She couldn’t know about this. She couldn’t if she did it would forever break her heart and change everything. Dani wouldn’t stay like his mother would. She said it many times and in many discussions. “I just was vulnerable and I hate for you to see me like that.” He lied and it was the worst feeling in the world. It never felt good to lie but this time it was something else. It felt like the words were clawing to come out of his throat. Knowing that it was a partial truth.

“I’m actually thinking about going away for a weekend. Just to kinda get my head on straight again. Can I be honest with you? You married an addict. That will never change. I will be an addict for the rest of my life and although I am in recovery. I placed you and the kids as my new addiction and when fear and self loathing get involved. Not even you three can pull me out and I just need to remember those tools that I learned you know? I have to be able to pull myself out of the darkness even with the help of my partner, my wife, my soulmate.” Jackson said, taking her hand and kissing it. “I’m sorry if I scared you Dani, I just want to be better than my father and yesterday I saw him looking at me. I saw him in my reflection and I don’t ever want to see that again. This should be the time of our lives we got DGI, we won and I feel like everything is exploding around me.” Jackson confessed honestly. “I’m scared Dani that we are going to lose against Tess and she’ll take what we have been working on. I’m scared that I’m weak again and I’ll use again because I feel so much anxiety about this. I’m just scared right now that I’m going to lose everything including my wife and the twins. I built my happiness and peace and yesterday was the first day it was truly disturbed and I don’t know why.” Pinching the bridge of his nose. He did know why. It was Dru and her feeding coke to him. “I just didn’t want you around my darkness.”

Dani allowed herself to breathe when he wrapped his arms around her and then she looked at him when he pulled back. Honestly she was shocked at the revelation and then guilt sat in for not being there last night for him even though he had told her he could handle it and to go to her mother’s. She rubbed the back of his neck resting her forehead against his to comfort him. “I should have been there, I’m glad that you called your sponsor. I just thought you’d at least text or call while I was at my mom’s.” She said looking at him and his energy and she never wanted him to think that she wasn’t there for him or that he had to hide his vulnerability from her, she loved that side of him. She loved all his sides but the one that opened up to was one of the most attractive because she knew he didn’t do it often or with his past lovers he’d had. “I love that side of you Jackson, you don’t have to hide that from me.” She whispered when he kissed her hand and started talking about needing a weekend away and DGI she tried to hold her own self together, she was always taking care of everyone else. Her mom over the years like she the night before, her brother sometimes, Dylan she always put everyone else first she was just wired that way.

She ran her hands through her hair while she took a seat back on the couch on the plus side at least she wasn’t pregnant this time. She took a moment between what he had told her and then everything last night with her mom and Randall’s book; she wasn’t sure she could do it on her own this time. “I know who I married and you are not your father. You’re not I know that, you know that too. Even if Tess did somehow miraculously pull this entire takeover CEO scheme she has going on, do you really think DGI means more to me than you and us? It could go down in flames, we could lose everything and I would still choose you and we’d figure it out. I didn’t marry you for DGI. You could be CEO of any company you wanted to make on your own and we’d do it together. You’re not going to lose me or the kids.” Dani said looking up at him while she looked out the window for a bit and then back at the fireplace fighting back tears. His sobriety of course was important but she needed him right now especially if Randall’s book came out and it didn’t exactly look great for him to run off on a weekend away by himself either during Tess trying to take DGI. “I really need you and I know that doesn’t compare to your issues, but Randall is publishing a book about Victoria. It’ll probably come out after the Casino opening but if you need to go I understand. They’re going to look at me and whisper and ask questions and I’m not sure I can do that by myself.” She said her voice barely above a whisper, back in high school people whispered said things did his own sister included and Max hadn’t been nice about it.

Jackson felt like a monster for the first time in their relationship. He was the bad guy in a new way. He had hurt Dani but never intentionally and the things he did was a chain of events so to speak. Now he went on a bender and if the truth ever was found then he’d be over. As he stared at her face he knew it was time to secure her future. Stepping to Dani he cupped her face and kissed her lips. “I’ll be by your side always. What happened to Victoria is neither Lauren or your fault. I hate your father has made you feel like your survival in that moment was less monumental than Victoria. Both of you deserved to be here but you are and I know Lauren makes you feel less seen as well.” They’d talked about this once or twice but Dani seemed to shut down when Victoria was brought up. She seemed to be an elephant in the room and that was haunting them all. Jackson stared at her, feeling her anxiety but he also had his own. She was saying he wasn’t like his father but Lowell was lurking in the shadow over him. He was casting a mighty darkness over his life and unfortunately he lost the battle with two demons. Jackson was disgusted with Dru at this point but he somehow let himself go down this path. This path of destruction that he’d seen plenty of times before.

“Hey, hey you are just as valid as Victoria and this isn’t complicated. She died and you are here. You are my wife and nobody and nothing comes before that. I am sad that your beautiful little sister didn’t make it but if they continue to make you look and feel like this. I’m going to say something. This is ridiculous you pick up Lauren while she makes you feel like an afterthought and Walter seems to have some sick vendetta against you. As a man I won’t allow you to be bullied or unintentionally hurt any longer are we clear?” Jackson said forcefully. “If I’m the most powerful man in America then they will hear what the fuck I have to say. Now I respect Lauren and tolerate Walter but I won’t let you look like this again. They won’t keep making you feel secondary when no offense to Braden you are the fucking star and the sooner they all see that the sooner we won’t have a problem. Come here.” He hugged her again knowing she needed to feel secure. “I love you and you are the most important person to me and the kids. To our family.” Wiping her eyes. “You are my world.”

Dani didn’t know why she was so emotional about all of it lately her sister and she looked at him when he said he’d be there. Honestly he could go for his weekend away after the casino and after she knew what was going on with Randall’s book but until then she needed him with her and the kids. She’d tried to hold it together with both of her parents but she knew things changed when her sister died. In many ways she knew her dad wanted Vicky alive over her. Her mother carried so much damn guilt over it almost like she compensated with smothering her in Vicky’s place. It didn’t make her parents awful or bad people; they lost a child and never got the closure they needed. She lost a sister, in some ways she was still unsure of her real place in her family because of it. “She was staring out at the water at the cottage ready to jump in and like always I had to come for her to pull her back. After Vicky’s funeral I found her in the nursery clutching her clothes, my dad at Pub, Braden at a sleepover she didn’t even know I was there till I had to practically shake her out if it. She got some counseling after my dad was worried she’d burn the house down.” Dani said finally looking at him shaking for a bit she knew she was crying. “Did you know in high school Max when she found out I actually liked you she asked me why I didn’t just drown that day, nice huh? I used to ask myself that a lot.”

She had asked herself that growing up and while she was with Lex after she was with Lex. She hadn’t asked herself that in a while though only if she let her mind wander to her sister and that night and then they’d trickle in. When the stuff started to happen with her phone she felt so out of sorts and it worried her and she leaned into Jackson’s touch. “I know that I do but between Randall’s book and all the stuff that happened with my phone, I really thought I was going crazy. Like my aunt or even when my mom gets into one of her moods and I don’t like to feel like I’m not in control, only with you. I know that sounds strange but you ground me in that way and I felt like I couldn’t tell you because of everything going on with Tess. I didn’t want to be the crazy Cummings girl or Walter’s fucked up daughter.” She finished hugging him and crying into his shoulder the relief of the moment washing over her. She gripped him tightly while she cried, pulling back to look at him. “I need you to not let me get to that point that my mom or my aunt was. I don’t want to feel like that again that I was losing grip on reality with your or the kids again. I don’t want to feel like I’m going to lose you to that, one day you’ll see me as the crazy girl and just leave.” She finished looking at him, feeling her breathing steady and a peace settling over her.

Jackson held her as he kissed the top of her forehead. He found himself lost in the bliss and peace of just having her right here. She was the soul that he always needed in his life. He had grown up in many ways and she was the reason his heart beat. The reason his father left DGI to him he knew it was Dani and her gilding hand. How that feeling was so true and so steady but right now she needed his protection and she needed to know that he wasn’t going to be her family. “Dani I swear to you that you won’t be anything like Lauren or your aunt. This thing we will figure out okay? Whoever was after you and trying to trick you knows your history and I don’t like that they manipulated us both.” Feeling his heart skipping thinking about Lex but what if it was Dru or someone else? He felt his skin getting hot as he watched Dani calming in his arms. “You know what I think? You’re not just a Cummings or Walter Frasier’s daughter, you’re my wife. You’re the twins’ mother and an invaluable member of my life. Don’t think that you don’t matter or that you aren’t important because you are. Do you hear me? You deserved to survive.”

With that he began to lead her to the family room and pulled Dani into his arms. His eyes glowed against the fire that was crackling. “So should I tell you how I impressed Grant or do you just want me to hold you? I can do that just hold you right here. Dani so I was thinking after the Tess stuff and I get control, a family vacation. To Disney or something like that? I want the kids to have big memories of their parents making a fool of themselves just to see them laugh. I think that neither my dad nor your dad did that and I don’t want to be that type of father. What do you think? Let’s get some Mickey ears and treat the twins maybe every year?”

Dani had finally stopped shaking at some point while her husband had stood there holding her in his arms. She didn’t remember the last time she had cried like that, maybe after everything with Lex. Regardless when he led them to the couch she leaned into him letting her head rest against his chest, listening to his heart beat while he spoke about dinner with Grant and a vacation to Disney. Honestly she wouldn’t be opposed to it. A vacation was just what they needed after everything, his father dying, someone messing with her phone and Tess’s little scheme she was trying to do. She let her fingers play with his shirt for a bit while she looked at the fireplace and the monitor on the side table. “Tell me about Grant. I want to know everything. As for Disney I think they’d love it. I plan on taking a lot of family vacations with you and them, plus any others we have.” Dani whispered softly just enjoy the quiet with him as long as they could before one of the twins was waking up before the craziness of the Casino opening.

**********

Ronan looked out the window of the armored Mercedes as they wound through the traffic in Cape Kentrich towards the O’Connor estate; it would be a short trip, something that was taken at the last minute. His friend told him that she had information to share with him but it could only be in person not over the phone. The phone call involved Gia meaning he needed to see what was going on in person and he couldn’t skate around it in Atlas Falls. She had left as well but he had put a tail on her at least to the airport and learned she was catching a flight back home to New York, he wondered if it was for her side of the business or something else. He supposed they were both keeping secrets from each other now meaning he needed to have Braden Fraiser act swiftly when the baby was born, he could easily take his son into custody and have the paper filed. He would stay overnight for now at the O’Connor’s as a guest and catch a flight back first thing in the morning to be there for the opening. He placed his scotch down on the tray in the car as it came to a halt outside the house and the door opened for him to get out.

The sun was setting on the horizon and if he was a fan of the heat and humidity the Cape would be the perfect place for him to even call home, but he liked all his seasons and Atlas Falls would always be home. He saw one of his men reach for their weapons when Kevin approached and held up his hand. “That won’t be necessary would it? We’re here as guests isn’t that correct or are we here as enemies? I was assured that we were here as guests of Ms. O’Connor unless that phone call that I received was nothing more than a muse and if that is the case Mr. Nixon then we’re going to have a big problem on our hands.” He said, pausing to see if his guard would comply or not and seeing Kelly’s own people on edge with Kevin as their leader motioning with his own hands to stand down.

Kevin looked at his men and then back at Ronan’s motioning for his own to stand down and remain calm; that was a direct order from her and one he would follow. He had after all went and rescued the man in front of him back in Atlas Falls when Brenda Kincaid and Khalil Watkins had tried to assassinate him behind bars, went as far as to dress up as a guard and drag him out of a riot saving his life. “It’s a precaution but you are right it’s not necessary.” Kevin said seeing the rest of them finally relax as Ronan’s bag was taken from the car and the men all seemed to not know what to do. He was certain that Ronan’s men were involved in blood baths; their circle had always been a bit more defined. “She’s waiting for you.” He finished as he opened the door to the house and waited for Ronan’s entourage to follow them inside.

Ronan followed Kevin inside the mansion and through the hall to the living room where he found his dear friend staring out at the water, a few pictures lined the walls. Her sibling and her of course. Her daughter’s portrait on the wall and for a moment he wondered how she did that and gave her away safely to her ex to raise away from their lifestyle. He couldn’t do that to Gia and his son that simply wasn’t going to happen, he craved the power too much and he’d never let Gia have full custody if he had anything to say about it. He’d open the casino and the money would flow in enough for him to buy off a judge or two or three if needed, his new lawyer was capable. Not the extent of the woman and boss in front of him per say but good enough to paint Gia as the crazy bitch that people had been talking about for years. Good enough for him to raise his son on his own while she watched from afar under his thumb and power, her territory as his if she even wanted visitation. That was the plan and he would see it through and hopefully the woman in front of him could provide a little more insight into what exactly she knew about Gia or this trip was going to be a waste of his time.

“So what was so important that you called me down here that it couldn’t be said on the last phone call that we had? Where is Matthew?” Ronan asked, seeing Kelly turn her body to his and watched as she walked to the wet bar pouring them both a scotch while she handed it to him seeing her ring finger bare. He supposed that was an answer to that question, he knew they had been pretending for a while, really according to their correspondence. He was glad to see it had come to a screeching halt and he felt bad for asking. “For what it is worth I know that couldn’t have been easy for you. We’ve been friends longer than enemies but you said you had concerns about that fire that happened with the product. I can’t fill in those blanks until I know what you know.”

Kelly poured them both a drink looking out the window, the waves crashing into the ocean, the sound calming she had Ronan followed from the airport just in case. Gia Falcone was stirring up far too much trouble, trouble she didn’t play with on her territory. There had been too many whispers out of Atlas Falls and she watched her half sister like a hawk all the time when it came to business, thankfully her sister was useful in this regard. Swirling her scotch in her hands she took a drink she’d signed the papers months before he moved to California. There was no sense dwelling on that anymore. They’d married to save the family from prison, nothing more or nothing less. Looking over at Ronan she took a seat on the couch. What she had to say was imperative given what they were dealing with. Ronan had no idea who the woman he was in bed with really was; she had been playing him for almost a year or more. She was going to put an end to it tonight if that was possible let Ronan make the decisions about what he was going to do with Gia afterwards.

“It was for the best, you and I both know that Matt was’t suited for our life hence why he left and I live here alone. If I wanted a lover I would take one. But we’re not here to talk about that now are we? We’re here to talk about Atlas Falls, and what is going on there like product burning that I sent to you. Now there were only three people that knew about that shipment you, me and her. She’s playing you and I’m friend enough to tell you to your face not under a phone call. The police are still wiretapping you.” She said looking at him acknowledged the information she wasn’t sure if the tap was more for him or Gia but it was one of them. There was still an active investigation going on when it came to his latest little jail stint. She watched him take a sip of the drink while he clearly thought over what she was saying almost like he didn’t believe her. That was fine with her; he didn’t need to rely on her word alone but she had proof. “Interesting that you think that because she is carrying your child that she isn’t still the same psychotic bitch that husbands have wound up dead left and right. That she isn’t the same girl of the man your father murdered. I never pegged you as vulnerable let alone gullible to her.”

Ronan took a sip of his scotch as he looked at her, everyone was warning him about Gia first Thor and now one of his closest friends he wasn’t completely daft when it came to what he knew. He had to play his card right with Gia now that she was carrying his child and he almost scoffed at Kelly’s insinuation on the sofa that he didn’t know what was going on. He wanted proof beyond her words that she knew something could have been easily another faction that went after the product when would Gia have had time? He didn’t know her complete schedule but her henchman Hector that was another story in and of itself, Gia was far too clean to get her hands that dirty. He got that the woman in front of him could compartmentalize everything when it came to her own child and letting her be raised as her niece for years on end to have the truth spill out, he wasn’t wired that way. He supposed seeing your own parents murdered in front of him as a young adult did that to him that he cared too much about the bond he would have with his son.

“Cut the shit already either you know something or you don’t, I’m actually in the works right now building a case on the side to take my son from her. You may have been fine with giving  Erin away and back to Brandon after everything. You may say you are fine with being lonely and alone. I’m not. I want to be a part of his life.” Ronan said, looking over at her seeing her jaw twitch he was one of the few people that could and would call her out. This was where they were built differently. She had been through things he had not had her reasons.. “I know that she has secrets but to risk our entire operation because she is clearly jealous of our partnership is extreme. Even for Gia Falcone. I would hate for this trip to have been a waste of both of our time, when I have a casino opening that I am supposed to be at home finalizing for tomorrow evening.” Ronan said, placing his now empty glass down on the coffee table.

Kelly looked over at him getting up from the sofa as she made her way to the side table in the room and the envelope that was there picking it up and handing it to him. She waited a moment for him to open it and glance at the photos inside. She did what was best for her daughter, gave her back to her father to raise, watched her sister in law and her brother crumble in the process and made sure she kept her an arms length away. “I have my reasons with Erin. Now let’s chat about those shall we? My brother thinks he is smarter than I am and has been trying to make a play for the empire for a while, who knew it would be Anna who came and told me that Gia and him were fucking one of the smaller islands down here in the Keys? I had Kevin follow him for their last meeting as you can tell he is very thorough but you know that.” She said her eyes narrowed at Ronan while she walked back to the window rolling her neck in the process. She took another drink of her scotch before placing it down next to his.

“So why if she is so loyal to you is she down here meeting and fucking my brother in hopes to cause an uprising here. She’s dangerous Ronan and you and I both know she wanted a war to start, he wanted one too and I didn’t bite. It didn’t make sense for you to compromise our relationship to burn that product, but for her it makes all the sense in the world.” She said looking at her friend and then back out at the window at the crashing waves, who knew that it was family that you had to watch your back with the most, not the enemies at the gate. She closed her eyes for a moment to open then that was neither here nor there where it was all concerned. Now she had a job to do, a business to protect and she would do just that. Just like her father and grandfather before her had taught her. “So I want you to handle her, are we clear? I don’t need the feds breathing down my neck here and we can’t afford anymore disturbances when it comes to product or distribution. I don’t care when or how you do it but handle it.” She finished turning back to him.

Ronan looked at the pictures of his very pregnant fiance fucking the brother of the women in front of him. Pictures of her, Hector and some more members of her organization meeting with those loyal to Sean and his hand shook. He was never a saint in that department he had been fucking Dru Price but to go behind his back to try and stage a coop with him against Sean’s own sister. Everyone in the business knew Sean had ambitions that were often at times left unchecked in this case however he knew he had been checkmated when it came to his newest scheme. Getting up from the couch he joined his friend at the window. “I would assume you’re going to handle Sean? I’ll handle her, now did you call me down here for anything else or just about Gia? We could give in this time.” He asked with a slight smirk coming out. He always thought about it though he never asked or acted in it.

Kelly turned to look at him amused for a moment. The thought had crossed her mind her parents would have been thrilled with a match like Ronan years ago. She simply took a step back. “Sean is being handled as we speak. I don’t think that would be wise now would it, it would complicate our good relationship. The guest room is set up, I’ll take you on a tour in the morning.” She said walking to the doorway pausing for a moment. “A bit of advice, you did the right thing with Ms. Kincaid, let her marry the Prince and forget you existed for her own good. I should have done it a long time ago. I would make an exception in Gia’s case and you know I never make that type of one.”

Ronan watched her walk out and leave the room, his hands still gripping the pictures in the envelope. He didn’t want to ask how she was going to handle Sean; it was something that he didn’t want to know. Rumor was that she buried the bodies in the ocean and they were never found again. He actually hadn’t thought about Brooke Kincaid in months not in that way but he got the meaning he let her go, his friend never really let hers go all the way at least. He looked down at one of the pictures Gia on the beach enjoying a drink before he took the picture crumpling it in his hand before letting it crumble to the ground. She really thought she could burn his product and empire down and he wouldn’t get wind of it? She wanted power so badly he’d show her power and the exception to the O’Connor golden rule got him wondering if he would actually be able to do it. Kill the mother of his unborn child, ultimately watching the waves beat on the beach while he debated on it. Not even his own father had done that with Carla; they worked something out, but Gia was dangerous. His suspicions had risen and then fell over and over with her over the years. Was she behind more than just this latest scheme?

**********

Pierre sat inside the room at the Rawlings overlooking the skyline, his glass of red wine in front of him waiting. He had no idea what was holding up Dru Price but he wasn’t going to wait around to eat so he had room service deliver. There was no way he was going out on the town just yet not until after he had what Dru was delivering in his hand and he watched all those faces crumble in the office. Afterwards he would make his grand entrance at the casino opening with his daughter on his arm, the horror on the Devonshire’s faces as he did so, their precious little heir and his wife destroyed. Tess getting what was rightfully hers was the perfect plan he knew that Gloria had another scheme laid up or maybe she didn’t regardless. Everyone was forgetting the forgotten player at the board Tess, who was endeared to him, he was the one that she trusted not Forbes or anyone else. Taking a bite of his prime rib he frowned. It was not the French cuisine he was accustomed to but it was better than the prison food he had eaten for years. Reaching for his glass of wine on the table he heard the food to his room open and looked at Dru as she entered.

“It’s taken you quite a while to turn up today. I didn’t realize you were that enamored with your sister’s husband that you kept him that busy, who knew everyone thought that he was so noble. Once Lowell’s son, always Lowell’s son it seems that  the apple doesn’t fall far from the same tree or even the same branch. I would assume that you have what I asked?” Pierre said looking at her as he waved his hand off at her to take a seat at the table and he cut into the steak. He chewed slowly wondering what his little protege was thinking, did she feel anything for the fact that she was out destroying a man’s sobriety let alone his family, he hoped she felt nothing for it had he of been around and knew about her, her reign of terror would have started much sooner. “Such a shame that your sister’s life will implode. I wonder if Greer will be able to get a tell all from her later. I can see the headlines now. Former Mrs. Devonshire reveals husband’s affair with the nanny who is also her half sister on television. Your name all over the press, maybe even bagging someone your star rising.” Pierre said reaching for his wine again as he saw her eyeing the caviar as well that was on the table.

Dru walked in wearing a see through lace and sheer Chanel dress. It only hid her nipples and vagina. Her hair was slicked into a tight ponytail and she was wearing a raccoon eye and a blood red lip. She sat outside of Jackson’s room after he threw her out and listened to a grown man weep. It wasn’t appealing. The goodie actually was hurt at what he did. Which made her feel even more like shit. Not because of Dani being her sister and it was wrong but because of Sean O’Connor. He might have been older, and some might call him a pedophile but she knew what she was doing. She seduced him at his most vulnerable when he relapsed on drugs. His pain was palpable and so was Jackson’s about failing. She stole a man’s sobriety and that wasn’t a good feeling. In fact she felt worse about this one than all the other things. She was truly about to ruin their relationship forever. “Who said I wanted that Pierre?” Dru asked, looking at him picking up the bottle of wine and pouring herself a glass.

“I learned quite a bit from you, Pierre. Tonight I have what you want but do you think I’m dumb? Pierre I won’t be handing this over unless you give me something. I want a piece of LeClerq media, or maybe a check for ten million dollars. If I give you this then what do I get? Revenge? Oh I already have that. I can snap my fingers and get my revenge. So tell me what do I get other than your pat on the head.” She said softly. “I have your future in my hands so tell me what do you want for it? How bad do you want this? Or should I go to Forbes and play for the high bidder? You see if I’m learning if you want this flash drive then you’re going to pay. Aren’t you proud of me? I got some business acumen from you.” Dru leaned in and looked at him. “I’m not playing, what do I get out of it.”

Pierre had to admire her body when she entered the room wondering how many heads she had turned on the way up and how own body was reacting to her across from him. He’d seen many beautiful girls in his day and it wasn’t like he was opposed to a younger lover he’d had a few but a woman that was sleeping with so many men screamed trouble for him. He knew better than to dip himself in that type of a well and was willing to ignore the ache in his pants, at the moment his little protege thinking she had leverage. “I don’t think you are dumb my dear quite the opposite but I do think that you’ve grown attached. I heard about that run in with your parents right before your cousin’s wedding that had to have been so hard, listening to them lament to you about how Kendall was just a blip in their memory. I even heard Walter grew a pair with you over Dani. The problem is that you think that you have some sort of leverage here. I want the tape you see there is a difference between want and need. You want to be accepted into your family, but more importantly deep down it is a need for you.” He placed his fork down while he took a bite of his steak chewing and then cleansing his palette with a drink of wine.

“Revenge for you should be publicly waving your flag around town so that everyone knows that it was you that released that picture of Steven. That it was you that demolished your brother’s career. That it was you that fucked both your sister men one with a tape you are going to give me included. That should be what you are after instead of running from the spotlight. You need me to have that spotlight be sympathetic to you Dru, my daughter controls the narrative of the press here.” Pierre said placing his napkin down while he looked at her contemplating her little offer that she actually thought that he would give her stock or a percentage of Le Clerq Media was laughable. If she was smart she would fly over to France, shake that little ass in front of his nephew, rope him into marrying her and call it a day if she really wanted a piece. He considered her other offer of ten million dollars that was laughable, maybe one or two if she was lucky, it would give her enough to flee and start over if she wanted or even start a life here in Atlas Falls. “I am not giving you ten million dollars, Forbes won’t even give you that now we can negotiate that price if you want. You’ll need a friend Dru when all this is over someone to help you out of the mess I’ve been that haven’t I?” He finished Forbes would be a fool to pay that much money for a tape and besides Forbes was too focused on Tess at the moment he wanted his focus there not on Dru.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him. As she listened to him she was after more money, power, and respect. If she had the press on her side Kelly O’Connor wouldn’t just assassinate her. She stole from that family but she also had Ronan underneath her spell. Maybe just maybe she could return the moment through him. She did need to stop looking over her shoulder about that but right now Pierre gave her something to consider. Was she leaving before her victory lap? Hearing him she felt his prodding as she shook her head. “I hear what you are saying but when the climate changes for me Pierre things will get cold. I’m not here for that and I am not having something to protect myself. So look at this as the student battling the teacher but I won’t just hand this over without so much as a reward for my work. I will get something up top and at the end. This is going to be my life, and while you lurk in the shadows and cause chaos I’m right frontline. Headline news and things will get very sticky so I’m telling you I will be compensated for my struggles. You can be a friend but how much of a friend are you when it will count. Now you are wondering what I mean by that right? When and if this all falls apart or goes swimmingly as you seem to think I want a nest egg. I want more money than I can dream of and I will have it on top of revenge. So if you say ten million is too much I’ll reduce it. Five million dollars for this sex tape.” Dru said with her chest.

“Listen, I will be able to get myself out of anything if the time comes. I will always have a trump card but I’d appreciate a little reciprocation as I did distract all of them from you and whatever you’re doing.” Picking up the bottle of red wine at the table she poured herself a glass as she looked at him. “I think you can respect my initiative and I do everything you ask of me. I’ve helped in arenas for your coup with Tess. It’s all over the papers and that means you have paper so don’t get stingy on me. I’m just asking for a leg up when things go bad for me and I’m a realist. So while I might be a media darling in your eyes but eventually they build you up only to let you fall. So right now if I do this I will be compensated for this. I am shattering Jackson sobriety, my sisters happiness, and those twins will never have them together for something more than notoriety so come again. I won’t be played like a rookie and I know the game. Trust me because your little background check and information you no doubt did on me didn’t tell my full story trust me. So negotiate or else we’ll see what Forbes or someone else would like this tape. Like Jackson perhaps, checkmate.”

Pierre sat at the dinner table watching her trying to entice him into five million dollars. Honestly Dru intrigued him as a means to an end with Walter and his family but beyond that he found her to be uncultured. Something that perhaps they could fix down the line of her being more cultured that would require her to close her legs every once in a while. He knew that he could use Dru in the press; her story would pull at heartstrings more than her reign of terror did or could ever accomplish. “It’ll be lukewarm at best not ice cold you see I can make you out to be whatever narrative I choose. Vindictive little discarded sister that parents tossed her away or you become the lost little girl searching for answers from her family that didn’t care she was there. Which one do you think sells more news articles and interviews? You’re thinking too small. I could give you the money but you could earn on your own even more. Sign a deal with myself and Greer here at the media we could turn you into the pilot of the story, the heroine in this tale. Jackson, the bad and awful person he really is, a man that used you and you wouldn’t even have to sleep with so many men to do that. You’d make more than enough on your own selling your story to my papers and doing exclusive interviews with me. Perhaps even a book deal if you wanted we just bought a publishing house.” Pierre said taking a sip of his wine wholesale he looked up at her before moving up the table and around to where she sat.

He leaned over her chair running a hand gently on her shoulder, her skin so supple and the perfume she wore was intoxicating. He could see why men were so attracted to her there was clearly something there. An it factor Greer had that an it factor about her it is what made men chase her, Dru could have that if she wanted but the ambition had to be there. He made sure she got a look at his pants showing the bulge that was forming. It was hard not too when she came in wearing practically nothing. “You are quite lovely. What is it that you are wearing Dior perhaps? Was the dress supposed to incentivize me to go to bed with you? What is it that you actually want Kendall?” Pierre asked leaning into her ear he was opposed to the idea if she wanted him and he pulled back looking at her using her real name. He gouged her reaction to her real name wanting to know what it was that she really wanted to hide behind the fake persona of Dru Price or embrace who she really was, Kendall Richardson, well Fraiser really. “Do you just want to be known as the girl that beds powerful men or something else? Bartender perhaps or recently sexy nanny? Let’s say we settle on two point five million. It’s a halfway point.” He asked, taking a grape off the table and placing it into his mouth.

“I want to be the most powerful woman in Atlas Falls. That’s what I want.” She said triumphantly as she looked at Pierre. “If you want to discuss this further then we can go upstairs because I doubt that two point five million will get me the type of lawyer I need if things go badly. Now I’ll say three million would work much better than the initial amount. You aren’t negotiating but I think we can change your tune.” She said leaning in picking up a strawberry, biting it seductively. “In fact I think a private setting might be better for us both.” She stroked his hand as she looked into his eyes. “I think we can come up with a compromise because I do see the benefits but I will be compensated with the amount of money I’m satisfied with but maybe if I had something else to scratch my itch. Then maybe just maybe two point five million dollars would be a price I saw fit.” She purred looking into his eyes leaning closer to him. “I can imagine that we both can find a solution to my problem? Shall we?” Dru got up once again seeing that everyone was looking at her body. She enjoyed the attention and to be fair she deserved the notoriety. Did she not deserve to be in a magazine like Dani? Have everyone in town think of her as a legacy like Brooke? It was time for her to be the center of attention and Pierre wanted it. Handing him the flash drive she leaned in. “I trust you, one of the few don’t disappoint me.”

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