A/N: Thanks for the support and to the guest who enjoyed the high school flashback last chapter, I have to say I totally miss Alan too.
To: Ann and guests... thanks so much for looking forward to more chapters and the feedback. Review feels :D
To: JamieTurner... you are absolutely right that Jason is the one thing that could make these two be civil to each other. In the story, Brenda and Jason have built a very strong friendship these past years and it will be explained in later chapters how exactly that switch occurred. So... Brenda would do anything for him, as would Carly. It was the perfect foundation for both girls to bond over.
Story note: There's not a whole lot of Brazen interaction in this chapter, but what can I do... our boy's in jail. I had to laugh at myself writing this. All of the characters I have always enjoyed (ex: Liz, Jax,) get picked on while characters I have always hated (ex: Carly, Jerry) get the spotlight. They are just so much fun to write though.
Edit: 12-02-18
Musical Inspiration:
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Mr. Probz (Robin Schultz Remix) - Waves
Time To Say Goodbye
.~*~.
Chapter 3
Operation Stone Cold Freedom
A week had passed by and Jason's trial was beginning to start. Every day, Brenda visited Jason. Afterward, she and the others met together to try to come up with a plan to get him acquitted.
Brenda sat at her dining room table, along with Carly and Spinelli, with her head in her hands. She stood up swiftly and began to pace. "Alright, let's go over the facts again. The main piece of evidence they have on him is the tape. On the tape, Alcazar says 'Morgan' right before you hear a silenced shot and a thud," Brenda said as she ran a hand through her hair. "Because he directly says Jason's name, we can't use a scapegoat. No one would believe another person coming forward and admitting to the crime, so that idea is scratched."
"I still say we go after Ric," Carly suggested while taking a sip of coffee.
Brenda shook her head. "Diane said that won't work. In my opinion, I still think a Ric smear campaign is a good idea in our last options group. I say we keep it along with doing a bribe and blackmail of the jury. The very last resort we have is him going on the run. If we don't find a way to get him out of this, that's what's going to happen." Brenda looked over to Spinelli. "How's it going digging up dirt on that gardener from the witness list?"
"I regret to inform the Double V's that I am coming up empty for the time being," Spinelli replied, frowning.
"How does Diane plan to spin this to the jury?" Carly asked.
"She's going for the theory that Alcazar framed Jason," Brenda said as she sat back down. "With no body, it's easy to say he's still out there somewhere. What we need to do is somehow come up with proof that Alcazar is alive— though we all know he isn't."
"Know anyone who could do an overnight plastic surgery job?" Carly snorted and then paused. Realization crossed her face as she stood up and grabbed her purse. "I am going to look into something and then I'll be back." Without another word, the blonde left the penthouse.
Two hours later Carly walked through the door with a man following behind her.
"Carly," Brenda belted out, "Jason was just on the TV. There was a shootout at the PCPD when he was being transferred." The model frantically hurried over to her and the man.
"I know, I was there."
"How's Jason? Is he alright? Is he—," Brenda questioned but was interrupted by Spinelli.
"Evildoer!" the kid yelled as he stood on the couch and pointed to the man with Carly.
Carly ignored him and turned to Brenda, "Yes, Jason is fine." She gestured to the man at her side. "Allow me to introduce you to James Craig, A.K.A. Jerry Jacks."
Jerry smiled. "Brenda, love, it's so good to—," he was cut off due to a forceful punch in the nose from her and while his hands were on his face, she punched him in the stomach.
"You son of a bitch!" Brenda yelled out in fury.
"Bloody hell, what was that for?" he coughed out still holding his nose and stomach.
She pointed to his nose. "That was for Alan," Moving her finger downward, she gestured to his stomach, "That was for my brother." The fiery brunette then went and kicked him in the balls, making Jerry drop to the ground in pain. "And that was for Robin."
"The wrath of Venus is righteous," Spinelli announced grinning down at Jerry.
Jerry looked up at the trio trying to catch is breath. He turned to Carly. "I —offer my services— and— you do nothing— to help."
"Oh, trust me, Jerry, I would pay good money to see that done to you again." Carly smirked with humorous eyes.
Brenda held her throbbing hand and gave Carly a confused look. "Why did you bring him here?"
"Jerry, here," she gave him a little push with her foot, "has connections we don't. He's going to help us prove that Alcazar is alive."
"What does he get out of it?"
"Oh," Carly drew out, "don't worry, my brother-in-law and I worked out our own little deal. I am sure we will have his full cooperation."
"Carly, I don't trust him."
"The Jackal concurs with Venus, the Unhinged One is known for his deceit."
Carly looked between Brenda and Spinelli. "Ric is out for blood with Jason. The three of us are stuck and need help. Right now, Jerry is the lesser of two evils."
Brenda blew out a breath and crossed her arms. "Fine. Let's just hope he doesn't get us killed in the process." She looked over to Jerry who managed to crawl his way over to the couch and sit down. "What do you need us to do? And don't get blood on my couch."
"Your concern for me is overwhelming," Jerry sarcastically moaned out. "First, I need ice, lots of ice," he shifted uncomfortably on the couch, "then I need your little hacker, there, to pull up all of Alcazar's accounts."
"Evil Al did business all over the world, it's going to take the Jackal some time," Spinelli pointed out before sitting down in front of his computer.
"It looks like it's going to be a long night. I'll get the chips and soda," Brenda said before disappearing into the kitchen.
As the night went on, Carly had to get back home to her kids and Jerry was ready to go as well. The group decided they would meet again tomorrow and hope there was an update on the files. After the pair left, Brenda noticed that Spinelli was working too hard so she sent him up to the guest room for some sleep.
In the morning, after breakfast with Spin, she went off to the courthouse. Brenda snuck in before court went into session and wished Jason good luck. She told Diane to keep her posted and gave Jason a hug goodbye. When she got back to her penthouse, she slipped off her shoes and got comfy on her couch.
Carly came busting through her door furiously. "They won't let me in the courtroom and Diane won't put me on the witness list. I need to know what's going on."
Brenda patted the seat next to her. "Calm down, Carly, have a seat."
"Calm down!" Carly threw her arms up in the arm, "how can you be calm— we need to be there. We need to know how this goes so we can do everything to help him."
"Carly, just have a seat."
Carly pouted and crossed her arms before flopping down beside the model. Brenda turned around to Spinelli, who was sitting at the dining room table. "Do you have it?"
"Affirmative," Spinelli replied, "it's running"
Brenda turned on the TV and the sound came out. "All rise, the honorable Judge Dean presiding—"
"Wow, Spinelli, how did you get this?" Carly asked utterly surprised.
"Stealthy Venus bugged the courtroom this morning and the Jackal is having the trial streamed to home base," He beamed.
Carly turned to Brenda. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but I might actually be starting to like you."
The brunette chuckled as they watched the trial play on. Spinelli squeezed into the seat between the two women and balanced a bowl of popcorn on his lap.
"Really, Spinelli? Popcorn?" Carly questioned in annoyance.
"We always partake in its buttery goodness whilst in front of the tube," he innocently responded. Before he knew it, both women had their hands in the bowl taking out fistfuls.
On the screen, Lansing was making his opening statement to the jury. "He's such a slimeball," Brenda commented.
When Diane's turn came up, the trio sat up a little straighter to listen. When she finished, they clapped. "You tell em', Diane," the blonde belted out.
Lansing called Samantha McCall as his first witness. When she walked into the courtroom Carly and Brenda began to boo and throw popcorn at the TV. As they listened to her testimony they continued to shake their heads. Carly's hands balled up into fists and Brenda whacked a pillow. "Christ, she's digging his grave with this testimony," Brenda bit out after Sam admitted to seeing Jason kill at least 5 people.
They continued to listen as Sam said 'she was shot because Manny Ruiz was looking to get revenge against Jason'. "The stupid bimbo doesn't know how to keep her mouth shut. She could have just said she didn't know why he shot her," Carly yelled out.
"I can't believe the fair Samantha would go against Stone Cold in his time of need," the hacker stated in a hurt tone.
"Believe it, Spinelli, she has always been a lying greedy bitch who was looking for a free ride," the angry blonde pointed out.
Next up, Diane was cross-examining Sam. She pointed out that Sam had never contributed anything to the household and she still continued to live in the penthouse, even though she and Jason were no longer together. "Burn!" Brenda and Carly chorused together, chuckling at their timing.
Diane then got Sam to admit that she slept with Lansing while he was married to her mother. "Everyone sees you for what you are now, Slut!" Carly shouted at the screen.
When Diane was finished grilling Sam on the stand, Lansing wanted to show the video of Jason getting shot at during his transfer to the PCPD. The judge called a recess and the courtroom emptied.
While the group of three waited, a bell ringing was suddenly heard. "What was that?" Brenda asked, looking around the room.
"That means the files on Evil Al are done uploading," Spinelli said, rushing over to his computer.
"Good," Brenda nodded before focusing on Carly, "Call Jerry." She was about to stand, but instead looked down at her floor and frowned. "I need a dog so I don't have to vacuum," she said, gazing at all the popcorn. The model told Spinelli to send the files to her office to print and began to clean up.
Court was back in session so the hacker sat back on the couch with Carly while Brenda went to grab the printouts. After she had them, she resumed her seat and began to read over the accounts.
With a knock at the door, the guard announced Jerry. He walked in and sat in an open chair. Glancing at the TV, he gave the girls a cheeky grin. "Well, aren't you all a bunch of sneaky little foxes."
Carly shushed him and continued to watch the jury's reactions to the video.
Brenda swiftly jumped up from the couch. "I know this name," she waved the papers in her hand, "I met him and I know this account in Venezuela, I signed it over to Alcazar."
"You met with Lorenzo?" Carly gaped at her.
Brenda nodded. "The beginning of the year. There was a joint account in a bank there that was still tied to me and Luis. Lorenzo asked me to go there and do a transfer. The name of this guy here," she said, pointing to the paper, "is the one who handled that account."
Jerry stood and clapped his hands together. "Well, ladies— pack your bags, we are going to Venezuela."
Spinelli held up his hand. "Can the Jackal just interject here?" he asked, looking to both women. "I fear for the Double V's safety. We should not trust the Unhinged One."
"Spinelli," Brenda touched his shoulder, "you've seen how things are going for Jason in court, Carly and I have to go with Jerry. We might be Jason's last hope."
"Stone Cold will be most displeased," he replied shaking his head.
"That's why Jason can't find out," Carly jumped into the conversation, "Do you understand? Under no circumstances do you tell him that Brenda and I left the country, got it?" She gave him a pointed look. The hacker understood and bowed his head. Carly seemed satisfied. "Okay, everyone, pack and meet at the airport in one hour."
After Carly and Jerry left, Brenda ran upstairs.
.~*~.
Jerry and Carly were already at the airport when Tom came in escorting his charge.
"Brenda, why did you bring your guard?" Carly asked confused.
The brunette shifted her weight and put her bag on the ground. "Because Jason would be pissed if I went anywhere without him. Besides, it will look like Jerry is guarding you and I have my guard with me. Anytime I am seen in public, I always have people with me."
Jerry walked forward. "No, she's right. My hands are already full trying to protect both of you. I will use all the help I can get," he confirmed while checking his passport again.
The four of them entered the tarmac and went up the steps into the private jet that was waiting for them. Carly and Jerry settled onto a couch while Brenda sat on the one opposite of them. Tom, found himself an empty seat and got comfortable.
The model shuffled through her bag and pulled out some medication. After opening up a bottle of water, she popped 2 pills in her mouth and swallowed them down with a gulp.
"What are taking?" Carly asked while watching her.
"These," Brenda shook the pill bottle, "are my happy flying pills. Statistically, I had a better chance of winning the lottery then surviving two plane crashes. Trust me, you would not want to be on a plane with me without these puppies."
The blonde nodded and went back to looking out the window.
Thirty minutes into the flight Carly and Jerry were arguing about Jax. Smartly, Brenda did not join that conversation.
The guard could feel her eyes on him, so he spared her a glance. "Tom, the Tominator," Brenda giggled out. "Tomcat," she took her hands and arched them like a claw, "Rarrrrr." She laughed some more while everyone stared at her.
With a sigh, Tom went back to his book.
"She's gone mad," Jerry said.
"Tom, how come you never talk?" Brenda questioned him.
The guard turned a page. "Because, Miss Barrett, as I have said, I only talk when there is a reason to," he replied cooly, never looking up.
The model laid down on the couch and yawned. "You would get along good with Jason."
"So you have told me, Miss Barrett," he responded in a bored tone. How long is this flight again?
"What's wrong with her?" Carly asked Tom.
"It's the meds, she's like this every time she flies. She'll be asleep soon," he confirmed.
Ten minutes later, Tom was right. Brenda was out cold. For the rest of the flight, he had to suffer through the constant bickering of Carly and Jerry. The guard decided he needed a raise.
.~*~.
When they arrived in Caracas, they left the airport and headed toward the hotel. After checking in, each pair settled into their adjoined suites. Being it was so late, the group ordered room service and ate a quick dinner. Later, everyone went to sleep except Brenda. Since she slept 5 hours on the plane, she still felt very awake.
Deciding to kill time, Brenda gave herself a mani-pedi and painted her nails cotton candy pink with dark grey polka dots towards the tips. She shook out her hand to help her nails dry but still hadn't felt any sleepiness coming on. Grabbing her iPod, she put on some music and went to sit on the balcony.
Brenda stared at the ocean and turned her Pandora bracelet around her wrist. Feeling the bead shaped like an ice cream cone she stopped, looked down at it, and smiled. She remembered why he had given it to her.
...
It was the summer of last year and Brenda had just ended a photoshoot on the beach. The model had stayed to swim while most of the crew had left already. When she finished, she went into the hut and quickly threw on a white halter dress with some flip-flops. When she came out, she found that her normal guard was missing. Instead, stood two new men in front of her.
"Where's Georgio?" she asked them.
"We were sent to cover you from the magazine. You'll be coming with us, there is a special dinner in your honor," the one with sunglasses spoke out.
Brenda knew this was wrong, her guard would never agree to that. "Well then, let me just get my purse." She faked a smile. Noticing them watching her carefully, The model reached into her bag and hit her speed dial— hoping it was going through. She left the phone on and walked along the beach with them.
"So, is this going to take long, I really wanted to explore 'Little Whale Kay' some more. It's not every day you get to visit the Bahamas," Brenda said in a tone louder than normal. They ignored her and just moved her along onto a dock. "You know, I really rather not go with the two of you on a yacht. I kinda have a thing about yachts."
"You're going to shut up now," the same guy grunted out while grabbing her arm, "and come quietly. Our boss has been waiting to meet you." He continued dragging her along and pushing her up the steps onto the boat. With an arm around her waist, she was pulled onto the deck.
There, she found a man her age with light brown hair lounging on a chair. He glanced up at her, gave a wide toothy grin, and stood to greet her.
"Miss Barrett, it is so darn lovely to finally meet ya," he drew out in a southern accent. Her captor looked her up and down and whistled. "My, my, you are a looker," he sighed and suddenly frowned, "It's a shame I'll have to turn ya over to those who will surely kill you."
"Who are you?" she asked in a brave voice.
"The name's Jimmy Davis." He tipped his imaginary hat before taking her hand and kissing it. "You see, one of my business associates in Puerto Rico promised his partnership in my one of my ventures, but only if I brought you to him. Your name tends to be mentioned a lot there among an elite few."
The southerner went to the table and poured himself a drink. "I'm sure you will find your quarters to be up-to-par. Your meals will be brought to your room. We'll sail tomorrow when the sun sets." Without looking up he spoke to his men, "take her away, boys."
While they were leading her underdeck, she heard the crew talking about having to move because the dock was needed. They planned to anchor off the coast. Brenda thought that was going to make her trying to escape a little harder. When the men shoved her into a room, she quickly grabbed her phone out of her bag. The brunette almost screamed when she realized it was completely dead. Did the call even go through?
She slid down to the floor of the cabin. "Well, this is Déjà vu."
The next day things were not looking much brighter. Banging on the door was useless. She couldn't talk her way out of anything because the guards completely ignored her. The light was disappearing outside and she was running out of time. The model searched the entire room for anything that could be used as a weapon. Finally, her eyes settled on the blinds and the plastic wand that was used to turn them open. Brenda yanked it off the window and tried to break it on an angle to give it a point. Deciding it would have to be good enough, she waited for the next opportunity.
When she heard the handle being turned, the model stood back and waited to pounce. When the door opened she stopped in shock.
"Jason," she whispered, relieved. It took only a second for Brenda to run into his arms. She couldn't stop herself from breathing him in, his scent came to be a comfort for her.
He returned the hug and pulled back to look at her. "Are you okay?" he asked as he brushed a piece of hair out of her face.
She nodded and smiled. "I am now."
"Good," he said and reached for her hand, "We have to get out of here."
Brenda stayed behind him as they rounded the corner of the hall. He had his gun drawn and they stepped over one of the guards. She assumed Jason had knocked him out since she didn't see any blood. With no warning, the boat began to shift.
"Did you feel that?" Brenda whispered tugging him backward.
Jason smirked. "I took a page out of your book and decided to sink the boat," he said, continuing to pull her along. "We have to get up on deck."
They began up the stairs and once the sky came into view, that's when the shots started. The pair crouched down and Jason fired back. He shielded her while the assault waged on and pushed her along the side of the boat. The enforcer got off a good shot and Brenda saw the guard fall to the floor. The yacht shifted again causing her to lose her footing. She slammed into the railing and cursed out in pain.
Jason lifted her up. "Bren, we are going to have to swim."
He carefully placed her over the rail before climbing over himself. The couple counted down and then jumped into the water. They both noticed the injured guard aiming his gun at the water.
"Go down," Jason yelled. The pair ducked and swam under the water while bullets whizzed by. When the duo finally came up for air, they could see the yacht was sinking fast. Together they swam with all their strength towards the shore. When they were closer to the beach, Jason wrapped his arm around Brenda's waist to help her along. As their feet touched the dry sand, they flopped down and stared at the sky.
Jason took a deep breath and swung his arm over his eyes. "Brenda, why didn't you have your gun?"
"Customs was being a bitch," she replied and pushed herself up on her elbows, "Jason, the guy that took me, Jimmy Davis—"
"Don't worry about him," Jason interrupted, not letting her finish her inquiry. "Last time I saw him, he was sleeping peacefully in his bedroom." He sat up and looked at her. His eyes widened for a moment and then he quickly adverted them up towards the sky.
"What's wrong?" Brenda gave him a puzzled look.
"Um, Brenda, your dress is wet— and see-through," he stuttered out.
Brenda sat up and covered her chest with her arm. "Well, I'm sorry, I didn't plan on swimming in the ocean with a white dress that I can't wear a bra in," she snickered. "I'm covered, you can look now," she informed him with a poke, "you know— one of these days, I would like us to be on a beach doing something normal like eating ice cream. Instead, we are usually running from someone trying to kill us or being stranded after some plane crash."
"I'll remember I owe you an ice cream," Jason said, giving her a hint of a grin.
Brenda put her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for saving me, Jase."
Jason rested his head on hers. "Anytime, Bren."
...
Brenda twisted the ice cream bead around her bracelet a few more times before deciding to go back in and get some sleep. She took one last look at the ocean and left the balcony to retire to her bedroom. What she didn't notice though, was the man standing in the distance looking up at her retreating figure.
.~*~.
The next morning, Brenda was awoken by Carly shaking her. "It's too early," Brenda mumbled.
"We've got a problem," Carly said making the sleepy brunette bolt upward. She climbed out of her sheets and Carly dragged her into the room she occupied with Jerry.
Jax's brother was on the bed moving his head back and forth talking incoherently. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead and Brenda could see a bandage on his side.
"What's wrong with him— and why is he talking about a disc?" she questioned, kneeling down next to him.
The blonde stood between them and tapped her foot. "Oh, he was just stabbed before we left the country and forgot to mention it. Now, it looks infected and he's hallucinating because he's burning up."
The model grimaced as she checked the wound. "Hm, this sets our plans back. We need to get him antibiotics and some stuff to patch him up."
"Yeah, one of us," Carly said, pointing to herself, "is going to have to go out and get the supplies."
Brenda smiled slyly up at her. "I'll rock, paper, scissor you for it."
"Uh, uh," the blonde shook her head, "Nope, I have been listening to him blather on all night. You can play nurse while I am gone."
Brendal blew out a breath and sulked. "Fine, but take Tom with you."
After Tom and Carly left for supplies, Brenda grabbed the ice bucket and filled it with cold water. She took a washcloth from the bathroom and proceeded to help cool Jerry down by dabbing his face.
"Brenda, my nightingale— I always did like you." Jerry gave her a dreamy smile.
"Yeah, I use to like you too before you almost blew up my fiancé and ex in a warehouse," she deadpanned, "Jerry, can't you just stay out of trouble for your family's sake?"
The Aussie flinched when he tried to move. "Now, what would be the fun in that?"
Brenda shook her head. "I just hope one day your antics don't leave them hurt in the process." She dipped the washcloth back into the water, wrung it out, and placed it over his forehead. "I never did thank you for helping search for me and for being there for your brother after my accident. So, thank you."
He gave her a weak smile. "Your welcome."
Jerry fell asleep after their conversation and Brenda continued to try keeping him cool. When Carly and Tom returned, they laid all of the supplies on the bed.
Carly picked up the sewing kit. "I got this so you can stitch him up," she said handing it off to the only other female there.
The model took a step back. "Whoa, I'm not stitching him up, you're the nurse," she insisted while raising her hands in front of her.
"You have to, I flunked out of nursing school," Carly whined.
Both ladies began to argue back and forth on who was more qualified. Finally, Tom stepped in. "For Christ's sake— just give it to me and I'll do it." The girls quickly became silent and handed him the needle and thread. After Tom finished, he gave Jerry some antibiotics. The guard swiftly left the room leaving Brenda to follow him back to their suite.
As the day went on, everyone tried to occupy themselves while Jerry slept off his fever. It was late afternoon when Brenda heard gunshots ring out in the next room. Tom pushed her down and went running to the other suite. Brenda ignoring his protest, ran in to see her guard shoot an intruder that was aiming a gun at Jerry. Tom went over to feel the shooters pulse, there was none.
Jerry began to scramble around the room claiming they needed to get rid of the body but Carly and Brenda disagreed. After some debating, they decided to call the local authorities because it was self-defense.
When the police arrived, Carly spun the story of the frightened ex-wife who was sure Lorenzo had men sent after her. Brenda played the role of supportive best friend, holding her hand and confirming her story.
After law enforcement left, Jerry clapped and was impressed by their performance. "You two can be a very dangerous pair when working together."
Carly took a little bow. "And don't you forget it," she said to him, "I could use a drink." She turned to the model. "How about you?"
"Definitely." Brenda nodded before they both went to the other suite.
.~*~.
The girls sat at the table and took back some shot's while discussing safe topics like work.
Carly took Brenda's wrist and admired her bracelet. "This is pretty, you're always playing with it," the blonde said, inspecting each of the charms. There was a die, a pen, a sombrero, a mask, an ice cream cone— there were more but Brenda gently pulled her hand away. "Why did you buy a pen charm?" Carly questioned.
"It was a gift, and you know it's one of those sentimental things. You should get a bracelet, I bet the kids would give you a lot of cool mommy charms. Speaking of the boys, do you have pictures?" Brenda asked, smoothly changing the subject.
Carly was wise to what she just did, but let it go. She pulled out pictures on her phone and they laughed over the stories she shared about the boys' hijinks. More shots later, they were drunk and giggling over everything. When the topic of Jason came up, the pair were giddy talking about him.
"Oh— I almost forgot. If I show you something, you have to swear not to tell Jase I have it, can you do that?" Brenda asked Carly.
"Depends, how good is it?" the blonde questioned, arching one of her brows.
The drunk model laughed. "Really good," she said before jumping off the chair and pulling a laptop out of her bag. Opening her computer up, she waited for it to load before searching through all her pictures and videos. Brenda clicked on a folder labeled Mardi Gras. Brenda enlarged the video and pushed play.
On the screen was Jason, standing on a balcony, with a large black and white checkered top hat on his head. He had a drink in his hand and was looking down at the crowd. Carly covered her mouth in shock. "How did you get him to wear that hat?"
Brenda laughed. "That was after a few strong drinks, wait until it picks back up after several more."
The video briefly stopped and began again showing the time difference with a night sky. You could hear Brenda's slurred voice behind the camera. "Come on, Jase, you know you want some beads."
"I'm not taking my shirt off," he said, his face sporting a goofy grin.
"Just lift it up so everyone can see that pretty chest of yours. Come on, you show yours, I'll show mine."
"You," he pointed at the camera, "are definitely not showing yours."
"Fine, but I want some beads so suck it up and get us some."
Jason rolled his eyes and let out a long breath. He lifted his shirt to the crowd below and suddenly people started to throw up beads to him. You could hear the screaming girls and Brenda joining in with her own whooing. Both, Carly and Brenda, were hysterically laughing at the video. Carly was wiping tears from her eyes. She had to catch her breath before she spoke again. "You are sending that to me."
Brenda closed her computer, put it on the table, and gave her past rival an evil grin. "I hope you have something trade worthy to send back."
The blonde snorted and whipped out her cell phone. She scrolled the screen with her finger and put it right up to Brenda's face.
"Holy shit," the model replied, "that is awesome. How did you get that?"
"He never knew I took it," Carly said with a smirk. The picture Brenda viewed was from when Jason was playing with Michael. He had a full Batman mask on and matching cape. She even caught him with his hands on his hips.
The girls laughed some more before calling it a night. They had important work to do tomorrow so they needed their rest.
Carly laid in bed almost asleep before jerking her eyes open. "The mask charm was for Mardi Gras," she said out loud. Jason gave Brenda all those charms. The blonde was delighted with herself for figuring it out. How do they not see what is going on between the two of them? Carly decided they needed a bigger push then she originally thought. But first, they needed to get Jason out of jail. With that thought, she fell asleep.
.~*~.
The next day came to an early start as they all suited up and went to the bank that Alcazar had his accounts in. The plan was to go in and try to get Brenda and Carly to authorize a transfer of his funds to another account. It would make it look like Lorenzo was still alive out there, moving money around. Despite Brenda's name originally being on the account and her having the necessary passwords, the bank agent she worked with before was not budging. Feeling defeated, they went back to the hotel.
Brenda walked in and flung herself on the bed. "Well, that was a big waste of time."
"I'm more concerned with them sending the cops after us," Carly commented sitting down next to her, "Jerry, if this was your big plan, it's not going so well."
"Just trust me, we are not giving up yet," he said, pouring himself a drink. A knock at the door made both girls jump up. Tom opened the door and announced the bank manager.
Jerry walked over, greeting the man and asking what it was that he wanted.
"I'm following up on Mr. Alcazar's account and will be calling the police when I am finished," he stated.
Carly and Brenda looked at each other with panic.
The manager asked how they had come across the passwords to the accounts. The girls explained that Lorenzo had given it to them so that they could send all his money to an offshore account. When the manager argued that Alcazar was dead, he was told that Lorenzo was just in hiding and had to stay that way so nothing would happen to his daughter. The bank representative relayed that it didn't matter, the only way he could release those funds was if he spoke to Alcazar himself.
Jerry patted the man on the back. "I am glad you are following protocol. Mr. Alcazar will be pleased you took the necessary precautions. He is expecting your call." The elder Jacks pulled out his phone and dialed a number. He spoke and then handed over the phone to the skeptical banker. "Mr. Alcazar would like to speak to you."
The girls looked dumbfounded, they didn't know what to think. The bank manager had a short conversation on the phone and then gave it Carly. She tried to hold back her shock to the voice on the phone. When she finished the call, she played it off like they were meeting Lorenzo somewhere later. The bank representative agreed to transfer the funds and left.
Carly began to freak out on Jerry thinking that Alcazar had really been alive this whole time, but the Aussie assured her it was just someone faking his voice.
The next part of their plan was to grab the video footage of Lorenzo and Brenda from her previous visit with him at the compound.
Luckily, when they got there, things went smoothly. The guards remembered Brenda being Alcazar's guest and let her in. She claimed she had left a valuable piece of jewelry inside and would only take a moment to see if it was still there. While one of the guards watched Brenda, Jerry slipped off and nabbed the footage they needed.
When they made it back into the suite, the ladies watched Jerry upload the video and account info to his computer. The data would be going to a source, who he said, would make it believable.
"So, that's it, the information will be verified and sent off to Diane to use for reasonable doubt," Jerry confirmed.
Carly turned to Brenda. "Aren't you worried that this may spark an investigation on you?"
Brenda waved her off. "I have a perfectly good backstory if needed," she revealed, "it would be more beneficial if we are in that courtroom when that evidence comes in though."
"Well, darlings, the jet will be fueled and ready later tonight. I suggest we have some lunch and enjoy our last day," Jerry said, grabbing the room service menu and perusing the wine list.
.~*~.
Meanwhile, back in Port Charles, Jason's trial continued on. The gardener who was on the stand for the prosecution claimed he saw Jason dispose of Alcazar's body. The judge had ended court for the day and Diane would be cross-examining the witness tomorrow. He began to explain to her how he knew for a fact the witness was lying when Spinelli came running into the courtroom.
"Stone Cold," he panted, "you have to help me, the Godfather plans to make me sleep with the fishes."
"Whoa, Spinelli, calm down." He placed his hands on the kid's shoulders. "Tell me why you think Sonny wants to kill you."
Spinelli swallowed. "Because the Double V's have fled the country with the Unhinged One— and," he stuttered, "I let it happen."
Jason looked confused. "Double V's?"
"Venus and Valkyrie," he replied putting his head down.
"Brenda and Carly left the country with Jerry?" Jason's asked slowly, his tone seething, "Where did they go, Spinelli?"
"Venezuela," he squeaked out.
Diane stepped forward. "Why would Brenda and Carly go anywhere together? Those two women despise each other."
Jason rubbed his hands over his face in frustration. He waited for Spinelli to answer his lawyer's question, curious himself why both of his friends would willingly spend time together.
"Venus and the Valkyrie agreed to put their differences aside to help secure the release of Stone Cold. The Jackal was even surprised how well the Double V's harmonized while watching the trial feed."
"Trial feed?" Diane asked.
He shifted his feet. "Umm— Venus bugged the courtroom."
Diane shook her head. "I didn't hear that."
Jason began to pace. "I can't believe after everything, Brenda would go off with Jerry."
"Well, upon seeing the Unhinged One again, Venus did pummel him into a bloody mess. It was most pleasant to watch," Spinelli said, smiling.
Jason was unable to stop the small smirk of his lips that took over. It did not go unnoticed by the hacker so he quickly smoothed his features.
"This is part of the reason Mr. Sir is angry with your grasshopper. I may have given the Double V's all of evil Al's records and account information." Spinelli said, hanging his head down low.
Jason began to rub his face again. "What did they plan to do with that information?"
The kid began to fidget. "They wanted to come up with proof that evil Al was still alive."
Jason slammed his fist against the table thereby making Spinelli and Diane jump. This situation was spinning out of control. "Diane, I need you to get me a continuance."
"Not going to happen— you're on trial for murder, Jason. You don't get to hit pause," she explained while crossing her arms.
"You don't understand, Jerry is a psycho, Carly is impulsive, and Brenda is a walking target. They are a combination for disaster and they are going to get themselves killed," he argued, his voice hard.
"I'm sorry, you are just going to have to let Sonny handle this one," she replied back while packing up her briefcase.
A police escort walked up to them. "Time to go back to your cell, Morgan."
Jason put his hands behind his back to allow himself to be cuffed. The look on his face was no longer one of anger but of fear. He swore to himself that if anything happened to Carly or Brenda, he would go to the ends of the earth to make Jerry pay.
Sneak Peek: Jason's trial ends, celebrations, Carly verbally bitch slaps Liz and Sam, and Jason has some things to think about. Fav/Follow/Review!
