Minutes from Mason Enterprises Board meeting as recorded by Stefanie Vincent, Admin Asst to James Mason III, January 29, 2002.

(Board members arrived at approximately five pm. Meeting began at 5:10pm.)

In attendance:

Gwendolyn Mason, Board Member
James Mason III, CEO and Board Member
Hallie Lennox-Conlan, Board Member
Dane Lennox, Board Member
Max Jency, Board Member
Lydia Prince, Board Member
John Stafford, Board Member
Lucy Wheelwright, Board Member
Stephen Roth, VP of Industrial Division
Luke Conlan, VP of Commercial Division
Stefanie Vincent, Admin Asst to James Mason III

Those not in attendance:
Jude Fontaine, VP of Public Relations and Board Member
Don Morrison, VP of Foreign Industrial Division and Board Member
Meeting called to order by Gwen Mason (hereafter noted as Gwen) Following is transcript of meeting.

Gwen: I want to thank all of you for coming on such short notice. I do apologize for the suddenness of the meeting but I assure you, this meeting is much needed.  

James Mason III (hereafter referred to as Jamie): Is it? What exactly is this meeting about then? It can't be about anything related to ME, Mother. ME is doing just fine.

Gwen: I agree, it is doing fine. With the exception of one department. (At this point, Gwen handed out perspectives of the Industrial Division.) As you can see, in the last six months, the Industrial Division has had a steady decline in profits. Since Mr. Roth was appointed vice president of the division.

Jamie: What are you getting at, Mother?

Gwen: Would you like me to get to the point then?

Stephen Roth: Please do, because I would love to hear this.

Gwen: I think it's time we relieved Mr. Roth of his duties here at ME.

Jamie: That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard! Stephen is doing a fine job given the state of the economy. We're lucky he's there.  

Stephen: Your mother has some vendetta against me, Jamie. It isn't me you should be mad at Gwen, it's yourself. But if you can't manage to do that, try being mad at the one person you have every right to angry with. Hallie.

Hallie Lennox-Conlan: What? I didn't do anything, Stephen. For the record, you're the one who busted into my wedding! I hardly think I am the one to blame here!

Jamie: Your wedding has nothing to do with this. If this is the reason this meeting was called, Mother, I am shocked and embarrassed. You can't lead a witch hunt for one of my executives and expect me to just sit back and let you do it. 

Gwen: As an active member of this Board, I can call any employees performance into question! You have the proof in front of you, Jamie, what more do you want? He is a liability to our family company.

Jamie: He isn't. I trust him more than I trust actual members of the family. I won't allow you to railroad him.

Gwen: In this room, you don't have complete say, do you Jamie?

Max Jency: I'm afraid she's right, Jamie. According to the bylaws of ME's Board of Directors, any member may put a motion before the Board for a vote. The CEO is then required to look into the matter and act according to the Board's decision. I don't think what Gwen is doing is necessarily right, but she has the bylaws on her side.

Jamie: Max, I know what the bylaws state. But this is one of my top executives. I can't let her do this.

Max: Then I suggest we vote. As soon as Gwen tells us exactly what she wants from the vote?

Gwen: I want Stephen Roth's termination.

Max: All right then. (Mr. Jency requested a secret ballot. It was seconded and approved by John Stafford. Voting then took place and all votes were given to Stefanie Vincent for tallying.)

Lydia Price: I don't think this is a viable vote. Jude and Don Morrison aren't here.  

Max: Doesn't matter. We vote with the members who bother to show.

Jamie: Wait a minute, Don Morrison is in South America. He wouldn't have made it here on a day's notice like the rest of you.

Dane Lennox: What about Jude? Wasn't he told about the meeting?

Gwen: He hasn't been in to his office in weeks, but I left a message on his cell phone. I can only assume that his failure to arrive means that he forfeits his vote.  

Jude Fontaine: (Arrived late at 5:30pm.) I haven't actually. I was dealing with the press outside.

Gwen: Jude! I'm glad you came.

Jude: You won't be. I haven't placed my vote. Nor has Mr. Morrison. Perhaps someone would like to fill me in on the details?  

Jamie: Mother has asked for Stephen's termination. A completely ridiculous request. I won't stand for it.

Jude: And what would you do if the Board votes yes?

Jamie: Than this Board can find a new CEO.

Dane: Jamie, that's a little melodramatic isn't it?

John Stafford: It may be, but if that is how Jamie feels...

Max: Your vote, Jude?  

Jude: I don't intend to vote. (Mr. Fontaine offered two sheets of paper to Miss Vincent.) Stefanie, you'll see that these are in order. This is Mr. Morrison's proxy given to me this afternoon. And this is mine. Hallie, I'm sorry about your wedding. And I am equally sorry I neglected to give you a wedding gift. Consider these two proxies your gift from me. Oh and Jamie, I quit. Find someone else to clean up your mess.

(Mr. Fontaine left at this point.)

Gwen: He can't do that!

Max: Yes, he can Gwen. Well, Hallie. You have two extra votes. This does change things a bit. Should we vote again?

Hallie: Yes. And I don't really think there is a need for a secret ballot anymore. Let's just see who votes what. You first Gwen. Are you in favor of terminating Stephen? Yes or no.

Jamie: Yes, Mother. What is your decision now? Remember, if Stephen Roth goes...I go.

Gwen: You would leave for him?

Jamie: I told you I wouldn't stand for it. If that means, this Board has to find a new CEO, that's what will have to happen.

Gwen: Then I vote no.

Jamie: I vote no as well. Dane?

Dane: I'm sorry, Stephen. It's nothing personal, but Gwen is actually right for a change. I vote yes.

Max: I vote yes.

Lydia: I vote yes.

John: I vote no.

Lucy Wheelwright: I vote no.

Hallie: That leaves me and my two proxies. I vote yes.

Max: And your proxies vote yes as well? (Mrs. Lennox-Conlan nodded affirmatively.) So, that's four no's to six yes's. Stephen, I'm very sorry you were here for this.

Stephen: I'm not. Jamie, you don't have to worry about firing me. I'll resign. (Mr. Roth left at this point.)  

Jamie: Satisfied? Thanks Hallie. 

Hallie: I'm just getting started. (Mr. Mason left at this point.)


Scene 2:

He threw his keys on the table next to the door. A light was on in the bedroom but other than that, the penthouse was completely dark. Had he left a light on when he left this morning? Sure, he reminded himself. Besides, the only person who would let themselves in would be Jillie and she should be covering the Board meeting at ME. He relaxed a little and walked down the hallway to his room, tugging at his tie until the knot loosened and he could slip it off. 

He was positively blissful, he realized, dropping his tie on his dresser. The memory of Maura in his arms still fresh as he dropped down on the bed. She was still unsure of everything but he had no doubt she would come around to his way of thinking. And when she did, maybe then she would tell him all her secrets. He simply had to know them, he realized. He had questions that needed answers. He.... A noise in the living room caught his attention and he jumped from the bed, instantly alert.

She'd tried to be quiet as she let herself into Rick's apartment, but she tossed her keys haphazardly on the living room table as she realized the very important fact that *she* had nothing to hide. *She* wasn't the one who was royally screwed up in this relationship. Was that a first?

So many thoughts ran through her mind as she strolled into the kitchen, pulling a beer from the fridge. She had to keep her cool, Jillie decided. No matter what happened, she wasn't going to let him - or anyone - think that she cared one way or the other.

He stuck his head into the hallway, listening. It could be Jillie, he thought taking a step out. "Jillie?" He called, quite unsure of himself suddenly. He didn't know why he was so unnerved. Perhaps it was just the events of the afternoon. "That you?"

"It's me," she answered, uncapping the bottle. "You'll *never* believe the story I got at ME."
He breathed a short sigh of relief and joined her in the living room. "Oh? A good one?" He asked taking the bottle from her for a quick drink before handing it back.

"Actually, yes. I got a statement from Jude Fontaine himself, right before he went into the meeting."

"Jude? really. I had no idea he would be there," Rick replied covering his surprise. He had assumed, Mr. Fontaine would have hightailed it to Washington after the scene at Connie's. He was pretty good at taking off when the situation didn't go as planned. "What did he have to say?"

"A little of this, a little of that. He was going to announce his resignation during the meeting. I hear it...went over well," Jillie smiled slightly. 

"He's quitting?" He couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face. "What a shame. I'm sure Hallie will have a field day."

"Oh, I'm positive she will. In fact, I'm fairly certain pretty soon, everyone involved will get exactly what's due to them. However, I don't think it's the last we've seen of Jude Fontaine."

"That's a shame," he muttered passing by her to get a beer of his own. "What makes you say that though? I'd think after the month he's had he'd want to get the hell out of Dodge."

"I think a lot of people have underestimated Jude Fontaine. God knows, if I were in his place, I wouldn't rest until I showed every last one of them exactly what I was made of."

Rick twisted the cap off his beer and tossed it, basketball style into the garbage. "Jude Fontaine," he said in-between drinks, "doesn't have the balls to fight anyone, let alone the Masons. He's soft and spineless."

"There are some battles you just don't have to fight, Rick. You can make your move and sit back and watch while everyone else does the work. With Jude out of the equation, how long do you think it will be before the Mason family self-combusts? They'll destroy each other."

"And that would be a bad thing?" He remarked, flashing an amused grin. "The only one who's worth anything is Dane. And even he's not all that great."

"Oh, I have no problem with the Masons being brought down a peg or two. I only hope Luke doesn't get hurt in the process. However, you know what they say about lying down with dogs and getting up with fleas...."

"What's the matter with you?" Rick asked studying her face. "You seem a little on edge tonight."

"Why should anything be wrong?" Jillie asked him in return. "Are you sure it's me who's on edge?"

"I'm not on edge, Jillie," he said slowly. "I couldn't be happier." He finished off his beer and set it down on the table. "Sit down, Jillie, I need to tell you something." He led her to the sofa and sat, looking up expectantly at her.

"Whatever you have to say, I really don't want to hear it, Rick," she told him, dropping the facade. "I told you I spoke with Jude. You don't honestly believe he'd lie to my face, do you? Well, forget I asked. It must be pretty easy to lie to me."

Ah. So, Jude did have a few balls after all. "I've never lied about Maura to you before, Jillie. I wasn't intending to tonight. But now that you've brought it up, I did see Maura today and I did kiss her. That was all that happened of course. But it's a start. I'm sorry if you think I've used you or hurt you in any way. That was never my intention."

Jillie laughed. "How noble." She shrugged, taking another sip of beer as she leaned against the arm of the sofa. "I don't think anything, Rick, except that you're a fool for going back to her."

"That's your opinion," he shrugged. "And it's Maura who is coming back to me. She left me first," he pointed out. "You can't fault me for wanting more when I wasn't given the right to see its end on my terms. I wasn't even told why it ended. No closure. I'm sorry, I know how you feel about her."

"You'll get your closure, Rick. That's another thing I don't doubt," she said, picking up her keys. "You're a journalist. I can't fault your need to know. I just...don't think you're going to like what you find."

"I'll be the judge of that." He did like Jillie. She was different than Maura and Kayla. And he had needed that. He should thank her, he thought randomly. Of course, he didn't want to sound like a complete jerk. "You'll be okay?" He asked after a moment.

"I'm not heartbroken, if that's what you're really asking. I'll be fine. I hope you will, too." Jillie set her empty bottle down and walked to the door. "You don't have to get up, I'll see myself out. But a word of warning? Just because Maura thinks she's doing the right thing, doesn't necessarily make it so. There are a lot of things I imagine you could forgive. Just be ready for this one...."

Whatever Jillie was implying, Rick chose to ignore for now. But he took her warning and filed it away. She might not like Maura too much, but she was usually spot on when it came to character. "I'll remember that," he said softly as the door closed behind her.


Scene 3:

He didn't wait to find out how Hallie voted. He was pretty certain she would vote against Stephen Roth and against Jamie. Though the fact that Jamie would stand up for Stephen and not his own brother grated on him a little. Even if he had come to accept that fact. He was tired of worrying about Jamie. He had other things to think about. Like Maura and what Jillie had said about her.

Maura had a baby and gave it up for adoption. No wonder she was so quick to sympathize with Gwen, he decided, staring out the glass of his patio doors at the surrounding buildings. She'd done the very same thing. He almost felt sorry for Rick Upton but then the image of Maura in Upton's arms erased any sympathy he might have had. Maura and Rick deserved each other.

The doorbell rang interrupting his thoughts. His stomach sank a little at it. There were any number of people it could be, but if he had to guess he would say it was either Jamie come to chastise him for giving Hallie power over him or Maura to try and explain. Either way, he didn't feel like chit-chatting with them. He turned to towards the door but stayed where he was. If he answered it, he would have to listen to it, he thought. But if he ignored it, his own thoughts would eat him alive until he could get them out of his head. He decided to answer the door and moved to it, pausing for just a moment to collect himself before opening the door. Maura was there, looking positively beautiful if a little upset.

"Can I come in?" She asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty. What was he supposed to say to that? Absolutely not, you've ruined my life? Well, she hadn't ruined his life but he did feel as if he'd been hit by a truck. And looking at her when she looked so beautiful wasn't helping. "Please?"

He shrugged and stepped aside, letting her into the room. He realized as she looked around that he had been standing in the dark. He flipped the light switch still holding the door open, illuminating the front hall at least. She turned to look at him standing in the light staring at her. He felt her eyes on him and gazed back at her with what he hoped was a look of disdain.

"Please, don't be angry with me," she began but he cut her off, slamming the door as loudly as he could.

"Don't be angry?" He echoed. "Don' t be angry? If this is all some silly misunderstanding than please, clear it up for me." She took an uncertain step backwards at his caustic tone.

"You weren't supposed..."

"To see it?" He finished for her. "Too bad I did. How long has that been going on?"

"It just happened! I didn't mean for it to...he just showed up and we started talking..." Her face flushed with embarrassment.

"I see. And somehow you just managed to end up in his arms. I don't believe you Maura. I wish that I could. It just seems to me that Rick Upton is always around right when we get closer. What do you think about that?" He felt the color creeping up his neck, flushing his face red. He had every right to be angry about this! She had humiliated him and not for the first time either. "I'll tell you what I think. I think you lied about being in love with him. I think you were holding him at bay for your own twisted reasons and using me to fill time. What do you think about that?"

Maura shook her head feverishly. "No! I am not in love with him!" She exclaimed.

"Why did you ask for him when you were sick? Why do you never seem to be able to tell him exactly where to go? Why were you kissing him today? If I hadn't shown up when I did, where do you think that little kiss would have gone? I'll tell you where." He shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to keep his thoughts under control. "You and Rick would have ended up in bed together."

"No. I wouldn't." She lifted her chin, almost defiantly, at him. "I'm not like that. That is Jillie, not me."

"Really? I think you don't give Jillie enough credit. She's a lot smarter than you think. You on the other hand...I'm sorry, but if you can't see that Rick Upton is most certainly not the right man for you than I don't know what to tell you."

"I never said he was! Jude, I came here to tell you it was all just a mistake. We were talking about old times," she started rushing through her words and not allowing him to interrupt. "That was all, we were talking about old times and he kissed me. I'm sorry! I didn't mean for it to happen."

"Are you sorry it happened?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her. She hesitated ever so slightly. There was his answer if he even needed one. "You deserve each other. Have a nice life Maura. Maybe this time around, you won't need to give your child away." He opened the door, waiting for her to leave. Her expression turned from horror to anger in a matter of seconds.

"How do you know that?" She asked, frozen in place.

"It doesn't matter how I know," he answered. "It explains a lot about the last week though. I thought you were just interested in making things right between me and Gwen. I had no idea you felt guilty over your own lost child. My mistake to believe you at face value."

Maura's face went completely white. Her eyes fell to the ground as she stepped towards the door, pausing in front of him. "I don't know how you found out, but you don't know the whole story. Don't judge me on the basis of your experience," she lashed out. "You don't know what I went through. And you don't know what Gwen went through either." He could see tears welling in her eyes but he looked away, willing himself not to get caught by his feelings. "I guess this is the end," she whispered. "Goodbye Jude."

He meant to say goodbye but his voice caught in his throat. He let her leave without so much as a word from him. What would he have said? Don't go? He could hardly allow himself to say that. She obviously wanted another man and he wasn't going to stand in her way. He turned the light off and went back to the patio doors. He stared up at the night sky, noting the moon and how bright it seemed tonight. And so alone. He felt the same way.
 

On the next Episode of Secret Horizons...

Episode 79