Harbor in a Tempest-3

by Leila

Harbor in the Tempest- Part 3

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Jax ran his hand over his face in frustration, and then ruffled through his gold-tipped hair. Across the room, Jerry repeated a similar set of actions.

"I really don't understand, Jerry. We have been working nonstop at this for two days, and neither of us has turned up a single lead"

"I think we should just get out of Port Charles, Jax. Go somewhere hard to find and then we can figure out who put a hit out on you in peace and quiet."

"Jerry, for once in your life, you may be right. We can go to that little island Dad picked up in the Pacific. You know how he is.

Everything will be completely business ready, so we can figure this out just as well from there."

" Jax, you're not gonna like this, but, I think its a bad idea to tell people, and by that you know I mean your little ex, what we're up to."

" I'm not a moron Jer. I will just tell her its business, Anyway, we are just friends, so I really don't owe her any explanations"

" You think of her as just a friend, huh? When did this start?"

" It's really none of your business. Now why don't you go make the arrangements. I have errands to run."

On his way to the garage, Jax called Brenda on his cell phone. She wasn't home. Where was the next most likely place? To save time, Jax just called Brenda on her cell.

"Hello."

"Brenda, Jax here."

"Jax! What's up?"

" I was going to stop by and see you, but you weren't home."

" Nope, I'm at the beach. What do you think I have nothing better to do than wait for you at my house?" Jax could tell from her tone that she had a huge smile on her face, and was probably arching her eyebrow, too.

"I'll be there in a few." Hanging up, Jax realized he hadn't asked what she was doing at the beach in March, anyway.

Brenda smiled, put away her cell phone, and went back to looking at the water. The smell of the ocean, though not quite the same, would always remind her of watching the sun rise over the Mediterranean, wrapped in Jax's arms, as his wife. Other memories, of Sonny crowded into her mind too, but she pushed them away. That life was over now. Her new life, with Jax, could begin.

Brenda heard a car pull up, and stood up, waiting for Jax to see her and join her on her dune. When he didn't see her right away, Brenda yelled "Jax, I'm over here"

Jax began loping towards her, his slight smile failing to erase the worry lines marring his forehead. When he got to her, he stopped, and looking at her finally, felt his heart almost stop. She was wearing red. He loved how she looked in red. Stopping his mind from straying that way again was too difficult for Jax. He saw in an instant her trying on that pantsuit in Malibu, and him telling her to try the red one, and then kissing her in it. Their first real kiss.

"Jax, what is it? You said you had to tell me something, and you look really worried"

Snapping out of his reverie, Jax said " Let's head back to our cars."

They began walking back, and finally Jax said " I'm going away on business again Brenda, and I don't know how long I'll be away. It could be a week or a month."

" I'll miss you, but I'll be fine here, or at least I will be once you tell me what's really going on"

" Don't ask me to Brenda, I can't "

" Fine. I trust your judgment. Well, I'll see you when you get back"

Brenda got into her car and peeled out, waving as she went " Yea, see ya" Jax shook his head. That was the most un- Brenda thing he'd ever heard. And no parting hug? What had gotten into her? He watched her drive off, and then got into his own car and headed for home.

Brenda smiled into the rearview mirror. Yep, he was completely at a loss. As if she would ever take no for an answer so easily. Brenda giggled and turned on the radio, popping in her favorite mix tape. It started with the song from "My Best Friend's Wedding" 'Say a little prayer for you' Brenda was humming along as she drove, and before long singing

Forever and ever you'll stay in my heart

and I will love you, forever and ever,

we never will part

Suddenly, inspiration struck, and Brenda pulled out her cell phone. "Hi, Charles. This is Brenda. I was wondering if Mr. Jacks had ordered the jet fueled up? Yes? And what time is he planning in leaving? You can tell me. I'd ask Jax, but I want to surprise him. Thanks so much. In three hours, okay. Thanks again." Brenda hung up the phone, and did her little Brenda-happy dance in the car, in her seat. Other drivers looked at her like she was crazy, a beautiful brunette singing at the top of her lungs and dancing while driving.

Three hours later, Jax and Jerry were seated in the plane, waiting for Charles to take off. As the plane taxied down the runway, Jerry said " So, we need a plan of action. If we are going to figure this out from where we are, we will need to contact someone who can handle this end. Can you think of anyone?"

"V. She's my assistant and a former sheriff's deputy. I trust her implicitly" Having said that, Jax took out his phone, and called V, since the plane was now safely in the air. Jerry soon tired of listening to jax's end of the explanation, and got up to use the restroom. As he neared the back of the plane, he saw a flash of movement. Feeling a knot in his stomach, Jerry put his hand on the bulge concealed by his leather jacket. Removing his gun from its holster, he stepped closer to the back service area, and began his silent search. What he saw made him both shrug in relief and shake his head. Grabbing the tiny, black clad figure from behind, Jerry hauled the stowaway into the light.