Grand Romance-12

by Venus

Manhatten offices of J&J Jacks

Jerry slid his chair closer so he could lean across the top of his desk. He placed his chin on top of his clasped hands, his brown eyes narrowed in on her, void of emotion, though his voice conveyed his annoyance. “Ashley, have I ever not paid you for a job?”

Ashley leaned in over the desk, folding her arms on top of it and responded with her own steely stare. “As a matter of fact, yes. The job in Jakarta.”

Jerry shifted as he brought his thumb to his chin and stroked it, while shaking his head ever so slightly from side to side to show his disagreement.

“Let me get this straight. Mitch Wright gives you a 2 carat teardrop diamond necklace and you steal my jet so you could frolick with him in Bora Bora. You leave me stranded on Palau, and if Jax hadn’t tracked down my jet and you, I might still be there, and you still want to be paid? I’d say that the Jakarta job is paid in full.”

Ashley’s voice was controlled as she responded. “No Jerry, our agreement is $100,000 a day. What I procure on my own is mine.”

“Not when you procure my jet.” Jerry countered his frustration growing by the minute.

“You owe me for nine days in Jakarta, and six days in Port Charles. By my calculations that is 1.5 million. I’ll wait till you transfer that to my swiss account.” Ashley stated matter of factly.

Jerry was unable to contain the smirk that spread across his face. “Ashley you by far have to be the most expensive escort service in the world!”

Ashley allowed a small smile to show on her face also. “You get what you pay for Jerry.”

“Exactly. That is why before I transfer funds, I want to know for what.”

“Jerry, what I am is discreet, confidential, and exclusively yours. We provide a service to one another while having an inordinate amount of fun and adventure.”

“I’m sure the money plays no factor?” Jerry eyed Ashley knowing all to well it was only about the money.

“Jerry, I am one of the top 20 models in the world, believe me I can make that money modeling, just not as quickly. I look at this an an investment in my future.

As a bonus taking money from you just happens to be much more fun and challenging!” Ashley leaned back in her chair and relaxed, the photo album sitting on her lap.

Jerry leaned back in his chair and made himself comfortable. “Okay Ashley, before I transfer funds I want to know what Mitch is planning and everything you found out while in Port Charles. I am especially interested about Jax’s dock presentation party. Don’t leave out any details.”

“It didn’t take much to get Mitch talking, especially after I took him to Bora Bora. A few drinks and my willingness to show him I would be happy to get between the sheets was all the incentive he needed. I made sure he passed out before I had to do that, but not before finding out that he wants control of the dock project or at least the shipping part. He says he has a plan to takeover sometime after Jax signs the dock project contracts with the

Quartermaines.”

“What do you mean takeover?” Jerry asked but was sure he already knew the answer.

“He said Jax and him are partners in a shipping line that will be the major supplier of goods to Port Charles and most of the eastern seaboard once the dock project is complete. He said he has a built in contigency plan if Jax disagrees with any of his plans for the company. All he needs is for Jax to sign the contracts with the city and the Quartermaines and he will have all the power he will ever need. He boasted how he was going to be the

‘King’ of the eastern seaboard.”

Jerry made a mental note to recheck all the contracts Jax had signed with Mitch for Cape Endowments, the shipping company. Mitch Williams and J&J Jacks had considered several proposals for limited partnerships in the last year but this is the first real solid deal that Jax had felt they could use Mitch’s expertise in shipping. Mitch controlled the second largest shipping fleet. The largest of course owned by the Cassidine Holdings. Jax had wanted

to be allied with the Cassidines on the dock project but after their takeover of ELQ Jakarta, Jax had to protect his ELQ interest and was forced to raid the company back from them. The Quartermaines were going to be much more necessary to get the dock project launched than Cassidine Holdings.

"So tell me about the presentation party Ashley.” Jerry now extremely interested in who all the players were going to be in this pet project of Jax’s.

“It was quite a Who’s Who of Port Charles. I was Jax hostess of course. The Quartermaine family attended with the exception of Emily the adopted daughter.

She had opted to have dinner with her brother Jason Morgan, previously known as Jason Quartermaine, now the local mob boss.

The video animation was a stroke of genuis. Ned Ashton and Edward Quartermaine seemed notably impressed with the presentation although it pained them to

compliment Jax. Lila was particulary excited with the new project. AJ and his date Keesha Ward seemed to hold back their excitement, seems they are a little

more cautious due to community interests.

Brenda showed up and everyone fawned all over her. They acted as if she would break. Even Jax seem distracted after she arrived. I had to continually make sure he mingled, thanked people for coming, and tried to keep his attention focused on the project.”

“You or the docks Ashley?” Jerry quipped.

“Both!”

“Now Ashley this was an observance mission, not a seduction mission.” Jerry chided her.

“I observed plenty Jerry. Brenda seemed uncomfortable when not being the center of attention. Seems Ned and her are quite close. I believe she is best friends with his ex-wife Lois and was the co-owner of L&B records with her. I saw Ned and her exchange a hug just prior to Alexis Davis’s arrival. Alexis clearly brightened Mr. Ashton’s mood. They left right after she arrived with Brenda in tow.”

“Is Alexis Davis, Stefan Cassidine’s cousin?” Jerry inquired, looking for confirmation.

“Yes, she is a member of the Cassidine family although I hear Stefan and she have broken ties, and she is no longer welcomed at the family compound. Seems it had to do with someone named Katharine Bell, Stefan’s mistress.”

“Was Mac Scorpio there?” Jerry asked interested to know if Jax had invited a guest he surely despised just to elevate the project with the community.

“Yes. He seemed quite enamored with this blonde he brought, Felicia Jones. In fact later in the evening he proposed in front of half the town, and she accepted.

He seemed quite impressed and a little jealous of Jax’s success.”

“Mac Scorpio jealous of Jax, never!” Jerry responded with assurance.

“Yes, Mac Scorpio. He seemed like a romantic sap. The former police commissioner was definately green with envy. He and this Felicia run a restaurant called the ‘Outback’, and have a private investigation firm.”

“Mac Scopio used to be my best friend. He was tough as nails, would take any job on. He had no fear. He definately enjoyed beautiful women, but a romantic sap, never.” Jerry was mystified by Ashley’s observation. Could Mac have changed that much in the last seven years he wondered.

“That’s what I saw. In fact Felicia at the party seemed to be conspiring with V, Jax’s assistant. They were whispering alot, then Felicia passed a glass to V that Mac had been holding. Very strange almost as though they were going to investigate his finger prints.”

“Are you sure Ashley?” Jerry questioned totally interested in this turn of events.

“Quite, that’s why you pay me so well. To be observant.” Ashley responded looking smugly at Jerry.

“Did you see what V did with the glass?”

“No she went into the kitchen and about that time we lossed power. It took a few minutes for the backup generator to kick in. The party basically moved down to

the P.C. Grille, in the lobby of the hotel. The roads were closed so some people stayed in the Grille waiting for the roads to clear, while others got rooms for the

night.”

“Did anything happen in the Grille?” Jerry asked.

“That is when Mac proposed to Felicia. It really was almost embarassing how he put her on the spot. I hear he had done a similiar proposal at the Outback a

few days before, and Felicia ran from the room in shock. This time she seemed quite willing. She must have had a change of heart. Robin, Mac’s niece and

Brenda’s roomate looked totally surprised, as though it had come out of left field. I even overheard her make a comment about it to Brenda.”

Jerry was now confused. “Wait, I thought you told me Brenda left with Ned and Alexis?”

“She left the penthouse with them but apparently by the time she got to the lobby the announcement of the roads being closed had already been made. I guess

Alexis and Ned retired to Alexis’s suite in the hotel.”

“Were the rest of the Quartermaines still there at the Grille?” Jerry asked.

“They all were able to get suites. I guess it helps to own the place. Most of them had retired for the evening except for Alan and Monica. They were waiting for

Emily to finish her dinner with Jason. Alan seemed extremely stressed.”

“So did you get back in the penthouse that night?” Jerry wanted to know exactly how she had found the photo album.

“Yes thanks to V. She was making sure the staff cleaned up and that the suite was restored to how Jax has it to live. Really quite sparse, you can barely tell

someone actually lives there. If it wasn’t for his pinball machine it would be almost identical to my suite. Anyway, V is like a drill sargent, seems highly organized,

and very loyal to Jax. Almost too loyal. I think she has a serious crush on Jax in fact when she saw us almost leave together in the Grille, she took him aside. It

was almost as though she was warning him not to get involved.”

“Interesting, she must be as observant as you Ashley.” Jerry replied, knowing this would unsettle Ashley.

“Hardly Jerry, she is a rank amateur. Sure she had some police training but her scope of people is limited, so I think it would be difficult to notice things about

people she didn’t know.” Ashley remarked defensively.

“Well, she seemed to size you up fairly quickly Ashley.” Jerry laughed.

Ashley responded with only a glare, but one that could bore a hole in you if you took her seriously.

“So did you find anything in the penthouse?” Jerry wondered what other little items Ashley might have found to let him know about the goings on in his little

brother’s life.

“I couldn’t really look while V was there but by being the hostess it allowed me access to all the rooms. I was able to look without being obvious. Anyway, right

after V left Jax came back upstairs. I needed a reason to be there so I offered him champagne and me. He didn’t seem to interested in either. Gave me the old

excuse of being tired with a busy day ahead. Frankly, I think his mood was changed by talking to Brenda.” Ashely seemed somewhat disappointed.

“So you failed to seduce my brother. You mean to tell me he is more interested in his ex-wife than you? My, my, Ashley you are slipping.” Jerry mocked her.

“Don’t worry Jerry. He told me to leave something for him to look forward to since we still had several days left before I was scheduled to depart. He was a gentleman and escorted me to the door.” Ashley was trying to goad Jerry into jealously, eventhough she had never seen him ever fall into that trap.

“So you haven’t seen him since then?”

“No. He didn’t call after the meetings and like I told you on the phone the desk clerk said he saw him leave around 5:00pm yesterday. I tried numerous times to reach him during the evening but no answer. I assumed he must have left quickly on business so I took the opportunity to look for the photo album.”

Jerry didn’t know of any business deal. Addie and V just said he was taking the day off. He needed to find out if Jax was just out playing or if something was

wrong. Jerry scooted closer to the desk and asked Ashley, “Did anything unsual happen yesterday Ashley?”

“Well the police did come and question me. I guess there was a break-in at the pharmacy in the hotel the night of the party. They were questioning everyone who

attended. They seemed particulary interested in whether or not Brenda was upset. Of course I told them how tired she looked and that she seemed uncomfortable and upset that I was hosting the event.” Ashley relayed the information nonchlantly.

Jerry almost rose out of his seat, “You told them that?”

“Yes. That is what happened. I was only speaking the truth.” Ashley could tell Jerry wasn’t happy.

“Do you know you just made her a suspect?” Jerry asked agitated that this could certainly blow any chance Ashley might have to get more information from Jax.

“Well, if she is innocent it won’t matter. I’m sure the case won’t be that hard to solve.” Ashley responded her voice not giving away the hope that Brenda was in

fact guilty.

“Ashley, if Jax finds out it was you who encouraged the police he won’t spend another minute with you. One thing I know from talking to my parents and V is Jax

is extremely protective of Brenda and her image. In fact he spent millions trying to squash that story of her breakdown.”

“Money totally wasted since the story broke anyway and Star TV has sued her. She can’t get a modeling job. Her reputation in the industry has been destroyed.”

“Exactly. Jax was able to keep the video and pictures from being published or aired but the story still came out. Jax I hear from my parents still feels guilty he

pushed her into returning to work before she was ready.”

“Well maybe she did break-in to the pharmacy. No job, no man, her reputation in shreds. She would have every reason in the world to turn back to drugs.

Everyone knows she had a problem last year. Isn’t that what destroyed her marriage to Jax?” Ashley had always wondered what the turning point was in that

relationship. What had prompted Brenda to leave Jax for the mobster Sonny Corinthos, only to be left at the alter by him.

“As far as I know there were alot of issues that resulted in them separating.” Jerry said guarded. He wasn’t about to discuss the betrayal of his family towards Jax that had been one of the driving forces in shattering that union.

Ashely understood that Jerry wasn’t about to gossip. “Well, I think I gave you observations on everyone. Any more questions?”

“Good job Ashley, although I do think you need to let Jax know you have accepted another modeling assignment and won’t be back in Port Charles for some time. I think it would be wise to put a little distance between you and Port Charles until things calm down, especially if Brenda is investigated. Plus, I don’t want Mitch or Jax connecting us to one another as anything more than friendly acquaintances.”

Ashley raised her eyebrow, “Oh is that how you would describe our relationship?”

“That is how I would describe it to them. No one needs to know about us.” Jerry stated firmly.

“Don’t you want me to return this?” Ashley held up the photo album. What was so important to him in that album she wondered. All she had seen were pictures of

Jax and Miranda on a beach, and one picture of Miranda that looked to have been taken by a photographer, posed, not candid like the others.

“No, I don’t think he will be missing it anytime soon. Let me have it now Ashley.” Jerry reached for it.

“I’ll hang onto it until you transfer those funds Jerry.” Ashely tightened her grip once again.

“Okay Ashley, but I tell you the next time you pull a stunt like stealing my jet and this partnership ends. Your fringe benefits are going to have to come from your own conquests." Jerry hit the speaker button and dialed so Ashley could hear the transfer being processed.

“Thank you Jerry. As always a pleasure doing business with you.” Ashley smiled acknowledging the deposit to her account, as she slid the photo album across the desk to Jerry.

Jerry took it and opened the credenza behind him. He placed it there and locked it. He rose and walked around the side of the desk after he had pressed the intercom for Addie.

“Yes Jerry.” Addie responded.

“Addie will you tell Charles to bring the car around. Miss Brent is ready to leave.”

Yes, sir.”

Jerry clicked off the intercom and extended his hand to Ashley. She graciously accepted. She stood up and he pulled her close. He leaned in and spoke with a firm whisper. “Don’t ever try to seduce my little brother again. There is one thing we don’t share and that is our women.” Jerry slapped her behind.

Still in Jerry’s clutches she responded with an edge to her voice, “Since when did you start to care Jerry?

“Who said I had. It’s just Jax and I are brothers and that is a boundary we swore we’d never cross.” Jerry pulled her in closer, tightening his grip. “Why don’t we

meet at your place in an hour and you can show me just how much you missed me.”

Ashley nodded in agreement. Jerry always made her weak in the knees. She loved him, but knew enough to know not to tell him. He wasn’t about to get 'snared’ as he so aptly put the idea of marriage . She reached down and picked up her purse. Jerry escorted her to the elevator, and returned to his office.

He retrieved the photo album from the credenza and started thumbing through it. He was sure he had seen the same photograph in this wedding album as the one on Mitch Wright’s desk just six weeks before in Jakarta. There it was, the same picture staring back at him. Miranda, but not really Miranda. Why had she lied about who she was to Jax, and even to him?

He had first met Mitch Wright in his corporate office in Greece almost a year ago, although Jerry had known him by his reputation in business matters for years. He was known to be ruthless, and very underhanded, but always legal. Jerry had been on a fishing expedition to inquiry on Jax’s behalf regarding a limited partnership. Jax had needed a contigency plan in case negotiations with Stefan Cassidine didn’t proceed in their best interest. Jerry

and Jax agreed that Jax could better research the Cassidines since they were both living in Port Charles, and Jerry would check out Mitch Wright, and Cape Endowments. Mitch and Jerry had hit it off from the very beginning. They both enjoyed living life to the fullest, including dangerous adventures, and beautiful women. Over the past months they had shared some information about their families. Mitch had explained that his mother had died giving

birth to his younger sister Natasha when he was sixteen. At nineteen Mitch lost his father to a massive coronary. He inherited the entire estate and the responsiblity of raising his sister. Mitch explained to Jerry that by being given so much so early in life, he had to learn to think quickly on his feet. He had become quite successful and had provided well for himself and his sister up until the time of her death, seven years ago. He had been

away of business in Jakarta when he got word that Natasha had been killed in an avalanche in the Alps while skiing. She had been attending boarding school there. Her body had never been recovered.

Jerry had been shocked when he had visited Mitch in his office in Jakarta, and had finally seen the picture on his desk. It had caught him so off balance that Mitch had commented, “She takes your breath away doesn’t she?” as he held the picture up for Jerry to see more clearly.

“She’s quite beautiful, is she your new girlfriend Mitch?” Jerry asked tentatively still trying to recover from the shock.

“No that is my sister Natasha. It was taken right before her death. I keep it here since this is where I heard the news that she had been killed.” Mitch placed the picture frame back onto the desk top.

Jerry shook off the memory of that day, and glanced again at the picture in the photo album. The picture was identical, a close-up, probably a school picture. He took the picture from the album and turned it over. On the back a handwritten message said, “Something to remember me by until we meet again.” but was unsigned. Jerry placed the picture back in the album, and locked it in the credenza once again.

He gathered his thoughts for a moment. He needed to see Ashley again, to make sure she hadn’t left out any details of her time with Mitch. He could then decide whether or not he should start investigating Miranda, and her whereabouts. It could all be a coincidence Jerry told himself, but his gut instinct told him there was much more to it than that.

Jerry grabbed his coat and walked out of his office. He stopped at Addie’s desk. “Addie I’m leaving for the day but if dad or Jax calls tell them they can reach me on my cellphone.”

“Good day then Jerry.” Addie said with a nod of acknowledgement.

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Just my thoughts and opinions once again!

Venus

Jax & Brenda-Something to Smile About

A Grand Romance-As Sure As The Sun

J&B Angel/IRFC