Episode 16: Closure

 

Previously
Morgan was run down by an unseen assailant after an intruder broke into her apartment. Julia implicated Lauren in Morgan's attempted murder when Lieutenant Brandon Arnold arrived at the mansion. Lauren took Jessica's advice and called Isabelle in London but she refused to come to the wedding, disapproving of her daughter's relationship with John Erikson. David argued with Stephanie after she tried to stop Tommy from seeing Jessica and demanded a divorce. Stephanie turned up at Morgan's apartment and asked Mark to help her get David back. He refused and abandoned his sister when he received news of Morgan's condition. Mark was angry when Morgan told the police that she thought Lauren was responsible for her accident. Stephanie burnt all of David's belongings and Tommy told Jessica that they should take a break because of the effect their relationship was having on his mother. Morgan was terrified when her former pimp Darren Kelly paid her a visit at the hospital and threatened to kill her. As the family gathered for the wedding, Cassie told Guy that she was pregnant. Lauren was arrested for Morgan's attempted murder.

 

Police station: San Francisco

Lauren’s head throbs as she reaches for the lukewarm cup of coffee to her side. She has been sitting at the same table all night, being grilled by Lieutenant Arnold and reluctantly, she allowed David to represent her.

"Surely you have questioned my client enough." David slams a pen down on his writing pad and crosses his arms.

"Yes I think so. It’s certainly been a long night for all of us."

"Damn right." Lauren comments bitterly as she sips more of the coffee. The daylight pouring through the barred window throws shadows onto the table in front of her. "Are you charging me?"

"Not yet. We will speak to Morgan Janssen again and then decide whether or not to formally arrest you. I would suggest however that you don’t leave town until we have made the decision."

"Fine." Lauren brushes down the front of her blouse. At least she was spared the indignity of having to wear her wedding dress for the all night questioning session.

As David and Lauren rise, the door is swung open and a young female police officer enters. She is clearly distressed. "Lieutenant Arnold?"

He walks over to her, "Yes?"

"We’re going to have to let her go. There’s been another development…"

 

 

San Francisco Bay: San Francisco

"Cover her!" shouts the police photographer as he steps away from the body. The injuries are horrific, the victim having been stabbed and her throat cut. Her eyes stare eerily into the sky until a man from the forensic team throws a white cloth over her body.

"Identification?" the photographer asks a police officer who is closing off the scene.

"We found an ID card in her purse from the Wheeler Corporation. The name was Morgan Janssen."

 

 

Elliott House: San Francisco

David enters the house reluctantly and throws his jacket at the end of the stairs.

"Hello?" he calls out.

In the den, Tommy is watching the television but immediately turns it off when he sees his father enter the house.

"Hi Dad."

"Where’s your mother?"

"In bed."

Tommy follows David into the kitchen and decides to ask him about Lauren before broaching the subject of the divorce. "How did the questioning go?"

"Lauren’s been released. Morgan Janssen’s body was found in the bay this morning. Someone did her over good."

"I suppose you need to get some sleep…"

David looks up to the ceiling, "No. Not here." He grabs a glass from the counter and pours himself a scotch. "I’m going to stay at a hotel. My bags are already packed upstairs."

"No…they’re not."

"What do you mean?" David turns and looks out of the kitchen window. He can see the charred remains of his belongings, strewn across the back lawn. "What the hell is this?" he sets his glass down and storms out of the french windows into the back yard.

Tommy follows, "Dad wait!"

"That stupid crazy bitch!" David yells as he violently kicks the ashes. "Your mother did this didn’t she?"

"Yes but I can explain…"

"Nothing can explain this. She needs help. She’s sick!" he stops for a moment before raching back inside and up the stairs towards the bedroom. "Stephanie? Where the hell are you?" he throws the bedroom door open and seeing her lying in bed, grabs her arm, dragging her out.

"David! Please! You’re hurting me!"

"What is wrong with you? What is wrong with you?" he begins to shake her violently as tears form in her eyes. She tries to pull herself up from the ground but his force is too strong.

"I love you!" She pleads.

"Love me?" he spits, "Well I don’t love you. Nobody does! They never have and they never will. You disgust me!" he throws her forcefully back onto the bed and she clambers backwards edging away from him. "Why don’t you just kill yourself? Do us all a favor." He grabs a bottle of Stephanie’s pills from her bedside table and opening the lid, scatters them all over the bed.

"David don’t!"

"Take them! Take them!" he grabs her and forces her to look at the pills. "Do something good for once in your life!"

"Get off her!" Tommy shouts from the bedroom door. He moves to the bed and pulls his father away as Stephanie continues to cry hysterically. "What do you think you’re doing?" Tommy runs over to Stephanie and puts his arms round her. Her sobbing almost drowns out David’s reply.

"I pity you son. And you," he turns back to Stephanie, "Go to hell."

David slams the bedroom door and runs down the stairs. Tommy and Stephanie hear his tyres squealing down the street as he heads off to the hotel.

 

 

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Hearing from Lauren was a relief. At least John knows she is safe but hearing about Morgan seems to have set the rest of the family on edge.

"Yes this is John Erikson." He talks down the phone, standing in the drawing room. "I need you to rebook the caterers for next week. Is that possible? Good. Bye." He places the phone down.

"My my, Lauren has got you well trained."

"Julia. I didn’t hear you come in."

"I know." She walks over to the window where he is standing. "That was about the wedding I presume."

"Yes. Lauren called from the city and told me to rearrange everything for next week. The wedding’s back on."

"How nice." Julia smiles sweetly. "Still no prenuptial agreement?" she asks bluntly.

"No." John replies uncomfortably. "We both agreed not to have one."

"How wise."

"Look Julia, I may have given you the impression when I arrived that Lauren’s money was important to me but I have got my priorities straight now. I love Lauren."

"What you love is the one hundred million dollars she has in trust alone." Julia runs a finger down John’s chest which he quickly removes.

"I’m sorry?"

Julia laughs, "Oh don’t pretend she hasn’t told you."

"I knew she inherited a lot of money. Just not that much…"

"Well John dear, she did. And now you’ve got your finger in the pie so to speak, there’s nothing stopping you from claiming a hefty sum as your own."

John hesitates as he takes in what she is saying. You shouldn’t do it John. Don’t mess it up again. "How much of the money is readily available?"

"As much as you want I should imagine. It’s a golden opportunity John. Take it."

 

 

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Mrs Erikson. I heard what happened at the wedding. I’m so sorry…" Lauren’s secretary Flo adds to the list of well-wishers that includes her other assistant Marge.

Does everyone know? She thinks to herself. Almost picking up on Lauren’s thoughts Flo tosses a paper over the desk to her. "I’m afraid it made the front page."

Lauren gasps angrily as she sees a shot of her face emblazoned on the front page surrounded by a long detailed article. "I was cleared. I wonder if that will make tomorrow’s front page." She comments testily. "If it doesn’t I’m sure Morgan Janssen’s murder will."

"Try and ignore it. The fuss will die down eventually."

"Yes." Lauren smiles, attempting to sound gracious even though the constant remarks are annoying her. "I’m sure it will. I think that’s all for today Flo. I only came in to change my meeting with Albert Prentiss. Can you give the other meetings to Michael?"

"He already agreed to take them."

"Fine." Lauren grabs her purse and heads out of the door towards the elevator. Luckily it is empty as she steps in but as the doors begin to close, Mark jumps in after her, sending her stomach into a knot.

"What are you doing here?" she inquires tartly.

"I came to see you actually. I got sidetracked talking to Jake."

"I bet you did. What did you want anyway? I’ve got better things to do than argue with you."

"Who said anything about arguing?"

Lauren prepares a smart reply but she is stopped when the brakes of the elevator squeal and it grinds to a halt sending the pair flying backwards into the wall.

"No no no no no!" Lauren screams and pulling herself off the ground she begins to bang on the doors. "How predictable. Of all the people I could have gotten myself trapped with it had to be you!"

"Stop doing that!" Mark pulls her away from the doors and hits the alarm. "Wait for someone to find us."

"So what did you want?" Lauren asks again, shaking her hair from her face and squinting to see Mark in the darkness.

"To know what happened with the police last night. I do care that Morgan is dead you know."

Lauren looks to the ground, "I’m sorry…about the baby and everything. And Morgan didn’t deserve what happened no matter what I thought of her."

"No she didn’t." Mark sighs and drops to the ground against a wall.

Lauren sits down next to him. "Did they…say who might have done it?"

"No. They have no idea. You were with the police when it happened and it’s too violent to be a contract killing."

"Oh my god they didn’t really think I put out a hit on her!"

"I don’t know." Mark rubs his eyes. "Lauren I want to know…if there’s any chance that we might…start again."

"Mark…no…I can’t…"

Mark leans over and kisses Lauren roughly on the lips. Caught up in the moment she begins to respond but soon pushes him away and slaps him hard across the face.

"What are you doing?" she demands as Mark wipes lipstick from his mouth.

"I’m sorry. I shouldn’t…" The lights of the elevator return and it begins to move.

"Damn right you shouldn’t." Lauren says distractedly listening to the sound of the elevator moving. "I’m getting married to John. You know that! Don’t come near me again. I suggest you go back to LA…or somewhere even further."

 

* * *

 

In the parking garage, Julia heads silently towards Lauren’s car parked by the elevator and taking out a forged note, she sticks it to Lauren’s window. As the elevator doors open, she ducks down to avoid being seen and moves away before Lauren returns to the car. Another job done…

 

* * *

 

"Jessie. What are you doing here?" Jake asks as his sister enters the office unannounced.

"I came to ask you what the hell you think you’re doing." Jessica looks menacingly over the table at Jake.

"What are you talking about?" he drops his pencil on the desk and swings the chair round to face her.

"Cassie…your wife is currently at home, vomiting her guts out and crying from the morning sickness. What do you think you’re doing being here? Surely you could take one day off to be with her." Jessica tucks her hair back from her face.

"Look, Jessica, I know you broke up with Tommy yesterday but that doesn’t give you the right to burst in here…"

"This has nothing to do with him!" Jessica yells. "It’s about you and your responsibilities."

Jake frowns, "What has gotten into you? And what the hell is it to do with you anyway? If you’re so concerned about Cassie, take care of her yourself."

"Oh my God you arrogant…"

"Temper, temper sis."

"Since when did you turn into this?"

"What?"

"This! More concerned with the damn company than your own wife."

Jake stands, "What I do or do not do is none of your business. It’s about time you accepted that and…"

The argument is interrupted by the sound of the phone ringing. Jessica can see Jake is torn between carrying on the conversation or picking up the phone. "Answer it." She rolls her eyes and turns her back to her brother.

"Yes this is Jake Wheeler…what…Finally…156 Lyefield Park Avenue…right got it. Sure." Jake puts the phone down and gets Jessica’s attention. "I’m sorry. I’ve gotta leave the office. Can you show yourself out?"

"Jake!"

"I’ve really gotta run!" Jake grabs his coat and ignores Jessica as he leaves the room.

 

* * *

 

Lauren hurries over to her car. She wants to get home to John. She feels so guilty about the kiss…It meant nothing. He knows that now. The Mercedes beeps as she unlocks it but on the window she sees a note, blowing from the breeze that is passing through the parking garage.

"What the…?" she detaches it from the window and unfolds it, running her fingers over the yellow paper as she reads the nearly illegible scrawl.

Lauren,

I did it for us. She’s gone now. Come back to me honey…we have to be together.

M

"Mark!" Lauren gasps as she drops the note to the ground. She jumps into the car and speeds out of the garage.

 

 

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Cassie holds her stomach and waits anxiously on her bed looking at the clock. Guy was meant to meet her half an hour ago. What's keeping him? Outside she can hear the sound of an engine starting and she moves to the window to see if she can get a look at who is leaving. It's Guy. Where are you going? Cassie grabs a coat from the closet and hurries out of the bedroom to try and catch him.

 

 

 

Huxtable’s Bar: San Francisco

Stephanie pushes open the door of the bar and checks her reflection in the glass pleased with what she sees. Her hair and makeup is immaculate and she looks completely different from the pitiful frightened figure who so repulsed David earlier.

Taking a place at a bar stool she orders a martini from the attractive young bartender and keeps her eyes on him, hoping he will notice her. "Thankyou." She purrs as he places the drink down on the bar.

Taking a sip she realizes that the bartender is too busy to be interested and glances around the room for any signs of single men. One, in the corner catches her eye. He is wearing a suit and tie and drinking with a male friend. He laughs loudly before noticing Stephanie. Their eyes lock for a moment before he excuses himself from his friend and approaches the bar.

Stephanie turns around not wanting to appear too eager. His voice alerts her to his presence behind her and she turns around. "I would offer to buy you a drink but…" he nods at her martini. "Maybe I can get you something else instead."

"Like what?" Stephanie plays along and beckons the man to sit down. She dips her fingers into the martini and takes the olive out, placing it in her mouth seductively.

"Whatever you want. I’m Riley." He extends a hand. "Riley Hudson."

"Hi Riley." She shakes his hand softly. "I’m Stephanie E…Stephanie Grainger."

"Nice to meet you Stephanie." He notices the ring on her hand. "Married?"

"Divorced." She responds quickly. "Amicable though."

"Good. You’re a free agent."

"Completely. What are your plans for this evening?"

Riley smiles, "Well I was going to head home on my own but now…"

"Yes?"

"How would you like to head back with me?"

"Why not?" Stephanie places a tip on the bar and prepares to leave.

 

 

Park Valley Semetary: Napa Valley

Cassie maneuvers her car to park it a long way behind Guy’s truck, keeping the lights low as darkness descends onto the valley. Her sickness seems to be disappearing thank to Jessica’s mass of homemade remedies and her biggest concern is finding exactly what Guy has been up to.

Guy is holding flowers as he stoops down to a mysterious gravestone and Cassie hides behind a tree, keeping her breath steady so that he does not notice her presence. She waits for several minutes until he eventually leaves and watches as he moves silently to his truck, driving away.

Taking the opportunity, she leaps out from behind the tree and bounces over to the gravestone. Arthur and Rose Garrett. Jake’s mentioned them before…they died in an accident. She kneels to the ground, holding the gravestone in case another dizzy spell takes her over and she grabs the card from the flowers, making sure no one is around to see her. Only a couple of visitors on the other site of the semetary. She’s safe. The writing on the card hits her like a punch in the stomach.

Mom and Dad,

It’s working like a dream. I’m doing it for you.

Guy

He’s their son? Cassie thinks to herself. She stands up hurriedly and rushes back to the car. If Guy was the Garrett’s son, why does he have a different name? And what does he want with her? I thought you loved me Guy. Cassie slams the door shut and drives off down the gravel track towards the road.

 

 

Rikki’s Apartment: San Francisco

Jake takes out his hazy photo of Guy and knocks authoritatively on the door expecting a hasty reply. The man from the Delta Group told him to come here but had no other information.

A red haired woman answers the door. She is in her late twenties and she would be pretty if it wasn’t for the bags under her eyes or down trodden look. "Can I help you Mister?" she asks, attempting to keep an unruly two year old under control as he dances around her feet. "Shane, stop that!" she pats his leg hoping to deter him and he runs back into the apartment screaming.

"Are you Rikki Simmons?" Jake asks frowning at the noise the child is making inside the apartment. He hopes it won’t be the same for him.

"Who’s asking?" she responds uncooperatively and takes out a cigarette, lighting it.

"My name’s Jake Lyle. I was told to contact you."

"Oh." A hint of recognition takes over Rikki’s face and she stands back. "Come in."

"Thankyou." Jake can smell cigarette smoke and alcohol as he enters the dingy apartment, unsure of where to place himself. I don’t even drive past places like this.

"I’ve been paid upfront." Rikki yells as she shuts the door and pushes her son into his bedroom. She enters the living room and begins to take off her shirt. "I hope it’ll be worth the money."

"No!" Jake jumps back. "I’m not here for that."

Rikki pulls her shirt back on and dumps the cigarette in an ash tray. "Oh. A talker huh?"

"No. I’m not paying you for your…services."

"Then what the hell are you here for? Look Mister I’m a busy woman. I’ve got business to see to you know? I don’t like getting jerked around."

"I came here for information." Jake clasps the photo carefully. "I was told you could help me."

"Information? On what?" Rikki narrows her eyes suspiciously as Jake hands over the photograph.

"Do you recognize this man?"

Rikki accepts the photo but yells at Shane who is clamoring on his bedroom door. "Shane! Keep it down in there. Mommy’s busy! How many times have I told you to keep the noise down while I’m working huh?" The banging stops and Rikki focuses on the picture before throwing it back to Jake. "Yeah I recognize him. That’s Guy."

"Richardson."

"Richardson?" Rikki scrunches up her nose. "Garrett. The name’s Guy Garrett."

Guy Garrett? The boy who used to be friends with Lauren? I was only a kid when that happened… "You’re sure about this?"

"Yeah I’m sure. He stops by here every so often to give me money when I need it. I’ve known him like…forever."

"How did you meet him?"

"His family used to live in the valley. They worked in a winery there…hold on a second…you look like you live in the valley. They worked for that snooty Wheeler family. Were you friends with them?"

"No. So, what were you? His girlfriend?"

"Yeah…until the accident. He just disappeared."

"The accident."

"Come on, if you live in the valley you must remember the winery explosion. About fifteen years ago."

"Yes." Jake moves around uncomfortably.

"He came back about ten years ago and he’s been in touch ever since. He helps out a lot. With the kid and all…"

"Guy isn’t your son’s father…"

"No!" Rikki laughs, "I don’t know who his father is but it sure ain’t Guy. He’s given me the impression he’s got another woman on the go at the moment."

Tell me about it. "You’ve been a lot of help Rikki. Thankyou."

"Hold on a second. I haven’t gotten to the good part yet."

"Good part?"

"Sure." Rikki takes a swig from a half empty gin bottle on the coffee table. "About his parents. He was adopted you know."

"Really."

"Uh huh. He told me about it a while ago. You know much about them Wheelers? The mother…what was she called…"

"Julia."

"No, the older one."

"Isabelle?"

"Yeah that’s it." Rikki points excitedly. "Isabelle Wheeler. Well…she’s Guy’s mama."

"What?" Jake jumps up.

"Apparently her husband gave Guy away when he was born. He knows all about it. I’ve always wondered why he hasn’t tried to get some money for himself. They’ve got plenty."

"You’re saying…that Guy Garrett is Isabelle Wheeler’s son?"

"Yes. If you don’t believe me then…"

"No I believe you. Thankyou." Jake pushes past her and heads out of the apartment.

"Yeah." Rikki takes another swig of gin. "Don’t worry about it."

 

 

Riley’s Apartment: San Francisco

Stephanie lounges comfortably in a chair as Riley puts some soft music on in the background and dims the lights.

"You’re very beautiful you know." Riley moves behind Stephanie and runs his hands down her shoulders.

"Thankyou." She closes her eyes and leans back. Riley kisses her and she does not pull away. Grabbing his hand she coaxes him in front of her and he pulls her out of the chair onto the floor.

His hands travel over her body making her feel a little uncomfortable but she knows this is what she needs. Riley begins to unbutton Stephanie’s blouse but something feels wrong. She struggles a little. "Hey, wait…"

"Wait for what?" Riley kisses her to stop her from talking.

"No." she mumbles.

He pins her arms down and replies, "You know you don’t mean that."

"I do." She becomes more alert and her eyes start to dart around the room. What the hell am I doing here? What was I thinking? "Riley I said no!" she tries to kick him off but his weight pins her down.

"Shut up."

Stephanie breaks her right arm free and swings it forwards, smashing it into the side of Riley’s head, sending his body over her, onto the ground. She stands and begins to button her blouse.

"Where do you think you’re going?" he demands, clutching at his bleeding head.

"I’m leaving." She grabs her purse and reaches the door but as she opens it, his hand reaches over her and slams it shut, making her jump. "Let me go." Her voice quivers.

"We’re not finished." He spins her round and pushes her towards a table.

She squirms to fight him off but it is no use. Seeing a vase of flowers to her side, she picks it up and smashes it over Riley’s head sending him to the ground unconcscious. She kicks his limp body to make sure he does not try to grab her. He’s definitely out of it but still breathing. She picks up a few stray flowers from the table and throws them onto Riley’s chest. "Yes we are." Smiling, she checks her makeup in the mirror before leaving the apartment.

 

 

Tuscedero Apartments: Napa Valley

Luckily there is no police line at the apartment, as Morgan’s body was found in the city. Lauren is disturbed to see the door open and lets herself in. The apartment is dark and she walks in to the center of the living room.

"Mark?" she calls out. There is no answer. She starts walking towards the bedroom but suddenly, the front door slams shut and she hears a click. "What’s going on?" Lauren swings round and sees a gun pointing to her face.

"Hello Lauren. Get ready to die."

 

 

Next on Power and Deception

Morgan's murderer provides some interesting information...

Stephanie gets revenge on Riley...

John is overwhelmed by greed...

Cassie confronts Guy over the gravestone...

 

 

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Episode 17 

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