Chapter 19: Raising the Stakes
Jerry had been up since 4 in the morning, thinking about random sore points. He jotted notes and tousled his hair in frustration. Around 8 he took a walk, hoping the fresh air would ease him. Dinner last night and the reality of the days ahead were bleak to him. Jerry was fighting an emotion he was unfamiliar with. Intense remorse, self loathing, and regret all ate away at him painfully. He had checked his email late last night, and the box was bursting with junk. It had been a couple of weeks since Jerry had even bothered to sign on. In the middle of deleting spam, he saw it, an e-mail from Chastity with a large attachment. In the dim light of the study, he browsed picture after picture of a happy group at Whistler resort. He stopped at last, staring blankly at a cozy snapshot of him and Chastity on snowboards. She was smiling beautifully, snow dotting her braided pigtails. The trip had been amazing, and Jerry had to admit, it was during that week that he realized how hard he was falling and had fallen for her. Since then, he had thought of ways around his obligation, somehow telling her the truth. He and F4 decided ultimately in an unspoken agreement that using Chastity was futile because she couldn't provide them with the information they needed, and everyone had grown to care for her as one of their own. It just wasn't right, but the lies were already told. In the faint morning, Jerry realized what he wanted most was for her to know the whole story and somehow forgive them, forgive him. He wanted to make her see his affection, but even the sometimes dense Jerry realized that was a long shot from this position.
"Chastity, it's Jerry."
"Hey good morning!!! Happy soon-to-be New Year's Eve! Ken told me you guys are in Los Angeles. We'll probably bump into each other! How are you guys?" Chastity was sincerely enthusiastic. Jerry called her, and that tugged at her emotions a bit. She couldn't deny her fondness for these friends, but it was all so complicated now.
"Happy New Year's soon to you too. We're cool. Just visiting the place you rave about all the time. Ken may take us to Santa Barb too. Is that where you are now?"
"No, actually, I'll be staying in LA. What do you guys have planned for New Year's?" Chastity asked.
"Some party or other. You?" Jerry's voice was deadpan.
"Probably the same, but remember to tell the guys to save me a New Year's kiss okay? Is there anything else that's coming up that you remember?" Chastity hinted, hoping he'd remember her birthday.
Jerry played along, knowing exactly what Chastity wanted to hear, "No, not really. Hey Chastity, I know we've had some, well spats, in the past, but I want to tell you something."
"Yeah?" the eagerness in her voice rang clear.
"I hope when we get back to Boston, we can start clean," Jerry's voice was slightly tense.
"Why? You're the only one who can argue with me like that. It's special," Chastity giggled.
"Chastity, I think you're missing my point."
"Then make a better one Jerry."
"I like you."
"I know. I like you too, what's wrong with you today?" Chastity inquired deliberately trying to downplay his confession.
A deep sigh and then Jerry said, "Chastity, I want to take you out. I want us to try dating. That's what I mean."
"Hahah?! You've lost your mind Jerry."
"I know."
Jonathan, Jerry, Ken, Vanness, and Vic were grouped for dinner again. Jonathan passed around packets and identification cards for the ball.
"It's pretty simple. I've faked some tech passes for you. Go in, pretend to be setting up and doing some last minute touchups. When you've gotten enough, mingle around in the crowd for a bit. Leave separately. I'll have a car for you on the level 4 parking lot."
"Is it really that serious?" Ken asked after taking in the 007-like instructions.
"Ken, you're going to attend a major corporation's new software showcase with forged tickets. You're going to write up a program to bypass the software before it goes on the market, and you haven't even graduated high school! Do you think this is serious?!"
"Alright, fine. We'll do the usual. No calls to you or from you for the next 24 hours," Jerry demanded.
"You think we'll get caught? You really think they'll check cell phone records and for only a day anyway?" Vanness moaned.
"As far as I'm concerned, we won't have any contact with Jonathan Chen. Got it?"
:: New Year's Eve::
::11 AM::
Bustling around her room, Chastity was getting ready for a lunch date. Knowing the look she wanted to present was simple, but finding a suitable outfit was tedious. She rummaged through the clothing she had brought, and exasperated, Chastity knocked on Becca's door.
"Becca, let me borrow a dress or something. I can't find anything to wear," Chastity bee-lined straight for the walk-in.
"Since when did you care that much? Did you tell me who you were going to lunch with?" Becca twisted around in her chair and spoke to Chastity's back.
"Becca, something happened yesterday morning. Actually, I've been thinking a lot about everything, and I've decided something. I don't know if you can help me, but I'd really appreciate someone to listen," Chastity selected a dress then sat herself on the bed Indian style.
"Chas, is something wrong?"
"Yes and no. Jerry called me this morning, and I was really happy to hear his voice. I didn't think I would feel like that about the monster, but there it was. I know something's up with him. Even worse, he wants us to date," Chastity blurted.
"Pfft! You lie!"
"I wish I was. I didn't tell him anything of course; just that it was really sudden. Becca, that's not exactly what's got my mind reeling though," Chastity went on.
"You like hot and cold. Jerry and Vic. Is that what's got you going?" Becca deduced wisely.
"Not just that though, but his confession really made me mushy. I care so much for them all, and I've known all along. They've been lying to me, but I haven't been any more truthful. I can't say I feel guilty because I didn't have much other choice, but we've gotten too close Becca. Too close. I'll tell you what I know and what I plan to do. Will you hear me out before you chew me out?" Chastity pleaded with Becca, who had opened her mouth to speak but shut it again.
"F4's misdemeanors so far haven't been that serious. At least, it didn't concern me. What I do know, is that they've been cutting back on activity significantly. I've overheard things. I know they want out."
"Chastity what are you trying to say?" Becca's face was tight with stress.
"I'm going to take care of their last little problem. Then when we get back to Boston, I want it all out. What matters to me is that they stop, and I know they are trying. It's all been harmless anyway. It's not like they've caused our company any loss. In fact sales have only been increasing," Chastity was solemn.
"For what it's worth and because I don't think I could ever tell you this enough, thank you. Thank you for not landing my brother and his stupid friends in juvie. Thank you for caring so much, but Chas I love you like family. Tell me why."
"It's New Year's. Everyone needs absolution and a helping hand to start fresh. I'm tired of playing these games, and I never had the intention to press charges. I don't think they'd ever try to hurt me. Becca I told you when I heard we were moving to Boston that I'd take care of this problem. This is the best solution I could come up with."
[Chas's reasoning may seem too saintly, but I promise to make it clearer.]
::12 PM::
"Hey there gorgeous!" Jonathan had his arms crossed and was leaning against his spotless toy car.
"Hey yourself handsome," Chastity did a flirty little twirl in her delicate dress. "What do you think?"
"I'm trying to think, but it's not working. You're too beautiful for words."
Facing each other over a small round table, Chastity and Jonathan were seated for lunch at one of the prime restaurants in Los Angeles. Jonathan was sparing no expense, and no detail was too minor. He was proud of his connections, and the maitre'd was always so pleasant to him. He really hadn't expected the older man to exclaim so loudly at the sight of Chastity. Of course they knew each other, why wouldn't they? This was an upscale restaurant, and Chastity was a social butterfly.
A light four course lunch was prepared specially for them, and the conversation stayed lively and sexy through three plates. When a delectable slice of cheesecake heaven was served, Chastity decided to speak her mind.
"Jonathan? You'd be honest with me right?"
"Of course, is something wrong?"
"Are you interested in me for my status?" Chastity was blunt.
"No! If you want to know the truth, I found you mesmerizing. I had to go out with this gorgeous girl. The money, well I've got enough. It's just nice to have someone who grew up in the same background," Jonathan admitted.
"I'm glad to hear it, I think."
"Chas, what's really going on?" Jonathan reached a hand to cover Chastity's, but she withdrew hers.
"Have you told your cousin about me?" she searched his eyes.
"No. He knows I have a new girl, but I didn't tell him who you were," Jonathan was praying that Chastity didn't have any relation to Ken, in the intimate way.
"That's fortunate…"
"Chastity? What…" Jonathan tried to cut in.
"Did you approach F4 with a preposition or was it mutual? I want to know what you're working on now."
Jonathan's expression shattered, his healthy glow faded into a haunted pale. Surely this was a nightmare. It had to be. Did she just say F4?
"Jonathan, listen to me. I'll overlook the crap you've been pulling at the office. I know who you've been faxing papers to, and I want you to tell me what the next job is. That's all I want to know."
Sensing he was in a slowly simmering pot, Jonathan started to share the information. Let no one assume Jonathan Chen isn't clever. He told Chastity about the NOPI commitment, and why the F4 were so troubled. He told her they needed to bypass P2 and make 3 large shipments of auto parts. He didn't tell her any more than he had to, and she seemed so distracted by the news that she didn't press him for more. Jonathan Chen needed to save his ass, and he was trying to figure out how quick. After what was undoubtedly the most horrifying lunch of his life, Jonathan fought the urge to regurgitate all four courses of food. He hastily tried to contact the F4, but true to his word, Jerry and company were no where to be found. Jonathan needed to tell them about Chastity. He needed to stop them from going through with the plan tonight. Chastity didn't know they were going to be scouting the showcase, and Jonathan wanted to keep it that way. He was sure Chastity meant to have them all punished, and if F4 went down, so would he. False assumptions were going to prove disastrous for them all.
[I'm losing my mind. I know I am. This chapter is breaching 2000 words. That's insane. The more I get into this, the more tangled my ideas and words get. I am trying to be all clever and weave this complex tale. I'm failing, but all I ask is that you can at least follow. These people and what's going on make sense right? Right? Stay tuned for the big show next chapter. You can bet it'll be long too. Damn New Year's Eve has never been so eventful.]
Jerry had been up since 4 in the morning, thinking about random sore points. He jotted notes and tousled his hair in frustration. Around 8 he took a walk, hoping the fresh air would ease him. Dinner last night and the reality of the days ahead were bleak to him. Jerry was fighting an emotion he was unfamiliar with. Intense remorse, self loathing, and regret all ate away at him painfully. He had checked his email late last night, and the box was bursting with junk. It had been a couple of weeks since Jerry had even bothered to sign on. In the middle of deleting spam, he saw it, an e-mail from Chastity with a large attachment. In the dim light of the study, he browsed picture after picture of a happy group at Whistler resort. He stopped at last, staring blankly at a cozy snapshot of him and Chastity on snowboards. She was smiling beautifully, snow dotting her braided pigtails. The trip had been amazing, and Jerry had to admit, it was during that week that he realized how hard he was falling and had fallen for her. Since then, he had thought of ways around his obligation, somehow telling her the truth. He and F4 decided ultimately in an unspoken agreement that using Chastity was futile because she couldn't provide them with the information they needed, and everyone had grown to care for her as one of their own. It just wasn't right, but the lies were already told. In the faint morning, Jerry realized what he wanted most was for her to know the whole story and somehow forgive them, forgive him. He wanted to make her see his affection, but even the sometimes dense Jerry realized that was a long shot from this position.
"Chastity, it's Jerry."
"Hey good morning!!! Happy soon-to-be New Year's Eve! Ken told me you guys are in Los Angeles. We'll probably bump into each other! How are you guys?" Chastity was sincerely enthusiastic. Jerry called her, and that tugged at her emotions a bit. She couldn't deny her fondness for these friends, but it was all so complicated now.
"Happy New Year's soon to you too. We're cool. Just visiting the place you rave about all the time. Ken may take us to Santa Barb too. Is that where you are now?"
"No, actually, I'll be staying in LA. What do you guys have planned for New Year's?" Chastity asked.
"Some party or other. You?" Jerry's voice was deadpan.
"Probably the same, but remember to tell the guys to save me a New Year's kiss okay? Is there anything else that's coming up that you remember?" Chastity hinted, hoping he'd remember her birthday.
Jerry played along, knowing exactly what Chastity wanted to hear, "No, not really. Hey Chastity, I know we've had some, well spats, in the past, but I want to tell you something."
"Yeah?" the eagerness in her voice rang clear.
"I hope when we get back to Boston, we can start clean," Jerry's voice was slightly tense.
"Why? You're the only one who can argue with me like that. It's special," Chastity giggled.
"Chastity, I think you're missing my point."
"Then make a better one Jerry."
"I like you."
"I know. I like you too, what's wrong with you today?" Chastity inquired deliberately trying to downplay his confession.
A deep sigh and then Jerry said, "Chastity, I want to take you out. I want us to try dating. That's what I mean."
"Hahah?! You've lost your mind Jerry."
"I know."
Jonathan, Jerry, Ken, Vanness, and Vic were grouped for dinner again. Jonathan passed around packets and identification cards for the ball.
"It's pretty simple. I've faked some tech passes for you. Go in, pretend to be setting up and doing some last minute touchups. When you've gotten enough, mingle around in the crowd for a bit. Leave separately. I'll have a car for you on the level 4 parking lot."
"Is it really that serious?" Ken asked after taking in the 007-like instructions.
"Ken, you're going to attend a major corporation's new software showcase with forged tickets. You're going to write up a program to bypass the software before it goes on the market, and you haven't even graduated high school! Do you think this is serious?!"
"Alright, fine. We'll do the usual. No calls to you or from you for the next 24 hours," Jerry demanded.
"You think we'll get caught? You really think they'll check cell phone records and for only a day anyway?" Vanness moaned.
"As far as I'm concerned, we won't have any contact with Jonathan Chen. Got it?"
:: New Year's Eve::
::11 AM::
Bustling around her room, Chastity was getting ready for a lunch date. Knowing the look she wanted to present was simple, but finding a suitable outfit was tedious. She rummaged through the clothing she had brought, and exasperated, Chastity knocked on Becca's door.
"Becca, let me borrow a dress or something. I can't find anything to wear," Chastity bee-lined straight for the walk-in.
"Since when did you care that much? Did you tell me who you were going to lunch with?" Becca twisted around in her chair and spoke to Chastity's back.
"Becca, something happened yesterday morning. Actually, I've been thinking a lot about everything, and I've decided something. I don't know if you can help me, but I'd really appreciate someone to listen," Chastity selected a dress then sat herself on the bed Indian style.
"Chas, is something wrong?"
"Yes and no. Jerry called me this morning, and I was really happy to hear his voice. I didn't think I would feel like that about the monster, but there it was. I know something's up with him. Even worse, he wants us to date," Chastity blurted.
"Pfft! You lie!"
"I wish I was. I didn't tell him anything of course; just that it was really sudden. Becca, that's not exactly what's got my mind reeling though," Chastity went on.
"You like hot and cold. Jerry and Vic. Is that what's got you going?" Becca deduced wisely.
"Not just that though, but his confession really made me mushy. I care so much for them all, and I've known all along. They've been lying to me, but I haven't been any more truthful. I can't say I feel guilty because I didn't have much other choice, but we've gotten too close Becca. Too close. I'll tell you what I know and what I plan to do. Will you hear me out before you chew me out?" Chastity pleaded with Becca, who had opened her mouth to speak but shut it again.
"F4's misdemeanors so far haven't been that serious. At least, it didn't concern me. What I do know, is that they've been cutting back on activity significantly. I've overheard things. I know they want out."
"Chastity what are you trying to say?" Becca's face was tight with stress.
"I'm going to take care of their last little problem. Then when we get back to Boston, I want it all out. What matters to me is that they stop, and I know they are trying. It's all been harmless anyway. It's not like they've caused our company any loss. In fact sales have only been increasing," Chastity was solemn.
"For what it's worth and because I don't think I could ever tell you this enough, thank you. Thank you for not landing my brother and his stupid friends in juvie. Thank you for caring so much, but Chas I love you like family. Tell me why."
"It's New Year's. Everyone needs absolution and a helping hand to start fresh. I'm tired of playing these games, and I never had the intention to press charges. I don't think they'd ever try to hurt me. Becca I told you when I heard we were moving to Boston that I'd take care of this problem. This is the best solution I could come up with."
[Chas's reasoning may seem too saintly, but I promise to make it clearer.]
::12 PM::
"Hey there gorgeous!" Jonathan had his arms crossed and was leaning against his spotless toy car.
"Hey yourself handsome," Chastity did a flirty little twirl in her delicate dress. "What do you think?"
"I'm trying to think, but it's not working. You're too beautiful for words."
Facing each other over a small round table, Chastity and Jonathan were seated for lunch at one of the prime restaurants in Los Angeles. Jonathan was sparing no expense, and no detail was too minor. He was proud of his connections, and the maitre'd was always so pleasant to him. He really hadn't expected the older man to exclaim so loudly at the sight of Chastity. Of course they knew each other, why wouldn't they? This was an upscale restaurant, and Chastity was a social butterfly.
A light four course lunch was prepared specially for them, and the conversation stayed lively and sexy through three plates. When a delectable slice of cheesecake heaven was served, Chastity decided to speak her mind.
"Jonathan? You'd be honest with me right?"
"Of course, is something wrong?"
"Are you interested in me for my status?" Chastity was blunt.
"No! If you want to know the truth, I found you mesmerizing. I had to go out with this gorgeous girl. The money, well I've got enough. It's just nice to have someone who grew up in the same background," Jonathan admitted.
"I'm glad to hear it, I think."
"Chas, what's really going on?" Jonathan reached a hand to cover Chastity's, but she withdrew hers.
"Have you told your cousin about me?" she searched his eyes.
"No. He knows I have a new girl, but I didn't tell him who you were," Jonathan was praying that Chastity didn't have any relation to Ken, in the intimate way.
"That's fortunate…"
"Chastity? What…" Jonathan tried to cut in.
"Did you approach F4 with a preposition or was it mutual? I want to know what you're working on now."
Jonathan's expression shattered, his healthy glow faded into a haunted pale. Surely this was a nightmare. It had to be. Did she just say F4?
"Jonathan, listen to me. I'll overlook the crap you've been pulling at the office. I know who you've been faxing papers to, and I want you to tell me what the next job is. That's all I want to know."
Sensing he was in a slowly simmering pot, Jonathan started to share the information. Let no one assume Jonathan Chen isn't clever. He told Chastity about the NOPI commitment, and why the F4 were so troubled. He told her they needed to bypass P2 and make 3 large shipments of auto parts. He didn't tell her any more than he had to, and she seemed so distracted by the news that she didn't press him for more. Jonathan Chen needed to save his ass, and he was trying to figure out how quick. After what was undoubtedly the most horrifying lunch of his life, Jonathan fought the urge to regurgitate all four courses of food. He hastily tried to contact the F4, but true to his word, Jerry and company were no where to be found. Jonathan needed to tell them about Chastity. He needed to stop them from going through with the plan tonight. Chastity didn't know they were going to be scouting the showcase, and Jonathan wanted to keep it that way. He was sure Chastity meant to have them all punished, and if F4 went down, so would he. False assumptions were going to prove disastrous for them all.
[I'm losing my mind. I know I am. This chapter is breaching 2000 words. That's insane. The more I get into this, the more tangled my ideas and words get. I am trying to be all clever and weave this complex tale. I'm failing, but all I ask is that you can at least follow. These people and what's going on make sense right? Right? Stay tuned for the big show next chapter. You can bet it'll be long too. Damn New Year's Eve has never been so eventful.]