Part 3
Later the same day.
PC Grille
Sky hurriedly entered the PC Grille spotting AJ instantly since he sat at the table closest to the restaurant's entrance. AJ definitely looked upset. Sky quickly took the seat across from him and smiled apologetically when AJ arched his right eyebrow and frowned at her.
Looking at AJ, Sky had a faint twinge of guilt. "AJ, I am sorry about my meeting running longer than I expected. So tell me what is so urgent about the dinner Friday night?"
AJ nodded his head accepting Sky's apology. "Sky, listen I did not mean to sound so harsh on the phone earlier. The thing is we have a limited amount of time to take advantage of some information I just found out about Grandfather. It seems that he has been in secret communication with Tracy and that could.."
Taken by surprise, Sky interrupted AJ. "You mean Tracy your aunt? Ned's mother? The woman grandfather may despise as much if not more than me?"
"Exactly!" lowering his voice AJ added "the only reason the old man would ever willing deal with Tracy is if he had some nefarious plan afoot. I am thinking it may have something to do with Ned taking control of ELQ and booting grandfather out on his rear end. If that is true, then ELQ may be in a vulnerable position soon with all the infighting between Ned, Tracy, and grandfather which only means good things for you and me. You see if Tracy and grandfather have a plan to remove Ned it will eventually work to our advantage because either one of them is liable to back stab the other."
Sky slyly whispered back. "AJ this is even better than I imagined. Ned and grandfather possibly weakened at the same time but why is Friday night so important?"
"Well that is simple dear sister, Friday night gives us the perfect opportunity to churn the waters so to speak," in an even more subdued voice AJ continued "here is what I propose we do."
Once AJ finished informing Sky of his game plan for Friday night, she nodded her head in agreement. "Count me in."
Sky was ecstatic. She could not remember when the pieces of a plan started to come together so fast and smooth. Actually, this information may provide Coleman the leverage he required to begin the movement against grandfather. Of course AJ did not need to know about Coleman's involvement or her ultimate goal. Moreover, she decided she would add a personal touch to Friday night allowing her to invite Coleman, hopefully without AJ getting suspicious.
Port Charles Docks.
Andy was bored out of his mind. Here he was standing behind a freakin bush on the Elm Street Pier spying on an old man. He had been following the old geezer ever since the old guy had left the Quartermaine compound. Man he sure hoped he discovered something soon to give to Coleman because he didn't know how many days he could put up with this crap. The guy had been busy today but so far every where he went was less than exciting.
Right now the old coot sat on a bench staring out at a horrendous shipping crane in the harbor. Andy swore that if the old man started to talk to himself he was done and the hell with Coleman. Who was he kidding if he abandoned his assignment Coleman would skin him alive figuratively speaking and he would still owe him.
Just then a petite blond sat next to Mr. Quartermaine and kissed him on the cheek. EWWW Andy thought. Wait a minute wasn't the blonde Faith Roscoe. Well well well his assignment was starting to get interesting.
Now what would a legit business tycoon have to do with a small time mob queen. Unfortunately he could not hear their conversation. Before he could reposition himself, the conversation was over and both Faith and Mr. Quartermaine stood up and walked in opposite directions. Andy slowly followed the old guy wondering where the next stop would be. This information should help clear his debt to Coleman.
The PC Modern Art Museum
Coleman sat at one of the tall coffee house tables in the mezzanine waiting for Cheryl. He had stopped in the last week while Sky talked to Jax and thought it was a great meeting place. Looking around he observed some of the pieces on display in the mezzanine. Man he really didn't get modern art in his opinion most of these pieces hardly qualified as art.
Coleman caught sight of Cheryl entering the museum and waved her over to his table. Cheryl had been a stripper at his club several years ago while she was in college. In fact, Coleman helped introduce Bree to Cheryl. Therefore, Cheryl gratefully provided him with several lucrative tips over the years as a result of her business. Last week she called to let him know that she was meeting with a known corporate raider named Jasper Jacks and asked if he was interested in gaining some information on him. Coleman could not believe his luck at the time and of course he said yes.
Coleman decided several weeks ago, especially after the day at the cottage with Sky, that Jax must go -- preferably thousands of miles away. Over the last twenty-four hours he had been preoccupied with thoughts of Jimmy and Sky's attack on Edward, he completely forgot about his meeting with Cheryl until she called this afternoon.
Cheryl took a seat across from Coleman. "So tell me Cheryl did you find out anything interesting on the Aussie?"
"Let me see. Well he likes to play the romantic even though he tried to deny it. Also, he was not bad in the sack though he did seem preoccupied." Cheryl laughing said trying to get an annoyed reaction from Coleman which worked.
"Listen Cheryl, I am not interested in his sexual proclivities unless they are truly perverse and could be used against him."
"I know - I know. I just wanted to annoy you a little bit for forgetting about our meeting." Cheryl replied with a smirk.
"Well it worked so Ha Ha. Okay seriously what little juicy tidbits do you have for me today - Remember I will make it worth your while."
"Look I didn't have much time before he met me in his hotel suit. However, I think I may have come across a couple things that may interest you. First, it seems that he and some guy named Ned Ashton are planning on making a move against Sonny Corinthos. It appears like they are in co- hoots to take over some dock project that could result in Sonny losing millions and much of his control over the pier. Second, he had a telegram from someone named Jerry Jax about some secret meeting. The preceding is all I got before he came in and we got down to business."
Coleman leaned back in his chair placing his right index finger over his lips. "Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks Cheryl." Meanwhile Cheryl glanced down at her watch.
"Anytime honey. Listen, I have to get going I got a date." Cheryl said as she blew him a kiss goodbye.
Coleman did not know how he could use the information yet to drive Jax out of town but he would think of a way. He paid for his coffee then swaggered out of museum in time to see Andy following Edward into the Port Charles Hotel. He followed. Andy stood by a potted tree in the foyer of the hotel. Coleman walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. Startled Andy turned around realizing it was only Coleman he let out a sigh of relief.
"Man you won't believe who the old geezer met with on the docks, Coleman." Andy proceeded to tell Coleman every detail.
"Are you sure it was Faith Roscoe? Describe the woman to me." Andy complied.
The description Andy gave sounded like the woman that had approached him at Kelly's several weeks ago. He had helped Faith set up Jason and Courtney in order to upset Sonny. Faith had paid him $50K and promised no one would be injured which he could guarantee if he was involved. However, neither the money offer nor Courtney was the primary reason why he joined in on the scheme. The real reason was to distract Sonny; he had not forgotten Sonny's not so subtle death threat at the trial. He figured internal problems within Sonny's ranks could reduce the probability of the threat being carried out.
Nodding his he head, Coleman replied, "Sounds like her. Thanks Andy. We're even now."
Sky and AJ stepped from the elevator as Edward was trying to get in. "Move out of my way you worthless brats." Edward grumbled. "No problem grandfather." Sky drawled out. She and AJ gave each other conspiring looks as their grandfather disappeared behind the elevator doors. "See you on Friday" they both said at once.
Coleman heard Sky's voice speaking to Edward. He glanced towards the elevators noticing she was with AJ. He waited for AJ to leave before he approached Sky.
"Coleman, I have discovered an interesting fact about my grandfather today." Sky whispered as she pulled him into a secluded section of the hotel lobby.
"You're not the only one. Let's get out of here and compare notes."
"Sounds good to me. Oh by the way, you are invited to a dinner party on Friday. I will give you the details later."
Luke's Bar
Bobbi started to fire questions at Luke "Okay Luke I am sitting. What has happened to Laura? Has she gotten worse?" he shakes his head. "Is it Lucky or LuLu?" he shakes his head again. "Tell me what is going on?"
Putting his finger against Bobbi's lips, Luke responded, "Ssh Barbara Jean the phone call had nothing to do with Laura or the kids more like our ancient past coming back to haunt us. All the way back to our Florida days."
Blinking confusedly Bobbi said, "You've lost me Luke."
"Well remember the bloke you testified against say about 25 years ago - you know the one you helped send to prison - he got paroled last week. I don't think that he would come seeking you out after all these years. Hell he probable has no idea of where you are but to be on the safe side I thought we should prepare ourselves in case I am wrong."
Apprehensively Bobbi asked "You really don't think that he would want payback, Luke?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't know what he will do. He was always a little crazy when we ran with each other you know stealing and such. I even remember him joining a crazy ass biker club down in Florida. Also there is the whole thing involving Luann and Ruby. I honestly can't imagine prison mellowing him out."
"My God Luke, you don't think he knows about you know what? I mean Luann would not have told him. I know that she was very upset at me for testifying at the murder trial as well as other things. She couldn't have, I mean she did disappear right after the trial. Ruby figured she probably came to a bad end which she always regretted and who knows what happened to her son. Tell me I am panicking for nothing Luke." Bobbi desperately cried out.
"I wish I could Barbara Jean but don't worry I can take care of this situation." Luke tried unsuccessfully to console Bobbi.
The Morgan / Chorinthos Warehouse
Sonny felt the fear for his family rise up in him. Fear was becoming his constant companion. He knew cosmic retribution waited for him around every corner for the life he had chosen. He did not want to contemplate the likely result of Jason's relationship with Courtney. Carly was correct when she yelled at him for his hypocrisy, but he had to keep his family safe. He wanted Courtney to remain unpolluted by his life. On top of his problems with Jason, Sonny worried about Rick Lansing. Rick had an agenda which remained a mystery. Furthermore, Faith and Ned were conspiring against him and possibly Jax.
Thinking about possible conspiracies against him, reminded him of the trial. AJ as much as admitted that he, Sky, and Coleman had set up the whole Ida thing. He understood AJ's and Sky's motives but Coleman was another story. Coleman was an opportunist at best. The guy blackmailed Courtney into stripping, stalked her per AJ's orders, and tried to help get Jason and Brenda convicted.
Coleman was another name Sonny needed to add to his watch list. He called Benny into his office and requested him to do a belated search into Coleman's past. He wanted to know if Coleman was the two bit player he seemed or if there was more to the story.
His head was starting to hurt. He had to talk to Jason about everything that was going on.
Later the same day.
PC Grille
Sky hurriedly entered the PC Grille spotting AJ instantly since he sat at the table closest to the restaurant's entrance. AJ definitely looked upset. Sky quickly took the seat across from him and smiled apologetically when AJ arched his right eyebrow and frowned at her.
Looking at AJ, Sky had a faint twinge of guilt. "AJ, I am sorry about my meeting running longer than I expected. So tell me what is so urgent about the dinner Friday night?"
AJ nodded his head accepting Sky's apology. "Sky, listen I did not mean to sound so harsh on the phone earlier. The thing is we have a limited amount of time to take advantage of some information I just found out about Grandfather. It seems that he has been in secret communication with Tracy and that could.."
Taken by surprise, Sky interrupted AJ. "You mean Tracy your aunt? Ned's mother? The woman grandfather may despise as much if not more than me?"
"Exactly!" lowering his voice AJ added "the only reason the old man would ever willing deal with Tracy is if he had some nefarious plan afoot. I am thinking it may have something to do with Ned taking control of ELQ and booting grandfather out on his rear end. If that is true, then ELQ may be in a vulnerable position soon with all the infighting between Ned, Tracy, and grandfather which only means good things for you and me. You see if Tracy and grandfather have a plan to remove Ned it will eventually work to our advantage because either one of them is liable to back stab the other."
Sky slyly whispered back. "AJ this is even better than I imagined. Ned and grandfather possibly weakened at the same time but why is Friday night so important?"
"Well that is simple dear sister, Friday night gives us the perfect opportunity to churn the waters so to speak," in an even more subdued voice AJ continued "here is what I propose we do."
Once AJ finished informing Sky of his game plan for Friday night, she nodded her head in agreement. "Count me in."
Sky was ecstatic. She could not remember when the pieces of a plan started to come together so fast and smooth. Actually, this information may provide Coleman the leverage he required to begin the movement against grandfather. Of course AJ did not need to know about Coleman's involvement or her ultimate goal. Moreover, she decided she would add a personal touch to Friday night allowing her to invite Coleman, hopefully without AJ getting suspicious.
Port Charles Docks.
Andy was bored out of his mind. Here he was standing behind a freakin bush on the Elm Street Pier spying on an old man. He had been following the old geezer ever since the old guy had left the Quartermaine compound. Man he sure hoped he discovered something soon to give to Coleman because he didn't know how many days he could put up with this crap. The guy had been busy today but so far every where he went was less than exciting.
Right now the old coot sat on a bench staring out at a horrendous shipping crane in the harbor. Andy swore that if the old man started to talk to himself he was done and the hell with Coleman. Who was he kidding if he abandoned his assignment Coleman would skin him alive figuratively speaking and he would still owe him.
Just then a petite blond sat next to Mr. Quartermaine and kissed him on the cheek. EWWW Andy thought. Wait a minute wasn't the blonde Faith Roscoe. Well well well his assignment was starting to get interesting.
Now what would a legit business tycoon have to do with a small time mob queen. Unfortunately he could not hear their conversation. Before he could reposition himself, the conversation was over and both Faith and Mr. Quartermaine stood up and walked in opposite directions. Andy slowly followed the old guy wondering where the next stop would be. This information should help clear his debt to Coleman.
The PC Modern Art Museum
Coleman sat at one of the tall coffee house tables in the mezzanine waiting for Cheryl. He had stopped in the last week while Sky talked to Jax and thought it was a great meeting place. Looking around he observed some of the pieces on display in the mezzanine. Man he really didn't get modern art in his opinion most of these pieces hardly qualified as art.
Coleman caught sight of Cheryl entering the museum and waved her over to his table. Cheryl had been a stripper at his club several years ago while she was in college. In fact, Coleman helped introduce Bree to Cheryl. Therefore, Cheryl gratefully provided him with several lucrative tips over the years as a result of her business. Last week she called to let him know that she was meeting with a known corporate raider named Jasper Jacks and asked if he was interested in gaining some information on him. Coleman could not believe his luck at the time and of course he said yes.
Coleman decided several weeks ago, especially after the day at the cottage with Sky, that Jax must go -- preferably thousands of miles away. Over the last twenty-four hours he had been preoccupied with thoughts of Jimmy and Sky's attack on Edward, he completely forgot about his meeting with Cheryl until she called this afternoon.
Cheryl took a seat across from Coleman. "So tell me Cheryl did you find out anything interesting on the Aussie?"
"Let me see. Well he likes to play the romantic even though he tried to deny it. Also, he was not bad in the sack though he did seem preoccupied." Cheryl laughing said trying to get an annoyed reaction from Coleman which worked.
"Listen Cheryl, I am not interested in his sexual proclivities unless they are truly perverse and could be used against him."
"I know - I know. I just wanted to annoy you a little bit for forgetting about our meeting." Cheryl replied with a smirk.
"Well it worked so Ha Ha. Okay seriously what little juicy tidbits do you have for me today - Remember I will make it worth your while."
"Look I didn't have much time before he met me in his hotel suit. However, I think I may have come across a couple things that may interest you. First, it seems that he and some guy named Ned Ashton are planning on making a move against Sonny Corinthos. It appears like they are in co- hoots to take over some dock project that could result in Sonny losing millions and much of his control over the pier. Second, he had a telegram from someone named Jerry Jax about some secret meeting. The preceding is all I got before he came in and we got down to business."
Coleman leaned back in his chair placing his right index finger over his lips. "Hmmm. Interesting. Thanks Cheryl." Meanwhile Cheryl glanced down at her watch.
"Anytime honey. Listen, I have to get going I got a date." Cheryl said as she blew him a kiss goodbye.
Coleman did not know how he could use the information yet to drive Jax out of town but he would think of a way. He paid for his coffee then swaggered out of museum in time to see Andy following Edward into the Port Charles Hotel. He followed. Andy stood by a potted tree in the foyer of the hotel. Coleman walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. Startled Andy turned around realizing it was only Coleman he let out a sigh of relief.
"Man you won't believe who the old geezer met with on the docks, Coleman." Andy proceeded to tell Coleman every detail.
"Are you sure it was Faith Roscoe? Describe the woman to me." Andy complied.
The description Andy gave sounded like the woman that had approached him at Kelly's several weeks ago. He had helped Faith set up Jason and Courtney in order to upset Sonny. Faith had paid him $50K and promised no one would be injured which he could guarantee if he was involved. However, neither the money offer nor Courtney was the primary reason why he joined in on the scheme. The real reason was to distract Sonny; he had not forgotten Sonny's not so subtle death threat at the trial. He figured internal problems within Sonny's ranks could reduce the probability of the threat being carried out.
Nodding his he head, Coleman replied, "Sounds like her. Thanks Andy. We're even now."
Sky and AJ stepped from the elevator as Edward was trying to get in. "Move out of my way you worthless brats." Edward grumbled. "No problem grandfather." Sky drawled out. She and AJ gave each other conspiring looks as their grandfather disappeared behind the elevator doors. "See you on Friday" they both said at once.
Coleman heard Sky's voice speaking to Edward. He glanced towards the elevators noticing she was with AJ. He waited for AJ to leave before he approached Sky.
"Coleman, I have discovered an interesting fact about my grandfather today." Sky whispered as she pulled him into a secluded section of the hotel lobby.
"You're not the only one. Let's get out of here and compare notes."
"Sounds good to me. Oh by the way, you are invited to a dinner party on Friday. I will give you the details later."
Luke's Bar
Bobbi started to fire questions at Luke "Okay Luke I am sitting. What has happened to Laura? Has she gotten worse?" he shakes his head. "Is it Lucky or LuLu?" he shakes his head again. "Tell me what is going on?"
Putting his finger against Bobbi's lips, Luke responded, "Ssh Barbara Jean the phone call had nothing to do with Laura or the kids more like our ancient past coming back to haunt us. All the way back to our Florida days."
Blinking confusedly Bobbi said, "You've lost me Luke."
"Well remember the bloke you testified against say about 25 years ago - you know the one you helped send to prison - he got paroled last week. I don't think that he would come seeking you out after all these years. Hell he probable has no idea of where you are but to be on the safe side I thought we should prepare ourselves in case I am wrong."
Apprehensively Bobbi asked "You really don't think that he would want payback, Luke?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't know what he will do. He was always a little crazy when we ran with each other you know stealing and such. I even remember him joining a crazy ass biker club down in Florida. Also there is the whole thing involving Luann and Ruby. I honestly can't imagine prison mellowing him out."
"My God Luke, you don't think he knows about you know what? I mean Luann would not have told him. I know that she was very upset at me for testifying at the murder trial as well as other things. She couldn't have, I mean she did disappear right after the trial. Ruby figured she probably came to a bad end which she always regretted and who knows what happened to her son. Tell me I am panicking for nothing Luke." Bobbi desperately cried out.
"I wish I could Barbara Jean but don't worry I can take care of this situation." Luke tried unsuccessfully to console Bobbi.
The Morgan / Chorinthos Warehouse
Sonny felt the fear for his family rise up in him. Fear was becoming his constant companion. He knew cosmic retribution waited for him around every corner for the life he had chosen. He did not want to contemplate the likely result of Jason's relationship with Courtney. Carly was correct when she yelled at him for his hypocrisy, but he had to keep his family safe. He wanted Courtney to remain unpolluted by his life. On top of his problems with Jason, Sonny worried about Rick Lansing. Rick had an agenda which remained a mystery. Furthermore, Faith and Ned were conspiring against him and possibly Jax.
Thinking about possible conspiracies against him, reminded him of the trial. AJ as much as admitted that he, Sky, and Coleman had set up the whole Ida thing. He understood AJ's and Sky's motives but Coleman was another story. Coleman was an opportunist at best. The guy blackmailed Courtney into stripping, stalked her per AJ's orders, and tried to help get Jason and Brenda convicted.
Coleman was another name Sonny needed to add to his watch list. He called Benny into his office and requested him to do a belated search into Coleman's past. He wanted to know if Coleman was the two bit player he seemed or if there was more to the story.
His head was starting to hurt. He had to talk to Jason about everything that was going on.