Thursday, May 17, 2001
The Jacks Residence --12:05am

Jax opened the front door further and motioned for Addie to come inside as Brenda remained on the third step of the staircase. Jax shut the door and Addie stood just inside the foyer.

"I am so sorry, Mr. Jacks, at the lateness of the hour but I had to see you."

Jax quickly glanced at Brenda before he turned to Addie again. "Addie, are you all right?"

Addie's voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't think so."

Before Jax could respond, his cell phone began to ring. He looked up at Brenda and she acknowledged his glance. They both knew that only Charlie or Jerry would be calling at this hour on the new cell phone.

"Excuse me for a moment." Jax then answered the call and walked into the living room. "Jax here."

As Jax was on the phone, Brenda walked back down the three steps and stood beside Addie in the foyer. "Is there anything I can get for you?"

Addie shook her head. "No, thank you. I am so sorry to disturb you. I know you have just barely returned home from the fundraiser."

Brenda gave her a small smile. "Don't worry about it."

After a few "yes" and "no" responses, Jax ended his call and walked back into the foyer. "I am sorry about that."

Brenda cleared her throat. "I think I will go upstairs now and leave you two alone."

Addie's voice became slightly stronger. "Please don't leave on my account."

Brenda took a deep breath as she saw the look of anguish in Addie's eyes. "I need to go upstairs and change and then check on Jillian. You look like you need some private time with Jax."

Jax smiled at Brenda. "Okay, sweetie. We will be in the den."

Brenda nodded and began to climb the stairs as Jax gently motioned for Addie to walk toward the den. "Let's go sit down and you can say whatever you need to say."

Jax followed Addie as she walked into the den. Addie sat down on the couch and Jax sat in the chair beside her. Jax silently watched as Addie began to wring her hands. After a few moments, Jax spoke. "Addie, is there anything I can do for you?"

"No." Her voice quaked as she spoke. "None of this makes any sense. I don't even know where to start."

Jax's tone was calm and soothing. "There is no meter running here. Take all the time you need."

A minute later, the words tumbled from her lips. "Mr. Jacks, it's all my fault. I'm the inside leak."

Jax watched as Addie's customary, steady composure failed her. He reached into his jacket pocket and removed his handkerchief. He then handed it to Addie. "I am going to go get you some tea."

Just as Jax stood up from his seat, Brenda walked into the den carrying a tray with a pot of tea. Brenda shivered slightly herself as she watched Addie's trembling hands wiping away the tears which had crept from her eyes. Brenda exchanged a look with Jax. "Pardon the intrusion but I thought you could use some tea."

Jax nodded as he smiled at Brenda. "Thank you sweetheart."

Brenda placed the tray on the coffee table in front of the sofa. She poured Addie a cup of tea and handed it to her. "Addie, maybe this will help."

Addie found her voice. "Thank you."

Brenda handed Jax a cup of tea. "I will be upstairs if you need me."

Addie cleared her throat. "Mrs. Jacks, if you would, I'd like you to stay."

Brenda looked at Jax and then at Addie. "If you are sure?"

Addie nodded. "I am. This affects you as well."

"Okay." Brenda sat down next to Addie on the couch.

Jax sat back in his chair. "Addie, we are listening whenever you are ready."

Addie took a deep breath before she spoke. "Some things have come to my attention over the past three days."

Jax moistened his lips before he spoke. "What things?"

Addie's voice shook. "I now know that I am responsible for the disclosure of inside information about J & J Jacks."

Jax was aware of the look of concern on Brenda's face as she studied Addie. He turned to Addie again. "Addie, if you would rather discuss this in the morning when you are more up to it..."

Addie shook her head. "No, you have to do whatever you can to stop the damage that I have caused."

Jax leaned back in his chair. "What makes you think you have caused any damage?"

Addie pushed back the tears that were threatening to overtake her again. "I don't know every detail but I know that the man that I thought I could trust, is not worthy of it."

Jax sighed softly at the pain in her voice. "Tell me what you know."

Addie closed her eyes momentarily and exhaled deeply. "It started on Monday evening when I came back from Ontario. Rex was in the shower and his cell phone rang and I answered it. The caller immediately hung up. I did not even think about it until yesterday afternoon when I spoke to Richard Case."

Jax nodded. "William's partner in the law firm. What happened?"

"Richard called to apologize for his new secretary calling me earlier in the day. She had called to alert me that the locks to the interior offices of the law firm had been changed overnight and that the new keys to William's office were being messengered to me."

Jax gave her a confused look. "Why did Case call to apologize for that? What was the problem in his secretary calling to inform you of that. You still have a vested interest in the law firm."

Addie swallowed to rid her throat of the lump which had formed in it. "Richard called to apologize for his secretary failing to follow the instructions found in the letter from my new assistant. Those instructions specified that all matters concerning the law firm were to be addressed to my accountant and not to me personally."

Jax shook his head. "You have no new assistant so can I presume that you never issued such a request?"

Addie nodded. "I never instructed anything of the kind. I had no idea what had happened so I did not stir up trouble with Richard. I wanted to gather my own information before speaking to him about it. Later that evening, I remembered the call on Rex's cell phone the evening before and recalled that I had heard the sound of clock chimes before the caller had hung up. They were not ordinary clock chimes, they sounded just like the chimes from the grandfather clock in William's office."

Jax exhaled slowly. "You mean the clock that you had specially made for William a few years ago?"

Addie choked back a fresh set of tears. "Yes, Mr. Jacks, you helped me find the craftsman in Austria so that I could have the clock made for William's office for the fifteenth anniversary of Sommerville & Case. I have never heard anything that sounded even remotely close to those chimes."

"I remember the clock, Addie. And I know how much William loved and admired the gift."

Addie took another deep breath. "He did and one day he wanted Erin to be in that office with that clock. That is why I decided it was best to leave it there. William would have wanted it that way."

Brenda took Addie's hand in hers. "I am sure William is happy that the clock is where it belongs. I can't imagine how shocking it must have been for you to remember hearing the chimes on the phone call."

Addie continued the story. "I did not know what to think. The new keys were delivered to me at the office and I went home. I went to put the keys in William's desk in the study. That is where I keep the keys to his desk and credenza for his office at the law firm. When I unlocked the drawer to put the new keys in it, I immediately knew that desk and credenza keys had been moved. The desk and credenza keys were on opposite sides of the drawer than I had left them. William was so set in his ways about his keys that each one had a particular storage place and they had been left in their proper places months ago when I had last used them. My household staff does not even have access to the study. The only person who had been in there in the past several months besides me was Rex. He was only in the study with me once but he saw where I kept the keys to get into William's desk."

Brenda poured Addie another cup of tea while Addie found the strength to continue.

"None of it made any sense until Rex called me tonight. He had given me this beautiful multi-stone pin before he left yesterday morning. He had specifically told me that it was the perfect compliment to my business attire and that I should wear it everyday to the office. I put it on my jacket this morning but later realized that it was missing from the lapel. I found it at lunch when I went into the parking garage. It must have slipped off and it had fallen beside the car door. I put it back on my jacket and finished the rest of the day. When I went home, Rex called as usual and he specifically asked me about the pin and if I had worn it today. His questions about the pin did not seem strange or relevant until after I got off the phone with him."

Jax sat up in his chair. "What happened then?"

"I took the pin off of my jacket to make sure that the clasp was tight so that I would not lose it again. When I was checking it, I noticed a loose stone and it came free in my hand and I realized the center of the stone was hollow and had been filled with a small metal device."

Jax took a deep breath. "As in a listening device?"

Addie's composure faltered again. "I don't know for certain but I believe so."

Jax spoke softly to her. "Where is the pin?"

"It's in my car. I made sure I took every piece of jewelry off and left my purse in the car before I came to see you."

Jax hated to see the anguish this was causing her. He decided enough was enough and it was time to let Addie know that Rex's involvement was not a surprise to them. "Is that why you went to the law firm an hour ago? To see if you could find anything suspicious in William's office?"

Addie let out a ragged sigh. "You knew I was there?"

Jax nodded. "That was Charlie who called shortly after you arrived. He has had surveillance on Sommerville & Case for a week."

Addie put her head in her hands. "Oh God. If you knew for a week, how could you have continued to allow me to work for you?"

"Addie, the truth always comes out and I was certain what the outcome would be. We were just trying to get as much information as we could before making any type of move."

Addie's hands began trembling again. "When I found that laptop in the credenza and the modem line, I wanted the ground to just swallow me up but I knew I had to come here to alert you." Addie's voice began shaking. "I am so sorry, I will never forgive myself for this. You will have my letter of resignation in the morning."

For the first time, Jax's voice contained the hint of an edge. "Do not waste the paper, it will not be accepted."

"But Mr. Jacks, I have compromised..."

Jax stopped her in mid-sentence. "That is enough of that. You did nothing that needs to forgiven by anyone. Rex Taylor is the bastard here. He used you and he is going to pay dearly for everything he has done."

Addie shook her head. "No, I could never continue to work for J & J Jacks. You have never been anything but fair and generous to me and my stupidity and bad judgment has jeopardized the entire company. I could never look you or anyone in your family in the eye again after this."

Jax stood up. "Adele Sommerville, you just put those thoughts out of your head this moment. I will not stand by and allow you to berate yourself like this. I need you now and I will need you ten years from now so get used to it. You will be lucky if I allow you to retire when you become eligible for social security."

Brenda smiled at Jax and then moved closer to Addie. "Addie, I would do as he says. You know how hellbent Jax is once he sets his mind to something."

Addie dabbed her eyes again with the handkerchief. "How can either of you say this after everything that has happened? I can't even imagine what you have thought over the past week about my role in this."

Brenda patted Addie's hand. "You have to know that Jax did not doubt you for one moment. He knew that you would never betray him and that there was more to this situation than the original evidence supported. I mean it Addie, he never doubted your loyalty or your friendship or your support. Nor did I and we certainly are not about to give up on you now."

Jax nodded. "Exactly. You are stuck with us, Addie. Get used to it."

Addie swept back the hair from her face. "I don't know what to think now."

Jax walked over to the couch. "Of course you don't. We have dealt with enough for this evening. I think you need to get some rest and I don't think you should be alone tonight."

Brenda patted her hand again. "No, you are not going back to that empty house. The main guest room is all ready for you."

Addie's voice was just above a whisper. "I can't stay here."

Jax's tone was deliberate. "You can and you will. Tomorrow we will sort this out and figure out the best approach. It is late, Taylor will not be calling you until the morning, right?"

Addie nodded. "He should not be calling for at least the next several hours."

Jax drummed his fingers on the coffee table. "Just to be safe, you can give me your house keys and I will send one of the guards over to the house and he can forward your calls to your cellular phone and Taylor will be none the wiser. Trust me, I know."

Addie sighed. "I already forwarded the calls to my cell phone. I did not want Rex trying to find me tonight and possibly getting suspicious."

Jax nodded in acknowledgement. "It is all settled then. We will show you to the guest room and then see you in the morning."

Brenda rubbed Addie's forearm. "Everything will be taken care of and right now, you just need some rest. I can get you what you need tonight and then you can go home in the morning and get ready for the office."

Addie sighed in defeat and exhaustion. "I don't have the strength to argue."

Jax grinned. "Good, it would be useless anyway."

"Thank you. Thank you for everything."

Jax gave Addie a reassuring smile. "You are quite welcome."

Brenda turned off the lamps in the den and then she joined Jax and Addie as they headed up the stairs. Jax glanced over his shoulder at her and smiled. Brenda returned the smile. She knew that as upset as Jax was about Addie's anguish and the situation with J & J Jacks that a part of him tonight was rejoicing. He had known in his heart and soul that Addie could never betray him and his loyal convictions had once again prevailed.

J & J Jacks -- 4:00pm

Jerry and Charlie were in Jax's office with him reviewing their next course of action. The past several hours had provided answers to numerous questions. Charlie had met Jax and Addie first thing this morning and Addie had given Charlie her pin. Charlie had immediately recognized the listening device which had been placed inside the stone. It was a very sophisticated device, new to the market, not detectable without the use of certain equipment and had only a limited period of service. After such period, the device would become inactive and thereby undetectable in a sweep or search for such devices. Charlie had immediately given the device back to Addie so that she could continue to wear it and keep Harrison under the impression that his role was still unknown. Addie had also informed Jax that Rex had given her a key chain a few weeks before. An examination of the key chain revealed an inactive listening device.

Jax had informed Addie of all that they knew of the situation. She had been visibly shaken when he had told her that Rex Taylor was actually Rex Harrison. She was well aware of the Harrison deal and the fall-out concerning it. As she recalled her first meeting with Harrison, she realized that it had all been orchestrated. Unfortunately she could not shed any light on the identity of Harrison's partner but she was convinced he had one. He frequently had calls from his "agent" and she was now certain that those calls were actually from his contacts or his partners.

Charlie had arranged for a sweep to be made of Addie's house, using the special equipment which would detect such devices. The security team had entered Addie's home as carpet cleaners in case her activity and residence were being watched by an outsider or a member of her household staff. Her car was also searched and nothing was found. For Harrison's benefit, reference had been made about the heat in the office today prior to Addie leaving her jacket at her desk and entering Jax's office earlier in the afternoon. Another sweep of the offices of J & J Jacks had been undertaken this morning with the new equipment and only Addie's pin had activated the equipment's sensors. Addie was able to remain quite composed throughout most of the day but her poise had slipped slightly when Charlie had asked her when she expected to see Harrison next. She informed Jax and Charlie that she was supposed to go to Vermont tomorrow evening for the weekend. Jax had told her he would never allow that to happen and he would get her out of town for J & J Jacks business.

Charlie's contact at the London bank had confirmed that Harrison was wiring the balance of his accounts to a business account in Zurich. Jax had followed up on Ned's information from the fundraiser last night and Thao and Jax's Munich contacts had been able to determine that the factories in Munich would be hit with a work slow-down beginning next Thursday. The Munich union was the leader of the European industrial unions and it was anticipated that the other European plants would quickly follow suit and that a wildcat strike would develop within a day or two. Jax and Jerry knew that the had to counterattack the Munich labor assault in order to deflect its damage in Germany and more importantly, the rest of Europe.

The business account in Zurich was traced to a shell company in Germany with strong union ties to Munich. Thao and the contacts in Munich were able to determine where and when the labor dispute would begin. This information enabled Jax and Jerry to mount their own attack. Over the next three days, replacement labor would be brought in to take over immediately for any labor action in the Munich plants. And even more damaging to the union's attempts to control J & J Jacks and cause chaos in all of the European plants, as soon as Harrison's money was transferred from the shell company to the union, all the union accounts would be frozen.

The accounts would be frozen, and all other union assets would be levied against, based on a provision buried amidst the vast terms in the union's contracts with J & J Jacks. The contract clause allowed such action by J & J Jacks upon any evidence of action by the union being used to promote a conspiracy against the company. Thao had gathered the evidence and the freezing of all union accounts would curtail any action against J & J Jacks in the rest of Europe. No other union would jeopardize its accounts or assets against the threat of a levy by J & J Jacks.

Jax put down the phone as he finished his call with Thao. "Okay, everything is in place with Thao."

Jerry nodded. "Karl is ready in Munich as well."

Charlie looked at both Jax and Jerry. "So, you think this will wreak enough havoc with Harrison's finances to force him to make a drastic move?"

Jax sat with his hands pressed together in front of him. "We know what his cash situation is. This will force him to bring in one of his partners."

Charlie turned to Jax. "Won't it in turn get Harrison's ire up and cause him to pounce?"

Jax exhaled slowly. "That is possible but unlikely. We know that McBride has been waiting for the contracts to come up in a few weeks. His patience has been extraordinary and I just can't see him revealing his hand before he originally planned."

Jerry agreed. "We know Harrison's history. He is the loose cannon here and he will be the one to act out of desperation and recklessness."

Jax nodded his head. "We are well aware of his resources, or lack thereof. Harrison needs someone to fund the ultimate goal. After next week, Harrison will have nothing left and will have to rely on his partners. We will see just how much help they give him."

Jerry shifted in his seat. "We just have to be sure no one gets wind of this before the middle of next week. If they do, it is over before it starts and there is no telling what Harrison will do."

"That is why I have to get Addie out of town. I won't put her in that position."

Charlie cleared his throat. "Are all the arrangements made?"

"Yes, she leaves for Palm Beach on Saturday to handle the contract execution for the Reynolds Aluminum deal. She will be gone for the first part of the week."

Charlie sat back in his chair. "Everything is in place for the security in Palm Beach."

Jax's eyes were like steel. "You just be sure he gets nowhere near her."

Charlie took a deep breath. "I understand. I will go re-confirm the arrangements with your flight crew for the trip."

Jax slightly nodded. "Thank you."

Jerry stood up as Charlie rose from his seat. "I will speak to you tonight about the security arrangements in Europe for next week."

"We will be ready. I will speak with you both later." Charlie then walked out of Jax's office closing the door behind him.

Jax sighed as he swiveled his leather chair. "Have we covered all the bases?"

"Yes. Jax, I know how worried you are about Addie, but every precaution will be taken."

Jax shook his head. "I hate the fact that she is in this position."

Jerry gave Jax a reassuring smile. "You could not talk her out of it if you tried. Addie is one determined woman and she wants to do what she can to keep Harrison at bay."

Jax massaged his throbbing temple. "Yes, because she still blames herself for this."

Jerry exhaled slowly. "We all have told her that she is not responsible for any of this. Just give her some time. You, Brenda and Mum were right from the beginning about her. Now I am telling you that I am certain Addie will get through this."

"Do you have any idea what I want to do to that bastard?"

Jerry nodded. "I do. Harrison will pay for what he has done, believe me."

Jax spoke through clenched teeth. "He sure as hell will. Harrison will be broken for what he has done to this company but he will be destroyed for what he did to her."

Jerry sat back in his chair as Jax's statement was made. To anyone else, the declaration would have been deemed a threat but Jerry knew better. Jerry knew that Jax's statement was a promise and like all of Jax's promises, it was one he fully intended to keep.

Saturday, May 19, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 1:30pm

Charlie and Jerry had been at the house for several hours meeting with Jax about the latest information. They had spoken to Thao in London and Karl in Munich to again confirm the plans for next week. Addie had arrived at the house two hours ago to once again speak to Charlie about Rex. She was leaving in an hour to head to the airport for Palm Beach. Julia was at the office working with Scott and Andrew on a few last minute changes in the Reynolds deal. Andrew was going to join Addie in Palm Beach on Monday morning with the final documents for the transaction. Jax had decided that Andrew's presence would be beneficial for the transaction as well as the other plans Jax had for Addie while she was away from Port Charles and Rex.

Addie had spoken to Rex yesterday and this morning about her trip to Florida. He had expressed the requisite disappointment that he would not see her but Addie could now clearly recognize the insincerity behind his words. She believed she had managed to get through the telephone conversations without arousing any suspicions in Rex. Charlie and Jax had agreed when they listened to the tapes of the conversations. All of Addie's home and office telephone calls were being recorded and traced to help ensure her safety. Jax had given Addie a new cell phone to use for any private phone calls she needed to make.

Josee had served lunch to everyone on the terrace an hour ago. After everyone had eaten, Brenda had taken Jillian upstairs for her nap and Jax, Jerry and Charlie had gone back into the office to call John and discuss the best approach in Melbourne. McBride was the next target with the expectation that hitting both Harrison and McBride within the same time period would cause one or both to panic and reveal the identity of the unknown member of the alliance. Jax had suggested that Addie try to enjoy some of the wonderful late spring weather and she had remained on the terrace.

A half hour had passed when Addie heard the terrace doors open. She turned around and saw Brenda approaching with two glasses of iced tea. Brenda handed Addie a glass. "I thought you could use some company."

Addie smiled. "Thank you. You and Mr. Jacks have been so wonderful throughout all of this."

Brenda sat down next to Addie. "Addie, I am very sorry."

Addie nodded her head. "I know and I truly appreciate it. I still can't believe I allowed it to happen."

Brenda shook her head. "Addie, you cared deeply for Rex. Why would you have ever thought that he was not as he seemed? He used you, Addie, you were the wronged person here."

"I should have seen it. When I go back and think about the little things, I realize that I should have seen the signals."

Brenda covered Addie's hand with her own. "Addie, don't do this to yourself. Believe me, it is not worth it."

Addie's hands were trembling slightly as she spoke. "I feel like such a fool."

Brenda shook her head again. "You are not a fool. He lied to you and I know what it is like to care for someone you cannot trust. Jax does as well. He manipulated you and used you. There is no blame here on anyone but Rex."

Addie sighed softly. "I had been so lonely without William and then Erin was gone. One day I looked up and Rex was there."

"Of course you were lonely. William was taken from you much too soon and you were so strong for him and for Erin at the end."

Addie closed her eyes. "We had twenty years together but we had so much left to share."

Brenda swallowed hard. "I know. You expected to be together forever and life stepped in and had other plans."

Addie nodded. "Yes, and I know that you understand that better than most people."

Brenda exhaled slowly. "Addie, just remember that Jax and I are here for you. I know how helpful you were for him when we lost Jamie and we thought that nothing would ever be right again."

"Mr. Jacks was there for me when William became ill and after his death. The leave of absence from the job enabled me to spend the last three months with William. Any help I could offer to Mr. Jacks when you both lost Jamie was a return of what he had done for me earlier in the year when I lost William."

Brenda patted Addie's hand again. "Jax cares about you and he will do whatever he can to make this easier for you."

Addie nodded. "I know and I can't tell you how much that means to me. If it were not for Erin, you and the rest of the Jacks family, I do not think I could handle this."

Brenda smiled. "From first hand experience, I can tell you that once you are part of the Jacks family inner circle, there is nothing that the family will not do for you. You became part of that inner circle years ago so get used to it."

Addie smiled for the first time in three days. "Thank you."

Brenda returned her smile. "How is Erin?"

Addie smiled again. "She is her father's daughter, so calm, analytical, logical and rational. When I spoke to her yesterday and told her everything, she simply took it all in and then told me that Rex was a fool who would get his just desserts and that he was never good enough for me anyway."

Brenda softly laughed. "Good for her."

Addie shook her head in amazement. "And then she said when I am ready for another man in my life, she will find one for me to ensure that he is worthy of me."

Brenda took a deep breath. "I can't imagine how much you must miss her."

Addie nodded her head. "I miss her with every ounce of my heart."

"Is there any way she can come home to see you or you can take a trip to see her?"

Addie's eyes reflected a look of intense sadness. "No. She has another two exams and then she has a six week internship with the Chief Justice of California's highest level appellate court. Erin worked so hard to get the internship, her father would have been so proud of her. William had the same position twenty-five years ago."

Brenda smiled. "You must be so pleased."

Addie's eyes reflected the love and pride of a devoted mother. "I am. She is so busy that I think it is best that I just wait to see her until the end of July when she comes home for a month. She has her own life to live now."

Brenda sighed. "I am sorry. Jillian has helped us so much in the bad times, I know Erin would do the same for you."

Addie nodded. "Yes, it will just have to be over the phone for the next several weeks. As Erin said last night, the long distance bills will certainly provide quite a dividend at the end of the year for the stockholders."

Brenda laughed as she raised her glass of iced tea. "Undoubtedly. A toast to higher dividends."

Addie lifted her glass. "And to our daughters who will be there when we need them, whether in person or over the phone."

Brenda smiled as she clinked her glass against Addie's. "To Erin and Jillian, our greatest accomplishments."

Addie nodded. "That they are."

Meanwhile Jax, Jerry and Charlie had just finished up their conference call with John. Paul Hogan and the other Melbourne contact who was employed by McBride's main corporation, had found some information concerning the supplier contract situation. McBride was trying to associate himself with two other mining companies. This association was the last thing that Jax and Jerry had expected but Jax immediately viewed it as a plus.

Jax pondered all the information he knew about the McBride, Peterson, Harrison and entity "X" alliance. "There is something going on there that is below the surface."

Jerry looked over at him. "Do you still think there is a separate agenda there?"

Jax nodded. "Yes. Peterson has essentially disappeared and McBride is trying to bring in two more partners while Harrison is taking all of his available cash in preparation of expending it for the union strike. There is still no evidence of any resources being spent by partner `X'. My gut tells me that Peterson and McBride are worried that there will never be."

Jerry leaned back in the chair. "You may have something there. They are both in so far now that pulling out will cost them everything."

"Exactly. If it turns out the partner pulls out or fails to deliver whatever was promised, Harrison and McBride will have to chance inflicting any damage they can and then see where the chips fall."

Jerry sighed. "We could still take a major hit just from them."

Jax drummed his fingers against the top of the desk. "It could be a major blow especially since Asia is still in such a precarious position now. For all we know Peterson has been replaced."

Charlie got off the phone with his contacts in Asia and Australia. "Additional manpower is in position and research is being undertaken as we speak about McBride's possible new partners."

Jerry turned to Jax. "Do you want to bring Peterson out of hiding?"

Jax shook his head. "Not yet. Let's wait to see what Charlie and Paul can find out first."

Charlie's cell phone rang and he picked it up and spoke to his contact briefly before ending the call. "Jax, that was Sean. The aircraft has been checked and is ready for Addie's departure. Her bags have arrived and have been checked. The last detail is minutes from arrival."

Jax nodded his head. "Good. Thank you. I will go tell Addie that everything is ready."

Jax walked into the living room just as Brenda and Addie were coming in from the terrace. Brenda smiled as she saw Jax. "Were you looking for either of us?"

Jax returned Brenda's smile. "Yes. I wanted to tell Addie that everything has been cleared for her departure."

Addie nodded. "Okay. I just need to get my purse and briefcase and then I will be ready."

Jax nodded. "Corrine has put them in the foyer already."

As the three of them entered the foyer, Brenda heard the sound of tiny footsteps upstairs. She shook her head as she smiled. "I think someone is awake and I had better get up there before she has taken every pair of shorts out of the drawers."

Jax chuckled. "Or dress out of the closet since she is already talking about wearing one next weekend to Lucy's baby shower."

Brenda explained their discussion to Addie. "Jillian has decided that she has to get dressed again after her nap just like she does in the morning."

Addie softly laughed. "It makes perfect sense."

Jax grinned. "It certainly does from both a logical sense and from the fact that her mother is so fond of clothes."

Brenda turned to him as she started to walk up the steps. "You are not one to talk, Mr. GQ."

Jax smiled as Brenda walked upstairs. He then turned to Addie. "Are you sure you want to do this? I can send you anywhere you want to go until this is all over. You would never have to speak to Rex Harrison again."

Addie shook her head. "No. I can't do that. I am going to see this through until Rex gets just what he deserves and J & J Jacks is out of the line of fire."

Jax smiled. "If you are sure?"

"I am."

He nodded. "Okay then." Jax picked up her purse and handed it to her and then picked up her briefcase.

Addie looked up at Jax. "That is everything since my bags are already at the airport."

Jax cleared his throat. "There is just one more thing I want you to take with you."

"Certainly. What is that?"

Brenda walked to the top of the stairs with Jillian in her arms as the doorbell then rang. Jax walked over to open the door. "Only this."

Jax opened the door and as he moved away from it, Addie saw Erin in the doorway. "Erin."

Erin walked into the house and hugged her mother. "Hello Mom."

Tears streamed from Addie's eyes as she held her daughter tightly. "How can you be here? What about your exams, young lady?"

Erin pulled away slightly from her mother's grasp. "I arranged to take my exams yesterday after Mr. Jacks called me two nights ago."

Addie wiped the tears from her eyes. "So you are coming to Palm Beach with me?"

Erin nodded. "Of course, do you know how many gorgeous guys will be on the beach now?"

Addie laughed. "I can't believe I will be able to spend a few days with you before you have to go back for your internship."

Erin smiled as she looked over at Jax and then back at Addie. "Actually, my internship does not start for another four weeks now so you will have to get used to seeing my face for a few weeks."

Addie's face brightened even more. "Four weeks? How?"

Erin again looked at Jax before answering. "Well, it seems that Mr. Jacks is acquainted with Chief Justice Brennan's son."

Addie turned around to face Jax as a fresh deluge of tears surfaced. Jax handed her a handkerchief and she then hugged him. "I will never be able to thank you for this."

"You already have, Addie. You already have."

At the top of the stairs, tears rolled down Brenda's cheeks as she watched the embrace at the door. Jillian turned to her and brought her small hand to Brenda's face. "Mommy, why are you crying?"

Brenda whispered to her. "Because I am so happy. Jillian, you and Mommy are the luckiest two people on this earth."

Jillian looked down the steps and then back at Brenda. "Is that why Miss Addie is crying too?"

Brenda nodded her head. "Yes. Miss Addie is happy because she has her little girl." Brenda hugged Jillian tightly in her arms. "Just like Mommy."

Jillian smiled as Brenda kissed her cheeks. Brenda then looked down the stairs again and her eyes met Jax's gaze. She did not know how she could love him anymore but every day, her love for him grew. Brenda smiled brightly at Jax as she looked forward to spending the rest of life trying to figure it out.

The Jacks Residence -- 10:30pm

Music from the CD player played softly as Jax walked out of the bathroom after his shower. His golden locks had been towel dried and a loose tendril of his damp hair had fallen onto his forehead. The belt of his white terrycloth bathrobe hung at his sides untied, revealing his well-toned chest and abdomen. He was wearing a pair of black satin boxers and was barefoot. Jax sighed deeply as he walked into the living room area of the master suite. He pushed back the curtain of the french door and looked out into the dark night. The stars were bright and the leaves on the trees were gently rustling. It was peaceful and Jax longed to feel the same sense of peace himself right now. His thoughts drifted to Addie and he wondered if she had found any peace in Palm Beach with Erin.

Brenda walked into the master suite after shutting off all the lights downstairs, letting Lady in for the night and then checking on Jillian. She was dressed for bed in her short raspberry satin pajama set. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she also was barefoot. Brenda stood in the doorway for a moment and exhaled softly as she watched Jax standing in the moonlight. She hated how tormented he was about everything going on with Addie and the company.

Jax looked toward her as Brenda entered the bedroom area of the master suite. "All quiet?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes, both Jillian and the tulip garden annihilator, masquerading as an innocent fur ball, are asleep."

Jax cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. Lady probably senses how important those gardens are to you and she just wants to feel close to you by being there."

Brenda raised her right eyebrow. "I don't think so. Since I do not dig up the bulbs nor do I eat the petals off the flowers nor shred up the leaves, I don't think Lady is trying to imitate me or feel close to me."

Jax smiled slightly. "Are you sure?"

Brenda folded her arms in front of her. "Very funny. That four-legged beast is simply a tulip exterminator and she is walking a very fine line right now."

Jax tried unsuccessfully to suppress his laughter as he remembered the scene late this afternoon when Lady was running around the back yard with a mouthful of pink petals as Brenda was chasing after her. When Brenda caught her, Lady had spit out all the pink petals at Brenda's feet. It had been the bright spot of the day for him thus far.

She sighed in exasperation at the sound of Jax's laughter. Brenda walked over to him and swatted his arm. "Listen here, mister, it is not funny."

Jax composed himself enough to speak. "We will keep her out of the side yard for the time being in hopes that it will cure her curiosity about the tulips."

Brenda shook her head. "She had better break that habit very quickly or she will be banished and shipped off to live with Jerry and his continual torment."

Jax chuckled again. "Well, that would be enough to scare the daylights out of anyone, even Lady."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "We shall see. That is one obstinate animal."

Jax flashed Brenda a lopsided grin. "She is just one of three strong-willed females in this house. And just one of three females in this house who has me wrapped around their finger, or paw in this case."

Brenda laughed softly. "I am glad you understand the arrangement about what your position is in this house."

Jax gave her a salute. "Yes ma'am."

The phone then rang and Jax walked over to the table to pick it up. Brenda sighed deeply again knowing that the call would be from Charlie and that the troubles for J & J Jacks would once again be on Jax's mind. She moved behind Jax and wrapped her arms around his waist as he talked to Charlie. Brenda rested her cheek against Jax's back while he spoke to Charlie about Addie's trip and the status of the surveillance.

After a few moments, Jax finished his call. Brenda snuggled closer to him. "How are Addie and Erin?"

Jax gently removed Brenda's hands from his waist and turned to face her. "They arrived safely a few hours ago and they are in the hotel for the night."

Brenda took his hands again. "Are you okay?"

Jax nodded but Brenda could see the pain in his eyes. "I will be."

Brenda moved one hand to his face. "I know how worried you are about Addie and I love you for it." Her voice was filled with emotion. "And what you did to enable Erin to spend the next few weeks with Addie... If I was not already head over heels in love with you, I would be based purely on that one act. Jax, do you know how incredible you are?"

Jax sighed. "I know how much you and Jillian have meant to me during all of this. I thought Erin could do the same for Addie."

Brenda's eyes glistened with love and admiration. "You are the sweetest, most loving, and generous man I have ever met and I thank God every day that you are in my life and Jillian's. We love you and we are going to be here for you now and always."

Jax turned his cheek into the soft skin of her palm and kissed it. "I love you both so much."

"Baby, you don't have to do this alone nor do you have to be the brave one all the time. Let me take care of you."

Jax cradled her face in his hands. "You are such a silly one. Brenda, you are there for me every day with your support. You love me and I could not ask for more than that in this life."

Brenda smiled brightly at Jax. "Oh, Jax... Honey, I love you so much."

Jax's eyes gleamed with love and desire. "I could never live without you."

Brenda whispered to him. "You will never be given the chance."

A moment later their lips had merged in a fiery display of passion. Jax lifted Brenda to him as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Their mouths took part in a complete exploration of each other as Jax carried Brenda to the chaise lounge. He gently placed her on the lounge chair and their lips parted just long enough for Jax to shed the robe from his shoulders. Their eyes met as the moonlight shined through the skylight. Jax murmured in an almost breathless whisper. "Brenda, I need you so much." Brenda outstretched her hands to him. "Baby, I'm all yours." Then as the sparks of instantaneous combustion surrounded them, Jax quickly eased on top of her as Brenda's hands lovingly cradled his face.

For all I've been blessed with in this life
There was an emptiness in me
I was imprisoned by the power of gold
With one touch, you set me free

Torrents of passion shot through them as their mouths hungrily met again. Jax removed the clip from Brenda's hair, freeing her curls to frame her face. His hands were lost in the thickness of her soft tresses. Brenda threaded her fingers through Jax's blonde hair and his hands then moved to her stomach. He pushed up the satin material of her pajama top. His hands moved across the silky skin of her stomach before cupping the firmness of her chest.

Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you

Brenda moaned into Jax's mouth as his thumbs traced over her chest. The pink skin immediately hardened into stiff points beneath Jax's gentle touch. He released her lips and quickly lifted the satin top over her head. Jax slid further down the chaise lounge and brought his mouth to her soft orb. Brenda grasped his golden locks between her fingers as his mouth explored her. She loudly gasped as his teeth nibbled at her firm skin. Jax exhaled ragged breaths as his lips, mouth and tongue devoured the sweetness of each delectable inch of her. His hunger intensified as each whimper of delight passed from Brenda's lips.

For every mountain I have climbed
Every raging river crossed
You were the treasure that I longed to find
Without your love, I would be lost

Currents of electricity were coursing through Jax's body. His desire was intense and he felt as if his heat would burn a hole right through the satin material of his boxers. Brenda lifted her hips and he pulled away the satin shorts of her pajama set. His boxers quickly were shed and Jax again moved on top of her. Jax gasped as he felt the warmth of her body beneath him. Jax cried out with desire from the pleasure she was giving him. He needed her so much, he needed to love her. His control was lost as his body strove to find the peace and satisfaction that only Brenda could give him.

Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you

Brenda knew he needed her and he was fighting his own desires to enable her to reach her own apex. Tonight, Jax needed her and that was all the mattered to her. "Jax, now. Let me just love you. Let me take care of you tonight." With a groan of pleasure, Jax moved inside her. It was only then that he knew how much he needed her. Brenda whimpered in ecstasy from the intensity of the love he was showing her. Jax loved the way her body responded to his touch. They fit so perfectly together and each caress, each touch, and each stroke was returned with the same level of intense passion.

I know that I won't live forever
But forever I'll be loving you

Amidst his moans of pleasure, Brenda murmured words of love. "I love you Jax. Come to me. Let go, baby." Jax cried out her name as his passion meter was in overdrive. Brenda grasped his strong forearms as their bodies moved together. She saw the fire behind the pools of blue gazing down at her. It was a union of sapphire meeting ebony as their eyes reflected the love within their souls. Brenda gasped as her entire body was filled with the feel of sunshine. Jax felt as though he were floating on air as his heart was overflowing with love. He then collapsed on top of Brenda as his skin glistened with beads of moisture.

If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you

Jax's terrycloth robe covered them as Brenda gently rubbed his back with one hand as the other hand stroked the back of his head. She kissed him on the forehead and on his cheek as she cradled Jax in her arms against the softness of her chest. Brenda whispered to him as Jax began to drift off to sleep. "I love you, baby. I am going to hold you all night." Jax murmured to her before sleep overtook him. "Thank you for loving me." A smile lit up Jax's face as he fell asleep. Brenda had given him love and support and tonight, she had seen to it that he had found some peace as well. His heart and soul had been fulfilled.

Thursday, May 24, 2001
J & J Jacks -- 12:30pm

It had been a very busy and productive five days since Addie had left for Palm Beach and Paul Hogan and his inside contact at McBride's company had discovered McBride's plans to expand his partnership. In addition, everything was in place in Munich in anticipation of the union work slow-downs which were due to begin this evening. Jax had also made some arrangements in London and in Cheshire and the surrounding areas in Great Britain to provide additional problems for Harrison once his plans in the Munich factories went awry.

Andrew and Addie had returned to Port Charles last night after successfully completing the Reynolds Aluminum deal. Addie and Erin had been able to spend some time together in Florida and Addie's disposition already showed a marked improvement. In an effort to keep the details of Erin's travel arrangements from Harrison, the jet had made a stop in Atlanta where Erin would spend the night before taking a commercial flight to Port Charles tomorrow afternoon. The trip had been successful in many ways -- the Reynolds deal was completed; Addie had gotten a chance to get away from Port Charles for a few days; and since Addie and her lapel pin were hundreds of miles away, Harrison had lost his "ears" into the inner workings of J & J Jacks.

The "private" data base at the office was still being accessed each night but it was only providing Harrison with false information. The actual data base was still being kept in the guest room at Jax and Brenda's house. Harrison's routine had remained the same and it was apparent that his suspicions were still not aroused. Jax's intuition had once again proved correct, Harrison was overly confident which was the weakest trait an opponent could display. And if Rex was anywhere near as arrogant and stubborn as his father, it was going to be like taking candy from a baby.

The daytime union shifts had ended ninety minutes ago in Europe and just as Thao and his associates had discovered, the work slow-down began at the factories with the evening work shifts. Within twenty minutes, the replacement labor force was in place. Thao had called a half hour ago to alert everyone that matters were under control. The security forces in place had prevented any repercussions and the union workers were now off the company properties. The plants in the rest of Europe were quiet for the time being.

Confirmation from the Swiss bank had also been received that the funds from Harrison's shell account had been sent to the Munich account for the union. The funds were sent just before the close of the business day and would show up in the union's account first thing tomorrow morning. A half hour ago in Munich as the last entry on the court docket for the day, the lawyers for J & J Jacks had received a signed decree from the magistrate freezing the union accounts. The court decree would be served on the bank as soon as the institution's doors opened in the morning.

Jerry and Jax were in the conference room, having just apprised John and Jane via telephone of the situation in Munich. John and Jane were travelling to Port Charles tomorrow morning to assist with the plans for Europe and Australia for the next few days. Also Jane would be attending Lucy's baby shower on Saturday that Brenda, Julia and Felicia were giving.

Charlie's team had just completed another sweep of the office and he walked into the conference room and spoke to both Jerry and Jax. "Everything is completely clean. The cars are being checked as we speak."

Jax nodded. "What about Addie's pin?"

"Inactive. Those devices are generally only functional for seventy-two to ninety-six hours. I understand from Addie that Harrison was planning to pay her a visit this weekend."

Jerry turned to Charlie. "I wonder what `gift' he had planned to give her this time? A bracelet perhaps or a pen fully equipped with a listening device?"

Jax took a deep breath. His blood still boiled at the thought that Addie still was even speaking to Harrison. "Something tells me that Harrison will be much too busy this weekend to be paying a visit to Addie."

Jerry sarcastically laughed. "You think so? I guess scrambling does take quite a bit of time."

Jax rubbed his hands together as he spoke to Charlie. "I want you to double the security force on Addie's house and put two extra men on Harrison's surveillance team. If he gets within fifty miles of here or if you sense anything amiss, she and Erin will be out of Port Charles on the next plane and my mother, Julia, Brenda and Jillian will be with them. Chuck is on standby at the hanger to leave at a moment's notice."

Charlie nodded his head. "It will be taken care of immediately and everything is in place for the security at the Scorpio residence tomorrow for Mrs. Collins' party." Charlie then picked up his phone to make the arrangements for the additional security measures.

Jerry turned to Jax. "All the precautions are in place but Harrison would be a fool to get anywhere near here. It would also be completely out of character for him to make a drastic move."

Jax sat up in his chair. "I don't expect any trouble but I am not taking any chances. Desperate people can take extreme measures and Harrison will be desperate tomorrow once he learns the unions have no access to his money. He will also know that we are on to the plan and possibly his role in it as well."

Jerry drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "Yes, but he will be so busy trying to cover his own bases and recruiting his partners that he will not have time for any desperate measures."

Jax sighed deeply. "I hope so but we will be prepared for anything."

Charlie finished his call and then spoke to Jax. "Everything is in place. What is the plan for Addie when Harrison calls this evening?"

"She is going to tell him that Erin arrived late this afternoon for a surprise visit in hopes that it will give him an excuse to cancel his trip to Port Charles this weekend. That is why we arranged for Erin to arrive on a commercial flight this afternoon from Atlanta."

Charlie nodded. "Everything was taken care of on the Sacramento end in case Harrison looks into her arrangements. Erin's ticket was issued in Sacramento and it will look like she flew from Sacramento to Atlanta to New York rather than just the last leg from Atlanta this afternoon."

Jerry shifted in his seat. "And if Harrison still expresses an interest to come to Port Charles?"

Jax exhaled slowly. "Then we will have to treat the situation as though Harrison is fully aware of our knowledge of his role. We will get Addie out of town on a family emergency and figure out when and if it is safe enough for her to return."

Jerry patted his palm against his thigh. "Harrison is twisting in the wind as we speak after hearing that the Munich labor action was stymied. I will lay odds that he will jump at the excuse to cancel his trip here."

Jax swept his hair from his forehead. "My gut tells me that will be the case. It will give us a few more days before we have to make a bold move and we need the time for McBride."

Jerry nodded his head. "That we do. We need to neutralize him before those contracts come up in two weeks."

Charlie spoke to them both. "When does Hogan think he will have more information?"

Jax stood up and walked to the conference room window. "He should have an update over the weekend."

"Good." Charlie rose from his seat. "I will go check on the progress of the security team."

Jerry stood up and moved toward the door. "Charlie, I will come with you. I want to check on the arrangements for next week." Jerry then glanced over his shoulder at Jax. "Jax, I will see you at 3:30 for the meeting with Scott. We have quite a bit to go over to ensure that we have everything in place before the end of the month."

Jax acknowledged Jerry's remarks with a wave before turning back to the window. Jax sighed as he stared out while the final words of Jerry's statement echoed in his mind. "...the end of the month." May 31st was just a week away. Jax closed his eyes as he thought back to the last day of May five years before. It had been the start of a bigger and better life than even he had dreamed. Jax leaned against the bookcase and whispered into the sunshine streaming through the window. "Five years, Brenda." He smiled. "We won't be sailing around the world or gambling in Monte Carlo or dancing in Paris but I promise we will be together."

"Honey, that is the only thing that matters." Brenda smiled as Jax turned around to see her standing behind him with a bag of Chinese take-out.

Jax took the bag from Brenda and placed it on the bookcase and then took both of her hands. "You're right. It is all that matters."

Jax took Brenda in his arms and pulled her close to him. Brenda snuggled into his embrace and smiled brightly as she listened to the sound of his steady heartbeat. It had been five years and it still was the most incredible sound she had ever heard. And Brenda fully intended to be listening to the wonderful sound for at least the next fifty years.

The Barrett/Jacks Penthouse -- 7:30pm

Jerry walked into the dark penthouse and collapsed onto the couch. It had been another exhausting week and there was still tomorrow and a weekend full of work for him to look forward to. It had been like this for weeks since so much time and energy were being used to keep one step ahead of the crisis at J & J Jacks.

Jerry loosened his tie and closed his eyes wondering when Julia would return home. She had left the office two hours before to meet Brenda to pick up some last minute items for Lucy's baby shower on Saturday. Jerry sighed as he thought back to Julia's inconsistent moods over the past few weeks about Lucy and the baby. One week Julia was depressed and anguished about Lucy's anticipated bundle of joy, the next week she was the complete opposite, acting as if she was the head cheerleader for Lucy. And then the following week, Julia completely shut herself off and refused to even discuss anything remotely close to the topic. It was driving Jerry nuts.

Jerry had spoken to Brenda about it last weekend and he knew that Brenda was worried about Julia as well. He had heard Brenda tell Julia that she and Jillian would go pick up the last minute things for the shower but Julia had insisted that she accompany Brenda. Jerry did not think Julia needed to be planning and organizing a baby shower in the frame of mind she was in now but Julia had been determined to help Brenda and Felicia.

To make matters even more complicated, Julia's secretary, Sally, had just announced her own pregnancy. As happy as he was for Sally, Jerry could not help but wonder how well Julia was going to deal with looking at her pregnant secretary every day for months. Sally had been concerned as well and she had told Jerry of her pregnancy before anyone else in the office in order to determine his feelings on how Julia would react. Jerry had almost laughed when Sally had asked him about Julia's mood. Unfortunately, he knew no better than anyone else. It was as if her moods were dependent on which direction the wind was blowing.

Jerry heard footsteps approaching and then the key in the front door. He turned around and saw Julia and Brenda entering the living room numerous carrying shopping bags.

Jerry shook his head. "What did you two do, buy out the store?"

Julia put down her shopping bags. "Jerry, you should see the things we bought. The rest of the things are in the lobby so I need you to come down and help me."

Jerry looked at her as if she were crazy. "There is more? Are Lucy and Kevin having sextuplets all of a sudden?"

"I will show it all to you when it is up here. I have to get it wrapped. You should see the adorable teddy bears I bought and the toys to tie to the bows for each package."

Jerry gave her an incredulous look but Julia was so busy rattling off what she had purchased that she did not even notice. Jerry looked over at Brenda whose face showed a look which could only be defined as one of concern.

Jerry's eyes met Brenda's and then he turned to Julia. "Let me just quickly get changed and I will meet you downstairs to bring up the rest of the things."

Julia smiled. "Okay, but hurry. You are just going to love these things."

Jerry then looked over at Brenda. "Brenda, Jax called and wanted you to call him as soon as you arrived."

Brenda caught the signal Jerry was sending to her. "Thank you." She turned to Julia. "I will quickly call Jax and then meet you downstairs as well."

Julia walked toward the door. "I will send the elevator up for the two of you."

Brenda forced a smile on her face. "We will be waiting."

As soon as the front door closed, Jerry turned to Brenda. "What the hell is going on?"

Brenda sighed loudly as she shook her head. "She has been like this for the past hour and a half."

Jerry put his head in his hands as he leaned against the arm of the couch. "What happened?"

Brenda continued. "I met her at Wyndham's and she seemed a little down. I told her that I could handle picking up everything but she said she was fine. We split up in the children's department and she went to pick up some layette accessories. I met her over there and just as I did, the saleswoman came over to her and asked her how old her baby was."

Jerry exhaled deeply. "I see."

Brenda shook her head. "After that, it was like she was in overdrive. I asked her if she was all right and she told me I was hovering. Then she started talking about how happy she was for Lucy and Kevin and how adorable the baby would look in this and that and the forty minutes later, she had bought enough items to equip Lucy's nursery twice over."

Jerry rubbed his right temple. "I don't know what to do with her. I am afraid it is going to get worse. You do know about Sally?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes, Jax told me. And there are things for Sally's baby downstairs as well. I am telling you, we could not fit everything into her car. My trunk and back seat are filled as well."

Jerry began pacing. "She has been like this on and off for three weeks now."

Brenda sighed in frustration. "I have tried to talk to her but I am not the answer. Do you think she would talk to a professional?"

"I don't know. She shuts herself off so much lately."

Brenda shook her head as she remembered being in the same position herself a year ago. "Well, I know from experience that there is not much that can be done until you decide you want to be helped."

Jerry quickly unbuttoned his shirt. "Let me throw some clothes on and get downstairs before she buys anything else."

They met Julia downstairs and carried up all the gifts and piled them in the guest room. Brenda then left in order to get home in time to say good night to Jillian.

Jerry walked into the guest room as Julia got undressed. He surveyed the assortment of items and shook his head. He walked back into the bedroom as Julia was slipping into a pair of linen slacks.

Julia looked over at him. "Why the furrowed brow, Jerry?"

Jerry took a deep breath before he answered. "Julia, I am worried about you."

Julia grimaced. "Has my sister been fretting about me again?"

Jerry folded his arms in front of him. "Julia, did you really take a look at what you bought? The guest room could be the infant department at Wyndham's."

Julia sighed in exasperation. "Jerry, so I may have overindulged. Who the hell cares? Between Lucy and Sally and my manicurist, there are three people around me having children and I wanted to give them some gifts. Is that a crime?"

Jerry struggled to keep his voice level. "Julia, it is not just the gifts. There is nothing wrong with buying your friends and associates some nice things but I am afraid you are avoiding the real issue here."

"So you are now Sigmund Freud?"

Jerry's voice had a definite edge to it now. "Julia, stop it."

Julia buttoned her peach linen blouse. "I wish you would decide how you would like me to act. First, you complain that I am too depressed and now you are worried because I am showing some interest in the pregnancies of some friends."

Jerry walked over to her. "I want you to be honest with yourself for God's sake."

Julia felt her jaw tighten. "You want me to honest with myself, okay. Maybe I did buy three times as much as I should have at Wyndham's for Lucy and Sally and Terri. Maybe I did it for the sole fact that I will never be buying layettes or teddy bears or receiving blankets for a child of mine."

"Julia, you don't know that."

A sarcastic laugh was expelled from her lips. "Now who is the one who is not being honest with himself?"

"Sweetheart." Jerry reach out for her hand but she pulled away from him.

She laughed again. "Do you realize the irony behind Brenda and I giving this baby shower for Lucy. The Barrett sisters, one who can't get pregnant and one who won't get pregnant. We are quite a pair, aren't we?"

Jerry's voice was filled with anguish. "Julia, please."

She shook her head. "You wanted honesty and you got it. Maybe next time, you will decide that avoidance is much easier."

Jerry walked over to her again and grabbed both of her hands. "Let me in, Julia. Don't battle this alone."

Julia pulled her hands away from his grasp. "It is late and I need to get something ready for dinner."

"Forget about the damned dinner."

Julia sighed. "Leave it be, Jerry."

Jerry reached out and touched her face. "Don't do this. Please."

Julia swallowed hard. "I can't get into this now. I'm sorry."

Julia then turned and walked out of the bedroom. Jerry sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands. The ache in his chest had increased threefold in the past half hour. He had never before known what it felt to hurt for someone you loved but he had quickly become an expert.

Meanwhile, Julia had hurried to the kitchen before she collapsed against the wall for support. Her legs trembled beneath her as her heart clamored in her chest. Julia was in agony but she could not share it with Jerry. She could not share it with anyone. It was her own private heartache and she needed to wallow in it. It was the only control she had left in the whole situation.

Saturday, May 26, 2001
J & J Jacks -- 2:00pm

The conference area looked more like the strategy room at the Pentagon during the height of war. Laptops, fax machines, cell phones, financial data and stock reports were scattered about the room. John, Jerry, Jax and Charlie had been at the office since dawn reviewing the latest information about Harrison's endeavors in Europe and McBride's activities in Australia.

It had been forty-eight hours since the union work slow-down in Munich had been countered by J & J Jacks with a supplemental work force, thereby preventing any disruption in the production at the factories. Once the Munich bank had opened yesterday morning and it had become public knowledge that the union accounts had been frozen, the fall-out had begun immediately. The Munich union was forced into a defensive mode as it attempted to reverse the action against the bank accounts. After learning of the problems faced by the Munich union, the other major unions throughout Western Europe refused to initiate their own labor strikes for fear that their assets would also be frozen. The counterattack had succeeded and Harrison had been left twisting in the wind with the majority of his cash now frozen in the Munich union accounts.

John slowly stroked his beard. "Sons, you anticipated Harrison's moves perfectly."

Jerry nodded. "Harrison played right into our hands just as Jax had predicted. Even down to the fact that he canceled his plans to travel to Port Charles, citing Erin's visit with Addie as his excuse."

Jax looked up from his laptop. "Thao and Charlie's contact and even Ned Ashton's information were a tremendous help. We got a few breaks."

John turned to Jax. "Don't sell yourself short. You make your own breaks, son."

Jerry rubbed his palms together. "I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Harrison received the call about the levy on the account."

Charlie sat down next to Jerry. "How long do you think you can tie up the accounts before you face legal action?"

Jerry tilted his head. "We have a few days and an ironclad contract which allows for such legal recourse." He laughed. "They don't have a leg to stand on. The union representative signed the damned thing."

John proudly grinned at Jax. "Including that conspiracy language in those contracts was a brilliant move."

Jerry snickered. "Dad, you mean burying the conspiracy language in the fine print."

Jax lifted his eyes from the latest financial data on McBride's holdings. "This coming from the king of well concealed terms and appendages."

Jerry boastfully patted himself on the back and then began strutting around the table. "Thank you, thank you. Just throw money."

Jax rolled his eyes. "Money? You are so delusional. Where are the rotten eggs when you need them?"

Jerry gave Jax an empathetic look. "Poor little brother. It must be so difficult to live in my shadow."

John spoke without looking up from his laptop. "Jerry, it is time to come up for air."

Jax chuckled and Jerry folded his arms in front of him in a mock pout. "Daaad, Jasper started it."

"Zip that mouth shut, Jeremiah." Jax picked up a rubber band from the conference table and shot it at Jerry.

"Ouch!" Jerry picked up the rubber band which had hit him in the chest and fired it back at Jax. "Make me, Jasper."

John lowered his glasses so that they sat on the end of his nose. "Knock it off both of you and get back to work."

Charlie could not refrain from laughing at the scene before him. He turned to John. "It must have been quite interesting in the Jacks household with these two."

John exhaled slowly. "It was a bloody nightmare but their mother refused to leave them on the side of the road in the middle of the night as I suggested." John shook his head. "The poor woman was often delusional from all the alcohol she had to drink in order to get through the day with these two."

Jerry put his finger to his lips. "Shhh. Dad, you know Mum's drinking is a family secret."

Jax choked back his laughter. "And Mum has those bionic ears so you know her antenna just went up at Lucy's baby shower."

Jerry sighed. "Uh-oh! Someone is in big trouble."

Everyone laughed and then Addie entered the conference room with four copies of the report which had just been sent by Paul Hogan concerning McBride's plans in Australia. It was time to get back to business.

John thumbed through the latest balance sheets on McBride's companies. "He is positioning the holding companies for a major acquisition."

Jerry cleared his throat. "Look at the disbursements to Atlas."

Jax shook his head. "Since we now know that Atlas is merely a front for the mining coalition, it is evident what those funds were for."

Jerry nodded. "Unfortunately, we do. McBride has seen to it that the coalition will have us over a barrel when those contracts come up for renewal in two weeks."

Charlie put down the report. "So that I have this straight in my own mind, McBride is providing funds to the coalition as an inducement to steer its members away from doing business with J & J Jacks?"

John looked at Charlie. "Exactly. If any of our suppliers agree to renew our contracts, those suppliers will lose the endorsement of the coalition and therefore lose any hope of getting any future business from any member of the coalition."

Jerry sighed deeply. "We need to get McBride on the defensive in order to squelch his influence over the coalition. And we need to find a way to do it very quickly."

Charlie took a deep breath. "And while you were going to be scrambling in Australia, Harrison planned to have the unions wreaking havoc all over Europe."

Jax threaded his fingers through the top of his hair. "And with Asia still in limbo even without Peterson at the helm, another continent would be in chaos."

Jerry shifted in his seat. "A definite divide and conquer approach."

John leaned back against his chair. "It is generally the most successful tactic. It is very difficult to effectively defend an assault when you are fighting it from all angles."

Jerry folded his arms in front of him. "But it is not all angles. There still has been no movement on North America with the exception of the tariff issues in Canada. Doesn't that strike you as peculiar?"

Jax nodded. "Very. There is something there. I am convinced it has to do with the unknown fourth partner."

Jerry shook his head. "It is incredible that we can't even get a trace on this unknown party. It is almost as if they do not exist."

Charlie turned to Jerry. "But someone put the parties together and we know from Peterson that McBride had been taking direction from an unknown party. And we also know that McBride, Peterson and Harrison can only pull off so much without the influx of additional assets."

John responded. "We know there is another faction in the wings and I was certain Harrison's setback in Europe over the past two days would have forced his hand, but we have no more information than we did two weeks ago."

Jax got up from his seat and started pacing around the table. He felt as if his mind was in overdrive as he strove to un-clutter his thoughts. John looked up at him. "What is it,son?"

Jax flexed his fingers as he moved about the conference room. "There is something else going on here. I can feel it."

Jerry swiveled his chair around to face Jax. "Are you still thinking about the possibility of a hidden agenda by the mystery partner?"

Jax leaned against the bookcases. "Yes. Harrison is scrambling and there is still no evidence of assistance from the partnership. McBride's funds are tied up in Melbourne with the plan concerning the coalition and Peterson is underground. Europe is unraveling and there has been no outside effort to stop it. And Harrison will not be able to do it alone."

Charlie's cell phone then rang. He picked it up and received the information and ended the call. "That was Hopkins in London. Harrison has been in contact with the brokerage house. He also has made some inquiries about interest in the manor house and estate."

Jax nodded. "What a surprise?"

Charlie lifted his right eyebrow. "It seems that Harrison will be the one in for a surprise. It appears that all the surrounding land within a fifty kilometer radius of the Harrison family estate has been purchased."

Jerry looked over at Jax and then back at Charlie. "Really?"

Charlie continued. "Yes,and it seems that the new landowner has spread the word that the surrounding land will be deeded back to the county upon the transfer of any portion of the Harrison estate. The county will receive the surrounding land under the condition that the county take back the Harrison estate in a condemnation action, thereby negating the sale and providing Harrison with no value for his estate. There would likely be legal action but that would take years and significant fees."

John smirked as he looked at Jax. "Son, you always were such a fan of the English countryside."

Jerry sighed loudly as he remembered back to Jax's statement about breaking Harrison for what he had done to Addie. "Taking away the use of Harrison's only remaining asset? What a shame."

Jax's eyes were like steel. "A damned shame."

John tapped his index finger on the table. "If there is going to be any assistance for Harrison, we will see it once this news is out."

Jerry shook his head in agreement. "Until then, we have to watch our backs even more carefully. Our movement in Europe was costly and we are still reeling in Asia. We are sitting in a very vulnerable position right now for anyone."

John pushed his chair away from the table. "We are sitting ripe for the taking by any major player right now."

Jax took a sharp intake of air. "And we will most certainly have to expend numerous resources in Australia to deal with McBride, once we determine the best course there. We will open ourselves up even further for a take-over then."

John stood up. "Prepare yourselves. That is half the battle."

Jerry nodded. "Hogan is working on McBride's strategy and Charlie's contacts are still gathering information in Melbourne and Australia."

Charlie piped in. "We will keep a very close watch on Harrison to see what he does to stop the harm caused to his plan. Once he finds out about the estate, he will be in a full panic mode and hopefully will get sloppy."

Jax rubbed his hands together. "Thao will keep an eye on the unions and the extra security will stay in full force until the threat of violence and backlash is removed."

John took a deep breath. "And in the meantime, we will be watching our fronts, sides and backs. We are in the homestretch and every decision in critical. The games have truly begun."

The Jacks Residence -- 5:00pm

Jillian scurried up the front steps ahead of Brenda and Jane as they arrived home from Lucy's baby shower. Jillian had seen Jax's car in the garage and knew he was home from the office. Brenda opened the front door and Jillian skipped into the foyer.

Jillian called out. "Daddy, I am home."

Jax laughed as he sat on the couch and tossed a ball for Lady to fetch. "Lady and I are in the den, princess."

Jillian hurried down the hall as the heels of her black patent leather shoes tapped against the oriental carpets. Brenda and Jane shook their heads as they followed behind her.

Jillian vaulted across the room as Jax held out his arms to her. "Princess, you look so beautiful in your new pink dress."

She hugged him and smiled as she laid her head against his chest. "Mommy put the little white flowers in my hair. They looks like edelweiss."

Jax ignored the look from Brenda and the reference to the Sound of Music. "They are lovely." Jax kissed the top of Jillian's silky smooth hair. "You smell so good. Just like Mommy."

Jillian flashed him a smile as bright as the desert sun. "Mommy used her shampoo in the pretty bottle -- the nilla flavor."

Brenda smiled as she next to Jax on the sofa. "It is vanilla scented."

Jillian nodded in understanding. "Vanilla." She then turned to Jax. "But Daddy, it is not like vanilla wafers."

Jax stroked her cheek. "It isn't?"

Jillian giggled. "No, Daddy, you can't put cookies in your hair. That is silly."

"Yes, that would be silly." Jax kissed her cheek again. "Did you have a good time at your first shower?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Yes. Brooke and I helped Aunt Lucy open all the presents."

Jax grinned at her. "That was very nice of you and Brooke."

Jillian smiled. "And Grandma Lila gave us peppermints from her purse."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "Yes, Ms. Jillian, after you and Brooke asked her to open her purse so they could see if she had any candy."

Jax turned to Jillian. "Jillian, we have talked about this. You don't ask for candy from Grandma Lila. If she asks you if you want some, then you can say thank you and take a piece."

Jillian's eyes widened. "Daddy, Grandma Lila has candy just for Brooke and me in her purse. Reginald gets it at the candy store for us. And Grandma Lila has a big, big purse."

Jax bit his bottom lip to suppress a grin. "Jillian, that is very nice but please remember to wait until Grandma Lila asks if you want any candy."

Jillian sighed as she crawled up into Jax's lap. "Yes, Daddy. It is hard to remember, especially when Grandma Lila has the big brown purse." Jillian's eyes were like sapphire saucers. "It has so much candy in it."

Jax chuckled as he wrapped one arm around Jillian and took Brenda's hand with his other free hand. "I know it is hard but try very hard."

"I will, Daddy." Jillian then looked at Brenda. "Mommy, don't you think Grandma Lila is so pretty just like Sister Margareta in The Sound of Music?"

Brenda nodded. "I sure do."

Jax rolled his eyes and then turned to Brenda and kissed her softly on the lips. "How are you, sweetie?"

Brenda nodded. "Okay." She then pushed a lock of hair from Jax's forehead. "How are you? You look tired. Did you just get home?"

Jax stroked the inside of her palm with his fingers. "I am fine, we are making some progress. Dad and I came home about an hour ago."

Brenda smiled. "We missed you this morning."

Jillian agreed. "Yes, Daddy, you and Grandpa were gone when I woke up." She then hugged Jax tightly. "You missed your hug."

Jax took a deep breath. "Thank you Jillian. I missed you and Mommy too." He looked over at Jane. "Mum, Dad is upstairs. I convinced him to lie down for a little while."

Jane smiled. "Are you sure you did not put a tranquilizer in his tea? He has been driving me crazy with his imitation of the Energizer Bunny."

Jax laughed. "No tranquilizer from me but you may want to check with Jerry."

Lady then began barking since Jax had stopped their game of fetch with the ball.

Jillian put her hands on her hips. "Lady, you are too loud. Grandpa is sleeping."

Lady continued to bark and then picked up the ball. Jax shook his head at the pup. "Jealous, I see?"

Lady walked over to the couch and barked while still holding the ball tightly between her teeth. She sounded more like a talking toy with very low batteries than a barking dog.

Jillian covered her mouth as she giggled loudly. "Lady sounds so funny."

Brenda leaned over and took the ball from Lady's mouth. "Is that any way to ask someone to play with you?" Lady sat down in front of Brenda and looked at her with sad eyes.

Brenda rolled her eyes. "You are ridiculous. I don't know why I even care about a tulip mutilator."

Lady started to cry and Brenda let out an exasperated sigh before rolling the ball toward the door. Brenda then gave Jax a warning look. "Don't you say a word."

Jax gave her a lopsided grin. "Me? Would I ever say anything?"

"Of course not." Brenda swatted him on the arm. "Excuse me, did I just accidentally hit you?"

Lady brought the ball back to Jax and he took it from the dog and handed it to Jillian. "Remember, we roll and do not throw the ball in the house."

Jax dipped Jillian down so that she could drop the ball and roll it. She did and as it rolled a few inches away, he discreetly kicked it so that it rolled all the way across the room.

Brenda exchanged a gaze with Jax as she clapped her hands. "Very good, Jillian. What a good roll."

Jane nodded. "Very good, sweetheart."

Jillian beamed as Jax wrapped his arms more tightly around her.

Brenda sighed softly. "Since Lady has such a talented pitcher, I am going to go upstairs and get out of these clothes." She turned to Jillian. "Jillian, you can spend some time with Daddy and then we will go upstairs and change your clothes so you don't mess up your new dress."

"Okay, Mommy. I will be here with Daddy and Grandmom and Lady."

Jax watched as Brenda rubbed her temple as she got up from the sofa. He let go of her hand. "Are you sure you are okay?"

Brenda patted his hand. "I'm fine. Don't worry. I will be back in a few minutes."

Jax's eyes followed Brenda until she was out of sight. He lifted Jillian from his lap and sat her at the other end of the couch with her favorite book and then turned to Jane. "Mum, how is she?"

Jane gave him a reassuring smile. "It was a little rough at one point but she got through it. She just needs a little time to herself."

Jax exhaled sharply. "She has had quite a bit to deal with over the past two weeks on top of all the problems at the company. In addition to throwing Lucy's baby shower, Mother's Day and the anniversary of Jimmy Martin's death, now another one of her original Kanga's Kradle patients is gravely ill."

Jane sighed. "She told me about Samantha and I know she is very upset."

Jax shook his head. "Sometimes I don't think it is every going to get any easier for any of us."

"I know, son, but it will. It is just not an overnight recovery."

Jillian closed her book and moved over to Jax. "Daddy, Mommy was only a little sad."

Jax pulled Jillian back into his lap. "Only a little sad?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Yes. Mommy just cried a teeny bit when Aunt Lucy opened the box with the brown bear with the bow."

Jax felt a sudden, sharp pain cut through his heart as he thought about Jamie's chocolate brown bear sitting in the cedar chest in the attic.

Jillian reached up and touched Jax's face. "But Daddy, I kissed Mommy and Mommy was not sad anymore."

Jane brushed a tear from the corner of her eye as she witnessed the love between her son and granddaughter.

Jax swallowed hard and found his voice. "You kissed her?"

Jillian nodded. "Right here, Daddy, just like when you kiss Mommy when she is sad." Jillian touched the top of both of Jax's cheekbones, right below the outer corner of each eye. "And Mommy did not cry anymore. She said I made her aaalll better just like Daddy does."

Jax hugged Jillian. "Thank you, princess. I am sure you made Mommy feel much better."

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven
And she's Daddy's little girl
As she drops to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all ....

Jillian pulled away from Jax slightly. She then kissed him below each of his eyes. "Daddy, now you can feel better too."

Jax saw the color of the ocean as he looked into Jillian's eyes. It was the same deep blue hue he viewed when he saw his own reflection in the mirror. "Yes, Jillian, I feel all better now. Butterfly kisses from you are better than any medicine Mommy and Daddy could ever get."

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayers
Sticking little white flowers all up in hair
Walk beside the pony Daddy, it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny Daddy, but I sure tried
Oh, of all that I've done wrong, I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night

Monday, May 27, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 11:00am

The weekend had proved to be very productive but also utterly exhausting. John, Jerry and Jax had met Charlie again early yesterday morning at the office. Paul Hogan and Charlie's associates had finally been able to get the final information about McBride's plans concerning the mining coalition and the strategy for toppling the J & J Jacks stronghold in Melbourne and the rest of Australia. A similar tactic was being used in Hong Kong even without Peterson. McBride still had a mole inside the plant and once Charlie had identified the person, Jax and Jerry had contacted Sam Peterson in his hideaway location. Peterson had been able to provide more pertinent internal information now that he knew which division of the plant the leaks were coming from.

Addie, Julia, Scott and Andrew had also been at the office assisting with plans to counterattack McBride's assault. Everyone had worked through the night and had then returned home at dawn this morning when the business day had ended in Australia and Hong Kong. There had been no evidence found that McBride had received any funds from an outside party and he had now sought the assistance of the three largest mining and industrial companies in Australia for a new partnership. His need for additional funding had created a major problem for his plans and that fact had caused him to be less than discreet over the past week in advancing his plot. It had given J & J Jacks an opening and it had further convinced Jax, and now John and Jerry, that the original partnership was actually a disjointed association rather than a united front.

The first steps of an intricate and risky plan against McBride had been instituted. J & J Jacks was going to try to beat McBride at his own game by attempting the same strategy against his companies and those of his three new partners. Just as McBride and the other members of the group had anticipated that the Jacks team would be so tied up resolving the strategically orchestrated problems of its vast holdings and thereby lose sight of the overall take-over plan, J & J Jacks was now working along the same line of thought. From the outside, J & J Jacks itself was going to look like a sleeping dog as its subsidiary companies attempted to control their own problems. But when McBride and his new partners prepared to make their final move, they would know first hand that they should have followed the advice of the adage and "let sleeping dogs lie."

The plan was not without risk as J & J Jacks would be forced to temporarily put itself in a position of vulnerability. For a few days, its weakness would be revealed and such exposure made the company susceptible to attack from McBride or anyone with a watchful eye. The timing would have to be impeccable and there would have to be a certain degree of gambling involved. If the inside information was incorrect or if McBride's strategy changed, the results could be lethal. And there was still the missing link of the fourth partner and his role in the scenario.

Harrison's scrambling of the past three days had provided some leads but nothing that provided a concrete answer as to the identity of the unknown party. It was evident that McBride had severed all ties and Peterson was out of the loop now so only the unnamed partner could provide Harrison with the funds to continue his plans. That had not happened thus far and Jax's instinct told him that it would never happen. It was as if the anonymous partner was laying in wait for the perfect moment to pounce or advance its own agenda. Any problems along the way of anyone else were of no concern. It was a "to each his own" approach.

Of course, Harrison had made some attempts and Charlie had been able to trace the multiple calls to Rio de Janeiro and the Dominican Republic as well as the Manhattan area. Through the tapping of Harrison's phone lines, Charlie knew that there were off-shore accounts involved with the unknown partner. That information added to the uneasiness of Jerry and Jax since it opened up the real possibility that the underworld or terrorists or other types of covert activity groups were involved. Harrison's messages and discussions had been made using code names thereby preventing the monitoring of the phone calls from yielding the actual identity of the partner. The code name for the unnamed party was appropriate -- Viper. As everyone left the J & J Jacks office this morning for some rest and relaxation on this Memorial Day holiday, Charlie's contacts were working feverishly around the globe to gather additional information.

It was a beautiful morning and the weather was going to be perfect for the annual Memorial Day picnic at the Quartermaines later this afternoon. As she pushed Jillian on the swings, Brenda could only hope that the festivities would give Jax, John, Jerry and Julia a few hours of respite from the turmoil going on at J & J Jacks.

Brenda helped Jillian off the swings and Jillian took Brenda's hand. "Mommy, can we go see if Snowflake there?"

Brenda smiled at the name that Jillian had given to the little white bird that so often sat atop Jamie's tree. "Yes, but we have to remember to be quiet since the windows are opened and Daddy is sleeping."

Jillian put her finger to her lips and spoke in a loud whisper. "I will whisper."

Brenda nodded as they approached the tulip gardens and the tree. "Good girl."

Jillian let go of Brenda's hand as they passed the white tulips. "I see him." Jillian then ran over to the tree and started speaking to the bird. "Hi Snowflake! I am going to a picnic at Grandma Lila's after my nap."

Brenda sat down on the stone bench and Jillian scurried over to her. "Mommy, Snowflake is here again."

Brenda put her hand on Jillian's shoulder. "I see he is."

The bird then began singing and Jillian put her finger to her lips. "Shhh Snowflake. Daddy is sleeping."

Jax walked up behind them from the terrace. "No, Daddy is not sleeping so Snowflake can keep singing for you."

Brenda turned around to face him and frowned slightly. "Jax, why aren't you in bed? You need to get some rest."

Jillian squealed. "Daddy, come sit next to me. Snowflake is here."

Jax sat down next to Brenda on the bench and lifted Jillian into his lap. "Well, at least you are happy to see me, princess."

Brenda gave him a small scowl. "Very funny. You have barely slept in the last five days and you are going to collapse if you keep this up."

Jax leaned over and kissed Brenda on the forehead. "I did get some rest but I missed the two of you."

Brenda traced her thumb along his jawline. "As much as I love the sound of that, you should still be in bed."

Jax sighed. "I know, sweetie, but the tossing and turning over the last hour was exhausting."

Brenda leaned toward him rested her forehead against his. "I am sorry. I wish I could help you."

A chipmunk then scampered across the walkway. Jillian squealed at the sight of him. "Look, a chimpmunk!"

Jax laughed. "That is a chipmunk, princess."

Jillian giggled. "I want to see where he ran."

Jax put Jillian down on the grass. "Okay, go see where he went. I think he is in the bushes."

Brenda shook her head. "Jillian, just look for him. Don't walk in the bushes since there are bees around."

As Jillian peeked in between the bushes, Brenda rested her head against Jax's shoulder. "Jax, I know you are driving yourself crazy trying to figure out who is behind this assault but I know something is going to happen to enable you to figure it out."

Jax took a sharp intake of air. "I know, but my mind is just racing. I know it is right in front of me and I am missing it."

Brenda looked up at him. "Maybe if you can get away from thinking about the problems every second, it will be easier. This is one time I am looking forward to your bantering with Edward. I am hoping it can give you something else to concentrate on for a few minutes."

Jax chuckled. "I don't know. I really doubt Edward wants to deal with me any sooner than he has to. He is already going crazy about the big ELQ board meeting for the year which is only two weeks from now. He is worrying about his votes for several major undertakings. Unfortunately, the timing could not be worse for me or I could have a field day with his psyche."

Brenda softly laughed. "You are right. Lois has said Ned is already a bear since he and Edward are at battle over some project which will go before the board."

"Yes, the company's poor showing in South America and some major family dissension about a few endeavors are making it quite interesting." Jax then flashed Brenda a huge grin. "If J & J Jacks were not in such chaos, it would be the perfect time to come in and take over. Especially since I have Robin's voting rights for the shares Corinthos transferred to her when he left the country."

Brenda rolled her eyes. "You are such a card today."

Jax shrugged. "Thank you, I try."

Brenda shook her head. "After hearing a few words from you like that, Edward will have a coronary this afternoon."

Jax laughed heartily. "We could put it to the test."

Brenda swatted Jax's arm. "Funny. Poor Edward has already had his share of anguish this week since Tracy called him yesterday."

Jax gave Brenda a surprised look. "What in the world for?"

Brenda let out an exasperated sigh. "Who the hell knows the real reason. She said something about Dillon's stock but Lois is spitting nails already just at the sound of her name."

Jax ran his hand through his hair. "Two weeks before the annual board meeting and she surfaces again after over four years?"

Brenda rolled her eyes. "Surfaces? It was more like blowing a trumpet announcing her arrival back in their lives."

"The blowing of a trumpet..." Jax flashed back to a conversation he had with Tracy after the ELQ take-over deal had fallen apart. "You can't sneak up on someone once you've blown a trumpet announcing your arrival."

Brenda continued to rant. "Just what Ned and Lois need. Why couldn't she just stay under her rock in Rio or wherever the hell the mafia queen is living now? That woman should change her name to viper."

Jax's response was barely above a whisper. "She already has."

Brenda sat up and looked at Jax. "What?"

The words came out in a flurry from his lips just as quickly as the thoughts raced in his mind. "ELQ board meeting; off-shore accounts; Manhattan; Rio; hidden personal agenda; the blowing of a trumpet..."

Brenda's face showed a look of concern. "Honey, what is it?"

Jax closed his eyes momentarily and exhaled deeply. "It's her and she blew her damn trumpet again. Tracy Quartermaine Soleito is partner number four."

SONG CREDITS: "In This Life" by Bette Midler, "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlyle