Episode 14: Warped Justice

Previously
Michael accused Lauren of using John to make Mark jealous. John hinted to Julia that he was using Lauren for her money. Jessica had a nightmare about her rape ordeal. On Guy's instructions, Cassie met with Stephanie in the city and told her that David was still sleeping with Julia. Stephanie knew that she needed to take revenge. John took Lauren out for dinner and told her he still loved her. Mark told Stephanie that he was her brother and she was ecstatic. David called Morgan's pimp in LA. John and Lauren made love. As Julia seduced David, Stephanie bought a gun.

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"What is this?" Julia yells at Pilar whilst staring at a package on the kitchen table. It is addressed to her but she has no idea what it could be.

"I no know. It come this morning." Pilar begins to talk to herself frantically in Spanish and raising her eyebrows at the outburst, Julia begins to unwrap the package.

Her screams can be heard throughout the house and Pilar begins to scream with her. Michael rushes into the kitchen.

"Oh my God!" Michael puts a hand to his mouth when he sees the object on the table. It is a pig’s heart, covered in blood. A message on bloodied paper lies at the side with the words, Die you bitch.

Julia falls backwards into a chair and Michael rushes forwards, picking up the offending object and throwing it in the trash.

"A heart? What have you done? Gotten involved with the Mafia?" Michael becomes breathless with disbelief and attempts to be heard over Pilar’s hysterical ramblings.

"No!" Julia shouts back. "I feel ill."

"Don’t we all." Michael sends Pilar out of the kitchen and shuts the door after her. "Who the hell would send you something like that?"

"You think I know?"

"Well you’re not short of enemies. A jealous wife somewhere perhaps?"

Julia’s eyes narrow and she stands up. "It was probably just a sick joke. Maybe I upset the poolboy or something."

"And he threatened to kill you? I don’t think so. This is serious. You better call the police."

"Maybe."

"What do you mean maybe? If someone is threatening to kill you, the whole family may be in danger."

"I’ll deal with it my own way."

"It’s you dealing with things that has probably caused this mess. When I get back this evening, I want you to have called the police. Understand?"

"Yes Michael sweetheart." As Michael heads up stairs, Julia turns her head towards the bloody note. "Damn you."

* * *

"Good morning." John strokes Lauren’s hair as she begins to stir. Her head lies on his chest and he kisses it gently.

"You too." Lauren reaches up and kisses him on the lips. "What time is it?"

"A little after 8."

"Too early." Lauren moans and pulls the bed sheets further up her body.

"Too early? Look outside." John throws the drapes back, flooding the room with sunlight.

"John!" Lauren yells playfully. "Close the drapes!"

"It’s a beautiful day. And you my girl are going to enjoy it. Get up."

John ignores his clothes lying on the floor and walks into the bathroom, turning the shower on full. He waits for the water to warm up before jumping in. After a few minutes, he notices someone else in the room and the curtain is pulled back.

"Want company?" Lauren asks as she steps into the shower with him.

"Do you have to ask?" John puts his arms around her waist as the water pelts down onto their bodies. "I love you." He blurts out impulsively. After a period of silence he begins to regret it.

Lauren breaks it by kissing him. "I love you too."

John decides to continue in the same way. "If that’s true…marry me."

"What?" Lauren gasps.

"I said marry me. I know I’m not on one knee but that could be a bit embarrassing if I had an accident."

Lauren laughs, "You sure you know what you’re getting yourself into?"

"Of course."

"And do you really mean it?"

"Undoubtedly. So?"

"Yes!"

"Yes?"

"Yes!" Lauren throws her arms round John’s neck and they are locked in a lingering embrace.

* * *

"Quit all the damn shouting." Cassie says to herself as she stares at the white stick in her hand.

"Cassie?" A voice booms from the bedroom. "I’m going into the city. I’ll be back later."

"Sure!" Cassie yells back, racing over and locking the door. She brings the stick out from behind her back and stares at it for a while hoping that it’s not true. The line appeared in the window…she’s pregnant.

"No no no no no no!" Cassie almost shrieks hysterically. "Not now. Please not now. This isn’t happening." She brings the stick back into vision again but nothing has changed. The line is still there…and she is still pregnant. "Who the hell is the father?"

Courthouse: San Francisco

"What’s his name?" Julia asks David as they trawl up the huge marble steps. The size of the courthouse could easily send an echo but her voice is disguised by the noise of bustling activity.

"Judge Robert Ellison. He contacted me yesterday. Apparently he has some very interesting news for us."

"You think he’s on our side?"

David grins, "I think so."

They open a large oak door and walk inside, treading cautiously on the thick carpet. At the end of the long room, a grey haired sixty year old man is tapping his desk with his fingers whilst perusing a wad of documents.

"Judge Ellison?" David calls out meekly.

The man looks up, "David! I’m glad you could make it." He looks over at Julia, "And who is your lovely companion?"

Julia smiles but inwardly groans. Is this another situation where she is going to have to use her looks instead of her brains? David introduces her, "This is Julia Wheeler. Douglas Wheeler’s widow."

"Good morning Mrs Wheeler." Judge Ellison extends a hand which Julia graciously accepts before sitting down in a dark leather chair.

"We’ve come to find out your decision." David says politely. "As to whether you can declare Douglas incompetent at the time of his death. I’m sure you read the many statements which I gathered from various sources…"

"None of which amount to anything." The Judge states sternly. "I’m sorry to break this to you but your late husband’s will, Mrs Wheeler is watertight. He was perfectly capable when he wrote it. You are quite welcome to take your case elsewhere but I am almost certain you will find the same response."

Julia slams a hand down on the desk. "No!"

"Julia!" David warns her.

"I’m sorry David but I am desperate. Judge Ellison, my husband left me with nothing. Nothing! The only reason I am able to stay at the mansion is through the…generosity of my sister-in-law. Surely after around twenty five years of marriage, a woman should be entitled to some sort of financial support!"

"But this is not a clearcut case. Your husband’s will specified how his estate should be divided. There were no loopholes or any signs that he was mentally incompetent apart from these. And I'm afraid they just don't cut it." The Judge shuffles the pile of witness accounts that David provided him with weeks ago.

"So…that’s it. I’m penniless." Julia remarks sourly.

"Like I said you can take this to another Judge but…well I don’t fancy your chances."

"Judge Ellison, thankyou for your time." David grabs Julia’s arm from preventing her making another outburst.

After the pair have left the room, Judge Ellison sits back in his chair and looks toward the door connecting with his adjoining office. "You can come out now." He raises his voice.

The doors swing open and a smiling Michael Wheeler enters clutching an envelope. Silently he approaches the desk and tips the contents onto the table. Several black and white photos slide across the desk.

"Well done Bob. You did good."

"Only because you forced me to…you blackmailer!" Ellison frantically begins to grab at the incriminating photographs showing him in various sexual encounters with prostitutes.

"Bob, if you’re going to mess around…then you’ve got to accept the consequences."

"Get out!"

"Fine I’m going. But just in case you were thinking about calling my sister-in-law and changing your story, remember…I could have copies." Michael laughs as he walks out of the room.

Elliott House: San Francisco

"What are you doing today?" Stephanie smiles and places the cereal packet down on the kitchen table.

"Huh?" Tommy responds lethargically.

"I asked what you are doing today."

"Oh…I’m going to see Jessica."

Stephanie remains silent but arches her eyebrows in obvious disapproval. Her reaction does not go unnoticed by her son.

"What?" Tommy slams his spoon down in his cereal and locks eyes with his mother.

"Nothing!" Stephanie attempts to sound calm. "I just don’t know why you’re still bothering with Jessica, that’s all. Surely there are dozens of girls you could go out with. And they wouldn’t be…"

"Damaged goods? Is that it? You think I should dump Jessica just because she got raped?"

"No! I was going to say they wouldn’t be a part of the Wheeler family. But I should’ve known you’d react like that, jumping to conclusions. It’s been the same since you got involved with that family. I don’t know what is happening to you."

Tommy stands up, "Mom, nothing is happening to me. I am just sick of you interfering all the time. It’s my life and my choice whether or not I want to go out with Jessica Wheeler. Accept it."

"No." Stephanie replies firmly and walks over to Tommy. "Her mother has caused me too much pain over the last few years. Does family loyalty mean nothing to you?"

"As much as love! And I love her. I can’t believe you want me to choose between you. I know you’ve had…problems with Julia in the past but that has nothing to do with mine and Jessica’s relationship. It’s about time you realized that." Tommy grabs his coat from a chair.

"Where are you going?"

"I already told you Mom."

"No!" Stephanie races forwards and slams the door shut, preventing Tommy from leaving.

"What the hell are you doing?" Tommy can’t believe his mother is over reacting like this.

"Protecting you. It’s for your own good. I don’t want you turning out the same way they did."

"There is nothing wrong with them. Get out of my way mother." Tommy tries to yank his mother’s arm gently without having to use too much force but she doesn’t move. "I said get out of my way!" He yanks harder and Stephanie stumbles to the ground, stunned by the force.

"I can’t believe you just did that to me." She stands up, fury burning in her eyes.

"Goodbye Mom."

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Where’s John?" Michael asks as he walks into Lauren’s office.

"At home. I just zoomed in to get my messages."

"He stayed the night at the mansion again I hear."

Lauren puts her messages down on the desk and replies without looking at her brother. "Yes. Is that a problem?"

"What do you think?"

"Look Michael this is my life and I will live it however I choose. Thank you for your concern but it really isn’t necessary. And it isn’t wanted either."

"I’m doing it for your own good…"

Lauren snaps, "If you were really such a relationship expert then you would have been the one to marry Julia, not Douglas."

"That’s a cheap shot Lauren." Michael keeps his voice steady but is visibly hurt by his sister’s comment.

Lauren brings her hand up to her mouth like a naughty schoolgirl and goes to her brother. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it. You know I didn’t."

"But it’s true. Thanks for the home truths sis." Michael opens the door and walks out. Lauren follows.

"Michael! Michael!" She shouts as all heads in the office turn to face her. Sighing in frustration she slams the door shut.

David’s Car: Napa Valley

"I don’t believe it!"

"So we’ll find another Judge!"

"Oh yeah that’ll work."

The conversation had been very much like this since David and Julia left the courthouse. Now Julia is beginning to calm down somewhat but she panics realizing how much she is at Lauren’s mercy.

"Everything so far has gone to plan. We split up Mark and Lauren for a start."

Julia giggles, "And now she’s got a new man."

"What?" David asks worried. The last thing he needed Lauren to have was a new boyfriend.

"Relax. Remember the ex-husband I told you about? He’s back in town and I have a feeling he wants to take her for every penny she’s worth."

"That won’t leave much left for you."

"If Lauren finds out before he takes the money then it will. And after her disastrous track record with men I doubt she’ll want to stay around much longer."

"Getting her out of the way."

"Exactly."

The car pulls over at the side of the street and Julia begins to check through her purse.

"Have you got the money?" David asks.

"Here." Julia shows him the envelope and gets out of the car.

Tuscedero Apartments: Napa Valley

Morgan gets up from her seated position watching television to answer the door. Not surprisingly, Julia is standing there.

"You took your time."

"I had business to see to."

Morgan takes the envelope of money from Julia’s hand and beckons her in. As she counts the money she replies smiling. "But I thought you didn’t have a business Julia."

"If anyone finds out about that, you won’t be getting any of your…maintenance money. So I suggest you keep quiet."

"Of course. I am the sole of discretion." Morgan purses her lips together symbolically demonstrating her silence.

Julia rolls her eyes, "Cute."

"I thought so. Look Julia, honey, there is a small favor I need to ask you and as it’s beneficial to both of us, I don’t think you can refuse."

Julia’s eyes widen anticipating another blackmail attempt. "What?"

"Well I told you last time I wanted to make my relationship with Mark work…" Julia groans but Morgan continues, "And look, he’s living with me. I know you doubted me but…well I can bury the hatchet. What I want is your assurance that you will help me keep Lauren away from Mark."

"That’s all?"

"That’s all."

"Well for once, you don’t need to worry because she’s already moving on. It looks like she’s back with John Erikson."

"Who?" Morgan frowns.

"The ex-husband. Look as much as I like mulling over family history with you I really do have a life to lead." She looks at the money in Morgan’s hands, "And so do you…for now."

"Show yourself out Julia. Maybe we’ll see each other again soon."

"I’m looking forward to it already."

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

Cassie waits for a moment outside the door to Jake’s office before going in. She has rehearsed all day what she is going to say but now she’s faced with it, it has all gone from her head. She tried to get hold of Guy to tell him but he wasn’t around. At least if she tells Jake now he won’t get suspicious.

"Hi honey." Cassie bursts into Jake’s office loudly and sees that he is on the phone.

Jake says a strained goodbye to whoever he was talking to and angrily slams the phone down. "Haven’t I told you not to burst into my office like that?"

Cassie scoffs dismissingly. "Jake this is important. I can assure you I wouldn’t be here otherwise."

"Well what is it Cassie? It’s evening and I want to get some more business done before I go home."

"I’m pregnant." She blurts. This is definitely not what she rehearsed.

Jake closes his eyes for a second before looking up at her. "What?"

"Don’t say 'what'. You heard me the first time. You know how much that annoys me."

"How?"

"And do you have to say that too? At least come up with something original. I’m not in the mood to crack jokes about reproduction. And before you ask, I found out this morning. I went to the doctor earlier and he says I’m only two weeks along."

"This is great!" Jake leaps up from his seat and grabs Cassie twirling her round.

She hits his chest, "Jake stop it! I’ve only just gotten pregnant, I don’t want any accidents. You know what happened to Morgan."

"Sorry." Jake puts her down and laughs. "Aren’t you happy?"

"Well you certainly are."

"Of course I am! I’m going to be a father!"

Cassie hesitates before replying flatly, "Yeah. You’re going to be a father."

"Let’s go home." Jake stuffs all of the files from his desk into a drawer and grabs her hand.

"Wait I thought you said you had business to take care of…"

"Screw that! I wanna tell the family."

"Oh joy."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Lauren and John walks into the drawing room, hand in hand and see the whole family gathered drinking champagne. Jake and Cassie are at the center of the gathering. Despite the joyous expressions on most faces, Julia looks particularly annoyed.

"What’s going on?" Lauren questions them.

"Cassie’s pregnant!" Jessica shouts excitedly.

"Yeah isn’t it wonderful." Julia contributes sarcastically. Lauren scowls at her before rushing over to Cassie.

She hugs her and exclaims, "Congratulations. Both of you. I know you’ll make wonderful parents."

The sound of Julia scoffing can be heard but Lauren decides to ignore it and pours herself and John two glasses of champagne from the open bottle at Jake’s side. She is glad that Cassie isn’t drinking but unfortunately Jake is…It’s only one glass Lauren…she thinks to herself.

"Well we have something else to celebrate!" Lauren links arms with John.

"What is it?" Michael asks but he thinks he already knows the answer.

"John and I…have decided to get married!"

An outburst of excitement occurs as Jake pats John on the back and Jessica hugs Lauren. Michael slips downheartedly out of the room followed by Julia.

"Thank you." Lauren says to the remaining family. Although she can tell from their faces that they are suspicious of John. They don’t know him after all. She decides to continue, "I’m sure once you get to know John you’ll all realize just how wonderful he is."

Tuscedero Apartments: Napa Valley

"Where the hell are you Mark?" Morgan says to herself. She is still watching the television. It seems to be her only entertainment at the moment. Perhaps when she goes back to work she will be less bored.

David Letterman is on the television. Good old Dave. Someone to keep me company.

As the show hits a commercial break, the television switches off shortly followed by the lights. Morgan flings her head around. Is it just a power outage? She gropes through the darkness, trying to find her way to the kitchen where she will have a flashlight. As she approaches the earthquake supply kit, a creak fills her ears. Someone else is in the apartment…

"Who’s there?" Morgan stands still. He wouldn’t be able to see her. Not in this darkness.

Suddenly, a black clad figure runs past the kitchen making Morgan scream. She tries to find the phone but slips and lands on the floor. Luckily her arms were able to protect her. As she begins to breathe heavily, she hears the front door close…

Next time on Power and Deception

Morgan is the victim of an attempted murder...

Lauren calls Isabelle about the wedding...

David asks Stephanie for a divorce...

Stephanie goes to Mark for comfort...

Darren Kelly threatens Morgan...

A shocking turn of events stops Lauren's quickie wedding...

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