"You don't love your wife?" Liza echoed. She didn't know Luke or Hallie all that well, but she had assumed that they loved each other. After all, they were engaged when she met them, it seemed logical. "But if you aren't in love with her, why did you marry her?"

"Business deal," Luke replied with a careless shrug. "I wanted to get ahead at ME and she needed a husband with established family roots."

"And you agreed to it? Luke...I'm surprised at you! I thought you were different," Liza said trying not to sound too harsh. After all, who was she to judge?

"It wasn't supposed to be complicated. When I agreed to it, everything seemed on the up and up. But now..." He trailed off, staring away at the window.

"Now what? What's changed?" For a fleeting moment, she saw a hesitation in his eyes. He wanted to tell her something but held it back. Well, it was his story to tell after all, she reminded herself. If he wanted to tell her, he would, and she wouldn't force it.

"Hallie has this vendetta against her aunt and it's just getting in the way," Luke replied after a moment. "And there are other things as well..."

Liza nodded, letting him continue in his own time. It was obvious he wanted to talk about it. Why to her, he had no idea. After all, he was her boss' husband. They were acquaintances. Well, more than acquaintances but not quite friends. She didn't really know what they were, now that she thought about it.

"She's having an affair," he blurted out at last. Her jaw dropped in surprise. Liza had guessed something of the sort but to actually hear it being said was a shock. "With Stephen Roth. She went to Richmond with him a while ago. Or she went somewhere and met up with him in Richmond. It's been so obvious but I wanted to ignore it. Now it seems I can't."

"I'm really sorry Luke. But if you're not in love with Hallie, should it really matter? You said yourself it was a business deal," Liza pointed out.

"That's just it though. It doesn't matter. It's not supposed to. But I can't help being pissed off about it. And I have no right to be angry when I'm just as guilty as she is!"

"Are you having an affair too?" She didn't want to know. No. She liked Luke and really didn't want to spoil her image of the man. Though his own admissions tonight weren't doing much for it. At least he was honest. That was more than Matty's father had been.

"No. I'm not," he paused looking for the right words. "I've got some feelings for another woman. And it isn't right. I mean everything my parents ever taught me about marriage was that you love your wife or husband and you honor and respect them. Hallie doesn't do either for me. And I only seem to honor her in deed and not thought," he added slumping into a chair.

"Didn't you get counseling before the wedding?" Liza asked. "I mean, surely these things should have been considered before you made it legal. I'm sorry, that was a bit rude. Look, you're married now. You have to consider Hallie in everything you do from now on. If she's having an affair with Stephen Roth, you need to confront her about it. Talk to her. That's what husbands and wives do. And whatever feelings you have for another woman you have to ignore. Marriage isn't a business deal Luke. I'm not an expert, but even I know your marriage won't last if that's how you treat it."

He looked up at her, studying her, his eyes flicking towards Matty on the couch for a moment. She fidgeted under his gaze, uncomfortable at the way he seemed to look right inside her. She wasn't an expert. But she knew about love.

"Liza, you're the woman I have feelings for," he said quietly. She didn't blink even though her heart felt like it would burst out of her chest with surprise.

"You don't," she replied, trying to convince them both. "You're just trying to get even with Hallie somehow." It sounded lame even to herself. But he wasn't in love with her. He hadn't said that at least. Having "feelings" was completely different. She scooped Matty into her arms and stood. "I have to go now, Luke. I'm sorry about Hallie. I really am. But I..."

"I shouldn't have told you," he said jumping to his feet. "I'm sorry. Forget I said anything." She nodded but knew it was easier said than done.


Scene 2:

He was just finishing an email when the pounding started. Annoyed, he hit the send button and rose to answer the door. He heard her voice, yelling shrilly into the door. Smiling bitterly to himself, he let her wait for another moment longer before pulling the door open.

"Calm yourself, Mrs. Conlan," Stephen said, crossing his arms over his chest. "What is the matter?"

"Don't call me that!" Hallie snapped, pushing past him into his house.

"I don't believe I asked you to come inside, but since you are," he said closing the door behind them. "Could I interest you in a cup of tea?"

"Oh shut up!" She threw her purse on his couch and shrugged out of her coat as well, letting it fall on a chair.

"Excuse me?" He took a step into the living room facing her. "This is my house and you're a guest. I think you should be a little more polite."

"You unbelievable asshole!" She slapped him, harder than he thought she could have. The last time she'd slapped him, she'd barely managed to connect. But this one made his jaw clench tight and his teeth rattle a bit. She was certainly fired up about something.

"Don't do that again, Hallie," he warned, keeping his hands at his sides. "You don't want to piss me off right now."

"No? Maybe you don't want to piss me off anymore than I already am! How could you?"

"How could I what? Christ, Hallie. Don't come in here, calling me names and make me guess why you're mad at me all of a sudden. You're the one who married someone else, remember? Or have you conveniently forgotten that you married that dough boy?"

"Shut up! You made a deal with Gwen. The entire time I thought you really cared and all you wanted was a piece of Mason Enterprises. I would have given it to you myself! But you went behind my back to the one person you knew I couldn't stand!"

He rolled his eyes and turned away from her towards his bar. "You need a drink," he replied coldly, pouring a shot of bourbon for her. "You also need to get your story straight before you make accusations like that. It might interest you to know that she came to me." He offered her the glass but she folded her arms and ignored it. "Fine," he shrugged swallowing it down himself. "Gwen came to me and asked me to distract you. I was still in love with you so I agreed. Simple as that. She offered the electronics division. Wouldn't have been right to turn her down."

"Oh really? Is that why you didn't tell me about Gwen's little secret when you found out? Because of your bargain with her? You're a two timing traitor, Stephen. Did you sleep with my aunt too like you did with Maggie?"

"Of course I didn't. Not that she didn't offer. What do you care though? You married someone else. We," he said emphasizing the word, "are over."

"You're right we are! I should have learned my lesson a long time ago with you."

"Hallie, grow up and be honest with yourself. You wanted me as much as I wanted you. But you are the one who effectively ended us. I gave you every opportunity to change your mind about this stupid marriage thing. But you're still hung up on one mistake I made years ago. I would never have sold you out to Gwen Mason regardless of what you think."

"Why didn't you tell me about Jude before my wedding?" She asked. "You could have and stopped the whole thing."

"Why should I have? You didn't want me unless I provided you with something you couldn't get. I didn't feel like letting you use me like that."

"But you used me!" She stamped her feet childishly. "You used me to get a new division at ME."

"No I didn't. Hallie, I agreed to Gwen's bargain in the hopes that you would realize you were making a mistake with Luke Conlan," he told her, taking her hands in his. "Everything I did, was in the hopes of winning you back. I can see what an idiot I was," he added sharply dropping her hands. "Now, pick up your coat and your purse and get out."

Hallie snatched her things up, eyes blazing. "This isn't over Stephen," she told him. "Not by a long shot."

"No? Well, at least I've been warned." Whether she wanted to say something else or not, he turned his back to her and waited for the slamming of the door. "That went well," he muttered as the door slammed, rattling the windows in the process.


Scene 3:

Jude pulled up in front of the condo minutes after Maura parked her car. The air was nippy but not overly cold, but she had decided to stay in her car and wait for him. She felt bad for Jude. His whole world turned upside down in a matter of minutes and not getting any better either. She watched him struggle with the suitcases for a minute before she came to her senses and hopped out of the car to his assistance.

"Let me help," she said, hurrying up to him. He cast a look at her that was neither surprise nor expectance at her appearance.

"Thanks." He let go of the small bag and grabbed the bigger one by the handle pulling it along after him, the garment bag slung over one shoulder and another overnight bag on the other. "The keys are in my pocket," he said as they paused at the door. "Would you mind unlocking the door?" She nodded, fishing in the deep pocket of his overcoat.

"I'll go get some more," she said, pushing the door open.

"No need. This is it." He dropped the big suitcase and flipped a light switch. The room looked like a hotel suite more than a condo. Whoever the decorator had been must have worked at The Holiday Inn before they took this job on, she thought following him inside.

"I thought you would have more," she replied. Jude walked around the room, turning lights on as he went.

"I do. This was all I could get before Gwen made a scene," he told her, shrugging out of the coat. "There's probably at least another suitcase of clothes there. Plus some papers and important things in the safe. Most of my belongings are in storage." His manner was quiet and polite, but she could see the dark circles under his eyes. He was still so tired. And seeing Gwen couldn't have helped.

"Was she bad?" Maura ventured. His shoulders slumped a little at her question and he turned sad eyes to her.

"Even if she wasn't, I was awful. I didn't know what to say to her and seeing her made me so angry." He dropped to a couch beckoning Maura to join him. She went to him, taking his hand as well. "She said she expected me to be more understanding of it, that she knew Jamie would be a bastard about it, but that I would understand. How could I understand that?"

Maura nodded. She could understand. All too well. "Maybe she hoped you would after you heard her story. Did she tell you anything new?"

"She said she always meant to tell me but the time was never right." He sighed, rubbing his chin with his free hand. "She said her father-in-law was a terrible man who would never allow his son to marry a woman who had a baby out of wedlock."

"That may be true. My dad knew Mr. Mason...did you know that my father and James Mason were friends? I bet you didn't," Maura smiled.

"Maura, I didn't even know James Mason was my father," he replied patiently. "But no, I didn't know that. Were they close?"

"For a while. Then Dad got married and they grew apart. But Dad went to his funeral and afterwards he told us about them as kids. It was nice to hear." She squeezed his hand. "Maybe you could talk to him about...your father. I'm sure he would tell you some nice stories."

"Maybe." He let go of her hand and rubbed his face again, drained of any emotion.

"Will you be all right?"

"Yeah...I think so. You're not leaving are you?" He asked suddenly sounding alarmed. "I had hoped you would stay tonight."

"I will if you want me to, Jude," she answered, smiling at him. He nodded, his head heavy.

"I really need you tonight Maura. Besides, I've gotten used to you being near when I sleep."

"You were in a totally different room at my house," she laughed. "But I guess I can sleep on the couch."

"On this thing? You'll give yourself some serious back pain. Better share the bed with me. I'll be good tonight, I promise," he added.

"I'm not worried about that in the slightest. I'll just run home and get some things. Okay?" She asked rising.

"Okay. But make sure you come back. I don't want to be alone tonight."

"Of course, I'll come back. You just relax. I'll even bring some dinner, how does that sound?" The corners of his mouth turned up and he sighed lightly.

"That sounds like you're too good to be true, Maura Conlan," he answered. She laughed lightly and picked up her keys.

"You just remember that."


Scene 4:

The lights were still on inside the guest condo, Jamie saw as he parked his car behind Jude's. He'd been driving around for a few hours, stopping once to grab something to eat at a fast food place. Michaela wouldn't be thrilled about that, but at this point in time, his eating habits were the least of her concerns. He waited for a few minutes in the car, planning out his speech one last time, before approaching the door. He hoped Jude would hear him out at least. Ringing the doorbell, he waited, his heart beating a little faster than normal.

"Come on, man, get it together. It's just Jude," he muttered to himself as the door opened. Jude's face was a mixture of surprise and mistrust as he pulled the door back to greet Jamie.

"I thought you were someone else," he said limply, turning away but leaving the door open behind him. Jamie stepped inside and closed the door.

"You were expecting someone?"

"Maura...she was bringing dinner," Jude replied, standing uneasily by the kitchen cutaway.

"Oh. I guess I have a few minutes then before she gets back," Jamie replied, pacing closer to Jude but keeping a good distance away.

"I guess you do," Jude answered, frowning slightly. "What do you want Jamie?"

"I came to see how you were doing. Maura said you would be here. I'm not interrupting anything am I?" Jamie asked, coming to a stop at the mini bar.

"Not really, I guess not."

"So, how are you?" Jamie asked. So far so good, he thought. "You haven't been to the office in a while. You don't return my phone calls. I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine. The Conlan's have been wonderful hosts."

"I'm sure they have been..." He trailed off looking around the sterile room. "I'm sure their house is a bit homier than this place."

"It'll do, Jamie. You don't mind do you?"

"No, of course not!" He spread his hands wide in front of himself. "Why would I? Look, Jude, I know what Mother did was horrendous. I'm not sure when or if I'll be able to forgive her for it. But it doesn't change what...who you are. You're my brother and nothing could make me happier. I hope that makes you happy too."

"What is it with you and Ellen?" Jude asked, irritated. "She said the same thing to me today. I'm no one right now Jamie. You guys have to give me some room to figure things out. One day, I'm Jude Fontaine and the next...I'm Gwen Mason's bastard son. Back off and let me deal with it."

"I'm sorry," Jamie said taking a step back. "I can do that. But you have to realize that at least Ellen and I care a great deal about you. We don't want to lose you over our Mother's mistakes." He dropped his head for a moment, thinking. Jude's reaction wasn't quite what he'd been expecting and this was likely not the best time to drop this next one on him either, but it had to be done. For Chris' sake. "I need some assurances from you Jude."

"What are you talking about? Assurances?" Jude shook his head, confused. "Assurances about what?"

"I need to know that you won't try to claim any part of ME other than what you already have," Jamie said quietly without looking up. He missed the shocked look on Jude's face but looked up in time for the anger that replaced it.

"I don't believe you. Is that why you're here? To make sure you don't lose your business?" Jude demanded.

"I can't lose ME right now, Jude. I can't lose my status," Jamie began.

"Oh really? But I can lose everything important in my life? You're just like your mother. All you care about is yourself!"

"Jude, I have to stay at a certain status. If I don't, Kerri gains that much more ground on me!"

"Are you that afraid of that psychopath? Christ Jamie! Anyone with eyes can see she's nuts. Even Cynthia said she was."

"You don't understand, Jude..."

"No, I don't. In fact, I'm shocked that you would even suggest that I take a backseat to you again. I almost did that once for you and I damn near lost Maura over it. I'm not going to roll over now. Especially not now!" Jude's voice was low and menacing. He took a step towards Jamie. "I have just lost everything in my world. And you are asking me not to claim what is rightfully mine? That is the most selfish thing I have ever heard!"

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't think it was important," Jamie returned softly. "I thought maybe you would do this for me. I can see that I was wrong. I'm sorry. Forget that I asked. If it's ME that you want, you can have it. I suppose it's yours after all. You are the firstborn after all."

"Oh God, Jamie. I don't want it. I've told you a million times, I don't want ME. "

"What do you want then?"

"I want to be left alone with my girlfriend right now. As for the rest of it, I don't know what I want, but it isn't to sit still and let you tell me who I am. You don't even know me right now."

"Maybe I don't. But the Jude I know, would help me in any way he could. I guess you aren't him anymore." Jamie started towards the door.

"You're so selfish!" Jude called after him making him turn. "You came over here with the express purpose of making sure I wouldn't hurt your status in this town, didn't you? "

Jamie watched him, a cold feeling creeping into the pit of his stomach. Perhaps Jude was right. He was being selfish, but he had to protect Chris and if it meant asking this of Jude, he would do it. Kerri couldn't be allowed to harm Chris again. Jude never saw Chris laying in the hospital after being tortured by his own mother. He could never really understand why Jamie had to ask all these things of him. And he would never understand why he was afraid of Kerri.

"No, I came here to make sure you were okay. I came here hoping you would help me," Jamie replied evenly.

"You're a bastard, Jamie Mason," Jude said, his voice hard.

Jamie nodded, turning towards the door. He paused before opening the door to leave and looked over his shoulder to offer a parting comment. "No, Jude. You are."

On the next Episode of Secret Horizons...

Episode 74