"Just Yesterday"

          

           Felicia stares down at the test in her hand. Exactly what she had expected she was pregnant. Clay would be over the moon when she told him she wasn't quiet so sure how she felt. A part of her loved the idea it was something she and Clay had always talked about in their future but she wasn't sure if this was the right time for them. They hadn't really lived together that long. Sure, Clay spent more nights here than home before he officially moved in but, it wasn't the same as living together. They were just really starting to know each other and be comfortable actually living with each other. Despite the fact she had come home one day and he had just moved in she had never been happier but, something about his sudden change of heart still bothered her. Yes he hated living in Jay's house and could have moved out whenever he wanted . He'd fought with his father many times. She knew he loved her and wanted to live with her he'd said as much and she had been asking him for years so why that day? What had Jay said that day that had pushed him out the door? He had refused to tell her and his refusal had only made her more curious. It wasn't just Jay it was also with everything going on with their families, the abruptness that Clay had moved in with her there seemed to be more they needed to address and a baby could complicate things. A baby would complicate things.

          God! Just yesterday they were talking about getting married now they had skipped an entire step and were going to be parents, but were they ready to be parents ? Was she ready for it to be more than just she and Clay? She was enjoying the time it was just the two of them free to come and go as they pleased when they pleased was she ready to give that all up? The question seemed more than a moot point she was pregnant so any of her questions were pointless if they weren't ready they would have to be when the time came.

          Felicia walks to the window and looks out scanning the empty street for Clay's truck. He would be home any minute now and she debated whether to tell him as soon as he came in or wait. Wait for what? No matter when she told it wouldn't change the facts she was pregnant and Clay would be jumping off the ceiling or would he be angry and feel she'd set out to trap him? No, Clay knew better than that and so did she the problem wasn't Clay it was her. She was the one that wasn't ready ,she was the one being selfish. She enjoyed this time together. She loved it finally being just the two of them. Clay and Felicia against the world and she wasn't ready to give that up just yet. She wanted more time.

          They needed more time to lie in each others arms at dawn and dream about the future more time to walk the woods behind the house in the twilight , more time for early morning fishing, more time to be just Clay and Felicia. She wasn't ready for them to be Mom and Dad. She wasn't ready ! Her mind screamed again only to be answered by her heart saying it didn't matter what she thought or how she felt it was too late that time was gone forever just another thread in the tapestry of their life. She was going to be someones Mom and Clay a Dad even though she wasn't ready for it to end and she also wasn't ready to tell Clay. She needed more time to rectify it in her own mind before telling him. She needed them to be just Clay and Felicia for a little bit longer.

          She moves away from the window and walks back into the bathroom picking up the test stares at it a moment then wraps all the contents up in the paper bag walks quickly out to the living room and shoves it to the bottom of her purse. She'd dispose of it when she got to work. She walks back into the kitchen lifting the heavy lid off the pot and absently stirs her thoughts still on the packaging in her purse as Clay walks in the backdoor.

          "Hey beautiful" He smiles setting his lunch pail on the counter before taking her in his arms and kissing her.

          "Hi ya handsome. Want a taste?" She smiles holding the spoon up to his lips.

          "That's really, really good!" He licks his lips and smiles as he walks to the sink and washes his hands and face.

          "Thank you" Felicia smiles back her heart fluttering at the look of pure happiness on his face. She hands him a towel eyeing suspiciously as she returns to the stove.

          " You're in a good mood." She says tapping the spoon on the side of the pot then placing the lid back and turning towards him his smile broadening at the curious arch of her brow.

          "Well I officially became an uncle today!." He laughs at her wide eyed startled expression.

          "Oh my God! Toni's pregnant?" She squeals jumping in place clapping her hands. Clay laughs shaking his head.

          "Nope." He grins shaking his head chuckling harder at her confused expression. Felicia's eyes open wider her her jaw dropping lower as she gasps.

          "Chase and Erin?" She squeals her hands in prayer eyes pleading making Clay laugh harder.

          "Not even close." He coughs out between bouts of laughter while Felicia does a frustrated dance her fists curled in the air her eyes pinched together. Felicia swats at him playfully then whines.

          "Clay! It's not funny just tell me! You know I hate when you play guessing games!" Clay takes a moment to catch his breath from the bout of laughter and wraps his arms around her.

          "Okay, okay, but you look so cute when you throw a hissy-fit." He laughs again kissing her forehead.

          "My sister and Wellington had a son who my sister hid from everyone including Wellington up until four days ago when the little guy got really sick and she had to tell him." He says shrugging his shoulders sounding matter of fact as Felicia struggles to digest his words.
         "Is the baby okay?" She stammers her voice filled with concern. Clay smiles kisses the top of her head then releases her reaching for his phone as he speaks. 
          "He's great from what I'm told back to his old self here's I have picture." He teases waving the phone in front of her.
            " Pictures!" she yelps snatching the phone from his grasp and slowly flipping through them. Cooing and "Ahhing" over each photo.
            "Ooo he's adorable Clay! Nawww!" She sighs coming to the picture of Clay and his nephew. 
             "Look at the two of you! He looks like you." She says turning to Clay and examines his face. 
              " You think so?" He asks preening proudly making Felicia giggle.
              "Yeah, I do. So what did Jay have to say when they told him? she says handing him back his phone and walking back to her pot and stirring watching him over her shoulder. 
             "Nothing we haven't told him yet and we all agreed to wait till after tomorrow." He says reaching into the refrigerator and pulling out a bottle of beer and opening it flipping the cap into the sink. Felicia turns away from the stove and reaches for the plates in the cabinet and lays them out on the table as she talks.
            "What's happening tomorrow?" Clay smirks as sets his bottle on the counter and reaches for the tableware in the drawer following behind her setting a set at each plate. 
             "Tomorrow's the big vote and contact signing nobody wanted everything Jake's been working on to blow up in his face." Felicia glance up at him surprised as she scoops food on to the plates.
             "That was nice of them I guess. I'm just surprised he doesn't know already." Clay shrugs as he takes the pot from her and places it back on the stove.
             " You know Lesley when she want's something she doesn't play around she was able to keep her son a secret for a couple of years I think she can keep it going for a few more hours. Besides I don't think my brother is going to get in the way of his semi shinning moment knowing my father. Anyway Jake wants us to meet them at the bar later if you're up to it." Felicia sits down at the table shaking out her napkin and placing it on her lap trying to think quickly for an excuse not to go and finding none.
           "Sure, if were not out too late I still have school tomorrow." Clay smiles taking the seat across from her as his face fills with surprise.
           "Oh and I invited everyone here Saturday for a barbecue." He says speaking quickly at Felicia's wide eyed stare and swift intake of breath. 
           "I thought it would be a nice way to welcome the little guy home. Oh and don't worry my grandmother says she'll take care of the food and the tables as long as Preston and I handle the grill because she's going to be way too busy with her Great Grandson." He says with a wink then laughs. 
      




"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2016

"Come Out Screaming"

  Lesley throws the car in park grabs her things quickly as she exists and walks toward the entrance hoping she could get a fresh cup of coffee before going up stairs to the Atrium to wait for her brothers.  What she was really hoping was they had made a fresh pot. She stops as she enters the lobby and sniffs the air. No smell of burning coffee drippings maybe today wasn't going to be so bad after all. She walks to the empty counter gets her coffees before the herd. She thought smiling as she walks toward the elevators and reaches for her ringing phone. She checks the number first then smiles and clicks the receiver.
 "Hey Clay-Clay, " She teases using her childhood pet name and laughs "what's going on?"
 He laugh's on the other end happy to hear her voice.
  "You tell me? I haven't heard from you in four days. Then you call last night and tell me to meet you in the hospital Atrium right?"
  Lesley smiles she could always depend on her little brother. Sometimes the line of who was the older were blurred and had been for as long as she could remember. Clay had just always been there he was her confident and playmate when they were small as they got older a protector. A steadfast soldier shielding them from their mother's half drunken indifferent neediness and their father's neglectful control. He became especially vigilant after Jake had gone off to college and mother had realized the passing of time and the inevitability of her own mortality or another gray hair. Back then it didn't take much. The cherry on her cake was when she found out about yet another of her father's affairs. Before then it had been Jake protecting both of them when things got really rough the way big brothers do. Jake would always do what he called "Re-con" which really meant spy on their parents argument or what ever was going on that worried or frightened them. First he would assess the situation then come up with a plan of action or made sure he bore the brunt of what ever it was for all of them. Clay and Jake were the best brothers any girl could ask for. Both of them watching out for her keeping her safe giving her a shoulder to cry on and the only people she could ever really talk to about her parents that could truly understand. Those were the very reasons that she'd had kept it secrets from both of them. Why they would be so hurt that she had but, it wouldn't have been fair to make them lie for her too it was bad enough that she'd involved Erin.
  "Yeah, that's perfect. I'll see you in about five minutes?" She said hoping she sounded more carefree than she felt.
  "I'll be there. So you wanna tell me what's going on?" He asks knowing by the tone of her voice something was off.  Lesley smiles.
  "It's fine Clay nothing horrible at all I, just need to talk to you guys. Okay?" Clay shoves down his retort knowing there was more to it but remains silent.
  "Okay I'll see you in five." He grumbles slightly annoyed he'd be walking into a situation blind. Lesley smiles knowing by his tone his was annoyed.
    "I love you Clay." She says tentatively the little girl suddenly needing to hear them back from him.
    "I'll be right there. I love you too Laylee." He smiles knowing she was smiling on the other end without even seeing it.
   "See you soon." She laughs ending the call and putting the phone back in her purse as she walks in to her son's room. She looks up half way through the door and stops at the entrance and smiles at the sight of  Wellington asleep on the bed his arm out stretched holding Jamie's hand while he slept. It was amazing how quickly the two of them had bonded. It was as if there had been no time between them.
  Of course there had, too much and Well was trying to make up for every moment of it. He had only left the hospital to shower and change he hadn't even stopped to eat most days. If she hadn't made him take a break each day and  forced him to eat the food  her grandmother bought them he wouldn't have remembered to eat at all. She walks to the crib and smiles down at her sleeping son then walks over to Wellington and gently taps his shoulder.
  "Hey." She says softly. Wellington lifts his head then carefully lets got of his sons hand and rubs his eye with his other hand.
  "Hey," He whispers and stretches "What time is it?" Lesley smiles and hands him the coffee she'd bought him.
  "Thanks." He whispers taking in from her and standing.
  "It's still early. They won't be here for another few minutes." She whispers back.
 "Okay" he yawns looking quickly down at his sleeping son then walks into the hall Lesley in tow then closes the door behind them.
  "Can you wait here for my Mom? I'm going to go splash some water on my face and wake up." He says his voice still having the dead emotionless tone he'd adopted whenever they spoke. She couldn't say that she liked it but at least it was no longer accompanied with that soul searing look which she guessed was progress.
  "Sure," She says then watches as he turns and walks down the hall as Marjorie steps from the elevator.
  "Hi honey!" Smiling as she walks to her then kisses her cheek in greeting.
  "How's my handsome Grandson this morning?" Lesley smiles back.
  "Beautiful as ever and sleeping like an angel." She says proudly.
   "You'd never know just a few days ago we were afraid..." Her voice trails off  as her throat tightens at the memory. Marjorie shakes her head.
  "Don't even think about that! You just keep looking toward the future and all the good memories you and your family will have together." She smiles back hope and determination glistening in her eyes. Lesley stifles back her tears and nods her head.
  "From your lips to Gods ears." Marjorie nods her head in agreement her eyes reassuring.
  "Sweetheart I know my son and I know he loves you and that little boy with all his heart.  he's angry right now but he'll get over it as soon as you get that little one home he'll forget all about this you'll see." She finishes with a smile giving Lesley a hug.
  "Thank you Marjorie." Lesley says giving Marjorie a squeeze before letting go.
  "You know I've always been a big fan of you two." She smiles and gives her shoulder a reassuring pat then turns a bright smile towards her son.
    "Hey Honey!" She says leaning her cheek towards him in greeting. Wellington kisses it quickly looking down at his watch as he speaks.
  "Hey Mom, You ready? He says turning towards Lesley.
  "Ready as I'll ever be." She sighs looking from Wellington to Marjorie.
  "We shouldn't be too long hopefully." Marjorie looks from one to the other squaring her shoulders and taking on her usual commanding presences.
  " You two listen to me. I want you to stick together have patients with them and yourselves and watch your tempers." She finishes looking from one to the other both nodding in agreement.
  " You two get going or you're going to be late and remember what I said. I'm going to go in here and spend some time with my grandson." She winks then pushes the door open and walks in the room. Lesley and Wellington smile at each other both on the verge of laughter.
  "She still has a way of making you feel ten years old." Wellington jokes making Lesley laugh and breaking some of the tension between them.
  "Come on lets get this over with." He says cocking his head toward the elevator smiling that impish smile she loved and missed. Lesley nods then takes a deep breath and follows behind him.
Marjorie listens for a moment then tips away from the door over to her grandson's crib.
 "Hey sweet pea so far so good." She says smiling down at her grandson and picking him up snuggling him against her cheek.
  "Everything is going exactly the way we want and in a few days every lie that has every been told will be all out in the open. One nice thing I won't have to make due with just pictures anymore. No sir! Do you know how hard that was for Grandma? No you don't but, Grandma had to be patient and now here you are! " She smiles kissing Jamie's cheek then reaches for the nurses call button and presses it.
  " Everyone that should be together will be together. And best of all," She says hugging him to her as she sits in the large chair in front of the window.
  "Jay Stockton will finally pay for everything's he's done." She grins kissing the top of the child's head.
  "Lets hope this part goes with out any blood shed."
   Toni watches Jake pass in front of her for the forth time and shuts the magazine she'd been flipping through then tosses it back on the table.
  "Would you stop your making me sea sick" Jake spins back towards her a scowl twisting his features.
  "What the hell do you think this is all about?" Toni looks at him and shrugs.
  "How should I know?" Jake glares back at her his growing inpatient further darkening his expression.
  "I was sure your idiot brother would have told you something! I swear if he's done anything to hurt my sister again I'll break him in half!"
  "Why do you always assume the worst? Besides do you even know your sister? I think she's more than capable of handling my brother." She says her voice dripping with sarcasm as she picks up the discarded magazine and flips through it again.
  "Do You remember what she was like the last time? I'm telling you if he's done something to my sister they will be carrying him out of here! " He spits back annoyed by his wife's flippant attitude.
  "Geeze! Jake she's not six she doesn't need her big brother fighting her battles anymore! She's s grown woman she can handle her own business! And you, need to grow up!" Toni says standing toe to toe with her husband meeting his cold stare with one of her own almost amused by the disgusted twist of his lips.
   " I need to grow up? What the hell Toni? Where standing in the middle of the dam hospital! Whatever it is, it can't be good and all you can tell me is grow up?" He bellows back at her. Toni looks back at him completely unmoved by his blustering.
  "Exactly Jake! All you're doing is jumping to conclusions and making assumptions and you don't really know a dam thing! Whatever it is they have to tell us all your blustering isn't going to help JAY!" She finishes purposely using his fathers name to emphasize her point knowing it was sure to get his attention and break his tirade.
  "Now are going to calm down and act like a big boy or am I going to have to spank you?" She teases one eyebrow raised her mouth set firm her stare unwavering. Jake looks at her sighs heavily and then pulls her into his arms.
  "You're right I'm sorry. I promise I'll listen to whatever they have to say and then punch him in the face." He says feeling her stiffen for a moment then chuckles.
  "No I promise I'll be on my best behavior."
  "Good glad to hear it." Clay says coming into the room his expression devoid of emotion.
  "Clay, how you doing little brother?"  He says turning to Clay and giving him a quick hug.
  "Do you have any idea what this about?"
  "No but when i talked to her earlier it seemed pretty important that we all be here. Hey Toni how are you?"He says reaching for her hand and kissing her cheek. Toni give Clay a quick look over. There were no more bags under his eyes or pain behind them or a grimacing twist to his smile. He even looked like he'd gained a couple of pounds and it looked good on him. He looked happy.
  "Good Clay. How's Felicia?" Clay smiles that whimsical smile he always got when you mentioned Felicia reminding her why her cousin loved him so much and how long it had been since she'd seen that look on Jake's face.
  "She's great. You guys should come by for dinner one night. Why don't you give Felicia a call." He grins looking happier than she'd seen him in years. Getting out from Jays roof had worked miracles for him. She wished she knew his secret and she could Jake to leave. She didn't know how much longer she could stand living there or the affect it was having on her husband or their marriage. Maybe some time with Clay and Flei away from the mansion would do them both some good.
  "I'll do that." She smiles.
  Lesley grasps Wellington's hand stopping just outside the atrium door.
  "Just give me a second will you?" Wellington stops looking down at her weary face.
  "Are you okay?" He asks taking her other hand in his.
  "Yeah I just need a moment before we go in there." She says leaning back against the wall.
  "You know once we go in there everything is going to change?" She says with a sigh. Wellington leans back against the wall beside her.
   "Look it's your call. It's been a long few days for all of us and if you're not ready I get it." He says looking over at her and really seeing her for the first time in days. She looked tired her eyes were sunken and there were dark circles under them that couldn't be hidden with make up and she looked as if she'd lost weight.
  "We don't have to do this today." Lesley shakes her head.
 "No, we called them here we should just get it over with so we can move on with our lives." Wellington smiles reaching for he hand and holding it in his.
   " Come on. We can do this and I'll be right there with you." He says giving her hand a little squeeze and leading her in to the room.
   "Hey, Jake" She turns toward her sister in-law then gives her a quick hug.
   "Hey Toni!" Toni releases her then hugs her brother releasing him just as quickly anxious to get to the point of this meeting.
   "Hey Well!" Toni's voice dripping with sarcasm as she tips up to kiss her brother.
   " So what's up?" Toni says folding her arms over her chest looking from one to the other. Lesley subconsciously reaches for Wellington's hand needing to feel it's warmth and strength. Wellington feels her cool hand in his then looks at her pale face and decides to take the lead.
  "There's no other way of saying this so I'm just going to say it. Wellington and I have a a son his name is Jamie." Jake stares at the two of them a moment his eyes wide with shock then narrow with anger as both Clay and Toni look on their mouths agape with shock. Jake glares from Lesley to Wellington his voice a low growl.
  "What the hell Swift? What kind of bullshit do you have my sister mixed up with now? A son? Where the hell did you two get a child?" He bellows pointing  an accusatory finger towards Wellington. Wellington draws his shoulders back taking in a deep calming breath. He had expected this from him and knew how to handle it, at least he thought he did.
  "I didn't get your sister involved in anything. We did what we had to do to protect our son." Lesley looks at Wellington watching the muscle twitch in his jaw knowing he was trying desperately to hold on to his temper and says a small prayer that he could. Jake glares at Wellington his fist itching to knock his pompous face off his arrogant shoulders.
  "My sister wouldn't have to hide her child from his family if it weren't for you! Your the one that was all hot for the phyco bitch! You're the reason!" Lesley glares at her brother then back to Wellington the muscle in his jaw tightening his eyes flashing. Clay looks at Toni who's eye look panicked he reaches out for his brother's sleeve pulling him back.
   "Just let him finish." He says placing a calming hand on his brothers shoulder. Wellington takes a quick glance at Lesley who nods reassuringly.
 "A few days ago Jamie came down with meningitis and we thought we were going to loose him."
  "Oh this just gets better and better!" Jake grinds out running his hand through his hair as he paces away then turns back his jaw tight as he grinds out.
   "Not only do I find out I have a nephew out there I knew nothing about, I find out he almost died! That's just great! Were you going to tell us if God forbid he did die or was that going to be be a big secret too?" He  growls. Wellington grinds his jaw together barley keeping his temper in check.
  "Of course not!" He yells back the situation becoming more frustrating by the moment. He sighs heavily then continues.
  "We just did what we thought we had to do to keep our son safe. We had no intention of hurting anyone! Especially not our families!" He finishes looking from Jake to his sister who only stares back at him her expression as angry as her husbands as he turns back towards him his nostrils flaring as he growls.
   "Well you did a bang up job we knew absolutely nothing about him. Oh and congratulations you did a much better job protecting him than you did his mother!" He finishes stepping closer his breath fanning Wellington's cheek. Lesley looks at Wellington's jaw tighten his elbows rise as his fists clench and jumps between them she wasn't going to let Wellington sacrifice himself any longer.
  "Stop it Jake! Wellington didn't even know he had a son until four days ago when Jamie got sick!" She shouts glaring at him arms folded across her chest grinning a wicked smile and nods as his expression shifts from anger to shock.
  "Yeah that's right! Me I did it all! I was afraid and it wasn't just Lola either it was this! I Didn't want my son to have to live with the hate, the anger and the constant threat of impending violence! Not just from Lola but from you and Jay and everyone else! I didn't want my son to grow up like we did! Like we all did! Caught in the middle of our parents battles and having the next generation fight them all over again!" She says looking at Clay her eyes pleading. He flashes an understanding smile although his brow still creased with anger.Then to Toni who still looks hurt but nods in agreement having had that same battle herself about children. Then looks back at Jake who's fist are still clenched at his sides his eyes still storming with rage as he looks past her to Wellington. Lesley follows his glance then steps in front of him pulling his gaze to her.
   " If you want to blame someone blame me! I'm the one that decided what was best for my son, For Wellington for me! I decided to hide my son from everyone including him! ME! Not him! So if you want to yell and scream, blame and punch someone? Well you're looking right at her buddy! And, if you don't believe me ask Erin! She'll tell you everything I just said is the truth!" Lesley stops a moment letting the sting of her words sink in and dissolve some of his anger before continuing.
   "Jake, I love you so much. You were the best big brother any kid could ever ask for. But, I'm not a kid anymore. I'm a big girl I can't protect and make decisions for my self and our son. I can also take responsibility for what I've done. You don't have to try and protect me or bare the brunt of my action anymore."  Lesley steps closer to her brother her anger gone her eyes pleading as Clay comes to step beside them.
  " Look Jake she's right. We can't change the past we can only deal with what is, the here and now. We can either keep going around and around getting no where fast or we can go on from here?" He says looking from his brother to Wellington then Toni and back to Jake. The latter looking defeated and petulant grunts.
   "Fine, I'll play nice nice with the ambulance chasing pyhco-loving, pecker-head  for you and my nephew but, don't think I'm still not pissed or all of a sudden I'm going to be calling this asshole or his equally assine cousin and going out for drinks!" Clay looks at him and smirks knowing it was the best they were going to get out of him.
   "Fine Jake no one is asking you too all were asking is that you don't try to kill each other whenever you see each other okay?"  He finishes looking from Wellington who nods in agreement then back to Jake.
   "I said fine what the hell else do you want!" He grunts in frustration. Lesley lets out and audible sigh then looks back at Wellington who looked as relieved as she was at least this first hurtle was over. Toni watches the look pass between her brother and sister in-law noting the tension that still existed between the two.
   "So when do I get to meet my nephew?" She says with a smile breaking some of the tension that still hung in the room.
   "We can go down right now if you" Lesley says with a laugh as Clay rubs his hands hands together in anticipation.
    " I can't wait to spoil him rotten!" Making them all laugh.
     "That is exactly what Well's mom said" Lesley says with a laugh immediately cutting short everyone elses. Clay looks at the worried faces then blurts out what they were all thinking.
  "Have you told our Mom and Dad yet?" Lesley looks at her brothers her face a little panicked.
   "I told Mom but I haven't told Dad. She said we should wait until after you know everything was finished. We didn't want to ruin anything for you." Jake looks at her relieved the last thing he need was Jay going ballistic or any media attention till after tomorrow. He reaches over and hugs his sister tight.
    "Thank you so much." He says letting go and giving Wellington a begrudging nod of thanks
    "I told you before she was more than capable of taking care of herself." Toni says with a wink grinning up at her husband flashing him her best I told you so smile making Jake blush slightly remembering their earlier conversation making her brother laugh in the process.
    " I say was all go downstairs and get acquainted with your nephew."
    "Sounds like a plan!" Toni nods in agreement.
    "And....." Clay continues his voice sounding excited his eyes glittering with mischief.
    "If the little guy is well enough that you well enough by Saturday we have a barbecue at my house and give him a proper welcome home? What do you say?" Lesley smiles as the group stops in front of the elevator.
   "Don't you think you should ask Felicia?" Clay laugh's.
   "Are you kidding when I tell her that's the first thing she's going to want to do." Jake smiles as the doors open.
    "Sounds good to me!" Jake choruses his wife then adds as the doors close.
     " If you don't mind my saying. If it were me, I'd tell the bastard tomorrow after the meeting. For a change he should be in a good mood. After this deal closes and he gets his big fat check, gets his picture taken for the paper, takes credit for all my work he'll be nothing but smiles and platitudes. And I'm going to need a day of good food a cold tapped keg and some fun as a reward for not bitch slapping him."

       





 
"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2016

"First Things First"

                     

                     Abigail paces toward the window and looks out for what seemed the hundredth time then checks her phone for what had to be the thousandth time and still no answer! Where the hell was he? She should have heard something back from him by now she'd been calling him since the meeting had broken up and that had been a full day. She should have just followed her instincts and just gone to the house. After that performance Alex had put on she was positive she wouldn't be there to greet him with a highball. No, that bitch was long gone and where ever it was good riddance! At least she was out of the picture leaving room now for her she hoped. Ha! She knew! Eventually Jay would come running to her for help. He didn't know it yet but he was going to need her if he was going to get out of this divorce mess with at least half of what he had. He'd already been replaced at the company and right now she wasn't even sure if he had a job she could live on half for now. He was Jay Stockton after all it wouldn't be long before he had it all back and she planned on being right by his side as Mrs. Jay Stockton when he did. His wife, his children gone no one he could really call a friend just her. Pay day was finally here and she was going to be first in line.
                "Oh yeah Baby you're going to need Momma." She says aloud then looks down at her phone again.
                "You just don't know it yet sugar." She mutters to herself then thumbs through her phone and presses Jay number again.
                Jay pulls into the drive then reaches down and checks his ringing phone, sighs then tosses it back down on the seat. He was in no mood for this right now but it needed to be done. Especially after what happened yesterday and what he had learned today. He'd gone to his lawyers as soon as he awoke this morning. All the while ignoring the cold empty space beside him. Instead he'd focused on the task at hand. He wanted his company back and with the help of Barry, his team and some luck from God he was at least still on the board that was a good thing. He could start working his magic from there. It shouldn't take long to have everyone fall back inline. Everyone of those fucks either owed him or he had something on them. Either way it wouldn't be long until he was back where he belonged, he'd thought.
                      Yes, he still remained on the board but his vote had no more weight than anyone else. Jake now had controlling interest! The bitch had thought of everything! The ultimate punishment make him watch mute with his hands tied as his son ran His company! His company, let there be no mistake! He'd built it from a small logging company into a multinational corporation! If it wasn't for him they'd still only be selling wood to the local paper and lumber mills! All those bastards that voted him out yesterday wouldn't be living high on the hog today if it wasn't for him. They all owed him one  by one he was going to squeeze each one till he rung out what he needed from him. They may think they're safe but as soon as he got back on his feet he was going to make each and every one of them pay for what they'd done to him. Especially Alex who without her help none of this would have been possible. Bitch! Whoever said "nothing is as bad as a woman scorned" must have crossed Alex!
                    That was the second thing he'd done. He'd found an investigator to find Alex he wanted to know exactly where she'd gone and what she'd been up to. It had only taken him a day and few thousand of his dollars and he'd found her not too far from where his daughter had also purchased a home for herself. Where she now lived with Wellington and their son! Imagine that! He was a grandfather and his daughter had managed to hide it from him! The kid was even in and out of the hospital and not a single person had bothered to tell him! Alex had lain next to him every night sat across from him at the table every evening and never uttered a word. Instead she had used the revelation to her best advantage! He should have have known there was more to her crawling out from the bottom of a wine bottles than her love for him. It was way too easy and quick a turnaround from lush to doting wife. Whatever had been her reason her revenge on him was clear and precise leaving little to no wriggle room. If he was going to keep his empire in tack he was going to have to pull out all the stops and that meant using that shared tidbit from their past. That was something she would never want shared and although it hurt him as much as it hurt her in the literal sense since they were equally guilty. Alex had her family to worry about. What would they do to her if they knew? He wasn't positive but he was sure none of them would want anything to do with her ever again and that was something Alex could never bare. Therein lay his power. Once she realised that she'd be more than willing to see things his way.  He'd found out more about his family in the past twenty four hours than he'd known in years and he planned to use every piece against each and everyone of them.
                First things first as per his lawyer he needed to sever all ties with Abigail. That suited him fine. She'd become tiresome and wanted way more than he was willing to give. Mainly she wanted marriage and there was no way in hell that was ever going to happen. Shooting himself would be less painful than marrying Abigail. He should have ended it long ago when he saw the first signs that it was no longer just fun and games. It had been really stupid on his part but he had two reasons he'd kept her around Abigail knew how to keep her mouth shut and second he had to admit she was a lot of fun in the sack. But she was also clingy and demanding and went through money like it was water. If her husband hadn't taken pains to dole it out to her in monthly allotments she'd have burned through it long ago. It was even smarter of him to make sure there was no means possible for her to get at her daughter's money to whom he'd left the bulk of his estate or it would have been gone before she'd reached her teens. He was no one's cuckold especially not hers and neither was he. Were his last thought before ringing her doorbell.
              "Jay honey, why are you ringing the bell why didn't you just use your key?" Abigail says as she open the door and watches Jay sail into the livingroom. She swings the door closed talking as she follows behind him.
                "I've been calling you all day. Where ya been?" She ask walking to the bar scooping ice cubes from the bucket and dropping them into the tumbler then reaches for the decanter of scotch. Jay watches her through hooded lids as he winds the key from the ring.
                 "Yeah, I know. I finally had to turn the ringer off." He grumbles placing the key a top the mantel.
                 "What are you doing sugar?" She ask as she slides down on the couch her legs curled underneath her. Jay looks at her his lips twisting into a half smile as he talks.
                  "Something I should have done years ago." The grin still playing on his lips as he comes to stand in front of her. Abigail takes another sip from her glass then laughs.
                   "Don't be ridiculous! You're not going anywhere!" She looks up at him and laughs again.
                    "Where ya goin Jay? Home to Alex? Back to your families loving embrace? From what I've heard the only people in that house these days are you and the servants.I'm the only thing you have." She grins smugly
                     "If you're it than I'd rather be alone!" He laughs heartily then turns and walks to the hall. Abigail stares after him her eyes wide with shock for a moment then springs off the sofa and chases after him. She grabs him by his arm her nails digging into the flesh of his forearm as she pulls him to face her.
                     "You're serious!" Jay laughs again enjoying the shocked expression of recognition flow across her face.
                      "Never been more serious about anything in my life! You honestly thought that once Alex was out of the picture I'd marry you?" He stares in disbelief laughing as her head involuntarily nods in the affirmative making him laugh harder.
                      "My God you're way past delusional you've lost your damn mind! I don't want to marry you! I never have. You and me we were always just fucking nothing more! None of this ever meant anything to me Abigail. You mean nothing to me! You never have! This babydoll you and me we're a good time for a long time. I say "were" because as I said before "This" is over!" He says pulling his arm from her grasp and turning back towards the door as Abigail comes around him stands in front of it effectively blocking his exit.
                      "You just wait one dam minute Jay Stockton! I do care about you and in your own way you care about me. You've known all along it was always more than just sex for me you've always known that!" Jay laughs again.
                       "Oh yeah darlin I took care of the more part for you this morning. You don't have to worry as long as you keep your mouth shut." Abigail stares at him mouth agape not sure she'd heard what he'd said or what he was referring too.
                      "You took care of what?" She asked tentatively her anger barley suppressed.
                      "I took care of you honey. You didn't think I'd just leave you out in the cold. Not after being a dear and trusted friend for so long." Jay says smoothly enjoying the cat and mouse game they were playing he might just miss that.
                      "Dear and trusted friend? Is that what I am?" She grinds out between clenched teeth.
                       " There should be more than enough money in your account to pay those bills you got stacked up over there. Maybe you can take a long vacation to one of those tropical Island's you're always showing me pictures of and go on a shopping spree."
                       "So you think you can just pay me off like some common whore?"
                       "Don't put yourself down there's nothing common about you. Kept me entertained for a long time."
                       "You BASTARD!"
Abigail lets out a shrill yelp as her hand come up of it's own volition slapping his face hard before her wrist his caught in his iron grasp.
                       "You only get one sweetheart. He says pulling her to him and kissing her deeply forcing her mouth open with his tongue. His other hand reaching beneath her blouse and freeing her breast teasing her nipple till it became taut beneath his thumb. He smothers the laugh in his throat when he feels her yield against him kissing him hungrily. He spins her away from the door releasing her as abruptly as he'd grasped her a small whimper escaping her lips as he reaches for the lock.
                        " I already locked it honey." She pants finishing undoing the buttons on her blouse then drops to her knees reaching for his belt buckle. Jay laughs allowed at her heaving breast and wanton expression as he pushes away from her and reaches for the doorknob
                       "Just like a whore cursing me one minute desperate to suck my cock the next." He laughs again as the tears of shame and loathing fill her eyes. She reaches for her discarded blouse holding it in front of her protecting her exposed breasts against the blast of cold air from the open door. She climbs to her feet slamming the door in his wake then runs to the living room and searches for her phone dialing it quickly.      
                       "Lola honey?.....It's Momma baby........ Please could you come home to see your Momma?............ Please Baby Momma really needs her little girl right now."


"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2016

"Tomorrow Will Be Perfect"

Jay rolls over and stretches then flinches as the pain in his shoulder shoots through his arm. "Dam!" He mutters rubbing it with his other hand as he eases his stiff knee back down on the mattress. He really needed to spend more time at the gym or he was getting too old for this shit. Maybe he was just getting too old for Abbey's bedroom gymnastics. Geez! She was practically insatiable, especially since she'd seen he and Alex at the club earlier. Which is why she came looking for him as soon as it was over. Not that he hadn't enjoyed their little tryst he thought grinning into the darkness at the memory. Here again, he thought rubbing at the swollen flesh above his knee cap.
 She was trying to compete with Alex and her efforts were obvious and always had been. From makeup to hair, clothes to mannerism hell, even the decor of her home they were all imitation Alex. Unfortunately for Abbey without the breeding, culture or plain good taste that went into the selections it all seemed slightly gaudy giving it all a cheap feel. Sadder still no matter how expensive, usually more than what Alex would have paid it still had that feel. She was the perfect example of taking the girl out of the trash but never being able to take the trash out of the girl.
 Thinking back ,she'd had that strange competition with Alex as long as he'd known her the later seemed oblivious to it leaving only Abbey competing. Ever since high school she'd been that way. When Alex went out for cheerleader so did Abbey when they both made the squad and Alex was made squad captain Abbey was livid. He could tell from the bleachers Abbey was fit to be tied. All anyone had to do was study her tight smile that didn't reach her eyes, the white knuckled grip on her shakers and the way she stomped out the congratulatory cheer. From that point on it was subtle but there slow at first but little by little she became imitation Alex and part of the high school elite. In part because she had a driving need to be apart of the inner circle of upper society and be apart of it's social life. The other was to be in on the gossip and keep tabs on he and Alex. She'd watched them as closely and he watched her just as closely. Being on the team and accepted in the circle then later joining the club and becoming part of the larger circle was how she knew whenever he and Alex had a fight back then and to this day. He knew afterward he could always count on Abbey to be waiting by his car or slip out after curfew ready and willing to let him do to her all the things Alex wouldn't.
She'd managed to keep up the facade with most everyone the only one he was sure she wasn't fooling was butter wouldn't melt in her mouth Marjorie whose distaste for the woman was obvious and him. Abbey was positive about Marjorie's because she made no bones about it. With him she thought she had him duped as she had the rest and he liked it like that. He smiles again tossing his arm behind his head. He knew exactly what she was about and what to avoid. She really wasn't as good an actress as she thought she was or maybe time had just worn her act thin. Perhaps it was what he never like to admit to himself, they were a lot alike he was never really sure. What ever it was she was as transparent as a new pane of glass as far as he was concerned.  He knew what she wanted was to be Mrs. Jacob Stockton and always had. It was the jewel in her crown a reward for her patience, hard work and diligence. She tried to pretend that their relationship was casual just a mutual thing between the two of them that filled a need they couldn't get from anyone else she said. She just didn't think he knew what her ultimate goal was and why the hell he wouldn't know was beyond him. The silly bitch wanted money power and position money being at the top of her list.She was just biding her time waiting for her moment that would never happen.
 He looked over at her gently snoring next to him her naked buttocks glimmering in the moonlight coming through the drapes and fought down the whim to slap it then ram himself deep inside and listen to her squeal like a stuffed pig then ride her till she grunted with pleasure. Alex was game for a lot of things but that was never one of them. Abbey on the other hand she'd be more than willing and ready for him as she always was. Alex, would make him work for it he'd have to coerce her into action and that was the best part the seduction it was like an intricate dance or complex negotiations. Once he got her warmed up he became lost within her. With Alex what seemed like only minutes would be hours later and it was always sheer ecstasy every time. Nothing distracted him when they came together it was just them no one and nothing else. Abbey on the other hand was for kicks how far he could go and how far she would let him. A warm convenient place to vent his anger and slake his lust. Like jumping in the car and tearing towards the ravine or dragging racing on main street. Something he'd always found fun on occasion but  he'd always been partial to cruising on a Saturday night than drag racing. Make no mistake every guy likes to drag race but there was nothing like shinning up the car and taking a slow roll down main street with everyone gaping from the sidewalk as he passed. Abbey was like a drag race if you weren't careful you'd lose control and end up in a skid heading for death. He liked living a lot and he liked the way he lived he definitely wasn't willing to give any of  it up. After the contract was signed and the vote done it signaled playtime was over. It was time to start tying up loose ends time to concentrate on business.
 He needed a better plan to get that VanDorn brat and his equally sickening cousin out of his town and out of his life. Then there was Abbey he thought glancing over at her and sighs. He'd have ended it the other day even before he and Alex reconciled but the last thing he needed was Abbey becoming more of a drama queen and making threats and creating scenes not with the contract signing and announcement in the next few days he couldn't afford the negative publicity it might create. No, he needed to extract himself from the situation but he had to do it carefully and quietly. He looks over at Abbey again then shakes his head the mind was willing but the body protested fiercely. Actually the mind wasn't that willing either he was tired. Tired of the games both in bed and out of the hour of her boring inane chatter of keeping up the pretense , of juggling his women and his schedule more to the point he was just tired. He couldn't do this any longer and he didn't want to he just had to placate her a little longer. Once he was done he could pay more attention to his family something he'd neglected too long.
 Neither one of his sons were speaking to him Jake had thrown himself into the negotiation and only came to him with updates and necessary signatures since their last blow out. He'd basically did exactly what he said he would and did an excellent job he was proud of him. Maybe he was ready take on more of the responsibility. This little test had proved it. He'd have to discuss that with him when he went in tomorrow. Maybe if Jake took hold of the reigns occasionally not fully mind you. He had no intention of retiring yet but, it would give he and Alex much needed time together. Heck, with all the money they'd make they could go to Europe for a month or so. Just the two of them. Alex would love that or would she? Lately she'd seemed to be distracted and if he didn't know better avoiding him? No, she'd just been as busy as he. When he looked at her schedule she'd had club meetings and luncheons and all her usual inane pastimes. Lately there were a lot less wine bottles missing and her demeanor towards him hadn't changed it was the same as it had been since they'd reconciled.
 Although, she and Lesley seemed to have gotten closer. What had caused the sudden change between them he had no idea. He'd been too busy juggling and trying to maintain the fragile truce between them he hadn't had time to delve into that little miracle. Hopefully there was one of those out there for he and his daughter and Jake. Maybe a small one for he and Clay. Who the hell was he kidding for Clay the biggest dam miracle the Lord had.    
He rolls out of bed gently trying not to shake it and wake her. He glances around the floor in the darkness for his clothes gathering them up quickly as he tips into the bathroom. He wanted to get dressed and get the hell out and avoid the conversation he knew was coming if he woke her.
 Abbey opens one eye and watches him slink into the bathroom then rolls over plumping the pillow up behind her before turning on the lamp. She knew exactly what he was up too and what all that sighing meant. He wanted to break it off for the umpteenth time she'd seen that coming a mile away. That's why she went to him after luncheon when he and Alex were practically all over each other well, not exactly but she could tell that's where it was headed and she was proud of herself for getting him first. That would really burn that prissy bitch if she ever found out! Good! Maybe that would be the knockout blow she'd been waiting God only knew how long for! This time he had better not disappoint her or there would be sheer hell to pay and she was more than positive he knew it! She had half a mind to call Lola and let her know Wellington was back in town but she didn't need her drama right now. Right now was crucial she needed to pay attention to her own pokers the last the thing she needed right now was distractions. She needed to focus so she could figure out just how to play this. She was torn between what she wanted to do and what she should do. So far she'd resisted the urge to just put it all out on the table and let the chip fall. She was tired of the game they were playing it was time for the bastard to either shit or get off the pot as far as Alex was concerned. Really, if he had this "Great soulmate love" what the hell was he doing here? While the other chastised and told her to just wait and stay the course. Something was brewing. There was a strange undercurrent gently swirling just under the surface that was finally going to bring her ship in. Besides Jay could never resist the urge to come back here for long. She take a deep breath and stifles her trouble making imp deciding to stay the course plastering a seductive smile on her face as he comes back in the room.
 "Hey," He says looking up startle by her beckoning stare.
 "I didn't mean to wake you." He says giving up all pretense and sitting down on the edge of the bed to slip on his shoes. Abigail smiles as she crawls across the bed and wraps her arms around his waist laying her cheek against his back.
 "I'd hoped you'd stay longer." She purrs annoying him more than anything else as he pulls away from her and stands keeping the facade of contentment on his face.
 "I'd love too darling," He says reaching for his jacket and shouldering into it. "but, I have a busy day tomorrow!" He smiles then leans over the bed quickly kissing her on the forehead then walking to the door.
Abigail lets her out stretched arms flop to her sides barley containing her anger as she turns towards his retreating back.
"Will I see you tomorrow honey?" She coo's sprawling back against the cushions exposing her naked breasts then arching her back pushing the upwards. He stops a moment and looks back then pulls the knob.
 "I'll meet you as soon as it's all over." He says with a wink then blows her a kiss.
 "You sure baby?" She whispers wantonly cupping her breast and flicking her nipple with her finger sliding her other hand down between her parted legs her tongue darting in and out between her slick lips. Jay stares down at her a moment the the light from the nightstand casting her face in sharp angles giving it a haggard appearance. With her hair sprawled across the pillow she reminded him of the gorgon Medusa. The sight of her undulating on the bed having the same stone setting affect on his desire. Yeah, tomorrow would be perfect he thought.
 "You can bank on that darling." He grins turning and closing the door behind him his grin disappearing as he walks down the steps shaking his head. Always one step too far making it cheap and gaudy he thought.  

    

"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2015





    

"All Wrapped With Pretty Ribbon"

 Alex paces the empty mill crushing the remains of her cigarette on the floor and then lighting another. She didn't like being here this time of the evening it was far too isolated and the ghosts of of the past lingered in the shadows. She was too tired to give a dam about anything Sharron or for that matter Marjorie could possibly have to say. She had given those bitches all she was going to give them whether they realized it or not. No one involved in their little cat and mouse was willing to let their truth out which is why the text had surprised her. Their business was pretty much settled and they were at an impasse, unless Sharron or Marjorie had come up with something that was going to tip the scale, which she seriously doubted this meeting was a waste of time. She takes a long draw on her cigarette then blows the smoke out and watches it furl and twist around her like the thoughts in her head.
 She looks at her watch and then yawns she was physically exhausted and mentally drained from the events of the last three days and in no mood for whatever it was she had in store. She wished she would hurry up it was getting late and what she really wanted was a hot bath, a glass of wine and maybe a moment to plan her next move on Jay and his slut. The problem was, she'd have to make whatever move she came up with quietly. All the while keeping up the farce of reconciliation with renewed devotion with Jay. She'd promised Lesley she wouldn't say anything to her father until her grandson was well enough to leave the hospital. Besides being a screaming bitch and making waves with Jay or otherwise raising his suspicions would be counterproductive toward that end. It definitely wouldn't help with what she was planning all she needed was proof and she'd gone to Pine Valley to see about a detective this morning. There was no going back this time she couldn't ride this this crazy train with Jay anymore. She was tired of his lying and his cheating. Her own crying and pleading his unfulfilled promises she wasn't going to ever be humiliated again she was going through with it. She was going to get her divorce and she was taking him for everything he had and that included his business. She was going to take care of her children in the process especially her son's and that included her grandson. Grandson! That was going to take sometime to get used too! She had to admit he was a beautiful little boy that had won her heart the minute she'd laid eyes on him reviving that protective stirring inside her and giving her a renewed sense of purpose and hope for her future. It was the least she could do for her daughter and her grandson after the years of neglect and indifference she'd heaped on all her children.
 She closes her eyes a moment and takes a few cleansing breaths shedding the the cold grasp of shame that had enveloped her. She didn't mind keeping her daughter's secret she resolved. She hadn't been there for Lesley before but she was determined to support her in any decision she made now even if it included Wellington. Lord help them when Jay finally did get wind of it! Truth be told her decision was a double edged sword it was another way to burn Jay. Which frankly suited her fine and dandy. It would keep her busy and out of Jay's crosshairs and the less time she had to spend with Jay the better.
 Thankfully it hadn't been hard to avoid Jay, not hard at all and surprisingly easy to play the loving wife on the few occasions they had encountered each other. He was like a contented fat cat preening himself after a good meal. He thought he had her stated and ignorant while he slithered about. In fact the hardest time had been the first night. She had driven home hoping she'd beat Jay there and was half relieved and half angry when she had. She'd been too exhausted by the time she gotten home that night and unsure of how much time she'd had before he'd be back. She'd changed and climbed into bed just fifteen minutes before Jay. He undressed silently and slipped into the bed beside her making sure not to shake it with practiced ease. She'd pretended to be asleep she'd hadn't bothered to question him or even care and he was gone before she'd gotten up the next morning. That was fine with her the longer she could put off speaking with the man the better. It prevented any slip ups until she had something solid that could grind him like the cockroach he was.
 Her head snaps up at the sound of tires grinding against the gravel. "Finally!" She thought. She takes the last drag of her cigarette then drops it on the planking and crushes it out then takes a deep breath of the cooling evening air to calm herself at the sound of approaching foot steps on the stairs sounding heavy like Sharron's clod hoppers. Good, she thought she was sure Marjorie had confided in her those two were as thick as thieves. Besides who better than she knew Sharron could keep a secret she grins amused at her own joke. Maybe she was as tired as she was and this would be faster than she thought.
"What the hell took you so long? I don't have all flipping..." Her voice trailing off as the shape of an unfamiliar man fills the doorway. His face partially hidden by the long shadows made by the setting sun coming through the window set his dark eyes aglow rendering the angle of his face and smile  a demonic edge. "Who the hell are you?" She demands the sight of him sending a shiver up her spine making the hair on the back of her neck prickle. He was some how familiar yet she didn't believe she'd ever laid eyes on him before still, the tremble of his voice that smooth scottish brogue chilled her and filled her with a sudden sense of panic yet nothing about his stance or smile was threatening still.
" I'm sorry I'm late and I startled you Mrs. Stockton." He says smoothly stepping further into the room and extending his hand. "My name is Gavin Blackwood thank you so much for meeting me."
Alex stares back at him completely at a loss she'd just assumed it had been Sharron. Dear God what new hell had she stepped into? "Who?" She says sounding more relaxed then she felt.
Gavin smiles pleasantly inside enjoying the little flicker of fear he'd seen in her eyes. But, now wasn't the time for such luxuries he needed to stay on track. "You don't remember me?"
"Should I?" She says reaching in her purse and pulling out  a fresh cigarette and lighting it.
Alex stares at him a moment racking her memory she had no recollection of this man whatsoever.
"Perhaps I should clarify." He smiles again this time his voice taking on a pleasant business like quality. "I'm Gavin Blackwood I own the company that is buying the timber from your son. Very, fine young man it's been a pleasure working with him." Alex thinks again recalling the name from some of the papers on Jay's desk when she'd been searching for something to use against him. Why did he want to meet with her? Why here? She lets loose a ribbon of smoke then gives voice to her question.
"Why do you want to meet with me Mr. Blackwood? Why here of all places and most importantly why now?" She asks coolly her eyes locking on his. Gavin smiles stepping closer being careful not to block her exit she was starting to come around the last thing he wanted to do was cause her to panic.
"I asked Mrs. Swifts if she knew of a private place that we could meet and she suggested here. She said would know exactly where it was."
"She did? What does she have to do with it?" Her guard instantly up. Gavin remains cool and businesslike keeping his emotions in check as he watched hers play across her face.
" Everything Mrs. Stockton she has a vested interest in what happens with "Stockton Lumber" as do you. Getting to the reason I asked you to met me here. I came into possession of something the other day that could prove very embarrassing for my company and yours and do irreparable damage to everything your son and I have been working towards the last six months." Alex stares back at him weighing his words then draws on her cigarette.
"Why come to me? Why not give whatever you have to Jay or Jake? Why give it to me?" She questions searching his eyes for answer. Something so familiar about the eyes she ponders.
Gavin looks back at her his eyes unwavering. He had her on the hook all he had to do was reel her in slowly.
"The person or persons asked for a large amount of money or they would release the information to the public. Naturally after having this investigated further to assure there were no other copies we took possession of the information. After further investigation we found Mr. Stockton seems to have a very long history of this kind of behavior and you of explosive responses to them. He's been able to keep most of his scandal contained to this town. However going forward Jay and all of you are going to be seen on a global level his actions can and will reflect poorly on us as well and could potentially affect our stocks. We can't have that. Myself and my associates have concluded after this incident that Mr.Stockton Senior is a potential liability for this project." He pauses letting it sink in and enjoying the flash of fear of eminent poverty bought go across her face before continuing.
"For that reason we asked Mrs. Swift to contact her tree leases to your son Jacob Stockton the forth and we are asking if you would sign the lease of your trees over to your Son Clayton Stockton. This way what ever scandal that may fall because of this will in no way interrupt our business. The only other thing that we ask is that you not use the information I give you till after this deal has been voted on and solidified."
"That' explains my son, what about Jay" She says in the same cool measured voice. "Why not just give it to him? Or just destroy it?" Gavin smiles knowing by the look in her eye she knew exactly why he hadn't gone to Jay and he was going to play it to the hilt.
" I have to be honest Mrs. Stockton I'm less than impressed with your husband and my board has even lower opinion. He seems shall we say very distracted and has shown little or no interest in this project. On the other hand I've grown quiet fond of your son over the past few months. He's intelligent, imaginative, hard working and ambitious. He could have a very, very bright future in front of him and I would hate to see anything jeopardize that. His talents are being wasted being nothing more than his father's flunky." He pauses again giving her a moment to weigh his words.
Alex couldn't argue with anything he's said.
"As I said Mrs. Stockton," He continues "the information I have is of, shall we say a sensitive nature. It wasn't something I desired to share with your son or have him bare the consequences of it's existence. Considering the contents I don't think you would want me to. Also knowing that you have been assisting your daughter in hiding your grandson from your husband. Coupled with our knowledge of your history together you're ready to move on." Alex looks up at him shocked by his knowledge of her and by his reasoning. This was becoming more interesting by the moment.
"Funny Mr. Blackwood you still haven't told me why are you and your associates being so generous to me what's in for you?"  Gavin smiles slyly.
" Your son and I have worked hard for months and with this deal we all stand to make millions with the potential of billions but that's not going to happen unless I can guarantee to my backers that your husband's image is no longer going to be associated with "Stockon Lumber". I'm willing to give you exactly what you need to to divorce your husband and enough evidence to get you everything you want out of it in the process. All I want is your guaranteed proxy vote at the next board meeting. I want you to use it to vote Jay out as CEO of "Stockton Lumber". Gavin waits for some sign of shock from her and receives only a raised eyebrow of curiosity.
"I suppose so you can take over?" Gavin smiles.
"No, we have no interest in taking over your company or in hurting you or your family in anyway our interest is strictly business. All we want is for this all to stay quiet until it's all a completly done deal. The contracts will be signed before the board vote. Then the vote and press release after.  I want you to help me vote in your son Jacob Stockton the forth as the new CEO. After that there's no way your husband is going to make a public stink and loose the millions he still stands to make as owner. What you do after that is your personal business. And if by any infinitesimal chance it ever comes back that we were the ones to give you that video," His voice taking on a more deep and threatening quality leaving no doubt to Alex that information would be a secret she would take to her grave.
 "We just felt it was our duty to support that poor innocent mother and now Grandmother is a defensible stance in the public court." Alex looks up at him unable to disguise the shock that she knew had gripped her expression. This was exactly what she wanted all tied up in one neat little package but what if what he had was absolutely nothing? What if she agreed and this was all just smoke and mirrors? Some kind of trick leading to something more sinister?
"Before I agree to anything Mr. Blackwood what guarantee do I have that what you have, will be of any use to me or that you'll do any of the things you just told me."
"I understand you have no reason to trust me Mrs. Stockton but you still have to ask yourself why would I risk millions, the answer is I won't. That's exactly why I'm doing this however, I can prove to you that what I have will get you what you want." He says pulling his phone from his pocket. He cue's the video then presses play and hands it to her secretly delighting as shock then revulsion grip her as she watches Jay and Abigail Colgate slither and writhe their way to ecstasy before her eyes .
Alex stares at the screen shoving down the bile that rose in her throat with the red hot fury she felt. She watches to the end knowing by the time stamp exactly what day it was taken completely shattering whatever was left of her heart and illusions she may have still had tucked in the recess of her mind. She hands the phone back to him her face white with rage her voice tight.
"How soon can you have the contracts ready?"
Gavin slides his phone into his pocket pulling out an envelope and handing it to her.
"Give me your pen" He reaches in his pocket and hands her his pen she snatches it from his fingers scrawling quickly at all the indicated spots not even bothering to read it and hands it back to him.
"Please send a copy of that video and the hard copies as well as the contract to the number on this card and forward a copy to my phone now please."
"Already done." He says pressing the send button on his phone. He scans the contract before sliding it into his pocket satisfied.
Alex looks down at the small envelope on the phone hesitates for a moment then press the button. She waits a until the image plays then shuts it off quickly and shoves her phone back in her purse.
"I'll see you at the shareholders meeting Mr. Blackwood" She says her voice devoid of emotion her face like stone as she walks quickly past him down the steps. Gavin walks to the window and watches her walk quickly to her car then speed from the parking lot and smiles to himself.
"Still and always the vindictive bitch." He chuckles as he strolls leisurely down the steps and out into the cool evening air to his waiting car.
"Oh Alex darlin I'm not quite done with you just yet." He chuckles as he slides into the seat  and starts the engine .
"One down and one to go." He laughs again shifting the car into gear and drives slowly down the tree lined road enjoying the twilight twinkling between the branches, the sounds of the night birds preparing for the evenings concert and the joyous feeling of being home.

"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2015

"Many Cold Dank Nights"

 Marjorie walks back from the cafeteria carrying three cups of coffee still trying to think of a way to broach the subject of Jay's infidelity with Alex. The little tid bit she'd gotten while Alex was ranting could be useful, very useful but how to use it. Alex knew Jay was having an affair from the looks of things she'd done exactly what she'd thought she'd do when she saw them earlier. They were just too lovey dovey not to be building to that particular crescendo. Right now Alex was feeling humiliated she was hurt, angry and knowing Alex looking for anything she could get her hands on to strike back at Jay. Right now if she knew Alex she was a powder keg just waiting for the match and she had a warehouse full she chuckles to herself. Problem was how to use it to get the best result? The ringing of her phone shakes her from her ponderings she places the tray down on the sill and fishes out her phone from her purse. She checks the screen first her eyes lighting up when she sees who's the caller perhaps this was her answer.
"Well hello, it's as if you could read my mind how are you?" She purrs.
"Better everyday beautiful. Chase sent over the contracts I've had the lawyers review them and everything is just the way we wanted it." He grins devilishly unable to keep the delight he felt from his voice.
"You should get your copies by messenger tomorrow." Marjorie smiles to herself enjoying how all the pieces were falling into place.
"I have something else that may come in very useful I just happened upon it this afternoon. I was trying to think of the best way to use it.
"Come, come old girl don't hold back on me now?"
I"ve got a little recording that just might give us the leverage we need. Give me second I'll send it to you."
"I can't wait" He grins mischievously listening patiently as Marjorie fiddles with her phone.
"I just sent it to your email give it a second." She says coming back on the line.
"Wait a second" He says reaching for his keyboard and typing as he talks.
"I just got it hold on." He says clicking on the video attachment then sitting back in his chair.
""I'm going to warn you, you'll probably need to wash your eyes out with soap."  She chuckles.
"What do you have here?" He says leaning forward and staring intently at the scene being played out on the screen.
"That's just the latest in the series but I know it will push Alex right over the edge and exactly where we want her"
"This is absolutely fantastic! There he is in all his glory the man never changes. And you love, you've never been more right in your life she's going to want to bury him."
"That's what I thought! What do you want me to do now?" She purrs enjoying the image playing in her mind of Alex's face when she showed her.
"I know exactly what I need to do. Besides I would rather neither one of them know exactly how involved you are in this until the the very end. I also want you to be able to concentrate on your family nothing is more important than that I'll handle it from here."
"Are you sure?" She said feeling a little disappointed she'd really wanted to be the one. No matter however the news was delivered, it was what it would wrought that was most important she counseled herself.
" Wait, I just thought of one thing you can do for me?" He says leaning back in his chair as a plan begins to formulate in his head.
"What's that?" She says intrigued.
"I need you to make the arrangements for me to meet with Alex." The more he thought about it the more he liked it. This way he could take care of both pieces of business at the same time.
"Do you want me to talk to her tonight?
"No, I want you to make sure the little ones alright make it in a few days and make sure it's just before sundown." Marjorie smiles to herself this was getting more interesting by the moment.
"Do you want me to be there with you?"
"No, I just want you to make the arrangements I'll take care of the rest." He says smothering a chuckle. As much as Marjorie protested she loved the excitement of their plot and he couldn't blame her she'd longed for the moment of Jay's defeat as much as he did, almost as much.
"Just let her know you have something really important to talk to her about. I don't care how you do it. Just make sure it's someplace private and she's alone." Marjorie knew the spot and she also knew Alex would have no problem meeting there since it was her favorite destination for assignations of this kind.
"I know just the place and just the person to set it up for us. I'll take care of everything and give you call in a couple of days." She says looking around the empty hall.
"That's perfect darlin that's all I need, you just take it easy." She sighs feeling the weight of the day starting to press down on her.
"That would be wonderful to be honest all this cloak and dagger has gotten me a little jumpy especially with everything going on." She sighs again rubbing her neck.
"Ey, that's why I want you to step back right now." He says leaning back in his chair.
"I'll let you know when I need you again. Right now you stay close to to the hospital so you can protect the wee one from the likes of himself just be my eyes and ears."
"Aren't I always?" She smiles making him feel a flush of gratitude.
"Yes my sweet darlin you have and I can never thank you for everything you've done for me and mine over the years."
"I told you before, it was my pleasure and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I just wish I could have done more." A tinge of sorrow staining her voice deepening the yearning in his heart.
"You made sure my family didn't want for anything without anyone knowing all the letters and pictures you sent me were the only things that got me through these years you were like my angel Marggie I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
"You just let me know when we've finally broken that son of a bitch!" She growls into the phone the venom in her voice making him laugh.
"Believe me darlin you will be my very first phone call."
"Listen," She says looking down at her watch.
"I better get this coffee back and check on things, I'll call you in couple of days with the time and place. Have a good night"
"I'll be waiting to hear from you kiss that new Grandson of yours for me. Goodnight.
"I will talk to you soon"
"G'night Margie." He says ending the call and laying the phone down on the desktop.
 He walks to the window and sits on the long stone sill and opens the lead glass pane, breathing in the damp air and staring out across the moors unseeing. The setting of the sun and dampness on the breeze took him back to the many cold dank nights he'd spent in that cell. Nights spent, filled with fear and self loathing longing futilely for warmth from a tattered moth eaten blanket, the love of his family and the comforts of home leaving him distraught and begging for deaths compassionate hand. As always on those nights his memories would go back to the evening in Jay and Alex's bedroom that started his demise making the anger rise with the bile in his throat till it had literally choked him. That was the night he'd found his soul focus. Revenge and getting home. From that night forward he lived for one purpose the nagging voice cheering him on every step of the way guiding his every movement towards escape and once he'd found his freedom Jay and Alex Stockton's annihilation. From that night forward he'd listened to it examined every situation critically and did nothing without it's stamped approval. He'd learned the hard way and paid with what seemed a lifetime the one time he hadn't and that would never happen again.
The voice in the back of his head had warned him not to follow her. Long before that moment the same voice  had told him to let what he'd heard go there could only be woe in knowing her truth. Her wrath would be his to bare in letting her know he knew don't chance it. Instead he'd listened to his arrogance it knew better.
 It preached the best way was to play mediator to confront it head on, bring it all out in the open. Deal with what was, in essence be the hero his ego had always told him he was. He'd ignored the voice that said what happened in another man's family was his own business. If he hadn't listened to it on the drive over why would he have listened to it when she'd pulled away from him and her sleeve had torn? He'd been beyond deafened to it when it screamed "Leave NOW!" as he followed behind her. He'd pleaded with her till she'd fallen into tears in his arms just moment after swearing to tell the truth when Jay had walked in on them.
 His being in their bedroom with Alex, her tear stained face, torn clothes and lies were all the proof Jay had needed to seal his fate. A worse fate he wouldn't wish on any man alive or dead he thought with a shiver as he closed the window then walked to the fireplace to warm himself. He stared into the flames unable to stave off the memories that wouldn't stop coming. He closes his eyes and takes a few deep breathes stilling the tortured and mournful wails of his fellow prisoners as they suffered through their own personal agonies and then the droning sound of his own nightly montra that death would be his savior and wrap him in its cold embrace. Another few breaths and then silence. He opens his eyes again seeing the room before him and his endgame as clearly as the furnishings within it.
"You're going to wish you'd killed me Stockton you and that lying bitch!"


"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2015

In The Quiet Moments

 Lesley sits in the chair her head swiveling to the rhythm of Wellington pacing the small space the wires allowed with their whimpering son in his arms. He'd been pacing and holding him since they'd gotten here only putting him down long enough so that the doctors could check him then picking him back up again as soon as they were done.
 She couldn't blame him she'd been like that the first day she'd bought him home and Jamie seemed to be comforted by it but it also felt like a shield. His way to keep them from having to talk and he wouldn't look at her either. The one time she'd caught his eye they'd burned with resentment making her soul feel scorched and bare and forcing her to look away. He was furious, more angry than she'd ever seen him in their entire lives and she couldn't blame him. No, she couldn't blame him for any of his anger or resentment. She hadn't deluded herself that when the truth came he wouldn't be but, she wasn't going to apologize for her choices. She was sorry they'd hurt him and she was sorry in doing so she'd kept him from his son but she would never apologize for protecting Jamie.
Erin peeps around the edge of the door not sure what she would be walking into and was pleasantly surprised by what she found. It wasn't domestic bliss a cold silence hung over the room but since she'd been expecting worse she'd take it.
"Heeey, " She whispers coming closer to Wellington and Jamie. "How's everything in here?"
"We're doing okay. What's going on with Jamie?" Lesley asks her voice filled with worry not realizing she'd been holding her breath till it slipped from her lips when Erin smiled.
"Jamie is responding well to the medication we're just going to take him for one more test." Wellington looks at her and frowns his defense immediately alert. He'd heard that line many times in the past and believed in them. As much as he cared about Erin trusted her up until today whispered a little voice, and knew her to be a good doctor even a great doctor. He didn't trust them coming from her or anyone the sound of them reeked of deceit to his ears.
"Why? I thought you said he was getting better, why do you need to run more test?" Wellington demands. Erin smiles patiently empathising with his trepidations for him it was all a  macabre dejavu she reminds herself.
"Jamie is responding really well. They were just backed up before and since it wasn't urgent  I thought he'd be more comfortable with his Mom and Dad. I told them I'd bring him back when they were free. They just called." She lays her hand on his shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze
 "You have to trust me when it comes to your sons health Well. I wouldn't lie about something like this and I'm not going to give you grand expectations. I promise to be one hundred percent honest with the both of you okay?" She says looking from one to the other making his eyes automatically follow her line of site and instantly snapping away when they meet Lesley's cool level stare. Right now he couldn't look or speak to her right now he just needed her to keep up what she'd been doing and stay silent. Erin watches the moment between them and continues before her cousins could say what ever had been teasing her tongue.
"I love all of you but I'm not going to let that cloud my judgement when it comes to your son and it's not just me Jamie has an entire team of doctors." She adds knowing that Wellington was remembering Lola with Juliette and the horrible consequences of her arrogance.
"We'll let you know what's going on with him every step of the way. As soon as these last test come back we're all going to sit down with the both of you." Wellington's shoulders relax feeling comforted, humbled and mildly ashamed as he fumbles for words.
"I'm sorry Erin I'm just...I'm sorry" He sighs then looks down at his sleeping son ignoring Lesley's constant gaze.
"It's okay Well, don't worry about it."  She smiles reassuringly. He smiles back weakly then looks down at his son and kisses his forehead before placing the sleeping child in the crib.
Lesley heart flutters and is filled with joy as she watches the moment between the two. It was one she had imagined for so long. She was happy the truth was finally out and they didn't have to hide any longer. She felt free for the first time in a long time she thought. She'd almost blurted it out when he'd inadvertently caught her glance a moment ago. She'd told him so early and she'd tell him again even if he didn't believe her and still wouldn't look at her or speak he couldn't help but hear it. She breathes a sigh of relief then reaches down pulling the blanket up around Jamie and kisses the top of his head moments before the attendants come in the room.
"We'll be back in about five, ten minutes. You two sit tight." She says following the technicians leaving the two of them completely alone for the first time since she'd told him about their son.
"Are you hungry? I could run to the cafeteria?" She asks hoping to force him to speak to her. Wellington looks up at her from his pacing as if noticing her for the first time. Why was she even speaking they had nothing to say.
"No, thank you." He grunts then continues his pacing Lesley watching him. No, he wasn't going to just shut her out.
"How about some coffee?" She tries again halting his pacing. He glares at her the muscle in his jaw flexing and unflexing as he tries to maintain the slackening hold he had on his anger.
"Nothing!" He grinds out. Lesley ignores him talking as she rises from the chair and walks towards him.
"Then just talk to me Wellington!" She shouts back at him in frustration. Wellington glares back at her his expression one of confusion and anger all blended into one. What the hell did she want from him? What was it she wanted him to do or say when all he felt right now was anger. He takes a deep breath trying to level both his emotions and his anger before speaking.
"What do you want me to say Lesley? What do you want me to tell you? I'm not furious that one of the happiest days of my life is also one of the most frightening? Do you want me to thank you for protecting him so well I end up missing two and a half years of my sons life!" Lesley stands in his path unmoving and glares back at him. One way or another this was going to end today he was going to hear all of it no more lies.
"Some one had to protect us you sure as hell couldn't!" She spits back folding her arms across her chest her stare unyielding.
"How could I? You never gave me a chance!" His emotions finally erupting from the leaking dam he'd built around them.
"Why would I when you couldn't even protect yourself!" Lesley states her voice cold and as devoid of emotion as her stare.
"That is low even for you Lesley!" He growls.
"It's not low Wellington it's the truth!" She states flatly nonplussed by his show of anger she pushes on using truth as her sword and shield.
"You did everything for that woman you sacrificed us, our happiness for her. And when it was all said and done after everything you did for her she tried to kill you! I wasn't going to stand back and let you sacrifice our son too!" She finishes her words slicing through him leaving him flustered and weary he spits out the first thing that came to his mind in defense.
"She was out of her mind with grief she didn't know what she was doing!" Lesley shakes her head in disbelief her smile incredulous her tone mocking.
"She knew exactly what she was doing Wellington! When are you going to wake up from this delusion? The only thing she didn't mean to do was fail!"
"How the hell do you know? By the time that happened you were long gone!" He snarls
"Because I saw her Wellington!" She shouts back satisfied by the slack mouth look of surprise on his face. "That's right I saw her!"
"You saw her? You weren't even there!" He says snorting back a derisive laugh. Lesley eyes widen then narrow to slits her voice sounding tight and controlled to her own ears.
"Oh, I was there Wellington I saw her before you did!" Wellington twist his mouth into a mocking smile.
" Sure you did! You would say anything right now to justify what you did to me! You wouldn't talk to me or take my calls! What was so different about that day huh? What caused this grand epiphany you just had to see me?" He finishes his eyes boring into hers.
"I'd had my sonogram!" Lesley looks back at him her eyes glittering with defiance.
"What?" He moans his voice sounding weary and looking confused by yet another revelation of the truth. He listen intently as she unfurls each tendril, his mind slipping back to that morning.
"I had my sonogram that morning. After seeing our son for the first time I felt guilty and decided to go to your place and tell you." She stops and swallows the fear gripping  same as it had that morning and every time she'd thought of it since.
"You were coming out of that little deli on the corner when I saw. You were flipping through newspaper as you walked. I started to run towards you when I heard that sound that tires make when guys are drag racing and I saw the car coming across the intersection. I watched it swerve from the other lane. ..." Her voice quivering then fading off for a moment before she clears her throat and starts again.
"You must have stopped walking or something because next thing I saw was the car on top those steel pillions they have on the corner!" She looks to him waiting for agreement. He nods his head not daring to speak afraid he'd break the spell and she'd stop.
"If those hadn't been there she would have killed you Wellington! I saw her aim her car right for you!" She looks up at him her eyes glistening with unshed tears pleading for understanding.
"When I saw that guy help you to your feet and you were okay, I was never so happy in my life. Then..." He voice fading off again  her face turning white as she chokes back her emotions.
"I heard that blood curdling death howl come from that car... And she kept repeating it. Over and over. "It should have been you and that Bitch!"" She says finishing the last with a growl as the memory looms before her momentarily blinding Wellington from her view. She takes a swift calming breath forcing her thoughts back to the moment and pushing down her fear.
"It was no accident it was intentional! She wanted us both dead! I've never run faster in my life." She stops looking at Wellington's stricken face. He staggers back as if he'd been physically assaulted by her words as he grasps the windowsill for support. She mentally nods satisfied that it was all finally sinking in before continuing.
"Do you really think after that I was going to wait around and be next? What if I had been just a few minutes sooner? We might not be standing here having this conversation." She finishes her eyes challenging his. Wellington waits a moment choking back the angry response that had been on the tip of his lips.
"Yeah that explains then what about now Lesley? Tell the truth if Jamie hadn't gotten sick you would have never told me?" He grinds out between clenched teeth.
"I don't know." She whisper making Wellington laugh bitterly.
"After all this time why would you start to telling the truth now? The longer you go on  with the lie the easier it gets right?"
"That's not true!" She snaps. "Nothing about this was ever easy Wellington. I didn't like doing it. I did it.."
"For our son. Yeah so you've said!" He mocks cutting her off tweaking her anger.
"That's right! You may be tired of hearing it but I'll never get tired of saying it or apologize to you or anyone else for doing it! Everything thing I've said and done from the moment I found out I was pregnant was to protect him! If that meant you couldn't be a part of our lives then that's just how it had to be. Nothing else mattered not me, not you! And how the hell was I supposed to even trust you? She tried to kill you and you still helped her!" She seeth looking as incredulous as she sounded.
"I didn't help her all I did was give her mother the name of a lawyer! I did what any decent person would do and it's what Juliet would have have wanted me to do." He bites back his words only deepening her bewilderment.
"Are you sure that's really what it was Wellington? Just your promise to Juliet?" She says searching his face for any remnants of what she didn't know but only finding insult and anger atop of more hurt then, sudden illumination.
"So now we finally get to what this was all really about!" Lesley pulls back as if slapped as a cold wave of shocked disbelief grips her throat forcing her to take a moment to find her voice.
"What the hell are you talking about? Didn't you hear a what I just said?"
"I heard every precious gem!" He growls waving his hand dismissively. "This isn't about Lola this is about you and your need to punish me! Do you see her around here because I sure as hell don't and I haven't seen hide nor hair of her here or anyplace else in over three years and neither has anyone else!" He shouts back
"And I thank GOD for that fact everyday! I took me a year to walk down the street without checking every driver sitting behind a steering wheel! After what I saw she was capable of I wasn't taking any chances Wellington. If you can't understand that then I don't know what else to tell you."
"I'll admit, Lola was not just a danger to herself she was a danger to everyone especially to our son. As a mother you had to protect him from whatever danger was out there really or perceived and for that I will be forever grateful." He concedes giving her a momentary ray of hope until his next words erased their brilliance like storm clouds.
"But you hurt me deeper than I thought it was possible. Deeper than I ever thought you ever could. In my head I know what you did was the right thing for our son but in my heart...." Shaking his head and swallowing back his emotions.
"I know in time I can get past that. What's going to be harder to get over, is knowing what we both know to be a fact it wasn't just because of Lola. You keeping our son a secret was also to punish me for trying to help her. But, by punishing me,  by keeping me out of his life you were also punishing our son. So if you're looking for me to forgive you and we can just move past this? That we're going to be this big happy family, that's definitely not going to be today if ever."
"Wellington..." She groans and reaches for his arm then stops herself. What was there to say? She wanted honesty and she had to be honest with that part of herself. He knew it as well from the disappointment etched in his expression and the truth of his words carved into her own.
"I'll be be I ahh...I'm going to take a walk I need some fresh air I'll be back." He says walking to the door and closing it quietly behind him.



"Harbinger Falls" Copyright 2015