by Jerry
I sat quietly as the members of the crew slowly filtered in and out of the
kitchen. Some poured cups of coffee, some made tea, some grabbed a bite to
eat.
I exchanged nods with them but remained silent.
Everyone already knew there was a new plan in the works and realized that I was best left alone to work it out in my head.
If they only knew some of the thoughts rolling around in here huh?
Within the hour Regan reappeared to inform me everyone was gathered in the
living room.
"They seem to be under the impression you are running this show again, and are waiting for you to come and give the orders." she said with a smirk.
I grabbed my coffee and hurried to follow her.
As we entered the living room, I leaned down and whispered to Regan softly.
"Thats me..Jerry Jax...master planner, top dog, the guy in control..."
and don't you forget it.
____________
They all looked at me, awaiting information.
Like I said..top dog...
"As Regan has by now told you, we are moving this operation. Our enemy has been identified, He knows where we are, and it is in our best interest to relocate. Any of you have a problem with that?"
Felicia looked at Mac, then Frisco and then me.
"Do I need to go? I mean I think Mac and I are pretty well out of this thing now that Jimmy has been taken care of. I have two daughters to think about."
I thought about what she said, and realized she was right. We didn't need her, and taking her would only endanger her unnecessarily.
And she is way to fine to take a chance on hurting...
"No. You and Mac are free to go."
She nodded and looked back at Frisco, who smiled at her sadly.
I bet that hurts...but somehow I get the feeling they have been here before...
Mac looked at me then, and I could tell he wasn't as eager to go.
"What if I want to stay?"
I contemplated him a moment then looked over at Robert.
Now...Mac is the last guy I need around at this particular time. I have never liked him, and I don't plan on starting now, but he is Robert's brother, so I guess I should defer to him...
He shook his head slighty and I nodded.
Good we are in agreement on this one
"Mac...we dont need you. Stay here."
He started to protest, but Felicia put a hand on his arm and looked at him with those big blue eyes, almost pleadingly.
She looked at me that way and I would stay
"Fine. Then I am going up to pack and get out of here. But what about him?"
He motioned with his head to Jimmy.
"We will deal with him."
He nodded and moved off to the stairs, followed closely by Felicia.
As he passed Jax, I heard my brother offer his thanks and shake his hand.
What for I ask you? Mac didn't do a damn thing...
I noticed Frisco following Felicia wih his eyes. He looked mighty sad.
Can't say as I blame him...
I scanned the room again...
"Anyone else? Now is the time to speak up."
V looked from me to Jax and back.
"What about me?"
Now her I like. She can stay as far as I am concerned...but best let Jax
make the call..
I looked to Jax.
"I want you to stay if you can." Jax informed her quietly.
She smiled and nodded.
"Be happy to sir. Just didn't want to assume I was welcome."
Yeah...her I like...
I nodded to Jax and looked around again...
"Is that it? The rest of you are staying?"
I scanned my eyes over them one by one...
Mike. Nodding yes.
Roger. Nodding Yes.
Dave. Nodding Yes.
You didn't really think any of my guys would back down did ya?
Robert. nodding yes.
Jagger. Nodding yes.
Frisco. Nodding yes.
Good. I was afraid we were gonna lose him to the filly...
Jax, Brenda, Regan and I are a given. V is along for the ride as well.
Guess we have us a crew.
"Alright then. Next order of business. Where to go."
I looked at Jax, grinning as I made my announcement.
"Next stop. Jax's lovely island of Kronos."
Brenda squeeled with glee. She pounded Jax on the arm and giggled.
Jax looked stunned.
"I never said you could use my island Jerry."
I shrugged.
"Since when have I ask."
Well...I never have before...don't really see the point in starting now, do you?
He shook his head and chuckled.
"Fine Jer. Fine. Kronos it is."
Brenda jumped into his arms and he smiled.
"Oooh Jax! I have always wanted to go to Kronos!" she said excitedly.
Oh please spare me. Where has this dimwitt been for the last few days? Could she possibly have forgotten this is life and death we are dealing wih here?
"This ain't no vacation Brenda."
The tone of my voice startled her, and she turned to gaze at me in confusion.
I looked at her with a mixture of frustration and hate.
Well, she is acting like a child...this is serious business
Brenda very quickly dropped her arms from Jax and hung her head.
"I know it isn't Jerry. I am sorry."
Jax gave me a warning glance over her head, and I shrugged it off.
"O.k., we are going to Kronos."
I looked around, no one else had a comment.
Good now that is settled, on to the travel arrangements.
"Fine. Robert, I expect you and your two will be traveling on your own?"
"Thats correct. Frisco, Jagger and I need to try and get a fix on Arch Angels location. We can do that best on our own. You get your team moved to the Island and get set up, and we will be there when we have any information."
"Agreed. And can you take our friend Jimmy here with you. I am sure you can find an appropriate place for him."
I glanced at Jimmy, who just slumped down in his chair.
Time to pay the piper my friend...
Robert nodded.
"Sure Jerry. I know just what to do with him."
Robert smiled and his eyes twinkled.
Jimmy hung his head.
Frisco and Jagger stood and moved to Jimmy, taking his arms.
"We are gonna go round up our gear then."
I nodded and they moved off as well. Robert followed them.
I looked to Jax.
Got one more base to cover here...
"Jax...I think you should go to the homestead. round up mum and dad. They are going to be a quick way to get to you once these guys realize we found their guy and have moved to parts unknown."
Jax nodded.
Good. Things are going splendidly wouldn't you say. Only one more thing now....
I looked to Regan.
"Regan, you take Brenda and V with you. Mike you go with them. Take them into town, let them pack whatever they need, and then get them to Regan's plane."
Regan simply nodded. As did V.
Brenda looked at Regan and then at Jax.
"I want to stay with Jax." she said, giving me a level stare.
I shook my head.
"You go with Regan. Right now Jax is the target. The less people traveling with him, the better. No offense Jax." I said turning to him.
Jax gave me an understanding nod, and then turned his attention to Brenda.
"Jerry's right Brenda. You will be safer with Regan for now. I will meet up with you on Kronos."
She stuck out her lower lip, pouting , and slowly shook her head.
"I don't care Jax. I don't want to leave you."
Someone please spare me this...
Jax got that soft look in his eyes and his voice took on that gentle tone I've noticed he reserves for her.
"Brenda, I know you want to stay with me. But it is not possible. I want to know you are safe."
They looked at each other and she shook her head again.
And I have had more than enough of this shit..
"Damnit Brenda. Get over yourself already! We have enough to do trying to keep Jax and the rest of us alive. Quit pouting, shut the hell up and do what your told!"
She looked at me in wide eyed astonishment.
Regan gave me an angry look.
Jax leveled a gaze at me that would have floored a lesser man.
I threw my hands up in disgust.
"You people are just too much! Get over it. Brenda goes with Regan. End of discussion."
I glared at them, grabbed my coffee cup and headed back to the kitchen.
I think we all need a little breathing room about now.
_________
I stood in the kitchen sipping my coffee, trying to get my control back.
Jax came in and sat across from me.
"Brenda will go with Regan. They are leaving in a few minutes to pack."
I nodded.
"Please go easy on her Jer."
I shrugged.
"I don't expect any more or any less of her than anyone else in this thing."
"Thats not true, and you know it."
O.k., so maybe it is...I can't help it if I don't trust her...or me when I'm around her for that matter...
"Jax I already told you. I don't give a damn about you and her. I am just trying to keep us all alive."
"I know you are Jer. But you need to let me handle Brenda."
"Fine."
He stared at me a moment, then shook his head.
"I am going to the Penthouse to pack some things, and then I am going home to get Mum and Dad."
"Don't call them Jax. Your phones may be bugged. File a false flight plan, get Mum and Dad, and then get your butt to Kronos as quickly as you can."
He nodded and stood to leave.
"Jax? Be careful."
"You too Jerry. You'll be o.k.?"
"We'll be fine. Now go."
He nodded and headed for the door.
"I'll see you on Kronos."
"Sure thing. Take care little brother."
and he was gone.
And hurry Jax. Best not to leave me alone in a tropical paradise with your little vixen too long...
I headed back to the living room to get Dave and Roger moving.
We have alot of work to do and we best get to it..
___________