Chapter 4

As Destro and Lady Jaye descended the stairs in the front hall, two sets of eyes watched the woman closely.

From his corner, Zartan appraised his CEO. Yes, she looked every bit the professional. She would play that role tonight, he knew. Maybe later, he could find the woman in jeans and a t-shirt and help her relax and have some fun. Well, after all the stuffed shirts left, he chuckled.

The other set of eyes widened slightly at the sight of Lady Jaye walking down the stairs. His heart felt like it missed a beat. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Everything about her – her hair, her gown, her serene expression, it brought back so many emotions and memories. Could he find his love, his Ali, underneath all those layers? He hoped so and thought tonight might be the opportunity to try. He would get her alone and whisk her off somewhere to talk. He needed answers.

Lady Jaye plastered a smile on her face. Debutante training never fails, she thought. Her insides felt like jello and seeing Flint staring up at her did not help. Should she avoid him tonight? It might be wise. She didn't know if she was up to that roller coaster of emotions. It was hard to tell what he thought of her at this point. His face was impassive as he looked up at her. She refused to meet his eyes. Instead, she nodded at those surrounding him and other guests. She mingled, played the role of CEO, keeping the conversation light, but managing to steer it towards support for Phoenix. The symbol for her new company, a Phoenix rising from ashes, was pictured on a banner on one wall of the room. An adjoining room held the silent auction items which she saw was getting a good response, from the amount of people milling in and out of the doorway.

She excused herself from the group she was in and made her way to check on the silent auction. She could see the items offered, from a full day at an exclusive spa where reservations were extremely hard to come by to a limited edition automobile (only 30 were produced), were very popular with bidders. The children's hospital would be pleased.

A drink was placed in her hand and a low voice in her ear whispered, "Can I steal you away for a few moments so we can talk?"

She found herself looking into Scarlett's blue eyes. A smile crossed Lady Jaye's face. "Shana! It's good to see you!" and she gave her old friend a hug.

Scarlett was surprised. Was this an act or did Ali really remember who she really was? She found herself smiling back at her former best friend. "Is there a place where we can talk where someone won't need you for this or that? I've been trying to talk to you all night and it seems every time I get close, you're needed elsewhere!"

Jaye chuckled. "If we can find a hiding spot, I'd love it! Anything to get off my feet for a few minutes."

She led Scarlett through a door on the opposite side of the room, which led to a secluded hallway. Not stopping, Jaye led her friend through two more doors before finally stopping in a darkened room, lit only by the moonlight on the terrace outside.

Lady Jaye flopped onto a sofa. "Ugh," she groaned, laughing. "I'm so glad you found me! I really needed rescuing."

Scarlett stood looking at her. "What exactly do you mean by that?" she asked seriously.

Jaye grimaced. "Sorry," she said quickly. "Bad choice of words. Just a break from the party is nice and I really have missed talking to you."

Scarlett looked at her, her face unreadable. "Does this mean your memory is back?"

Jaye sighed. It would take a lot to win her friend back, she thought. So much was different in this new life of hers and other than Zartan, she had no one to talk to. Certainly no women friends. She had hoped…well, what had she expected?

"For the most part, yes. I still have some gaps, I suppose, but yes, since Mindbender hasn't been here to give me any more 'treatments,' I have slowly regained it back."

"Then what are you still doing here?" Scarlett demanded. "Why aren't you back with the Joes? Or better yet, why are you HERE?"

"I can't expect you to understand, but I guess the short of it is, I feel obligated to stay, obligated to make this a legitimate, successful organization." She gave Scarlett a sad smile. "It sounds stupid, I know. I mean, working with former Cobra agents who may or may not have had part in my capture and subsequent brainwashing. I mean, the ones you have in custody, yes, those are definitely the ones that were the leaders, but…." she trailed off, sighing again. "Like I said, I can't expect you to understand. Just know I have to stay and see it through. I'd love to work with the Joe team again and still believe in it. Hopefully I'll find a way in this life if I can't return to my old one."

Scarlett sat down next to her friend. She gave Lady Jaye a hug. "I can just tell by your tone of voice and body language that you're telling me the truth. To be honest, I've had Snake Eyes watching you and he was convinced from the beginning that you were still in there, even at the ambush. It's good to know my friend is still around, even if we don't get to work together."

Scarlett frowned. "What's this going to do to your relationship with Flint? I can't speak for him, but I think he is hoping you are coming home when your memory returns."

Jaye felt tears welling in her eyes. "I don't know what to do or even if there is one," she whispered.

Scarlett gave her friend another hug. "I hate to ask this, but what exactly IS up with you and Zartan? Is he the reason you and Flint can't…." she trailed off.

Jaye looked up quickly. "Nothing is happening with us. We're just friends, that's all. Shit," she laughed bitterly, "I hardly have enough time for myself, much less anyone else!"

Scarlett stood. "I'd better get you back before anyone starts worrying. I think everyone is watching you…no offense…..both for good and bad. If you're gone too long, it's going to look suspicious."

As if on cue, the terrace doors opened and Destro stood there, looking at the two women. "What are you doing in here?" he hissed. "The ambassador from Equador is looking to talk with you."

Jaye glanced at Scarlett, giving another sad smile. "Duty calls. Thanks for the talk." She gave her old friend another hug and whispered to her, "Call me. We'll get together and buy the stores out. There IS something good about being a CEO…your need for designer clothes!"