Episode 46

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Episode 46

Scene 1:

Dinah had no idea how she was going to do it. She was only Jamie Mason's babysitter! Not a headhunter for a Fortune 500 company! She stared at Dusty, who didn't seem to care that Dinah wasn't likely to be of much help in her quest to land a job at ME. Dusty raised her eyes and met Dinah's giving her a small smile that made Dinah's stomach turn. How could Noah be related to that...blackmailer? If Piper didn't know Dusty was related to Noah, she wouldn't give Dusty the time of day. But then, Piper wasn't giving Dinah the time of day now was she?

Dinah finished counting out her tips and swept the money into her pocket. She was planning on using most of it to buy a new wardrobe for college, but she would buy herself and Noah tickets to see Piper in her play before she did that. Dodging out of Maura's gaze before Maura could ask her to stay longer, she slipped into the break room. Opening her locker, she emptied her pocket into her purse and hung her apron on it's hook. She closed the locker door coming face to face with Dusty who smiled again.

"So," Dusty said cheerfully, "how's my job hunt coming?" Dinah tried to keep from rolling her eyes.

"I was just thinking about that," Dinah replied. "Look, Dusty, I don't know what you expect me to do for you. I'm just a babysitter for Jamie Mason. He's not going to listen to what I have to say about hiring. Besides, I doubt he does any of the hiring himself."

"Are you backing out of your promise?" Dusty asked, her eyes narrowing. "Because I really don't want to have to talk to Piper about how you lied to her about Noah."

"You know what? She's not talking to me anyway. So go ahead," Dinah bit back.

"Aw. That's too bad that your twin hates you now isn't it. Well, I could make Noah hate you too, you know."

"What makes you think he would listen to you? Noah has a brain you know." Dinah slammed her locker shut and stared back at Dusty, feeling impotent with anger.

"I'm his sister. We have a special bond. Now let's talk about how you can help me get that job."

"You know what, I do have an idea. Why don't you go ask Maura. She's dating Jude Fontaine. Ask her to put a good word in for you."

Dusty shook her head. "Already thought of that, but you see, Maura doesn't really like me and I don't have any...leverage with her. So it's up to you. Jamie Mason's eating lunch out there. Why not go talk to him now?"

"It won't do any good," Dinah replied sullenly. "But if it'll get you off my back, I'll do it." Dusty smiled sweetly and pushed her towards the door.

"Wonderful. I'll wait here. Remember, you get a happy life with Noah if I get a job." Dinah threw her a glare over her shoulder. The image of Dusty being run over by a steamroller as if she were a cartoon flashed in her head, making her smile. She would do this, but when the moment was right, she planned on telling Noah exactly what his sister was.

Scene 2:

"I filed the complaint." Jamie looked up from his dinner. Ryan Corday stood before with him, briefcase in hand. Jamie motioned to the seat across from him.

"Good. Hungry? Dinner's on me," Jamie replied waving Noah over.

"Sure," Ryan answered hesitating a bit. Noah approached them and turned his gaze to Ryan. "I'll just have the special." Noah nodded and turned to go. "Oh and bring me a beer while you're at it."

"So, it's a casual lunch eh?" Jamie asked, tilting his head curiously.

"You mean, will I bill you for these hours? No. Not if you buy the meal." Jamie laughed and leaned back in the chair.

"So what now?" He asked. Ryan shrugged.

"Depends on the woman. If she attempts to make contact again, she'll be arrested. Of course, I don't know this woman and haven't finished reading the court documents but she doesn't strike me as the most stable woman in the world. I'm thinking this complaint might piss her off, Mr. Mason."

"Call me Jamie. And yes, I expect it will piss her off. I'm willing to take that chance, Mr. Corday."

"Ryan...look, I just hope you're prepared in case this gets...ugly again. She could still be unstable. Possibly dangerous. Have you told your wife?"

"No! And I'm not going to. Michaela has enough to worry about without knowing all of this nonsense."

Ryan held up his hands in surrender. "Okay, you're choice of course."

"Thank you," Jamie answered. He eyed Ryan curiously. He didn't know too much about the man even if he did come highly recommended. And Jamie liked to know his allies. "So, Ryan. Tell me more about yourself. Jim only talked about your record."

"Ah. Well, there's not much to tell, Jamie. I'm from Chicago. Went to UCLA. Worked in a couple of different law firms until I managed to find my way here. That's pretty much it."

"What? No wife and kids?" Jamie smiled. "I thought for sure with your specialty you would have a family of your own."

"No. I was married once. My ex actually lives here in Conlan's Glen. But we never had kids. We were young when we married. By the time I wanted to start a family, Phoebe wanted out of the marriage."

"Your ex-wife's name was Phoebe?" Jamie asked curiously, his mind going to the only Phoebe he knew.

"Yes, perhaps you know her. Phoebe Cameron. She works for The Observer here. Quite a twist of fate that we ended up in the same town after all these years, don't you think?" Ryan returned. Jamie nodded noting to himself that Ryan's face had lost all emotion. There was more there than met the eye he thought ready to ask another question before a young woman's voice interrupted him.

"I'm sorry to intrude Mr. Mason," Dinah Stafford said looking down at him earnestly. "I was wondering if I might talk to you?"

Scene 3:

Noah's gaze fell on Dinah talking to Mr. Mason. What was she doing, he wondered briefly as Dusty sidled up to him. She nudged him briefly with her elbow and grinned.

"Your girlfriend is pretty cool," she whispered.

"Dinah isn't my girlfriend," Noah replied, embarrassed. "We're just hanging out...that's all."

"She should be your girlfriend," Dusty went on, ignoring his embarrassment. "Dinah is great. I really like her a lot." Noah frowned and turned back to the salt and pepper shakers that he was refilling. "What? I don't get an opinion about your girlfriends? I seem to remember you having an opinion about my choice in men."

"That's because your choice in men isn't that great," Noah answered sharply. "Do I have to remind you?"

"No," Dusty returned darkly. Her face clouded for a moment but cleared a moment later. Noah still wasn't quite used to having her around. He liked Dusty and as far as sisters went, she was okay, he guessed. But she was still very much a loner. It had been her idea to keep their relationship a secret. And it had been her idea to come to Conlan's Glen with him. She was nice to have around for the most part. She picked on the things he did quite a bit. The second job at the Performing Arts Center had sparked a lot of ridicule from her for some reason.

"All I meant was you made a good choice," Dusty continued. "Dinah has spirit and a personality. And it's nice to see you with someone who is so easy to get along with."

"What does that mean?" Noah paused in his work and glared at Dusty sharply. Shrugging, Dusty nodded towards Dinah.

"Well, do you think Piper would have the spine to walk up to Jamie Mason and help a friend?"

"What does Piper have to do with anything?" Noah snapped, instantly protective of Piper.

"Oh come on Noah, I know how you feel about Piper, but if you ask me she isn't worth it. Very whiny that girl and..."

Noah cut her off with a furious glare. "What did Piper ever do to you?" He snapped, trying to keep his voice low. "Piper is one of the nicest girls I've ever known."

"That's why you're dating her?" Dusty smiled. "Noah, you and I both know that Piper is ...."

"What Dusty? What is Piper?" He asked daring her to say more. Dusty shook her head in a resigned way.

"If you don't know then I'm not telling you. But out of the two of them, I'd take Dinah any day."

"Mind your own business Dusty," Noah warned. "Piper is a wonderful person and I won't listen to anyone knock her down. Not even you." Dusty smiled and nodded, flicking her eyes over to Dinah. Noah's eyes followed hers and watched as Dinah talked to Mr. Mason, wondering if he had made the right choice after all.

Scene 4:

The ME offices were practically deserted during the lunch hour. Nearly everyone congregated in the ME cafeteria or left the building to have lunch elsewhere. The empty halls made Gwen a little uneasy as she walked towards the executive offices. She was certainly not used to the quiet that pervaded the building at noon. However, she thought with satisfaction, the less people around the better. No one need know she was at ME to see Stephen Roth. In fact the less people who knew the better.

It was a well known fact that Stephen Roth was a workaholic. Hallie used to boast about his dedication to the company when they had been together. Of course that had been nearly two years ago. She hoped he hadn't changed too much. Rounding a corner, she spotted him. Pouring himself a cup of coffee near his secretary's desk. His secretary, obviously, had more sense than Roth and was off enjoying her lunch hour.

"Stephen," she purred as she neared him. "How have you been?" Stephen looked up in surprise at Gwen's voice but smiled warmly when he realized who was speaking.

"Hello Mrs. Mason. I'm pretty good. How about yourself? Miss seeing you roaming these hallways like you used to when Dane was in charge," he answered, taking the hand she offered him.

"Well now that my son is here there really is no need is there?" Gwen gave him a friendly smile and looked around the office. "It's quiet in here, everyone off to lunch?"

"Yep. It's just me. And now you as well." He studied her for a moment before adding, "If you're looking for Jamie, he's at Connie's having lunch with that new lawyer he hired."

"My! You are certainly well informed!" Stephen blushed at her flattery. "That's an admirable quality. Why Hallie ever let you go is beyond me!"

"She's got a mind of her own," he offered, masking his face. "Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Mason?"

"Oh no thank you. And please do call me Gwen." Stephen nodded, giving her a quizzical gaze. "Stephen, I wonder if we might talk in private for a while."

"This is pretty private...," he began.

"No, I know this sounds odd but I'd prefer it if we were somewhere no one could see us for now." Stephen nodded and motioned for her to follow him. He led her to his office, shutting the door behind him.

"In case people return before we're finished, you can always leave through the conference room," he said pointing toward the door opposite them. Gwen smiled in admiration of him. He certainly was sharp. "May I ask what you need from me...Gwen?"

"Oh, I do like you! Right to the point! James was right to hire you," Gwen said. "All right let's be straight now. You are in love with my niece." Stephen pulled back in surprise at her words. At last, Gwen thought, something that took him off guard. "Aren't you?"

"Gwen...I...," he stumbled looking for something to say. She caught a flash of decision in his eyes as he took a breath. "Yes, I do love Hallie. Though it does appear to be God's cosmic joke that I love her, wouldn't it?"

"Oh, Stephen. No, Hallie could be a wonderful woman, if she would only grow out of her ridiculous revenge ideas. You know what? I believe my niece still loves you."

"You do?" Stephen asked, his voice full of hope.

"Yes, I do. In fact, I think you would do yourself and Hallie a great disservice if you didn't pursue it," Gwen added meaningfully. Stephen's head shot up.

"What?"

"In fact, I would make it worth your while if you would. Jamie is thinking about expanding ME to include a technology division within the year. How would you like to take on that particular branch of ME?" Stephen leaned forward, a scandalized look on his face.

"Are you asking me to...to break up Hallie and Luke?"

"Well, not in so many words, but I think Hallie would be happier with you and I could make it worth your while."

"Why don't you tell me exactly why before I make any decisions at all," Stephen demanded.

"Of course. You see...Hallie has these ideas about revenge and I think she would be better suited to perhaps worrying herself over her own life instead. I need someone to take her mind off my son and his cousin. I need that person to be you, Stephen," Gwen answered keeping as much of the truth to herself as possible.

"Why not ask Luke Conlan? He's her fiancé after all."

"Exactly why I can't ask him. He's her sidekick if you will. And he is too easily abused by Hallie. I need someone stronger than her. Someone like you. Will you do it?"

"You say I'll run this new tech division?" Gwen nodded. "Okay, but I want one other thing."

"Oh?" And that would be?"

"If I manage to keep Hallie off your son's back...I want her. I want Hallie." Gwen gave him a puzzled look.

"I can't give you Hallie," she replied.

"Yes, you can. I'll do what you ask, but I want her wedding to Luke Conlan cancelled. Is it a deal?"

How would she manage that? Gwen wondered for a moment. Well, it wouldn't matter because if her plan went the way she wanted it to, Luke would have nothing to do with Hallie in the future. And Stephen would be more than welcome to her. She nodded and smiled.

"It's a deal Stephen. And I expect results."

"So do I Gwen," he answered firmly. "So do I."