Monday, May 27, 2001
The Jacks Residence -- 11:30am

Brenda looked up at Jax in shock. "Tracy? Tracy Quartermaine is behind this?"

Jax nodded as he pulled the cell phone from his pocket. "I should have known. It is classic Tracy."

Brenda shook her head. "Was this supposed to be a trophy to flaunt before Edward and her family at the ELQ board meeting?"

Jax gave her a lopsided grin. "Mrs. Jacks, you hit the bulls eye."

Brenda felt the rage building inside her and she muttered under her breath to prevent Jillian from hearing her. "Wait until I get my hands on that bitch. She is going to wish that she stayed under her rock and further fossilized."

Jax smirked at Brenda as he dialed Charlie's number. Jillian then turned to them and called for Brenda. "Mommy, the chipmunk is under the big bush. Come see him."

Brenda put her finger to her lips. "Okay. We need to whisper because Daddy has some work to do on the phone." She got up from the bench and walked over to the box garden.

The chipmunk scampered around the bushes. Jillian whispered loudly. "There he is."

Brenda's face brightened. "I see him, sweetie."

As Jax spoke to Charlie and provided him with the news about Tracy, Brenda and Jillian walked hand and hand along the box gardens watching the chipmunk. Jillian smiled brightly as she looked up at Brenda. "Mommy, the chipmunk is eating."

Brenda nodded. "Yes, it is lunch time for both the chipmunk and for you. We will go inside to eat as soon as Daddy finishes."

At that moment Jax clicked off his phone after ending his call with Charlie. "Daddy is finished."

Jillian was beaming and she scurried over to Jax who scooped her up in his arms. Jillian wrapped her little arms around Jax's neck and rubbed her cheek against his face. "Daddy, you smell sooo pretty."

Jax hugged Jillian tightly and smiled. "So do you, princess. And you feel sooo good." He then looked over at Brenda and then back at Jillian. "I bet Mommy smells pretty too."

Jillian turned to face Brenda. "Mommy, Daddy wants to smell you."

Brenda laughed softly. "He does, does he?"

Jax flashed her a huge grin. "Daddy most certainly does."

Brenda walked over to Jax and put her arms around him and Jillian. Jax brushed his lips against her forehead before breathing in the vanilla scent of her silky hair.

Jillian then lifted her head and deeply sniffed Brenda's hair. Jillian beamed brightly. "Daddy, Mommy smells really, really good."

Jax smirked. "Yes, Mommy does."

Brenda smiled and kissed Jillian on the tip of her nose. "Thank you sweetie." Brenda then turned to Jax. "And thank you, my darling." She and Jax then exchanged a tender kiss.

Jillian reached out and touched Brenda's cheek. "Mommy, is the party at Grandma Lila's almost here?"

Brenda nodded. "Yes. We will go after your nap." She looked up at Jax. "Maybe Daddy can come over later after he finishes his work."

Jillian frowned slightly. "I want Daddy to come to the party with us."

Jax stroked Jillian's curls. "Princess, I will be there. I promise. We have to have our snow cones."

Jillian clapped. "A lemon one, just like the lemon drops at the movies?"

Jax nodded. "Just like the lemon drops."

Jillian giggled. "Yum-yum."

Brenda smiled. "Before you and Daddy start craving snow balls, we need to go inside and have lunch." She looked over at the other bench and saw Jillian's toys which she had used to play in the sand box earlier this morning. "Please go get your sand toys and then we can go inside."

Jax lowered Jillian to the ground and he and Brenda watched Jillian scoot over to the other bench and pick up her toys.

Brenda took Jax's hand in hers and turned to him. "Is there anything I can do?"

Jax closed his eyes briefly as he brought her hand to his lips. He kissed each finger before gazing down at her. "You are doing it." Jax sighed. "Charlie, Jerry and Julia are on their way over and Charlie is having some information gathered as we speak."

Brenda slowly trailed her free hand down Jax's chest. "If you can't get to the picnic, I will explain it to Jillian. You just do what you need to do."

Jax smiled. "I will be there and we will all do what we need to do."

A hour and a half later, Jillian was upstairs napping as John, Jane, Jerry, Julia, Jax, Brenda and Charlie met in the den.

Charlie's cell phone rang and he quickly answered it. "What do you have for me Holmes?"

Charlie listened and then began questioning his investigator. "Any fund transfers?" He continued. "And what about the Dominican Republic?" After a few moments, Charlie gave further instructions to Holmes before ending his call.

John looked up at him. "Well?"

"The Rio telephone number from where Harrison's calls were traced has been identified as one belonging to QT Corporation. The company is under the control of the Soleito family."

Jax leaned back against the chair as Brenda stood behind him and massaged his shoulders. "Any connection found to McBride or any of his companies?"

Charlie nodded. "McBride has travelled to Rio twice in the past three months. His phone records have also shown numerous calls to the Rio phone numbers. However, there has been no contact from McBride in the past three weeks."

Jerry exhaled deeply. "The same time frame when McBride brought in his new partners."

Jane spoke up. "Is there any evidence of any funds being transferred?"

Charlie shook his head. "None. There is also no evidence that Tracy has any control over the Soleito accounts."

Jax sighed softly. "We know she has no control but I will bet money that her partners believed she did. That is Tracy's modus operandi. She is a vulture not a hawk. She feeds off the work of others."

Julia sat next to Jerry on the couch. "Obviously McBride discovered the same thing which is why he decided to bring in new partners."

John stroked his beard. "McBride will do whatever he thinks is necessary to destroy our Australian holdings. In his mind, his agenda takes precedence over any other plan. With or without Tracy, he will attempt to see it through."

Charlie nodded. "As will Harrison."

Jane agreed. "That seems to be the case with all the members of this so-called partnership. Now it is just multiple adversaries working toward their own goals rather than a common one."

Jerry looked over at Jane. "Exactly. We are still in the midst of a war. We just now know who all the enemies are."

Brenda spoke up. "And you have a more definitive time frame. With the ELQ board meeting in less than two weeks, you know what Tracy thinks she needs to accomplish this to impress Daddy enough to allow her back into the good graces of the family."

John winked at Brenda. "Yes, my dear. J & J Jacks on a silver platter to be served as an appetizer at the board meeting cocktail party."

Brenda pushed a strand of hair from her forehead. "Somehow I don't think Edward will kill the fatted calf at the return of the wayward child. To me, it would just prove he could not trust Tracy as far as he could throw her."

Jax rubbed his palms together. "My thoughts exactly which is why I think Edward is the perfect person to assist in our plan to make Tracy Quartermaine Soleito rue the day she ever decided to tangle with J & J Jacks."

Julia gave Jax a bewildered look. "Edward?"

Jax grinned as he nodded. "Yes -- Edward."

Jerry smirked at Jax. "I am in complete agreement. Eddie will be the perfect little puppet."

Brenda raised her right eyebrow as she watched the looks exchanged between Jerry and Jax. "And I know that will kill both of you to have to rattle Edward's cage."

Jerry shrugged. "A man has to do, what a man has to do."

Jax gave her a cheshire grin. "And of course, it is all in the name of J & J Jacks and all for the family."

Brenda rolled her eyes as Jerry and Jax high-fived each other. It may have been vintage Tracy but it was also vintage Jerry and Jax and Brenda knew exactly who her money was on.

The Quartermaine Estate -- 3:00pm

Brenda, Lois and Robin were sitting on a huge blanket spread across the plush lawn as they watched Jillian and Brooke blow bubbles. Anthony was teetering after them much to the chagrin of his sister who could not quite understand why her toddler brother had to be her shadow these days. John, Jerry and Jax were still at the house with Charlie but would join them later. Jane and Julia were talking with Lila and Monica on the patio as the annual Memorial Day picnic was fully underway. Brenda sighed softly as she contemplated how ironic it was to be at the Quartermaines today, just hours after Jax had determined that Tracy was behind the plot against J & J Jacks. J & J Jacks had become just another game piece in Tracy's long standing contest with her own family. Brenda's mind wandered as she wondered how Jax was feeling right now. Jax had told her how irritated Tracy was when he had abandoned the plan to take over ELQ and how Tracy had attempted to threaten him with repercussions. Now over four years later, J & J Jacks was the target of the threat. Tracy was trying to kill two birds with one stone -- getting even with her family and getting back at Jax for the alleged wrong he had committed against her.

Brenda was still seething from Tracy's disruption of Lois and Ned's life and now Brenda had even more reason to loathe the viper. In the few instances that she had witnessed Tracy in the presence of Jax, Brenda had seen the way Tracy salivated at the mere sight of him. Jerry had commented that he had witnessed the same behavior by the fossil anytime she was within fifty feet of Jax. Jerry had barely controlled his laughter when he told Brenda but there was no humor in it for her. Learning of Tracy's seduction attempts had provided the final fuel for Brenda's wrath. All Brenda wanted was to have five minutes to get her hands on Tracy. Jax had found Brenda's fury completely adorable, although totally unnecessary since he told her that his retorts to Tracy's seduction attempts had always been, "I'd rather be dead." Brenda had told him that it would be Tracy who would be dead if she ever made such overtures again.

Lois noticed Brenda glancing down at her watch. "Bren, are you all right? You have been so distracted this afternoon."

Brenda nodded. "Just a little preoccupied. I am fine, thanks."

Robin gave Brenda a big smile. "But I bet you will be even better when a certain blonde, blue-eyed fellow arrives."

Brenda gently nudged Robin. "Fine, I am transparent then."

Lois laughed loudly. "Girlfriend, you are about as transparent as saran wrap."

Brenda sighed as she leaned back on her elbows. "Okay, guilty as charged."

Robin broadly grinned at Brenda. "We are only teasing you. We are just so happy that you are happy. I can't believe it is going to be five years this week for you and Jax." She then looked at Lois. "And six years for you and Ned." Robin then stammered. "I guess that is what you would consider it."

Lois laughed. "I know. Nedly and I just had to make things difficult I guess. Let's see we had the wedding in Maryland and then the wedding in Bensonhurst and then a year intermission before we renewed our vows. I am not even sure what we consider our anniversary anymore."

Brenda choked back her own laughter. "I am glad to know that Jax and I are not the only ones, between weddings number one and number two on the yacht and the one in between in Bensonhurst, Lois and I have had almost as many weddings as Elizabeth Taylor."

Lois tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't remind my Pop of that." She then turned to Brenda. "Back to you and the blonde one, I will never forget that day that Jax carried you into the gate house and you said you were married. You could have knocked me over with a feather."

Brenda's entire face lit up. "I still can't believe it sometimes myself. It was the best thing that ever happened to me." She then smiled as she looked over at Brooke and Jillian giggling with their bubbles. "And every day, it just gets better."

Robin touched Brenda lightly on the shoulder. "That is quite obvious. You and Jax, just like Lois and Ned, are really inspirations."

Lois patted Robin's hand. "Aaawww! That is so sweet."

Brenda tightened the clip on her ponytail. "Speaking of inspiration, where did the handsome Dr. Perry run off to?"

Robin rolled her eyes at Brenda. "This must be a record since we have been sitting here fifteen minutes without you bringing up Matthew."

Brenda shrugged. "I was feeling charitable today. Now, answer the question."

Robin shook her head as Lois laughed. "He went over to help Ned move the speakers."

Brenda smugly smiled as she looked over at Robin. "And how is the good doctor?"

"Matthew is fine."

Lois decided to make it a two front war. "And looking just as handsome as ever."

Brenda waved at Jillian and Brooke and then turned to Robin. "Have you decided to take Matthew up on his offer to join him in San Francisco for the seminar?"

Lois sat up on the blanket. "What is this about San Francisco? You two are going away together?"

Robin rolled her eyes again. "I haven't said yes yet."

Brenda sighed in frustration. "Why the hell not? Robin, he is a wonderful man and I know how much you care about him, even if you deny it half the time."

Lois shook her head. "And the man is ga-ga over you. You know you want to go -- so go."

Robin covered her face with her hands. "It is not that simple."

Lois waved her hand in the air and the sun hit her pink and purple glittered nails. "Sheesh! Nothing is simple so just do what your heart tells you to do."

Brenda nodded. "My sentiments exactly. Just do what will make you happy." She then winked at her. "I will give you a list tomorrow of what I want you to bring me back from Ghiradelli Square."

Robin let out an exasperated sigh. "You two are impossible."

Lois agreed. "That is exactly what Jax and Ned say so you are in good company."

Edward and Lila then came over to greet the group. Brooke and Jillian raced over to the blanket when they saw Edward and Lila approach. Anthony slowly ambled over to them all as Lois clapped her hands together to prod him to join them.

Brooke and Jillian blew bubbles around Edward and Lila. Brooke squealed. "Look at the bubbles."

Lila smiled brightly. "Very nice, darling, and both of you look so lovely today."

Jillian touched the clip in her hair. "I have a ponytail just like Mommy."

Edward bent down so that he was eye level with Jillian. "I see and you are beautiful just like your Mommy is."

Jillian coyly smiled and lowered her chin in shyness. "Thank you."

Edward stood back up as Jillian sat on Brenda's lap. "Gracious and humble. Thank heavens she does not take after her father. It has been so pleasant around here this afternoon without his insolence."

Lila glared at him. "Edward, that is enough."

Edward sighed loudly. "Lila, Brenda knows that whenever she decides to ditch that crocodile, she is welcome here with the child and she will have free access to the family lawyers to take him to the cleaners."

Lila shook her head. "Brenda, don't mind him. He did not take his Metamucil this morning."

Brenda softly laughed. "Don't worry, Lila, he doesn't bother me, especially since Jax has made the same offer to you when you are ready to ditch Edward."

Edward rolled his eyes and then Annabelle and Raoul scampered over to him. "Get away from me, you insufferable mutts."

Jillian and Brooke began petting the dogs and then Foster appeared from the side yard. Brooke pointed at the dog. "Foster is here. Yeah!"

Edward quickly turned around and glared at the animal as Foster approached. "Get that blasted brute out of here. Where is that wretched Spencer?"

On cue, Luke appeared. "Hi Eddie! You rang."

Edward was seething. "Get the confounded barbarian out of here before he is disposed of to make the next case of Elmer's Glue."

Luke lit the cigar in his mouth. "Eddie, you don't have to pretend anymore. We know about you and Skillet-head and those midnight meetings."

Edward shook his head. "Listen here, Spencer, you stop this ridiculous tirade and get that creature off my property before I call the authorities."

Lila smiled as Luke kissed her hand. "Foster is quite welcome at the party, Mr. Spencer. I specifically told Lucky to bring him so that Annabelle and Raoul could have some company."

Edward groaned and Luke could not hide his laughter. "Lila, this is ludicrous. Dogs do not need company. They are beasts for heaven's sake."

Lila simply grinned at Edward. "Foster is staying and I am expecting one more guest for the canine group."

Edward shook his head and scowled. "What are you talking about one more guest? Lila, I am beginning to think you have lost your mind."

At that moment, Jillian stood up from the blanket and squealed. "Daddy is here and Lady too."

"What?" Edward turned around and saw Lady racing toward him. "Lila, not that monster too?"

Lila patted Edward's hand. "Lady is not a monster but she is the final guest. Now the animals will all have company."

Lady scurried over to the blanket ahead of Jax and Brooke and Jillian began hugging the lively pup. Lois grabbed Anthony before he took part in his latest game of yanking Lady's tail. Emily joined them all and Lady began barking at Edward anytime he so much as looked at her.

Edward groaned again as Jax walked over to the gathering and patted Edward on the back. "Edward, I see Jillian's dog still has great taste in friends."

Emily laughed. "Lady, you have grown so much since I saw you two weeks ago." Lady barked again as Edward took one step away from the blanket. "Grandfather, I told you she would remember those terrible things you said about her when she was just a small puppy."

Edward glared at Emily. "That mutt was nothing but a troublemaker and she hated me from day one."

Lila shook her head. "Edward, Lady is a very sweet animal. You instigated all this so stop blaming the pup."

Edward waved his hands in frustration. "This is useless." He then looked at Jax. "I was so hoping that you would forget where we lived."

Jax smirked. "Edward, don't you know we have underground tunnels now from our property to yours so we can come visit all the time, regardless of wind or rain or snow or dark of night? You should really be sure to keep the basement door unlocked."

Edward spoke to Lila. "Lila, remind me to have Reginald seal up the basement tighter than a tomb." Edward then folded his arms in front of him and bellowed at Jax. "And where is that repulsive brother of yours?"

Jax gave him a smug smile. "I believe he is probably in the house stealing all the silver that we could not get last night when we raided the place after you went to bed. I really love those red and white striped jammies and Winnie-the-Pooh bedroom slippers you were wearing."

Edward shook his finger at Jax. "You think you are so funny. One day that so-called charm and devilish smile of yours are going to disappear and you will get what is coming to you, mister."

Jax shrugged. "Well, if it happens when I am as old as you are now, who cares? I guess relic status takes over then."

Edward groaned and then stomped off. Everyone else unsuccessfully tried to hide their mirth. Lois, Robin and Emily then took Brooke, Jillian and Anthony to get some drinks while Luke and Lila went to see Laura and Lesley.

Jax sat down on the blanket next to Brenda. Brenda shook her head and smiled. "Feel better now?"

Jax kissed her on the tip of her nose. "Actually, yes. I had to get some satisfaction before we are on the same side for a few weeks."

Brenda leaned her head against his shoulder. "Have you finalized your plans?"

Jax nodded. "Yes, we have. Edward is going to get a surprise visit tomorrow and we will bring him up-to-date on the strategy."

"Will he go along with the plan?"

Jax kissed the top of her head. "He will or ELQ will go down with us. Tracy will not hesitate to make that her next move."

Brenda nuzzled her face into Jax's neck. "It will all be over soon."

Jax rested his chin on the top of her head. "It will be but until then, things will be very hectic. The timing is terrible, I am so sorry about our planned trip to Paris..."

Brenda lifted her head so that she was facing him and then put her finger to Jax's lips. "We have talked about this."

Jax sighed in frustration. "Brenda, I just wanted this anniversary to be special."

The bright sunshine could not compare to the radiance found on Brenda's face. "It will be for the three of us. You have nothing to apologize for or worry about. Let me take care of the plans. I only need two things for our anniversary and that is you and Jillian."

Jax gazed at her with love emanating from his crystal blue eyes. "You have me, my darling. Every day, every hour, every minute.."

Brenda smiled brightly as she touched Jax's cheek. "I know which is why I can tell Jillian that dreams really do come true."

Jax lowered his head so that their foreheads touched. His voice sounded like the whisper of an angel. "For all of us."

Tuesday, May 29, 2001
The Charles Street Foundation -- Noon

Edward and Ned were in the Foundation offices meeting with Justus about the grant presentation for the Charles Street Foundation at the upcoming ELQ board meeting. Justus looked at his watch and as he did, the front door opened.

Edward looked up from the Foundation's balance sheet. "What the hell are you doing here? Didn't I see enough of you two yesterday?"

Jerry pulled up the chair next to Edward. "You mean you didn't miss me? Eddie, you do not have to pretend anymore."

Ned rolled his eyes. "Why are you here?"

Edward then pointed at Charlie. "And who is this, some other cut-throat who wants to try to steal ELQ?"

Justus shook his head and looked at Jax. "I told you this was not a good idea."

Edward quickly turned his head to face Justus. "You knew about this? You are siding against your family with this shark?"

Justus let out an exasperated sigh. "Edward, knock it off. Jax says he has something important to talk to us about and it deals with ELQ so just calm down."

Edward shook his head. "Why would I want to listen to anything that you have to say? From everything I have seen, your own company has more trouble than you can handle right now."

Ned rubbed his temples. "Grandfather, maybe if you would shut your mouth we could find out the reason behind this interruption and then get back to work."

Jax pulled up two chairs for he and Charlie around the conference table. "To begin with, I want you to meet Charlie Chan. He has been assisting us in countering the problems that J & J Jacks has undergone over the past several months." Jax pointed out the other men at the table. "Charlie this is Justus Ward and Edward Quartermaine and Ned Ashton."

Justus extended his hand to Charlie. "Nice to meet you Charlie. Don't take Edward's gruffness personally, he is like this with everyone."

Edward scowled at Jax. "Why in the hell would you think we would want to hear anything about the problems you are facing? More power to whoever is giving you a taste of your own poison."

Jerry patted Edward's hand. "Thank you, old coot, you are so kind."

Edward yanked his hand away. "Get the hell away from me."

Ned tapped his pen on his thigh. "Grandfather does have a point. What do the troubles of J & J Jacks have to do with ELQ?"

Jax leaned back in his chair. "Unfortunately we have a common interest, your dear old mother."

Edward spoke sharply at Jax. "Tracy? What are you talking about?"

Ned felt his jaw clench. "What about my mother?"

Jerry turned to Ned. "She is leading the charge against J & J Jacks."

Justus shook his head. "Why do I know that I am going to hate this? You have confirmation of this?"

Charlie nodded. "Yes, we have traced phone calls and travel arrangements to the Rio compound of the Soleito family. She has been quite busy over the past few months orchestrating this plan."

Justus exhaled sharply. "Are you telling me that the Soleito family is involved in this?"

Jax shook his head. "No. I am sure that the mob tie angle was only used to lure her partners to the table. The Soleito family is not interested in J & J Jacks and Tracy could not use any of the Soleito family money without triggering a great deal of federal and state scrutiny. It is a moot point anyway because we know Tracy has no real power in the organization. She only has the title of Gino Soleito's widow."

Charlie continued. "Ms. Quartermaine Soleito seems to have gathered a group of enemies of J & J Jacks and then sat back and watched them attempt to pull apart the conglomerate from all sides without spending one dollar or dirtying her own hands. She is planning to come in at the eleventh hour and reap the rewards of the work of her so-called partners."

Jax took a deep breath. "And the timing is perfect, wouldn't you say? Just in time for the ELQ annual board meeting. She plans to use the results of her decimation of J & J Jacks to blackmail you into handing her back her ELQ stock and giving her back a position at ELQ. If you refuse, your wayward daughter will threaten to do the same thing to ELQ."

Edward felt his blood pressure rising. "That will never happen."

Justus closed his eyes momentarily. "I knew I was going to hate this."

Ned laughed sarcastically. "Damn, this would be so enjoyable if I thought you were trying to manipulate ELQ into making a reckless move but I actually believe you. It is just like my mother to try to pull something like this off."

Justus rubbed his throbbing temples. "This is turning into a nightmare. We are already having enough trouble on Capitol Hill with that export legislation. All we need is wind to get out of Tracy and her mob ties and all of our so-called supporters will be running for the hills."

Jerry nodded. "Well, I do not need to tell you what these sabotage attempts have done to us. For God's sake, it is all over the front pages from here to Australia."

Justus took a sharp intake of air. "She has to be stopped."

Jax cleared his throat. "Exactly. And it is going to take all of us. ELQ has to be involved."

Edward shook his head. "Wait a minute, mister, don't you even begin to speak for ELQ. I don't care that you blackmailed your way back into owning ten percent of the stock."

Jax could not help but to smugly smile at Edward. "Edward, to be exact, it is ten and a half percent plus the voting rights to another ten and a half percent thanks to Ms. Scorpio."

Edward looked as if he would breathe fire. "You are a minority shareholder even if you somehow finagled the voting rights for the stock which that miserable Corinthos transferred to that lovely girl. Lord knows what you did to that young woman to convince her to allow you to vote the rights in the stock. And God knows who talked her into using the stock to establish two foundations."

Jerry snickered. "And to two NON-PROFIT corporations at that. The thought of ELQ stock being in the hands of such is quite a kick! I am surprised you did not have Ms. Scorpio committed to Bellevue."

Edward roughly pushed back his chair. "I am not going to sit here and listen to this lunacy."

Ned and Justus spoke in unison. "Yes, you are. Sit down."

Justus folded his arms in front of him. "Edward, you have a major problem on your hands and it has to be addressed immediately."

Ned shook his head. "Grandfather, the woman had the audacity to call you under the guise of checking into the status of Dillon's interest in the company. You know she is circling."

Edward's shoulders sunk lower as he deeply sighed. "I knew she was up to something, I just did not know what."

Jerry drilled his fingernails on the table. "Well, now you know what. The woman wants what it yours and she plans to use what is ours to get it. That is not going to happen."

Justus stroked his beard. "She went to Edward rather than Ned so she must feel that Edward would be more willing to listen or be coerced into her way of thinking."

Ned sighed. "That is because I have Dillon's voting rights and she knows that it will be a cold day in hell before I would ever turn them over to her."

Justus pressed his palms together in front of him. "Of course then she goes after the whole company and if she gets it, the RICO statutes will take over. The feds will have a field day under the new racketeering provisions."

Ned pointed his finger at Edward. "Grandfather, you know just as well as everyone at this table what my mother is capable of. This is the end. Once and for all, she has to be out of our lives and ELQ."

Jax grinned at Ned. "Now you are talking."

Jerry nodded. "It is time for Ms. Mafia Queen to be out of all of our lives."

Justus folded his hands on the table. "I know you both well enough to know you have a plan in mind. What is it?"

Jax leaned forward and looked directly at Ned. "To begin, Ned, I foresee your letter of resignation from ELQ on Edward's desk tomorrow. And plenty of press about the family blow-up."

Ned stroked his chin. "Oh, you do?"

Jax nodded. "Yes, a terrible feud over the grandchildren's stock rights and Edward's manipulation of your life after he agreed to leave you alone."

Ned gave Jax an incredulous look. "And this is supposed to do what exactly?"

Jax let out a sigh of contentment. "You are on the outs with ELQ. You have your own stock plus the voting rights for Dillon, Brooke and Anthony's shares. Now if you and I decided to pool our resources, my shares as well as the Foundation shares are in the pot."

Justus chuckled. "Which means you would control fifty percent of the voting rights between the two of you."

Ned shifted in his seat. "And which means Grandfather will need all the support he can get to prevent that from happening."

Jerry swiveled his chair around. "And three guesses who dear old Daddy decides to call for help and promise just about anything. And the first two guesses don't count."

Edward scowled at Jax. "Why in the world do you think this would work? Once Tracy realizes that you are aware of her plans, she will never fall for this."

"Tracy won't know that we are aware of her plans so you do not need to worry about that."

Ned's face reflected a look of complete bewilderment. "What are you saying? Are you telling me that you are not going to protect yourself from this onslaught? Jax, we have all seen the numbers and the press is all over this. J & J Jacks is in a crisis here."

Jax took a deep breath. "We will not tip our hand until it is time to go in for the kill."

Justus' eyes flew wide open. "Jax, that is such a gamble. You are setting yourself up for problems from any outsider as well as Tracy and her partners."

Edward stared right at Jax. "Young man, do you know the risk you are taking? You could lose everything."

Jax spoke in a deliberate tone. "We know what we are doing and it is a risk we have to take to end this."

Jerry confirmed the decision. "It is necessary to yield the only outcome that is acceptable to us. Now let us get back to the plan. We have quite a bit of work to do over the next ten days."

Ned and Justus exchanged a look of alarm but Jerry and Jax shrugged it off. This was the big leagues and you had to be willing to play in order to win. And that was exactly what was going to happen.

The Barrett/Jacks Penthouse -- 10:00pm

Jerry looked up from his laptop as he heard the clock in the foyer strike ten. His back felt as if it were 2:00am and his eyes felt as if it were even later than that. He rubbed his eyes as he leaned back in the chair, it had been another long day. Jerry closed his eyes for a short respite from reality. The images in his mind of Julia on the beach in Aruba were so much more pleasant than Tracy Quartermaine and Frank McBride and the rest of the problems at J & J Jacks.

Julia stood at the door to the den and watched him. It had been such a difficult few months and it was not over yet. Julia could not help but worry about the next two weeks and the strategy that was being undertaken against Tracy and McBride. The risk that the company was opening itself up to was incredible. Even after four years of working with J & J Jacks, Julia was still not accustomed to living on the edge when it came to business. Being married to Jerry was enough risk. Julia knew that Jerry thrived on the peril and the exhilaration of it all.

Jerry rubbed his eyes again and then opened them to find Julia standing at the door. He flashed her his trademark grin. "Mesmerized by my devastatingly handsome face again, Julia?"

Julia walked into the den. "No, I was making sure you were still breathing to see if I could collect the insurance money yet."

Jerry sighed deeply. "Julia, you can admit it. Everyone knows that I haunt your every thought."

Julia folded her arms together in front of her. "Well, if you are saying that you are a nightmare..."

Jerry gave her another huge grin. "Kiddo, I know how crazy you are about me so don't even try to deny it. I am just irresistible."

Julia rolled her eyes as she sat on the arm of the leather chair. "You are a lunatic and I often wonder how you can even walk with that inflated head attached to your shoulders."

Jerry rubbed his tired eyes again. "Darlin', I have been this good since the day I was born so it is nothing."

Julia reached over and massaged his left temple. "Something tells me that those eyes are not quite as good as the day you were born. I think you should go see the eye doctor."

He gave her a slight frown. "I do not need to see an eye doctor. My eyes are perfectly fine."

Julia shook her head. "I don't think so. So you need glasses, so what?"

Jerry quickly ran his hand through his hair. "I do not need glasses. My father wears glasses, I don't."

She sighed in frustration. "Jerry, that is ridiculous."

"Not to me."

Julia picked up the newspaper that was sitting on the desk and held it out in front of Jerry. "Tell me what this says."

Jerry glared at her. "News flash from Port Charles to all nagging wives, your husbands do not need glasses."

Julia rolled her eyes. "You have to be the most obstinate and infuriating man I have ever met."

Jerry smiled as he nodded his head. "Thank you. I have fulfilled my goal for the day then."

"Why do I even bother?"

Jerry shrugged his shoulders. "Because you just can't control yourself around me." He caressed her hand. "Don't worry though, you are just one of the many women who feel the same way. You just are the one lucky one who has me."

Julia groaned. "You are completely deranged. Old age is really catching up with you. First the eyesight, then the mind, then..."

Jerry raised his eyebrow at Julia. "Then what?"

Julia lowered her eyes to just below Jerry's belt buckle. "You know, your little friend down there."

Jerry's eyes flew open. "What?"

Julia exhaled slowly. "You know, dear. Your little friend losing its ability to salute."

His mouth fell open. "Excuse me. Little?"

Julia fought off the grin from appearing on her lips. "I just call them like I see them."

Jerry gave her a withering glance. "And you think I need glasses? You must be blind."

Julia bit the inside of her mouth to contain her smile. She patted Jerry on the upper arm. "Don't worry about it, it really is not THAT important." Then, ensuring that Jerry could see her feigned facial expression, Julia lifted both of her eyebrows and smiled as she slowly turned her head away from him.

Jerry grabbed both of Julia's hands and pulled her into his lap. "Mrs. Jacks, you are treading in very dangerous territory."

Julia moaned softly. "Really?"

Jerry nodded. "I think you are in desperate need of some convincing about the errors of your thinking."

Julia's spoke in a throaty whisper. "How so?"

Jerry moistened his lips. "I think you need a close-up examination of my friend so that you can better evaluate your opinion."

Julia slowly ran her tongue around the outside of her mouth. "Do you really think that your friend is up for that?"

Jerry moved his mouth against Julia's ear sending a tingling sensation through her body when he spoke. "Believe me, my friend will be very up for you and his salute would be more than convincing."

Julia nuzzled her nose against the nape of Jerry's neck. "Well, I guess I do have an obligation to perform my patriotic duty."

Jerry's fingers unbuttoned her blouse as his lips left a trail of feather kisses down her chest. "Aye, aye ma'am."

Julia intertwined her fingers through the thick curls of his hair as Jerry's lips continued their sweet torture. "At ease, sir."

Jerry unfastened the front hook of her bra and gently rubbed his cheek against the fullness of each chest before softly kissing each pink peak. Julia gasped as flames shot through every inch of her body. As his mouth savored the taste of her skin, Jerry groaned at the pleasure of Julia's touch. "Mrs. Jacks, are you ready to change your opinion?"

Julia spoke through her moans of ecstasy. "Yes, sir. A medal winning salute."

Jerry secured her in his arms and captured her lips with his own as he lifted her from the chair. He released her lips momentarily. "Now for the awards ceremony." Their lips met again as Jerry carried Julia upstairs. It was a night of rewards for all.

Thursday, May 31, 2001
J & J Jacks -- 1:30pm

The office was a flurry of activity as everyone was busy fulfilling the duties necessary for their role in the plan. John and Jane were still in Port Charles and both were in the office assisting with the careful watch over the precarious position that the company was now in. Phase one of the strategy was underway and had yielded the results anticipated. This morning's newspapers from North America to Europe made mention of the rift at the executive level of ELQ.

As they had rehearsed, Edward and Ned had created a scene at the Port Charles Grille yesterday afternoon. By a stroke of orchestrated luck, Julia and the public relations director for J & J Jacks had invited a group of business reporters to lunch in an attempt to put a more positive spin on the problems at the company. As the scene between Edward and Ned unfolded, the reporters had immediately alerted their newsrooms. Within an hour, cameras were at the gates to the Quartermaine estate and outside the Ashton home.

As planned, Carmine and Gloria had driven to Port Charles to take Brooke and Anthony to Bensonhurst for a few days. Ned, in an effort to flaunt his freedom from Edward, had scheduled a performance by Eddie Maine and the Idle Rich over the weekend at the Outback. This afternoon's tabloids were running headlines about the rupture in the Quartermaine family circle. The feud was being labelled, "The War between the Patriarch and the Progeny."

The publicity surrounding both ELQ and J & J Jacks was making both crises front page news. It was also causing the shaky financial footing of J & J Jacks to further crumple. Andrew and Julia had been running the numbers all morning and they were getting worse as each hour went by. Matters were not going to get any better over the next few days since the company was not "officially" or "publicly" taking any self defense measures in order to not tip its hand. It was necessary but that did not make it any easier to watch. It was if they were all walking on a tightrope now and there was no safety net secured beneath them.

Jax sat in the conference room with John and Jane while Jerry was in Julia's office reviewing the latest information from the Australian subsidiaries. John ended his phone call with Paul Hogan in Melbourne. McBride had solidified his partnership with the top members of the mining coalition. Next Saturday morning was going to tell the story. The supplier and distribution contracts were coming up for a vote and McBride was convinced that he had done what was necessary to force J & J Jacks out of the picture. McBride still had no idea that J & J Jacks was aware of his plans and that the company was in the midst of securing enough ownership rights in the other members of the coalition in order to beat McBride at his own game.

John hung up the phone. "Hogan has everything in place for the shell companies. Thomas will make his move the start of next week."

Jax nodded. "I spoke to Thomas earlier and he is ready. He is actually quite excited about outmaneuvering the establishment."

Jane patted Jax on the hand. "Son, it is wonderful that Thomas is a part of this. I know how much that must mean to you."

Jax could not help but smile at the thought that his oldest friend, Thomas, was involved in their plan. "Mum, it means a lot."

It had been years since he had seen Thomas but they had found each other again early last year when Thomas began a small distribution business. It was just a few weeks after Jamie's death when times were at their worst for Jax that Addie had knocked on the office door and informed Jax that Thomas, "The Leader," was on the phone looking for Jax, "The Follower." It was as if Thomas knew that Jax needed him and that the aboriginal charm he had given Jax almost twenty years before was not enough. Jax decided as soon as this crisis was over that he would talk to Brenda about planning a trip to Australia so that she and Jillian could meet Thomas.

John's voice brought Jax out of his momentary reflection. "Now if we can just keep the other sharks at bay for another week."

Jax tapped his pen on the conference table. "Europe seems as stable as it can be at this point. Thao believes enough pressure has been discreetly exerted to keep the unions under control. Harrison's role in this will still be credible."

John stroked his beard. "Are you convinced he will be persuasive enough for Tracy?"

Jax exhaled deeply. "He will be after I pay a little visit to him tomorrow. He will fall right in line where we need him or lose the only thing his family has left."

A look of concern crossed Jane's face. "Dear, are you sure that you should be the one to speak to him? I know how upsetting this has been for you because of Addie."

Jax gave Jane a reassuring smile. "Mum, I need to be the one to handle this, both for myself and for Addie. And I don't want him within fifty miles of Addie so he will get his marching orders in Burlington not Port Charles."

Jane did not look completely convinced. "Just promise me that you will not do anything you will regret."

Jax could not help but chuckle. "You must have been speaking to Brenda. I promised her that Charlie would come along to prevent me from inflicting physical harm on Harrison, so don't worry." Jax's face then flashed Jane a devilish grin. "Besides, Brenda would have my head if I started off our sixth year of marriage in jail."

Jane rolled her eyes. "How that lovely woman has put up with you for five years is beyond me."

Jax shrugged. "It must be my dynamic personality."

John sighed loudly. "Or her penance for some misdeeds she committed in a previous life?"

Jane got serious for a moment as she reached out and caressed Jax's hand. "I am sorry that you had to postpone your plans to get to Paris."

Jax took a deep breath and a look of adoration appeared in his eyes. "Thank you. Brenda says it will give us something to look forward to and that we will be home tonight celebrating with Jillian so it will be even more special."

Jane smiled brightly. "You have a very smart woman there, Jax."

John nodded in agreement. "And a very lovely one as well. The woman gets more radiant every time I see her lately. If it weren't for your mother, I would be giving you a run for your money with that enchanting woman."

Jane choked back her laughter. "You and what twenty-five year old stand-in?"

John shook his head at Jane. "Son, do you see what I have to live with?"

Jane folded her arms in front of her. "Yes, and you are a damned lucky man at that. No one else could ever put up with you. I am earning my sainthood as we speak."

Jax fought back his own mirth as he patted John on the shoulder. "On that note, I think you should come with me, Dad. Ned should have faxed us the ELQ financials. Mum can stay here and monitor the trading."

John squeezed Jane's shoulder as he walked by her. "Lady Jane, one day you will realize how lucky you are."

Jane gave him a smug smile. "You have been saying that for over forty years now. I think the money back guarantee should finally be honored."

Jane and Jax both laughed as he nudged John out of the conference room. Some things never changed.

Meanwhile in Julia's office, Jerry was rubbing his temples after reviewing the latest numbers for Australia. It was costing the company a fortune to set up the shell companies in Melbourne and the European union strife had also done some significant economic damage. Now the last part of the plan concerning ELQ was going to involve even more risk, at least temporarily. The situation had to look dire to an educated outsider in order for Tracy to be reeled into Edward's part of the plan. In doing so, however, one mistake could mean the loss of almost everything.

It had to look as though J & J Jacks was at the point of no return when Jerry and Jax were approached by Edward's newly formed company about accepting an influx of cash to bail J & J Jacks out of the crisis. Edward would also promise to use his business ties and companies in Europe and Asia to support J & J Jacks in the current crises in those geographic areas. The funds would be loaned in exchange for Jax's interest in ELQ and a security interest in a significant percentage of J & J Jacks stock as collateral. If J & J Jacks was unable to meet its obligations, the loan would be called and the J & J Jacks stock would transfer to Edward's new company. Any major loss of any of the company subsidiaries would put the loan in default and therefore allow for the loan to be called.

The loss of either the Australian mines or any of the Asian or European coalitions would be deemed as a default under the terms of the loan agreement. When Edward contacted Tracy seeking her assistance in his scheme, he would explain that the idea behind the new company would be to kill two birds with one stone. Once the company had Jax's stock in ELQ, Ned could no longer team up with Jax against the rest of ELQ. Jax would be out of ELQ permanently and Ned would be out of power with Edward in control again. It would serve to punish both of the miscreants. As further retribution for Jax's past misdeeds, Edward would tell Tracy that they would see to it that J & J Jacks would be unable to meet the loan obligations, thereby forcing Jerry and Jax to lose a portion of their interest in the company. It would be payback for what Jax had tried to do to ELQ four years earlier.

Edward would need a partner in his new company and Ned would be out of the question due to the "rift" in the family. Lila and the rest of the family would be too emotionally attached to Brenda and Jillian to stab Jax and J & J Jacks in the back so Edward would convince Tracy that she was the perfect choice to assist him. In exchange for her help and her influx of funds, Edward would promise Tracy an equal interest in the new company thereby granting her half of Jax's stock in ELQ and half of the interest in J & J Jacks that was transferred to the partnership after J & J Jacks defaulted on the loans. Tracy would also be promised the return of her shares of ELQ stock and a position there when Ned was ousted at the board meeting.

Jerry and Jax knew that Tracy would correctly presume that McBride would continue to create his share of havoc in Australia. Even with her double-cross in failing to supply McBride with the promised funding for the assault, Tracy knew that he was obsessed with avenging his past history with John Jacks. Revenge was sweet and Tracy knew that McBride had found outside assistance to complete his plans. Although Harrison had been useless of late to her, he had caused enough problems in Europe to keep the Jacks family preoccupied with putting out small fires instead of the inferno which was headed toward them.

Julia looked up from the reports. "Jerry, are you convinced that this will work?"

Jerry leaned back in his chair. "There are no guarantees here. That is part of the game."

Julia closed her eyes momentarily and sighed loudly. "You could lose everything you have worked so hard for. All of you could."

Jerry gave her a reassuring grin. "Julia, it will work."

Julia felt the knots in her stomach tighten. "Jerry, we are talking about Tracy. How can you trust her to do anything? She would sell her own mother out."

Jerry spoke softly. "Kiddo, Tracy is greedy and she has no self control. She is going to see a chance to screw over Ned and Jax and she will jump on it. She will figure out a ploy to get back at Edward later."

Julia hesitated slightly before bringing up the subject again. "Jerry, Barrett could be used to shield some of the fall-out."

Jerry's tone was serious. "No. We have discussed this. I can't let you do that."

Julia took a deep breath. "Why? This company is in trouble."

Jerry shook his head. "And I am not going to let another one end up in the same state."

"Jerry, stop being so damned stubborn. I want to help you."

Jerry ran his hand through his hair. "You are helping, Julia."

Julia exhaled slowly. "Jerry..."

Jerry leaned across the desk and took Julia's hand. "Julia, this is going to work, it has to."

Julia squeezed his hand in hers. "How can you be so sure?"

Jerry flashed her a lopsided grin. "I was sure that I was the man of your dreams, wasn't I? I was right about that."

Julia rolled her eyes and took her hand from his. "You are obviously overdo for your medication."

Jerry chuckled. "Yes, that love potion number nine."

Julia shot him one of her trademark glares. "Get back to work you, lunatic. We have a company to save."

Jerry stood up from his chair and winked at Julia. "That we do, kiddo, that we do."

Julia shook her head as Jerry walked out of her office. He was so irritating at times but he was so damned adorable. It was enough to drive her crazy.

The Jacks Residence -- 6:00pm

As Brenda finished putting on her make-up, Jillian sat on the bed in the master suite looking absolutely lovely in her ivory satin dress. There were small flecks of gold interwoven in the satin and a gold satin sash was tied around the waist of the gown in a beautiful bow. The gold ribbons that dangled from her hair shimmered in the light and accentuated the dress perfectly.

Brenda looked in the mirror and fastened the opal barrette in her hair and arranged the curls around her face. She then rose from the dressing table and spoke to Jillian. "Okay, sweetie, Daddy will be here in half an hour and Grandma and Grandpa are already on their way and will be here in just a few minutes."

Jillian touched the soft curls of her hair. "I am all ready."

Brenda quickly opened the door to the huge walk-in closet. "Yes, you are and you look beautiful for Daddy. Now Mommy has to get herself together."

Brenda removed the gold and ivory satin dress from the closet. She hesitated momentarily as she held the garment bag protecting the exquisite gown in her hand. Brenda recalled how she and Julia had found the dress in a little boutique on Fifth Avenue the spring before last when they had ventured to Manhattan for a shopping spree before Brenda's second honeymoon trip and Julia's upcoming honeymoon.

Brenda exhaled deeply as she thought back to that evening on the Isabella two years ago when she and Jax had celebrated third wedding anniversary. That night had been the one and only time Brenda had worn the gown and Jax had told her she looked like a golden goddess. That evening had been just one magical night in a two week second honeymoon trip to the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands. It had also been the night that Brenda was convinced that Jamie had been conceived.

Brenda slowly unzipped the garment bag and pulled out the gown. The dress was stunning with opals sewn throughout the gold and ivory satin. The dress had a plunging neckline and fell just above the knee. Brenda smiled at the sight of it and remembered the look on Jax's face when he had first seen her in the dress. Those memories along with the dress and all the other mementos of the trip had been neatly stored away after Jamie's death. Everything had been a painful reminder of what should have been and Brenda could not bear to be surrounded by the remembrances. Tonight she was trying but her trembling hands confirmed the anxiety she was feeling.

As she stood in the center of the bedroom, Brenda thought back to this day last year and her stomach churned. It had been her darkest point before finally cracking under the pressure a week later and getting the counseling that she so desperately needed. The difference a year could make in one's life was never quite as evident as it was to Brenda at this particular moment. She had been to hell and back and she was still standing. And more importantly, Jax and Jillian were still standing beside her.

Brenda looked down at her left hand as she held the gown. The light caught the brilliance of the diamonds and the luster of the gold of her rings. As she gazed at the rings, Brenda felt a wave of love and warmth flow throughout her body. It had been five years and she had a life that she never imagined was possible. Jax and Jillian were the center of her life and that was why tonight would be a celebration for all of them. As Brenda ran her hand over the opals of the dress, she knew that Jamie would be a part of the evening as well.

Brenda carefully laid the dress down on the bed next to Jillian. Jillian beamed brightly at the sight of it. "Mommy, it sparkles."

Brenda untied her robe. "Yes, it sparkles just like your dress."

Jillian's eyes glistened just like Jax's sapphire pools of brilliance. "Mommy, we are like twins."

"Yes, we are, Jillian." Brenda lifted the gown from the bed and stepped into it. She zipped up the dress as far as she could and then turned to Jillian. "Sweetie, will you help me zip my dress?"

Jillian smiled brightly. "Yes, Mommy."

Brenda helped Jillian stand up on the bed. "Okay, just zip the dress up just like Daddy does."

Jillian pushed up the zipper. "Uncle Jerry says Daddy likes to unzip you better than zip you."

Brenda's eyes widened in wonder. "Remind Mommy that she has to speak to Uncle Jerry about a few things."

Jillian's hands reached the top of the gown. "All done."

Brenda stepped into her gold satin shoes and turned around to face Jillian. Her silk stockings had a gold shimmer and were the perfect accessory to the ensemble. "How do I look?"

Jillian sighed loudly. "Mommy, you look so pretty! Daddy is going to whistle at you."

Brenda helped Jillian off the bed. "Thank you. Now we just need some jewelry and perfume."

Brenda fastened the gold and opal choker around her neck and put on her opal earrings. She then clasped the heart locket around Jillian's neck.

Jillian took the heart pendant in her hand. "Daddy gave me my shiny necklace."

Brenda nodded. "Yes, he did and it is very pretty."

Jillian looked up at Brenda and excitedly spoke. "Now it is perfume time."

Brenda softly laughed as she squeezed Jillian's shoulder. "You are right." Brenda picked up the bottle of perfume. "And you can be first."

Jillian giggled as Brenda rubbed the fragrance on Jillian's wrists and behind her ears. "It's your turn, Mommy."

Brenda dabbed the perfume behind her ears, along her neck and down the plunging neckline of her dress. "All done."

Jillian clapped her hands together. "Now we just need Daddy for the party."

Brenda smoothed out the skirt of her gown and then looked down at Jillian. "Let me look at you."

Jillian twirled around and grinned at Brenda. "Do I look pretty?"

Brenda smiled. "Perfect."

Brenda and Jillian left the master suite and began to descend the stairs when John and Jane came in the front door. Jillian waved with one hand as she held Brenda's hand with the other. "Grandmom and Grandpa are home."

Brenda and Jillian reached the foyer and John winked at both of them. "You ladies about stopped my heart you look so beautiful."

Brenda returned his wink. "Thank you very much."

Jillian coyly smiled. "I am going to the aversary with Mommy and Daddy."

Brenda brushed her fingers under Jillian's chin. "It is an anniversary."

Jane broadly smiled. "You are? That is so wonderful, Jillian."

John knelt down as he spoke to Jillian. "Do you know what an anniversary is, my dear?"

Jillian put up her finger to her cheek as she spoke. "It is a party for me and Mommy and Daddy. And we are going to eat in the globe room and Mommy and Daddy are going to pretend they are at their wedding again just like the picture in the angel room."

Brenda smiled at Jillian's titling of the crystal gazebo as the globe room. And Brenda could never stop beaming at the reference to the study as the angel room.

John chuckled. "My, you are such a smart young lady."

Jillian proudly spoke to John. "Daddy says I am smarter than Uncle Jerry. And so is Lady."

John loudly laughed. "Your Daddy is very wise, sweetheart."

Brenda took Jillian's hand. "I think we need to check on some things before Daddy comes home and Grandmom and Grandpa could use some peace and quiet."

John and Jane kissed Jillian's cheek. "We will see you later, Jillian, when it is time for bed."

Jillian waved as Jane and John walked up the stairs and then she and Brenda went into the kitchen to make sure that the special arrangements for tonight were all ready.

Fifteen minutes later, Jax walked through the front door. He placed his briefcase on the marble floor of the foyer and went in search of his family. "Where are my two favorite princesses?"

Brenda and Jillian appeared from the living room and Brenda could not contain her happiness at the look on Jax's face when he saw her. "Here we are, darling. Happy Anniversary!"

Jax finally remembered to breathe. "Happy Anniversary to you. You both look too incredible for words."

Jillian scurried over to him. "We match, Daddy, and we are all ready for the aversary."

Jax lifted Jillian into his arms and spun her around. "Princess, I am all ready for the aversary too."

Jillian squealed with delight as Jax kissed both of her cheeks. "It is a surprise for you, Daddy."

Brenda walked over to them and Jax kissed her fully on the lips. One kiss, another kiss, and then a third kiss was shared between them, each more tender and loving than the one before. Jax pulled himself away from the two loves of his life long enough to go upstairs to change into his white evening jacket. Brenda and Jillian were at the bottom of the staircase waiting when Jax began to descend the stairs. Brenda felt her heart fluttering in her chest at the sight of him approaching. It had to be against some rule governing the universe for a god to be walking on earth.

Brenda took his hand in hers. "Mr. Jacks, are you ready?"

Jax nodded. "I most certainly am, Mrs. Jacks."

Brenda motioned to Jillian and Jillian took Jax's other hand. "Daddy, now we get to go to the globe room."

Jax's face was aglow with love. "The globe room?"

Jillian bobbed her head up and down. "Oh, yes. It is your surprise and it is like magic."

The three of them walked hand in hand out the terrace door and down the walk to the gazebo. The entire crystal palace was lit up and it looked beautiful with the beginning of the evening sunset behind it. Jillian swung Jax's arm as they walked past the beautiful spring flower gardens bordering the path to the gazebo.

As they approached the gazebo, the sound of music floated through the air. The french doors to the crystal edifice were open and two huge arrangements of flowers were positioned just inside the doors. Glowing lanterns were scattered throughout the gazebo, providing shimmering illumination. In the center of the structure was an elegantly set table adorned with sterling silver candlesticks, white roses, and fine china and crystal. The marble floor of the gazebo was covered with a beautiful Persian carpet. Their waiter, Antoine, was dressed in white tie and tails. He greeted them and showed them to their seats at the table. Antoine pulled out Brenda and Jillian's chairs for them as Jax sat in the seat between his two princesses. Jax took Brenda's hand and then Jillian's and kissed them both as Antoine poured Jax and Brenda a flute of champagne and Jillian a glass of ginger ale.

Jax gazed lovingly at Brenda. "It's beautiful. Our own little city of lights."

Brenda's face reflected a luminescent glow comparable to that of a firestorm. "Who needs Paris when we have everything we could ever want right here?"

Jax felt his breath catch in his throat as he gazed at the vision of radiance before him. "Truer words have never been spoken." He covered Brenda's hand with his. "It is perfect."

"I can't take all the credit. Paolo and the Contessa sent the flowers at the door and Thao sent the champagne. They are all expecting a rain check on the annual party invitation." Brenda then looked over at Jillian. "And Jillian picked out all the candles."

Jax grinned at Jillian. "You did a marvelous job. The candles are beautiful, sweetheart."

Jillian lowered her chin as she beamed. "Now the globe room is all lit-up just like the glow bugs."

"And you look just like a fairy princess in that dress." Jax smiled brightly at Jillian and then turned to Brenda. "You both do."

Brenda raised her fluted champagne goblet and Jax helped Jillian lift her glass. "A toast to our beautiful life."

Jax clinked his flute against Brenda and Jillian's glasses. "To our beautiful life."

As Jax and Brenda enjoyed a meal of the finest French continental cuisine, Jillian giggled as Antoine uncovered her sterling silver dish to present French fries, apple sauce and chicken nuggets. Amidst the flicker of candlelight and the sound of soft music, they dined. Once dinner was completed, Antoine moved the table away from the center of the gazebo, opening up the center of the crystal palace.

As the sound of music continued to filter through the air, Jax knelt down beside Jillian. "May I have this dance, young lady?"

Jillian giggled as she extended both of her arms to Jax. "Yes, Daddy."

Jax lifted Jillian into his arms and then crossed the room to reach Brenda. "Mrs. Jacks, may I have the honor?"

Brenda melted into his embrace as Jillian was sandwiched between them. She placed one hand around Jax's neck and the other hand on Jillian's back. Jax held Brenda close to him with one hand as he held Jillian with the other.

Jillian squealed as they twirled around the gazebo. "Daddy, is this just like the wedding?"

Jax nodded as he looked around the gazebo. The flickering candles and floral arrangements brought back the memories of that incredible night on the Isabella, the night his whole world changed. "Yes, Jillian, it is just like the wedding."

Make of our hand, one hand
Make of our heart, one heart
Make of our vows, one last vow
Only death will part

The moon was full in the sky and the stars shined brightly above as Jax, Brenda and Jillian floated to the melodious music. It was as if the moonbeams and stardust were dancing all around them as the heavenly bodies gleamed through the sparkling glass of the gazebo's roof.

Jillian stroked Brenda's cheek as the music continued. "Mommy, did you and Daddy dance at the wedding too?"

Brenda smiled as the images of their dancing in the moonlight flashed through her mind. She sighed softly as she envisioned the feel of the warm Mediterranean breeze on her skin. Brenda caressed Jillian's shoulder. "Sweetie, Mommy and Daddy danced at the wedding and the stars twinkled all over the sky."

Make of our lives
Day after day, one life
Now it begins, now we start
One hand, one heart
Even death won't part

Jillian pointed over at the table on the side of the gazebo. "Daddy, now it is time for the special dessert."

Brenda linked her arm through Jax's and they walked over to the table. Jillian leaned down and lifted the silver lid to reveal a small wedding cake. "See, Daddy, look at all the icing."

Jax chuckled at Jillian's remark as Brenda picked up the cake knife. Jax took Jillian's hand and placed it atop Brenda's hand. Jax then covered Jillian's hand with his own as they all sliced the cake. Jillian giggled as she fed Jax and then Brenda a piece of cake. Jax and Brenda fed Jillian a slice of cake before feeding each other. Jillian squealed as she smacked her lips together savoring every morsel of the sweet icing.

Make of our lives, one life
Day after day, one life
Now it begins
Now we start

Jillian sat on the chair next to the table eating her cake as Jax and Brenda stood beside her hand in hand. Jax brought Brenda's hand to his lips and tenderly kissed each finger. They gazed into each other's eyes knowing that such tenderness was just the first glimpse of the love which would be shared later that evening.

Jillian grinned as she finished her cake. She put the plate on the table and looked up at Jax and Brenda. "I love aversaries, Mommy and Daddy."

Jax and Brenda knelt down beside her and each kissed Jillian on the cheek. "We do too and we love you, princess."

Jillian smiled as Jax and Brenda stood up again. "Love you, Mommy and Daddy." Jillian then looked up at Jax. "Daddy, now you can kiss Mommy. Just like the Captain kissed Maria in The Sound of Music."

"What a wonderful idea, princess." Jax winked at Jillian before taking Brenda into his arms. "Happy Anniversary, my darling. I love you."

Brenda placed one hand on Jax's chest, right over his heart. "And I love you, more than I could ever say. Happy Anniversary, my love."

Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss as their hearts once again melded together and beat as one in eternal love. And somewhere in the distance, the sound of lone church bell chimed and a small blonde angel sang.

One hand, one heart
even death won't part

Tuesday, June 5, 2001
J & J Jacks -- 2:00pm

The past few days had been a textbook case of patience, hard work and intricate planning with a little bit of luck thrown in for good measure. That did not mean that there had not been some anxious moments as well, but the results of all the efforts were just as had been anticipated. All along the way, the press had been fed tidbits of information in order to keep both the ELQ and J & J Jacks situations in the news.

On Friday, Jax and Charlie had travelled to Burlington to confront Rex Harrison. After wasting an hour hearing Rex vehemently deny having anything to do with anything, Jax's patience had reached its limit. As if on cue, Jax's cell phone began ringing at that exact moment. Jax had known it was Brenda before even answering the call. Again, his fair maiden was protecting her gallant prince. Brenda had hit him from all angles by also having Jillian on the other extension. After speaking to his two princesses, Jax's tolerance level was rejuvenated and he was back in complete control of the situation.

After Rex finally realized that Jax had the determination of a jungle cat, Rex acknowledged that he had orchestrated the union strife in Europe. He eventually also admitted Tracy's role in organizing the partnership to decimate J & J Jacks. Between Rex's condemnation of Jax the Shark for Neil Harrison's death and the outrage Rex felt toward Tracy the Viper and her duplicity, Rex loathed having anything to do with either one of them. That was not acceptable to the Shark.

Harrison was then helped to remember that he had expended all of his resources on the unsuccessful European take-over plans and that Jax had seen to it that the Harrison estate was no longer a viable sale property. After his painful history lesson, Harrison decided that the lesser of the two evils was to cooperate with the Shark. His initial cooperation included a public meeting later that afternoon with Edward Quartermaine as well as the acceptance of several phone calls from the ELQ offices over the weekend.

Sunday night, with a well rehearsed script in hand, Harrison made one "last" effort to convince Tracy to fulfill her promise to provide the funding for his assault against J & J Jacks. When Tracy had refused as had been anticipated, Harrison then informed Tracy that Edward had approached him about the J & J Jacks situation. Harrison explained that Edward had offered money in exchange for the identity of Harrison's partner in the war against J & J Jacks.

As expected, Tracy had feigned disinterest in Harrison's information and ended the call. Immediately thereafter, the restaurant in Burlington where Edward and Harrison had met two days before was contacted to confirm Edward's presence. A few hours later, just as Jerry and Jax had anticipated, Tracy contacted Harrison again. The Viper was now singing a different tune. She was now contrite as she explained that Edward could help to get the partnership back on track for all of them. Tracy informed Harrison that he could divulge her identity to Edward and then keep the money Edward was offering for his trouble.

Harrison had made the call to Edward on Sunday night informing him that Tracy was the Viper and that he and Tracy and another party had a foolproof plan to nail J & J Jacks to the wall. Harrison was now being watched by Charlie's men until after the ELQ board meeting on Friday evening. If everything worked out as expected, Harrison would then be accompanied back to Great Britain where he would be left to resume his life so long as he made no further contact with Addie or took any action against J & J Jacks. Jax would hold onto the adjoining property of the Harrison family estate as an insurance policy for the next year. If Harrison fully cooperated during the next year, Jax would sell the property back to Cheshire County, thereby restoring value to the Harrison family estate once again.

Yesterday, Edward had bitten the bullet and placed his call to Tracy. Justus was present in the room with Edward during the call and Charlie had arranged for the conversation to be relayed to another location where John, Jerry, Jax and Ned were listening. Edward was his usual cantankerous self and he and Tracy exchanged their normal barbs to initiate the conversation. Justus was with Edward to ensure that Edward's wrath did not get the better of him before the phone call accomplished what was necessary. After a few strained moments, Edward explained what he wanted.

Tracy sounded like the cat which caught the canary as Edward did his own form of "pleading" with her for the cause. After he informed Tracy of his goals against Ned and Jax, Edward explained that no one else in the family would know about this and that the money used to fund the efforts would come from Edward's private holdings so that even Lila would be kept in the dark. In reality, only Ned, Lois and Justus knew exactly what Edward was doing. Lila and the rest of the family had just been told that everything would work out and not to ask any questions. Lila was extremely exasperated at both Edward and at Ned but they decided she would forgive them once it was all over. Edward would bring her into the equation when it became necessary later in the week.

Tracy had immediately questioned Edward's interest in her services especially since she was the family outcast and no longer had any control over anything at ELQ. Lee Baldwin, who was now the General Counsel for ELQ since Justus was the CEO and a shareholder now, had prepared Edward for that inquiry by informing Edward that Ned's establishment of Dillon's trust four years before could be overturned now if it were proven that it was no longer in the best interest of Dillon for Ned to act as trustee. Edward told Tracy that once Ned was ousted from his President and CFO positions at ELQ and was just a hostile shareholder, an argument could be made that it was against Dillon's best interests to have Ned act as trustee. If Tracy joined up with Edward against Jax, the argument would even be stronger since she would now be a shareholder again and have an executive position at ELQ and therefore be a perfect candidate to be trustee.

Tracy claimed to be disinterested and Edward then strategically dropped little reminders of what the rest of the family thought about her and how Jax had made her look so foolish four years before. Edward prompted Tracy to remember how Ned had treated her the last time they had seen one another and what Lois thought of her. Then Edward brought up Dillon and Lila's missed opportunities with her grandson and also her desire to protect Dillon's interest in the family. To the utter surprise of Ned, Edward even brought up the fact that Ned and Lois were talking about having another child and how this would decrease Dillon's interest even further. You could almost see the smoke coming out of Tracy's ears at the mention of Lois' name.

Edward then brought out the ace he had up his sleeve. He informed Tracy that if she were not interested in assisting him, maybe Dillon's father would be in order to protect the child's interest. At that comment, Edward could feel the tension in Tracy's voice even though there were thousands of miles between them. Dillon was spending more and more time with Paul and Jenny and their three children as it was and Edward knew that Dillon was Tracy's last chance at a place in the Quartermaine family. Tracy controlled herself enough to not immediately jump on the bandwagon but Edward and all the other interested eavesdroppers were convinced that she had been hooked at the mere reference to Paul Hornsby. Tracy told Edward she would check into some things and call him back the next day with her decision. Now, it was back to a waiting game as Edward expected the return phone call within the next several hours.

In a last effort to fully convince the Viper of Jax's potential partnership with Ned against ELQ and the unsteadiness of J & J Jacks, Jax had taken two final steps. First he had seen to it that a meeting between he and Ned was leaked to the press and Harrison had passed the information along to Tracy. And secondly, Thao had pulled back the security measures at the smallest union site in Italy and the anticipated trouble had resulted. The trouble was quickly squelched but it had served its purpose to further diminish the strength of J & J Jacks in Europe. There was no more room for trouble, J & J Jacks was barely hanging on.

Jax pushed the chair away from his desk and got up to look out the window. He had been repeating the same routine every ten minutes for the past hour. He had been sitting on the sidelines too long and the game was now in sudden death. At this point in any of the past transactions like this, he had always been restless and agitated but this was worse. He had finally determined yesterday afternoon that his increased anxiety was based on the fact that he had a family now which needed his support. All the other major crises had been before he married Brenda and they had Jillian. The stakes were so much higher now. Any losses were not just his anymore, they were all of theirs.

Jax sighed deeply as he heard a knock at the door. "Come in."

Jerry walked into the room carrying a large envelope. "Hey. This was just delivered for you."

Jax took the package from Jerry and then sat back down behind his desk. "Thanks."

Jerry sat down in the chair across from the desk. "I hope I don't look as apprehensive as you do."

Jax opened the envelope and pulled out its contents. "You look worse actually."

Jerry shook his head in amazement and groaned. "Do you think this means we are getting old? My God, Julia already thinks I need glasses."

Jax looked up from the documents he had just removed from the envelope. "You do. I told you that three months ago. It would do wonders for your racquetball game."

Jerry sighed in frustration. "Remind me to never ask you that question again." He took a deep breath and watched as Jax perused the documents in front of him. "Important?"

Jax nodded as he signed his name on the last page of the document. "Very. A little insurance policy." He exhaled slowly. "I am signing over all my interest in the stables to Brenda. This way all her hard work will be protected."

Jerry massaged the muscles in the back of his neck. "I did the same thing with Julia for the hotels in the Caribbean yesterday."

Jax's face showed a look of reflection. "Things have certainly changed over the past several years."

Jerry laughed out loud. "Who would have ever figured I would be worried about my wife?"

"Certainly not me." Jax chuckled as he put the documents back in the envelope. "I think it was only my adorable wife who took one look at you and Julia and decided that fate had stepped in and brought you two together."

Jerry shook his head. "You know how much I love that little lady of yours but I really thought she was completely out of her mind."

Jax snickered. "So did I."

Jerry folded his arms on front of him. "And she is never going to let either of us forget it."

They both laughed and then the sound of a gruff voice in the outer office was heard. The door flew open without a knock or an announcement and both Jax and Jerry looked up.

Edward was huffing and puffing. "You people need to do something about those confounded elevators. It takes way too long to get up here."

Jax smirked as he addressed Edward. "We will do that. To what do we owe the honor of your presence?"

Edward sighed. "I am here to offer my assistance to you two renegades. I have an offer you can't refuse."

Jax leaned back in his chair and grinned. "She bit?"

Edward's smug smile lit up his face. "With the ferocity of a mountain lion."

Jerry jumped up from his seat. "Then let's get the hell to work."

"Exactly." Jax buzzed Addie to gather all the pertinent players in the conference room and then rose from his seat.

Jerry then turned to Edward as they reached the door. "Oh, not before this." Jerry then gave Edward a big, wet smooch on the cheek. "Thanks Eddie."

Edward's eyes bugged out of his head as he bellowed. "Get away from me, you savage."

Jerry shrugged and Jax chuckled as they walked to the conference room with Edward muttering the whole way. Some days it just did not pay to get out of bed. Edward had no idea how he had ever gotten into this mess with the Jacks brothers and he knew he would never fully recover from the experience. Being forced to work with the shark and the savage just intensified Edward's fury regarding Tracy.

The Jacks Residence -- 9:30pm

The last several hours had been spent continuing the preparation for the events at the end of the week. The ELQ board meeting was scheduled for Friday evening between cocktails and dinner. With the time difference between Australia and New York, the mining coalition meetings and contract awards on Saturday would be occurring at essentially the same time. John and Jane were leaving for Melbourne tomorrow and would make their appearance at the coalition meetings along with Thomas and Paul Hogan. Sam Peterson was also being brought out of hiding to stir up some anxiety for the coalition later in the week.

Edward had spoken to Tracy again after his "so-called" meeting with Jerry and Jax about the proposal for J & J Jacks. He explained to Tracy that he had given Jerry and Jax twenty-four hours to accept the offer but that he was sure that the Jacks brothers would come crawling back to him. In anticipation of such, Edward and Tracy finalized some details in advance. Tracy chose Chequemate, Inc. as the new name for the company. The name embodied her love for the game of chess while perfectly describing the outcome of their association. The European spelling gave the name the dramatic flair that Tracy so esteemed.

As was agreed, Edward and Tracy would be equally responsible for the millions of dollars needed for the loan to J & J Jacks. Edward and Tracy would each own 49% with the remaining 2% of the company put into a trust for Dillon. Both Edward and Tracy would transfer their share of the loan amount into separate holding accounts tomorrow. Then on Thursday, the transfer would be made to Chequemate, Inc. for transfer on Friday morning to J & J Jacks once Jax endorsed over the ELQ stock certificates and he and Jerry signed the loan documents.

Since he knew Tracy would insist on seeing the endorsed stock certificate and transfer of the ELQ stock, Jax was aware that the stock would have to leave his possession, albeit temporarily. Any error in the plan would result in him losing a multi-million dollar asset. He and Edward had to trust each other, no small feat in and of itself. As significant as a loss of the ELQ stock would be to Jax, losing any interest in J & J Jacks would be even more detrimental. Therefore, in an attempt to initiate as many protective measures as possible, Lee Baldwin had worked out an escrow arrangement with Morgan Guaranty for the loan portion of the transaction. Unknown to Tracy would be the fact that the funds transferred from Chequemate, Inc. and the security interest in the J & J Jacks stocks would be held in escrow until Monday morning. This would allow some time for scrambling if anything did not go according to plan.

Charlie was making the necessary arrangements and phone calls concerning the procedures to be instituted once Tracy's funds were wired to the United States. Charlie's men were also keeping a watchful eye on all the Dominican Republic, Cayman Islands and off-shore accounts which were known to be tied to Tracy and/or the Soleito family. The funds necessary for transfer into Chequemate, Inc. were significant and it was unclear from where or who they would be transferred. That was the next crucial bit of information which would be needed to move onto the next step. With seventy-two hours and counting, it was now make or break time.

John and Jax had returned home from the office an hour ago, just in time to kiss Jillian good night. It was now almost noon in Tokyo and Jax was sitting behind his laptop in the study taking a look at the trading of the Asian markets. He glanced over at the table beside him and saw the picture that Jillian had given him when he tucked her into bed. It was a picture of her standing beside some flowers with Lady and Roo-Roo. A small voice inside his head asked him if Jillian had drawn the picture to ensure that he did not forget what she looked like.

Jax covered his face with both of his hands and leaned back in the leather recliner. He knew in his head that he was being ridiculous but in his heart, he was not so sure. Jillian seemed to be handling his late hours and weekend work of the past month in stride but it still bothered him tremendously. When Jax thought back to the last two months and all the time and energy that had been spent on this ordeal, he cringed. He had been forced to spend days away from Jillian and barely a month ago he had been forced to re-route his flight to Australia to be able to spend the one and only night in a three week period with Brenda.

Jax let out a ragged sigh as he thought back to all the time they had missed together. As soon as this was over and things had stabilized again, they were all going to have to get away. He had quality time to make up with Jillian and lovemaking time to make up with Brenda. Jax groaned as he momentarily let his mind indulge in the fantasy of spending a whole week in bed with Brenda. If he closed his eyes, Jax could feel the silkiness of her caress and taste the sweetness of her lips. The smell of her perfume would permeate the air and he could hear her whispering sweet nothings into his ear. And he could see the fire in her eyes as he covered her body with his. Then the sound of her gasps and soft moans as his hands and lips savored her. And then in a display of passion like few had ever experienced...

At that exact moment, the sound of footsteps entering the study followed by Jane's voice was then heard. "Dear, have you seen my new Jen Calabrese novel?"

Jax nearly bolted out of the recliner as his eyes flew open. He barely saved the laptop from being hurled to the ground from his sudden movement. "Mum." He stammered. "Whhaatt did you say?"

"Have you seen my Jen Calabrese novel?" Jane then gave him a bewildered look. "Jax, are you all right?"

Jax choked as he tried to slow his rapid breathing. "Yes...I am fine."

Jane walked over to him. "Are you sure? Why are you so flushed? Are you sick?"

Jax took a sharp intake of air. "Mum, I am not sick. And I did not see your novel."

Jane was not convinced. "Well, I am going to send Brenda up here when she finishes her phone call with Steve and Abby about next month's competitions. I think she needs to put you to bed."

Jax almost gasped out loud at the sound of the word "bed." His face did not hide his thoughts, however, as his cheeks became a shade pinker. "Mum, please don't worry. I will be fine."

"Okay. I understand." Jane smiled in recognition as she walked to the door. "I will just send Brenda up so that the two of you can spend some time alone together then. Your father and I will be available for Jillian if she needs us. Remember, the fantasy is never as rewarding as the reality."

Jax shook his head as Jane waved to him. He sighed loudly as he thought that the women in his life were going to be the end of him. He touched his cheek and he still felt warm. Jax turned off his laptop and rose from his chair. He crossed the room and pushed open the french doors. He walked out onto the balcony and stood at the wall as the gentle evening breeze rustled the leaves on the trees. The air was perfect and the night was peaceful. Jax sat on the chaise and allowed the tranquility of the late spring evening to flood over him. He closed his eyes and felt some of the tenseness and stress leaving his body. A moment later, Jax's mouth curled into a smile as he realized the soft hands massaging the back of his neck were the principal cause for the wave of serenity he suddenly felt.

Jax softly moaned as he felt the warmth of her lips behind his left ear. "My God, that feels good."

Her nimble fingers moved to his shoulder blades. "Are you okay?"

Jax opened his eyes. "You mean my mother did not tell you that I was having hot flashes from an overactive imagination?"

Brenda smiled as she kissed the top of Jax's head. "Yes, she did, but that is normal when you fantasize about me. I just wanted to make sure there was not something else out of the ordinary going on."

Jax turned and lunged for Brenda, pulling her sideways into his lap. "You are so sure of yourself, aren't you? Maybe I was thinking about Vanessa Marcil or one of today's other famous movie actresses."

Brenda giggled as she locked her arms around Jax's neck. "I don't think so. Try again."

Jax rolled his eyes as he tightened his arms around her waist. "You know, you could at least humor me."

Brenda kissed him on the cleft of his chin. "Like you humor me? When is the last time you ever acknowledged that I could possible be fantasizing about another man?"

Jax broadly grinned. "Well, humor is one thing but science fiction is another."

Brenda exhaled slowly. "Well, there is that one about Ingo."

Jax glared at her as she started snickering. "That is not funny. The next thing I know, you will have one of his calendars hanging next to our bed."

Brenda nodded as she mustered the power to stay composed long enough to utter her next statement. "Of course, and then his pin-up poster can be on the ceiling over the bed. That will be perfect."

"You are going to be so sorry for that." Brenda tried to bolt from his lap but he was too quick for her. She began shrieking and laughing uncontrollably as Jax began his tickling assault. His right hand moved under her cotton T-shirt and tickled the soft skin of her stomach as his left hand besieged the area behind her ear. She was still squealing as he lifted her from the chaise and walked back into the study. He pulled the french doors shut as she squirmed in his arms.

His lips took over the assault as they captured hers in a blistering kiss. His tongue dove into her mouth, tickling her tongue and then wriggling against the roof of her mouth. Brenda moaned as they reached the bedroom area of the master suite. She then screamed as Jax swung her back and forth over the side of the bed as if he were going to hurl her onto the mattress. Amidst her pleas for leniency, he gently lowered her onto the comforter.

Their clothes were dispensed with as if they were tissue paper. Jax moved on top of her as he tasted the sweetness of Brenda's lips and smelled the incredible scent of her perfume. He loudly groaned at the feel of her tender caresses as her hands moved up the inside of his thighs. He heard her sweet murmurings of love being whispered into his ear. And he saw the devotion and love behind the fire in her eyes as his body joined hers.

Brenda's eyes never left his as he moved up and down over her, taking her to new heights as an inferno waged within each of them. His heart was beating rapidly in his chest as his breathing became labored as their passion intensified. She whispered to him, begging him to take her to their own private paradise and Jax grabbed her hands and held them against the pillows over their heads. With an ardent groan from Jax and the whimpering of Jax's name from Brenda's lips, ecstasy was simultaneously theirs. It was loving and intense and blazing.

And again, Lady Jane was right. Reality was so much more rewarding than the fantasy.

Friday, June 8, 2001
J & J Jacks -- 1:00pm

It was D-Day and the final components of the plan were set to be put in motion. John and Jane were in Melbourne and Sam Peterson had made his first appearance yesterday as he and John paid visits to the coalition members. While those "precautionary and informative" calls were being made, Thomas and Paul Hogan were accumulating majority interests in the local and regional distributors of the coalition. John was now convinced that J & J Jacks had become too powerful for McBride's association to cause any substantial damage.

The meetings for the coalition elections and contract awards were set to begin in Melbourne at 6:00pm Port Charles time this evening. With Thomas' ownership acquisitions on behalf of J & J Jacks, the fall-out was going to be significant to any coalition members who dared to cast votes against J & J Jacks or deny contract awards to the company. Now J & J Jacks had a stronghold on the distribution centers for the suppliers as well as for the mining coalitions. If the distribution rights were taken away from any of the coalition members, they would be out of business within a month. The losses would far outweigh the gains for McBride's partners now as companies owned by J & J Jacks held all of the industry's distribution rights. The ownership rights had cost a fortune but the stronghold on Australia would be preserved and Asia was expected to follow suit.

The ELQ board meeting was set for 8:00pm this evening and Charlie had confirmed that Tracy was currently en route to Port Charles. Matters had gone as smoothly as possible thus far since Edward had informed Tracy on Wednesday that Jerry and Jax had begrudgingly accepted the offer to assist in the funding of J & J Jacks. On that same day, Tracy was faxed the legal documents for execution for the formation of the corporation, Chequemate, Inc. Tracy had wired her share of the funds needed to cover the corporation's loan to J & J Jacks. The funds had been wired to a Delaware bank account held in the name of TQ Corporation. Tracy had started TQ Corporation several years ago and had reactivated the bank account to hold the funds until yesterday when they were slated to be transferred to Chequemate, Inc. and then to J & J Jacks today.

In actuality the funds were going to be transferred to the escrow account held by Morgan Guaranty but Tracy was not privy to such information. She would simply see that her funds were transferred into the Chequemate account and then out again. She would not be made aware of the escrow arrangement, nor any of the other surprises awaiting her, until she appeared at tonight's board meeting with the intent to vote her share of Jax's former ELQ stocks. Jax, Jerry and Ned were sitting in the conference room checking and double-checking every move that had been made. Everything was as stable as could be expected but there was still a feeling of uneasiness in the room. This was Tracy they were dealing with and she was not worthy of a moment of trust. Further precautions had been taken last night when Edward decided to further involve Lila in the plans.

Charlie's contacts had been monitoring all the bank activity and it had been confirmed this morning that a significant portion of Tracy's funds had come from one of the Soleito family accounts. Accordingly, the funds were immediately suspected of being generated from illegal activity. It was the news that everyone had expected but it also meant that the funds had to be kept from any of the "clean" accounts. Under the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Organization Act (RICO), any person, entity, account or organization in receipt of such funds could be considered to fall within the scope of the statute. If that happened, all accounts would be frozen and operations ceased until extensive investigations, interrogations, and audits were conducted. The length of time involved could be so considerable that the business could easily suffer insurmountable losses. At this point in time, it would certainly be fatal for J & J Jacks.

The escrow accounts at Morgan Guaranty were also being used to protect the interest of J & J Jacks in connection with the transaction with Tracy. The funds from Tracy were sitting in an escrow account now rather than in a J & J account. Morgan Guaranty was also being protected since the escrow agreement clearly stated that the funds belonged to Chequemate, Inc. until after the recision period for J & J Jacks to terminate the loan ended on Monday, June 11th.

Ned shook his head as he glanced from Jerry to Jax. "This waiting is torturous."

Jax sighed in frustration. "Yes, and very unsettling. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop."

Jerry took a deep breath. "I am too. I can feel another crisis coming before this is all over."

Ned shook his head in comprehension. "I know Grandfather feels the same way. The next several hours are going to seem endless."

Jerry pressed his palms together in front of him as he sat back in his chair. "How is good ole Eddie this afternoon?"

Ned's dimples became more pronounced as he grinned. "Suffering terribly."

Jax chuckled. "Good. He deserves it for insisting on one percent of my ELQ stock for his role in this little exercise."

Jerry turned to face Jax. "At least he will be paying top dollar for it when he buys it from you."

Ned nodded. "Yes, and you did insist that only half of a percent goes to him while the other half goes to Grandmother. And as incensed as she is at him for keeping her in the dark about my mother, I bet she would do anything you asked of her."

Jax smiled. "I understand Lila is quite upset. When Brenda took Jillian to see Lila yesterday afternoon, Brenda said Lila was fit to be tied from Edward trying to keep her sheltered from the news."

Ned leaned back in his chair. "Grandmother and Lois make the perfect pair now. I don't know who is more agitated."

Jax exhaled slowly. "You can add Brenda to that list as well. She about had a fit when she found out I transferred her all the interest in the stables. She wanted me to use them to wage war against Tracy."

Jerry drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "Julia is the same way. She has been offering the use of Barrett Industries for three weeks now."

Ned sighed in frustration. "Lois just wants to use a net and a whip. I will not be responsible if she gets a hold of my mother."

The three of them began to laugh but the mirth quickly ceased when Charlie quickly entered the conference room.

Jerry spoke first. "What is it?"

Charlie exhaled deeply. "My informants in the Cayman Islands just called with word that additional funds will be wired to the States just prior to the close of the banking day."

Ned felt his jaw tighten. "For what?"

Charlie continued. "A little insurance in case tonight does not go as promised."

Jax groaned. "Let me guess, for transfer into the accounts ELQ and J & J Jacks."

Jerry shook his head. "With the immediate follow-up of a tip to the Justice Department about illegal funds being received."

Charlie nodded. "Bingo."

Ned was seething. "That bitch."

The clock in the main waiting area of the office chimed signifying it was forty-five minutes past the hour of one o'clock. There were only fifteen minutes left in the banking day on the east coast. Jerry and Ned grabbed their cell phones from their pockets as Charlie informed them all that he would be back once he had more specific information.

Jax called out for Addie as he dialed the number to Roger Murdock, President of Morgan Guaranty. Addie walked into the room and stood in front of the conference table as Jax spoke to Murdock. "Roger, we have a crisis here and we need every account frozen immediately. Nothing is to go in or out effective this moment. We will deal with the ramifications on Monday."

Jax hung up from his call with Murdock and looked up at Addie. "I need all the account numbers for Bank of America and Alaskan Pacific. We need all those accounts shut down before the banking day ends on the west coast."

Meanwhile Ned placed a call to Justus who made contact with The Bank of New York and Fidelity Trust to freeze all the ELQ accounts.

Jerry contacted John in Melbourne an alerted him of the situation.

As the clock chimed for the two o'clock hour, Jerry, Jax and Ned collapsed into their chairs again. Another crisis seemingly averted. And another instance when Tracy proved them all right that she could not be trusted for even a moment.

Jax's eyes were void of anything but vengeance. "I am going to get that woman if it is the last thing I ever do."

Ned spoke through clenched teeth. "Stand in line."

Jerry pulled out his cell phone again. "I think it is time to confirm our arrangements with our guests."

Ned's mouth curled up in a small smile. "At least this part will be fun."

Jax took a deep breath. "Yes, it will be. And now we just have another guest to invite after the latest escapade." He grinned as he picked up the conference room phone. "But I do I have to call Edward first."

Ned folded his arms together in front of him. "What do you need with Grandfather?"

Jax sighed contently. "Charlie's information just saved ELQ a heap of trouble and money. That one percent of ELQ stock that goes to Edward just went down to a half a percent." Jax chuckled. "I can hear the old man now."

Jerry began laughing as Ned just shook his head. He was just beginning to realize that the best part of this whole mess was witnessing Jerry and Jax get under Edward's skin. It was a free preview of the main attraction but it would have been worth the price of admission in and of itself.

The Quartermaine Estate -- 7:00pm

Cocktails were being served in the living room as the shareholders began to gather. A.J. was getting Keesha a drink while Alan and Monica were speaking to Emily in the corner of the room. Tonight would be Emily's first board meeting as she had been granted stock on her eighteenth birthday a few months earlier. It was going to be one hell of a way to enter the world of ELQ and corporate governance.

Ned and Lois arrived and Lois' jaw already hurt from having had her teeth clenched all day. She had spent the first part of the week in Bensonhurst with the children before returning home to take part in the Quartermaine family's version of the gladiator wars.

Ned took her arm as they walked into the living room. "Lois, this will all be over soon. For good."

Lois plastered a smile on her face. "That peroxide witch may come flying in here on her broomstick but she will be crawling out of here like the snake in the grass that she is."

Ned bit his bottom lip as they approached Edward and Lila. "Honey, don't hold back. Tell us how you really feel."

Lois squeezed Ned's arm as they reached Edward and Lila. "Good evening Edward and Lila."

Lila extended her hand to Lois. "Good evening dear. You look lovely."

Lois patted Lila's hand. "Thank you but you are going to put us all to shame this evening."

Ned took Lila's hand and kissed it. "Lois is right, Grandmother, you look wonderful."

Lila's eyes were twinkling. "You both are too kind. Now tell me when I will see my great grandchildren again."

Lois smiled. "Ma and Pop will bring them home tomorrow presuming this evening goes as planned."

Edward groaned. "It will go as planned."

Ned raised both of his eyebrows. "Or we will all be living in Bensonhurt."

Edward bellowed. "When hell freezes over. It might as well be New Jersey and not even the rats want to be there."

Lila sighed. "Edward, enough. This evening is going to be onerous enough without your unwelcome sarcasm."

Justus arrived just as Jax was helping Brenda from the car. Justus walked over to them and kissed Brenda. "Don't you look beautiful?"

Brenda smiled brightly. "Thank you sir. Dara won't be joining us?"

Justus shook his head. "She says she already deals with enough malfeasance at the DA's office on a daily basis." He put up his hand and laughed. "No, actually she is in Manhattan for a DA conference this weekend."

Jax shook Justus' hand. "The first reason sounds more reasonable to me."

Justus nodded. "To me too." They strolled up the walk toward the entrance way. "Are you two ready for the entertainment?"

Jax's face reflected his trademark grin. "I expect some fireworks."

Brenda looked up at Justus as they reached the door. "I would prefer a public hanging."

Justus could not contain his mirth. "Now that would be most entertaining."

Jax helped Brenda off with her wrap as he smirked. "Brenda has some very strong opinions on Tracy."

Justus nodded as the three of them headed to the living room. "I bet she does."

Edward glanced over at the door as Justus, Jax and Brenda entered the room. "Great, here comes my ulcer again."

Ned took a sip of his scotch. "Jax will be disappointed. I am sure he was aiming to give you something fatal."

Justus went to speak to Lee Baldwin while Jax and Brenda crossed the room to reach Edward, Lila, Ned and Lois. Jax reached for Lila's hand and kissed it. "Lila, you look quite enchanting this fine evening."

Lila radiantly smiled as she held Jax's hand. "Jax, you are such a charming gentleman."

Eddie rolled his eyes as he blustered. "For God's sake, Lila, do not indulge this crocodile. While he is shaking your hand with one arm, the other will be stealing your jewelry."

Lila softly sighed. "Jax, pay him no mind. He just wishes he had one tenth of your charm. Maybe you could give him some lessons?"

Lois covered her mouth to hide her mirth as Edward shook his head. "Lila, I am telling you that you have to stop allowing these rogues to turn your head."

Lila folded her hands together. "Edward, you did not say that sixty years ago when I let you turn my head so do not bring it up now."

Edward stomped to the bar as Brenda hugged Lila. "Lila, you do look lovely. Brenda knelt down beside Lila's wheelchair. "Are you sure you are up to this?"

Lila nodded. "Thank you dear but I am fine for now." She exchanged a glance with Brenda. "As we discussed this afternoon, there are just some things that you have to do."

Brenda spoke deliberately as she stood up again. "Yes, there are."

Jax caressed Brenda's shoulder. "Darling, would you like a drink?"

Brenda rested her hand on Jax's chest. "Just a club soda but I will come with you." She turned to Lila, Ned and Lois. "Can we get anything for anyone?"

Everyone declined the offer and Jax put his arm around Brenda as they walked over to the bar. "Sweetie, I did not realize you saw Lila today."

Brenda nodded and hesitated slightly as she spoke. "Yes, I stopped by this afternoon so that we could take care of some things we needed to do."

Jax noticed Brenda's cryptic response but did not bring it up as the bartender handed him a brandy and a club soda. They walked back to Ned, Lois and Lila and Edward then joined them. The doors to the living room opened again and Edward cringed as he looked toward the door. "What the hell is he doing here?"

Jax turned around and saw Jerry and Julia walking toward the group. "Edward, we thought you could use a pleasant surprise!"

Jerry smugly smiled as he stood before Edward. "Eddie, what's shakin'?"

Edward scowled as he barely could spit out the words. "This is an ELQ board meeting, not a circus and this buffoon is not welcome here." He turned to Jax. "One joker is bad enough."

Jerry feigned a dejected sigh. "Eddie, you wound me." He then shrugged. "But I will not hold it against you and would be happy to stay."

Edward's jaw was stiff. "You are not staying. That is for certain."

"I have to stay." Jerry grinned as he pulled out the piece of paper from his tuxedo jacket. "I have the lovely Miss Scorpio's proxy for the evening for the shares in the AIDS Research Foundation."

Edward began choking. "What?"

Jax patted Edward on the back. "I thought Jerry would like to join in on the fun so I asked Robin to give him her proxy for the night for the AIDS Research Foundation, I still hold the proxy for the Stone Cates Foundation so you have both of us tonight. Isn't that a wonderful treat?"

Edward's face reddened in exasperation. "This is a bloody nightmare."

Jax tried to contain his laughter. "Edward, you are getting all hot under the collar. Maybe your bow tie is too tight?"

Jerry began chuckling. "Or the elastic in your jockey shorts?"

Edward threw out both of his hands and stormed away from them all. First a deceptive and criminal daughter and then a double dose of the crocodile and shark. It was going to be some night.

ELQ Board Meeting -- 8:00pm

Jerry and Jax stepped out of the Quartermaine library after finishing their phone calls from Melbourne. Jerry had spoken to John and Thomas had contacted Jax. The coalition meetings were proceeding just as expected. The multi-year supply contracts had been awarded and J & J Jacks had gained ground from the last contracts granted three years earlier. McBride's new partners had been forced to withdraw from the partnership once J & J Jacks' new ownership rights in the local and regional distribution centers were disclosed. McBride had been left twisting in the wind with no support and his companies had lost the majority of their previous contracts. To complete the final reprisal move against McBride's months of sabotage and attack on J & J Jacks, John was concluding his plans. Within the next twenty-four hours, McBride's companies would become the latest acquisitions of J & J Jacks. The enemy had now been defeated and tomorrow it would be crushed.

Jerry slipped his cell phone back into his pocket as they crossed the hallway. "One down."

Jax nodded as he reached to open the doors to join everyone again in the living room. "And one to go. Come on, Tracy, the party's about to start."

As Jerry and Jax entered the living room, the grandfather clock struck eight and it was time to start the board meeting. There had been no sign of Tracy yet but Edward and Ned kept a careful watch on the doors awaiting the arrival of the viper.

Ned emptied his glass of scotch. "She will be making a grand entrance. Count on that."

Her sparkling fingernails caught the light as Lois tapped her hand against the center of her chest. "She will be swooping in here any moment I am sure."

Julia shook her head in agreement. "I wonder if she will be wearing her fangs."

Brenda sighed heavily. "I wonder if she would melt if we threw a few buckets of water on her?"

Lois shook her index finger in the air. "You know, girlfriend, that is an idea. I am going to have Reginald get some ice water ready."

Everyone laughed and Jax came up behind her and slipped his arms around her small waist. "I see we are making good use of our time here, ladies."

Julia nodded. "You know what they say about idle minds."

Brenda moved her hands to her waist and covered Jax's hands. "Maybe we should have arranged for an exterminator?"

Reginald walked by them at that moment. "Trust me, I have arranged for the place to be fumigated in the morning after the vermin is gone."

Lois smiled at Reginald. "Reg, you're my kind of man."

Jax chuckled. "Sorry Ned. I guess Lois has finally seen the light."

Ned shot Jax a wicked glance. "Cute. Real cute."

Jax grinned like a cheshire cat. "Thank you. You are so kind."

Reginald signaled to Edward that Tracy was about ready to make her appearance so Edward decided it was time to bring the meeting to order. Edward assisted Lila into the center of the living room while everyone else took their places. Lee Baldwin handed Lila the stock ledger and Lila called the meeting to order.

Lila opened the ledger and began reading the shareholders names to take attendance. "Edward Quartermaine, Lila Quartermaine, Alan Quartermaine, Monica Quartermaine, Ned Ashton, Alan Quartermaine Jr., Justus Ward." Lila smiled brightly as she then looked over at Emily who was sitting next to Edward. "Emily Quartermaine, our newest shareholder."

Emily acknowledged her presence and Lila continued. "The AIDS Research Foundation."

Edward grimaced as Jerry handed Robin's proxy to Lee Baldwin. "Present and accounted for." Jerry turned to Edward and waved. "Hey Eddie, what's happenin'?"

Julia elbowed Jerry as he laughed at the steam coming from Edward's ears. Lila continued to take attendance. "The Stone Cates Foundation."

Jax smiled at Lila. "Present."

Lila returned his smile. "Yes, and we have Ms. Scorpio's proxy on file for you." Lila continued to exchange glances with Jax.

Edward rolled his eyes. "Oh, for heavens sake, Lila, snap out of it. He is a pirate, not a god."

Lila ignored Edward's remark and finished up the roll call. "And lastly, The Dillon Hornsby Trust."

A.J.'s face reflected a look of surprise. "What about Jax?"

Edward could not hide the glee on his face. "Well, there has been a change there."

At that moment, Tracy walked through the door into the living room. "And here she is."

Alan moved his palm to cover his forehead. "Good God, please tell me this is some nightmare that I will wake up from."

Monica's voice had a caustic edge to it. "I thought you would be at the bottom of some river by now."

A.J. shook his head. "What the hell are you doing here?"

Tracy laughed out loud. "It is so nice to see that nothing has changed around here."

Alan sighed in exasperation. "I don't know. Seems to me that the oxygen level in the room just decreased significantly."

Tracy walked over to the right side of the room and stood before Alan, Monica and A.J. "Oh, my dear brother. You know, plastic surgery would do wonders for those wrinkles in your face." She turned to Monica. "Monica, do you plan to still pretend you are a blonde even at sixty? And A.J., found any good bartenders lately?"

Tracy then walked over to Lila and leaned down to kiss Lila on the cheek. "Mother, it is so nice to see you again."

Lila's voice was devoid of emotion. "Tracy."

Tracy then stood back up to turn to the left side of the room. Edward, Ned, Jerry and Jax had all stood up and were standing next to each other. Standing there all dressed in black tuxedos, it looked like a sea of black. A closer examination of their faces revealed a stare of pure steel emanating from the eyes of all four men. It was the classic look of a panther cornering its prey in darkness of the jungle. When Tracy turned around and saw them, a chill raged through her body.

Ned's spoke with a huge devilish grin on his face. "Hello Mother."

Tracy cleared her throat. "Ned." She then turned to Edward and kissed him on the cheek. "Daddy."

The stiffness in Edward's jaw was quite pronounced. "Tracy."

Jax took a step forward. "Tracy, no warm greeting for me?"

Jerry smugly smiled. "Or me?"

Tracy did not like the looks the Jacks brothers were giving her and fought to control the confidence in her voice. "This is a surprise. I did not think your ego would survive coming tonight to merely deliver a proxy vote. And your brother, I have no clue why he would be here but I understand he has always been a tad unbalanced."

Jax choked back his laughter. "That is us, full of surprises and slightly unbalanced. But we like to keep others completely unbalanced so it tends to work out quite well."

Tracy ignored the meaning behind Jax's remarks and averted Jerry's penetrating stare and lowered her eyes to the couch where Lois, Brenda and Julia were now sitting. "Lois, I can't believe you still have those ridiculous nails. Are you moonlighting for Mary Kay Cosmetics?"

Lois spoke through clenched teeth. "No, Tracy, but I can give you the name of my representative. You could earn her the pink cadillac in just a few short months with all the layers you need to hide your scales and fossilized skin."

Tracy sighed loudly. "Please tell me that my son's children did not pick up that dreadful accent of yours."

Lois responded with an even more pronounced accent. "We are working on it. Our children fall asleep to tapes of my voice every night. The kids are just like me and my brother Luigi when we were growing up. You should see Anthony in his little leather jacket and spiked hair. And Brooke just adores the glittered nail polish."

Tracy gave Lois a scathing glance and then spoke to Julia and Brenda. "And the Barrett sisters. I see you both have somehow managed to hang onto your catches. Did you see it as a package deal, Barrett/Jacks, Jacks/Barrett?" Tracy laughed again. "No clue as to why your husbands would be interested but I guess there is just no accounting for taste."

Julia shrugged. "Fortunately, your husbands had it. Let's see Lawrence Ashton and then Mitch Williams and then Paul Hornsby and then Gino Soleito. And they all dumped you."

Brenda shook her head. "And poor Gino Soleito had to die to get away from you." She exhaled softly. "Tracy, have you ever wondered if you were not such a barracuda during the day and a cold fish in the bedroom at night, maybe a man who was not a veterinarian could tolerate having to be in the same room with you?"

Tracy gave Brenda a snide smile. "Well, the little woman actually knows words more than two syllables. I underestimated you."

Brenda softly laughed. "You underestimated a lot."

Lila spoke up. "I think we all need to get back to business."

Alan held out his hands as he spoke. "Fine, why doesn't someone tell us what the hell is going on?" He looked over at Edward. "Father?"

Edward shrugged. "Alan, there is nothing going on. Jax is not currently a shareholder in ELQ."

Monica folded her arms in front of her. "And who owns his shares?"

Tracy could not control her mirth. "Me."

Alan's jaw dropped. "You?"

Tracy locked her arm through Edward's arm. "Well, actually Daddy and I own them."

A.J. rubbed his eyes. "Please tell me this is a sick joke."

Tracy shook her head. "No, Jax sold them to the company that Daddy and I formed."

Edward patted Tracy on the hand and unlocked her arm from his. "You must be mistaken. Jax did not sell his stock to any company that you and I own. You and I own no company together."

Tracy let out a frustrated sigh. "Daddy, he is going to find out anyway now so you might as well disclose it."

Edward stroked his chin. "There is nothing to disclose. Jax sold his shares of stock to a company of mine." Edward grinned. The company is called Checkmate, Inc. Don't you just love the name? It is so appropriate for all the water that has passed under the bridge."

Tracy gave Edward a look of confusion. "Daddy, stop. You and I own Chequemate, Inc. You and I and the trust for Dillon. I have the documents to prove it and the certificate from the assessment office showing the formation of the corporation."

Lee Baldwin stood up. "Do you mind if I take a look at them?

Tracy opened up her purse and handed the papers to Lee. "Yes,and then you can explain the legality of it all to everyone, including my father."

Lee looked at the papers. "These are in order and the corporation was formed two days ago with Tracy L. Quartermaine and Edward L. Quartermaine as the principal shareholders."

Jax turned toward Reginald who was standing watch at the door. Jax lowered his head slightly and Reginald acknowledged the signal.

Tracy took the papers back from Lee and showed them to Edward. "Daddy, is your mind a little fuzzy tonight? Here are the names and the signatures. Tracy L. Quartermaine and Edward L. Quartermaine. Your name is right here."

Charlie Chan and a middle-aged gentleman then walked into the living room. The unknown man spoke out. "That is my name." He walked over to Tracy and extended his hand to her. "Hello partner. I am Edward L. Quartermaine."

Tracy involuntarily took a step back. "What? I don't know you."

The gentleman smiled. "But I know you. I am your partner." He moved toward her and pointed to the signature line of the Articles of Incorporation for Chequemate, Inc. "And there is my signature."

Jax walked over to Tracy. "Tracy, meet Charlie Chan, one of the world's top private investigators." He chuckled. "He did have quite a time finding another Edward L. Quartermaine."

Jerry smirked as he spoke to her. "But he found one. Just like he found Sam Peterson and Rex Harrison and Frank McBride and his cohorts."

Jax's eyes were blazing. "And of course, the Viper."

Tracy found her voice and her composure. "I have the loan documents and the stock transfer certificates for your ELQ stock and for the security interest in J & J Jacks. I don't know what my father or you are trying to pull but I have the documents and therefore the stock whether or not he is affiliated with Chequemate, Inc. or not. That issue has nothing to do with the other."

Jax exhaled deeply. "Well,you are right. I did sell my ELQ stock." He pulled out the copies of the transfer certificates from the breast pocket of his tuxedo. "Here are the copies of the certificates."

Tracy grabbed them from Jax. "As I said, I know the stock was issued to Chequemate, Inc. It is mine now."

Edward let out a sinister laugh. "Take a good look at those transfer papers, Tracy. They may be quite enlightening."

Tracy perused the papers and suddenly her face became pale. "What is this?"

Edward chuckled. "As you see, these shares were transferred to Checkmate, Inc. not Chequemate, Inc. Same pronunciation of the company name, just a different spelling."

Ned rubbed his hands together. "Wasn't that a brilliant move? I am sorry to say that Jax came up with it but you did give him the idea by insisting on the European spelling for Chequemate, Inc."

Jerry grinned broadly at her. "Thank you so much for your help."

Tracy shook her head in the hopes of stopping her head from spinning. "Wait a minute. I put up millions of dollars for this company and I will have you all in front of the SEC and the Port Charles Police Department over this."

Jax nodded. "We understand that. That is why J & J Jacks decided to rescind the loan from Chequemate, Inc. this afternoon. The escrow agent has been informed and the proper documentation has been executed by both J & J Jacks and Chequemate, Inc. Your funds are back in the company account."

Tracy shook her finger in the air. "Not possible. There could not be a majority of the shareholders without me. I own 49% and Dillon's trust has another 2% so this so-called Edward L. Quartermaine person could not act on behalf of the company alone."

"He did not act alone. I signed on behalf of Dillon's trust. You are once again using that child as a chess piece and I won't have it a moment longer."

Tracy gasped as she saw Paul Hornsby standing at the door. "Paul?"

Paul shook his head and spoke deliberately. "Tracy, what in the hell have you gotten yourself into now? Whatever it is, my son is staying out of it and you are staying out of his life."

Tracy was seething. "Paul."

Paul turned toward the door and waved his hand in disgust. "Save it. You will hear from my lawyers in the morning."

Tracy was like a caged animal now. "You are not going to get away with this."

Jax laughed sarcastically. "We have, Tracy. Just like we squashed McBride in Australia an hour ago as well as Harrison's attempts to break us in Europe and Petterson's efforts in Asia. You took a little more preparation but it is the same result."

Jerry flashed her a devilish grin. "And the real fun is just about to begin."

You could see the tightness in Tracy's face from across the room. "This is not going to work. I am getting your stock. I don't care if it is in the name of Chequemate, Inc or Checkmate, Inc. or ABC, Inc., it is mine."

Jerry shook his head. "Sorry Tracy."

A light went off in her head and Tracy started laughing. Actually it was more like a cackle. "Wait a minute." She turned to Edward. "Daddy, if you are the owner, even part owner, of Jax's stock, then I am collecting my share. We had a deal and an original term sheet signed by both of us and I know it was you and not that so-called other partner of mine. I can bring you up under the new SEC regulations so fast your head will spin. And if you lose, all the stock is mine. So play it safe, Daddy, and give me my half and we will call it even."

Edward stroked his chin and pondered her position. "You have a valid point." He then patted Tracy on the shoulder. "Unfortunately for you and possibly me, Jax insisted that your mother be part of the transaction. So after Jax sold the stock to Checkmate, Inc., I transferred all of my interest in the company to Lila. Your mother owns the company and the stock."

Tracy gasped softly and felt the room spinning again when she saw Lee cringe slightly. Her mind went into overdrive and it came to her. She almost shouted with joy as she pointed at Lee. "You know."

Edward furrowed his brow. "Lee knows what?"

Tracy began dancing around in a circle. "Tell them, Mr. General Counsel. And to think, I thought I hated lawyers."

Lee rubbed his temple. "Unfortunately, Edward, there is a problem."

Edward was bellowing now. "What kind of problem?"

Lee took a deep breath. "Under the provisions of the By-Laws for ELQ, the transfer of stock between spouses or family members for the sheer purpose of avoiding the SEC regulations is a violation and therefore invalidates the transfer. The transfer must be a bona fide sale. The only exception to this is if there is a subsequent bona fide sale to a non-family member. A sale now will have no effect since the board meeting has already started and the shares will have to be voted." Lee took a sharp intake of air. "Edward, can I presume that you transferred the stock to Lila without the exchange of funds?"

Edward felt his jaw tighten. "Yes, she is my wife for God's sake."

Lee sighed loudly. "I understand but unfortunately the transfer is not valid under the By-Laws."

Tracy laughed loudly. "Now, Daddy, if you had only read the By-Laws."

Lila wheeled her chair over to the group. "Fortunately, I read them. Well, actually Alexis Davis did."

Edward turned around at the sound of Lila's voice behind him. "What?"

Lila looked up them. "I read the By-Laws and I made a bona fide sale."

Lee raised his eyebrows. "To a non-family member?"

Lila nodded. "Yes, it was to a non-family member."

Edward was amazed. "To whom?"

Brenda pulled a set of documents from her purse. "To me."

Tracy was irate. "What a minute. What did the little woman over there give you for a purchase price? You know she can't use any asset that she owns with Jax since it is his original stock we are dealing with."

Lila sighed softly and then smiled. "I am now the owner of a horse farm. You know I have always wanted one but we never got around to buying one. Now I have fulfilled a lifelong dream. I can even now say I am the owner of a champion thoroughbred. Brenda retained Alexis Davis and she handled all the paperwork."

Ned flashed Lila a grin and his dimples seemed to light up the room. "Congratulations Grandmother."

Edward laughed. "Well, I'll be."

Jax shook his head as he caught Brenda's gaze. He now knew what the cryptic remark she made was about seeing Lila this afternoon to take care of some things. She had helped take care of him again. Meanwhile Edward was hugging Lila and Ned and Jerry were shaking hands and Lee was breathing a sigh of relief. Tracy, on the other hand, was despondent. Her whole family was around her and no one seemed to care that she had lost everything. She looked down at Edward speaking to Lila and could not believe their conversation.

Edward was patting Lila on the hand. "Now, dear, that a brilliant move by you and Brenda. Now, I am sure that you and Brenda have worked something out about transferring her back the stables once Jax repays me for the purchase of the stock. Now I want to talk to you about the purchase price and the percentage."

Lila rolled her eyes. "Edward, Brenda and I have already worked it out. She is keeping all the stock for Jax."

Edward started blustering. "Lila, her husband and I had a deal. I am keeping a portion of the stock for my role in this."

Lila shook her head. "Edward, Jax has saved us quite a bit in this mess and his costs have been outrageous. He is getting all the stock back and you are not getting a penny more back than you paid him for it this week."

Edward gasped. "Lila, we had a deal."

Lila was adamant. "Edward, I will not make money or take advantage of my own family."

Tracy could not control herself any longer. They were fighting over people who were insignificant to this family. "Family? Mother, she is not family."

Lila looked Tracy directly in the eye and spoke with complete deliberation. "You do not even know what the word means. If you did, we would not be here like this."

Tracy sighed in exasperation. "Mother, how can you say that? I am your daughter."

"Yes, Tracy, but you are not my family. And after today, you never will be." Lila motioned toward Reginald. "Reginald, please take me upstairs." She then turned to Edward. "When it is over and the meeting resumes, you have my proxy."

Brenda came off the sofa and grasped Lila's hand. "Thank you and good night. I will bring Jillian by to see you tomorrow afternoon."

Lila smiled. "We can have tea. And tell, Jillian, I will be sure to have plenty of peppermints for her."

Reginald took Lila upstairs and Tracy began screaming. "You people are not going to get away with any of this. Not one single one of you."

Ned shook his head. "No, Mother, you are the one who is not going to get away with this. Not one thing."

Jax put his arm around Brenda as she moved beside him. "And Tracy we know all about your little attempt to corrupt our bank accounts with your blood money. We have handled that as well. You struck out on three pitches this time, Tracy."

Jerry looked toward the door and smiled as Charlie signaled to him. "And I think your luck is just about to get even worse."

Tracy turned around and Detective Garcia and Detective Taggert stood before her. "Tracy Quartermaine Soleito, we need you to come down to the station for questioning. We have numerous charges of fraud and tampering to discuss with you."

Julia shook her head. "Why do I have the feeling that Detectives Garcia and Taggert will have to wait their turn?"

The doorbell rang and a moment later two other detectives entered the room. "Tracy Quartermaine Soleito, I am Agent Johnson and this is Agent McDonald from the FBI. We have some questions for you concerning some interstate bank transactions and wire tapping."

The doorbell sounded again and Lois clapped her hands together. "Oh, more guests. How wonderful."

Next a gentleman wearing a small badge on his pocket walked into the living room. "Tracy Quartermaine Soleito, I am Revenue Officer Billingsley from the Internal Revenue Service. "We have some major discrepancies on your tax returns for the years 1996 through 1999. We have scheduled an audit but need to speak with about these inconsistencies immediately."

Once again the doorbell sounded. This time it was Brenda who spoke up. "Gee, I wonder who that would be for?"

A female agent came into the room with two uniformed officers following her. "Tracy Quartermaine Soleito, I am Agent Davidson from the Justice Department. I have a warrant for your arrest under the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. Here is a judicial decree freezing your bank accounts. These officers will take you outside and read you your rights."

Tracy began pleading. "Please Daddy. Alan. Ned."

Edward shook his head. "Good-bye Tracy."

Ned sighed. "And good riddance."

Brenda had to get in her last dig for hopefully a lifetime. "And Tracy, remember that is Checkmate. C-H-E-C-K-M-A-T-E. If you had spelled it right in the first place, maybe you would not be in all this mess."

As the last of Tracy's cries were heard, Reginald came skipping into the living room. "The witch is gone."

Justus raised his arms in the air. "Hallelujah!"

Emily stood in the middle of the room with her mouth wide open. "Is this how all the board meetings will be?"

Everyone laughed and Edward then grabbed Emily from behind and started dancing. Alan, Monica, A.J., Keesha, Justus and Reginald joined in the line behind them to form the Quartermaine version of a conga line. The all began singing.

Ding dong, the witch is dead
The witch is dead
The witch is dead
Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead
Ding dong, the witch is dead
The witch is dead
The witch is dead
Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead

Meanwhile on the other side of the room, Jax grabbed Brenda and swung her around as Jerry hugged Julia and Ned kissed Lois.

Jax touched Brenda on her cheek as if she was a porcelain angel. "Mrs. Jacks, whatever would I do without you?"

Brenda shrugged as she tangled her fingers into his hair. "You will never find out."

Jax took a deep breath. "You know you took a big gamble. You could have lost everything you so hard worked for. You could have lost Dream."

Brenda shook her head. "That farm belongs to us, both of us, regardless of what the documents stated when I transferred it to Lila. I wanted to use it to help you. That is all that mattered."

Jax kissed her softly on the lips and then stepped slightly away from her. "I love you."

Brenda nodded and she spoke in a throaty whisper. "I love you too and believe me, you are going to have numerous opportunities to show me just how much you love me."

Jax grinned at her as he stroked her cheek again. "Oh, really?"

Brenda nodded as she fought to control her giggles. "Yes, you have to repay me somehow for getting that stock back for you. And guess how I am going to collect on it?"

Jax feigned a look of complete dread. "And since Ruby is keeping Jillian until after lunch tomorrow, I guess I have to start repaying this debt tonight?"

Brenda nodded. "It is for the best since interest will be accruing daily."

Jax chuckled as he kissed her on the corners of her mouth. "You little vixen."

Brenda laughed. "And you love me just as I am."

"Damn right I do." Jax whispered against her lips in between kisses. "I love you so much."

Their lips melded together and nothing else mattered. It was just the two of them, two hearts and souls uniting for a common goal. And against them, no enemy could prevail. Love would conquer all and it had once again.

SONG CREDITS: "One Hand, One Heart" by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and "Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead" from the Wizard of Oz