Replay by Tyra

Jax smiled broadly to himself as Brenda answered the endlessly ringing phone.

"Hello!" She practically sang into the phone.

"Brenda, I'm at the gatehouse with Lois and Ned. You've got to get here now! The Jacks' are planning a hostile takeover of ELQ and we've got to stop it now!"

Brenda couldn't believe what Julia was saying! She glanced quickly at Jax to see if he had heard Julia's shouts. He was still smiling at her in blissful ignorance. He couldn't be part of this takeover that Julia is claiming. Why would he have spent the entire evening romancing her, if he was part of this takeover bid?

"Brenda! Are you listening to me? I know you're with Jax, but you've got to get over here without letting him know why. There's no way to tell right now if he's part of it. We only think that Jerry and John are involved now, but he is a Jacks so he can't be trusted."

"Julia, don't you think you're being a little irrational? Did you and Jerry have an argument tonight?"

"Brenda, are you crazy?! Do you think a bad date with Jerry would bring delusions of a takeover to my mind?"

"Calm down Julia! Of course, I'll come over and talk to you. Did you strand him when you took off? Does Jax need to get him after he drops me off at the Gatehouse?"

"Quick thinking Brenda! Sorry I doubted you. I actually left Jerry dripping wet in the bay next to Jax's yacht. I picked a fight with Jerry so I could tell Lois and Ned my suspicions, so don't let on to Jax my real reasons for being here."

"I'll be there in about 30 minutes Jules. Just don't do anything rash until I get a chance to talk to you. Perhaps you just misunderstood Jerry's intentions. You know life is just one big joke to him, maybe he didn't realize you were serious this time. Just stay calm and I'll be there shortly." Brenda sighed as she snapped the phone shut and turned to Jax.

Jax looked disappointed but concerned, "Say no more, let's leave for the Gatehouse. What has Jer done this time?"

"I'm not quite sure what went wrong Jax. All I know is that she's at Lois and Ned's right now. She's really upset, I have to see her. I'm so sorry Jax, I hope you understand."

"I more than understand Brenda. Believe me, Jerry drives me to fits of anger at times. Why don't you calm you sister down while I go and knock some sense into my brother. Where did Julia leave him?"

Brenda couldn't help but laugh, "From what she said, Julia pushed him into the bay. He might be floating in the vicinity of the Isabella!"

"Perfect! He should be all cooled off by the time I fish him out. Let's go, the sooner we take care of our respective siblings, the sooner we can get back to our discussion. What do you say we reconvene here tomorrow for breakfast?" He looked hopefully into her worried eyes.

"Let me see what kind of shape Julia is in first Jax. I can't make any plans until I see if she's all right. I'll call you when I have a better idea of what's going on. Where are you going to be staying?" She wanted so much to say yes. Breakfast with Jax here, was so tempting. Thoughts of strawberries, whipped cream and honey came to mind.

He placed an arm around her and pulled her warmly into the crook of his arm. "I thought I was going to be staying here, but I guess I'll just bunk on the Isabella. You have my cell phone number don't you."

"Engraved in my mind." She smiled as she snuggled into the warmth of his arms. "Jax?"

"Hummmmm?"

"Thank you for tonight. I can't tell you how much this evening meant to me. And I don't mean the song Garth sang or the gifts. Thanks for taking the time to know me, to listen to me. That means more than anything money could buy."

"I'll file that away for future reference sweetie. Just remember what you told me, when you get your birthday present from me this year." He teased as he placed a quick kiss on the tip of her nose.

"I'll treasure anything from you Jax!" She grinned as she headed out the front door.

Jax felt his heart tumble at her response. She assumed they still would be together then! This was fantastic news! If he had made this much headway in one night, just think what he could do in an entire day and night! Blast Jerry and his treatment of women. If it wasn't for him, they would probably be in the shower now. He closed and locked the door, tossed the key once in the air before snatch catching it and placing it in his pocket. He breathed deeply of the floral scented air. He was going to enjoy living here with Brenda soon. The water, the view, the privacy, and the most beautiful girl in the world as a roommate. He whistled softly as he headed towards Brenda waiting in his car. He was happy, in love and all was right with the world.

Brenda waved sadly at Jax as he departed and trudged up to the Gatehouse door. This had better be good she thought as she pounded on the door. It flung open before her hand could complete the third knock.

"What took you so long Brenda?"

"I told you 30 minutes, and it's only been 30 minutes! What's your problem?" Brenda shouted at Julia as her irritation grew.

"Calm down everyone!" Lois ordered as she came to the door and motioned for everyone to enter the living room.

Brenda sat on the main couch, crossing her arms over her chest in a gesture of annoyance, "Would someone like to explain to me why I was ordered here in the dead of night? Jax and I were in middle of a really important discussion, so you better have some proof of your allegations."

In response Julia reached behind Brenda and tugged the zip of her dress down a little. She yanked the designer label out of the zipper's teeth, smoothed it out and zipped the dress back up. Brenda could feel the hot rush of heat cover her face as she blushed.

"Well, we would have gotten to a really important discussion afterwards." She tried to explain while Lois and Julia laughed.

Ned was not amused, "Will you women stop fooling around. She's sleeping with the enemy and you're both encouraging her, while my family's company is in jeopardy here!"

"Oh will you stop being so melodramatic Ned! Julia told me that she pushed Jerry into the bay, I saw Lady Jane take John up to their suite, I've been with Jax all night! I think ELQ is safe for tonight. So why doesn't someone make some coffee and let's discuss what actual facts we do know."

-- -- -- -- -- --

Brenda was trying her best to hold her temper. "OK, let me get this straight. You ordered me back here because you saw Jerry and John talking to each other and smiling?" She couldn't believe Julia. She was such a suspicious person. Only she could take a father and son speaking to each other during a party and turn it into a conspiracy.

"Will you stop thinking about Jax for a moment Brenda and listen to what we are saying! Julia saw more than Jerry and John talking. They were whispering and looking towards Ned as he was telling me about the tour. Just think about this set up Bren." Lois raised a finger as she emphasized each point.

- Jerry was the one who acquired Garth's services for tonight.

- What group would be insane enough to disband right before going on tour with Garth Brooks?

- Jerry must have told John what happened outside the hotel with AJ. and that Edward would be essentially running ELQ by himself while Ned is on tour.

- Look at Ned's dossier on J&J Jacks. This so fits into their M.O. of how they takeover companies. Divide and conquer!

- Look at the financial information on their balance sheets. They've been liquidating small properties left and right. They're amassing a huge lump sum of cash. There's got to be a reason for it and we're betting it's ELQ!

Brenda stood and paced around the room, distractedly pushing her hair back from her face. All the signs looked like they were right. She closed her eyes as she felt a physical pain strike her heart. How could they do this to someone she cared about? Did business always come first with the Jacks? Did they never draw a line between what they would or would not do, because of human decency, or for personal reasons? Was acquiring the most toys always the goal? Would they not stop until they owned the entire world? She turned glancing into the faces of Julia and Ned. Who was she kidding those two would do the same to the Jacks if they could. What was it about those corporate types? The Quartermaines, the Barretts, the Jacks, they were different, but the same. When would it ever be enough? They all had more money than anyone could spend in ten lifetimes, why were they trying to destroy others for no reason other than, they could? She was disgusted with them all.

Julia saw the anger burning in her sister's eyes as she spoke. "I don't understand why it has to be this way! Isn't there enough money between our three families to go around? I'll never understand the need to destroy other people's lives for nothing other than owning another trophy! None of you stop to consider the people you hurt while you're playing your corporate games. That's it, isn't it! It's all a game to you people. When you acquire a company you don't see the lives intertwined in your business dealings. You don't see the families who need the jobs you cut to increase the profit line. You don't see the tears shed by people who depend on their income to eat, pay bills, live. What's the point of all this? We all could live on what we have, without ever making another business deal for the rest of our lives! Is it for the adrenaline rush you get when you 'WIN'? You all make me sick!" she spat out as she grabbed her purse and headed towards the door.

Ned stood in anger and grabbed Brenda's arm spinning her towards him. "Brenda get off your high moral horse for a moment here. I'm not trying to destroy anyone's family. I have never taken a scrap of food out of anyone's mouth. It's your boyfriend's family that likes to snatch, cut, sell and run. I manage my holdings, I nurture them and reap the profits from my hard work. I don't buy and butcher companies, selling the pieces to the highest bidder. I invest my blood sweat and tears to get everything I have, don't you ever lump me in with those Australian range dogs!"

Lois and Julia were frozen in their seats as they watched the staring contest between Brenda and Ned. Both their chests were heaving with the effort of controlling their rage. Brenda was the first to break the awkward silence, "I'm going to talk to Jax. He can't be a part of this. He wouldn't do that to me, to us. He would never do anything to harm anyone or anything I care about. He might be able to help us with his family."

"Bren, you can't tell him anything about what we discussed here tonight. We can't take a chance that he's in on it. ELQ depends on your silence, and your help Brenda. Ned has been like a brother to you since you moved here, we can't ignore the signs and leave him to fend for himself. If you don't want to help us, we'll think of something else, but don't hurt him and me by telling Jax what you know."

"And how would I be hurting you Julia? You and Ned don't have a relationship anymore, in fact you've been with Jerry for almost two years now. Why are you so worried about Ned?"

Julia stood and held Brenda's stare in a hard gaze, "Because Ned and I are in the middle of negotiating a partnership between our two companies. We've worked hard over the details for the last six months and I don't want all our hard work destroyed by the Jacks' bloodlust for more than they deserve."

Brenda was made numb by the news. "Partnership? And why wasn't I told from the beginning?"

"Because you hate my business Bren! You were busy with college, modeling, L&B, getting over Jax. I didn't think you'd care. I was going to tell you when we got closer to finalizing things, but this came up first. Ned and I are going to have to move quickly before the Jacks start their attack. If we get everything in place by next week, they might just drop their plans for the takeover. Their dossier shows that they like to get in and out quickly, make their profit with little effort. If we make it difficult, they most likely will go hunting for an easier target. Besides, this whole partnership plan is partly your fault. If you hadn't ordered Ned to sing in Miguel's place on Fiji, he never would have caught the itch to perform again. That's part of reason that we've been working on this partnership. Ned's been planning to take a leave of absence to tour for awhile now. Garth's offer just escalated things a little."

Brenda had to sit down. Her head was throbbing from all the machinations. "I don't understand Jules, how could I possibly help with your grand business plans? I'm not a business mogul like you and Ned, so don't expect me to cut out Jax's heart for the good of ELQ or Barrett Industries. I don't care if your companies are on the line, I won't be party to hurting anyone I care about. People are more important to me than corporations. That's one aspect of my horrible childhood that I thank God for everyday of my life. That daddy hated me too much to ever pull me into his obsession with business and winning."

"I would never ask you to betray Jax. But I need your help in Yogyakarta next week."

"Indonesia? What can I do for you in Indonesia?"

"You're going to be doing a photo layout for Deception's spring line for Lucy!"

She eyed them suspiciously, "How is my modeling in Yogyakarta going to help you?"

She turned towards Ned as he began to answer her question, "I'm going to have a press conference tomorrow about the partnership agreement between our two companies. There is going to be a transfer of stock between the two companies and Julia will be made CFO while I remain as CEO. Julia handling the finances should keep the stockholders confident while I take my short leave of absence. We figure that the Jacks are going to approach our stockholders telling them it's run by an old man and a drunk. Julia controlling ELQ should dispel those rumors. I've also reacquired controlling interest. ELQ now owns 53% of it's own stock again, so no matter what the Jack's do, they can't have a controlling vote."

"I still don't see how my modeling in Indonesia has anything to do with your plan."

"In order to get enough stock back, I had to trade with Lucy. She traded her 5% of ELQ that Alan stupidly gave her when they were briefly married, and we have given her our shares of Deception, and a promise that you would do the next campaign for her for free!"

"For Free! And why have I been bartered about as part of your business transaction?"

"Lucy was a little angry about the whole Belize thing. She said Julia's part in the plot to get you and Jax back together is going to cost her a bundle!"

"What? How?! She said the proofs turned out fantastic. You would think she would be grateful at the fabulous campaign you dreamt up!"

"She had to give Jax 5% of Deception to pose for the campaign, plus she can't use his name as the model. She said it's going to cost her plenty to find a model who she can pass off as Jax in the next phase of the campaign, plus a little added incentive to keep him quiet about not being the original model. So she wants your services for free on this next shoot to recoup her anticipated losses. Don't worry, you won't be uncompensated. I'll make up the difference of what she would have paid you for the shoot."

Brenda smiled for the first time since this conversation began as she asked, "Do you even know what Lucy pays me for these shoots Ned?"

"How much could it be? You pose in front of the cameras for a three day shoot, right? So let's say you work for eight hours a day, for three days, at what $150 dollars an hour? So I would write you a check for.. .. .. How much would that come to honey?"

Lois calculated easily in her head, "$3600 dollar honey, but Bren makes more than that, and her shoots are usually about twelve hours a day."

"Lois why don't you calculate this for Ned. You've underestimated my salary by just a tiny bit. I make $3500 per hour at twelve hours per day, taking into account I make double time for anything over an eight hour shift, for three days, first class air fare, five star lodgings brings to total to what Lo?"

Lois took a little more time totaling up what Brenda asked, but announced after a few seconds, "Approximately $180,000 give or take. I'm assuming $5000 for the airfare and $7000 for 4 nights stay at the best suite on Java."

Ned's mouth dropped in complete shock, "For wearing clothes and standing still for three days! That's highway robbery!"

"I sell a lot of perfume Ned. My salary doesn't come close to what the profits are for Deception. You didn't think Lucy would bother to squeeze you for a few thousand dollars did you?"

"I just thought she was doing it to irritate me. I had no idea what models made. Who had any idea such a frivolous job could be so lucrative."

"Watch it Ned! I haven't agreed to this yet, don't tick me off. Granted it's not the most thought provoking job on the face of the Earth, but it pays my bills and will keep a house over my head. So don't malign what you know nothing about."

Ned was not in the mood to worry about Brenda's wounded ego. "So are you in or not? We're going to do this with or without you."

"Don't get yourself all bent out of shape Ned. Of course I'm with you. You and Julia are family and Lois is my best friend. Now if we're all done here tonight, I'm going to see Jax. Just have Lucy leave my travel info with my agent. Good Luck with all your business maneuverings."

Julia ran to stop Brenda from leaving, "Bren you can't see Jax until after we make the announcement. We can't take the chance that you might leak something."

Brenda was now livid, "Where do you get off talking to me like that Julia?! I am not an idiot, I know what's a stake here for all of you. But I'm looking after my concerns as well, Ned has Lois and ELQ, you have daddy's business to keep you warm and night, well I going to the person who's important to me. He loves me for who I am, with no hidden agenda. He just wants to be with me, he doesn't want anything from me, except for me to return his feelings. I must be crazy talking to you two about emotions and feelings being more important than a business transaction. Don't worry I won't leak your precious information." She half expected them to chase her down the walk after she slammed the door, but gratefully they let her be. She had to see Jax now! Her confidence in him had been more badly shaken than she had let on to Ned and Julia. She needed to see Jax's eyes to know if he was a part of this awful plot against ELQ. As she stalked up the path she came to a sudden halt. Damn, she didn't have her car! Now she had to ask Julia if she could borrow her car. This night was getting worse by the minute!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Jerry! I can't believe that you and dad are going to make a move on ELQ. How atomically stupid! You're going to destroy any chance I have with Brenda as well as your relationship with Julia!'

Jerry shook his head in disgust. "That's why I'm never falling in love little brother. Look at the shell of the man you've become. There was a time when you would be lathering at the mouth for this type of business opportunity. Now you care more about your sexual, than business conquests."

"You're such a fool Jerry. Is that what this is all about, because we certainly don't need a company like ELQ. It's not the type of properties we usually go after. This one will take great effort to break apart and sell off. So I've been asking myself why ELQ? First off it's in the States, which is my territory. Why take the risk of going after a company that is strong enough to make it an expensive struggle on our part to acquire it? And lastly Ned Ashton is as big a shark as you and dad. Why would you risk his retaliation if this fails? Is the reason because, you're jealous that Julia still maintains a friendly working relationship with Ned even thought they were once lovers? What's the matter Jerry? Can't take it that a man can part with a woman without her chasing after him with a gun or knife can you Jer?" Jax punched Jerry on the shoulder as he concluded his analysis.

"You couldn't be more wrong Jax. This is a great opportunity! With Ned stepping away for the next three months, it should be a piece of cake to take them over. Edward is old and past his prime, nothing but a joke to the business world nowadays. The only reason he still garners respects is because everyone fears Ned. And if Edward gives any power to that lush A.J. he'll be playing right into our hands."

"Jerry, think about this rationally. ELQ still owns 48% of their own stock. You and dad would have to convince their entire stockholder base to sell to you in order for you to take over control. Don't forget Lucy Coe owns 5% and she'll never let that go. That's her ticket to stick it to Alan at least four times a year at the quarterly stockholders meetings. Without her shares that would only give you 47%."

"Ah, but you own 5% of Deception! Don't you think she'd trade us even for the chance to get her company back in her hands again?"

"But it's my 5% of Deception and I'm not in agreement with your scheme. I think you and dad are in for a fool's folly and I'm not going to join you in the fray. My life is perfect just the way it is and I'm not going to risk it on an acquisition I don't want, nor need."

"I never thought I'd see the day that you would choose a woman over our family Jax. What is Brenda? Some kind of Circe? Is her siren's song so enticing that you can't see a good business deal when it's practically nipping at your heels."

"You're demented Jer. You're so twisted into knots by your feelings towards Julia that you can tell which end is up. If you continue with this asinine plan of yours, you'll lose her for good. Julia isn't the type of woman you can underestimate. She's as brilliant in business as you'll find. Don't let her soft warm eyes and body fool you into thinking she's like the other woman you've dallied with over the years. She'll cut your heart out with a spoon if you cross her."

They both turned as they heard the sounds of someone climbing on board ship. The both sighed in relief as John came into view.

"What are you doing here at this hour dad?"

"You're mum threw me out of our suite!"

"Whatever for? You two were acting like newlyweds tonight. What could you have possibly done between the time you said good night to Brenda and me, till now to warrant her tossing you out?"

"She found out about our plans for ELQ. Suffice it to say she's in disagreement with us Jerry."

Jax rose and poured three scotches for them as he spoke, "You're not getting off with that skimpy an explanation dad. If you expecting to be put up here tonight, you better be more forthcoming now."

John downed the scotch in one burning gulp, pausing briefly before he continued, "Well, Lady said something to the effect that Julia and Brenda were what she always dreamed of in daughter-in-laws and if my desire to acquire ELQ was more important that the happiness of her two boys, then she wanted nothing more to do with me."

Jerry looked ill at hearing John's news. "Well I'm happy that you didn't bow down to mum's will. There's no way a Jacks would let a woman dictate his business decisions." He flashed a look at Jax to ensure that he got the double meaning of his words.

"Bow down? I've fallen like a house of cards. I'm here to tell you to cease and desist the plans we have for ELQ as of right now. Mother told me that we have enough money to last at least ten lifetimes. She asked me when was enough, enough? She said if we insisted on acquiring something we didn't need at the expense of her future grandchildren, then the three of us should just stay aboard the Isabella and the sail the world as a ship of fools."

Jax was in a panic, "You told mum I was a part of your madness? I must go to her now!"

Jerry stopped him when he set his glass down to leave, "I don't see why you're so worried Jax. Mum never stays mad at you for long, you're her golden boy after all. I'm sure once she calms down, she'll know in her heart that you weren't a part of this, so what's the point of running off to mum now? Can't bear to think that mum would think less of you for a few hours longer."

Jax tackled Jerry onto the deck of the Isabella, "Why do you always push me Jer? You and dad are like two peas in a pod, why do you begrudge me my relationship with mum? I don't make a fuss when you and dad go off on your mystery trips together. But maybe I should start, if ELQ is the type of ridiculous plans you spend your time discussing. Besides, mum's right, Julia and Brenda are the perfect matches for us. You might not care if you lose Julia forever, but I'm not going to let that happen between Brenda and me. I've come too close to losing her to let your stupid egomaniacal plans ruin everything I've worked for between us. So stay off my case about mum!"

Jerry had never seen this kind of anger come from Jax before. Jax had always taken his ribbing good naturedly. He may have been irritated at times, but never driven to violence against him. What had little Brenda done to this man he knew as his little brother?

John pulled Jax off of Jerry. "Boys, boys, calm down. We only have each other right now. Let's not start fighting amongst ourselves too. I'll let mother know you weren't involved when I return to her Jax, why don't you go find your Brenda? That seems to be uppermost in your worries. But before we part, let's have one more drink boys. We three men don't get together often enough."

Jerry started the toasts, "To a prosperous year for J&J Jacks!"

John was next, "May each of us obtain our heart's desire!"

Jax was anxious to make his toast and leave, "To ELQ. May it prosper in the hands of those who rightfully deserve to manage it."

All three men turned at the sound of a gasp at the railing. Brenda was frozen, standing on the top rung of the ladder. Her eyes were two laser beams of hatred as they bored into Jax's back.

"I can't believe I defended you Jasper Jacks!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ to be continued ~