Episode 143

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Episode 143

Scene 1:

Jillie checked her watch and tapped her long, tapered fingers on the steering wheel of her car. She'd asked him to meet her here, away from her apartment and the house and Connie's. There was something inside of her that didn't want to risk having Georgia or Kevin or Maura overhear their conversation. Or, God forbid, Gina Corelli. That would have been the icing on the cake.

She saw his car pull into the parking lot and she stepped out of her car, her feet crunching on the gravel of the unpaved ground. She nodded to him and stepped onto the overgrown dirt path that led past a few shaded picnic tables and rusted barbecue pits, towards the playground nestled in the middle of the small neighborhood park. It was deserted, which wasn't a surprise since there was a larger park not even three blocks away, and the neighborhood kids had more equipment and area to play around.

It was the park Maeve always used to bring them to when they were children. The place held quite a few good memories, and Jillie was overcome with nostalgia as she dropped into a swing, her hands curling around the old chains.

Jory followed her to the swings, watching her mood shift as she settled onto a swing and pushed herself idly with her feet. He dropped to the one next to her, watching as her mood shifted again. "So. Gonna tell me why you wanted to meet here of all places? We could have met at The Fountains and had a real meal," Jory said, twisting the chains of the swing as he turned himself. "Not that I mind, of course," he added.

"Don't you ever think about anything other than food?" she teased halfheartedly, feeling a small breeze flutter around her face as she glided back and forth. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you. And I didn't want to risk being overheard by...the wrong person."

"That I can understand," Jory answered. "No sense telling the world your business," he added. Any thing said at Connie's or at home had a way of getting to the wrong person at any rate. "So what's up?"

"What else?" Jillie laughed, but it was a wavering, anxious sound. "I'm in trouble." She stopped her gentle swinging, her shoes scuffing in the dirt as she turned to look at her brother. "Big trouble. And you're the only one I can talk to. I don't know what to do."

"What kind of trouble?" Jory asked immediately dreading the response. Jillie was smart in a lot of things but sometimes she acted before she thought things out completely. Which nearly always got her into trouble.

"Big?" Jillie repeated faintly, offering a tentative smile. She bit her bottom lip and her smile faded into a dismal look of misery. "Murder."

Jory's mouth fell open in surprise. He'd been expecting something along the lines of man trouble. That he could handle. Murder though? That was, even for Jillie, surprising. He glanced around the park expecting Luke or someone to pop out of the bush and yell, "April Fool!" But no one appeared. He looked back at Jillie who didn't look like she was joking any way. "Murder?" He repeated. "Who?"

"Don't look at me that way. I didn't kill anyone. If I had, we both know who it'd be." Jillie rolled her shoulders back and tried to figure out how much she should tell him. She'd planned a whole big speech, but the moment she'd opened her mouth, she'd ruined it. The least she could hope for was legal guidance. But she wasn't worried about that right now. Now, she wanted advice. Advice from her twin brother, the one person she trusted with her life. "A professor. But...no one knows he's been murdered. No one meaning the police."

"Jillie...back up a minute. If you didn't kill this guy, then who did?"

"I'm not...really...sure." She sighed loudly and twisted in her swing. "Look, I don't know. All I really know is what I saw. I was following Leo Kingston - you know, Luke's old friend - the night of the charity Ball. He's a professor at Hope College. Anyway, I followed him into this office and when I opened the door, he was standing over a dead body. But I know he didn't do it. And whoever did do it got rid of the body after we left the scene. All the police know is that this other professor is missing."

"Do they know that you were involved? That you saw the dead body?"

"They who? The police or the guys behind it?"

"Anyone!" Jory snapped. "Did any person see you with the body? Did you tell anyone about it?"

"Well, besides Leo, no!" Jillie tossed her hair over her shoulder and inhaled deeply. "Who would I tell? Besides, obviously, you. The police don't know anything. At least, that's the vibe I got when they went to question Leo. But whether or not the person...or people...who did it know...I...I'm not sure." She closed her eyes and turned to face Jory again. "It was a message. The murder was. A message to Leo. From some obviously really not nice people."

"Obviously," Jory echoed exhaling sharply. "Okay first of all, have the police questioned you in the disappearance or are they just concerned with Leo? And second, why send a message to Leo? What did he do that warranted these people killing someone for his benefit?"

"No. They don't think I have anything to do with anything - which is pretty much a common misconception, if you think about it." Her attempt at levity fell flat. "And they want Leo because he has something they want. Or they think he does. He was hired by a very wealthy, very powerful man...to find some ancient diamond that's reportedly worth millions upon millions...upon millions...of dollars. He hasn't found it yet and this professor they killed...was not only a friend of Leo's, but he was the one person who might have known the exact location of the diamond. If Leo doesn't do what they want, they'll either kill him...or frame him for murder."

Jory stopped the swing and stared at his twin. "You're joking right? This is all too... God, it's like that show Maura's always watching. What's it called? Paradise Found, that's it. You're putting me on," he added hopefully. He couldn't imagine Jillie really involved in something this dangerous. But if she was... What would he tell her? How could he possibly advise her on it when he had no idea what to do in his own small life?

"I wish I was joking. I really don't know what to do, Jory. If they're keeping such a close eye on Leo, they already know we...." She licked her lips, grimacing at the words that wouldn't come. "They probably think I'm involved with him."

"Well, if you know about all of this, I'd say you pretty much are as involved as you can get without actually screwing the guy!" He jumped out of the swing and paced to the seesaw and back. "You want my advice? Stay the fuck away from Leo Kingston."

"It's a little too late for that, don't you think? The latter, not the former," Jillie hastened to clarify. "Besides, I'm in this, Jory. I'm a part of it, whether I like it or not. Even if I back away from him now, who's to say they won't see me as a loose end?" Yeah, she was probably being melodramatic. But as brave and wild as she liked to pretend to be, seeing a dead guy had really freaked her out. That was allowed, wasn't it? So if these people Leo was involved with didn't have any problems killing people, how did she know she wouldn't be his next incentive?

Not to mention, that brave and wild person inside of her was more than just a little intrigued by the entire situation.

"Then you better hope Leo didn't really do the guy in after all. Because if he did, he could be using you to take the fall for it."

Scene 2:

Rick opened the file that was placed on his desk by his secretary and studied it for a moment before dismissing her for the day. The last thing he needed was someone hanging over him while he tried to write. Normally, he wouldn't mind. But this particular editorial was worthwhile and meant a great deal to him personally. He wanted to sink Jude Fontaine in this town no matter the personal cost to himself. Let the Masons fire him, what did he care? It wasn't as if he had a reason to be in the town anymore.

Maura had effectively let him go once and for all. Jillie didn't want anything to do with him. Not that Jillie was a big loss, but she had been entertaining for a while at any rate. Sure, he still had The Observer, but what good was that when it was owned by the Mason family? Gwen Mason would have his head when she read his expose on her eldest son.

Jude deserved it though. Mr. Perfect had gone too far with his personal threat against Rick the other day at Connie's. Jude had successfully taken everything Rick had wanted in the last year with the exception of his daughter and Maura had robbed him of that. He wanted a small taste of revenge and if it meant ruining Fontaine, then so be it.

He opened the notes from the business reporter on The Downtown Renovation Project, more commonly referred to as The Drop, and started reading. Something was wrong there but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. As far as he could tell, The Drop was being funded by private investors, among which were two businessmen from Florida. One was Nicolas Tejera who planned to open a night club or something and the other was someone named Ben Castle of Castle Hotels and Inns. There also appeared to be another investor who had no business claims in The Drop, a holding company by the name of Soma Inc. He jotted that name down for future reference and continued on into the press releases.

He was halfway through the third of a group that named new businesses to open in The Drop when he was interrupted by a knock on his door. He glanced up, catching Dane's face in the doorway. He gestured for him to enter and slid the press releases back into the folder.

"Dane. What brings you here at this hour?" He asked, leaning back in his chair casually.

"Nothing better to do. I thought you might be here and was looking for a little company. You feel like dinner at The Fountains?"

"Not particularly. Too much to do. I thought you had a girlfriend again?" Rick asked, picking up a pencil. He wanted to appear busy at the very least. "What's her name? Lisa?"

"Liza and she turned out not to be very interested in me. What are you doing here so late?" Dane asked peering at the folders piled on Rick's desk. "Working on something interesting? Maybe you might need my help with it."

"No, just an editorial. Though..." He paused contemplating Dane for a moment. He had gotten friendly with Dane Lennox enough to know that he didn't really care a whole lot for the paper. He cared about his family for the most part but he took a lot of what they did with a grain of salt. "Do you think I could ask you a personal question?"

"Sure why not," Dane answered. He dropped to the couch across from Rick and grinned at him. "As long as it isn't about why I can't seem to meet any women these days."

"No, that's not it at all. I was wondering what you think of your family."

"My family? Anyone in particular?" Dane asked with a puzzled grin.

"Jude."

Dane's eyebrows shot up in amusement. "Jude? Well, I'm not surprised that you're asking about him."

"You aren't? Why is that?"

"Well, Gwen told me about your interest in Maura. Sorry that didn't work out for you. What exactly do you want to know?"

Rick stared at Dane for a moment before answering. He was beyond caring what anyone thought right now. "I plan on exposing his renovation project as a fraud and a front for illegal monies. I want to know what you and your family will do about it."

"Rick." Dane's manner turned serious and he leaned forward, his posture stiff and defensive. "The first thing I have to say is, you've got the wrong guy. Jude's a straight arrow. Always has been always will be. You won't find anything on him. And I have to tell you, if you put this fight over Maura Conlan in The Observer, you'll lose. Gwen won't stand for it. She'll fire you before the editorial hits. I guarantee it. Don't do this."

"Would you try to stop me?"

Dane shrugged. "I don't see how I could. You're the editor. I'm just...well, I'm just a lackey for my aunt. But what I can do is advise against this. You don't want Gwen as your enemy. Or Jamie. And the both of them together can pretty much do what they want in this town. You know that as well as I do. Maura is a great girl, I'll grant you that. But is she worth your career here?"

"I don't think Maura is the issue here, Dane. The issue is your cousin, Jude Fontaine. He's crooked and he's doing something very illegal. And I'm going to expose him."

"You'll be digging your own grave, Rick."

"Then at least I'll know where my burial plot will be. Thanks Dane. You've been a great help," he added sourly. Dane rose to his feet and stared at him for a long moment, with what looked like pity in his eyes before he turned on his heels and left the office. So, after the editorial went out, Rick would likely be out of a job. Didn't matter, he decided pulling the folder out again. There was room in this town for two papers. He would just start his own and print whatever he damn well felt like, Gwen and Jamie Mason be damned.

Scene 3:

"He didn't." Was she really so sure? Her instinct told her that he couldn't possibly. But then, her instinct had also let her believe that he was just another nerd who'd happened to grow into a hunk. Or had she simply ignored her intuition and believed what she'd wanted to believe? Jillie shook her head, letting her fingers message her temples. "For whatever reason, I trust him. It's the people he's working for that I don't trust." She sighed again, letting her gaze meet Jory's. "So, how'd Dr. Stafford's funeral go?"

"Well, it sucked. It was a funeral," Jory replied darkly. He didn't like Jillie's predicament but it didn't seem that she wanted to hear his advice either. "And Gina Corelli is the devil."

That managed to bring a small smile to her face. "Tell me something I don't know." Her smile died away slowly and she shrugged. "If I back out now, yeah, maybe there's a small chance I'll be fine. But I don't think I can let him do this alone, Jory. And I don't even know why I care but...he doesn't have anyone else. And, hey, it beats sitting around all day and watching Oprah and Dr. Phil."

"So do what you have to do. But Jillie," he said kneeling in front of her. "Just be careful. I like you and I'd like to keep you around for a long time. Okay?"

"Oh, just admit it. You'd be lost without me. But just know, if I don't get out of this alive, I leave all of my earthly possessions to you. Which...granted...isn't much. Oh, and let Dad know my dying wish was for him to dump that cheap Italian knockoff." She hugged him tightly and laughed huskily, coughing to clear her throat. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. It would take a lot more than this to bring me down. So, tell me about what's been going on with you...."

"Oh you know. Same old same old. Trying to rescue a couple of girls from a rotten guy. Trying to save Dad from a fate worse than death. Oh and trying to kill Gina Corelli with Drano in her Coke. That one's not working though so I might have to try a different chemical."

"Well, it's not often I feel the need to stick up for Maura, but that woman is lucky I've been otherwise occupied lately. I feel so sorry for Georgia. She stopped by the apartment the morning after the Ball and was practically appalled to see me with Leo. But that's an entirely different story. Needless to say, she thinks I'm the root of all evil when it comes to her daughter."

"Georgia's lucky all right. Lucky that her mother is so involved that she hasn't seen what Georgia's been up to," Jory added disgusted. He hated that Georgia had once again let herself be won over by a man who treated her as badly as Ian McCormick did. "I swear she's almost as bad as Ellen."

"You like her, don't you?"

"Who? You know I can't stand Gina...," Jory trailed off breaking eye contact with his sister.

"Oh, right," Jillie laughed mockingly, "'cause Dad would be in a world of trouble then. No, you know exactly who I'm talking about."

"Sure I like her. She's a good friend. Besides, she's your roommate. You like her too, don't you? Besides, I thought this little get together was all about you?" Jory asked defensively. He didn't feel the need to explore his own messed up emotions at the moment.

"I like her. Doesn't mean I feel the need to save her from Dr. Tall and Handsome. Anyway, I'm not so self-obsessed as some people think. I have all the time in the world to discuss your life. You know, while I still can and all," she joked cynically.

"Very funny. Fine, I like Georgia. She was the one person who was there with me at the hospital every day," he added spitefully. "I owe her."

Jillie arched a brow. "Yeah, well, Hallie was the one to drag your sorry ass out of that burning building, but I don't see you fawning all over her."

"Well, maybe I should be!" He snapped. He stared at Jillie for a moment before the realization of what he had said hit him. "Oh god, I must've gotten some brain damage in that fire too," he chuckled. "Me fawning over the barracuda. That's a good one."

"Hallie Lennox Soon-To-Be-Ex-Conlan has enough attention with Stephen Roth panting after her. Just the thought of you and her...talk about unholy alliances." She looked up at her brother, knowing better than to take offense at his words. Most likely, he was confused. Or maybe he just wanted to protect his emotions. Falling for Georgia Corelli right now would definitely be a risky situation. She was completely taken in by Ian. "Still, it's not like it's some rule that you can't like Georgia. As more than a friend. I mean, you're human. And while you've always been a bit more...restrained...than I have when it comes to relationships...you deserve to be happy, Jory. That's what I want for you."

"I know. And I appreciate it. I just... You know, since I got out of the fire, I don't really feel like myself. I feel like someone completely different. Do I seem different? No, don't answer that. I know I am. I don't know, maybe I'm screwed up or something. But I do care about her, Jillie. And it drives me crazy that I can't make her see what a mistake she's making. And you know what else? And I would never tell anyone this, except...well, it's you. But, I'm actually attracted to her too. And that is a weird feeling all unto itself."

"You are?" Jillie filed that little piece of information away for later appraisal. "Well, it happens. Strange but true." Try being attracted to the weirdo geek who obsessed over you in high school, she added silently. "Maybe you have changed. Maybe you were given a second chance at life and deep down inside, you realize that. Maybe you should start living instead of just watching everyone else. I love you and I love that you've always been around for me to lay my problems on. But maybe...maybe it's time for me...for all of us...to return the favor. You deserve your own life."

Jory nodded but kept his thoughts to himself. How could he have his own life when he still felt that most of it was wrapped up in them? It wasn't that he didn't want to have a life, he did. But the kicker of the thing was that he couldn't see it happening without his siblings or his dad and they all seemed to be moving away from him as fast as they could. With the exception of Jillie. At least with her, he knew she would always need him for something. He heard a car approaching and glanced over to where they were parked. An SUV pulled in beside his Honda and unleashed a group of boys all wearing matching soccer shirts.

"Time to go I think."

"All good things must come to an end." She stood up and leaned forward to hug him again, her lips pressing against his cheek in a sisterly kiss. "Thanks for listening to me. I guess maybe I just needed to get it off my chest."

"Just take care of yourself, Jillian. Don't get hurt and don't get killed." He hugged her back, holding on for a longer moment as if afraid to let go.

"Jillian," she murmured with a soft laugh. The only other person who called her that was Leo. "Don't worry. You won't get rid of me so easily. You're stuck with me. Forever." As the boys loped onto the small field, she unpocketed her keys, giving her brother one last wave as she headed to her car. Once she was inside, she turned her key in the ignition and let her bravado fall away. Being with Jory had inserted a sense of normalcy into her life for a brief moment. But now she had to go home, alone, and wonder what tomorrow would bring.

Scene 4:

"And let me tell you another thing, your ex-wife is a demon."

Luke rolled his eyes as Maggie Stewart expounded on the evils of Hallie Lennox. Shouldn't he above everyone else, know how awful she could be? Luke glanced at the neon clock on the wall. God it was getting late. He thought momentarily about heading home for the night. Of course, he still had his drink to finish and a bar tab to pay. Another few minutes wouldn't kill him. After all, he really didn't have a home anymore. Sure there was always his father's house but even that was pretty lonely these days. His own home? No way. He wouldn't step foot back in the house he had shared with Hallie for the world. He had some dignity.

"Don't have to tell me that," Luke muttered more to himself than to her. He hadn't asked for her company but she had latched onto him the minute he had walked into The Miles Jazz Club. "You want another?" He asked motioning to her empty glass.

"Sure, if you're buying." He shrugged slightly in assent. "All right then. Order me a double this time and I'll be right back," she added sliding off the barstool and slinking off towards the restroom. Luke rolled his eyes again and motioned to the bartender asking for another martini for him and a double vodka for Maggie.

"Planning on drinking your life away?" Speak of the devil, he shuddered at the sound of her voice in his ear.

"What do you want, Hallie?" He asked without looking at her. Instead, he studied the bottom of his glass with interest.

"You're a hard man to track down, Luke," she replied maneuvering herself onto the barstool next to him. "I had to practically bribe your secretary to tell me you'd gone home for the day. And of course, you aren't home. Unless, you like to think of Miles as home," she added looking around the club with distaste.

"Always been good to me." He looked at her finally, taking in her appearance. She was dressed to kill in a low cut black dress with high heels that exposed the fine skin of her breasts and a slit up the thigh that left virtually nothing to the imagination. "What do you want anyway?"

"Do I have to want something?"

"Hallie. Get serious."

She laughed, tossing her hair as she did so. "You do know me well, Luke."

"So then what do you want?" He asked again. He and Hallie hadn't spoken in some time and she had to want something. Hallie always wanted something.

"Company. Maybe try to be friends again. Do you think that might be possible?" She laid a perfectly manicured hand on his arm. "We were very good friends once you know. A good team too. I'd hate to lose that over...well over a girl."

"A girl? Liza is more than a girl," Luke responded coldly. "So no we can't be friends. Besides, won't Roth be pissed that you're even speaking to me? After all, I did attack you just a short while ago."

"Water under the bridge," she answered waving off his arguments. "I forgive you and besides, Stephen is out of town," she added with a flirtatious smile.

Luke looked her over again, taking in the whole effect of her dress and makeup. The fact that she was sitting next to him with obvious intentions wasn't lost on him either. "So, your lover leaves town and you go all vamp? Nice Hallie. I hope you know I have no intention of falling for this routine."

"Routine?" Hallie echoed sounding hurt. "Luke. You know me better than that. Would I really be here trying to make nice with you if I honestly didn't mean it?"

"Yes, you would."

Hallie's eyes grew steely and she leaned forward, her breath on his neck. "Look, I'm offering you a chance at something again Luke. We were good together once. And believe it or not, I am still very attracted to you. I could continue the charade if you want but you know as well as I do that we have a rare chemistry. I'm sure Liza is quite adequate. But do you really think she can do what I can do for you? Besides," she continued, "I don't think Liza Gennaro will give you what I'm willing to give you tonight."

"What about Stephen?"

"What about him?" Hallie asked. "He's not here."

"Yeah, right. Is this some sort of trick? I go home with you and he shows up with a baseball bat? No thanks."

"He's not here," she reminded him gently. "Besides, we can always go back to our house. If you want privacy that is."

He shook his head still not believing her act. She'd vowed undying hatred for him not less than a month ago and here she was practically begging him to have sex with her. "You know what I don't get, Hallie. Why now and why me? I thought you were in love with Roth? Or is that just an act like our marriage?"

She pulled away and tapped the bar top with her fingernails. "I never lied about our relationship. I didn't love you and you didn't love me. But let's face it, we had some great nights together. Some of the most memorable ones in my life. I care about Stephen very much but I want one more of those memorable nights while I can. Before you work your way back into Liza's good graces."

"And you're willing to risk your relationship with Stephen Roth for a night of sex with me?"

"He won't find out. Neither will Liza. This will be just between you and me. I promise."

Between the two of them. An image of Liza surfaced in his mind for a brief second and her words of their last interaction echoed in his head. "You can never be that person. There's too much at stake for it to ever be you. Don't you understand? You and I can never be together!" Liza didn't want him and Hallie was practically offering herself to him. And after all the damage she had caused too. Well, he could pay her back a little bit of that then. Fair is fair, he told himself.

"All right. Let's go," he said at last, finishing off his drink. Hallie smiled and took his arm, leading him out of the building. He might regret it in the morning but right now, Luke was ready, willing, and more than able.