I Will NOT Compromise

Disclaimer: I don't own the Matrix or any of the characters portrayed in the movies, I'm just using them for a while.

Author's Note: A big thanks to Cecilia aka smithsbabe65 for coming up with a sound idea as to why Bronwyn/Jones would wish to meet with Smith in the next chapter. It's terrific!

Summary: Smith demands a meeting between himself, Jones and Bronwyn to discuss his paternal rights.

"Yes?"

"Jones, it's me."

"How did you get this number?" Jones demanded.

"That doesn't matter now. We need to meet—you, me, and Bronwyn."

"Why do you want to meet with her? She doesn't need to see you; she's upset enough as it is. Whatever you've got to say to her, you say to me."

"Fine," said Smith impatiently. "Let her know this: I have been researching my legal rights, and I will involve her in a very long, very nasty custody battle for the child when he—or she—is born. I can AND will do this unless all three of us meet. Can you remember all of that, Jones, or do you need me to write it down for you?" Smith spat sarcastically.

As he had expected, his former underling tried reasoning with him, but Smith wasn't going to allow him.

"You can't do that--" Jones began, but Smith interrupted him before he could say another word.

"Like I said before, I can and I will do exactly that. You should know better than anyone, Jones, what I am capable of, how tenacious I can be when it comes to getting what I want."

Jones thought quickly. Smith was right—he would never give up; especially when he wanted something. He had witnessed Smith's persistence first hand too often while they worked together all those years to underestimate his resolve now. Once their child was born, he would pursue Bronwyn through every court in the land until he got what he wanted. No matter how long it took or how much it cost. Smith would be relentless, inexorable, and unstoppable. He was a machine, after all.

However, if they agreed to meet with him, perhaps they could come up with a compromise where Bronwyn wouldn't have to endure any more stress than she already had.

"I am the baby's father, and I am entitled to see him or her. Ask any lawyer—they will tell you exactly the same thing. You may tell Bronwyn that I will leave her alone, if and only if, I get visitation rights to my child after it's born," Smith said silkily, confident that he had the upper hand in the argument and Jones knew it.

"I'll talk this over with her and get back to you," replied Jones as he wrote down the number Smith had given him.

"One hour. Do NOT make me wait any longer than that, Jones, or I will come over there," Smith warned, before hanging up. That went as expected, he gloated to himself. There is nothing like uttering a little threat to make people do what you want; especially when you have no intention of keeping to your end of the deal. I will NOT compromise where my child is concerned, now or ever. He sat back on the bench and waited for Jones' call.

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Jones hung up the phone and debated whether to tell Bronwyn of Smith's call. I doubt if he is even capable of feeling anything for this child, he thought. All he wants to do is to make her life miserable with his threats and demands. Unfortunately, from what I can see, he has every legal right to try and the resources to follow through on any course of action he chooses to take.

He knew that Bronwyn had arrived from her appointment at the hospital a while ago, but she was probably getting something to eat. I have no choice; I have to tell her now or Smith will call back. Or even worse, he will come over here to see her himself and tell her what he plans to do.

Making up his mind, Jones left his apartment and knocked on her door......

"No!" Bronwyn gasped in horror after Jones had told her about Smith's demand. "He can't do that! I won't let him have my baby; I'd rather die than let him go anywhere near it. It's bad enough that he's the father....." She broke off, unable to continue.

Jones drew her against him. "I've known Smith for too long, Bronwyn. He doesn't make idle threats—what he says he'll do, he will do. And if there is any way we can avoid going to court, I suggest we meet with him."

"So all he wants is a meeting, then?" Bronwyn asked, her cheek against his chest.

"For now. But we pick the time and place. Can you think of anywhere that would be safe?"

"We'll need to go somewhere public; somewhere where we can all talk openly but not be overheard." She thought for a moment, and then snapped her fingers as an image of the perfect location came to her mind.

"There is a very good seafood restaurant a couple of blocks from here. It's owned by a friend of Mickey's and should be safe enough, with the right people in place just in case he tries something. And I've just thought of something I can do to Smith while we're there and he can't lift a finger against me." That bastard is not going to get away with trying to take my child from me, she thought to herself, I'll make sure of that. Her eyes sparkled as she told Jones of her plan.

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As he had promised, Jones called Smith within the hour's time allotment given.

"Smith, tomorrow night at 7:00 pm Bronwyn and I will meet you at "Moby Dick's," it's a restaurant on Lake Road and Route 303."

"I know where it is," Smith replied curtly.

Jones had to smile after Smith hung up. What Bronwyn had told him earlier would not only serve Smith right, but also it would get him back so thoroughly for everything he had put her through. Bronwyn was more than entitled to her revenge, and if they could pull it off successfully, it would be a most fitting punishment indeed.