***Beach House***
Jennifer got to the beach house and came inside. It was a gorgeous day at the beach, so she opened the shades and let some light in.
She had stopped and picked up a caprese salad for lunch, and ate it on the terrace.
Afterwards, she went upstairs and took a long, hot bath with some champagne and Epsom salts. She took her time getting ready and then precisely at 5 p.m., she was ready to walk out the door.
She called the house.
"Darling, did the power company come?"
"They just left".
"Great. Well, I am all ready and I will see you at the party".
"Sounds great. See you in two shakes of a lamb's tail".
He hung up.
"That's odd. Jonathan hates that saying".
She hung the phone up and then walked out the door.
She looked absolutely flawless in her sequined, rose colored gown, and strappy black stilettos. She had flat ironed her hair and used the flat iron to give her some lift and barely curl the ends.
She got to the party right at 6, and parked, and went inside.
***Willow Pond***
The man dressed as Jonathan put on his tuxedo, and tied his bow tie. He wasn't very good at that, but he could pass muster. He went downstairs and poured himself a whiskey sour, and drank it in one gulp.
He grabbed the keys to the Jaguar and headed to the party.
Everything so far, was just the way he had planned it.
About 20 minutes after he left, the real Jonathan Hart woke up. He was able to untie the bandana that was tied around his wrists, and then slip the one off his mouth over his head.
He had a massive headache.
He found the door to the utility closet locked.
He reached up on the top shelf and towards the back and found the hatchet that he had put there in case of an emergency.
He hacked his way through the door, and then came out. He searched the house high and low for Jennifer, and came up empty.
He figured she had gone to the party, so he went upstairs to get his tux on.
It was missing.
That could only mean one thing.
He put on his best suit, and then grabbed a bow tie, and headed for the car.
He grabbed the keys to the Bentley and headed out.
"I'm coming Red, I promise".
***Stewart Residence***
Jennifer had grabbed a seat and a cocktail, and was heading to the food table to get a plate.
She saw Jonathan come in, and waved to him.
Just then, Ryan Stewart took the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are very fortunate to have the founder of Hart Industries here with us tonight. Jonathan, come on up, say a few words".
He looked at Jennifer and threw his hands up and then headed to the microphone.
"Thanks. I'm glad to be here with all of you, and my wife, who if nothing else, is above average. I know that the company has taken a hit lately, and I just want to say thanks for sticking with us. I am trying to rebuild our image. So, from now on, please call me Johnny, and I am also thinking about changing the name of the company. I am open to any and all suggestions. So, thank you to the Stewarts for having us, and I hope everyone has a great night".
He handed the microphone back to Ryan.
"As is customary, the dance floor is now open. The Harts usually have the first dance and then everyone else follows afterwards. Food tables are open, tip your bartenders and drink responsibly. Thanks for coming. We will start the silent auction and live auction in about an hour".
Jennifer was stunned. She couldn't believe he said she was just average. She figured he was trying to be funny and it didn't work. She wasn't so much hurt by it, as she was irritated and confused.
She made her way to him, and they took their spots on the dance floor.
"Darling, your tie is crooked".
"Just the way I like it".
"And what did you mean by "just above average"? You told me you wanted me to wear this dress, don't you like it?"
"Babe, I just meant that you are still beautiful but maybe it's time for some maintenance. Like a lift here, a tuck there, that's all".
She stared at him, bewildered.
"I can't believe you said that. I can't believe you think that."
She stiffened up.
"Loosen up, we are supposed to be having fun".
Just then, the real Jonathan came inside, unnoticed by almost everyone.
He immediately saw Jennifer on the dance floor, and watched them for a minute, from behind a tall potted tree.
"I don't think I want to dance with you anymore. I think I want to go home".
Fake Jonathan squeezed Jennifer's shoulder.
"Don't cause a scene. Just keep smiling and dancing".
"You're hurting me, let go!", she said through gritted teeth.
He squeezed her hand as tight as he could, and she looked at it, and caught a glimpse of his tattoo on his wrist that he forgot to cover.
She used her other hand and pushed him off her very hard.
"It was you! You are the one doing this!"
He nodded.
"And you fell for it, just like everyone else did too".
She pushed him away from her and yelled "Someone call the police".
He grabbed her and put her in a headlock, and pulled out a gun.
"Nobody move. Now, this somewhat decent looking lady and I are going to leave the party and you all are just going to carry on, like nothing has happened. If anyone, and I mean anyone tries to stop us, I will kill her. I mean it".
They started walking towards the door, and people were moving to the side to let them pass.
Real Jonathan waited till they were right next to him, before jumping out from behind the tree and tackling the fake Jonathan.
He was able to knock him to the ground, knock the gun out of his hand, in such a way that Jennifer was able to get away.
She grabbed the gun and held it as they struggled and punched each other several times.
Dana Stewart called 911.
The real Jonathan finally got the last punch in, and the fake Jonathan laid there, unconscious.
Jonathan reached over and touched the fake Jonathan's face, and realized it was a mask. He peeled it off and revealed that the impersonator was none other than Mark Manchester.
Jennifer knelt down and handed Jonathan the gun.
"Darling, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. How about you?"
"I'm fine. How did he make the switch?"
"He got me when I was in the yard. He cut the power, he slit the tires, and then he knocked me out and locked me upstairs in the utility closet".
"I am so glad this is all over".
Ryan Stewart took the microphone.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, what do you say we start this party over?"
Everyone clapped and cheered.
"How about a speech from the real Jonathan Hart?"
Jonathan took the microphone, and went up to the front of the room.
"I'm sorry everyone. I didn't mean to cause a scene, but he had my wife. She means more to me than anything else in the world, and I wasn't going to let him take her away. The imposter is Mark Manchester. I can now say without a doubt, that all the photos and stories and rumors you have heard about me these past several weeks were most likely planted and staged by him. I expect to be reinstated at Hart Industries, very soon. And I thank all of you for your support. Now, my wife and I will share the first dance, but first, we have to talk to the police. So, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves, and Mrs. Hart and I will share the last dance".
Everyone clapped and he handed the microphone back to Ryan Stewart.
"Jonathan, I'm sorry, I really thought he was you".
"No problem, Ryan. It's ok. All that matters is that Jennifer is ok".
He went back to her and kissed her.
"You sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine".
Lt. Gray was there, and Mark Manchester was handcuffed to a gurney and being loaded into an ambulance.
"Jonathan, I'm sorry. I was just doing my job".
"It's alright".
"What happens now?"
"We are going to bring Candy Jenkins in for further questioning, and take him to the hospital, and question him when he wakes up. I can't say anything official just yet, but if this goes the way I think it will, you can expect the charges against you to be completely dropped".
They shook hands, and after getting a statement from the Stewarts, Lt. Gray and the cops left.
"Jonathan, I will come by tomorrow and get your statement".
"Sounds good".
He and Jennifer went and got a cocktail and a plate, and sat down.
After they were done, they went to the dance floor.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and leaned in close.
"Darling, I was watching the two of you dance. You didn't look very happy".
"I wasn't. He was especially rude tonight".
"Tell me everything".
"Well, I was in the study working, when I heard him, who I thought was you, come inside and go upstairs. Then, 'you' came into the study and insisted that I go get ready at the beach house, which I finally agreed to since the power wasn't back on. When I was ready, I called the house and you said something to me that I found very odd. You used the phrase "two shakes of a lamb's tail". I didn't think anything about it, and then got here and when 'you' came in, I was in the food line. That's when Ryan took the microphone and insisted that you make a speech. So, 'you' did, and you made the statement that you and I would dance and that I was just average. So, while 'you' and I were dancing, I pointed out that his tie was crooked. He responded that he liked it crooked, and then I brought up the average comment and asked him what he meant by that, and he responded that it was time I had some maintenance done, like a boob job and a lift and a tummy tuck. And I admit, it hurt my feelings. He also said in his speech that he wanted to be called Johnny from now on, which I know you hate. So, as we are dancing, I stiffened up some and he told me to loosen up. I told him I wanted to go home and he squeezed my arm very tight and told me to keep dancing. I glanced over at his wrist and saw the ink smudge. It was his tattoo. That's when I knew it was him. So, I pushed him off me and confronted him. And well, you saw the rest".
He held her close to him.
"You are so far above average, that on the scale that you are on, average isn't even an option. You don't need any maintenance whatsoever, and if he was still here, I would punch him again for saying that. Hell, I would punch him for thinking that. I hate to admit it, but I am glad he sent you to the beach house. I hate to think what could have happened if you had stayed".
"Darling, I need to tell you something. He kissed me today, on the cheek. I really thought it was you".
"It's ok, darling. I promise".
She kissed him a few times and they kept dancing.
"Now, I just have to figure out what to do with his stock".
"We could always give it to Stanley. He deserves it, darling".
"I agree. I love that idea. We can surprise him with it when I give out the bonuses".
Their dance ended and they headed to the bar.
Stanley came up to him.
"Mr. Hart, I am glad I found you. I need to tell you something".
"Sure, Stanley".
"I took it upon myself to do some detective work. I followed Candy Jenkins, and she led me to a motel on the edge of town. I took pictures of who was going in and out. I believe she is conspiring with Mark Manchester. I know I got here late, and I was told that Mark Manchester was arrested. I don't have the pictures with me, but I am happy to give them to you tomorrow".
"Perfect, Stanley. Let me fill you in. Mark Manchester was behind the whole thing-the takeover of the company, and impersonating me to discredit me".
"So, on the tape when he went into your office, and you emerged, it was really him as you?"
"You got it. How about tomorrow, you send the info you collected to my house via messenger, and I will give it to the police".
"Sounds great, Mr. Hart. Well, Mrs. Hart, it was lovely to see you. Enjoy your evening".
"Thanks Stanley".
Jennifer headed to the silent auction tables, and placed a few bids, while Jonathan spoke with the board of directors that were in attendance.
The dessert table opened and Jennifer went and got Jonathan a slice of his favorite coconut cake. She brought it to him, after grabbing some Devil's food for herself, and they sat down.
The silent auction winners were announced. Jennifer had won a Berkin bag, a few gift cards and a massage package for two.
It was time for the live auction. There were only 5 items on the live auction.
They didn't really care about the first 3, but Jonathan really wanted the 4th one, and Jennifer really wanted the 5th one.
The 4th one came up, and Jonathan started bidding. It was a 100-inch flat screen ultra HD TV.
After a few tense moments, he won it for bidding 3000 dollars.
The mystery package was up next.
Jennifer was vicious, and refused to give in. She finally got it for $4500.
"Darling, let me pick it up for you".
She nodded.
He went up there and got the envelope.
"Now, because it is a mystery, Jonathan gets to pick one of the prizes inside the envelope. The other two that he doesn't pick, will then be auctioned off.
Jonathan looked at Jennifer.
"1, 2, or 3?"
She shrugged her shoulders and then held up 2 fingers. He nodded.
Jonathan whispered to Ryan and Ryan nodded.
"Ok. So, the two that he didn't pick were a gift certificate to La Scala, and a private tennis lesson plus tickets to the US Open."
The auction continued, and Jonathan came and joined Jennifer at the table.
"What did I win?"
"It's a surprise".
"Oh, that's not fair. I love surprises".
She kissed him.
They decided to leave right after that and went to pay their auction bills.
Ryan and Dana were at the door saying goodbye to people when they left.
"Jennifer, Jonathan, we are so sorry".
"Don't be. He fooled everyone and we had a nice time afterwards."
"We are just so glad that you are ok".
"I'm fine, I promise".
"Well, thanks for coming, and we will see you soon".
***Willow Pond***
Jonathan and Jennifer returned, and were glad to see the power was back on. They came inside and he secured the doors, and then they headed upstairs.
He showed her how he had to bust his way out of the door.
"I promise, I will go buy a door tomorrow and hang it myself".
"I don't care about the door, Jonathan, I care about you. How's your head?"
"I'm fine, honest".
They changed for bed, and snuggled up when they got in bed.
"There's just one piece to this puzzle that doesn't make sense".
"What's that?"
"Well, remember when the stock prices were low and someone kept buying all of it?"
"Yes".
"Someone named Logan Parks bought all the remaining stock for sale. I don't have the foggiest idea who that is".
"I know a Logan Parks".
"You do?"
"Yeah. I dated him in college for about 3 months. Now he lives in Bozeman, Montana, off the grid. And come to think of it, his last name was Parker, not Parks".
"So you think he bought the stock?"
"No."
He looked straight ahead.
"Darling, I did".
"You did? But the SEC-"
"I figured out a way to get around that".
"Oh, how?"
"I called Susan, Natalie, and Marcy. I went and got the money out of my account, plus a little extra. And they met me at the house, and we called Marcy's stockbroker. I explained to them what I wanted to do, and how it had to remain a mystery for the time being. I gave them all the money, and they were going to purchase the stock in Susan's name, and Natalie's name and Marcy's name. But the stockbroker just lumped it all together and asked us who's name we wanted it under. Since we had all come up with a fake name to use, we decided to come up with one together, and I came up with Logan Parks, based on Logan Parker. And then, they all agreed to sell it back to us when we need it and not to use it or sell it before then".
He was so touched he couldn't believe it.
"You did that, for me?"
"Yes. I felt bad about going behind your back, but I tried to bring it up to you and you weren't in the right mood to hear it. So, I did it and knew you would understand when the time was right".
"I love you so much". He kissed her passionately.
"Now, my surprise".
"Not yet. Soon, I promise. But not yet".
"Is it a big one?"
"Substantial".
"Are you going to make me wait long?"
"I haven't decided".
She playfully swatted him.
"Jonathan!"
"Ok, probably not".
She was staring at him.
"What is it?"
"I love seeing the sparkle in your eyes".
"You are the reason they sparkle".
He kissed her and they made mad, passionate love before falling asleep.
***Two days later***
Mark Manchester had been formally charged with fraud, identity theft, breaking and entering, trespassing, assault, false imprisonment, and securities fraud, along with coercing a witness. Candy Jenkins was charged with filing a false police report.
Jonathan had employed Marcy to come pack for Jennifer, for their surprise.
Jennifer let Marcy in, and they went upstairs to the bedroom.
"Ok, I was told to use the big suitcase just in case, and I want to ask you somethings first."
"Go for it".
"Now, I am covering my bases, so there are some extra questions thrown in so that you won't know what questions are the real clues".
"Got it".
"I need you to get out your three favorite swimsuits, sundresses, long sleeved shirts, cold weather boots, jackets, formal gowns, and jeans. And also your favorite lingerie items and your favorite sandals and formal shoes".
Jennifer got everything that she had requested, and then went and got the suitcase for her.
"Here is my cosmetic bag, that I pack all my makeup and hair stuff in. Can you tell me if we are leaving today or tomorrow?"
"I think you are leaving tonight, but I'm not positive".
"Ok, great".
Jennifer packed her cosmetics things quickly, and then headed downstairs so that Marcy could do the rest.
About 30 minutes later, Marcy came downstairs.
"Thank you so much. I promise to send you a postcard".
"You're welcome".
They shared a hug and then Jennifer saw her out and then headed to the phone.
She called Jonathan at the office.
"Darling, Marcy just left. I want to change clothes but I need to know if we are leaving tonight."
"I am heading home right now, and we are leaving in an hour".
"Perfect".
She blew him a kiss and then went and put on yoga pants and a ¾ length top, and some flip flops. She loved to be comfortable when they flew.
She was napping on the couch when he got home, and he decided to let her sleep. He loaded the car, and changed clothes and packed his suitcase himself before he woke her up.
He came and lightly kissed her.
"Hi handsome!"
"Hi gorgeous. You ready?"
"Yep".
"Cars all loaded, all we have to do is leave".
"Let's go".
He helped her off the couch and they headed to the car.
They arrived at the airport, and boarded.
After they had taken off and were safe to move about the cabin, they went and sat together in the recliner.
She snuggled up to him.
"Darling, when do I get to know where we are going?"
"I suppose I could divulge that information".
He looked at her.
"We are spending 3 weeks".
He kissed her.
"In a secluded bungalow"-another kiss-"and maybe on a boat"-another kiss-"that is if you want to"-another kiss-"but if you don't, it's ok"-another kiss-"It won't hurt my feelings".
"Jonathan!"
"In the Saychelles. I rented the entire island and the only person who knows where we are is Jack. Stanley was told to contact Jack if it's an emergency".
She grabbed his face and framed it with her hands as she kissed him.
"I love you, and I am so glad you did this".
"We did this. You won the package at the auction, I did the rest".
"What exactly did I win?"
"A gift certificate for a 6-hour boat rental, which I traded in and turned into a week-long boat rental".
"You are amazing".
"So are you. And you have put up with a lot these past several weeks, and a good bit of that was my fault. This is my way of making it up to you".
"I like the way you make up".
She kissed him.
He got up and grabbed a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
He popped the bottle open and filled their glasses.
"To peace and quiet, and no more imposters".
"To peace and quiet and no more imposters, and no more Hearts of Stone".
"I'll drink to that".
They clinked glasses, kissed and then took a sip.
She snuggled up to his chest, as they both realized how blessed they were to have each other.